Threads and Toys That Make Boys into Men!

What are little boys made of? According to the 19th century nursery rhyme, “Snips and snails and puppy dog tails.” While the Victorians may have been satisfied with this description, the modern boy is a far cry from it — and his parents are ready and willing to dazzle the world with junior’s guy style. Some in children’s fashion still view boys’ clothing as an afterthought, especially in the specialty retail market.

It’s time to take another look, as opportunity knocks on the boys’ door. Young males now have a plethora of clothiers at their disposal, and the headliners of tomorrow are more aware of the importance of appearance. English Laundry, d mo baby, and Alpha Industries are on the well-dressed boys’ short list for the finest in targeted, youthful guy fashion, while Spitfire Girl is keeping it real with a new take on old-fashioned, favorite toys that capture boys’ imaginations.

English Laundry Brings Spot-On Style to Young Men

The cool élan of English Laundry speaks for itself: celebrities have sported the brand from one end of the globe to the other. “The crossroads of fashion, rock, and all things English” speaks to the well-informed consumer who understands the nature of quality and timeless elegance, with a splash of the cutting-edge tossed in. Celeb designer Christopher Wicks has focused his talents on creating the “it” look for young men of style and taste.

The tough, but smart King Edward button-up in red plaid displays the classic styling and the quality expected in the English Laundry’s Men’s line, but with the charm that’s all boy. The fine detailing of English Laundry’s long sleeved woven shirts is sure to dazzle. From the long-sleeved Saxe in Blue Stripes to the sharp, businesslike High Post in Black, each piece envelopes the fashion-forward man-to-be in sophisticated fun.

With summer in full swing, short-sleeves are a necessity: from the woven charisma of the edgy Penny Lane in Black to the Cavern in Navy Plaid, the look is fitting for all seasons.

Give mothers a reason to love dressing up their young men. Bring a classy, cool flair into your store at www.englishlaundry.com

d mo Styles for the Little Man

A mother’s elegance and style from the corporate world meets the needs of the everyday parent: it is at this intersection that d mo baby rules with charm and grace. Started by an entrepreneurial mom with an eye for how boys can dress with style, d mo baby caters to fashion-aware young men (and their moms and dads!)

The unique and stylish clothing lines from d mo have appeared in photo shoots in some of the most-recognized magazines around, and with good reason. The clothing is fabulous and functional, with a special emphasis on providing boys’ fashion with the royal treatment. Shirts, blazers, vests, and ties form the foundation of a well-dressed son’s wardrobe, and d mo delivers.

From the hip, black-and-white striped “Jack” with laser-like cuffs, to the sweet and subtle “Brandon” in brown gingham and blue stripes, d mo has it all. Young charmers looking to make a statement need to sport the quality vests: the “Ryan” in blue and black plaid is the quiet front to the riot of deep red, blue and white on the back. It’s easy to upgrade from sophisticated casual to sharp special events with the addition of one of d mo’s snazzy ties or blazers.

Elicit repeated praise from those in the know by stocking up at www.dmobaby.com

Alpha Industries Outfits a Boy’s Life

Nothing is tougher than the American troops who put their lives on the line to serve the cause of justice and democracy –– so the Defense Department sought out a clothier who could dress America’s finest. Its choice: Alpha Industries.

The toughest boys deserve the best in fashion, and Alpha Kids delivers. The charcoal gray “Jack Twofer” is an adventurous boy’s delight: two soft short-sleeved shirts, one sporting a pirate ship and the other with a pirate’s skull patch on the sleeve. Future pilots will proudly sport the red “Heights” tee, emblazoned with the Alpha Industries custom airplane graphic.

When the going gets tough, the tough make sure they’re outfitted in the Boys Akron Pants, Alpha Industries’ answer to the hard-scrabble play life of most boys. Available in three colors, Akron Pants are designed from a special garment-washed cotton to give them an added splash of fashion and functionality.

The spirit of young adventure is outfitted with the Boys MA-1 Jacket. This stylish pilot’s jacket comes replete with Top Gun and American flag patches and sports a sage-green exterior that cloaks a brilliant neon orange interior, just like the original pilot’s jacket.

Insist on the rugged style and enduring fashion found at www.alphaindustries.com

Spitfire Girl Knows How to Play with Boys!

Spitfire Girl has its finger on the pulse of boys and their dads! Profiled in the Real Simple Holiday Gift Guide 2010, toys from Spitfire Girl are a tribute to what boys have loved for decades. The Bag O’ Cowboys is every Western-lover’s dream: the drawstring burlap bag conceals a collection of old-fashioned delights, from sturdy Cowboys and Indians to covered wagons and teepees.

Why stop at the Old West? Spitfire Girl has a complete collection of rugged toys that pique the interest of even the most video-game involved youngster. Silver and gold warriors duke it out in the Bag of Knights, while the Bag O’ Pirates is a non-stop romp with a telescope, cannon and swordsmen!

For the boy with the mischievous streak, there’s the Bad Boy Bag. No junior comedian can resist the guffaws that result from the whoopee cushion or squirt gun, just two of the many items loaded into the 9” x 6” muslin bag.

If it’s creepy and crawly, it’s probably going to end up in a boy’s pocket — make sure that it’s not alive by stocking up on the Bag of Bugs. A variety of insects bring smiles and thrills to the budding entomologist.

These easy-to-pack toys are great for kids that love playing like dad and grandma used to do. Load up at www.spitfiregirl.com