Zutano: Hip Clothes for Babies and Children

The Zutano clothing line has brought a fresh new approach to infant and toddler apparel. Gone are the days of sailor dresses and baseball tees. Why not make your child stand out as the unique, artistic person you know they are? With bold, mismatching designs and coordinating colors, your baby is sure to garner attention. Don't be surprised if people stop you on the street and ask where you bought your little one's clothes!

Zutano was created less than ten years ago by a husband and wife team. Both artists living in New York, they found that buying clothes for their baby could be quite dull. Why is fashion so constricted in the children's department, anyway? After beginning small, by selling original, homemade pieces to small boutiques in New York, the Zutano line would soon be featured on the runway during fashion week (with pint-size models strutting down the catwalk.)

The prices for Zutano-wear can be a bit much, considering how quickly babies grow out of clothes and how many stains can be acquired. They aren't outrageously expensive, but equivalent to what Mom probably spends on casual wear. (You won't find any six-pack Zutano onesies, like with Carter's) However, all Zutano pieces are made in coordinating colors. The point is to mix and match the crazy colors and designs. In that respect, they are quite practical. Think Garanimals, but couture.

In addition to their mix and match coverall and legging sets, Zutano makes some fabulous accessories. Beanies, sunhats, and fleece caps are made in all the Zutano design and colors. Also, they make a really inventive booty that is designed to stay put on your child's feet. (No more tracing your steps in the supermarket looking for that lost sock.) Recently, there has also been a release of a Zutano-exclusive lovey- a bunny rabbit dressed in a trademark Zutano outfit.

Although Zutano isn't available at mainstream retailers such as Babies R Us, the clothes are easily accessible online. Babycenter.com seems to have an extensive stock of Zutano clothing in their online store, along with other trendy lines. You can always go straight to the source, too, by visiting Zutano.com. For those of us who can't justify an expensive wardrobe for baby, you can always peruse eBay for lightly used pieces. Your baby deserves at least one Zutano outfit- let her express her inner fashionista!