KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Miki

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If you’re looking for a party, I can tell you that it’s happening right now over at Little Styles – www.littlestyles.com.au.  Every time I visit the store – which is often, it’s a favourite! – something exciting is going on, and there’s always something new for me to fall in love with.

Take right now for example: Winter stock is beginning to arrive, and that always gets me excited – I love winter fashion.  I’m really impressed by Bonds this season; what used to be a good-but-basic brand has really come into its own in recent seasons’ collections and the current Bonds range is hip and happenin’.  Funky prints, great colourways and incredibly comfy fabrics make it a winner in every way, but when buying just remember to go up a size as Bonds gear is traditionally on the small side.

Also new at Little Styles is the iconic Sophie the Giraffe, or Sophie la Girafe as she’s known in her native France.  We have a Sophie in our household and she’s just gorgeous – lovely soft 100% natural rubber, her sweet smile and her happy squeak make her incredibly popular with me and my five month old.  If I’m going out and need something to entertain him, Sophie is the first thing I throw in the nappy bag. Little Styles also stock Sophie’s friends, the Chan Pie Gnon chew toys.  Too cute!

Yet more new arrivals include Skip Hop’s Zoo Packs, the fabulous and colourful Lifefactory WeeGo glass bottles, new Tiger Tribe (see below for TT soft toys, adorable), new Sparkle T, new Alex bath toys, new Hess-Spielzeug baby toys, and loads of top ups of styles that sold out over Christmas.  Terri and her team sure have been busy!

The Little Styles huge summer fashion sale is in full swing, with up to 60% off on top brands, including Oobi, Sooki Baby, Bonds, Big By Fiona, Gaia and Purebaby.  And speaking of discounts, you’ll want to take note of this:  Terri is giving KidStyleFile readers 10% off store-wide, including sale stock, *on all orders $65 (before postage is added).  This offer ends aat midnight 12 February 2010.  Enter the discount code ‘febfun‘ at checkout to redeem. Enjoy!

You can take 10% off the prices below when you spend over $65 in one transaction (before postage), using the code ‘febfun’.  This offer expires midnight 12 February 2010.

1. Bebe by Minihaha Molly Wrap Footed Romper, $36.95; and Noah Stripe Footed Romper, $35.95
2. Bonds Birdie PJs – Grey, $26.95; Bonds Lil Wonder 3/4 Sleeve Tee – Dark Pink, $15.95 and Bonds Stretchies Bear Print Legging, $16.95
3. Sophie The Giraffe Teething Toy, $35.95; Chan Pie Gnon Chew Toy, $25.95
4. SkipHop Zoo Pack – Mouse, $39.95; and Dog, $39.95
5. Tiger Tribe Softie Elephant Rattle, $19.95; Tiger Tribe Daisy Pigtail Rag Doll, $34.95; LifeFactory WeeGo Glass Bottles, from $19.95
SALE: Tiny Mammoth Skeleton Ghost Tee, $39.95 $27.95; Oobi Baby Carmen Dress – Buttons, $44.95 $29.95; Sooki Baby Funky Monkey Holiday Snapsuit, $26.95 $19.95; Bluebird & Honey Sundress With Brooch, $43.95 $35.95

Little Styles stocks fashion, toys and accessories from the following list of brands: Aden & Anais, Adiri, Albetta, Alex, alex & charli, Alimrose Designs, Annabel Trends, Baby Gund, Babykids, Babylegs, Babylicious, Baobab, Bbox, Bebe, Bebe Au Lait, Belly Art, Big by Fiona Scanlan, Blabla, BLINK Designs, Bluebird & Honey, Bobbleart, Bonds, Busybee Friends, Cheeky Little Soles, Cheeky Monkey, Cloud B, Cocoon Couture, Deglingos, Elodie Details, Fish Lilly, Flipsy Flopsy Doll Co., Flirty Bird, ForWalls, French Bull, Fresh Bakes, Gala Organic Cotton, Gertie and Me, Giddy Giddy, Gimmo, Global Style custom, Haba, Hess-Spielzebug, Infancy, Infantino, Isoki, Itch Design, Jack & Lily, Jasnor, Kathe Kruse, Lakeland Design, Lark and Friends, L’il Fraser Collection, Little Chippi, Little Styles, Love Police, Mamas and Papas, Marquis, Melissa & Doug toys, Miatom, Milk Baby, Minimonkey, Minti, Moppit, Muddy Cloud, Noo Design, Oobi, Paper Eskimo, Pink Thodore, Plum, Precious L’il Thingsm Purebaby, Rockabye baby!, Rush, Russ, Sevi, Sigikid, Skeanie, Skip Hop, Sooki Baby, Super Zeros, SwaddleDesigns, Three Little Trees, Tiny Mammoth, Tiny Revolutionary, Tiny Tribe, Vintage Kid, Walnut, Well Spotted, Woof!, WOW toys.

Little Styles deliver Australia-wide for the flat fee of $7.50. Orders over $150 are delivered FREE of charge! See ordering and delivery for more information, including international shipping rates.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Calling all grown-up hipster parents: here’s a place you’ll enjoy hanging with your tiny cool-cat-in-training – Monkeytail & Wellington – www.monkeytailandwellington.com.au.

So what’s the buzz? Everything on offer at Monkeytail & Wellington has been hand picked for it’s superior aesthetic appeal, uniqueness, quality and function. Products have been sourced globally, and you’ll discover brands here that you won’t find anywhere else.

Vicki at Monkeytail & Wellington is passionate about kids music and has built up one of the best selections on the web. Choose from R&B, Motown, rock’n'roll, 80’s delights, and a bevy of kids artists with major cred (case in point: Caspar Babypants aka  Chris Ballew, former frontman of The Presidents of the United States of Amercia – you can read an interview and review on the M&W blog.)

Your cool-kid can be kitted from head to toe, and from playtime to mealtime to bedtime at Monkeytail & Wellington. Check the shipment of Kalamazoo-made (it’s a real place!) ribbon sculpture hair clips. These have to be seen to be believed. Entirely made of ribbon, they are mini works of art, and feature well-known characters including Max from Where The Wild Things Are, Olivia, Madeline, Eloise, Alice in Wonderland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’s Oompa Loompas. The jumbo sized Earth Ball, new shipment of Shinzi Katoh zakka goods, the latest issue of Anorak magazine, and some fab new playsets (the igloo set rocks!) are among my top picks.

Pick of the week has to go to the Let’s Play Mail Valentine’s set, which is on sale 40% off. For other sale picks up to 70% off, scope the sale section, where you’ll currently find Zid Zid Kids, Piggy Story, Fabourg Saint Denis and Gucio Shoes, and be sure to sign up to the Monkeytail & Wellington newsletter to keep the beat with what’s going on, and get access to VIP only sales.

A. Caspar Babypants ‘Here I am’ music CD – $20.00
B. Let’s Play Mail Valentine’s Playset – $45.00 On Sale $27.00
C. Igloo Playset – $39.95
D. ‘Totally 80’s for Kids’ compilation music CD – $24.95
E. Kalamazoo-made Hair Clip Character Sculptures – $12.00-$19.00 each
F. Shinzi Katoh Zip Pouch Bag - $24.95
G. Anorak magazine, issue 12 – $9.95
H. Fabric Button Rings – $4.95 each
I. Jumbo Earth Ball, featuring NASA satellite photography – $19.95
J. Shinzi Katoh 4 Piece Lunchbox Set – $29.95

Monkeytail & Wellington’s charge from $6.95 for Express eParcel post. Orders over $150.00 ship free of charge. International orders are warmly welcomed. View the Postage Charges Info page for full details.

Today’s post written by Leah

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In Denmark it is not unsual for a person to go through life without ever posessing a car. Bicycles are the favored mode of transport across much of the country, and most locations are bike friendly. As a result, the bicycles that are designed in this country are quite exceptional and designed to functionally optimally with the users lifestyle. One example which is perfect for families is the new Velorbis Mobii Trike Bicycle.

With a stackhat on my head (check out Nutcase for ultra coolness), the kids in the carrier with the built-in seat belts on – click clack! – I can just imagine myself pedaling this handcrafted Trike Bicycle  around my hometown.

At USD$3,895.00 (possibly what I spend on petrol biannually), this is not a bike for the casual cyclist, but a possiblity for a family wanting to adopt a seriously green alternative. The Velorbis Mobii Trike Bicycle is distributed in Australia by Morgans Bicycles, Alexandria, NSW. Phone (02) 9519 4666 for more details.

Today’s post written by Leah

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When news of a new bundle of joy reaches my ears, when I receive an invitation to a kids birthday party, or when I feel a little gift is deserving for no particular reason, my mind goes into overdrive. What can I buy that is unique, awe inspiring and affordable? The quest for the perfect gift will often consume me for a few days as I scour the Kidstylefile listings for inspiration.  How excited was I to find Green Goat – www.greengoat.com.au – whose compact online shop reveals the cream of the crop in babies and kids gift potentialities.

Recently, on my summer beach holiday, Master R, Miss N and a handful of their cousins experiemented with a box of Gelli Baff Bath Goo. We filled their beach buckets with water and added the contents. The hesitant little hands that finally squelched the contents through fingers was met with squeals of delight. What followed, was squishy squashy fun as their feet had a little go too. It was the perfect reward for excellent behaviour throughout the day, and for me – so easy to clean with a packet of included ‘dissolving powder’.  With four great colours – we chose ‘Magic Swamp Green’ – every child will have a favourite.

Peek-a-Boo Bags are the gift that just keeps on giving. For anyone that travels, this quirky idea is a tactile version of ‘Where’s Wally?’ that is certain to entertain the kids and give you a little time for relaxation (or to find the way on your map).  It is the perfect size to fit in your handbag to be pulled out when boredom strikes, and is made from corduroy fabric on one side and a see-through vinyl window on the other. The attached tag provides a list of all the things you can find inside. It’s on my gift list this year.

Australian-made personalised prints from Minime – available in four great designs – Funky Alphabet, Alphabet, Birth Details and Initial is for…. – are a great option for gifting to parents of a new arrival, and you can’t go past books for an enduring gift.  Green Goat has created Read with Me themed kits such as Find me a Pet and Jungle Adventure.

Green Goat have recently developed a new improved shopping cart and checkout system to make your experience with them even better, and would love you to test it out. As a reward for shopping, Melissa at Green Goat is gifting all KSF who place orders of $50+ a FREE set of Roloblox (rrp $15.95) while stocks last, until 14 February 2010. To redeem this great gift, just enter ‘KSF’ in the ‘Comments’ section at checkout.

Green Goat also have a wonderful Rewards Program, so you’ll accrue points to receive great discounts on future purchases, and when you subscribe to the Green Goat newsletter (see the Green Goat homepage) you’ll automatically go into the draw to win a $100.00 Green Goat Gift Voucher. If you’re a Facebooker and not already a Fan of Green Goat, then head on over and join the crew: Melissa will be giving away a $100 voucher when fan numbers reach 1,000.

1. MiniMi Birth Details Print $23.00 (Including postage)
2. Peek-A-Boo Bags $26.95
3. Seedling Good Things for Girls $44.95
4. Cocoon Couture Kinder Bags Was $39.95 NOW $35.96
5. Green Bean Organic Denim/Bamboo Dress Was $59.95 NOW $23.98
6. Painted Custom Made Names $17.00 (per letter)
7. Gelli Baff Bath Goo! $14.95
8. En Gry & Sif House Bags $99.00
9. Wheely Bug Small $99.00
10. Djeco Maggy Shape Sorter $46.95
11. Sparkle T – Allsorts & Gumballs $29.95

Green Goat stock brands including Bluebird & Honey, Motley Monkeys, Plan Toys, Seedling, Cocoon Couture, En Gry & Sif, Wheely Bugs, Big Jigs Name Trains, Milk Baby, Kozy Koala, and Verna May Designs.

Green Goat charge $8.95 flat rate delivery, Australia-wide. International orders are very welcome. Click here for Green Goat’s full postage and delivery information. Green Goat also offer a 100% money back guarantee on all goods. Click here to find out more.

Today’s post written by Anna

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Well lovely ones, if you have a baby or toddler to shop for (or one on the way – yay, big congratulations to you!), before the weekend gets away from you, make a little time time to zoom, zoom on over to the always delightful Rose & Lily – www.roseandlily.com.au.

For the wonderfully generous Michele and Jennifer from Rose and Lily have a fantastic clearance sale on now on Babymoov products. All items are now at least 50% off* with a few items even more! The sale continues only while stocks last. (*Excludes Babymoov Lovenest product)

Form meets function in style with Babymoov.  This brand take traditional baby items, adds the special Babymoov touch and – voila! – we have some extraordinary baby products.

I have always loved the Babymoov Babymoov Hippo Crockery and right now is a great time to buy the sippy cup and the bowl as they are both on sale for just $9.99 each. Ah, so cheap! Buying a couple now to put aside for presents would be a great idea. The sippy cup has a spill-proof valve in it (trust me, it can prove to be invaluable).  The bowl uses anti slip rubber technology on the base and the lid is sealable to keep food fresh in the fridge.  Each piece is microwave and dishwasher safe and super cute to boot!

In the past few years, as more and more of my girlfriends have started making babies, I have hosted and attended more baby showers than I can count. I love them! They are a special way to say “we love you” even before the little one has entered the world. When the time comes, I am all set with an idea I have yet seen at a baby shower thanks to Babymoov. Check out the Babymoov Pregnancy Belly Make-up which holds a whole set of creative possibilities for an upcoming baby shower, or for older children to connect with the sibling they are *patiently* waiting for. Or what a lovely way for a father to connect with his wee little one. Ohh, so many lovely ideas in my mind for this product!

There is lots more to peruse in this sale, so enjoy checking out the pictures of my favourites below, and make your move on these products while they last at Rose & Lily.

1. Babymoov Hippo Crockery – Sippy Cup sale price = $9.99
2. Babymoov Hippo Crockery – Bowl + Lid sale price = $9.99
3. Babymoov Thermo Bottle Rage – Brown Leopard sale price = $19.99
4. Babymoov Insulated Food Bag – Black or Green sale price = $24.95
5. Babymoov Melamine Deluxe Dish Set – Purple Hot Air Balloon sale price = $29.99
6. Babymoov Hawaiian Buddies size/sale price -  S=$12.95, M=$29.95, L=$34.95
7. Babymoov Pregnancy Belly Make-up sale price = $9.99
   
8. Babymoov Bath Cape – Butterfly sale price $25.00
9. Babymoov Car Organiser sale price $29.95

In addition to such a fantastic range of Babymoov products, Rose and Lily also stock fine products from the following leading brands: BabySteps 123, The Learning Tower, Luna Lullabye, Mije, My Plate-Mate, On Tray, Sneakys, Snugabub.

Rose & Lily charge $9.00 for postage up to $100, $15 postage for orders between $100 and $201, with FREE shipping for orders of $210+ Australia-wide.

Today’s post written by Anna

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“It’s mine” are a little set of words that are heard often in our house, spoken in varying tones, with varying outcomes.  I love hearing  “That’s my sister” followed by a lovely cuddle. But I’m not so fond of hearing “That’s my toy”, followed by a scuffle! Grappling with ownership is a big deal for little ones, they love the sense of belonging it brings and certainly nothing says ‘mine’ like having you name woven into the very design of what you’re wearing!

Tapping into this are the clever clogs behind Mooo – www.mooo.com.au: a special place where you can put your child’s name on almost anything!

The entire range of Mooo summer clothing is currently on sale with $5 off  every piece including personalised tees, rugby tops and rash vests in sizes 000-10.  Enter the promotion code ‘ KSF453‘ at checkout to redeem the $5 discount on each piece of Moo clothing you purchase. This offer expires 28 February 2010 and cannot be redeemed with any other offer.

Mooo have a great range of colourful designs waiting to be personalised.  All you need to choose is the style of clothing (a rugby top, tee-shirt, or rash vest), enter the child’s name and let Mooo do their magic. After a week or so, you’ll be able to enjoy watching your little one enjoy seeing their name in print for the first time – priceless!

Today’s post written by Cassi from The Crafty Crow

Hello everyone! Can you believe it’s already February and time to make Valentines? I’ve gathered a variety of ideas so kids can have fun making their own cards and gifts.  Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

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1. These colorful tissue flowers hide a sweet treat in the center – a lollipop! Find the details to make your own at Full Circle.

2. You’ll find these cute “Bee Mine” valentine cards at Ducky House.

3. Scrumdilly Do shows you how to make these lovely puffy heart valentines. We made some giant ones like this last year and they were so much fun!

4. These flower and heart bracelets at Plum Pudding make a fun group project – adults can cut the felt shapes for younger kids while the older ones can cut their own.

5. By Little Hands created this heart block valentine for little ones to do after she was inspired by one at Martha Stewart

6. Use fabric glue if you don’t want to do any sewing for these fun felt hearts and purchase the pre-cut letters to make this project even simpler. Details at Sewing School.

7. Maya*Made shows you how to use potato stamps to create these happy heart flowers. This is a great craft to do with a group of kids as well. To make it even simpler, just use your potato stamp on plain cardstock folded in half for a card.

You’ll find many more ideas like these at The Crafty Crow, I hope you’ll come by and say hello! If you have a project that you would like to submit then send it my way – details are in the right column on The Crafty Crow.

You can view more ‘The Crafty Crow presents’ posts on KidStyleFile here.

Today’s post written by Miki

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The ShopHouse – www.shophouse.com.au – Big Summer Sale has been running for a couple of weeks now, and although the phenomenal bargains (see below for more on those!) have had stock flying off the shelves almost faster than Bronwyn and her team can keep up, there are still some absolute steals from hot designers up for grabs.

This unmissable event includes current stock from some of the most coveted brands from Australia and abroad at rock bottom prices – including plenty below cost price!  This is what’s on offer:

• Oobi Baby & Kids up to 40% off
• OshKosh 45% off – below cost!
• Baobab 30% off
• Moppit 40% off
• Bonds 30% off
• Purebaby up to 30% off
• Cuddlefish 40% off
• Snugglebum up to half price!
• En Gry + Sif 30% off
• Baby Bloch Slippers up to 50% off

But hold your horses, shopaholics!  Before you go charging off to fill your shopping cart, take on board this important piece of information: you can now take an *extra 5%* off all sale stock at ShopHouse! Use the discount code ‘KSFSALE2‘  to redeem on sale stock only until the clock strikes midnight on Wednesday 10 February 2010.

So this means that with the additional discount, adorable Oobi Japanese Wash Jeans in boy and girl styles are $49.95 $28.45, Cuddlefish swim gear is down to a miniscule $15.15, and a great selection of ultra hip Bonds rompers are now $21.95 $15.15!

Ready… steady… GO!!!!

The prices below are valid until midnight on Tuesday 9 February 2010, using the code ‘KSFSALE2′.

1. Oobi Baby Japanese Wash Whale Jeans, $49.95 $29.95 extra 5% off = 28.45
2. Oobi Baby Carmen Dress – Buttons, $44.95 $29.95 extra 5% off = $28.45
3. Alimrose Designs Bird House Mobile – Red, $42.95 $31.95 extra 5% off = $30.35
4. Oobi Baby Retro Swirl Lulu Skirt, $54.95 $45.95 extra 5% off = $43.65
5. Moppit Slouch Pant, $49.95 $32.95 extra 5% off = $31.30
6. Bonds Charcoal Car Tee, $16.95 $12.95 extra 5% off = $12.30
7. Cuddlefish Navy Stripe Short Swim Tee, $39.95 $22.95 extra 5% off = $21.80; and Shorts, $24.95 $15.95 extra 5% off = $15.15
8. Baobab Peacock Dress, $45.95 $31.95 extra 5% off = $30.35
9. En Gry + Sif Felt Mice (2 pack), $32.95 $22.95 extra 5% off = $21.80
10. Bonds Pirate Romper, $21.95 $15.95 extra 5% off = $15.15
11. OshKosh Indi Blues Dress, $74.95 $41.22 extra 5% off = $39.15

ShopHouse stocks the following brands: Adiri Natural Nurser, Alimrose, And The Little Dog Laughed, Annabel Trends, Baobab, Bod, Bonds, Cocoon Couture, Cookey Cat Artworks, Cuddlefish, Eco Kid.,Galmatic, Get Fresh, Huggalugs, ID Teen, Jedko Games Co, Kee-Ka, Kiddysac, Krooom, Lark, Lil’ Lana, Little Chipipi, Look At The Wall, Milestone Press, Mill & Mia, Moltex Nappies, Monday’s Child Pyjamas, Oobi Baby + Kids, Pebbles, Penny Scallan, Pure Baby, Red Wagon, Rileah Designs, Serena & Lily, ShopHouse, The Little Experience, Wotnot, Yunginz, and OshKosh while stocks last.

Wherever you live in Australia, ShopHouse delivers for the flat rate of $6.95. International orders are delivered for $20. See the Delivery Page for full terms and conditions.

The latest edition of  Bubble – The Kids Trade Show, was held at the Business Design Centre in Islingston, London, UK last weekend.

From 31 January-1 February over 200 of the finest designers of boutique baby and kids fashion, nursery good, accessories and toys in the world (including a fabulous Australian contingent: Cocoon Couture, Three Little Trees, Paper Wings, Munster Kids, Tea Princess, and more, were there!) displayed their Autumn/Winter 2010 collections to trend savvy buyers from around the globe. Major trends evident were the dominance of organic cotton and fairtrade, upcycling and more labels choosing to extend their ranges into tween sizes.

KidStyleFile Senior Writer Miki was our scout on the ground at the show, and today she brings you her first round of show picks, chosen for their innovation, design, and sheer charm.

Enjoy! – Angela.

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Animal Tails

One of the many organic and ethically produced brands showing at Bubble was Animal Tails.  As a brand with a conscience, they take it even further than most with all their striking screen printed designs featuring endangered animals such as the Mako shark and the Riverine rabbit.  Their range includes rompers from 0-3m to 6-12m, and tees from 2-3 right up to 9-10.  The girls’ tees have a subtle puff sleeve as an added design feature, and the collection also includes hats and baby blankets.

Animal Tails are stocked in Australia by Aurora Design Studio, although the products are not currently on their website. Please contact the store directly to enquire.

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Barbara Farber

Dutch brand Barbara Farber is ultra feminine and ultra chic.  Designed for the glamour girls among us, the collection features sumptuous fabrics, faux fur, diamantes and fine knits.  Sized from 3 years to 12 years (so a great option for tween girls looking for party pieces), the real charm of the collection is all in the detailing and fine tailoring.  The coats in particular are real standout items; they’re beautifully cut.

Barbara Farber is not currently available in Australia, but we’ll keep you posted on developments.

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Ben Sherman Kids

As a mum of boys I am constantly on the lookout for new and interesting boyswear labels, and Ben Sherman Kids is exactly that.  The brand’s inspiration is focused around the iconic 1960s Carnaby Street rock n roll fashion scene, and British music has clearly been a huge influence on the designs.  Sizing is from baby sizes all the way up to 14, making this an excellent label for tween boys.

Ben Sherman Kids is not available in Australia at this stage.  The Kids range will be launching through the Ben Sherman UK website in March ‘10, and available to buy online from there.

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Cakewalk

Cakewalk, another Dutch brand, is designed around two very simple but effective principles: cheerful and colourful.  Exclusively girlswear (the company catchphrase is ‘girly spirit’), the collection is bold and highly detailed with prints, textured fabric such as cord, and touches such as interesting buttons and stitching detail.  It is sized from baby up to 12 years, and while it isn’t yet available in Australia we will keep you updated on developments.

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Green Eyed Monster

On the scene for over two years now, Green Eyed Monster is focused on cool design with principles.  Design and quality come first with the brand, while ethics come a very close second; the cotton is organic and the dyes and finishes are all non-toxic.  The prints on the tees, rompers, longline tees and dresses are bright and bold, with strong musical and iconic influences; prints include The Beatles’ yellow submarine, Concorde, the chopper bicycle, pacman and Finnish icon the Moomins.  Dresses and longline tees are made more feminine with touches of Crystalline by Swarovski (TM) crystals, and the knitwear is ethically sourced alpaca wool from Peru.

In Australia Green Eyed Monsters is stocked by Cornflower Blue.

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Let Them Eat Cake for Environmental Justice Fund

Exclusive English label Let Them Eat Cake launched their new charity tees at this edition of Bubble London.  Supporting the Environmental Justice Foundation, they are printed on ethical American Apparel tees, and feature pop culture icons John & Yoko and Britney Spears respectively.  The tees were designed in collaboration with well known English artists Annie Kevans and Stella Vine, and are hand printed in Bath, where the brand is based.  Sizing is from 12 months up to 8 years.

The tees will be selling soon through the LTEC website, and we’ll keep you posted as news of more stockists comes to hand.

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Nixie Clothing

One of the most exciting and distinctive collections at Bubble this season was shown Nixie Clothing.  Designer Nicole Frobusch sources vintage and upcycled fabrics to create her distinctive ‘one of a kind’ pieces, resulting in an eclectic and colourful range for girls aged 1 to 12 years.  The collection showing at Bubble included vintage coats using beautiful heavy linen fabric sourced from retro tablecloths and curtains, knitted woollen neck warmers with beautiful lace and button details, knitted jumpers with sweetly ruffled sleeves, and floaty batwing dresses for spring/summer made from upcycled silk scarves.

Nixie Clothing is not yet available in Australia, but see the Nixie website for overseas stockists.

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Their Nibs

Prints-based English label Their Nibs has a vintage inspired collection of fairy and Russian doll printed dresses and coats for girls in chiffon, needle cord and wool.  Detailing includes miniature sequins and antique lace which render the finished pieces whimsical and nostalgic.  Boyswear includes grand prix printed 50’s style box-shaped shirts in needle cord and lumberjack flannel, and well cut woolen coats.

Also new from Their Nibs are cotton jersey pyjamas featuring Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler’s hugely popular Gruffalo in a repeating pattern (along with other favourite characters Mouse, Owl, Fox and Snake).  The pyjamas are available in background colours of blue, pink and ivory and are sized from 18 months up to 5-6 years.  Gruffalo dressing gowns and raincoats are also planned for later this year.  Their Nibs has just extended their license for The Gruffalo to Australia, meaning we can hope to see these products here soon – I predict that Their Nibs will swiftly become very sought after in the Australian market.  We’ll update on stockists as information comes to hand.

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Toby Tiger

Around for 11 years now, Brighton-based Toby Tiger is all about colour and comfort for little people.  Over the years it has grown exponentially, and they now have around 400 stockists, mostly small independent retailers, in the UK along with sales through their own website.  The range is extensive and includes, among many other items, tees, rompers, knitwear, dungarees, dresses, rainwear and gumboots.  All cotton is organic, and head designer/brand owner Zoe Mellor is working to make the entire product range organic in time.  The entire range is impressive, but my standout products are the applique tees and rompers which sport large, child-friendly designs in bold colours, and the stylish printed rainwear.

Toby Tiger currently has no Australian stockists (we’ll keep you updated), but Australian customers can buy direct through their website.

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Uttam Kids & Yumi Girls

The new tween brand from Uttam is Yumi Girls, sized from 5-6 years up to 11-12 years.  As with Uttam, Yumi Girls pieces draw their inspiration from India, Nepal and Japan.  The Autumn/Winter ‘10 Yumi Girls collection has a colourful, vibrant feel with florals, lace, bright nature-inspired prints and even a couple of pieces with a nautical stripes.

Uttam, Uttam Kids, Yumi and Yumi Girls are creations of Nepalese designer Uttam Nepal, who uses sequins, beads, lace and other embellishments to accentuate his eye-catching and on trend pieces.

Yumi Girls is new this season and so is not yet stocked in Australia.  A select range of Uttam Kids can be found at Babies & Kids.

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Please check individual sites for shipping details.

Today’s post written by Anna

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I’m sure most of us have a ‘favourite things’ list. Here are just a few things that appear on mine: my husband (check) the sound of happy children (check) fresh flowers (check) a dress or two (check) a few special, and most importantly, gorgeous-looking treasures (check) white walls (check) clean floors (hmm, maybe tomorrow?!)

A fantastic spot for finding ‘favourite things’ is the simply stunning space called Little Living – www.littleliving.com.au. Within this luxurious space you’ll find a gorgeous array of only the finest designed children’s home wares, gifts and accessories. Lovingly selected from both European and Australian designers, and brought together and infused with very classy style of proprietor Paula Kos, you will be blown away by the beauty in store.

Finding their home in the stellar line-up at Little Living are pieces from Allerhand, Babymoov, Custard Pie, Danish by Design, ecokid, Ensparkle Ceramics, Firefly and Little Miss Firefly, Forwalls, Gense, Greengate, Hanke, House Doctor, Ida Pearle, International Arrivals, Jock & Tilly, Kideko, Little Lighthouse, Maileg, Marks, Mini Rhubarb, MOJO, Mudpuppy, Ollie & Max, Oscar Blue, Overbeck & Friends, Playsam, Scherning, Seedling, Tania McCartney, The Birthday Company and Zid Zid Kids.

To kick off what is sure to be a long relationship between you and Little Living, Paula is holding a fabulous sale with up to 65% off! This wondrous event lasts only while stocks last until 28 February 2010. There is soooo much to choose from and it really is all utterly and completely gorgeous – we are truly spoiled for choice here! I have selected just a few of my favourites to illustrate my point and showcase what’s on offer to eat, sleep, play and live with from Little Living.

EAT. There is a fantastic choice for kids dinnerware at Little Living.  The Mini Rhubarb range is just gorgeous and with our little girl now out-eating her older brothers, we spend a lot of time looking at her dinnerware! So if you’re embarking on solids or well into the food (+ mess) journey -  for all the time you end up spending looking at, using, picking up from the floor and then washing your child’s dinnerware – I say pick a design like the Sweetie dinnerset that you’ll love too!  If you love polkda dots,  Little Living also stocks the divine melamine polka range from the European designer brand, Greengate. Talk about eating in style!

SLEEP. Greengate also have a lovely range of quality bed linen and cushions for your little one. I adore the Mimi Linen Doona Cover which is currently reduced fro $129.00 to just $40.00! What a find!

PLAY. From German brand Allerhand come a gorgeous and unique sports bag designed to hold a soccer or netball, together with a drink bottle.  These are seriously cool and seriously clever – no more chasing off after run away balls in car parks! Allerhand also make a great range mini rucksack suitable for little ones to use as a backpack or your tween to use as a lunch bag.

LIVE. Another of my ‘favourite things’ is gifts – for there is so much joy to be found in giving Little Living is a superb spot to go gift hunting for you are sure to find so something unique and beautiful – you can even have gifts wrapped to perfection and delivered straight to the lucky recipient. There are gorgeous rabbits, mice and rattles from Denmark’s Maileg which make the perfect baby and toddler presents. I love the large rabbit with stripe dress and check out the Mouse House: what a delightfully quaint gift idea.  Plus if it’s an adult you’re shopping for, I rate highly the ‘My Quotable Kid’ journal as a gift idea for parents.  This is a book that will become a sentimental part of a family’s life – containing all the memorable sayings our kids come out with, and all the associated memories that come out as we relive them over time. Want to give the gift of choice? A Little Living Gift Voucher is just the thing.

Discounted prices quoted below apply while stocks last only.

1. Mini Rhubarb – ‘Sweetie’ 3 pce kid’s dinnerset $24.95 now $20.00
2. Ollie & Max quilted military style jacket $129.95 now $40.0o
3. Maileg Mouse House $180.00
4. Mini Square childrens ottoman – Bird $125.00 now $110.00
5. Babymoov HIPPO bowl and lid $22.00 now $18.00
6. Greengate ‘Mimi Linen’ – single quilt/doona cover $129.00 now $40.00
7. My Quotable Kid – A Parent’s Journal Of Unforgettable Quotes $29.95
8. Allerhand childrens ball & bottle sports bag – 3 colours $34.00 now $29.95
9. Hanke ‘Le Champignon’ stool for children $124.95 now $115.00
10. Playsam xbus- red $134.20 now $95.00
11. Maileg large rabbit with stripe dress $140.00

Little Living use Australia Post and ship via Express Post Australia wide. Postage cost is determined at checkout based on weight. Average orders ship at around $9.50. See Delivery for full information including how to ship Little Living goodies internationally.