The Washington Post
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Page C02

SHOPPER
Old-Fashioned Looks For the New Baby
By Janelle Erlichman Diamond

Babies care about fashion. Really. It's right up there with the other necessities: eating, drinking and sleeping. So, for those babes not in the know:

Vintage and classic are the big story for spring, says Julia Beck, founder of Forty Weeks, a consulting firm with a focus on expectant and new mothers. This means everything will look slightly familiar, with vintage-inspired fabrics and old-world styling. With exotic prints and ethnic embroidery, "an infusion of world culture finds its way into the mix as well," she says.

And look for bursts of colors like yellow, orange and fuchsia, says Kristen Franklin, owner of K Baby, a Georgetown bambino boutique. "A bohemian influence is really evident across the board, from the edgiest to the most traditional lines," says Franklin, herself a new mom.

"Designers are finding new ways to combine hippie with chic and classic all at once. They're basically mixing sophisticated prints with peasant-style pieces and classic details," she says. "And the end result is really fun and retro with a little twist of romance."

Loralin Design ice cream baby tee, $22 at totshop.com

Petunia Pickle Bottom Lotus Roll bag $175 at Neiman Marcus

Oopa Baby sling, $150 at oopababy.com

Bloom Love dobby jacket ($45), dobby pants ($40) and knit tank ($28): and below, Bloom Love dress ($50) and bolero sweater ($48) at Piccolo Piggies 1533 Wisconsin Ave, NW