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Contents
Gift
Guide 2
clothing
guide
Scene
Stealers
It
Girls
4th-Grade
Somethings
Little
Women
Action
Jacksons
Shredding
Bettys
Boys
to Men
Edge
of 17
Dads
Who Dig
Hip
Mamas
Gift
Guide 1
$35 and
up
Fun
and Games
Literary License
Windows Shopping
Kitchen Aid
Get Out
Gremlin-Free Gizmos
Discmen
Skintillating
Eat, Drink and
Be Merry
Gifts That Keep On Giving
Child's Play
Well-Furnished
Gimcracks and Geegaws
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4th-grade
somethings
BY TREVOR
KEARNEY
Things used to be so simple. It used to be that a boy's biggest
fashion decision was which color Toughskins he wanted, or
whether he could get away with parachute pants at church.
But gone are the days when budget Chuck Taylor kicks and hand-me-down
sweatshirts made the cut. Now, yesterday's fourth-grade nothings
are stylish somethings who have as many fashion options as
the rest of us--and they know it.
Brands rank big with them: Tommy Hilfiger, Polo, FUBU and
Nike rule their worlds. Pants must be baggy and long like
the gear of their older siblings and contemporary idols.
"It looks good on kids, too," says 9-year-old Karifa Koroma.
"It's got to be at least a little bit baggy for me to wear
it."
"I like 'em saggy," 8-year-old Damarcus Chaney says about
his Hilfiger jeans and FUBU jerseys, "because they're more
comfortable on me."
Other requirements? Stripes are everywhere, bisecting sweaters
and button-downs, and it seems the more pockets on a pair
of pants--think cargo and carpenter--the better. Vests,
as sweaters or jackets, are sanctioned, as are overalls.
Athletic garb is a solid winner, too. Kids put a premium
on replica jerseys and warm-ups, but really, anything with
a Nike, Adidas, Reebok or Fila logo will do.
"They look good, and they're comfortable," 9-year-old Eric
Aranda says of the Reebok sweats that top his wish list.
Keep in mind that while name brands can't be replaced in
the minds of some, high-quality, low-cost look-alikes are
widely available--a wise choice for stocking up on basics.
the
goods:
limited logo
Perfect for the kid who is dying for the Tommy Hil
logo and the parent who doesn't want him to be a walking advertisement,
this blue fleecy pullover has red-and-white trim at
the neck and a tiny Hilfiger flag over the heart. Just enough
details to satisfy the status quotient but not enough to offend
the masses. Also in gray, it's heavy enough for a trip to
the playground on a chilly day, but not so warm it can't be
worn inside. $42 at Meier & Frank, various locations.
class
time
A pocket watch for kids? Sure, tykes are growing up fast,
but since when do they want something their granddads used
to wear? Then again, if he's showing such telltale signs
of good taste, give Junior what he wants. The white face
and silver body of the Urban Station Pocket Watch
are protected from shoves and scratches by a hard leather
guard (in brown or black). Bonus: A sturdy, built-in clip
will attach to a belt loop--ideal for the frequent lost-and-found
visitor. $22 at Nordstrom, various locations.
if
I had a hammer...
Forget Osh Kosh B'Gosh and tacky print turtlenecks.
Today, kids' clothes are just mini versions of adult attire.
So naturally, he needs a set of Levi's Red Tab carpenter
pants, never mind that he won't be wielding a hammer
for years. They're actually a wise choice, since 9-year-olds
have very important things to carry around--just don't let
him tote a cell phone, please. In corduroy or denim, these
trousers are comfortably loose but not ridiculously oversized.
$24.99-$32 at Meier & Frank, various locations.
jumpman
worth jonesing for
Here's a Michael Jordan athletic shoe that's actually not
too ugly: The sleek design is largely white, with a streak
in blue or black down the side, a dash of red or yellow
for a little flair, and only two Jumpman logos--one on the
side and another inside a plastic bubble on the back. The
Nike Jordan Team Post is an athletic shoe, but for
the price, it should be relegated to romping indoors. $47.99
to $74.99 at Kids Foot Locker, Northeast Multnomah Street
and 9th Avenue, 493-0878.
from
checkers to church
These stylin' Dockers corduroy cargo pants
are big and slouchy like all his favorites, but they're
not so sloppy that they can't be dressed up. The wide legs
are perfect for draping over boots and high-tops alike;
plenty of pockets help him hold onto tiny treasures. $25.19
to $36 at Mervyn's California Department Stores, various
locations.
Boys
in Hoods
This Sideout hooded sweatshirt is the Kix
of clothing. Requisite stripes and the baggy design appeal
to kids; moms like the hood that helps him stay out of the
infirmary. There's nothing wrong with fashion that's practical--just
don't tell him that. $19.59 at Mervyn's California Department
Stores.
knockout
knockoff
The four thin stripes across the chest transform this Ferruche
V-Neck sweater into a hip ski shirt. Perfect for the
layered look, the same sweater--right down to the stripe
thickness--can be found at hipper stores for $5 to $10 more.
It's proof you don't have to buy brands to make him happy.
$16.99 at Fred Meyer, various locations.
ready
to wear
This lightweight Nike warm-up outfit is perfect
for pregame preparation and lounging alike. The zip-up top
is doubly secured with Velcro and has two standard pockets,
and of course it is anchored by a Swoosh on the front and
back for full coverage. The pants have an elastic waistband
and zippered ankles, adjustable to complement different
footgear, plus slick stripes to break up the monochrome
legs and, of course, the Swoosh for style. Both top and
bottom have a comfy liner, but on their own, these pieces
won't withstand winter weather. $75 for the set at Kids
Foot Locker.
also consider:
little
feet
Here's a winsome alternative to tedious tennis shoes. The
Lugz Broadway Boot comes in brown or black and features
contrasting white stitching and deep-ridged soles that can
handle anything he might walk into. You can dress it up
or down, in part because it isn't a full high-top and the
ankle is tapered so you can easily fit full-cut pant legs
over it. $44.99 at Nordstrom, 701 SW Broadway, 224-6666,
and Kids Foot Locker.
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