Shop Talk: New Options for Kids at MOA

There's a direct correlation between what's "in" for adults and what's "in" for our littlest fashionistas this spring. We see bright hues, metallic accents, pretty prints, graphic T's, and preppy styles across the board, especially inside Mall of America's newest options for kids: 

Crew Cuts (J.Crew's exclusive line of children's fashion, located inside the mall's second-floor J.Crew store) and Janie and Jack (an upscale offshoot of Gymboree, situated on the south wing's first floor).

I was impressed with the large store space devoted to J.Crew's new kids collection (shown at left). The back right corner in MOA's location swells with pops of sunny yellow cardigans, warm pink sweaters, crisp navy shorts, citrus-orange handbags, and other spring and summer accessories for boys and girls. I loved the preppy, country club-inspired looks—they are a perfect match to mom's and dad's warm-weather wear.

Minnesota's only Janie and Jack location (shown at right) caters to a slightly younger child but features everything from preemie onesies to kids size six. Parents will find high-quality clothing inside the boutique-style storefront, including handmade sweaters, detailed dresses, adorable baby attire, and one-of-a-kind accessories, such as shoes, purses, and hats. Although it's a fresh place to shop for stylish  apparel, slightly steep prices might turn off some mall goers: Girls' dresses range from approximately $40 to $50 and boys' T's from $20 to $28.

Both collections are worth a look at MOA, especially if you're updating your family's closets for summer.

(The Crew Cuts line is also available inside Southdale's J.Crew location.)