Wild Plains is a playful children's boutique for little adventurers that's curated with heart, intention, and a love for childhood. Founded by Kristie Pettibone, it's a celebration of design, discovery, and Kansas roots.
“My background is in graphic design, and I did design work for seven years,” says Pettibone. “I then wanted to get more into fashion and got a job at Halls doing in-store signage and visual merchandising at the Plaza and Crown Center locations. After leaving Halls, I worked for Winston Retail as a field merchandiser for Colombia, Helly Hansen, and Adidas golf. I then created my own freelance business doing window displays and visual merchandising for over 30 businesses in the Kansas City area.
“I always wanted to open my own store, but it wasn't until we had our son that I knew it was going to be a children's store. I had grown up going to Ranch Mart with my grandparents, and the moment I walked into the old frozen custard shop that closed in 2019 and sat empty that I could visualize my store. I then knew I wanted to create a meaningful space not just for shopping, but for kids to come play and run around freely.”
The store is visually split right down the middle—the “wild” side is a celebration of bold colors and whimsical prints, and the “plains” side is a calm embrace of soft hues and natural textures. It’s a balance of contrast that somehow feels just right, like the way kids can be loud and imaginative one minute, then quiet and thoughtful the next.
Designed in collaboration with Hufft Architects and Goebel Mitts Construction, the boutique feels more like a modern art installation than a typical store for children. Custom pegboards, modular tables, and a flowing wooden feature wall cut to mimic Kansas prairie grass blowing in the breeze add movement and depth. Even the kid-sized play Jeep, inspired by 1940’s Willys Military vehicles, is crafted with care from Baltic birch plywood, complete with steering wheel and license plate.
The boutique is for newborns through size 14 and carries over 50 handpicked brands from around the globe, most of which are family-run and deeply rooted in sustainability. From soft organic cotton onesies to standout gifts designed by local artists abroad, everything is chosen with care—not just for how it looks, but for how it feels and the story it tells.
“My personal style is unique, and I wanted to bring quality brands from all over the world to Kansas. I love going to New York to meet the designers and owners behind my brands. Most are small family-run businesses that are passionate about quality and children’s clothing. I go in-person so I can feel and touch the product—everything I carry I want it to be soft, comfortable, and made to withstand adventures.
“Some brands work with local artists in their country to create the collections, and there is always a story and meaning behind each season. The designs are intentional, and that is what I want my store to represent. I care about the people behind my brands and want to support them in every way I can.”
Wild Plains has garnered praise not just from happy parents, but from the design world too, winning both a Capstone award in retail from the Kansas City Business Journal and a Devine Detail award from the American Institute of Architects in Kansas City.
“Every detail is intentional, from the CNC routed wall that emulates the Kansas prairie grass, to the tags showing what country the clothes are designed in. I never wanted just a shop—I created Wild Plains to be a destination for both kids and parents alike.”
Wild Plains is located at 9421 Mission Road in Leawood. For more information, visit shopwildplains.com.
Article by Allison Swan
Photography by Provided
Originally published in Leawood City Lifestyle