The Fashion

Whether you're looking for a cute fall outfit for your kids (the store has clothing for children ages 0-8) made from organic fabric or a fun toy made from recycled plastic, Verde Kids is a great place to stop.

For a baby boy, try a brown-and-white-striped Kate Quinn organic polo shirt ($26) and brown roll-top pants ($28) for fall.

For a baby girl, a teal printed Plum Bunny organic dress ($36) is a cute item.

For a toddler girl, keep it simple with a pair of jeans and a brown Speesees organic T-shirt ($22).

For an older boy, a multi-color-striped Zutano T-shirt ($22) looks great with a pair of khaki shorts or pants.

For an older girl, try a purple Kate Quinn organic wrap dress ($42), which can be accessorized with a cute headband or hat.

These specific items might not be available at Verde Kids, but they are sure to have comparable items in stock.

Be sure to check out the photo gallery for a look at these outfits and more of the clothing, accessories, toys and other items available at the store.

The Facts

Jessica Kester opened Verde Kids at 27 S. Old Orchard Ave. in October 2010.

"I felt like there were a lot of eco-friendly toys on the market that were not being sold in St. Louis," Kester said as one of her main reasons for opening the store.

The store also carries items made locally.

"That's one of the best ways to be eco-friendly and help the economy," Kester said.

Prior to opening the store, Kester worked at the Missouri Botanical Garden, running the youth and family programming. She also has a master's degree in environmental management from Duke University, and said that older jobs working in gift shops and flower shops helped her prepare to run her own store.

"I had the idea that I wanted my own business for a long time," Kester said. "I visited stores across the country to help me prepare for this."

Kester estimated she went into 30 different kids' stores across the United States, in addition to doing extensive research online to help her prepare to open her store. She also tested some of the products she sells in her store with kids in her classrooms.

One of the reasons Kester chose Webster Groves for her business is the proximity to her home in Glendale, and also because of interest in "going green" from area families.

"When I was doing environmental education, a lot of the families came from Webster Groves," Kester said.

Verde Kids also offers a free kids' activity at the Webster Groves Farmers Market, which takes place every Thursday (through Oct. 13) from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Old Orchard Avenue.

More information about Verde Kids can be found on the store's website.