Bailey Boys
By Jan Lane Harper
On the web site, you will find samples of Diane Bailey’s creativity and a guide to over 700 locations across the nation where you may purchase the elegant, whimsical, and classic children’s clothing of this home-grown business. In the corporate office’s showrooms on Skylane Drive, a short distance off Demere Road, you will find the complete inventory of The Bailey Boys, Inc. If you’re lucky enough to be here, as a resident or visitor, you have access to everything created for this upscale line. “We have that advantage,” Diane points out. “Small shops must pick and choose among the offerings, sometimes because of space limitations. Here we have it all.”
The story of Bailey Boys actually started with the wee ones in Diane’s life – her own two little boys. “They were stocky, and I had trouble finding clothes to fit. Out of necessity, I started sewing for them.” It was a natural step for a stay-at-home mom who had been designing and making her own clothes for years and who had capped her creativity with a degree in Home Economics. Diane graciously gives credit to a former Carousel owner, Mona Colflesh, who invited her to make some samples to bring to market in Atlanta and who introduced her to Nancy Packard. It was Packard who recognized the potential in Diane’s designs and also encouraged her to over-cut to produce additional inventory, much appreciated by small businesses with limited space. Thus, in 1987 with five sewing machines, Bailey Boys had its modest beginnings.
The clothes are fun, imaginative, and exceptional in quality. In the first two seasons, the clothes were only for boys, and the original little girls line was called Becki. Distinctive in design, the lines include brother-sister outfits with many reversible pieces, especially for winter. “Sometimes summer fabrics are too light weight for reversibles,” Diane said. But rest assured, fabrics used by Bailey Boys are high quality. “We pay more to have the fabric strengthened, and I’ve learned to ask for a sample of every piece before we actually place an order.” Although almost all fabrics are made in China, Diane buys cotton knits made in the USA.
Shortly after the Bailey Boys line with its appliqués and colorful ribbons was in full swing, the Chabré line of dressy outfits with exquisite details and lush fabrics came into production. Completing the offerings are Bailey Babies (bibs, blankets, onesies, diaper bags, and special “Take Me Home” outfits) and Bailey Buddies (featuring hand-painted designs). Attractively organized in the showrooms, displays include pink and blue birthday outfits with a decorative one-candle cupcake appliqué and the popular “fanny bubbles” – Diane’s name for a one-piece with multiple ruffles across the back. Of course there are hair ribbons meticulously decorated to top off matching outfits.
About this local factory and retail space, Diane says, “This is a one-stop shop, everything from head to toe.” Quick to point out that not everything here is a Bailey Boys original, she shared, “I buy things that complement what I make and things I don’t, such as pajamas, panties, and shoes.” That includes soft cuddly stuffed animals and some games and toys. If you come in with children, they will quickly find the play kitchen where they can entertain themselves while you shop. Not to be missed is the actual factory store, a back room holding inventory from “seasons past” – all sold at prices significantly lower than original retail.
Bailey Boys is truly a family business. Diane is the creativity. Husband Jim oversees all the financial operation. As the business has grown and additional employees needed in management, the two sons, Chad and Brent (whose combined names formed the Chabré line), both already working locally, came aboard. Chad’s wife, Rachel, also works as a representative, and their nearly-two-year-old son (probably the best dressed kid around) will soon be joined by a little sister (in September) – additional inspiration for brother-sister outfits, as if Diane needed any.
Although this month is especially eventful (a marriage for Brent is also on tap), the business is astir year round. With showrooms in Atlanta, Dallas, and Charlotte to stock, a 22,000 square foot factory in Baxley to keep tabs on, and a drawing board of designs brewing all the time, Diane and her family stay busy operating this successful venture that calls St. Simons Island home. Diane puts all this success in the proper perspective, however, as she says, “The best part of my day is when I hear ‘Hi, Mom. Hi, Mom.’ It just doesn’t get any better than this.” From my perspective, the same can be said of the clothes from Bailey Boys: “They don’t get any better than these.”
