Bellini: Chicago's Quality Child Outfitter

The first thing that comes to you when the elevator opens onto Bellini (the 3^rd floor loft above Goose Island Brewery, 1800 N. Clybourn, Chicago) is the care given to the space, the customers, and the concept of comfort. Raw wood, pastels, solid construction and soft shapes abound; the space says safe at home, safe and sound.

Right away the vision of the store owners, Cindy and her husband Jeff Hudgins, is clear: raising a child well requires a family that cares. The afternoon of my visit I met their staffer Mickie, who knows her stuff when it comes to outfitting babies and their parents. She was pleasant and inviting; in the business for over two decades, Mickie gushes over the relationships with clients, mothers, fathers, and their children.

Populated with clever vignettes, the store presents the prospective parent with quality products that will improve the quality of their life as well as that of their child. A complete outfitter for any youth -- newborn through near-teen - Bellini carries everything, from clothing, furniture, artwork, accessories, stuffed animals and SPF-70+ waterproof sunscreen and lip balm.

Further, the space is a converted loft in the Lincoln Park neighborhood with exposed wood beams, high ceilings and high ideals, hard woods, and windows aplenty. What the Hudgins' have created is a sanctuary, something that is fleeting and precious in a harsh urban world.

And it's not necessarily all about the children; sometimes it's about making it easier to be a parent. Rocking chairs, diaper caddies, hampers, ergonomic strollers and child carriers, plus dressers that don't require assembly with an Allen wrench before falling apart at 3 AM, are all help.

Bellini's brand is quality products and service. If they don't stock the item needed to complete your experience, they are happy to direct clients to other related area retailers; they know it takes a community to raise a child the right way. Open seven days a week (10-6 M-F, 10-5 Sa, Noon-4 Su), Bellini is always there.

What's more, Bellini is the perfect place to get the perfect gift for your friends who are parents, veteran or new.

I think, if everyone grew up the Bellini way, no one would end up like Amy Winehouse, Rod Blagojevich, Bristol Palin, Drew Peterson or the Octo-Mom.

Shop Bellini and you can't go wrong.