02/08/05

Stylish children's boutique shows parents that little ones can have a little style and still be cute.

by Contributor

The Scene
Wide open spaces and a sleek, fresh design give form and function to LMNOP. Clothing runs along either side of the shop, with pieces dangling from silver hangers, leaving enough room to maneuver a three-seat stroller. Toddlers in tow? There's a bench in back, situated between two built-in dollhouse-shaped shelves, filled with toy furniture.

The Goods
Muted colors, sophisticated fashions, playful prints and patterns, solid-colored basics, and delicate designs prove that not all children's clothes are emblazoned with cartoon characters. From darling dresses and cutesy jumpers to conductor overalls and olive-colored corduroys, LMNOP's clothing has an element of pure child dress-up or down. LMNOP boasts brands hard to find anywhere else in Chicago--Petit Bee, Flora & Henri, Quincy, Cotton Caboodle and Cakewalk--many from as far away as Holland or Ireland. Accessories include bendable toy flower friends, soft rubber helicopters, fuzzy hats and patterned cotton tights.