Preorders 101

Mustard Pie Fall 2012

Why preorder? What are preorders anyway?
We’d like to take a minute to dispel some myths about seasonal preorders and explain all the great reasons why you might want to consider preordering this season.

First of all, what’s a preorder? Put simply, a preorder is an order you make for specific items in advance of their arrival in a store. When the shipment arrives, all the preordered items are pulled out and shipped to their recipients. It’s pretty simple, really. This allows a customer to preview what’s going to be available in an upcoming season and make selections in advance of the company shipping the products – many times even in advance of the designer even sewing the items.

Why would you want to preorder? Well, for one thing, it’s just fun to get to see all the new stuff in advance. It gives you a chance to put together your shoes and accessories and most of all, it gives you the chance to order first. You get it first. If you have a favorite brand that you’re in love with and it’s a smaller designer, carried only in a few select boutiques, then it’s important to get your size first. Who wants to look all over the internet for the top in the same size as the pants you found? When you preorder, you can put your whole outfit together and claim it before the shopkeeper even gets it. Nice, hunh?

Eliane et Lena Fall 2012

What do you mean it’s all sold out? It’s not even sewn yet! The way ordering works for boutiques, and most department stores too on a larger scale, is that buyers preview a season about a year before it’s intended to hit the stores. They look over all the options for the upcoming season and select their favorites. Buyers are looking for the items that will appeal to the aesthetic of their shop and their customers – they are ordering for you! The buyer then makes an order of a certain quantity of the product in the sizes they need for their store. Then the company that makes the clothing line or other product takes those orders and cuts, sews and ships to fulfill them. Occasionally there are supply chain troubles that result in an item being “undercut,” which means that the company doesn’t make enough to go around for all the buyers’ orders. Some companies even undercut deliberately, either to create a scarcity or because they are confident that a certain number of orders will not be accepted for a variety of reasons. When that happens, there’s a shortage of certain items. Gasp! Sometimes a company is confident that they will receive reorders and they will make a little extra, or “overcut” those really hot-selling items, because they will know that stores will sell out and want more. Occasionally, shops do not accept their orders for some reason (for example the company ships late, stores go out of business, the items do not appear like the samples or other reasons). In this case, as well as the overcut case, there are extras. So the amount produced is not always exactly the amount ordered, but that’s the basic guideline. Preordering also helps stores know right away if they need to reorder, so they can ask for more before the season is produced and it’s too late. In most cases, once a season is produced and shipped, it’s too late to order any more. Heck, by the time a season is shipped, your favorite designer is already producing the next season. But that’s fashion for ya. There’s always something new coming out in this creative, artistic industry.

Appaman Fall 2012

So it’s not custom? They’re not making it especially for me? Not really. But your favorite boutique wants you to get “first dibs” on those super cute things, because they know how heartbroken you will be if your size is sold out when you want it. Some stores make it sound as though an item is being sewn specifically for you, and therefore they won’t accept returns or exchanges. If the items are made custom to your specifications or special order, that makes perfect sense. They can’t sell it to someone else. But for regular line preordered items, you are simply reserving an item that would have been ordered for the store anyway. It’s always a good idea to know a store’s return & exchange policy before ordering, but with preorders it’s particularly important. Kids grow, after all, and preorders usually take place a few weeks to a few months before the season that the child will actually wear that dress or outfit. Who knows? Maybe it won’t even fit when it arrives. In that case, you’ll want to be able to exchange it for the right size or return it if they don’t have the size that fits. Choose a store that will allow returns and exchange on preordered merchandise. That will save you headaches later, and you’ll be able to preorder confidently, knowing that you don’t really have to worry about your estimates on your kid’s size come next season.

Curio + Kind Fall 2012

The other nice thing about preorders is that most stores allow multiple payments for the seasonal preorders. A deposit is usually required, and then the rest is charged when your order ships. This breaks up big purchases, such as back-to-school clothes for kids or Christmas dresses and gifts, into more manageable chunks. It also saves you big on shipping if your orders come in separate packages, since usually stores will charge shipping only once, regardless of how many packages it takes to send your whole order to you. Isn’t that nice?

Why not take a trip through your favorite store’s preorder department and see what they are offering for preorder? This is an ideal opportunity to get an idea of what’s coming up next season, plus take advantage of multiple payments, shipping deals and other special incentives. Anyway, fashion is fun! A sneak peek at what’s coming up is always enjoyable.

Knuckleheads Fall 2012

Everything But The Princess is a great example of a boutique that offers a lot of preorders. Here is our page of Fall 2012 preorders for girls, by brand. You can see boy’s Fall 2012 preorders here, at The Little King Boutique.

(From our sister site, EverythingButThePrincess.wordpress.com) 

Armor for the Next Generation of Men

You're gonna want to like this. Warrior Poet is "building armor for the next generation of men." What does that mean? To creator Tori Young, it means telling boys and young men to go farther, dream bigger and look good doing it. That's his crusade. Tori likes to weave quotes from wise men throughout the tapestry of his collection, creating an aesthetic that is not just about appearances, but about character.

"The quality of a man's life is in direct proportion to his commitment to excellence, regardless of his chosen field."  ~ Vince Lombardi

Tori Young
Creator of Warrior Poet Clothier

This designer, businessman and father knows that at the core of every young man is the desire to save the day and love to the fullest.  He knows that men don't have to make a choice between being a lover or a fighter, that the fullest character is both.  The Renaissance Man, the gentleman, the chivalrous knight.  This is a message that a parent can get behind.  And a boy can too.  Finally!  Something to capture his imagination and yours, no matter his age.  Something you can agree on!

Miles Elliot, star of The Incredible
Spiderman, in Warrior Poet.
Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Warrior Poet Clothier creates quality garments by adhering to high standards of construction and materials.  Long staple 100% combed ring spun cotton gives their shirts superior hand and motion in a comfortable weight that always wears beautifully.  Screen prints are done before sewing, to allow for the largest print size possible for Warrior Poet's clever graphics.  This is a primary feature distinguishing this line from other boys lines - maximum size graphics printed all over the shirt, not just on the front or back.  These environmentally-friendly t-shirts also feature water soluble inks that are softer to the touch and screen-printed labels for tagless tee comfort.  In short:  he's going to like the feel of it.

Warrior Poet Clothier's line includes sizes from toddler to tween and features warrior and poet designs, like the "Dragon Punk Guitar" (poet) and "Live Like Heroes" (warrior), even keeping things chivalrous with designs like "Girl's Best Friend."

In a desert of inspiring fashion for boys - particularly tween boys - Warrior Poet offers a refreshing splash of cool designs in quality apparel for boys.  It's a look with a clear message.

Warrior Poet asks:

WHAT IF WE ALL LIVED LIKE HEROES?

View the collection at The Little King Boutique and stay tuned for the fall line coming soon - summer is rapidly selling out everywhere!

Stop in and visit Warrior Poet Clothier on Facebook and Twitter.  We think you're going to like it.

Hooray for Summer - Swimwear Selection and Care

Hooray!  Summer is nearly here!  And that means lazy days at the beach and trips to the pool.  Sun, sand and chlorine can really take a toll on his shorts, so it's important to invest in a good quality set of swim trunks or board shorts that are going to make it all summer and then take care of them.  Might we recommend some cool shorts from Appaman, Monster Republic or Mayoral?  The Little King has carefully chosen these selections for great style and durable construction.

Add to that daily swimming, and you might need more than one pair in order to always have a dry set.  No more pulling wet shorts out of the bag and trying to get him to put them on!  Two swimsuits can alternate nicely each day, staying fresh and dry.  When you're done swimming, we recommend rinsing out his shorts in tap water to get rid of sand, salt and chlorine right away.  Pools and most beaches will have a fresh water source, sink or shower you can use for this purpose.  If there isn't one nearby, make sure to rinse out swimsuits as soon as you arrive home.  A quick hand-wash with liquid detergent and then hang them to dry - that's the easiest way to keep them always clean and fresh.  They have already suffered so much, why not hang them up indoors or in the shade to protect them from even more uv exposure?  If you do machine wash his swim shorts, use a delicate cycle, and hang them or dry flat.

Nowadays, even the littlest boys are wearing surf-style board shorts.  These are easy to wear, as they do not have the separate underwear inside.  Plus they have the same stylish look as the big boys wear to surf, in longer lengths and with velcro or snap waistbands.  Our favorite?  Appaman's retro-inspired line of colorblocked surf shorts.  The whole collection is on SALE right now!

Appaman's Surf Collection at The Little King Boutique

Retro-Prospective: Catimini Celebrates 40 Years

Catimini celebrates it's 40th anniversary with a "retro-prospective," the process of preparing the future from the interpretation of values.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the iconic French brand Catimini created 40 dresses designed by a wealth of different designers with some even inviting the wearer to color in the design for a personal, unique touch.  But the pure joy of Catimini is that it isn't just a girls' label.  Catimini's designers create some of the most inspiring, imaginative designs for boys available on the market.  Paired with excellent and consistent quality, this unique look has made loyal fans of boys and their grown-ups worldwide.  While the boys' fashion universe seems sometimes to be a desert, Catimini offers an oasis of bright color and original looks that are tough and cute at the same time.

The Making of Catimini

Catimini Showroom Paris - 40th Anniversary Showcase

Since 1972, Catimini has been promoting its imaginative creativity and establishing its atypical world. With its childhood dreams still intact, for this anniversary, Catimini returns to basics with color and travel as the focus of the collection.  As well as 40 extraordinary dresses – to color in, admire, create – and even to eat, an exclusive ‘Retrospective 2012’ presents Catimini’s cult clothes in the very heart of Paris in their flagship store, looking back over its creative flair within the industry.

Catimini is also sponsoring a mother elephant and her baby (due in 2012) in Laos, with the Elefantasia association. A photo shoot of the collection was also done in Laos to combine the special line of dresses and sponsorship.

The anniversary celebrations perfectly reflect the spirit of Catimini: offbeat, creative and decidedly optimistic!
And in the spirit of that optimistic philosophy, Catimini is fulfilling childhood dreams by sponsoring the mother elephant and her baby through Laos-based Elefantasia, whose mission is to protect the Indian elephant.

40 years ago, Monique and Paul Salmon had their own vision about kids fashion: both were bored about the unimaginative and pedestrian clothes on the kidswear market at the time. They wanted to create kids fashion in a high-quality and individual design. In 1972, the Catimini label was founded and this year they celebrate 40 years of high-end children's fashion.

Catimini means individuality and fun, not boredom and kitsch. Not even adults want to wear plain clothes; that's why Catimini uses inspiration combined with classical fashion design. The collection shows trends like pattern mixing and funny animal prints in sizes from newborn to 12. The bright, refined colors, highest-quality fabrics and versatile styles have brought this brand a very loyal following, with excellent quality at a price that is remarkably decent for a luxury brand.

While many brands have entered and left the market in the past 40 years, Catimini has weathered the decades successfully by keeping up with the needs and fancies of the fashion world and winning the hearts of adults and children alike. Catimini's attention to detail draws acclaim, and long-lasting quality earns loyalty.

A short history of Catimini:

• 1972 - The brand is created by Monique and Paul Salmon.
• 1987 - Catimini expands. The brand owns 50 boutiques and is represented in 40 countries.
• 1988 - Love at first sight. The Fiat 500 becomes the vehicle for the brand. Alain Thiebault uses it as an advertising tool.
• 1990 - Catalog Summer in St. Tropez. Catimini travel. A group of 50 Catimini Fiats drive around stores across France and around the world. The brand has 50 stores and operates in 40 countries.
• 1992 - Catimini has fun. For its 20th birthday, in a collaboration with the Royal de Luxe troupe of street performers, Catimini reinvents an offbeat, full of suprirses and magical merry-go-round: The Magic Roundabout! An invitation to travel through time, space and your dreams in the Big Adventure of the imagination. A smoking steamship, a giant grasshopper, a hairy caterpillar, a rocket that rises 5m into the air through the canopy...Depicted at the center of the roundabout is an animated series of imaginary professions. The migratory bird indicator, the cloud inflator....
• 1993 - Catimini in Paris. The 1200 m² showroom in a post house in Rue Martel is opened to the public. In the form of a roguish Parisian street of the 1930's, it features a square, a bistro, bakery, bookshop, hairdresser...and many events like carousels and ice cream stands. 1993 is also the year of Catimini's 100th shop.
• 1994-1998 - Catimini conquers the globe. From Belgium to Australia, Mexico to Tahiti, Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom... Catimini is an international brand, owning 114 boutiques all over the world.
• 1997 - Catimini on the Champs Elysées. A store concept on the Champs Elysées. A magical place built on 313m² with a story to tell : Interior design, tableware, bathroom linen, soaps, etc... Nursery corner, reading space, living room and bathroom.
• 1993-2003 - Catimini grows up. With the addition of new licenses (shoes, glasses, wallpaper and bed linens), Catimini extends its world and asserts its role as a children's specialist.
• 2000 - Catimini plays with the big ones. The Zannier Group merges with Y2K and becomes the worldwide leader for children's clothing.
• 1998 - Catimini continues the adventure! The brand gives a new look to its boutiques through the creation of the Haussmann concept store, a whole world steeped in embroidered adventure. Catimini develops its lines, increases its annual turnover...and defies the future!
• 2011 - Catimini meets ElefantAsia. Catimini adopts an elephant who will be giving birth in 2012! In partnership with ElefantAsia, association based in Laos whose mission is to protect the Asian elephant.
• 2012 - Catimini celebrates its anniversary.

Catimini is now 40 but still revels in childhood dreams.

Happy Birthday, Catimini!

Catimini Les Garcons

Mini Shatsu...Origins

Mini Shatsu began over twenty years ago with a six-pack of white cotton t's, a dozen or so bottles of puffy fabric paint, a couple of cans of spray paint and a black Sharpie. In the end, what remained were five paint-ruined cotton t-shirt-like rags and a one-of-a-kind t-shirt, ready to wear for a night out. Mission accomplished.

Growing up in the Eighties near Hollywood, where everything was larger than life, there certainly was no shortage of inspirations when it came to designing t-shirts. All one needed to do was step outside and look... and listen. From rap to rock, beatbox to breakin', hoops to skateboarding, mohawks to tattoos, those that did it right, did it big... big hair, big earrings, "gi-normous" boom boxes, loud music and even louder outfits. After almost a decade in the baby and juvenile products industry and a history of unique t-shirts, Mini Shatsu was born. The word "Shatsu" is a Japanese word meaning "shirt." Mini Shatsu or mini shirt means just that. Mini Shatsu is not just another line of t-shirts and onesies for kids and babies.

Speedster Twofer on Kasseem (son of Swizz Beatz)

It is, rather, a line of life-inspired clothing brought down to size to fit the most prized members of your family. While the shirts are no longer homemade or one-of-a-kind, Mini Shatsu shirts are still very unique and very limited as there are less than one thousand shirts produced for each design. Mini Shatsu shirts weren't designed with everyone in mind. With limited production, we hope that you love the shirts first, then own them.

“I love seeing kids wear Mini Shatsu, get into character, and play the part,” says Richard Shih, the creative force behind the Mini Shatsu’s graphic stories: “I remember the very first time I saw one of my designs on an actual customer. It was in San Francisco, he was probably 4 years old, half skipping and half air-guitar-ing (on his guitar tee) down the street. It was a proud moment for me, considering the line had just started”.

But wait. . . there's more. He's teamed up with Disney and will be debuting his collection by April, and sizing will go up to size 12 by fall 2012. This fall season, you'll find new body styles starting with layered v-necks, cardigans and blazers...it's all very exciting!

Celebrity Sightings

Pete Wentz and his towheaded cutie Bronx Mowgli spend some quality play time at a Beverly Hills park. Bronx, 2, is the only child for the rocker and wife Ashlee Simpson-Wentz.

DJ, rapper, mega producer, Swizz Beatz, celebrates son Kasseem’s fourth birthday at Club Touch in NYC. On his big day, Kasseem is photographed sporting the Speedster twofer from Mini Shatsu along with some cool shades. That is a seriously great-looking family!

Cutie-pie Max Bratman gets a lift from mom, Christina Aguilera, while showing off his fun Doodle Shorts from Mini Shatsu!

Tori Spelling and family attend the Polar Bear Plunge relaunch at the San Diego Zoo, with Liam sporting a Mini Shatsu CEO Tee.

Kim Kardashian of hit show "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" spotted with new beau, Mini Shatsu model, Mason Disick.

Every kid will feel like a celebrity in his Mini Shatsu!!

How to Measure Boys for Suits

With Spring and Summer come all the very special occasions that mark milestones in our lives.  Weddings, Communion, Baptisms, Graduations, Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations and all manner of parties dot our calendars.  And of course you want the entire family to look their absolute best!  Getting a proper fit is so important, for comfort and appearance, and it only takes a little effort to ensure a great fitting suit.

Special Occasion clothing is mostly fully constructed garments and may fit differently from casual clothing.  Additionally, most are made of substantial, traditional fabrics that stretch very little, if at all, so a good fit is important for comfort.  Everyone looks better in clothes that fit!  If you are ordering online, it pays to have your boy’s measurements in hand when comparing with size charts and guides.  A size chart is different from a size guide in that a size chart is a measure of the garment itself, while a size guide is a general guideline of sizing based on height and weight or general measurements of the child.  If you are using a size chart, you will add ½-1 inch to the measurement of the child to get the measurement of the garment.

Measuring can be tedious for some children, and they will want to squirm and play around while you are trying to get a good measurement.  Be prepared with your measuring tape and paper & pencil to write down the numbers so that you can be as efficient as possible.  If you do not have a flexible measuring tape, you can simply take the measurement with a string and then measure the string next to a yardstick.  It’s also a good idea to take each measurement twice to ensure accuracy.  If the child is slouching, sucking in his tummy or moving, you may not get a good measurement.  Make sure to place the tape gently and not pull it tightly around or leave it loose.

To start, the child should be dressed in undergarments or tight-fitting clothing and standing straight.  Bulky clothing will cause inaccuracies in your measurements, so if he must be dressed, tight-fitting clothing is best.  (Imagine if you were trying on clothes while already fully dressed!)  He should also remove his shoes for inseam or outseam measurements.

The following is a list of measurements to have on hand:

1.   Sleeve Length:  Measure the sleeve length from the top of the shoulder blade where you can feel the bone that sticks out from the shoulder all the way down to just past the wrist bone.  The wrist bone should be covered, so that when he raises his arms, his sleeves will not be too short.  This measurement is different than a man's sleeve length, which starts at the back base of the neck, down the shoulder, to the elbow and then the wrist.

2.  Chest:   Measure around the boy's torso directly beneath his armpits - this will be the widest part of his chest.  The overarm measurement is taken around the body in the same manner and position as the chest measurement, but this time include both arms (arms down at sides).

3.  Neck:  Some shirts will require a neck measurement.  Measure around the neck at the base where his shirt would normally fit when buttoned all the way up.

4.  Jacket Length:  Measure the jacket length by placing one end of the measuring tape on the nape of the neck (at the seventh vertebra, where the top of a collar would be) and taking the tape down to the base of the buttocks. This would be the correct length for a standard jacket. If you are measuring for a three quarter length jacket or tailcoat you will have to measure down to just above the back of the knee.

5.   Waist:  It is important to measure from the actual waist and not the hips. The modern trend for wearing trousers that hang low around the hips can lead to incorrect measurements.  Measure his natural waist, or where he would comfortably wear a belt.  For most children, this is over or just above the navel and the smallest point of his waist and just above the hip bones.  Many boys pants up to about size 7 or 8 come with elasticized or adjustable waistbands and usually allow 2 or 3 inches of movement either way.  Make sure he is standing up straight but not sucking in his tummy, or his pants will be too tight.

6.  Hips:   Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of his bottom for the hip measurement.

7.  Inseam:  The inseam is measured from the crotch (where the seams of his pants would come together) to the bottom of the ankle bone to as far as an inch below the ankle bone.  Inseam  measurement is usually rounded to the next half inch.  If the child can’t sit still for this one, you can also measure a pair of pants that fit him well.  Pant length is the easiest alteration to make, so err on the side of too long if you are not sure or if it will be a long time before the event.  (They do grow!)

8.  Outseam/Leg:  Measure from the waist to the bottom of the ankle bone to as far as an inch below the ankle bone.  Be sure to measure from the top of the natural waist, not the hip bone.

A Word About Foundations
Yes, good, old-fashioned foundations.  If you're going to dress up, you might as well do it right.  First, boys, just like everyone else, need good undergarments.  Dress shirts require an under shirt.  If it's going to be hot, consider a ribbed tank top instead of a traditional tee-shirt.  Wearing a "regular" tee will add bulk, so opt for an undershirt.  Underwear should be in a complimentary color, so it won't show (for example, wear white underwear with white pants).  Unlike girls, boys spend less time dressing this way and even older boys may not think of this.  What could be more embarrassing than visible black underwear under light, linen pants?

The tie.  Unless he's in the wedding party, a boy can use his tie to express his personality and make his mark.  Choose something tasteful, but unique.  This is the place for color-pop, sassy prints or something personal.  If he's really dressing up, how about a nice, matching pocket square?  Choose something in an unexpected shade that plays off a minor color in either the tie or jacket.

The belt.  If he is wearing a cummerbund or pants without belt loops, you can leave the belt off.  Otherwise, he needs one.  If you can find it, a good-quality belt with a tasteful buckle really pulls an outfit together.  Choose a belt that matches the formality of the suit - for example a leather dress belt with suit pants, a braided or cloth belt with khakis or jeans.  Also, keep in mind the simple rule of belt matching:  the belt should match the shoes.  For example, shiny black shoes, shiny black belt.  Choose a belt in one size larger than the pants.  Don't be afraid to splurge a little - belts fit a long time.

The shoes.  Keep in mind that dress shoes usually run about a size smaller than casual shoes.  Wearing them just once?  Consider renting dress shoes from the tuxedo shop, borrowing from a friend or purchasing inexpensive ones.  If he'll wear them more often, choose comfortable, flexible, natural materials (ideally genuine leather) and soles with good traction.  He's still a boy, after all, and he won't want to sit still.  Everyone looks and feels better in good shoes.  His socks should match either his pants or his shoes.  Seriously.  No white socks with black shoes and dark pants.

Other accessories.  If he's got jewelry, like a watch, cufflinks, a special ring or necklace, this is the time to wear it!  But leave behind friendship bracelets, paracord or leather cuffs and hemp necklaces.  If he wears earrings, a simple stud or hoop is appropriate-nothing too flashy, or simply leave them off.  And don't leave his hairstyle to the last minute - fresh haircuts can look choppy.  Give it a few days to grow into it's style.  And a little pomade or gel never hurt, either.  * wink  Or wear a hat - hats are uber stylish these days, and they really pull a look together.  Don't forget to review hat etiquette with your little guy, as he won't know when to take it off if you don't tell him.  Men do not wear their hats indoors.

Special considerations for body type:

For the thin or tall boy:  If your child is tall and slender, probably size charts won't show any combination that will fit him.  Fit pants around the waist and choose long sizes or brands that are cut long intending for a custom hem.  Jackets can be tailored to fit narrow shoulders or tall boys.  An ill-fitting or too big jacket will swallow him, a too-short one will show his waist & wrists and look like he has grown out of it.

For the big boy:  If your boy is a little bit big or stocky, you will have similar problems with size charts not being representative.  For pants, choose a size and style that flatters his waist and hips.  Avoid pleats and long-cut pockets for a slimmer look and choose a good-fitting belt.  Go for straight-leg styles, rather than "skinny" ones.  Pants will be inexpensive to hem.  Make sure the jacket fits his shoulders and chest comfortably - if it's scrunchy, he'll just take it off.  As with the pants, buy the size to fit the widest bits and have the length adjusted.

Additional Tips: 

• Do some research before you hit the stores.  Shop around on major retailers' websites and specialty stores alike to determine what you can reasonably afford.  You may be surprised to find that boutiques and specialty stores are often competitive in price and offer personalized service and quality product lines.  
• Always opt for quality fabrics-the best you can afford.  Additionally, alterations are easier to do with quality materials.  Thin wool suits look dynamite, and they breathe comfortably.  A comfortable boy will feel confident, stand tall and look fantastic.
• If you are shopping in a brick-and-mortar store, bring your boy along to model the suit for optimal results.  If you are shopping online, use your measurements and order with plenty of time for alterations or exchanges.  Study the size charts to figure out the best match, and call customer service if you need assistance or recommendations.
• Look for deals at consignment and second-hand shops.  Compromise on pants fit to get a good-fitting jacket.  Pants are easier to alter than suit coats.
• If money is no object, or you have a boy who is hard to fit, consider having the suit completely custom made.  Inquire with a local tailor or seamstress to make arrangements.  You may be pleasantly surprised to find that it may not be as expensive as you think.
• Dad didn't catch mom by looking like a slouch.  Got a stylish guy in your inner circle?  Why not send the boy shopping with Dad or Uncle Fred?  Just make sure they know how formal the occasion is and what their timeline is.  This is the perfect male-bonding ritual - dad (or Grandpa, or Uncle Joe) taking his boy to buy his first suit.

Armed with his measurements, you are ready to shop!  Always allow plenty of time for delivery and read item descriptions and delivery times carefully.  When in doubt, call customer service for advice.  A good boutique or formalwear shop will cheerfully answer your questions.  Starting out with the right size and ending with enough time to make any needed alterations will ensure a good-fitting suit and a dapper boy on your special day.

The Little King (www.thelittlekingboutique.com) has a great selection of boys' tuxedos, suits and accessories.  Click here for the spring Special Occasion Department.

Monster Republic brings boys some of their favorite things, racing, rock music, and motorcycles. Boys like things that are loud and go fast, so of course they would want their style to reflect that personality. Monster Republic brings to life the style choices of an entire boy generation. Boys can feel comfortable and still look incredibly trendy and cool in these great styles and duds. It makes it easy on a Mom looking for something great for her boys to wear. The Little King Boutique has made it even easier. Now you can find all the best looks for spring 2012 from Monster Republic at The Little King Boutique where you can begin pre-ordering your favorite styles for the upcoming season. No more worrying about finding the right size or style, we have them all!

Monster Republic Black The Kids Want Metal Shirt *Pre-Order*: This cool black tee features a great slogan for boys, "The Kids Want Metal." The rocker motto is one to live by for boys, and the cool red lightning bolt accents make this shirt a tough number for any boy looking to rock hard.

Monster Republic Gray Checkered Shorts *Pre-Order*: Checkered flags remind boys of racing, so why not put the same pattern on a pair of shorts. Boys will dig the fast-paced style and love pairing them with great tees like the Motorcycle shirt or Tokyo Grand Prix Shirt.

Monster Republic Black Motorcycle Shirt *Pre-Order*: A hot item amongst boys motorcycles are fast, loud, and allow for total freedom. Who wouldn't want to take an easy ride on down the street in one of these? Now your boy can do exactly that, ride anywhere he wants with this fantastic tee. Sorry boys, motorcycle not included.

Monster Republic Gray Tokyo Grand Prix Shirt *Pre-Order*: The grand prix is where the elite of the elite challenge one another for that all-star recognition. Now your boys can be a part of the wild ride with this great tee.

Monster Republic Gray Houndstooth Shorts *Pre-Order*: Motor sports will always be hot amongst guys, so why not integrate their trendy style into other great trends like houndstooth? These great shorts incorporate houndstooth style with motor raceway style. A perfect blend of trendy and classic.

Spring 2012 Pre-Order: Appaman

Appaman is a great brand for boys. It is features incredible styles centered around bold colors, great styles, and comfort, because let's face it boys are all about comfort. That is why Appaman is such a great brand for boys because it offers great styles that are trendy and great looking yet easy to pull together and comfortable to wear, making boys very happy and ready to go. This spring Appaman has some incredible new bold looks in shorts, tees, and even sandals getting our boys ready for a season of fun in the sun where they can run wild. As Moms we want them to have fun and still look stylish, that is why the Little King Boutique is offering Appaman's incredible spring 2012 collection in our pre-order section. Now you can find all the great looks and sizes you need for your boys without worrying about heading all over town.

Appaman Black Seamed Swim Trunks *Pre-Order*: This stylish black and white block striped trunks are perfect for use as swim trunks or as shorts. Boys love versatility and these shorts are all about that. They feature a zipper front and snap which makes them perfect for everyday wear or just beach fashion.

Appaman Washed Red Surf boy Tee *Pre-Order*: Surfs up dude! Spring and summer bring great outdoor time for our boys and boys love boards. Whether they have wheels or fins boards are a huge warm weather activity so it is no wonder this surfer tee is such a hit. The burnt orange color is reminiscent of the bright summer sun and the surfer graphic is incredibly cool.

Appaman Vintage Black Flip Flops *Pre-Order*: Every boy needs some footwear that they can easily take on and off, especially in the hot season when they don't even want to put them on to begin with. It makes our lives easier when we can just toss them some flops and send them on their way. These great vintage black flops are perfect for any Appaman outfit but go great with the black and white seamed swim trunks.

Appaman Khaki Plaid Board Shorts *Pre-Order*: We cannot explain the appeal of plaid on a boy. It just looks classic and cool. You can pair it with a button down for a more preppy look or match it with a fun and funky tee for a rocker edge look. In this great neutral khaki color the possibilities are endless.

Appaman Reef (Blue) Night Rider Tee *Pre-Order*: Motorcycles are the epitome of cool in just about every boys eyes. We may not want them riding them but wearing them is ok for now. This reef blue tee features an incredible night rider motorcycle that will impress your little man and his friends.

Appaman Midnight Blue Flip Flops *Pre-Order*: More flops. You can never go wrong with more flops. These come in a midnight blue color and will always be ready at hand when your boy is ready to go.

Spring 2012 Pre-Orders: Fore!! Axel & Hudson

Fore!! Axel & Hudson is a brand dedicated to keeping boys comfortable, cool, classy, and casual. So it is no wonder that a lot of their inspiration comes from the golf course. The preppy golfing style is incredibly laid back, comfortable and cool right now and boys all over the world are jumping at a chance to wear their new favorite designs for spring 2012. Now your little man can be one of the first to sport the newest looks with some of the incredible styles available for Pre-Order now. Your little man can hang out with his friends, head to school, or party his little heart out in these great new looks. He will be the coolest hipster hitting the streets this spring, all thanks to you and your smart shopping secrets.

Fore!! Axel & Hudson Bachelor Blue Short Sleeve Club/Spade Emblem Polo *Pre-Order*: This handsome blue short sleeve polo features a club and spade graphic criss-crossed by two golf clubs. On the shoulder is a yellow and red accent with grey sleeves and a color. The polo is comfortable and has a great fresh look for spring!

Fore!! Axel & Hudson Brown Solid Suspender Style Shorts *Pre-Order*: These hot new brown suspender style shorts are perfect for spring. They feature a folded hem buttons along the waist and the pockets and they go well with any of the great new shirts available from Fore!! Axel & Hudson this spring.

Fore!! Axel & Hudson Seafoam Rolled Cuff Classic Oxford *Pre-Order*: This is the ultimate laid back shirt for spring and summer. It screams beach days and comfort. The button down front also has rolled cuff sleeves perfect for keeping cool on those warmer days, and the chambray fabric is completely casual and comfortable. Pair it with pants or shorts for a laid-back look.

Fore!! Axel & Hudson Gray Pinstripe Fashion Shorts *Pre-Order*: These pinstripe fashion shorts are a more sophisticated approach to casual comfort. They look incredible and on the dressier side yet they are completely comfortable and pair excellently with laid back shirts like the Chambray button down.