KidMontauk

Yup, who would have thought an era I grew up in would be considered vintage now. And a really awful fashion era at that, the 80′s. Big hair, neon colors, shoulder pads, cut up sweatshirts, jazz shoes, Ray Bans. Some of these things are coming back around quite strong and I see teenagers thinking “OOOOH how cool”. I’m thinking “Not again”. But when you can’t beat ‘em…you may as well join them wearing the best of what is being offered.

I love the neon nail polish by Essie. On toes ONLY! A neon colored belt in leather or webbing. I have found them in all widths. My two faves are a skinny from J.Crew and a wider from American Eagle Outfitters. Also a watch can add a flash of color. Yellow watch by Nixon at Air and Speed surf shop in Montauk. Of course stripes are every where. If you wear your stripes in black and white it is more 80′s punk. Especially with a pair of black Converse sneakers, thank you Joey Ramone.
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I was in J.Crew in East Hampton the other day. I Love this new shop. It is beautiful and tasteful. The sales help is positively lovely. There is no need to feel uncomfortable in any way, it is only J.Crew not Gucci. I was still feeling svelte and tan and long and lean from the summer. I wanted to try on some jeans and sweaters. Stock up on a few Fall staples. I took my small lot of things to try on into the dressing room. Now these are beautiful softly lit dressing rooms. Soft color, nice rug, a little stool, pretty curtain. You would think that one would look OK in there. However as was buttoning the jeans and looking up at my reflection I was horrified. Who was that, that…greenish… person?! with that wrinkly saggy post baby tummy and ashy skin looking back at me. GOOD GRACIOUS!! I quickly put on a sweater to cover the offending belly and ran out to a mirror as close to a window as I could find. Wow, luckily that monster in the dressing room had not followed me! Phew. Back to my jeans and sweater shopping in peace.
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I can not remember how many times I have shown up at school dressed exactly like my kids. I guess I wake up feeling like wearing a certain color or stripe and then go over board. It can be very cute to all dress alike. However don’t look like escapees from a catalog fashion shoot or a fashion “don’t” page with black bars over your eyes.

So keep a theme but mix it up. Make sure everyones’ clothing choices are age appropriate! Nothing worse than a mom dressed in cute little ruffles looking like she too is wearing matching diaper covers. Also sad is a 3 year old forced into brown subdued clothes. Just wait until he gets a power ranger t-shirt or she gets a princess dress, it will NEVER come off. Then you have to deal with a child insisting on the same thing day in and day out.

Share With… Montauk has just what you need for inspired family dressing that even Dad will wear! Nautical stripes suit everybody. They always look fresh, clean and up to date. Never too girly but bright enough to suit any little princess and definitely cool enough with a hood for a young or old dude. All of the beautiful clothes are made to last and be favorite wardrobe staples for seasons to come. You may want to buy your kids a size larger for next year. A lot of the offerings in the shop are from France. So not only will you all look chic you will feel chic.
-peri
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Hey Dad, afraid to take your kids shopping? Afraid you might look like a dork or worse? Afraid your 8 year old daughter thinks you know absolutely NOTHING and thinks you dress like a dweeb. Afraid your 6 year old son will stop thinking you know EVERYTHING and that the sun rises and sets on you?  Apparently boys will hold their Dads up a bit higher for a bit longer then the girls. I am speaking only from the girl experience. I have a 4 and a 6 year old and both already know EVERYTHING there is to know about what to wear and how to wear it. So, Dad, keep yourself held high on that pedestal and show them that you know where it’s at! (Even if you don’t know what or where “it” is.)
Go into Air and Speed Surf Shop where you can look really really cool while shopping with your little ones. Show them that you know everything and lots more. You can even get some new surf shorts, rash guards, cool jeans, shades, hats, and a new fish for your self so you won’t embarrass your children while you are in their presence. You can all walk out proudly as a newly outfitted totally hip family!
Dad, if you are unsure of something for your son or daughter do not be afraid to find Catherine Foley who will help you pick out the perfect outfit. Catherine and Stu own the shop and happily help all their customers get ready for the East End way of life. They will also teach you how to surf.
You ROCK Dad-
Peri-

Air and Speed Surf Shop
(east end of town on 27)
795 Montauk Highway
668-0356

Boys
Quick Silver shorts $40
Quick Silver organic cotton T $19.50
Quick Silver sweat shirt $48
Shakas flip flops $16

Girls
Billabong Billie Girls striped top $32
Roxy walking shorts $36
Roxy bikini $40
Reef flip flops $16

I think you have to be in your 40′s to remember Buster Brown.
Upon arriving at my Grandparent’s house for any extended visit my Grandfather always took me to get 2 things. Proper undershirts, the ones with the little bow in the front and STURDY PROPER shoes. I was never dressed right. What did my parents think? I was not an orphan. They were proper people. Why should their child be dressed in sloppy sneaks (as he called them) and flimsy t-shirts. So off we went to Buster Brown to get proper shoes. Usually brown or blue with laces. Penny loafers when I was bigger.
I know Crocs are all the rage (He would roll over in his grave) and should only be seen on kids’ feet! However kids need proper sturdy shoes with a good arch support for their little feet from time to time. My all time favorite are Birki’s. I LOVE THEM. They look so innocent. Not something a Brats Doll would have on. They come in awesome colors and prints for boys and girls. All leather and nubuck ones or more sporty rubber ones. My favs are the boys’ brown ones and the pink buckle sandal for girls. The pink buckle sandal is printed with little flowers, so sweet. They work well dressed up or down. They are flat and do not slip or skid. Your kids and their little feet will thank you! Go run over to Kai Kai Shoes and Sport at Gosman’s Dock. They also have every thing else you might need for spending time in Montauk.

Birki’s Sandals
$49 to $59
Kai Kai Shoes & Sport at Gosman’s Dock
631-668-8009

Don’t forget to tell them KidMontauk sent you!
Peri-