The Kids Are Alright: When you just can’t buy it for yourself

PHOTO by ROSHEILA ROBLES

Oh, this stupid, stupid recession. (Or is our economy still just taking a power nap?) I’ve listened to the experts. I’ve made budgets and learned to stick to them. No purchase is unconsidered, no penny left in the change bowl. And I hate it. I hate that a Rustica sandwich from Olives is now a luxury. I hate that I walked around with holes in my jeans for five months before finding a suitable pair—at an outlet—that I could afford. But most of all, I hate that by hoarding all my dollars, I threaten to hurt the people who will miss them most: local shop owners.

I thought about this recently during local painter Mark Rebennack’s April 5 art show at the Kids Are Alright. Maritza Arrua’s meticulously well-curated Broadway boutique (between Broadway Video and EJ Malloy’s) is the kind of place where $100 instantly disappears—at least it might have last year, when I still did that kind of thing. Immediately, I noticed the $14 Taterpots by Eggling, small ceramic spud-shaped pots (with happy faces and legs!) that sprout “easy to grow” herbs a la Chia (kind of—you understand). These were sat next to a “Personal Library Kit” complete with return date cards, check out cards and a date stamper. (The cute receptors in my brain were inundated. I briefly weighed these purchases against the next night’s dinner.)

Hanging below the Taterpots and the library kit was a kick to my box—a pair of  primary-colored Southwestern print summer dresses by Corey Lynn Carter for $180 and $194. To their left was a considerably cheaper bauble—a hot pink felt “breakup bandage” by Rhymes with Twee for $3.50. There was a time when I would have happily put that up on the fridge with a magnet. Now, I buy a gallon of gas.

It was only after I made my way past the Mod dog leashes and collars ($44-48); past a so-soft brown, grey and green cotton Mika halter dress (discounted at $95); past the flirty, bark-colored Al-U-La tweed V-neck knee-length dress ($94—I will return for you!); and the current best buy at the store, a pair of navy/white canvas flower print flats for $24 (sizes 6, 7.5 and 8 available) that I found an answer—or at least a response—to our country’s money troubles: life goes on.

See, I can’t justify a slogan tee that reads “It’s True: A Diamond is a Girl’s Best Friend” next to an illustration of Neil Diamond (Hearts & Laserbeams, $28) but that doesn’t mean that my best friend won’t have a birthday. Or get married. Or have a kid. A recession might stop me from opening my wallet for me, but I still need to get that gift for you.

That’s how the Kids Are Alright—and especially its store-within-a-store, Angie Rebennack’s the Outfit, featuring clothing, dolls and more for babies and kids—can continue to stay in my life. Got a baby shower to attend—or just feel like letting your ovaries explode? Check the “All I Ask is a Tall Ship to Steer and a Star to Steer Her By” onesie by Mylie, or the stuffed animal sewing kits (turtle, snail, butterfly and birdie all available for $20) or the fantastically age-appropriate vintage deadstock little girl dresses from Tree House Collective (3 through 18 months). Best part: Like Maritza, who stocks nearly all organic, recycled or sustainable goods, Angie buys her handmade wares from moms, including locals like the mother behind Silly Goose Creations’ adhesive bookplates.

It may take some time before I have to stop shopping Wal-Mart like it’s Nordstrom, but you? You will always have the best. (That I can afford.)

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT 3405 E BROADWAY | LONG BEACH 90803 | 562.433.5890 | THEKIDSAREALRIGHT-SHOP.COM AND MYSPACE.COM/SHOP_THE_KIDS_ARE_ALRIGHT

Tags: boutiques, broadway, Long Beach, shopping, the kids are alright