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JourneyWomen Joie Davidow and Vikki Ericks are both Americans
living in Rome. Collectively they've experienced Europe, the
Carribean, Asia, sub-India, as well as Central and South America.
Each has wonderful work experience in communications, marketing
and the media. Between them they have edited, published and
been involved with, amongst many other things, the Oprah show
and the Rome bureau of ABC News. Their latest project is 'In
Rome Now', a website designed to make visiting and living
in Rome a rich experience for English speakers. We asked these
experts for their advice on shopping for kiddies in Rome. These
are the shops Joie and Vikki suggest...
 BABE
-- Colorful, fun clothes for babies and little kids —
shoes, gifts, toys. Carrying the French Sucre d'Orge line. Via
della Palombella, 22, tel. 06. 683 01975 (right behind the Pantheon)
BONPOINT
PARIS --Bonpoint, an exclusive French line of clothing
from age zero to sixteen is haute couture for the young. This
is not the place to shop for everyday play clothes. Fabrics
are the highest quality cottons and linens. The designs are
not trendy, but give a bit of a modern edge to otherwise classic
designs. Made exclusively in France. Piazza Di S. Lorenzo in
Lucina (historic center) tel 06687 15 48
LA
CICOGNA -- This exclusive chain of high end stores
(la cicogna means "the stork") has long dominated
the anno zero (infancy) early teen and special occasion kid’s
market. Its one-stop shopping concept simplifies things for
the parent with an impatient young customer at his or her side.
Quality merchandise, well-trained and accommodating sales personnel.
Via Frattina, 138 tel. 06.678 6959 (Spanish Steps)
Via Cola di Rienzo, 268 tel. 06.689 6557 (Prati)
CITTA
DEL SOLE -- Surely the best toy store in the city.
There isn't an item for sale here you wouldn't be delighted
to give your kids. Everything is thoughtfully arranged according
to age; and most toys tap a child's natural curiosity, encouraging
them to use their minds and to develop their creativity. Most
of the items are neither expensive nor plastic. You can find
wonderful train sets, puzzles and the like, crafted in wood,
as well as updated versions of classic toys like yo-yo's, kites,
and boomerangs and super-modern gadgets such as a digital weather
station. Most items relate to the store’s theme of the
natural elements: wind, light, sea and land. Via della Scrofa,
65 tel.06. 688 03805 (Pantheon). Also at Via Bunarroti 6 (Monti).
Via Marcantonio Colonna 5 (Prati).
L'ENFANCE:
ABBIGLIAMENTO BAMBINI -- Much of the clothing here
is designed to encourage free-movement during a child ’s
play day. Separates or matching ensembles are available in a
range of colors. Piazza della Torretta, 27 tel. 06 686 9590
(Parliament, Historic Center)
KID'S
STOCK --This group of shops specializes in the perbene
(classic, wel-heeled) look — nothing oversized or suggestive.
Teenagers are in and out of the Via Vittoria location at the
start of “Back to School,” collecting or fitting
school uniforms for one of several italian private schools the
store supplies. In other locations, a little more attention
is given to a casual line. Denim or corduroy are likely trade-offs
for more expensive fabrics. Via Campo Marzio, 37 tel. 06. 68
71 335 (Parliament, Historic Center) Also at Via Vittoria, 52
tel.06 69 20 222 89 (Prati) Via A. Gramsci, 43 and 25 tel. 06
32 26 492 (Flaminio)
MARIONETTE
-- Loaded with clothes for little ones as well as accessories
and toys, at reasonable prices. This is a great resource for
the hip parents of hip children- they even carry a selection
of Keith Haring-inspired toys and jewelry for kids.
Piazza del Fico, 23-24 tel. 06.68210995 (near Piazza Navona)
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