THE J. CREW GENIUS WHO'S MAKING "MINI MES" OF THE KIDS OF THE COMPANY'S LEGIONS OF FANS

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We can't resist a chance to chat with an indefatigable mother of two boys, who despite having more than plenty on her plate, admits that when she can't be scouring antique stores, she squeezes in a little eBay shopping just before bedtime.
When that mom happens to be Jenny Cooper, the New York-based Head of Design for J. Crew's covetable children's line, Crewcuts, we can't wait to find out more. Cooper is part of the creative dream team that has catapulted J. Crew from rollneck sweater and barn jacket catalogue fixture into one of the most influential fashion houses in America. And Crewcuts is certainly following suit, enhancing the brand with sophisticated but wearable clothes for kids... and, more recently, babies, too.
The Inside Source: We love that you try to stray from over-commercialized gifts, toys and gadgets for your boys. Did this come from your own upbringing?
Jenny Cooper: Barbie was persona non grata in our house! But I always try to work in vintage toys. When Walker needed a ride-on toy, I found an old Audi ride-on from a New Jersey dealership on eBay. And, I won't let my husband give it away even though now they are too big for it.
The Inside Source: Are there relics from your childhood that have stood the test of time?
Jenny Cooper: I had few relics to begin with because I was always outdoors armed with not much more than my own imagination (which still distracts me more than it should!). I usually made my own toys, which certainly did not stand the test of time. I think my favorite was making paints with ground up rocks and egg that I would use to paint on the side of the garage. And the dog would then lick them off!
The Inside Source: Do you use eBay? What search terms do you use for your family?
Jenny Cooper: Whenever I'm looking for something that stands out--that I don't think I will be able to find anywhere--I start on eBay. I've been using "chandelier" and "wardrobe" a lot. I use eBay anytime I am wishing I could spend a day trolling the Massachusetts antique and junk stores, but all I have is 30 minutes before I fall asleep!