Cute and smart is an unbeatable combination. That truism is exemplified by the debut line from Polka Dot Tot Couture called Lil’ Dribblers, which provides an intelligent and fashionable answer to kids’ propensity to wear their food. Friends Mai-Lis Bahr and Meghan Hampton set about finding a solution to this common occurrence and decided to design a line that incorporated the practicality of bibs with the styling they desired. Enter Lil’ Dribblers: coordinating attachments that button onto the bodice or yoke of each garment, making for interchangeable and chic problem solvers.

“We’re both mothers, and every time we would leave the house our children would have a mess down the front of their clothes. We wanted a solution that didn’t involving changing their outfits or using a tattered bib,” Bahr explained, adding their target clientele is on board. “Moms love the idea of Lil’ Dribblers. We don’t really need to explain the concept to them at all.”

The pair call the garments “fashionably deceptive,” and they are, allowing moms to appear to have perfectly dressed tots at all times. For spring, Lil’ Dribblers adorn classic bodies like bubbles, pinafore dresses, jon-jons and swing tops paired with pantaloons or bloomers. Pastel solids intermix with aqua geometric prints, seersucker stripes and bold florals in soft pinks, aqua and fuchsia. Many of the colors and prints work together for easy brother/sister dressing. Plus, the Lil’ Dribblers are monogramable.

The line, which is made in the USA, spans sizes 0-3 months up to 4T and wholesales for $33 to $42, depending on the number of Lil’ Dribblers with each ensemble. Call (704) 287-6493 or visit www.polkadottotcouture.com.

Kid at Heart

A happy childhood makes for a happy clothing line. Maryellen Kane, founder of Olive Juice, threads her own warm memories into her six-year-old collection for babies, boys and girls. The Philadelphia-based brand delivers rich textures, sophisticated colors and intricate designs meant to enhance the lighthearted spirit of children. “Olive Juice is part of the environment which we hope encourages family time and play time, dreaming and learning, friendship and love,” she added. After 10 years in the New York design scene and jobs at J. Crew and Abercrombie & Fitch, Kane shifted her attention to children’s wear while working for Ralph Lauren. In her latest collection, Kane concentrates on silhouettes and details from yesteryear with plenty of sporty stripes and pockets for summer treasures—styles she dreamed up while renting a Virginia farmhouse last summer.

For babies 6 months to 3 years, Olive Juice’s Spring ’10 basics (including round-collar bodysuits and solid cotton long-sleeve tees) complement sleeveless poplin rompers, white or blue puff-sleeve blouses, and print rompers with ruffle hems and a hint of ’40s vibe. For boys up to 8 years, white, gray, navy check and china blue woven button-up tops in long- and short-sleeve styles pair up with drawstring canvas pants and shorts. Tried and true boatneck tees, cap-sleeve tops and pullover hoodies are offered for girls up to size 12, with some styles extended to size 16 for the first time this season. Other girls’ styles include a group of casual striped cotton dresses, colorful cardigans, a flutter-sleeve sweater, a pleated schoolgirl skirt and a tailored sweater dress. Brights—such as lemongrass, orange, blue, yellow, shades of pink and lavender—can be mixed with more subdued shades like white, tan, cream and gray. Wholesale prices range from $18 to $30. Call (877) 655-4375 or visit www.olivejuicekids.com.