Boutique celebrates fashion-forward kids

Kelly Leigh has always been drawn toward sophisticated clothing; so when she began shopping for her 2-year-old niece 10 years ago, she naturally gravitated toward the small fashion-forward tops and dresses that have a unique style and complementary colors that can be coordinated with multiple outfits.

Leigh now has a son of her own, Kayden, also 2, and she likes to dress him in the same fashionable manner. So it made sense to open a clothing store that caters to a young clientele.

“I had always wanted to be a store owner,” Leigh said. “I had been in retail for almost 18 years. After having my son I decided it was time for me to open my own store — something that would give me more freedom to spend more time with my family and also (a chance for Kayden to) grow up learning what I have always been passionate about.”

Kelly & Kayden Children’s Boutique opened less than a month ago in Windermere’s The Grove shopping complex and offers clothing, toys and gifts.

“We are more of a sophisticated and fashion-forward store for the kids instead of the traditional,” Leigh said.

That means shoppers won’t find any clothing with smocking details.

Kelly & Kayden, which is the first children's clothing store in Windermere, offers clothing for boys and girls from newborn to age 12 (up to size 14). Name brands include Johnnie-O, Haven Girl, Persnickety, Native and Petitlem.

Leigh said ruffle boots, tassel bags, leggings with fur, Aztec designs and colors in the cream family  are trending now.

For families who like to coordinate their outfits, several of the lines at Kelly & Kayden come in adult sizes, too. Ca Va Chic and Mimi’s Boutique, two clothing stores near Leigh’s location, offers adult versions of some of the styles.

Shelves lining the walls of the shop carry educational wooden toys, puzzles and books; soft stuffed animals; and accessories like sunglasses, nail polish, charm bracelets, shoes and hats.

 “A lot of it is how I either dress my son or how I’ve dressed my niece over the last 12 years,” Leigh said. “First and foremost, quality and functionality (are important). And then from there it goes into taste. I was in the high-end men’s business for 10 years, and I lean toward sophisticated styles.”

In addition to selling fashions, the store has a colorful tent set up in one corner for guests to kick back and relax. Leigh hopes to plan some special family events throughout the year, possibly storytime or teatime.

If you go

WHERE: Kelly & Kayden Children’s Boutique, 4757 The Grove Drive, Suite 116, Windermere.

HOURS: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays

INFO: (407) 217-6902; kellyandkayden.com

Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at [email protected].