KidStyleFile

Okey dokey: for those of you who have been hanging out for some new season’s Eeni Meeni Miini Moh, Fred Bare, GumBoots, Piccolina, Guess Kids, Petit Bateau, Gant, Alex and Charli, Trelise Cooper Kids, BIG and ‘Fiona’ by Fiona Scanlan, Tommy Rocket and Two Belles on the cheap, here is your big chance!

Buckets and Spades - www.bucketsandspades.com.au is offering KidStyleFile readers 25% off when you spend $200.00 on full priced clothes (conditions apply; please read below). This sale ends this Wednesday May 14, so start your engines and race on over!

Also, don’t forget to have a browse in the ‘Specials’ section to see lots of fab summer and winter clothing and shoes on sale and going cheap!

Check previous posts - May 1 and April 18 - for my hot picks.

Buckets and Spades run two impressive bricks and mortar stores as well as the online store, so there is a special process for placing orders.Here’s what you need to do to score your 25% discount:

1. Collect all the items you love into the shopping cart
3. Submit your order to Buckets and Spades - Mention ‘KSFSALE′ in the comments field so Zlata knows to give you the 25% discount
4. Note that no payment is required at this stage
5. After Zlata and her team receive your order they will check stock, and then phone you to arrange payment over the phone.

Jump over to Buckets and Spades now.

*Minimum spend $200.00 on full-priced clothes before postage charge added. Excludes sale items, shoes, prewalkers, accessories, sunglasses, Eeni Meeni Miini Moh (EMMM) Pure Baby.

Buckets and Spades send via Express Post only Australia wide. The charges are: up to 500 g $7.00, and up to 3 k $10.00 for postage. International orders are warmly welcomed; contact Zlata for a quote via the ‘Contact us’ menu option.

Motherhood is such a multi-faceted experience: such a rush of love and purpose and ultimate meaningfulness, and on some days, unbelievable difficulty.

Through all the highs and lows it is, without a doubt, the most mind-blowingly significant and remarkable thing I have ever experienced, and I know it won’t ever be beaten.

I have a feeling all you other mums out there know exactly I’m talking about.

No new deals today - I’m off to claim my medal at the Mother’s Day Classic (they include one in the finishers show bag: right on!) - but if you’re in a shopping mood, please do head over to review the All Current Deals page to check out the discounts and offers the KSF community has on offer - they are rippers!

I’ve included here a couple of links to some neat Mother’s Day related content, the first, Pop Sugar’s Mother’s Day pages, and the second to a Reuters article on what Mums - from supermodels to suburban Mums - want for mothers Mother’s Day. (Seems I have more in common with Cindy Crawford than I thought!)

Finally, way out of left-field, I’ll leave you with a gift of giggles via this blast-from-the-past video of Mr T paying homage to mothers everywhere. “I pity the fool” who sees this vid and doesn’t treat his/her mother right, *especially* on Mother’s Day! Have a good one.

Welcome to the weekend! Today we have for you Part 2 of Miki’s ‘Boys Only Adventure’ (you can read Part 1 here). Today’s piece looks at what’s out there and hot for little men 3-7 years, and boy- oh-boy does Mik have a bounty of gorgeous finds for you to enjoy! Without further ado, let’s jump on in!

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I have had so much fun this week prowling through gear for boys aged three to seven. There’s so much cool stuff! Have a look at the goodies I found:

Buckets & Spades
I just have to kick off with Buckets and Spades www.bucketsandspades.com.au.

Do you know, at the time of writing they have twenty-six pages of summer specials? And that doesn’t even include specials on their winter gear or shoes!

A lot of it is for girls, but there are some real gems in there for the guys, mostly at 40% off or more so you’ll be rewarded for sifting through. I’m talking about brands like Gant, Diesel, Guess, Fred Bare… the list goes on and I don’t have room to do them all justice, so you’ll just have to go and look for yourself. I’ve pulled out a couple of items to show you, but I’m barely scratching the surface!

And don’t forget that you can take a further 10% off the already amazing marked prices by using the discount code featured in this month’s My Child magazine!

No links here as Buckets & Spades is a frames-based website, so use the search function at the top right of the screen. Guess Sunset Beach Tee, style no. 9114, $49.95 $25.00; Tommy Rocket Insane Cowboy Tee, style no. TR 212, $34.95 $25.00; Fred Bare Summer 07 Shortall, style no. 4408, $71.50 $39.00.

Don’t forget to take another 10% off these prices using the My Child discount code!

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La Toriana
I adore the Eternal Creation range at La Toriana www.latoriana.com.au. Not only are the clothes stunning, but the business is family owned, ethically produced, based in the foothills of the Indian Himalayas and committed to improving the lives of local Tibetan and Indian communities - so not only do you get to buy gorgeous clothes at great prices for your son, you get to feel good about it too!

If I was forced to pick just one other item to showcase from La T (which is pretty darn difficult, let me tell you, as it’s all so beautiful), it would have to be the exquisite vintage-inspired Lazybones Sleepwear - just check out the picture of the Bobby Blue PJs below: says it all, really!

You can take another 15% off La T’s fab prices AND get a free gift using the discount code in My Child magazine! Amazing!!

Eternal Creation three piece set - long-sleeve tee, cord bootlegs and vest, $115.95 (save a packet when buying as a set, pieces also available individually); Eternal Creation Patch Pants, $49.95 $34.05; Lazybones Sleepwear Bobby Blue PJs, $39.95 $29.98.

These sale prices don’t include the My Child discount, so take off another 15%!

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Baby Goes Retro
If your boy wants to stand out from the crowd, then make a beeline for Baby Goes Retro www.babygoesretro.com.au.

Baby Goes Retro exclusively stock a big range of Scandinavian designers including Plastisock, Danefae, nanoou and Katvig.

Check out the Danefae viking range (how friendly does that viking look? I just want to hug him!)

The Plastisock range is characterised by its veritable tidal wave of colour, and the Katvig scarf and beanie is just perfect for keeping a groovy guy warm over winter. Have a look at Baby Goes Retro’s full range, there’s loads to choose from!

Baby Goes Retro are really getting into the spirit of the KSF ‘Boys Only’ special features, and they are offering us a big range of boyswear with 10% off for this weekend only (10-11 May)! - Thanks, BGR!

Viking tee by Danefae, $46.00 $41.40; Striped green/turquoise beanie by Katvig, $17.00 $15.30; Striped green/turquoise scarf by Katvig, $17.00 $15.30; ‘Green Fairytale’ hoodie by Plastisock, $55.00 $49.50

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5 Little Monkeys
5 Little Monkeys www.5littlemonkeys.com.au was a new one on me until just recently. They’ve just revamped their website and it’s lovely, so bright and cheerful and packed with great products and even better deals. They stock a great range of boyswear from Ouch and Wilkie at some spectacular discounts (up to 67% off!). Make sure you browse through both the Boyswear section AND the Clearance Stock section, as there are loads of gems to be found in both.

5 Little Monkeys are also participating in the My Child discount code frenzy - use the code to take another 15% off their fantastic prices!!

Ouch Boys Belted Knee Tuck Pants in Chino, $37.90 $33.95; Ouch Boys Puffer Vest in Khaki, $37.95; Ouch Boys Stripe Jumper in Grape & Charcoal, $29.95 $10.00.

And these prices don’t include the My Child discount - with that in hand, you can take off another 15%!

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Itty Bitty Yuppy
I couldn’t finish this Boys Only special without paying homage to Itty Bitty Yuppy www.ittybittyuppy.com.au!

If you’ve already seen their site then you’ll understand why I love it, and if you haven’t then what are you waiting for? Get over there already!!

Not only do they carry some of the coolest gear for boys around, there are some pretty awesome discounts on a lot of it - who could possibly go past 35% off Australian designers’ new season stock?!

Brands with cool boys gear include Enfant Terrible, Mill and Mia, Moppit, Munster, Wonderboy and many, many more. I’ve shown a very small selection of my favourites below, but they have a huge range so do yourself a favour and have a look at the site.

The 35% off Aussie designers sale ends on May 17, so you have a deadline to work to for snapping up these fantastic deals!

Creepy Things round-neck tee by Mill & Mia, $45.95 $29.87; Transformer Classic Nigel tee by Moppit, $35.50 $23.08; Che Hat by Munster, $19.95 $12.97

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Stay tuned for Miki’s next Saturday special feature: Toys for boys and girls alike!

Please check postage rates on individual sites.

For more information on the My Child discount code click here.

My kids need new shoes.

The rate at which this event occurs is quite phenomenal. Their tiny baby-paws have transformed, seemingly overnight, into surfboard-length big-girl feet.

I’ve got to say that I’d rather go to the park with my kids than go shopping. They have only ever been present at one shoe shopping event, in which we came away with gumboots 2 sizes too big ‘cos they loved them so much

Needless to say, whenever I need anything for my kids (or anything at all!) I turn to the interweb.

The most recent news to hand on the shoe front is that Betts Kids - www.bettskids.com.au, as of only a few weeks ago, are now selling shoes for kids from infancy to teens online.

Betts Kids have everything from pre-walkers to casual shoes to dress shoes, sports shoes, slippers and gumboots. Brands available include Skechers, Keds, Osh Kosh, Airflex, Dakota, Patrick, and their own Betts Kids label.

They’re all presented to perfection on their beautifully designed and easy to use site. The site is a joy to behold: it is very clear on what colours and sizes are available, and there are multiple views of shoes so you can really see what you’re buying.

To celebrate their launch, Betts Kids are giving you FREE postage when you purchase shoes to the value of $69.95 or more until May 18.

To give you extra confidence to buy, Betts Kids are also offering free returns or exchange until May 18 too. If you are concerned about ordering the wrong size you can buy both sizes and return the incorrect size (for free!), and have your credit card refunded for the returned pair - nice move, Betts Kids! Read the low-down on these offers here.

In addition to this great offer, Betts Kids also have a great competition running until May 30: Tell them the stickiest situation you’ve found yourself in, and go into the draw to win 1 of 5 Little Chipipi Wall Sticker sets.

These wall stickers are great quality, and are easily removable and repositionable. What’s more they are Australian designed, owned and made. (Read about Sam, designer of Little Chipipi here). No purchase is necessary to enter, and you’ve got to be in it to win it, so give it a whirl!

Ok, here are my hot picks to kick things off for you. Enjoy!

Note that I’ve just covered casual shoes here, because that’s my pace, but there are heaps and heaps of dress, sports, etc. going on, so if that’s what you need you’re well covered. Also there are quite a few mark-downs on the site, so have a browse, and happy shopping!

Dig these girls shoes!

Clockwise from top left:

Skechers Dilly Dally Junior Shoe in White $59.99 - Goes great with Euro-fashion like Oilily: lap it up!
Betts Kids Emma Infant Shoe in Fuschia $49.99 (also available in dark brown on special for $34.99) - How cute are these? Doesn’t break the bank, either!
Betts Kids Anita Pre-Walker in Fushia $39.99 (also available in Pink and Champagne) - Neat ruched heel for stay-on appeal for little bebes.
Keds Lacey S Senior Shoe in Berry $49.99 - *Love* the Keds Skimmers for their cool prints and easy slip-on value!

And, Mums of little men rejoice: groovy footwear for boys!

Clockwise from top left:

Betts Kids Marauder Junior Shoe in Khaki $59.99 SALE $30.00 (also available in Brown) - Cute as!
Betts Kids Atom Pre-Walker in Khaki $39.99 (also available in Grey and Navy) - These are Miki’s favourites
Betts Kids Dynamite Infant Shoe in Black Combo $59.99 SALE $41.99 (also available in Brown Combo) Cool bowling-shoe styling. Great attention to detail here.
Patrick Halfpipe Senior Shoe in Black $49.99 - Fab shoe for bigger boys. Will wear oh-so-well, too!

Head on over to Betts Kids for joy now!

Betts Kids charge $10.00 for postage Australia-wide. FREE postage for purchases over $69.95 is available until May 18, 2008. Check the Shopping Info page for full details.

Ah, I do love ShopHouse - ShopHouse - www.shophouse.com.au - Bronwyn always has lots of great new products coming in, with fab offers on them to boot.

(Her customer service is stunningly good too: I hear often from you guys that you heart the ‘House )

Latest news is that ShopHouse have recently started stocking Moltex Nappies.

Bronwyn is Mum to 3 cherubs, so she knows the drill on bottom-changes, and you just can’t beat a Mum’s endorsement of a product. Bronwyn switched to Moltex for her own babes about 12 months ago, and hasn’t looked back.

Bronwyn tells me:

“These nappies are brilliant. The quality is as good as You-Know-Who’s regarding absorbency, and I found that Moltex Nappies actually last the night time distance even better. They are environmentally friendly, to: they are unbleached, contain biodegradable material, and are 100% chlorine free: better for bottoms and the planet. “

Bronwyn believes in caring for little one’s skin from top to bottom, so when you buy your Moltex Nappies, you’ll also receive a complimentary tube of WotNot Sunscreen (30+ SPF), valued at $21.95! Wotnot contains certified organic ingredients, and is self preserving: no artificial preservatives here! Safe for use on babies to grown-ups. This offer is available while stocks last.

On the fashion front, ShopHouse are now stocking one of my all-time-fave Aussie labels mill&mia.

This season’s collection is to die for; I’m digging red, blue and stripes, and they’ve got it all, projecting it all with a sense of fun and oh-so-much style!

We live in mill&mia long-sleeved tees: they stand up to the harshest treatment (paint, mud, parks, food, daily wear and tear and ruthless soaking and tumble-drying) and come up smiling. The prints survive all this too!

The cotton elastane blends means that the fit is great, and it doesn’t go all saggy and stretched.

The quality of mill&mia is just superb, and it’s all Aussie designed and made.

I just LOVE mill&mia - can you tell

ShopHouse are offering KSF readers free delivery on entire orders that contain at least one piece from the Mill & Mia range, for the month of May. Enter the promo code ‘KSFMillMia’ to get free delivery.

Hey, that means if you buy just one piece of mill&mia you can load up your cart big time ‘cos postage on the whole order will be free!!

Not that you need reminding, I’m sure, but Mother’s Day is getting closer and closer every day.

Get FREE postage on this luxe Bod Mother’s Day Gift Pack $49.95, and bliss out on Sunday. Nothing like a like home-spa treatment to make a Mamas day!

Lastly, but not definitely not leastly, ShopHouse have just replenished their Penny Scallan stock, and we get to snap it up 15% off!

Lots of yummmy Penny Scallan bags, hats, smocks, lunch bags to choose from.

Head on over to ShopHouse for 15% off all Penny Scallan products for the rest of May! (Note that no code is needed here; prices are already discounted by 15% for your convenience).

ShopHouse stock Annabel Trends, baobab, Bod, Coocoon Couture, IDTee, Kee-Ka, Kroom, Lil’ Lana, Little Chipipi, Little Kitchen, mill&mia, Mon Tresor, Moltex Nappies, Oobi, Organic Bubs, and The Little Experience.

ShopHouse postage charges are calculated at checkout. Orders over $99.00 are delivered FREE. International orders are very welcome. Check the ShopHouse Shipping and Freight info for full details.

Well, the Winter 2008 issue of My Child magazine is out today, and boy is it packed to the rafters with goodies for you!!

The KidStyleFile community is out in force in My Child this issue: check out the full-page KSF ad featuring incredible discounts and offers from 9 great stores.

My Child is well worth the read; it’s thought provoking, up-to-the-minute, and beautiful to look at. Subscribe to the KSF Deals & Steals Weekly newsletter to be in the running to win 1 of 10 My Child subscriptions.

(Also, check out my little ‘trend watch’ column!! Aaaah, I’m in *print*!!! Drop me a line, or leave a comment, and let me know what you think!!)

Grab a copy of the mag and check the ad to get the exclusive My Child code to unlock all these great discounts!

When you have the code in hand, head over to the 9 stores below, and enter the code at checkout to score the discounts (read to the bottom of the page to see the terms and conditions):

Buckets and Spades - www.bucketsandspades.com.au - 10% off store-wide*

Frock You - www.frockyou.com.au - 20% off store-wide*

Giggle ‘n’ Groove - www.gigglengroove.com.au - FREE pair of Classic Bows**

Kids Gift List - www.kidsgiftlist.com.au - 15% off store-wide*

Kinder Kaboodle - www.kinderkaboodle.com.au - 15% off store-wide*

La Toriana - www.latoriana.com.au - 15% off store-wide plus FREE gift*

Pastel Pink - www.pastelpink.com.au - 15% off store-wide*

ShopHouse - www.shophouse.com.au - 15% off store-wide*

5 Little Monkeys - www.5littlemonkeys.com.au - 15% off store-wide* - 5LM are frantically updating their website at the moment, so you can’t get to it right now. I’ll keep you posted on when it’s ready for you to shoot over there

Here’s the official release from My Child on what’s in the mag:

“THE GREAT DEBATE! Midwives vs obstetricians In “The art of birth”, actress and TV personality Ricki Lake talks about her water birth, alongside director Abby Epstein. Also Victoria Atkinson analyses the ongoing debate in her column “What I’ve learnt so far”.

GET STYLIN’ ­Catch our new style report and trend watch sections for the latest and greatest in products. Also check out our 10 best-ever maternity wear tips.

PREGNANCY & BIRTH Drugs in labour: what are your options? Eating for two: can we really pig out when pregnant?

INFANCY Postnatal recovery guide: why rest and recuperation is essential. Solidly speaking: top weaning tips and great recipes for baby.

EARLY CHILDHOOD Kids on the net: how to make the most of this powerful tool – and protect your children.

BEAUTY, FASHION, INTERIORS and lots of INSPIRATION Gorgeous products, new concepts, amazing designs, great gift ideas. These pages will have you inspired to redecorate, renew and revitalise your life!

PLUS Join in on our battle of the blogs and win some fantastic prizes!

ALSO with every issue of My Child purchased you receive 20% off maternity wear from Queen Bee and baby skincare from Aromababy!”

Discounts codes and offers terms and conditions: *Discounts apply to store-wide purchases, excluding postage or gift-wrapping costs. Discounts not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Discounts may be subject to change without notice. Discount code expires midnight July 31 2008. **Minimum spend $50.00 before postage or gift-wrapping costs. Enter discount code and preferred Classic Bows colour in the notes section at checkout. VIP discount still applies. Offer may be subject to change without notice. Discount code expires midnight June 30 2008.

Oh, Itty Bitty Yuppy Itty Bitty Yuppy - www.ittybittyyuppy.com.au, you certainly do know how to put a smile on my dial.

Itty Bitty Yuppy have decided - just like that - that they will have a flash 35% off sale on all Australian designer current season’s stock.

That’s right: 35% off current season’s Edenstar, Eggheads, Enfant Terrible, Fresh Baked, Infancy, mill&mia, Moppit, Munster, Willow and Finn and Zephire Generation!

Now, that’s what I call a flash of *genius*! Yes-o’-yes!!

Ding-a-ling-a-ling!

What’s that sound?

It’s the little bell in my head telling me it’s time to go shopping!! Let’s go, babies!

Boys first today

Clockwise, from top left:

Eggheads Aloha Hawaii “Tropical Forest” Boat-neck Tee $34.95 $22.72 after 35% discount
Enfant Terrible Monkey Head Tee $27.95 $18.17 after 35% discount
mill&mia Creepy Things Envelope Tee $45.95 $29.87 after 35% discount
Zephire Generation Flying Eagle Embroidered Jersey $39.95 $25.97 after 35% discount
Freshbaked 5 Piece Boxed Set in Blue $49.95 $32.47 after 35% discount

Clockwise, from top left:

Freshbaked Billie Swing Coat $59.95 $38.97 after 35% discount
Infancy Fingerless Gloves in Red $19.99 $12.99 after 35% discount
Infancy Kimono Wrap-style Dress $39.95 $25.97 after 35% discount
mill&mia Ivory Fuschia Jumpsuit $49.95 $32.47 after 35% discount
mill&mia Folklore Denim Pinafore Dress $69.99 $45.49 after 35% discount
Eggheads Aloha Hawaii “Flower and Vine” sleeveless bodysuit $34.95 $22.72 after 35% discount

This flash sale ends May 17 or while stocks last, so make tracks fast!

In addition to these hot Australian brands, Itty Bitty Yuppy exclusively stocks US and Canadian boutique labels Abe Jones, Baby Bean Vintage, Chic Papoose, Fleurville Kids, klt:works, My Little Seat, Knuckleheads, Tin Tank, Rock & Rattle, and Wonderboy, and the cream of overseas brands, including Baby Bonkie, Claesens, Eight3one, Finger In The Nose, Il Tutto, Little Twig, Pink Chicken, Sooki Baby, Tiny Tribe, and Zoobie Pets.

Brands coming soon to Itty Bitty Yuppy are Parisian Ballet, Ses Petites Mains, West Coast Baby, Cuddlefish, Polka, and Ollie and Max. Subscribe to IBY’s mailing list to be kept informed on new stock, sales and special offers.

To make you feel even better about your retail therapy, Itty Bitty Yuppy donates a portion of all sales to Victorian charity organisation, Berry Street, devoted to assisting disadvantaged Victorian kids and families. What better reason to shop!

Itty Bitty Yuppy ship via Express Post for a flat free of $7.50 Australia Wide. Orders over $150.00 are shipped FREE. International orders are warmly welcomed. See the Shipping Info page for full details.

You gotta hand it to Kat at Frock You - www.frockyou.com.au: she always always has something hot cooking!

I’ve mentioned the multi-purpose cool of BabyLegs before, and how great they are for offsetting the inevitable chill that blows up the legs of little bebes — poor poppets, their little trowdies have permanent leg-ride, what with the nappy bulk, and the being picked up constantly, and all — and their fine arm-wear application for older kids.

Kat’s on it, and to add an extra zing to your buying pleasure, she has decided that for every pair of Baby Legs you buy, you will get one entry into a draw to win 6 pair of BLs of your choosing.

That means you could buy one pair, and end up with a pair for every day of the week! The more pairs you buy, the more entries you get, and the more likely you are to WIN (and the less frequently you’ll have to do the washing, ‘cos you’ll have lots of pairs, and so you’ll be able to laugh at the sunless wet winter drear!)

I’m in a kind of rock-out place at the moment (listening to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs). I think reading Kat’s got me in the mood - she’s listening to The Clash at the moment. I know this because I just checked out her new Frock You blog — check it out: this girl is on fire!!

If you’re in an old-skool kind of mood too, then you are going to love Kat’s neat offer on Gabrial Saynte Tees: buy one and get a free badge and “Baby’s First Mixed Tape”CD, featuring everyone from David Bowie to Michael Jackson to U2. How cool is that?

Personally, I think the BLs worn as arm warmers with the Tees is a winning look :}

Note: Remember to sign up to the Frock You newsletter to receive your permanent 15% off discount on all these prices!

Gabrial Saynte “THE THE” Tees are printed on 100% cotton American Apparel tee. Baby sizes (envelope neck) up to 24mths are $23.99; Kids (crew neck) 2Y-6Y $25.99.
Available in Grey marle in sizes 6/12M, 18/24M(sold out), 2Y, 4Y(sold out) & 6Y.

Also, don’t forget, that Mother’s Day is fast approaching (less than a week to go now!)

Snap yourself up something nice for your little one to gift you with (or point your partner in Frock You’s direction!)

I am quite taken with these (very affordable) necklaces from Alice Wears Gold and brooches by Allira. (I can imagine my kids being entranced by these too!) And this bag from Chip Chop just made me laugh and laugh. Every Mum needs a good giggle, and this bag won’t ever fail to deliver

Clockwise from top left:

Alice Wears Gold Lost Letters Postcard Necklace $26.00
Roar Acrylic Brooch by Allira $20.00
Boy with Wooden Balloon Brooch by Allira $45.00
Chip Chop “Nobody Panic - I know Origami AND Pilates” Bag $50.00
Alice Wears Gold “I Love You Too!” Mini Vintage Brass Charm $28.00

Frock You also stock baby and kids-wear brands Ej Sikke Lej (”ay-sic-kay-lay”), Elodie & Elvis, Fully Stoked, Itch Design, Little Red, Monster Baby, Moppit, Smelly Welly, Smirk, Tippy Toes, and Baobab, and newly arrived Cuski, TomTom, and Deadly Girl Couture.

Womens-wear labels stocked include American Apparel, Birds of a Feather, Blue Juice, Dolly Rockers, Fanciulla, GRAB, Little Potty Red Shoes, Living Doll, Mejikuhibiniu, Mermaid Sister, Moe Moe, Nude Footwear, One Teaspoon, Seduce, SUNDAY By Andrea & Joen, Sunny Girl, Tribu, and Vicious Threads.

Frock You charge $5.00 flat, for Express Post Australia wide. Orders over $150.00 are shipped free!

Today, KSF contributor Miki brings you my favourite OS online store, Skimbaco. I knew she’d be blown away, and I think you will be too - happy shopping!!

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My mission, should I choose to accept it: wander over to Skimbaco - ww.skimbaco.com- and pick out a few of the things I think are the best deals. Ten minutes and I’ll be done, right?

Wrong.

Within seconds of hitting Skimbaco’s sale section I was lost to the world. There are some INCREDIBLE discounts over there!!

In addition to the fabulous mark-downs already in place, Katja at Skimbaco is gifting KSF readers an additional 15% off -WOW!

Enter KIDSTYLEFILE in the ’special offer/discount coupon code’ box at check out to receive 15% off your order!

Once the KSF discount code is taken into account, this gives you between 55% - 95% off!! No, that’s not a typo!!!!

And even more remarkably it’s on some gorgeous brands: Tea Collection, Edenstar, Wati, Dirty Laundry, Lola et Moi, Tsukihoshi, Giddy Giddy….the list goes on! (Skimbaco also stocks Marimekko totes, bags and purses. They’re full price, but with your 15% KSF discount in hand, well, go for it!!)

I had so much trouble choosing the ‘best deals’ to feature that I’ve more or less had to close my eyes and stab at the screen - so really, do go and have a look at what else is there because I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

Clockwise from top left (all prices in AUD$ and include KSF 15% discount):

Edenstar Merino Ballet Wrap in Duckegg - $28.33 (was $85.59); Knot White Long-sleeve Tee by IMOGA- $23.61 (was $42.24); Watermelon Hair Clip - $5.67 (was $8.89); Tea Collection Misaki Dress - $28.33 (was $55.58); Edenstar Pedal Pusher Pants - $31.17 (was $77.81); Wrap Velvet Schoolgirl Skirt by Wati - $17.00 (was $51.13)

Clockwise from top left (all prices in $AUD and include KSF 15% discount):

Tea Collection Hoshi Dragon Tee - $12.19 (was $33.35); Tea Collection Sierra Mountain Graphic Top - $11.33 (was $31.12); Canvas cargo short by S.P.UDZ - $7.55 (was $33.35); ‘Made Ya Look’ short-sleeve tee in black by Pluto - $17.00 (was $27.79); Tea Collection Koi Fish Pants - $28.33 (was $65.58); Tsukihoshi Green Camo Sneakers - $24.56 (was $54.46)

Skimbaco ship to Australia very reasonably. Check Skimbaco’s shipping charge table here.

Today I’d like to introduce to you to new KidStyleFile weekend contributor, Miki. Miki is mum to 9 month old Alex, and brings her stunning written style and a new perspective on boys gear to KSF. Today’s piece is Part 1 of Miki’s great expose of superb boys gear for less. Stay tuned for Part 2, coming next Saturday.
(PS Part 2 is now available here)

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Do you have a boy under the age of two? Do you struggle to find fun, funky and practical clothes him… without bankrupting yourself? Me too. The good news is that since I discovered KSF I’ve been enjoying multitudes of online stores which not only stock a great range of cool gear for baby and toddler boys, but also have fantastic sales and specials.

Here are a few of my favourites:

Quinn Macool

It’s very difficult to go past Quinn Macool www.quinnmacool.com.au when you’re talking about fresh and fun clothes for little boys, and even more so now that they’ve brought in their new winter value packs starting from $50.00 for jumper and pants. There are loads of options and great savings. In fact, the savings are even better this weekend, as Quinn Macool are having a massive pre-winter sale with 30% off winter jumpers, infant pants and singlets!

Check out these great designs:

‘Beam Me Up, Scotty’ Jumper, $24.46 (was $34.95); Bravo Oscar Yankee sweatshirt, from $26.95; ‘Save Us’ sweatshirt, from $26.95 (most designs available in long sleeve and short sleeve t-shirts, and long sleeve and short sleeve rompers). Enter may in redeem code on checkout for your 30% discount on winter jumpers, singlets and infant pants.

Frock You

Ok, I’ll admit it - I’m a Frock You www.frockyou.com.au addict!

My nine-month-old boy pretty much lives in their American Apparel Baby Rib Karate Pants (apparently so do loads of other little boys, given how quickly they sell out!), and the Smirk t-shirts are also a big favourite with their simple, eyecatching designs and bright colours.

Frock You have some great boys’ gear from Baobab (have you seen the dragon bodysuit?) and also from Moppit, who do some of my favourite little boys’ tees.

Pics: Baobab Dragon Bodysuit, $34.95; Smirk ‘Astronaut t-shirt, $34.95; Moppit ‘Sticks, Trucks & Rock n Roll’ t-shirt, $39.95

The Rocking Horse

I have found my all-time favourite beanie here at The Rocking Horse www.therockinghorse.com.au: the Blabla Pocket Beanie in Basil. There is also a great range of the Oobi knits, including the classic ‘Little Bear’ hoodie - little boys in hoods with bear ears are just impossibly cute, but be warned: all the grannies at the supermarket will want to stop you to admire him!

However, I think my absolute favourite products at The Rocking Horse would have to be the Well Spotted tees, as recently featured in (I hope you’re sitting comfortably) Shop 4 Kids, Timeout Sydney, Sydney Morning Herald ‘Fashion Police’, The Age, New Weekly, Sunday Life and Marie Claire. Phew! Great slogan t-shirts, sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. I’m finding it very difficult to choose between ‘I’ll have my people call your people’, ‘Far out brussel sprout’ and ‘I’m small but I know stuff’, and there are loads more besides!

Pics: Oobi ‘Little Bear’ hoodie with bear ears, $39.95; Blabla Pocket Hat in Basil, $39.95; Well Spotted ‘I’m small but I know stuff’ t-shirt, $29.95.

Chic Kids

If you, like me, worry about harsh chemicals on your precious new baby boy’s skin, then have a look at these Sckoon organics at Chic Kids www.chickids.com.au.

They are made from 100% organic Egyptian cotton, so perfect for the delicate skin of a baby. Check out the bodysuits - being in the kimono style they are wonderful for a newborn as it means not pulling anything over his little head (a guaranteed cause for screams, and not just from the baby!)

There are also some great top & pants designs, of which my personal favourite is ‘ZEN cloud’. And don’t forget to register with Chic Kids to get 10% off! Details are here.

Pics: Sckoon Organic ZEN Cloud Long Sleeved Shirt And Monkey Pants, $42.25 (was $46.95); Sckoon Organic Kimono in blue, $19.75 (was $21.95). Prices include 10% discount.

Pastel Pink

It must be said that a store called ‘Pastel Pink’ www.pastelpink.com.au is not the first place I’d have thought to look for boys’ gear. I’m so glad I did though; they’ve actually got some great stuff!

Have a look at the Bebe Marcel range, particularly the romper which is one of the nicest I’ve seen anywhere. And how cute is the David Fussenegger ‘Pirates’ bassinet blanket! There’s plenty more besides these two offerings, so it’s worth having a look for yourself. And remember that KSF readers get 10% off at Pastel Pink! Click here for details.

Pics: Bebe Marcel Romper, $35.95 (was $39.95); David Fussenegger ‘Pirates’ bassinet blanket, $44.95 (was $49.95). Prices include KSF 10% discount.

Kids Gift List

Last but certainly not least, one of my all-time favourite brands is Sooki Baby.

Kids Gift List www.kidsgiftlist.com.au has some Sooki Baby for boys on sale at the moment, so hurry on over and check it out before it all goes! I like this quirky little ‘Cruisin’ romper! (Spot the fluffy dice in the print on the front?)

There are some other great bodysuits and tees in the sale section too - I really love the environmental ones such as ‘I’ll change the world someday’ and ‘Save some green for me’.

Pics: Sooki Baby Cruisin’ Romper, $26.35 (was $32.95); ‘I’ll change the world someday’ onesie, $31.15 (was $38.95); ‘Save some green for me!’ tee, $31.15 (was $38.95)

Check individual sites for postage pricing and details.