In the bedroom: Bambini Design

Shop Talk by Kitty Kaufman

"I don't plan on taking a day off in the next 12 months," Yana Drogobetsky shrugged. "This store's been my vision for four years and here's where you'll find me." Not bad. A year out of Wheelock College and her dream's come true with the opening of Bambini Design, European children's furniture and clothing.

Yana's stints as a nanny along with a degree in early childhood development speak to her kid involvement. The showroom, an artfully constructed compo of color and light, show retail savvy that wasn't born yesterday. Pali, the Italian maker of bedroom collections, is front and center. Talk about gilding lilies: Bambini's resident artist will hand paint your selection with outdoor scenes or a lamb or two. Next, there's coordinated bedding and pillows from Wendy Bellissimo, a California designer who's also come up with the Tombella, for pacifiers that won't stay put.

How much is the Vibel cradle and why is this one different from all others? "The sides are completely see-through," Yana pointed out, "which is good for Mama and baby."

You need to find the perfect gift. How about sturdy wooden toys and not one calls for batteries. There are toddler duds from Alphabet; aptly named Goody-Goody baby shoes, two of course; knit blankets, stuffed animals, picture frames and clocks all of which can be fashioned into gift baskets.

As for me, I'm pacing up and down for the next baby shower. Two reasons: one, practical, the other completely not. For the perfect child, you know, one who won't spill a thing or grow an inch, you can order a cotton hand-knit sweater. Yummy colors and personalization make them profoundly apt finds for first-time aunts and grandmothers. If you find yourself shopping for someone who has simply everything, don't flounder. Get over your haddock and reel in a dolphin or whale suspension light. They're sure to be snapped up in no time.

© Summer 2003 for The Brookline Tab

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Kitty@corp-edge.com

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