Babesta

Photo: Beth Levendis

Photo: Beth Levendis

When a small retail space opened up in their Tribeca nabe, husband-and-wife team Aslan and Jenn Cattaui knew it was time to bring their online children’s boutique Babesta.com (pronounced “BABE-sta”) to the streets of Manhattan. “We wanted to see people’s reactions to new brands and point out interesting details,” says Jenn, who notes that certain items, like the vintage Junk Food Concert Tees ($25), don’t always look as cool on the Web as they do in person.

Some of the goods are vintage, but the store itself is very modern. A four-foot-tall Uglydoll greets children as they enter; smaller versions can be purchased inside. White walls and light-colored hardwood floors make the 450-square-foot interior feel roomy, as does the sliding glass door that separates the clothing from the furniture section (where kids can try out eggplant- and tomato-shaped Eazy Bean beanbag chairs, $240).

Perhaps because the Cattauis’ children (Amina, 3_, and Camille, 1) are still young, Babesta currently focuses on the under-six set. But things may soon change. In response to customer demand, the couple are considering stocking items for older style mavens from lines such as Harajuku Lovers and Kaos! Recycled.—Tracy Perez

66 West Broadway between Warren and Murray Sts (212-608-4522, babesta.com).