April 6, 2005

The Vintage Advantage

Making old fabrics young again is what the charming line of baby necessities from Eloise & Etienne is all about. The look is classic, sweet and, well, vintage -- lots of English roses and small embroideries. The two owners of this Texas-based company search flea markets, antique stores and estate sales for textiles, so most of their designs are in limited quantity.

The selection features blankets, burp cloths and bibs, plus clothing for girls up to age three. Many are made from cozy reconstituted fabrics or new ones that have been accented with vintage detail. For the Spring collection, there are sundresses spun from restored pillowcases, halter and pants combinations borne out of floral tablecloths, and blankets trimmed in soft satin and snugly velvet. Certain items like the burp cloths and the flannel on the bibs are new (sometimes it's best to be the first user), but the look is just as quaint. And most come with a major advantage of modern times: they're machine-washable.

Since the cuddle blankets are meant more as blankies than actual coverlets, the owners suggest that moms sleep with the items before giving them to their babies, thereby perfuming them with a comforting and familiar scent. This kind of earthy, sentimental advice even informs the company's name. Eloise and Etienne are two children whose mother led the owners through a chaotic Parisian flea market on an early buying trip.

Charmant, n'est ce pas?

For additional information and store listings, go to eloiseandetienne.com.

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Baby CZ Spring 2005
The Baby CZ Spring 2005 collection is here, featuring brand new cotton styles and introducing the new linen collection. Babies who worry about outgrowing Baby CZ can set their minds at ease – Baby CZ now offers items for toddlers in sizes 2T to 4T. Baby CZ signature gift-wrap makes any item the perfect gift for little ones and elegant moms-to- be.

Visit Baby CZ at www.babycz.com. You can also shop Baby CZ by calling 212-580-5190 or 1-8778-babycz.