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Katie's Corner: Hip kids clothing boutique opens in Menlo Park

by Katie Blankenberg

Have you heard the news? The newest kids clothing boutique, named Bubble, has hit downtown Menlo Park with a bang. Proud owners and sisters-in-law Anna Arzhintar and Marina Levy just opened the shop, their second Bubble store. The other, in San Francisco, opened two years ago.

Since then Anna's and Marina's shop has been voted the best kids store by "The View from the Bay," an afternoon TV talk show on Channel 7 in San Francisco, and by CitySearch.com, an online lifestyle guide.

In Menlo Park, the 1,200-square-foot Bubble store opened July 13. It carries clothes for kids from infants to young tweens.

The owners live in San Francisco, so I asked them why they decided to open a store in Menlo Park. Anna told me that many of the customers who shop at the San Francisco store live on the Peninsula. A large number of those customers are Menlo Park moms and grandmothers.

Anna has two sons, ages 7 and 4, and Marina has a 6-year-old daughter. Both owners struggled finding clothing for their little ones, as do many parents. Anna had more difficulty finding clothing for her sons since searching for boys' apparel is more challenging. They decided to open a boutique of children's clothing wear so other parents would not have the same difficulty.

You will find many clothing lines enjoyed by label-conscience adults in mini sizes for the trend-setting little ones, as well as sizes up to 14. Juicy Couture, Paul Frank, True Religion, Ed Hardy and Quicksilver are among the designers carried at Bubble.

Marina and Anna carry clothing that appeals to both parent and child. Bubble is also a great place to find gifts. It carries a selection of fun books, jewelry and accessories.

Bubble also offers complementary gift-wrapping and custom gift baskets. New moms will soon be able to register their newborn children at Bubble as part of a new baby registry designed for the baby who could use a little indulgence in fashion.

In the future, the owners hope to bring some of the activities they offer in the San Francisco store, such as story time and birthday parties, to the Menlo Park store, which has a table where kids can play or read while their parents shop.

Why is the shop called Bubble? Marina Levy and Anna Arzhintar said they wanted to create a name that was fun, easy to remember, and brought children to mind. Bubbles are associated with children having fun, plus it is easy to remember.

Since its opening, the Menlo Park Bubble has received praise from the public and has had many customers, including mothers, aunts, and grandparents.

"We are very happy to be in Menlo Park," says Anna. "The people have been very welcoming and the reception has been extremely warm and inviting. We are just inviting everybody to come and visit the store."

Bubble in Menlo Park is located on 728 Santa Cruz Ave. For more information, check the Web site at www.gotbubble.com or call 322-1700.

Katie Blankenberg lives in Portola Valley and is a freshman at Sacred Heart Preparatory in Atherton.