I am often faced with the dilemma of having to choose kids clothing that either appeals to me as an adult (think beautiful fabrics, colors, and styles but all together can look borderline “mini-me”), or has been designed to appeal to my kids (think sparkly, character promotion, and bright colors all mixed together–blech). Why do we parents have to choose one or the other? Well thanks to designer Kaia Haugeto of Fable & Lore, we don’t.

Kaia has always found joy in dressing children, but Fable and Lore was born when she decided she not only wanted to dress them, but also capture their imagination. This children‚Äôs clothing line weaves magic and fairy tales into the fabric of each item. How, you might ask? Well, each outfit comes with its own illustrated storybook featuring the adventures of “Fable” and ending with a simple lesson. Along with the storybook, each item of clothing includes surprise color changing inks and embroideries and sometimes tiny hidden pockets meant to inspire play.

Of her magical line, Kaia said, “Everything about Fable and Lore is interactive. You read the storybooks with your children. You touch the fabric. You watch it change color in the light. So many of my friends are looking for new ways to relate with their children. I hope parents will use these clothes and the stories as a way to connect.” They are not just clothes. They are “pants with a plot” and “shirts with a story”– a collection of beautiful children’s wear that appeals to both parent and child.

You can find Fable and Lore’s Spring 08 line at artebebe.com and at fine children’s boutiques around the country.