Taking advantage of our first spring-like day in months, I decided it was time to step briefly outside of Pascack Valley and stop at a store that I have always wanted to go: Eat Your Spinach located at 42 East Ridgewood Avenue in Ridgewood.
This boutique has been in Ridgewood for 25 years, so it is hardly a hidden gem. Under the direction of Anna Civita Anagnos, President, it is an established go-to shop for moms, dads, and even grandparents alike. According to Anna, the shop is "here for everybody," and she means it. Anna saw that her customers' children kept growing, so at Eat Your Spinach the size ranges run from Infant to Juniors.
When I first walked in, I was overwhelmed with product. But as I began to speak with Anna, the store began to unfold into a consumer-friendly shopping experience.
If you want to know what is going on in the children's apparel market, Anna is a great advisor. She handpicks all items in the store by making major purchases four times per year. Each Monday she trend shops - inspired by the trendsetters of New York City or by previewing seasonal lines in exclusive designer showrooms.
For boys this Spring, the trend moves slowly but surely. Basic tee and short silhouettes rely on stellar graphics to differentiate from seasons past.
Shopping for boys is a breeze. My heart goes out to the mothers of girls. For girls this Spring, Anna noted that neons are still in, and the high-front, low-back dresses and tops have been peaking.
I also spotted these adorable sporty tutu's that I just had to share. It will be a very sad day when the tutu fad ends, but thankfully it doesn't look like it is going anywhere anytime soon.
Speaking from one apparel professional to another, Anna and I agreed that most boys' apparel are sold based on necessity for basics, while girls' apparel are sold based on necessity for style. I know the fashion industry always tries to push the envelope. But as a mother of two boys, some days I am just happy that my children still fit in their clothes.
A big thank you to Anna for operating a successful boutique based on the universal rules of parenting: always listen to your mother, and Eat Your Spinach.
If you would like to know more about Eat Your Spinach, "like" their Facebook page.
All photos courtesy of Jennifer Bermejo.
About The Author
Jennifer is the mother of two amazing little boys and loves to know what is going on around them so they can get involved. Originally from the Midwest, Jennifer moved East 8 years ago to pursue a career in New York City's fast-paced apparel industry. After her first son was born, Jennifer and her husband decided it was time to get out of NYC and get some real space to raise a family. They found their niche right in Bergen County. Since stepping foot here, they haven't turned back! Jennifer claims to have the heart of a Midwesterner but the sprit of an East-coaster which, so far, hasn't failed her yet. She always look forward to what is to come. After her second son was born, Jennifer decided to give the apparel industry a break to focus on her two children.
Jennifer is the mother of two amazing little boys and loves to know what is going on around them so they can get involved. Originally from the Midwest, Jennifer moved East 8 years ago to pursue a career in New York City's fast-paced apparel industry. After her first son was born, Jennifer and her husband decided it was time to get out of NYC and get some real space to raise a family. They found their niche right in Bergen County. Since stepping foot here, they haven't turned back! Jennifer claims to have the heart of a Midwesterner but the sprit of an East-coaster which, so far, hasn't failed her yet. She always look forward to what is to come. After her second son was born, Jennifer decided to give the apparel industry a break to focus on her two children.
OTHER ARTICLES BY JENNIFER
"Spring Has Sprung At Papillon Bambino In Westwood"
Mommy Confessions: "I Never Wanted to Drive a Mini-Van," Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.
"A Night to Remember: A Macaroni Mom's First Experience With Westwood's Home for the Holidays Celebration"
