Juvie

Toddlers With Attitude

2011-09-13T13:15:00.000-07:00

Here at Juvie, we like to say that we can dress all of your kids, from your hip toddler to your trendy tween.

But wait a second...can a toddler even BE hip? I mean, sure, they're on your hip most of their waking moments. And no, we didn't say hipster toddler...we know they're not out scouting the hottest indie rock band, or drinking PBR in oversize vintage glasses (with what are likely clear non-prescription lenses). They're also not wearing ironic facial hair. But they are hanging out with their fashionable, fun, and go-ahead-and-say-it, hip parents. So, they're hip by proxy.

Ben Sherman flag top

Ben Sherman Guitar top

We love these new long sleeve t-shirts from British menswear favorite, Ben Sherman for Boys. They start at size 2T, so your little guy can show some Cool Britannia attitude at preschool.

Kingsley is another line that always evokes shrieks of, "Cool!" from kids and their grown-ups. They're on a designing hiatus right now, but we've got a few styles in stock in the little sizes (2T-6).

Kingsley Dinosaur Kit set

Kingsley Skandy t-shirt

The little dude has to cover up on the bottom as well, so check out these big boy style cords, chinos and denim from Wes and Willy:

Wes and Willy black chinos

Wes and Willy motorcycle flannel pants

Wes and Willy charcoal athletic pants

So go ahead and embrace your toddler's right to be hip! Shop at Juvie for fast, low-rate shipping and the best selection for toddler girls and boys.

Tween Clothing Trends for Back to School 2011

2011-09-08T10:46:00.000-07:00

What's on the fashion radar for tween clothing this fall season? The color watch for fall shows jewel tones mixed with darker hues (think charcoal gray) popping up everywhere for girls. Girls will be drawn to the fun mix of textures and prints from Libertalia, a Los Angeles designer known for fashion forward tunic style tops. Cotton Caboodle's designs for fall are similarly rich in tone, but with a sportier, preppy look in garnet and amethyst-hued solids. Boys will find lots of deep turquoise, reds, and greens in Chaser's line of pop-culture-referencing graphic t-shirts.

The time lag between adult and children's clothing styles continues to narrow this fall, with several trends that are hot on the heels of their grown-up counterparts. Skinny cargo pants take a girl's two favorite pieces (cargo pants and leggings) and combine them into one go-to garment she'll reach for day after day. Look for Juvie's skinny cargo pants in a neutral green that can be worn with everything from It Jeans.

Another grown-up trend taking the kid's world by storm is girl's faux fur vests. The hooded faux fur vest from Peas and Queues is expected to sell out well before the cold weather actually hits. And not leaving out the little guys, Juvie has partnered with Babiators to bring toddlers their very own hip aviator sunglasses that are safe and comfy for the little active sun-lovers in your family.

Big kids going back to school will all want a very grown-up backpack by Scratch Tracks Fydelity. A full-size backpack that's already awesome in puffy silver, these also have built-in speakers that connect to any mp3 player, letting them study music pieces for a recital, or relax with their favorite tunes.

Juvie focuses on high quality, age-appropriate and and modern clothing at great prices for boys and girls in sizes 2T-14. Updates on new merchandise, trends and promotions from Juvie can be found on their Facebook page.

Fall 2011 lines arrive through September. To see the latest styles as well as sale items up to 60% off please visit Juvie online.

Spotlight on the Designer: Wes and Willy

2011-06-29T14:53:00.000-07:00

Wes and Willy is our everyday go-to designer for boys aged toddler to tween. Originally known for their screen print t-shirts, Wes and Willy is now so much more. Their clothes have a great preppy/athletic/rock vibe that suits every boy. Whether you're looking for some dressier black chino pants, a cute toddler baseball t-shirt, or a vintage-inspired motorcycle hoodie, Juvie's selection from Wes and Willy is the place to shop.

Wes and Willy clothing is very high quality. We find that the line washes extremely well, with little to no shrinkage. Sizing is highly consistent, and true-to-size. Pants are almost always made with an adjustable waist, with nice long legs for the older boys. The line is 100% cotton (unless otherwise noted), and soft, soft, soft. You can shop Wes and Willy boys clothing here.

Wes and Willy Boys Clothes at Juvie by Barrett on Polyvore.com

Charlie Rocket: All American Clothing for Boys

2011-06-28T14:59:00.000-07:00

Charlie Rocket Clothes for Boys

Many of our customers are looking to buy more brands that are made in the U.S., and we're always happy to point them to Charlie Rocket, a clothing company based here in Los Angeles that makes well-designed, well-constructed, modern and hip clothes for your boys.

Charlie Rocket clothing has a prep/surfer vibe. You'll find lots of screened t-shirts with fun graphics, plaid shorts, fleece pants, and well-cut denim.

Charlie Rocket follows the surf/skate trends closely, and as a result we find that the cut of their tops (t-shirts, hoodies, twofers and polo shirts) is boxier and larger than a lot of our other designers. If you like this oversize look, you can order your boy's normal size. If you prefer a more streamlined look, order one size smaller than usual.

Charlie rocket pants, fleece pants, and shorts are very consistently cut and run true-to-size (not oversized, like their tops). All of their garments are made of super soft cotton that is pre-washed and overdyed, meaning you won't get any shrinkage or fading in the wash. You can count on Charlie Rocket boy's clothes to outfit your boy in durable, stylish outfits from Juvie in sizes 5-14.

Desigual for Girls at Juvie

2011-06-28T13:23:00.000-07:00

Desigual for Girls at Juvie

We're so happy to bring you Desigual girls clothing! Desigual bills itself as, "Atypical Spanish wear since 1984." Since it's hard to imagine any of our kids as being "typical," we think that this description is just right. Desigual clothing for kids has just the right mixture of whimsy, color, style, and practicality. Desigual dresses, tees, blouses and hoodies have details such as embroidery, appliques, metallic prints, and pattern blocking that are rarely seen in children's wear, and that make the pieces really stand out in a girl's wardrobe. These design elements are coupled with comfortable, high-quality construction, making Desigual the first thing your girl will want to put on day after day.

Desigual designs collections twice a year. We get new items in February and August, and you can find our Desigual Girls Shop here.

Summer Camp Clothes for Boys

2011-06-07T16:20:00.000-07:00

Is your boy headed to summer camp? Is it time to replenish his camp clothes? Shorts, tees, hoodies for evenings (if it's sleepaway camp for your son), and swim trunks are all probably on your list.

Dark colors are great for hiding dirt, but you also want quality gear that will take some punishment. We think that Quiksilver, Wes and Willy, Appaman, Claesens, and Charlie Rocket all fit this bill. Check out our summer camp collage for inspiration, and grab these styles now!

Summer Camp Boys Clothes by Barrett on Polyvore.com

The Clothes Your Girl Wants to Wear at Summer Camp

2011-04-19T15:43:00.000-07:00

Summer Camp Girl!

Are your kids counting down the weeks of school that are left like mine are? We've put together some ideas for your summer camp girl, whether it's for day camp, a week away, or more. You'll notice that everything is pretty much mix-and-match, with solid jeans and shorts to go with prints and stripes on top. One sun dress is great for camp dances or just relaxing on the dock. And don't forget the undergarments...Claesen's three-packs are made for stocking up.

Ragdoll & Rockets Stretch French Terry Shorts | Home » Girls Clothing...
$46 - juvieshop.com

Ragdoll and Rockets Plaid Button Down Shirt with Rolled Sleeves | Home...
$46 - juvieshop.com

California Heart T-Shirt by Chaser | Home » Girls Clothing &...
$28 - juvieshop.com

Planet Sea Pucci Print Bikini | Home » Girls' Clothing & Accessories »...
$45 - juvieshop.com

Tokidoki Girl Donut Toss Girl's Hoody | Home » Girls Clothing &...
$56 - juvieshop.com

Girl's Brixton Jeans by Joe's Jeans in Finley Wash | Home
$54 - juvieshop.com

Ragdoll & Rockets Striped Dress | Home » Girls Clothing & Accessories...
$50 - juvieshop.com

Desigual Girls Boca Top | Home » Girls Clothing & Accessories » Girls...
$44 - juvieshop.com

LA Made Striped Camisole Tunic | Home » Girls Clothing & Accessories »...
$30 - juvieshop.com

Fydelity Boombox Backpack in Stay-Puff Silver Metallic | Home
$64 - juvieshop.com

It Jeans Skinny Denim Shorts | Home » Girls Clothing & Accessories »...
$40 - juvieshop.com

Mini Fine Woodstock Boombox Tee | Home » Girls Clothing & Accessories...
$24 - juvieshop.com

Claesen's Girls Underwear Pink 3-Pack Briefs | Home » Girls Clothing &...
$19 - juvieshop.com

Color Blocking for Kids

2011-04-07T13:27:00.000-07:00

Color blocking is all the rage for the ladies this spring. Just look at the collections from Prada or Jil Sanders to see what I mean. High-contrast, bright solids head-to-toe with contrasting accessories, or blocked by piece, or even within a piece, are definitely what's what in 2011.

We put together some of our spring and summer 2011 pieces from LA Made and Ragdoll & Rockets to show how girls can get this same look (dialed down quite a bit, of course). Super cute, casual, and easy!

Color Blocking for Kids by Barrett on Polyvore.com

LA Made Girls Jersey Pants | Home » Girls Clothing & Accessories »...
$44 - juvieshop.com

LA Made Ruby Ruffle Tank Top | Home » Girls Clothing & Accessories »...
$25 - juvieshop.com

Ragdoll & Rockets Stretch French Terry Shorts | Home » Girls Clothing...
$46 - juvieshop.com

Ragdoll & Rockets Trapeze Top | Home » Girls Clothing & Accessories »...
$30 - juvieshop.com

LA Made Swing Jersey T-Shirt | Home » Girls Clothing & Accessories »...
$30 - juvieshop.com

Ragdoll & Rockets Stretch French Terry Capri Pants | Home » Girls...
$23 - juvieshop.com

Girls Easter Dresses

2011-03-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

In your Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it
You'll be the grandest lady in the Easter parade

I'll be all in clover and when they look you over
I'll be the proudest fellow in the Easter parade

- Irving Berlin, Easter Parade

I've always loved that song. Not that I ever participated in an Easter parade. I think it's a strictly New York thing. But it turns out that the tradition of wearing new clothes at Easter time goes back to at least the 16th century, when it was mentioned in Romeo and Juliet.

Today we still love dressing the girls up in pretty Easter dresses. Take a look at our selection of girls dresses that would be just right for Easter. I'm sure you'll find something that you and your girl will love.

No Added Sugar Hyde Park Dress

No Added Sugar striped bustle dress

Desigual girls peacock dress

Vintage Havana girls dress

peas and queues Hannah dress

Peas and Queses Kaia dress

Peas and Queues green Kaia dress

Ismodern color block dress

Mini Rotation girls bird dress

Blush by Us Angels crinkle dress

Twirls and Twigs butterfly dress

Ella Moss girls oceana chiffon dress

And that just scratched the surface of our selection. We're well-stocked for girls sizes 2T-14 from Ella Moss, Desigual, Mini Rotation, No Added Sugar, and more.

And if Easter bonnets are your thing, please send us a picture of you or your girl in your finery. We'd love to post it!

Ismodern Childrens Clothes

2011-03-09T11:13:00.000-08:00

We're thrilled to be carrying a really distinctive new line of girl's clothes, Ismodern. Ismodern girls clothes are fabulously fresh, charming, and yes, modern.

We love the bright color blocking and the luxurious quality of the cotton fabrics. You and your girl will treasure your Ismodern looks.

We love the crisp poplin on this dress, which contrasts so well with the white organza trim. Yum!

This tunic and leggings set will get lots of mileage if you mix and match it with the rest of her wardrobe.

Ismodern is one of our "cut to order" designers, which means that they only make what we boutiques order in advance, so we only have a small number of each style in stock (generally one of each size). Shop now to get yours!

Just What IS Boutique Children's Clothing?

2011-02-22T15:41:00.000-08:00

Juvie is a store that sells boutique children's clothing, which may sound a little odd to you. A boutique is a noun, right? And it means "store," correct? And the phrase "boutique clothing" seems to use the word "boutique" as an adjective, doesn't it?

I understand where you're coming from! Let me explain...

The term "boutique" clothing is meant to distinguish fashion that you might find in a chain store or big box department store from smaller, independent designer clothing. Generally, you can find these designers (like Ismodern, Appaman, It Jeans, or Tokidoki) at privately owned boutiques. Hence, the use of the word "boutique" as an adjective.

And what is it that makes boutique kids clothes special? Here are some things you might not know about the fashion world:

Privately owned boutiques can carry whatever items from whatever designers they like. This is why you'll generally find a bigger variety of styles at boutique clothing stores. The person selecting the merchandise for the store isn't hemmed in by a particular brand's "look."

Boutique kid's clothes is manufactured in small batches, specially for the shop that ordered it. Here at Juvie, we see samples of designers' lines at just about the same times of year that Fashion Weeks are happening in the adult fashion world. After viewing the samples for an upcoming season, we order the items that we want to carry. Often we have some say in the colors or prints that we want produced. Four to six months later, the items arrive, and we make them available to you on Juvie's website.

With boutique designer brands, the fabrics, construction, and fit are usually of higher quality, and the styles are the most up-to-date that you will find. These are the pieces that get knocked-off the next season for discount chain stores.

The only drawback to being a boutique clothing store for kids is that sometimes an item will sell out before everyone gets a chance to purchase it. Because everything is made to order in small batches, usually when they're gone, they're gone. But if you do see something at Juvie you like that is out of stock in the size you want, don't hesitate to email us. We are able to do special orders on occasion, or work with a designer to find a particular piece.

Wait, Are You Forgetting Something?

2011-02-15T17:05:00.000-08:00

We notice that our customers greatly prefer buying tops and dresses at Juvie than boy's pants, shorts, and jeans, or girl's pants, jeans, skirts, shorts or leggings. In fact, we sell about twice as many tops, hoodies, t-shirts, etc. as we do coordinating garments for below the waist. But we know that you don't let your kids leave the house without bottoms (Hel-LO, you're not Taylor Momsen's mother!). So, what gives?

I think I know. It's fit, right? You're worried that the jeans/shorts/leggings are going to be too big or too small, too short or too long, aren't you?

We hate to think that your kid is missing out on the great jeans we have from It Jeans and Joe's Jeans, or pants and shorts from Charlie Rocket and Wes and Willy because you're worried about sizing issues. Here are some tips to choosing the right size so you can take advantage of the full range of Juvie's selection, and avoid that dreaded trip to the mall.

1. If you're not sure what size your kid is wearing these days, you can rely pretty heavily on our size charts. If your child isn't around while you're shopping, try measuring an item of clothing currently in his or her wardrobe instead.

2. In general, our lines run smaller than big box discount stores. Some of that is because the style is a slimmer silhouette (especially for boys). If you like a looser, baggier fit, order a size up.

3. If we find that a particular item is running big or small, we'll note it in the item's description.

4. If you still aren't sure, please email us at sales@juvieshop.com. Tell us the item number and what sizes you think might work, and we'll send you measurements (often within an hour if you write during the business day). Or, if you'd like some general information on how a particular item or designer's line is running, give us a call. You'll find our business number at the top of every page on Juvie's website.

We notice that when people order jeans or pants or shorts from us, we almost never get returns or exchanges because the sizing on our lines is pretty consistent. But if you do need to exchange an item, don't fret. Just send it back using the address label on the back of your invoice. We'll send out the new item the same day we receive your return, with no additional shipping charge for you.

So there you have it. Armed with a little information (and maybe a little double-checking of waist size and height), you can order pants or shorts or leggings or skirts or jeans for your kids from Juvie fairly risk-free. We hope you'll give us a try!

Splendid Littles and Splendid Tween for Girls and Boys

2011-02-11T13:55:00.000-08:00

Continuing on our series looking at some of Juvie's children's clothing designers in detail, we've come to Splendid Tween and Splendid Littles.

Splendid is a line that women have known for years for their uber-comfy knits and sporty stripes. When Splendid started downsizing their line for big kids (tweens) in 2007, Juvie jumped right on board. The selection of fashion forward jersey separates that were still age-appropriate was right up our alley, and our customers agreed.

Splendid Tween Girls
We love everything they do, but we're partial to their tops, tees and dresses. With these pieces your tween girl can up the fashion factor in her wardrobe while still staying as comfortable as if she were in a t-shirt. A girl's gotta' move, right?

Check the details like stripes, tailoring, subtle prints and smocking that make these pieces really stand out.

Splendid Littles for Boys and Girls
When Juvie started carrying little kid sizes (2T and up) in the beginning of 2010, we knew that Splendid Littles had to be on the list of great clothes for toddlers and elementary school kids. Taking that great casual, cute, fun aesthetic and shrinking it to ever littler sizes, Splendid Littles is a really breezy and fun choice for your little boy or girl.

Lots of stripes and checks abound, with soft colors and adorable cuts. And you know that the cotton is the softest of soft, so there will be no complaints when they put it on. First, the boys...

And for the girls...

We hope you're as happy to find Splendid Littles and Splendid Tween at Juvie as we are to bring them to you. These pieces were inevitably my kids' favorites, and I hope that your girl or boy will love them just as much.

How this line fits: Splendid is true-to-size 99% of the time. Tween sizes are long and lean, like most girls that age. Toddler/Elementary sizes (2T-6X) are a little roomier.

Care: Most Splendid pieces are machine wash/hang dry. And like most of our lines, we recommend hanging to dry even when tumble dry is on the tag, to prevent shrinkage and to keep things looking new.

We Like You!

2011-02-10T12:20:00.000-08:00

We love our customers. We get so many great ideas and feedback from all of you, and obviously you're the reason we exist. Therefore, any opportunity we have to interact with the people who make Juvie happen is something that we embrace.

To that end, we've integrated Facebook into Juvie's site in several ways that we hope you'll take advantage of soon.

First, Juvie has its own page on Facebook. This is probably the easiest way to keep up with what's happening at Juvie. We post all of our promotions, our Wednesday "Lunch on Us" sales, newsletters, and new items here. We also link to fun news about kids and children's fashion that we think might be of interest to our customers. We post things about once a day, so you don't have to worry about your newsfeed getting clogged with junk. Head on over to Juvie's Facebook page now, and give it a thumbs up LIKE.

We're also working on further integrating that page with our own site so that you will be able to browse our children's clothing from the "Shop" tab. If you're on Facebook as often as I am, this will be a great time saver and a fun feature.

The other way to interact with us on Facebook is on each of our site's product pages.

Here's a typical page from Juvieshop.com (cute toddler hoodie, huh?). If you're browsing around and see something that makes you go, "Ooooo," go ahead and click the Facebook Like button. Even if you're not going to buy a certain piece, that feedback lets us know that you think this is a great piece of kid's clothing. The more we know about what you like, the more we can tailor our selection to your favorites.

You'll also find Like buttons on each one of my Mother Tongue parenting columns, which are published monthly.

We love chatting with you on Facebook and getting all of your feedback. Please stick around! If only there were a Like button for every one of our customers...we'd be pressing it all day long.

What Children's Clothing Lines are Hot for Spring?

2011-02-09T14:28:00.000-08:00

We'd like to take this opportunity to highlight one of our favorite lines at Juvie. We're hoping that this can become a regular feature on the blog, as we get lots of customer inquiries on our various designers and how a particular line runs size-wise, what the comfort level is like, etc.

Here in sunny So Cal it's sort of always spring: Not too hot, not too cold, with the big decisions each morning being whether to wear a hoodie with that t-shirt, or whether to put on leggings under that dress. Girls all over the country, however, are crazy about LA Made, the women's modern casual line that now does sporty separates for girls sizes 2T-14. LA Made Girls is known for soft, cotton and modal jersey separates in beautifully draped cuts with saturated colors that girls adore. We find that LA Made runs true-to-size, which is a little smaller than most mass-produced brands. These adorable skorts, dresses, camisoles, tops, and cardigans are machine washable and can go in the dryer, but we prefer to hang them to dry for longer wear. Because they're a great mixture of hip, pretty and casual, these are definitely the clothes that your girl will reach for day after day for her busy lifestyle.

Many of the LA Made pieces that you'll find at Juvie are exclusive to us. We order LA Made Girls (and all our lines, actually) months in advance, and they cut and sew our selections in the colors of our choosing.

Take a look at LA Made Girls and let us know what you think!

Different Ways to Shop for Cool Kids Clothes by Size at Juvie

2011-01-26T14:29:00.000-08:00

Now that Juvie carries cool kid's clothing for boys and girls in sizes 2T-14, we've re-organized our web store to make it easier to find just what you're looking for. Check out these ways to find the size you want for all of the kids in your life:

Shop for clothes for toddler, preschool and elementary age girls sizes 2-6

Shop for clothes for elementary and middle school tween girls sizes 7-14

Shop for clothes for toddler, preschool, and elementary age boys sizes 2-6

Shop for clothes for elementary and middle school boys, preteen sizes 7-14

We also like these categories:

Hip clothes for little girls

Cool clothes for little boys

Designer clothes for tween girls

Cool boy's clothes for older boy s

OR

You can go to any category (Boy's Tops, or Girl's Dresses, for instance), and select from the pull-down menu of available sizes. You'll see everything that we have in stock in the size you need.

Tween Girls Clothes Are Our Specialty

2011-01-26T13:51:00.000-08:00

We hate to brag, but tween clothing for girls are what Juvie does best. We've specialized in girl's clothes sizes 7-14 since Juvie first opened in 2006, and we strive to keep that department's selection on trend and full of great items you'll love.

We know that shopping for tween girls is tricky! All of sudden they want nothing to do with pink, ruffles, or bows. Now their clothes have to be "cool," and "in style." That's why we feature the hottest designers styles that will have them saying, "I love it!" instead of, "Ewww, I don't think so."

Tween styles for spring are still all about the jeans (skinny or straight leg; check out It Jeans and Joe's Jeans for girls). Pair these with cute tops from Desigual, Mini Fine, Ragdolls & Rockets, Tokidoki, or Splendid for a look you'll both love.

At Juvie we're used to walking the fine line between the looks girls want that are more "grown up," and looks that are too adult. With Juvie's selection of stylish, fashion-forward clothes for tween girls, you'll never have to worry about her looking inappropriate or too old for her age. We know that kids ages 7-12 are just that...kids...and we carefully select pieces from a large range of designers keeping that in mind.

If you have any questions about our designers or what's happening in the world of tween fashion today, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Desigual Girls for Spring is Here!

2011-01-24T11:52:00.000-08:00

Desigual is Here!

Everybody's favorite Spanish designer just released their Spring line. Even if it's still snowy at your house, we advise that you shop early to get the jump; this line sells out quickly, and these fun prints and bright colors will chase any winter blues away. In sizes 3/4 - 13/14.

Don't forget to shop our fabulous winter markdowns, where everything's 10% to 60% off.
Shop Sale Now*

It's All About the Girls!

2011-01-14T09:40:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day makes us think about the girls, for some reason. Maybe it's all the pink and hearts everywhere.

Girl's Dresses for Toddlers, Girls and Tweens

We love a new dress for Valentine's Day. Jeans and T-shirts are great, but a dress is the quintessential item of girl's clothes that makes her feel special. Check out the girl's dresses we have right now. Any one of them would work for Valentine's Day and beyond into the spring and summer.

1/2 Price Tween and Preteen Book Sale

2010-05-25T11:59:00.001-07:00

Juvie is having a 50% off sale on books for tween (middle school) kids. Juvie's owner hand-selects each and every title, and their selection is designed to appeal to voracious and reluctant readers alike.

With all of the books 50% off, now is the time to stock up for summer reading!

Tween Dresses for Spring and Summer

2010-04-30T08:46:00.000-07:00

Spring and summer are the seasons of the dress. Whether it's an everyday dress for kicking around, or something special for an event, all the girls are shopping for dresses these days.

Tween dresses can pose a particular challenge for shoppers. Girls want dresses that are stylish, sure, but parents want dresses that fit, are high quality, and offer enough coverage so as not to cause gasps as they're on their way out the door. At Juvie we strive to strike a balance so that you and your girls are happy.

Juvie has a great selection of tween dresses in stock right now. Check out some of our favorites for warmer weather.

Go to Juvieshop.com now to see our entire selection of tween dresses. We also have a great selection for your younger girl as well!

Nautical is Big for Girls This Spring

2010-04-14T15:00:00.001-07:00

Are you looking for girls clothing for spring and summer? We've got lots of on-trend picks ready to go!

Nautical Girls for Spring by Barrett on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
Neige Petra Print Dress | Home » Girls Clothing & Accessories » Girls..., $79
Splendid Tween Active Blazer | Home » Girls Clothing & Accessories »..., $73
Claesen's Sailor Stripe Leggings and Top Set | Home » Girls Clothing &..., $55
Little Ella Moss Kit Kat Dress | Home » Girls Clothing & Accessories »..., $51
Ella Moss Girl Adele Hooded Tunic | Home » Girls Clothing &..., $50

What Your Boy Wants to Wear This Spring

2010-04-14T14:57:00.000-07:00

Boys clothing for spring has great graphics, plaids and stylish cuts.

Boy's Spring by Barrett on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
IT Jeans Boy's Skinny Leg Jeans | Home » Boys' Clothing & Accessories..., $56
Rock Baby Rock Tidal Wave Hoodie | Home » Boys Clothing & Accessories..., $54
Appaman Windbreaker Jacket | Home » Boys Clothing & Accessories »..., $53
Kingsley Kite Runner Boy's Set | Home » Boys Clothing & Accessories »..., $50
Quiksilver Greatest Hits Plaid Shorts | Home » Boys Clothing &..., $44

Is Your Tween Going to Want to Dress Like The Runaways?

2010-03-18T12:15:00.001-07:00

The Runaways, starring Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart, opens on March 19th. The movie is a biopic about the 1970s teen-girl band that brought stardom to Cherie Currie and Joan Jett. It's also rated R, which means that very many 10-year-olds will be watching. We hope.

But that doesn't mean that those same 10 (or 11, or 12)-year-olds won't catch glimpses of their favorite teen actresses in character. Advertisements with instructions for replicating the movie's make-up look have already been spotted online. So has the video of "Cherry Bomb," the provocative hit from the band, featuring Dakota Fanning in an historically-accurate but still skimpy corset.

If your girl wants to be 70s rocker chic, but you want to keep her looking her age, we've put together a few items you might both like.

Back-to-School Shopping Tips for Parents of Tweens

2009-08-05T14:08:00.000-07:00

Kristen Taylor, owner of Juvieshop.com, offers tips for back-to-school shopping for parents of "tweens," or older kids ages 6-12. "Older kids are very, very particular," Taylor said. "They want to express their own style, but they are also aware of what their peers are wearing and they want to fit in."

In order to minimize battles, Taylor suggests giving your child a list that has the numbers of each type of garment you will purchase, then shopping together to find selections that you both approve. "Shopping online with your child is a great way to get what you both want while minimizing the drama," she said.

1. Get the hardest part over with first: Go through last year's clothes and sort them into three piles: Give away, throw away, and keep.
2. Now that you're armed with a better sense of your child's current wardrobe, you can make a list of items that will be needed for each child. How many bottoms? How many tops? Denim is usually first on the list. Most kids will make it through a week with three pairs of jeans. Skinny jeans are the top of the list for boys and girls this year.
3. Think about layers as a way to extend summer clothes into the fall. Tank tops work on top of or under t-shirts. Leggings are a great way to extend wearing shorts and skirts into winter.
4. Hoodies are still what everyone is wearing for an extra outer layer in class and on the playground. Two - three per child should be enough to rotate through the week.
5. Girls are wearing dresses more and more for every day. The ease of one-piece dressing can't be beat on those early mornings.
6. Older kids aren't growing nearly as fast as when they were younger, and sizing is more generous (e.g., 7/8, 10, 12), so your selections will probably last for the entire school year. Look for high quality garments that will stand up to frequent washing and wear.
7. Boys love graphics that express their interests, whether it's surfing, skating, basketball, or music. Look for t-shirts, twofers, and sweatshirts with fun styling.
8. When it comes to getting dressed in the morning, boys are all about comfort and ease. Look for athletic-style pants with elastic waists and pullover tops.
9. When shopping for backpacks, ask your child whether they want one that rolls or not. Kids who switch classrooms frequently or who have lockers usually don't want a rolling backpack. If your kid has to bring home the entire contents of her desk every day, wheels are the way to go.
10. Don't feel pressured to get absolutely everything before the first day of school. Your child may have a better idea of what they want after they've been back in school for a few weeks.

CPSIA: A Bad Law with Good Intentions

2009-01-08T20:37:00.000-08:00

Hey, parents. You want safe products for your kids, right? Nobody likes to worry that their kid's lunchbox contains lead, or that the water bottle that you pack in that lunchbox has phthalates that will leach into that water. And what about your baby's pacifier? Or that necklace your daughter is wearing? We all know that lead can be deadly if ingested, and that phthalates are toxic. Keep them away from my kids, I say.

After a rash of children's products were recalled in 2007 and 2008, Congress decided to do something to increase the safety of all children's products. It passed the Consumer Protection Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).

The CPSIA stipulates a roll-out of more stringent standards for lead and phthalate content of all products intended for use by children up to the age of twelve. Yes, that's ALL PRODUCTS, even the hand-knit booties you bought at your local craft fair. And the Paul Frank 100% cotton t-shirt you got for your ten-year-old. And that Captain Underpants paperback.

The first date of enactment was in November of 2008. Starting then, all new children's products had to be certified as meeting current safety standards, with manufacturers required to produce a General Certificate of Compliance (GCC) for every single item that they produce if requested by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Starting on February 10, 2009, new, lower limits for lead and phthalates will go into effect, and all manufacturers will have to show proof of testing and provide a GCC for every item. In August, the limits will be lowered again, and manufacturers will no longer be able to test their products themselves, but will have to submit them to a third party for testing and certification.

On the face of it, not such a bad law, right? We all want safe products for our children, and the sooner the better.

However...

There are serious flaws with this law that will impact almost every business that deals in children's products, and every person who buys any children's product.

First, the law is retroactive for lead content. This means that all products currently on store shelves, even those manufactured prior to the law's passage, are required to be certified as meeting today's standard for lead content. This places an enormous burden on someone (we haven't figured out just who, yet), as testing every product, even those that obviously do not contain lead, is beyond the budgets of most businesses. Simply throwing away inventory that was ordered and paid for months before is also not in any business' budget.

Second, this law has been written in an overly broad manner, so that those obviously-don't-contain-lead products are not exempt. T-shirts, socks, leggings...heck, anything without a fastener of some sort, still must be tested. Books, bedding, organic cotton baby kimonos and plush toys? Those too. Even handmade items, like quilts and hairbows will have to be tested before they can be sold legally. And every single component on every single item, for every new batch that's manufactured, has to be tested.

I've seen cost estimates for third-party testing of a single multi-component item that were as high as $3,000 per item. For small companies that do limited runs, or mompreneurs selling their goods at craft fairs or on Etsy, this law is essentially a death knell for their businesses.

Larger companies might be able to manage the financing of the testing, but guess what? They certainly aren't going to absorb the cost into their bottom line. Some people are saying that prices of children's items will rise as much as 30%. Yes, that's consumer prices. Yikes.

Don't take my word on this...I'm not a lawyer, and while I have studied up somewhat on the regulations, I'm not the source. You can read more about this at www.cpsc.gov/ABOUT/Cpsia/cpsia.HTML.

And if you'd like to see some changes made to this law, please get in touch with your local Congressperson and Senator. You can also weigh in at Change.gov, where the issue is in the running to come up for consideration by the Obama administration.

Gift show news

2008-07-22T10:31:00.000-07:00

It was suddenly Christmas last Friday.

I spent the day at the Los Angeles Gift Show, scouting and ordering all the great stuff that kids might find under the tree on December 25.

First up was books. While everyone's positively apoplectic about the final book in the Twilight series, Breaking Dawn, I promise that there will be reading life beyond teen vampires. Danielle, my fun and smart sales representative, always does a great job of previewing titles for 7-12 year olds. Our running joke is that almost every title's summary starts with some dire, horrendous premise.

"When Bobby's mother died and he went to live with his alcoholic uncle in a trailer, he knew that life would never be the same..."

"Life for a gay high-schooler can be difficult. But when Jenny's father commits suicide, she decides that what the other kids think just doesn't matter..."

Oy.

Not going for the gloom and doom so much? Me either. Not to worry; we have lots of fun reads coming in over the next four months, so stay tuned. You can browse our current selection of books here.

I'll be posting more market reports this week. I'm super excited about a new line of Project Runway fashion and illustration sets.

Oh yeah...Breaking Dawn goes on sale at Juvie on August 8!

Who's Wearing IKKS from Juvie?

2008-07-16T13:18:00.001-07:00

At yesterday's premiere of the John C. Reilly & Will Farrell film Step Brothers, Lurie Posten, a handsome young actor who's in the film, was wearing an IKKS button-down from Juvie. Didn't he look great?

You can shop for IKKS for your young superstar right here.

Shanghai Lulu Exclusively at Juvie!

2008-07-08T11:26:00.001-07:00

"Classic," and "timeless," aren't adjectives one normally applies to kid's accessories, but Shanghai Lulu designer Lucy Young has created a line of headbands and belts for girls that are just that.

Fabric Belt with Coconut Shell Rings

Using fine materials and artisan production techniques, Shanghai Lulu's goodies give the girls plenty of wow-factor for today, and lasting good design for tomorrow.

Scarf Tie Headband

Next up in the line are bead necklaces made of jewel-toned fabric, which will be in any day.

These items are only produced in small batches at the moment, so we expect a quick sell-out. You can get your here while they last.

UPDATE: The bead necklaces are here and they're only $12.00. The girls are gonna flip!

Super Summer Kids Clothing Sale at Juvie

2008-07-02T14:12:00.000-07:00

It's time for Juvie's semi-annual sale, and the markdowns are huge. If you have big kids, tweens, or anyone 7-14 in your house (yup, those are all the same thing), now is the time to fill out their wardrobes with tees, shorts, pants, dresses and more.

Find big savings on girl's clothes and boy's clothes from your favorite designers like Wes and Willy, IKKS, Charlie Rocket, Jean Bourget, Malley Too, Poesia, Harajuku Lovers, Jade and more.

Shop items that are 30% to 50% off now, before the bargains are all gone!

June Mother Tongue Column

2008-06-18T13:37:00.000-07:00

California Children’s Rally In Sacramento to Protest State Education Budget Cuts
By Kristen Taylor

We had a little problem at the house the other day. The kitchen caught on fire. It was burning for a while before my husband came home from work. I said, “Honey, the kitchen’s on fire. What do you think we should do?”

“Easy,” he said. “Let’s throw some gasoline on it!”

This didn’t really happen. And that’s not an accurate representation of my husband’s problem-solving abilities, I swear. Jeesh, who do you think I married, Arnold Schwarzenegger?

Our public schools are in crisis. California ranks near the bottom for every National Assessment of Education Progress test given to our students—and because of No Child Left Behind, that’s a lot of tests. The state, however, is facing a budget shortage, and the Governor’s solution is to cut the very line item that’s already flailing from lack of money: K-12 education. His budget calls for $3 billion in cuts to schools, which will drop per-pupil spending in California to roughly 48th in the United States.

The state of California—the seventh largest economy in the world—has the sixth-worst performing students in the U.S., with nearly the lowest per-pupil budget and the governor’s solution is to spend even less? I think I need a 10th grade Political Science refresher, because I’m awfully confused.

So are a lot of other families, and they’re taking action. On June 17th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Capitol Building in Sacramento, the California Children’s Rally will celebrate our state’s resourceful, brilliant children and their families in a demonstration meant to protest these ludicrous cuts to education before the state legislators vote on the new budget. The rally is organized by writer and public school parent Sandra Tsing Loh and she and her cohorts have built in loads of educational and artistic activities for families. You can even camp at a farm in nearby Cool, CA.

Check it out here: www.californiachildrensrally.com, and make a commitment to tell our state government what every 5th grader with 32 students per teacher, no art class and constant standardized testing already knows: these cuts will make a bad situation much, much worse.

Free Shipping in June at Juvie!

2008-06-12T13:19:00.000-07:00

We're giving those stimulus checks a little boost:

You'll receive free ground shipping when your total order is $100 or more.

This is a great excuse to stock up for summer vacations, beach clothes, your kid's camp wardrobe, and all of those weddings.

Just enter the code JUNESHIP in the promo code box when you check out!

Emily Wagner Watercolor Portrait Workshop

2008-05-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

Emily Wagner graced us with her charming, talented self all day on May 3rd for a watercolor portrait workshop. Families booked with Emily and then sent her digital photos she could work from in advance, finishing the unique keepsake portraits (just right for Mother's Day and beyond) here in the store.

Emily's time with the families and kids was amazing. The kids got to see a talented artist in action, and were also able to contribute their own creative ideas for the portrait's colors and eventual background. It was so much fun!

Emily's time booked up the same day that we sent out the workshop announcement, so we knew right away that this is definitely a must-do-again event.

We're shaking it up this time for Father's Day, with a digital portrait session on June 1. Stay tuned for all the details...

Paul Frank for Tweens at Juvie

2008-05-01T14:16:00.000-07:00

Kids adore Paul Frank clothing, but until now it's only come in little kid and junior sizes. That's finally changed. Paul Frank for tweens is here at last. Now you can find your child's favorite tees, swimwear and accessories at Juvie in sizes 7-14. We have a great selection for spring, with more items coming in all the time.

Shop all Paul Frank for Tweens now....

Juvie on Daily Candy Kids Los Angeles

2008-05-01T13:50:00.000-07:00

Daily Candy featured the stationery, label and sticker sets by Naomi Jean & Co. on Monday. We love the sweet, sweet, Daily Candy attention!

April 28, 2008

Mine All Mine

Naomi Jean & Co. Stationery

She left her sweater at gymnastics. He forgot his sippy cup at school. What could be more fun than life’s impromptu scavenger hunts?

Naomi Jean & Co.’s custom label and stationery set.

The process is simple. Just give them your kids’ vitals and what makes them smile. They’ll come up with a design for your (and Junior’s) approval. Before you know it, in your mailbox will appear a variety pack of clothing labels, sticker labels, and calling cards all with your little darling’s info and charisma.

Making those glorious field trips to the lost and found a thing of the past.

Available at Juvie, 2395c Glendale Boulevard, at Brier Avenue, Silver Lake (323-667-0344 or juvieshop.com).

Big New Markdowns on Tween Girls Clothing

2008-04-23T13:32:00.001-07:00

We just marked down select Jade, Spitfire Girl tees, and Ella Moss 30%!

Shop all tween clothes that have been marked down 30%-50% at Juvieshop now...

Inky Dink Tees for Spring

2008-04-10T12:46:00.000-07:00

Inky Dink keeps it fresh with their styles for boys and girls. We think these bright, funky styles are their best ever. And the tees themselves? Softer and more comfy than ever too!

For Girls...

For Boys...

Check out all the new Inky Dink Tees for kids here.

Are You Ready for Web 2.0?

2008-04-03T13:57:00.000-07:00

Here's the Mother Tongue column for April:

Are You Ready for Web 2.0?
My daughter is no longer my friend. She decided that it was weird being friends with her mom, so she dropped me. I was sad when I stopped getting her daily updates. When I tried to ask her something, I couldn’t communicate with her at all.

Not on Facebook, anyway. She had terminated our friend status.

Facebook is one of the fastest growing companies behind Web 2.0, the wave of websites designed to document and broadcast as much of your daily life, beliefs, and shopping habits as you deem fit. Sign up with Facebook, and within a few days you will be in easy contact with old friends, family, and local pals.

Anyone with a Facebook account can share as much information as they want, filling their page with personal photos, virtual cupcakes, political rants, or just a simple listing of vital stats. Privacy settings can prevent anyone but friends from seeing your page, but anyone can request to add you as friend, or view a list of who’s already “friended” you. Yes, “friend” is now a verb.
All of this sharing, coupled with accessibility, is a red flag for parents, who worry about predators and usually have a different notion of what should be private in the first place. Besides, Internet privacy is subjective. Just ask the Oregon mayor who was recalled over her saucy photos on MySpace. Her defense? “That's my space," she said. "That's why they call it MySpace.”

We may worry too much about our kids being victimized on social networking sites. A recent study in Pediatrics showed that children are more likely to be harassed via instant message than on social sites like Facebook. Banning IM or social networking may not work in your house, but staying on top of what’s happening in your kids’ world always will. Children who get into trouble online are often having difficulties offline as well.
Kids may be better at the ins and outs of these programs—my daughter has twice as many Facebook friends as I do—but in the end it’s parents who are responsible for seeing that they’re used safely.

There's More to Tweens than Miley Cyrus

2008-03-18T18:55:00.000-07:00

I get the Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus phenomenon. I really do. The fictional story of a "regular" kid who is secretly a pop star is probably the apotheosis of daydream fulfillment for kids who at that time in their lives feel pretty "regular" and are starting to plot out elaborate plans for living big, big lives. A lot of young girls love the show, the concerts, the movie, the merchandise, the whole idea. But I'm afraid that Miley Cyrus has become almost the definition of this age range (roughly 7-12), to the exclusion of all the girls who might not be so into the Disney icon.

I have a Google Alert set to send me news stories, blog posts, and generally anything new that's posted on the web about tweens. It's a little disheartening to me that 95% of these alerts are somehow related to Miley Cyrus.

What else are tweens about, if not Hannah Montana idolatry? I love the PBS website for tween kids (boys and girls) called It's My Life. Their categories are Home, Family, Friends, School, Body, Emotions and Money. That's pretty all encompassing, isn't it? This community for children gets that older kids have a lot of questions and feelings around many of the same things adults think about every day. Material is presented in a way that's age-appropriate, but at the same time doesn't talk down. Brava!

There's a Celebs section on It's My Life, and guess what? Miley Cyrus is indeed interviewed. But so are lots of other tweens and teens, which gives kids a little credit for thinking beyond the Disney box.

Color Report for Spring 2008

2008-03-06T14:18:00.000-08:00

Now that everyone's busy establishing their spring and summer wardrobes, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at what the color masters at Pantone pegged as this season's top colors.

Here's what they said:

"Refreshing splashes of invigorating brights punctuate classic, versatile neutrals as designers offer a playful spring palette for endless exploration and creative combinations. Variations on popular colors such as energizing red, cool, waterborne blue and eco-friendly greens also play a key role this season."

I would say that they pegged it perfectly! Looking around our new merchandise from IKKS, Splendid, Jean Bourget, Miss Me, and Wati, these colors are very dominant. Following the Pantone color chart on the left, here are some examples:

The Mother Tongue now Family Matters

2008-03-04T13:50:00.000-08:00

My monthly parenting column has been picked up by the Los Feliz Ledger, the neighborhood newspaper for Los Feliz, Silver Lake, and the Hollywood Hills.

They'll be running it every month, but I'll be posting it here too for your review and comments.

There are a couple of things that are different from when the column ran on the family page of the Ventura County Star. First, that community is about sixty miles north of L.A., which means that my family was completely anonymous. No chance of running into my readers at school or while gassing up the car. With the Ledger, I'll know many of my readers well, considering that it lands on the doorsteps of 30,000 of our neighbors once a month. I've stopped using the kids' names, and I will probably have to leave out some of the juicier stories, what with their potential for embarrassment. Unless the subject is me, of course!

Second, this paper's format requires a shorter piece, so the length has been cut by about 1/3. Ouch. Writing something substantive in 300 words or less will be a challenge. Or impossible. So expect it to be pretty light, subject-wise. OK, here it is...

Driving Me Mad
By Kristen Taylor

My husband was the first to recognize that we’d entered the next stage of parenting.

I thought that maybe he had seen me pull off an impressive new mothering maneuver, but no. He said, “We’ve reached the driving stage.”

Chauffeuring may be a great profession, but I didn’t apply for this job, and in this case, it doesn’t pay.

Before entering this stage, I was super smug about how little I drove. When the insurance agent asked me my mileage I yelped, “Six thousand a year!” expecting a trophy, or at least some concern about why I didn’t get out more. Back then, our family was all about the three square miles around our house, which had everything we needed, including sneakers and frozen yogurt.

Our daughter was the first to leave the sanctuary when she won the Magnet school lottery. Then our son had the audacity to make friends with kids whose parents didn’t know about our proximity test: “In case of emergency, can you walk it?” We started racking up the miles.

This year, the girl goes to school in North Hollywood, swims in Pasadena, and has friends in Beverly Hills. The boy is younger, but his friends and activities still put me in neighborhoods I only know from the weather forecast. Even with carpools, driving them around is a massive time-eater, and an ecological guilt-inducer.

All this driving isn’t necessarily a solvable problem, though hiring a driver is a juicy daydream. And I know what the parents of teenagers are thinking: Just wait until they start driving themselves. I can hear the conversation with the insurance agent already, and I’m well aware that there won’t be any trophies.

Juvie's Been Very Busy

2008-03-01T14:40:00.001-08:00

Yikes, we haven't posted in ages. But it's not because we've been off at the beach sipping fruity drinks! It's been busy around here, what with all the new spring merchandise arriving every day via those nice men in brown.

We'll get to the clothes in another post, I promise. First, I want to tell everyone about my new favorite artist, Doug Wilson. Wilson is a collector of antique paper ephemera, and a graphic artist to boot. He combined these two passions for an unlimited run of letterpress on antique maps, and this is the gorgeous, inspirational result:

Every print is unique, owing to each being on a different map. Size is 11" X 17". You can purchase Douglas Wilson's Make Your Own Path Print here.

Jade for Girls is So Pretty for Spring

2008-02-12T14:36:00.001-08:00

Jade is just right this season! They've gone boho with a preppy edge, and we love it. Batik prints, crochet details, and Bermuda plaids make this collection stand out. We've got Jade in sizes 7-14, so get Jade for Tweens now at Juvieshop.com!

Smocked Top with Removable Straps

Short Sleeve Pullover Hoodie

Mid-Length Cuffed Plaid Bermuda Shorts

Batik Print Tie-Back Tunic Blouse

Racer-Back Tank Top with Built-In Shelf Liner

Wati for Tween Girls

2008-02-07T10:35:00.001-08:00

Tess Smocked Blouse

Katrina Long Dress

Suzanne Beach Dress

Wati Grossman is a designer working in Palo Alto, CA, and besides being a delightful person, she has a true talent for dressing girls. Her Spring 2008 line is my favorite yet, with easy styles that all have gorgeous details. These are the kinds of dresses, tops and skirts that even tomboys will wear because they are simple, bright, fresh and fun. You can see Juvie's Wati spring line for girls here.

New Line: One True Sun

2008-02-06T11:37:00.000-08:00

One True Sun Zip Front Jacket

One True Sun Oklahoma T-Shirt

One True Sun Lone Wolf T-Shirt

Is your son your One True Sun? We thought so! Echoing that sentiment is the new line for older boys that we are psyched to carry, 1 True Sun. Mixing retro styling with amazing embroidery, patches, and screen prints are this designer's strengths. The colors are masculine but fun, and the designs are young without being cutesy. Yeah! We expect to see these styles on celebrity "bad" boys any day now.

Us: "Is That A Shirt or a Dress?" Designer: "Both!"

2008-01-24T10:06:00.000-08:00

Jean Bourget Cotton Print Tunic

We've been fielding the same question a lot lately here in the store:

"Is that a shirt, or a dress?"

To which we reply, "Both!"

Ella Moss Tab Tunic Dress

Designers have seen the utility and fun of tunic dresses this year like never before. Knowing the way that tween girls dress, this does make the most sense. Pairing a fancy top over jeans looks fabulous and hip, and gives girls a level of comfort and coverage that works for busy days and cooler weather.

But we also love that the tunic dress can be worn by itself, or over tights and leggings, for a dressier look.

Ella Moss Mika Jumper with Metallic Stripe

Check out all of the tunic dresses for tweens options at Juvie today!

Harajuku Lovers for Tweens

2008-01-23T09:48:00.000-08:00

Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Lovers line is so adorable. Her collections usually feature some or all of the Harajuku girls, whose names are Love, Angel, Music and Baby (which spells L.A.M.B., the name of her adult clothing line). This year she's also doing some separates, and this madras plaid dress is capital-F Fun.

Madras Plaid Dress

Juvie also has a couple of new girls Harajuku Lovers T-shirts in sizes 7-14.

"Love" T-Shirt

Hot Dog T-Shirt

Stock is limited (and once they're gone they're never coming back), so go to juvieshop.com now for the best selection.

Big Markdowns on Tween Fashion at Juvie

2008-01-10T10:11:00.000-08:00

This is the big one, folks!

Juvie is featuring huge markdowns on tweens' favorite brands during the entire month of January. You'll find savings from 30% to 50% off on Charlie Rocket, Wes and Willy, Indigo Star, IKKS, Jean Bourget and others for boys. For girls, shopping is easy with 30% to 50% off select items from Wati, Poesia, Hannah Banana, Miss Me, Jean Bourget, IKKS, Jade, Sally Miller, and others.

Sizes are very limited, so shop early to find your perfect fit. And at prices this low, you can buy a size or two larger to grow into next fall.

What to get the tweens on your holiday gift list

2007-11-27T12:30:00.000-08:00

We know that not every gift can be an expensive electronic gadget. But other than a Nintendo Wii or iPod, boys and girls are notoriously difficult to shop for once they've outgrown mass-market toys. What then?????

We've got the answers. The kids' wish lists are full of hands-on activities, cool gear for their rooms, and fashionable clothing and accessories that will freshen up their wardrobes when the new school term begins. Here are Juvie’s top picks for older boys and girls:

Boys ages 6-10

Charlie Rocket lined zip-up windbreaker, $46.25

Micros screened and appliquéd long sleeved snap-up shirt, $32.50

Ick, The Game, $15.95

Boys ages 11-14

IKKS dual-fabric rock and roll polo shirt, $60.00

Plaid trousers by Micros, $40.00

Thames & Kosmos chemistry experiment kit, $32.00

Girls ages 6-10

Cotton bed canopy, $74.75

Ella Moss lurex stripe jumper, $86.00

Made U Look mermaid long sleeved T-shirt, $37.50

Girls ages 11-14

Stitch-it Kit embroidery set by Jenny Hart, $22.95

Splendid poppy foil print ballet wrap, $63.75

Sally Miller kimono style top, $46.25

Discovery Girls Magazine Features Juvie

2007-11-25T12:33:00.000-08:00

Discovery Girls, the national magazine for girls 8 and up that features fashion, friendship, and activities for the tween set, is full of Juvie this month. The winter fashion spread features several pieces from our Winter collection. You can purchase any of the featured items by clicking on the pictures below.

IKKS Denim Pinstriped Blazer

Wati Shirtdress

!iT Los Angeles Ruby Red Jeans

Jade Long Hoodie in Red or Navy

New Ella Moss

2007-11-14T14:32:00.000-08:00

The Ella Moss Tween collection for the holidays is here, and just as promised, this line now goes from size 7-14. This is such a sophisticated line that we're thrilled they up-sized.

Blouse with rusching in cabernet

Rusching (did I spell that right?) is huge right now. The gathers add texture and interest to this cap-sleeved blouse with an elastic peplum waist. So pretty!

Gathered blouse in royal and navy

This is the one that I want in my size! Slouchy but still beautifully draped, this longsleeved top has a single pocket, wide waistband, and elastic at the cuffs.

Mika lurex stripe jumper

Designers are figuring out that girls love to wear short dresses over leggings or jeans, so more and more are doing tunics that double as dresses. This jumper style dress has metallic threads woven through the stripes for some subtle flash.

Click here for all of our Ella Moss Tweens

A New Millenium Ant Farm

2007-11-13T14:37:00.000-08:00

We all remember ant farms from when we were kids, don't we? And don't we also remember the leaky plastic bits, having to feed the buggers every couple of days, and, worst of all, our mothers vowing to NEVER get us another ant farm after the workers made their great escape?

Man may never build a better mousetrap, but we have found a better Ant Farm.

Presenting the Illuminated Ant Farm Gel Colony, with a unique gel that the ants eat as they tunnel.

Once you deposit your ants (which you will receive by mail), you can seal this baby up and get down to some serious ant watching. The LED light makes the whole thing glow, illuminating the comings and goings of your new pets. From Uncle Milton, who does the best science toys.

Click here to purchase

If Their Heads Weren't Attached to Their Bodies...

2007-11-11T14:51:00.000-08:00

I swear, they would leave them on the floor next to the dirty clothes and last night's homework assignment.

Why is it that kids who pretty much had it together from ages 6-11 suddenly start walking around in a gooey, preoccupied, forgetful fog when they hit 12?

I think I know the answer, and won't go into the biology here. But my oh my, it sure would be nice to not have to remind them to do every little thing 47 times a day, wouldn't it?

That's why we carry some excellent accessories here at Juvie, otherwise known as Organizational Aids for the Pre-Teen Brain. First on the list? The brilliant Doorganizer.

The Doorganizer

This gem hangs on the door and jogs everyone on their way out of the house to please, please, please remember their keys, cell phone, lunch money, and signed school papers.

Jumbo stick-it notes are another way to leave what might not be so subtle a reminder to your high-achieving but perhaps overscheduled and slightly muddled child.

Jumbo Stick-It Notes

And for that book overspill...

Black Cat Bookends

Who knows...with the right tools, maybe your dreamy, disorganized tween will manage to turn that homework in, make their bed, and RSVP to their friend's birthday party, all on the same day!

November Denim Event

2007-11-08T13:44:00.000-08:00

This is the time of year that the real back-to-school shopping seems to happen...

That late summer growth spurt seems to have caught all the big kids with hems around their ankles, meaning that everyone needs new jeans, and pronto.

That's why November is Denim Month at Juvie, and all denim pants (otherwise known as jeans) are 10% off for the entire month.

You can shop the latest styles from !iT Jeans, Tractor, Hannah Banana, Jean Bourget and Jade for girls, or Indigo Star, Jean Bourget, and Wes & Willy for boys.

Get yourself over to www.juvieshop.com and shop the "Denim" category under Boys or Girls bottoms. You'll automatically get 10% off your purchases.

If you're in Los Angeles, come on by our Silver Lake store at 2395-C Glendale Blvd., across the street from Gingergrass restaurant (yum), in the same building as Silverlake Wine (double yum).

IKKS from France

2007-11-08T11:59:00.000-08:00

Cotton Poplin Jacket

Our other favorite French brand IKKS is screamin' cute for Fall/Winter. Girls and boys love the sophisticated yet playful styling that lets kids be kids, but gives them a bit of dash out on the town or in the classroom.

Washed Stripe Button Down Shirt

Boys look dashing and a quite grown up in IKKS, so this line really appeals to the 12-14 year olds out there.

Polka Dot Shirt Set

Girls love how IKKS manages to look casual but polished at the same time. Check out this "suit," which can live a long life as separates in a girl's wardrobe:

Pin Striped Denim Blazer

Pin Striped Denim Capris

Check out all of Juvie's IKKS for boys and girls in sizes 8-14 here.

Jean Bourget

2007-10-29T12:22:00.000-07:00

Lined Mohair Sweater

Ahh, the French know how to do fashion, don't they? Of course we all know about the amazing couture and ready-to-wear for adults, but let's not forget the kids. Because French kids want to get their fashion on too!

Gauze Poet's Blouse

And now U.S. tweens can share that same style savvy.

Boy's Orange Plaid Button-Down

We've got a great range from Jean Bourget for Fall and Winter. the boys' line is very classic-with-a-subtle-twist, which is just what we like.

Boy's Black Herringbone Denim Trousers

The girl's range is a little more fanciful. Check out the boho faux fur vest, modern print tunic, and dress with arm warmers...tres chic!

Faux Fur Vest

Cotton Printed Tunic

Black Sweater with Arm Warmers

Juvie Giveaway Today on My Mom Shops

2007-10-24T13:54:00.000-07:00

My Mom Shops (read it here) is a blog self-described as a New York City mom of two (and fanatic online shopper) who finds cute and clever stuff for moms and tots.

Not only does she shop online, she does so with exquisite taste. Her picks are always unique and so much fun.

That's why we're sponsoring a $50 Juvieshop.com giveaway on her site TODAY ONLY. So read the post, visit www.juvieshop.com, make a comment, and enter to win!

Vote for Juvie!

2007-10-22T13:01:00.000-07:00

Hey, guess what? Juvie has been nominated as L.A.'s Best Children's Store.

That's so cool...

Here's how you can help bring Juvie in for the win:

Click on this link, and vote for Juvie. You can also leave comments letting everyone know what you think about shopping at Juvie, either online or in our Silver Lake store.

We love to hear what you think! And every vote does count. Results are being tabulated through November 21, so feel free to forward this post to all your friends who you know want to give Juvie two thumbs up.

Ball of Whacks Magnet Building Toy

2007-10-10T14:07:00.001-07:00

Here's something new that's getting lots of Ooos and Ahhhs...

Ball of Whacks

This is one of those items that's being promoted as an adult toy...this particular one as a "creativity tool." But doesn't it just scream KIDS to you?

The Ball of Whacks consists of 30 magnetic design blocks that can be rearranged into many shapes, designs, animals--you name it! More versatile than a puzzle and lots more fun than a brain teaser. The Ball of Whacks comes with a 96-page illustrated creativity guidebook that provides you with tips, stories, exercises, and insights into the creative process.

Just a tiny sampling of what you can build

Each individual piece of the Ball of Whacks is a "golden ratio" rhombic pyramid. Held in place by 180 rare earth magnets, these design blocks fit together to form a perfect 30-sided rhombic triacontahedron — geometry's most beautiful shape.

Because of the large number of strong magnets (think, "Polly Pocket recall"), this is recommended for for ages 8 and up . What a great birthday present!

Splendid Holiday Sparkle, Now in Size 14

2007-10-09T12:15:00.000-07:00

Jersey tunic in lipstick red

You asked, and Splendid answered. You might remember that when Splendid first started doing tween sizes they ran form 7-14...then they dropped 14...and now it's back. Juvie has the latest styles in the complete size range, and they're fantastic for fall and the holidays ahead.

This season is all about sparkle: Splendid has done gorgeous silver foil prints on the cutest body styles for dressing up or just toodling around town.

Poppy print empire waist shirt

Heather grey ballet wrap

Ivory tank dress

Shimmering peasant top

Juvie in Daily Candy

2007-10-01T13:57:00.000-07:00

Daily Candy launched its Kid's Edition for various cities last week. This week, Juvie is listed in their Los Angeles email.

It's our first birthday, and we're having a sale this weekend (October 6 & 7) to celebrate!

Online shoppers will have to miss the cupcakes and lemonade, but everything in the online shop will be 20% off with the code HAPPYBDAY.

Stock up this weekend for birthdays, holidays, and chilly days ahead...

Poesia for fall

2007-10-01T13:01:00.000-07:00

Qing Dress

There's something very special about Poesia, the line of girl's dress-up wear.

Silk Burn-Out Dress

Poesia's designer used to work for Prada before striking out on her own, and the high-fashion influence definitely shows. These dresses are so unique, so well-made, and so lucious in their materials and construction that you'll swear that they're straight off the runway.

Hidrangea Dress

While we admit that this line is higher-priced than most, if you consider the year or two that a girl will be able to wear these to special occasions (and even longer if there's a younger sister waiting in the wings), they are definitely worth the splurge. These pieces are positively swoon-worthy!

U.N. Doll Dress

Just Breathe Mom

2007-09-25T13:38:00.000-07:00

There's a parenting directory website we're fond of, and it's called Just Breathe Mom.

Billed as an online resource for busy moms, you'll find lots of great links here whether you're looking for birthday party ideas, activities to do with the kids, or shopping resources.

Juvie's listed in the kids/tweens section. Take a look!

New Wes and Willy

2007-09-25T11:31:00.000-07:00

Wes and Willy can always be counted on for high quality boys wear. These folks know how to take the basics and give them a special spin. If you're looking for boys clothing with classic style and great fit and comfort, look no further.

Here are some of our favorites from the fall and winter lines:

Motorcyle Twofer Shirt

Nylon Athletic Pants

22 Hoodie

Athletic Pants With Stripes

Check out all of the Wes and Willy jackets, sweats, shirts, jeans and t-shirts here!

Stocking Those Desks for School Work

2007-08-28T15:29:00.000-07:00

Metal Magnet Board With Four Magnets

We have a lot of desks in our house: Five, for the four of us. And yet, the beanbags and beds and the dining room table seem to be the preferred work areas. I suppose we're all wreaking havoc on our backs, but if you've got to get down to it, you might as well be comfortable.

Rubber Band Ball

The desks have become the de facto supply storage areas, which helps when it's time to find a rubber band or calculator or eraser.

Jumbo Calculator

But what about scissors? I wish I knew where the 32 pairs I've purchased over the last five years have gone. Perhaps they should go under lock and key?

Magnetized Singing Paper Clip Holder

Stickers Turn Your Desk Supplies into Funny Creatures

When you're stocking your family's desks this fall, keep these fun items in mind to take some of the drudgery out of times tables and book reports.

Scottie Dog Mini Stapler

Sticky Notes With Pre-Printed Frame

Uniforms Get Scary Serious

2007-08-23T11:49:00.000-07:00

The theme this week must be school uniforms. And this must be a practical joke:

A company in England is considering manufacturing school uniforms with GPS tracking devices embedded inside the clothing.

Read story here

This is anxious and paranoid parenting at its finest. Would a parent really want to Lojack their children? Lojack is the GPS device that, when activated, tracks a stolen vehicle. Which leads to this question: Would you track your kid because you didn't trust them, or because you were worried about abduction or accidents?

Another question: Would you tell your child they were being monitored 24/7?

Uniform Blues (and Whites and Greys)

2007-08-22T10:40:00.000-07:00

School uniforms...you love the ease, they hate the...uniformity.

At our house we don't find uniforms to be much of a time or money saver. The girl changes out of the thing as soon as she gets home, which means two piles of dirty laundry at the end of the day instead of one. And it's not as if we're buying uniforms instead of street clothes; we're buying both.

Then there's the, "I hate uniforms," fight. Like I thought them up in the first place. And no, you can't create your own religion that dictates jeans and t-shirts as required pious wear.

If you've got a uniform rebel on your hands, Juvie's got an easy solution. Why not personalize that polo and those khakis with accessories and cool school gear?

Timmie Necklace, by Marilyn Patrizio

Jewelry, scarves, cute socks or leggings can go a long way toward standing out, if that's your kid's thing.

And let them express their own style with choice book bags, lunch sacks, and pencil cases:

Rolling backpack by GoGo Gear

Lunch Sack by Built NY

Loungefly Tootsie Roll Pencil Case

It's all about following the rules, while making some of your own!

"Cool Mom Picks" Back-to-School Guide

2007-08-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

The kids have to go back to school. They just do! I tried talking mine into taking a year off to travel the world, but they weren't thrilled with the idea of being a year behind their friends ("What if everyone thinks we were held back?").

If they have to face this reality, they might as well do it looking great, and with the best gear.

One of the best shopping blogs out there, coolmompicks.com, has chosen Juvie for their Back-to-School Shopping Guide.

You can see the guide by clicking above. They've chosen the cute Loungefly hair accessories as their Juvie pick...

Robot Hair Pins

Lightning Bolt Hair Pins

Celebrity Spin

2007-08-18T18:41:00.000-07:00

There's a crazy thing about owning a boutique in Los Angeles that is pretty unusual for stores the rest of the world over.

Photo by Kyle Cassidy

That craziness is called "celebrities."

There are more than a handful of boutiques in L.A. that have made their name by publicizing their celebrity clientele. In fact, several stores have become such paparazzi magnets that when certain people shop there, you can be fairly certain that it's more for the publicity that will be generated (Star! OK! Perez Hilton!) than the star's need to find a new belt or bag or pair of pajamas. And that's cool. The store and the celebrity get their exposure, and everyone's happy.

But what about a well-known person who just wants to buy something in peace? Should every gift purchase or fall wardrobe booster be reported to the tabloids and internet gossip sites?

I think not. Sure, famous people shop at Juvie. But unless a celebrity tells me that I should take their picture and send it to Us Weekly (not gonna happen), we don't spill.

HOWEVER...

Pick Your Nose Cups

There are times when celebrities and their cute kids are photographed wearing/using Juvie stuff. So, on occasion you might see pictures on our web store of famous folks who just happen to be modeling for us. 'Cause that's kind of fun, don't you think?

Sally Miller is Here!

2007-08-14T13:56:00.000-07:00

Sally Miller is a designer who formerly worked at another company where her creations were known as, "Sally Mack." Her first solo collection has just arrived at Juvie.

Now that she's out on her own, we find her designs to be a little more feminine, and a little less preppy. Tell us what you think:

Cameron Diaz Dress

Isn't this a great dressy-dress? I'm thinking Bat Mitzvah...

Mod Heart Dress

This one will do the trick at your friend's dance party.

And for everyday...

Grecian Style Tunic

You can check out all of our Sally Miller at www.juvieshop.com, where we have a new drop-down menu to search by brand.

Shop all our girl's lines

New Splendid Tween is Here!

2007-08-08T14:12:00.000-07:00

Candy Apple Red Tunic with Circle Pockets

Splendid Tween just arrived, and it's superb, once again. These fabrics are so sophisticated, and the styles are so cute, we can't resist!

Blue Topaz and Charcoal Lightweight Thermal Hoodie

These styles come in sizes 7/8, 10 and 12. But if you're shopping for someone a little older than that, hang on for just a little while. Splendid is bringing back size 14 in its next delivery.

Navy Babydoll Hoodie Dress

Get yours today; these are one-of-a-kind styles and won't be back again.

The Perfect Lunchbox?

2007-08-03T15:18:00.000-07:00

It turns out that the perfect lunchbox isn't a box after all; it's a bag!

Learn More and Add to Cart

Finding a functional, good-looking, safe, environmentally friendly lunch-toter is tougher than it sounds. Those insulated jobs made in China? Many have been recalled because they contain lead, and that's a risk I'm just not willing to take. Tin retro lunchboxes? Cute, but they tend to come apart quickly, and the interior space is inflexible and too small for a water bottle. What's a kid to do? I mean, you have to eat, and plastic-bagging every day isn't the best we can do for the environment.

Then we found the Gourmet Getaway, by Built NY. First off, it's tested to be free of lead. It's constructed of neoprene, the same stuff of wetsuits, which will insulate your goodies for several hours. Neoprene also has a bit of "give," so you can stuff this one if you, like me, need to pack a couple of snacks and drinks along with the midday meal. It's also machine washable (drip-dry), and really durable.

We have this in red, apple green, and a great mod stripe. It's only drawback may be that it's a little purse-like, which means it probably won't be carried by any boys. Oh well, let the girls have this one!

Learn More and Add to Cart

Designer Spotlight: Charlie Rocket

2007-08-01T13:34:00.000-07:00

Plaid Shirt

I could go on and on about Charlie Rocket...so here I go!

Snap Front Hoodie Shirt

Charlie Rocket is children's clothes company based right here in Los Angeles. I've been down to their headquarters, which is in a fantastic art deco building near downtown. It's a light and bright warren of huge rooms, and the architecture is stunning (and inspiring).

Cashmere-like fleece in two colors

They produce 95% of their line domestically using the best quality fabrics and fabrications, which really shows in how these clothes both look and wear. The fit is right in line with what's in style today, and the designs are modern without being too "out there," so they work for almost every boy. We think the prices are right on target for such a high-quality product that is made here in the U.S. No children making children's clothes, right? Unfortunately these days, that comes with a "premium" (translated: good wages for the employees).

Check out all our Charlie Rocket for boys and you'll definitely be back for more. Good thing more comes in all the time!

Fitting Rooms

2007-07-31T12:39:00.001-07:00

Once when my son was four years old, we went clothes shopping in a large department store. We picked out some clothes, and then I said, "Now, where's the fitting room?"

"What's a fitting room?" Luke said.

"It's where you go to try on clothes, " I said.

"Ohhhh. I thought it's where you go to have a big fit!"

Truer words were never spoken.

What is it about shopping with their kids that drives parents absolutely insane? Are the kids picky about styles, fit, or comfort? Do they always want more than perhaps you'd like to buy? Do they "hate" everything?

Yes, yes, and...yes.

Whatever every kid's quirk, we've noticed that lots of parent shop for their kids...without their kids. It must be easier to make another trip to exchange stuff than to endure a "fitting room" session.

Well, we'd like to change that particular family dynamic. Juvie is probably the most kid-friendly store around, which by extension makes it parent friendly too. We've got a variety of styles, prices, and fits for boys and girls, so everyone can find just the right thing. Our fitting rooms are spacious enough for a "helper," and we've got a comfy lounge area with magazines and a swinging chair to keep siblings or kids who are shopped-out occupied while Mom or Dad finishes up. The boys, who tend to be anti-shopping from birth, even tell us that we're the only store they've ever liked. We blush a little at that, but we're thrilled to be solving problems for everyone.

And here's a shopping tip: Sundays are our quietest day, so come on in this weekend for a "personal shopping" experience!

You're the Cool Aunt or Cool Uncle, Aren't You?

2007-07-26T11:29:00.000-07:00

Uncle Jesse

We've found that a good number of our clients are shopping for their nieces and nephews, and we're always happy to suggest what might be the most appropriate gift with the biggest "wow" factor when maybe you're not entirely familiar with what the kids are wearing (or interested in) these days. So it's always easy to find an awesome gift and keep your "cool aunt" or "cool uncle" cred when you're shopping at Juvie, but we want to make it even easier...

We've started a special "registry reminder" service for people shopping for children who aren't necessarily their own. If you give us your family's basic stats (names, ages, birthdays, sex), we'll "ping" you via email about a month before their birthdays and major holidays with some great gift ideas. Then you can shop online and have everything wrapped and on its way before you know it, or come into the store if you'd like to do some hands-on selecting.

Give us a call (323.667.0344), drop us a line (info@juvieshop.com), or come into the store and we'll have you set up in a jiff.

Don't let this happen to you...

Area Man Realizes He's Not The Cool Uncle

BABBITT, MN—After watching his brother-in-law wow his nieces and nephews during a family reunion with his ability to dunk a basketball and...

Robot Madness!

2007-07-24T14:21:00.000-07:00

Robot Love Necklace by Loungefly

I wasn't kidding when I said that robots are hot. We have this adorable necklace from Loungefly, but it goes out almost as quickly as it comes in! In fact, we shipped it out to England and Austria this week....how cool is that?

Dessert Charm Necklace by Loungefly

This necklace is brand new, just in from Loungefly. The charms are "sweet" (groan), but the O-ring is my favorite feature. Will cupcakes be the new robots???

More Deadstock in Stock

2007-07-18T11:35:00.000-07:00

Deadstock lives again! We've got a fabulous new selection of vintage kids' wear from the 60's and 70's. Come see the tops, shirts, shorts and assorted goodies for boys and girls. Our last shipment sold out almost immediately, so get in here quickly for the choicest picks. We don't always have every size in every style, so these items are an opportunist's best friend.

We have a good number of Buster Brown items in stock, which got me to doing a bit of research on the company. They've been around since 1904, and the name came from a popular comic about a boy named Buster Brown and his dog Tige.

Got that? The dog is named Tige; the boy is named Buster. Judging from the number of people who have posted pictures of their dogs named Buster Brown online, most people have that one mixed up! Note to self: must name next dog Tige.

New Ella Moss is Here!

2007-07-10T11:55:00.000-07:00

Ella Moss, our favorite for soft jersey dressing, has done it again with their early fall line. These pieces are based on the styles going out right now to women's stores, but with just the right modifications that make them perfect for girls. The dresses are youthful and sophisticated; the tops versatile enough to wear with jeans, shorts, or leggings.

Inky Navy Sleeveless Dress

These are custom cut-to-order for us, meaning that we order up the colors and sizes before they're produced, and once they're gone they're gone. So get yours now while you can!

The Huntington Dress

Trapeze Style Camisole Dress

Flutter Sleeve Babydoll Top

Anais Tie Top in Eggplant

Juvie Summer Sale!!!!

2007-07-05T12:41:00.001-07:00

Ahh, I've been remiss in posting. Apologies! The Juvie In Charge (that would be me) was on vacation last week. But while I was away, the red pens were busted out and and made busy, busy, busy in preparation for the great sale we have going on RIGHT NOW.

Much of our summer stock is marked down 30%. Some great vacation activity kits are marked down too. We've also got some book titles marked down 20% to facilitate that beach reading. Check it all out!!!

Summer Sale Merchandise

Shop early for your favorites in your size, as once they're gone, they're not coming back!

To Market, To Market, To Buy Cool Kids' Clothes

2007-06-21T12:31:00.001-07:00

Last week was market time, which is when stores get a peek into what's going to be happening six months into the future. It's our own crystal ball! It is a little weird, I have to admit, knowing what kids are going to be wearing in January '08 when summer vacation has just started...

After the market, Caletha Crawford, the executive editor of Earnshaw's magazine, asked me if I noticed any trends shaping up.

One certain thing we'll be seeing lots of this holiday season and into spring is metallic knits.

No, no, no.

Not like that.

These knits are more subtle, with the sheen woven right in, and they're used mostly for tops, not droopy sheath-style boogie woogie dresses (hey, it was 1968).

And what's up with that hairstyle? I really hope that's a wig, 'cause not even the year excuses that head creature.

Trend #2 is more of an anti-trend. You know all of the cra-za-zy stitching, rhinestones, and bedazzling you've seen on T-shirts and jeans' pockets the last couple years? Expect it to get toned down--way toned down--in the next six months or so.

And there's one great thing about dressing a kid: They'll always outgrow a style before it's totally over.

A Juvie Contest!

2007-06-21T10:37:00.001-07:00

Rare Bird Finds, our favorite shopping blog, is sponsoring a Juvie contest, and you have until June 30 to enter...

Click here for instructions on how to get yourself entered to win a $75 gift certificate. We'll honor the GC in the store or online, so even if you're local, it pays to enter!

Musical GENIUS!

2007-06-20T13:24:00.001-07:00

Juvie's home life has been filled with music lately, and not because the senior Juvie has any talent or ability in that area...

The kids have been singing and playing up a storm, from the recent Spring SCTG play to end-of-year recitals and school concerts.

One thing is for certain: Next year, Juvie will be sure to stock some black skirts and white, collared, long-sleeve shirts for the kids. Recital and concert clothing is something that always slips my mind until it's way too late, forcing a trip to the dreaded mall.

I just adore these concerts, and always have. They reliably make me tear up with pride, and not just for my own brood. I adore how all of the kids' work, and talent, and focus is on display. There aren't any math recitals or social studies presentations; music is one of the few areas where the kids get to actually show off how much progress they've made.

Which makes all that hounding at them to practice worth it.

What? Your kid practices willingly and with a smile? You must tell us your secret...

Retro, for Real

2007-06-15T14:05:00.000-07:00

We just got in a new selection of deadstock items from our secret source, and they're beyond great.

What's deadstock? These are items from the '60's and '70's that were never sold, and therefore never worn. They're brand new, with the hip retro style only vintage clothing can provide.

These pieces are mostly one-of-a-kind, so we can't put them up on the web store. You'll just have to come in and check them out...

Hours of Fun

2007-06-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

How many kids' products are labeled or marketed with the phrase, "Hours of Fun!"? It must be at least 80%. Such a ruse!

When I was a younger, more naive parent, I actually believed those three little words if they were printed on the front of a toy's packaging. It didn't take long before I was able to translate "Hours of Fun" into it's true meaning:

Seven to ten minutes of kid fun, and forty-two minutes of clean up for Mom.

In toy manufacturing land, more pieces=longer playtime. In the real world, more pieces=more things to clean up/lose/step on with bare feet. I am thoroughly repelled from those creations these days, so much so that the only things with multiple parts in our house are my daughter's beading gear, my son's slot car track, and the Queasy Bake Oven (and that's just about ready for a garage sale).

But you can't blame parents for falling for the Hours of Fun line. When we're facing a nine-hour car trip, or a cross-country flight, we're all desperate to fill that time with fun. Or at least a little industrious P & Q. Here, then are Juvie's recommendations for activities that might actually provide more than ten minutes of occupied attention...

Knit-It Kit for Kids

The Pastel Kit

Quilt-It Kit

Drawing for the Artistically Undiscovered

Pet Tornado

Friendship Bracelets

Now you'll be ready for the road, a rainy day, or just a quiet afternoon at home!

Juvie Workshops

2007-06-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

Since summer means the kids have a lot more free time, we're planning a series of workshops for July and August.

We'll be holding another t-shirt stenciling workshop on July 14, where kids can design and execute their own shirt using the great stencils from Brooklyn-based Stencil1. These were used for some of the kids' costumes in the upcoming Jamie Foxx/Jennifer Garner movie The Kingdom, which will be released in September. The workshop will be on a Saturday, from 2-4, and advanced registration is required. The cost is $25, and includes t-shirt, instruction, materials, and your choice of re-usable stencil. Call the store at 323.667.0344, or stop in to fill out your registration!

Your kids probably have a summer reading assignment from their teachers, and an easy way to help fulfill that is by signing up for Juvie's Book Blab. Our monthly picks are fresh from the publisher and hand-picked to be just right for our little demographic. Check here for June's picks. In July, we've got the perfect summer read for the older kids, Clique novel #8, Sealed with a Diss. We'll give the younger kids a July reading pass, as I'm fairly certain they'll all be deep into Harry Potter until August!

We're always coming up with fresh ideas for classes and workshops. If you think of something you'd like to see here, please let us know in the comments section, and we'll try to make it happen.

2007-06-05T12:07:00.000-07:00

We're interviewing summer babysitters at our house this week, and with an 8- and 11-year-old as the potential charges, we've had lots and lots of applicants. Taking care of tweens is pretty breezy; the daily grind is a lot less so when there are no diapers, naps, bottles, strollers, or car seats to fuss over. Making lunch and supervising the pool are the bare minimum requirements; of course we'd prefer a lot more than that, including enforcing some limitations on screen time that will probably require heavy duty activity-based interventions.

Even though we'd never leave the kids alone every summer weekday, the question has come up recently of when it will be OK to leave them on their own for shorter spans of time. I was under the impression that 12 was the legal cut-off, but then I looked it up. In California at least, there is no specific age requirement for leaving a child alone at home; instead, there are statutes for the prosecution of parents when something bad happens to a kid who's left home alone. Tricky, huh? The state leaves it up to the parents to make a judgment call about the potential that harm might come to the child in the parents' absence, and act accordingly.

These provisions mean that legally I could make a grocery run without dragging the kids along, and my husband and I could drop in on a friend's party without getting a last-minute babysitter. Cool! But will we?

Just last week, the kids and the dog were playing with a Monster Balloon in the living room (nothing I had previously forbidden), and an hourglass on the mantle took a header for the floor. Tiny shards of glass mixed with fine black sand went everywhere. The kids kind of panicked, and had even taken a step or two with bare feet before I made it into the room and told them to freeze, got the dog out of there, and started to clean up (not to mention soothe a scared and upset boy).

Not the best bit of marketing for the Monster Balloons, is it? Sigh. Would it help if I told you that the balloon survived the incident and is still going strong two weeks later?

Well, if that incident did anything, it reinforced that at this point leaving them alone for more than a few minutes would drive me crazy with "what ifs." Some parents would call that "neurotic," and I wouldn't necessarily argue with them. I'm also certain that it won't be much longer until I'll feel that they could handle that kind of accident on their own. I just don't mind waiting a little while for this next step in parenting.

Packing it All In

2007-05-30T10:49:00.000-07:00

Why is it that when we're about to go on a trip and I think about packing me and the kids, everything in our drawers and closets suddenly just won't do? All of those t-shirts and shoes and shorts and dresses worked fine this week at home, didn't they? Didn't we have a variety of activities between laundry days when we looked presentable, and wore clean underwear and socks without holes in them?

Claesen's Boxers

Then why can't I find more than one decent set of pajamas in my son's top drawer, and does my daughter really only have two pairs of shorts that still fit?

Jade Khaki Shorts

Tractor Madras Shorts

Maybe when we're on vacation , we want to present a better turned-out self than we do schlubbing around the grocery store at home. Or perhaps when we are contemplating a week of outfits, we finally do the math and realize that we're down to four t-shirts that fit right, aren't stained, and go with the pants in our wardrobe. Time to do some shopping!

Inky Dink Dragon T-Shirt
Funky Kids Indian Halter

Refer a Friend and You Both Win!

2007-05-29T13:31:00.000-07:00

In our ongoing effort to get the word out about the East Side's only store for older kids, Juvie is running a refer-a-friend promotion through the end of August...

Whenever you make a purchase in-store, you'll receive a coupon to give a friend. They'll get 10% off their first purchase, and you'll get 10% off your next purchase! Now that's a win-win situation.

This offer is good in our Silver Lake store only...unfortunately our web cart isn't able to keep track of such things. Besides, we love seeing you up close and in person.

xx,
Juvie

Thanks, Teacher!

2007-05-23T13:02:00.001-07:00

It's time to start thinking about how to say, "thank you" to the person who puts up with, educates, and looks after your child six hours a day, five days a week throughout the school year. When I put it like that, it's tough to say what, short of an extended Greek holiday, might make a sufficiently appreciative gift.

Last year, I gave gift certificates for Netflix to all of my kids' teachers, so that they might take the time to watch some good movies over the summer. The year before that, I had beach towels monogrammed for each. This year, there's Juvie, and several items in the store might make your teachers' day.

Tater Totes Deer Tote

This tote is great for the beach, a picnic, or a day at the Farmer's Market. It's made locally by a tiny company called Tater Totes, and it's super duper smart and durable.

Pamela Barsky journals

Another local artisan, Pamela Barsky, makes these journals that have a nice dose of wit and whimsy.

We also have an amazing line of handmade bath and body goodies by The Bubble Roome, and they're now 20% off. Make a gift basket or box of your favorites, and when that nice woman finally has a moment to herself, she'll know just how to use them.

Bubble Roome Bath and Body

Time for a Room Overhaul?

2007-05-22T12:36:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what it is about kids' rooms that make them look tired at a much faster rate than other rooms in the house. It could be the mega wear-and-tear they endure. It could be the fact that they hold more stuff than any other room, save the garage. It could be that the kids are growing and maturing and what was cute or fun or cool six months ago simply isn't now.

While looking to replace some exhausted furniture in my daughter's room, I came across a great company that does kids' furniture right.

BB2 Bed by NotNeutral

NotNeutral got into the kids' furniture biz fifteen years ago when they designed the space and furnishings for the Warner Brothers' daycare center. Now they have a line of furniture for kid and adult spaces that fulfills all of my criteria for what works in the home:

1) Modern, clean design that is kid-friendly but not cutesy.
2) Design that works from one kid-stage to the next. This stuff will work from preschool to high school.
3) Moderate prices.
4) High-quality materials and construction.

BB2 Shelf

BB2 Bedside Table

We're starting with a few bedroom basics here at Juvie, and will be adding more from their lines as we go (and especially if we get customer requests!). Tell us what you think!

Melinda? Really?

2007-05-17T12:29:00.000-07:00

Festa Shirts @ Juvie

Confession: We're a hardcore American Idol household.

There, I said it.

This is our first season ever watching, so our fandom is probably more intense than those of you who have been with the series FOREVER. I can already imagine that the repetitive judge's comments, incessant product placement, and questionable arrangements of shaky pop songs will dampen our enthusiasm next year. For now, though, it's super fun.

And what's one of the biggest reason viewers come back year after year? For the SHOCKERS like last night's results show. Even Melinda looked surprised, and not in that "aww shucks" way she perfected early in the season. Her reaction was more like, "huh?"

The audience was not pleased either, meeting the news with dark murmers and booing. You had to feel a little for Blake, who got none of the outpouring of congratulations that the studio audience had just bestowed on Jordin. It's as if the audience blamed Blake for Melinda getting fewer votes than he did. The poor kid! But it's pretty obvious he's not going home with the AI trophy either. All hail, Jordin Blake, who was all but crowned last night. Unless...

Stay tuned. I know we will.

Kingsley for Older Kids

2007-05-16T10:53:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when I'm scouting clothing lines for Juvie I feel like I'm in tween limbo. The choices for babies and little kids are vast and varied; the choices for juniors-and-up are likewise overwhelming. So why do most designers ignore the big kids?

I love the designers who recognize that older kids do, indeed, wear clothes on a daily basis. Companies like Erge, Jade, iT Jeans, Charlie Rocket, Wes & Willy, and Tractor make a store-owner squeal with delight for their consistently great offerings. Some women's lines are recognizing that younger girls might like their style too, which is why Splendid and Ella Moss started tween lines this year.

Now some of those hip toddler lines are getting into the act, too.

Kingsley, whose "pots and pans band" t-shirt graced Baby Shiloh on her first cover shoot, has upsized their great line of t's, pants and sweatshirts for (mostly) boys up to size 12. Hooray! We already have a few styles for summer, and they're rad stuff. Coming this fall, Mr. Mouth is a great skatepunk-style line designed by the lead singer of Smash Mouth that goes all the way up to men's sizes.

I can only hope that as these lines succeed, more and more designers will realize that not only do older kids have to wear clothes every day, they like them to be good-looking too!

Fill in The Bubbles Completely

2007-05-10T14:14:00.000-07:00

"Decomposition" notebook by Pamela Barsky

It's the season of the Standardized Test, a time when all across the country kids are told to eat a proper breakfast, get lots of rest (maybe even forgo American Idol for a night), and sharpen their #2 pencils.

That's good advice, to a point. I mean, aren't kids supposed to do those things every day anyway? If kids have spent the entire school year staying up to0 late, skipping breakfast, and trying to write with broken pencils, it's likely that they missed a lot of the information on which they'll be tested. Rest and good nutrition during testing week isn't going to boost those scores very much, if at all. This is a good example of the horse-already-left-the-barn policies in education that perplex me.

Another good one is foreign language instruction, which typically doesn't begin until kids are in middle school, under the assumption that younger kids can't handle such difficult, complex material. As it turns out, the window for learning a second language naturally, easily and fluently closes right around ages 11-13. Whoops.

I think the kids deserve a little treat for getting through those long, quiet days of conscientiously filling in bubbles. Go out for ice cream, see a movie, or take a hike in the woods to stretch those legs after testing week. Then stay up late, and have doughnuts for breakfast on Saturday. They've got another year to rest up.

Evil Schmeevil!

2007-05-09T12:53:00.000-07:00

Heroes, villains, tourists and robots? That's my kind of show. Mark McCracken has written a musical comedy populated by these folks and many more. Best of all, it will be staged by the Silverlake Children's Theatre Group's troupe of 7-12 year olds in the historic Assistance League Playhouse in Hollywood. This is truly a show the entire family will love, and there's not much entertainment that fits that bill.

Tickets are on sale at Juvie and from random parents wandering around the Eastside of Los Angeles. If you're in Silverlake or Los Feliz and see a parent who looks far too busy and their kid is emoting and exuberant, they probably have tickets for sale.
Showtimes:
Friday, May 18 & Saturday, May 19 at 7:00 pm
Sunday, May 20
Tickets: Adults $15, Kids 12 and under $10.
Info: 323-634-2595

What Would Childhood Be Without Sleepovers?

2007-05-07T13:24:00.000-07:00

How fun are sleepovers? Actually, let me re-phrase that...
How fun are sleepovers for the kids?
Very.
While the day after may not be such a breeze due to the lack of actual sleeping that takes place, there's something pretty awesome about spending hours in the dark with your best buddies, sprawled out in a big nest on the rumpus room floor, giggling the night away.
Who snores? Who was the first one to sleep? Did she get a Sharpie Moustache?

Henna Tattoo Kit for Kids

This might be a slightly nicer adornment. Before everyone "settles down," it's always fun to play a game or two, or do a project together. We dig these all natural henna tatoos, based on the ancient Indian art of Mendhi. One kit will do at least 20 tattoos, more than enough for your crowd.

Glow-in-the Dark Halo Pillowcase

Is your child the angelic one who falls asleep before a groggy Mom has to beg and plead for everyone to ...JUST BE QUIET? Then he deserves this glow-in-the-dark halo pillowcase from Atypyk.

Boy's PJs

Snazzy jammies never hurt either. Claesen's (from Holland) has fun prints in scrumptiously soft cotton. Boys' are in stock now; girls' are arriving this week.

And for Mom and Dad? We don't sell earplugs, sorry. You'll just have to ride this rollercoaster 'til dawn.

Sum-Sum-Summertime

2007-05-03T08:55:00.000-07:00

The summer scramble is officially on. Quick, book your spots in zoo camp, theatre camp, surf camp, riding camp...or how about camp camp? Wouldn't that be great?

Week one: Exploring the films of John Waters.
Week two: Dynasty v. Dallas.
Week three: Make your own garden gnomes.

Here in Los Angeles, parents compute a complex algorithm to make their camp choices. First we factor in cost, multiply by drive time, divide by camp quality, add what friends are attending, then divide both sides by free weeks in the calendar. Once that's sorted, I'll be looking for a student sitter to fill in the breaks at home. Anyone with a good referral, please give me a holler!

Shout out to the East Coast...

Robots are the new skulls

2007-04-30T13:21:00.000-07:00

There aren't many trends that become as ubiquitous as the skull did. It's still going strong for both boys and girls apparel and accessories, I have to tell you. We order much of our clothing three to seven months in advance, and from what I've previewed, I can assure you that there will still be skulls out and about in '08.

But here at Juvie? We're over it. The trend we're digging on is ROBOTS!

Loungefly has some super cute girl's accessories:

Loungefly Robot Bobby Pins

And this little guy is awfully fun to have on your desk:

Robot Pencil Sharpener

And we can't wait until we get our order from Spitfire girl, who are doing custom T-shirts for boys and girls just for Juvie. Here's what the robot looks like on a baby onesie; ours will be on straight up 100% cotton t-shirts.

Stay tuned to this blog or www.juvieshop.com for their arrival!

Books on the Brain

2007-04-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

For those of you in L.A., don't forget the L.A. Times Festival of Books is on this weekend, at UCLA. I have my ticket to see T.C. Boyle, rabid fan that I am (so much of a fan that the entire time we overlapped at USC, he as a professor and I as a grad student, I wanted to drop by his office hours, but was too intimidated), and more than one of us in the family can't wait to see Tim Gunn, from Project Runway.

Eggs by Jerry Spinelli

Books, books, and more books. I can't wait. I spent last Friday morning poring over the latest and upcoming titles. We have some fun new ones this month, the highlight probably being Eggs, by Jerry Spinelli. He's the author of Stargirl, a great read that Lola's teachers keep assigning. She's read it at least four times. Eggs has a bit of "tragic drama" in it, but nothing compared with most of the books coming out this season, whose descriptions all sound like this:

"When 13-year old Susie's mother dies of an overdose and she's sent to live in a rusty trailer with her smelly old uncle, she never thought..."

Draaaaag. On a sillier note:

Juvie's Sleepless Nights

2007-04-25T13:51:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed that the "Mother Tongue" section of this website hasn't been updated lately. That's because the column was dropped, along with the entire Family Page, from the Ventura County Star. The whole thing was quite unceremonious (as in, they didn't bother to tell me), and frankly, the experience has put me off newspaper publishing.

But hey, that's alright. A large, well-respected Hollywood production company is launching a hip parenting website this summer, and I hope to be on board as a contributing writer. I could go on and on about old v. new media at this point, but I won't. Suffice it to say that as my shop is online, my daily reading material is online, and my research materials are online, my writing should be online too.

Which brings us to the Juvieshop blog! This old juvie++ has had a few sleepless nights lately, and at 2 a.m., one's mind turns to what one could possibly be doing other than trying to fall asleep. Blogging seemed like an attractive option. The next morning, it still did. The shop needs a blog, not only for news and updates on all things Juvie, but for all things Ages 7-14 (Maybe the first order of business will be a contest to come up with a replacement for that twee word, "tween.").