I don’t sugar coat it. I have a baby clothes shopping addiction problem. As strange as that may sound, it’s a true fact. Don’t get me wrong, I personally don’t see it as an actual problem but some folks definitely do. I have 3 children ages 5, 2.5 and 11 weeks. Let’s just say, I’ve had a lot of practice honing my skills. My friends who don’t make dressing their children their sole purpose in life favorite hobby, will sometimes ask for my help when looking for something special or unique for their little ones to wear. Whether it’s an heirloom day gown for hospital homecoming or a custom smocked bishop dress, I’m flattered to have become their go to girl!
Here’s the lowdown on my favorite places to shop for my littles, locally.
Baby Bloomers
Located on Coleman Blvd across from Moultire Middle School, Baby Bloomers not only carries an extensive collection of layette lines, but they also offer furnishings, decor, toys, strollers and other baby equipment and necessities. From beautiful silk draped bassinets to Bla Bla Dolls, Baby Bloomers has everything you’d need for a most luxurious nursery and an impeccably turned out infant. Some of my favorite lines they carry include Magnolia Baby, The Beaufort Bonnet Company, Prodoh, Noodle & Boo, Uppababy, Little Giraffe, Kissy Kissy & Jellycat. My current favorite items that they carry are the Rosalina baby dolls wearing smocked dresses. My daughter has been trying to convince me that she “needs the baby with yellow hair” since we were in there last. Oh and don’t skip their sale rack. It gets me every time.
The Ragamuffin Shop
Located on Coleman Blvd in The Common, near Shem Creek, Ragamuffin carries Newborn to Size 7 clothing, accessories and gifts. Besides classic smocked frocks, some of my favorite lines they carry for babies and toddlers include- Lilly Pulitzer, Florence Eiseman, Kissy Kissy, The Beaufort Bonnet Company & The Bailey Boys.
Ragamuffin also has a Stride Rite shop with a superb selection of childrens footwear for all occasions. With such a great assortment of sweet styles for my sweethearts as well as a few pieces and accessories for ladies, I never seem to be able to leave Ragamuffin empty handed.
Southern Belles
Located on Coleman Blvd in Northcutt Plaza in their freshly renovated space, Southern Belles offers an assortment of apparel, shoes, gifts and accessories for your littlest family members. They have a great assortment of traditional and smocked clothing for baby. Whether you prefer the delicate shadow embroidery of Auraluz or bright, festive patterns by Zutano, Southern Belles has a little bit of everything for everyone. Southern Belles is one of the few shops in Mt. Pleasant that carries special occasion dresses for flower girls, cotillion, communion and christening. Don’t miss their great selection of shoes for the littlest feet too!
From Here to Maternity & Baby
Located on Johnnie Dodds Blvd in Crickentree Village, From Here to Maternity & Baby has a wide selection of baby clothes, gear, gifts and accessories. Some of my favorites here include- Paty Inc, Mayoral, Kissy Kissy, Bunnies by the Bay, Aden & Anais, Maison Chic, 3 Marthas, Mustela & Little Giraffe. Because they also cater to expectant mothers, this shop is unique in that they offer a variety of breastfeeding accessories and are one of the few places to rent hospital grade breast pumps in Mt. Pleasant.
(sidebar) In May, the week before I had baby #3, I was in a slight panic that I could only find one, single, Paty Inc. brand bootie. Obviously just one bootie doesn’t do the trick and if you didn’t already know, these booties are the ONLY booties that stay on little tiny newborn feet. I Googled Paty retailers in Charleston and made a bee line to this shop for, not one, but two booties (ha) and also picked up some adorable Big Sister and Big Brother presents for my older two kiddies.
Kids on King
Located on King Street, smack dab in the heart of Downtown Charleston, Kids on King offers a very strong collection of traditional smocked classics such as- Feltman Bros, Vive la Fete, Anavini, Claire & Charlie & Marco & Lizzy. More lines they offer that you will find in my own my childrens closet “collection” include- Funtasia Too, Le Top, Luigi & Mulberry Street. I was blown away during my first visit by the inventory and variety of merchandise they have in stock. I may or may not have been one of the first in line to shop their big sale last Fall.
If you haven’t popped in to browse in these shops, I encourage you to visit them next time you’re nearby. There’s so much sweetness in our little city for the tiniest members of our families. Be sure to check out their websites, subscribe to their newsletters and follow them on Facebook to be some of the first to know about sales, specials and in store events. Who knows, there’s a good chance I might run into you on the Charleston baby clothes circuit.
*Please note, this post is about baby clothes. There will be future posts about childrens resale and consignment as well as big kid styles for your not so littles. Stay tuned!!
Happy shopping!
Jessie
