Picnic Boutique To Open in Old Burke Talon Space

If you recently spotted a trail of large green ants in the neighborhood, no need to worry. They're all part of the new kid-friendly decor inside soon-to-open children's boutique Picnic, at 192 Amity Street between Court and Clinton Streets.

Currently in the last stages of construction, the store's wallpaper will feature  graphic ant-themed wallpaper alongside grass-like shag rugs and large planters. A small alcove featuring a picnic table and a flat-screen TV will offer distractions for little ones so that adults can shop in peace. It is called Picnic, after all. But instead of tea sandwiches and lemonade, this shop will sell a range of fun clothing handpicked by owner Lindsey Engler.

"My focus in buying has been to source different lines that are unique, playful and not department-store driven," said Engler. "As a mother and a fashion professional I think I understand what parents are looking for—clothing as special and as unique as their little ones, but at an affordable price."

Engler has a strong background in the fashion world. After earning her master's degree at NYU in fashion history, she worked as the production coordinator for IMG fashion, formerly known as 7th on Sixth, liaising between the designers and the production team to coordinate New York, Los Angeles and Miami runway events.

Following that experience, she decided that her true passion was for product and design, and transitioned into the wholesale side of the industry. For the last eight years, she worked for renowned designers such as Andrew Marc, Elie Tahari and Chaiken.

But something funny happened on the way to all those fashions shows. Engler fell in love with an architect whose firm, AForm Architecture PC, designed the IMG events. They soon were married and started a family in their nearby apartment on Columbia Place.

"After the birth of my daughter Grey this past July I knew that I could not keep up with the hectic travel and late hours that the fashion industry demands," said Engler. "I went back to work briefly after my maternity leave. But in the back of my mind, I had always wanted to open up a neighborhood boutique.

Initially, she thought she would open up a shop for women's clothing. But after many one fateful day and many failed attempts at trying to shop for clothing for her daughter in the neighborhood, Engler decided that a fun, children's clothing boutique was just what Cobble Hill was missing.

"We'll call it the 'Legend of the Black Leggings', because I literally went to every store and couldn't find a pair," she said. "This is New York! Not everyone wants to dress their children in pale pink every day. Needless to say, those were one of the first things I ordered for the shop in a range of sizes."

Beyond the leggings, Picnic will offer mid-range children's clothes for both boys and girls, ages newborn to 12 years. General prices will range from $22 to $56, she assured. "Soon after my daughter was born I had a moment of insanity at Saks and bought her a party dress for $117 in size 6 months!" Engler admits, laughing. "I must have been crazy (or postpartum). After I thought it over, it got returned. Parents want the best for their kids. But they also understand the short lifespan of their child's wardrobe."
 
If you don't have little ones of your own but are shopping for a present for parents you know, Picnic will also offer free gift wrap to make it easy on customers who need a quick gift on the go. Engler is also planning to host group events for moms and clubs to shop together beginning in the summer.

"I want customers to feel like they can come by and have a glass of wine, or three—depending upon how difficult your child has been that day," Engler said.