Profile

A 2003 move from Third Avenue to Madison reflects a core truth of this strictly European children's clothing boutique. Rejecting the seasonal allure of trendy outfits that scream last-season before their wearers outgrow them, Bambini on Madison deals exclusively in classic, high-quality French and Italian pieces—smocked, embroidered, pin-tucked and pressed to a fantasy dressmaker's exacting standard—that will make the toddlers in your life nattily dressed and ready for a fancy lunch or a museum outing, if not for a muddy romp in the park. Sizes run from three months to twelve years. Since its nearest competitor, Tartine Y Chocolat, closed, Bambini has added the French prep-school-style to its already immaculate collections. Considering the investment (not to mention the dry-cleaning), those in line for hand-me-downs will owe you. Big. — Susan Avery

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There’s a refreshingly low-key attitude in this Upper East Side kids’-clothing shop, which specializes in fancy, frilly European dresses. Hold out for twice-a-year sales to snap up beautiful outfits at half off regular prices.