Featured Boys-Only Boutique: Blue Eye Boy

As any mom of unboring boys knows, finding cool clothes for our little guys can be a challenge. In too many stores, the boys' department (if there is one) is an afterthought. That's why I love Blue Eye Boy. It's a one-stop-shop that caters only to boys, not just to babies and toddlers, but big boys too. Because while we wish our boys could stay little forever, they do get bigger, and that's no reason to give up on style.

Recently I interviewed Tamara Nonamaker, owner of Blue Eye Boy, asking her what inspired her to open a boys-only boutique.

Tamara: In 2004, when I was pregnant with my son, I realized the clothing market for infant and toddler boys was quite bleak. I wanted more of a selection for my son in apparel, shoes and decor. Since I couldn't find a store with more than a quarter of their inventory dedicated to boys, I created my own store.

Unboring boys: What are the unique challenges of owning a boys-only boutique?

Tamara: The number one challenge is getting the word out to parents that they have this wonderful opportunity to shop at an all-inclusive store for boys. No more walking around in the children's section trying to find boys' apparel amongst the myriad array of girls' items. No more shoes in just four styles and three colors: black, brown, and navy.

Unboring boys: Of your current offerings, which items are your bestsellers?

Tamara: Our best selling items are Knuckleheads and Dogwood apparel. Both companies know boys, as their owners have boys of their own. They know boys want durable, comfortable and fun clothes that accentuate their unique style.

Unboring boys: Where do you plan to take Blue Eye Boy in the future?

Tamara: We will be incorporating a blog in the near future where our customers will be able to recommend products and comment on featured items. We also will be revamping our homepage and streamlining our checkout process.

Unboring Boys: Can you give us some hints as to future trends in boys' clothing and accessories?

Tamara: For spring and summer we're seeing bright and colorful looks for boys with more apparel and shoe options.

Unboring Boys: When you're not running Blue Eye Boy, what are you doing?

Tamara: We're playing hard and carrying on as boys only know how to do. My boys keep me on the go and on my toes.

Thanks to Tamara for taking the time to speak with Unboring Boys! Blue Eye Boy carries a wide range of awesome products geared to boys, from toys to room decor to hip apparel, from such brands as Knuckleheads, Eclectikid, Instinct, and Dogwood.

They are offering a 10 percent discount for Unboring Boys readers through 12/31/08! Use code PROMO88 at checkout!

Sweaters with a twist

We finish our sweater series with an eclectic collection of sweaters that put the spin on some traditional styles.

First, the holiday sweater. This offbeat patchwork Intarsia Halfzip Sweater from Baby Gap is the holiday sweater for unboring boys. We love how they mixed up a bunch of traditional holiday/winter patterns and prints such as plaid and snowflakes to create something unique and unexpected. (sizes 12 mos. to 5 years, $39.50).

There's something endearing about little boys dressing like old men. But Hanna Andersson's Double Elbow Cardigan isn't your typical grandpa sweater. There's just too much going on--stripes, colors, pockets--and that's why we love it. (10 mos. to teen, sale $25).

I can already hear the groans... Arrrgggyle vests??? You're killing me. But take a look at Hurley's punked out version. It's the anti-argyle vest!