It’s The Children

Closed. Closed. Closed… Looking forward to a new friendly face there.

I happened in here yesterday and was blown away with the beautiful French children’s clothing. They carry basics by Petit Bateau, which I used for my kids 30 years ago… amazing quality… so worth the price. They also have many other adorable European fashion that don’t see anywhere else, not to mention the great French shoes. I purchased french shoes for my daughter as an infant and toddler and found that they lasted longer in both size and wear than the american counterparts… plus they’re so much cuter!
I had a great conversation with the owner and will be back whenever I need a gift for a child… and when those Grandchildren start to arrive…

Why on earth would anyone shop here? I don’t mind paying a lot of money for quality made, non-​sweatshop items, but the owners and/​or people who work here act as if they could care less if anyone shops or not. Frequently they are not open at the hours posted; the man that is there (owner’s husband?) can barely tear himself away from whatever he is looking at to greet or help you. When I asked a pointed question he sighed as if I was wasting his time and then basically said his wife picked everything out and if I didn’t see what I wanted it was my problem. The first time I thought it was a fluke so I went ahead a purchased the $ 57 pair of baby pants. There was no eye contact, no smile, no thank you – he acted like he was doing me a favor by putting it in the bag. After two more visits I’ve decided they really don’t want neighborhood business. How unfortunate as I live in the neighborhood and prefer to spend my money locally.

I have walked by this store on several occasions, and today I decided to take a browse inside. I happened to walk in as the owner was talking to another customer. The owner looked at me as I came through the door, and did not smile or greet me. I proceeded to look at the clothing; I am not a parent, but I have nieces and several friends with children. Several more minutes passed and he said nothing to me. Yes, he was engaged with another customer. I wasn’t expecting him to drop everything to come over to wait on me, but it is considered rude not to be greeted at all or to have one’s presence acknowledged by a retailer.
The selection of clothing is quite good. The prices are fair given that most of the clothes are of European extraction, with brands like Saint James and Petit Bateau. However, I don’t think I will ever go back because of the aloof storeowner. With internet businesses offering a wide selection of merchandise and a number of excellent children’s clothing stores in the Bay Area, I have plenty of other shopping alternatives.

While walking off breakfast last Saturday, the window decoration of It’s the Children caught our attention. We stopped in and my 16 months old niece went after a pair of red patton leather MaryJanes. The parent’s sensibilities said to put them back. What toddler needs a $ 60 pair of shoes?
Ten steps outside store, I reasoned: But they’re Italian leather and I get to buy her the first pair of real shoes. Yes, I am that kind of auntie.
Over the weekend, the niece stashed one shoe as she of all her favorite things. On Monday, my sis texted me how the niece has been happily — and awkwardly — clomping around the house. She has since refuses all other shoes, tried to take them to bed with her — putting them to her cheeks and cackles.
The whole experience has been priceless. Thanks to It’s a Children, purveyors of my niece’s first favorite pair of shoes.

Wow. Am I the first to write a review? I guess so! This store definitely sells extremely cute and high quality children’s clothes. The dresses are delectable and the onesies are divine. There’s a matching price tag, but there is something noteworthy about a store that makes its clothes locally and pays attention to high quality. If you have the dough, this is a place that is worth shopping at for children’s clothing. I bought a dress for a friend’s daughter and it was so cute I’d wear it myself if it came in a bigger size. Sure at $ 50 it was expensive (especially for so little cloth), but sometimes it’s just worth it! If you’re looking for high quality, locally made clothing, you should come here. But don’t expect to find a bargain. The selection also tends to be better for bigger kids (9 months and older). If you’re looking for something smaller and with a lower price tag, check out Kid Dynamo around the corner or Ruby’s Garden in Oakland. I will probably come here when my twin boys are a bit bigger, especially for special occasion wear.