KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Angela

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With the KSF Readers Choice Top 40 Toys for Children released in the News & Reviews section of the site today, it seems most appropriate for me to point you in the direction of Little Possums Toys – www.littlepossumstoys.com.au – where you can pick up a wonderful selection of toys that are guaranteed to be sure-fire favourites.

Carolyn and Casey at Little Possums are also extending their 10% store-wide discount just for us! It’s now valid until Sunday December 7, 2008 with code ‘KSFxmas’ – enter it at checkout to redeem.

LPT also offer stylish complimentary Christmas tag and wrapping service, so Santa’s job couldn’t be easier this year!

There’s also a special treat awaiting the first 20 cusomers who place orders over $100.00 (not incl. postage) – a FREE Brio Classic Race Car!!

Brio Classic Race Cars are available in red, green, black and pink. Please specify a colour preference in our comments field and we will try to match your choice while stocks are available.

Ok, I’m sure you have your engines racing and ready to go at this point, but before you zoom off, a heads up on some of the hottest must-haves for this Christmas: the Le Toy Van Farmyard set – a stunning farmyard replication set to inspire hours of imaginative play, the ever popular Automoblox wooden construction cars, the unique Djeco range of wooden magnetic sets and boxed Silhouette puzzles,  best selling Missi Missi beanbags, stylish Travis Designs Costumes and educational favourites, the GOKI Stacking Villa, Wooden Mouse Skittles and Philadelphia Train.

Don’t forget the Xmas bling: add a special touch to the days leading up to the big event, and the special day itself, with the plush Mamas & Papas Christmas Advent Calendars, Door Handle Decorations and Santa Sacks – be quick, because the supplier has now completely sold out, so stocks are limited.

Little Possums Toys also have a great monthly prize draw for their newsletter subscribers. Winners are drawn on the last day of each month, so subscribe today, and go into thew draw to win!

Great gift ideas, clockwise from top left:

Prices quoted are after 10% KidStyleFile has been applied, and are applicable until 7 December 2008.

Le Toy Van The Farmyard $120.00 - 10% disc = $108.00
Le Toy Van Teapot Cafe $84.95 - 10% disc = $76.45
Plan Toys Cone Sorting $40.95 – 10% disc = $36.85
Travis Designs Blossom Fairy Costume $72.95 - 10% disc = $65.65
Missi Missi Junior Pink Bean Bag with White Stars $89.95 - 10% disc = $80.45
The Little Experience Build It Rocket $14.95 – 10% disc = $13.45
Automoblox Purple SUV $46.95 - 10% disc = $42.25
Manhattan Toy Co Swashbuckling Sidekicks Pirate Puppets (set of 3) $24.95 – 10% disc = $22.45
Plan Toys Baby Walker with Blocks $108.00 – 10% disc = $97.20
Travis Designs Peg Leg Pirate Costume $72.95 - 10% disc = $65.65
Missi Missi Junior Dark Blue Bean Bag with Rocket $89.95 - 10% disc = $80.45

Finest quality international toy brands:

Alex Toys, Automoblox, Brio, Djeco, Felt Tales, Fiesta Crafts, Folkmanis, Goki, Le Toy Van, Mamas & Papas, Manhattan Toy Co, Missi Missi, Orchard Toys, Papo, Plan Toys, Playmobil, Schleich, Schoenhut, The Little Experience, Toys Pure, Travis Designs, Vtech and WOW Toys UK.

Little Possums Toys delivery charges are automatically calculated at checkout according to the Australian Post recommendation for product volume, weight and destination. Orders are delivered by either registered Australia Post or Fastway Courier. Contact Little Possums for further details.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Bliss for me is spending a leisurely afternoon browsing a toy shop (online, or in the flesh), eyes wide, admiring the shapes, colours and contours, of the beautiful objects within, and imagining how my children would respond to them. For precious moments, too, I indulge the child that is still very much within me, visualising myself whizzing lightening fast down a hill, or lying on the floor, arms propped, while examining the complexity of a puzzle, or a replica insect.

It seems that I am in good company in this, as you, dear readers, too share a love of toys.

In September we ran the KidStyleFile inaugural Reader Survey, and asked you to pick your most favourite toys for children.

The response was most impressive: you nominated hundreds and hundreds of your most loved playthings, not all of which money can buy – a pet dog “Mr Bingley”, and “a banana with the skin peeled back” being two utterly heartwarming examples!

Here are the Top 40 Toys for children, as selected by 900 of you. I hope you see your favourites here, and smile, and that this list may also serve as inspiration for Christmas coming – enjoy, and play hard!

1. Musical (including drum kits)
2. Lego
3. Blocks
4. Balls
5. Puzzles
6. Thomas & Friends (especially wooden sets)
7. Bike/Trike/Scooter
8. Fisher Price Little People
9. Duplo
10. Art & Craft Supplies/Colouring Books
11. Play Doh (including home made)
12. Dolls
13. Kitchens, accessories & play food
14. Wheely Bug
15. Train sets (especially wooden)
16. Fisher Price toys
17. Outdoors (e.g. swing set, slides)
18. Cars/Trucks
19. Trampoline
20. Wooden toys
21. Tea Set
22. Dress Ups
23. Books
24. Soft Toys (soft dolls & teddy bears)
25. Mega Bloks
26. Doll House (including wooden)
27. Cubby House/Tent
28. Lamaze toys
29. Tonka
30. Tupperware Shape-O shape sorter
31. Doll Pram
32. Activity Centres/Mats/Tables
33. Alimrose Handsqueaker
34. Mamas & Papas toys
35. The Wiggles toys
36. Schleich model animals
37. Sandpit & accessories
38. Sporting Set (e.g. cricket, football, basketball)
39. Bilibo
40. Little Tikes Cosy Coupe Car

Today’s post written by Miki.

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Oh my goodness, you’re going to LOVE this one.  Buckets & Spades – www.bucketsandspades.com.au – are having a mid-Summer sale and it’s pretty spectacular!

How would you like 30% to 40% off a huge range of selected items from Fred Bare, Eeni Meeni Miini Moh, BIG by Fiona Scanlan, Little Horn, Trelise Cooper Kids, Tommy Rocket and Two Belles?

Nope, I’m not kidding – this is current season’s stock and it’s hot right now!

And unlike most other sales where it’s the last odds and ends that get discounted, there’s a big range of sizes available for almost all these items so you are guaranteed to find the perfect outfit for your child!

I can’t post links directly to the sale category as B&S is a frames-based site, but it’s easy to find: simply look at the green menu bar towards the top of the B&S homepage, choose the ‘Specials’ option about halfway along and then select ‘Summer’.  It’s an enormous category – currently 27 pages of hot discounts on stunning summer stock!

The sale is only on while stocks last so you have been warned.  It’s not going to last long with bargains like this!

Being mum to a boy, I have to point out the extreeeeemely funky print boys’ shorts by Fred Bare. There’s a big range of different styles (some of my favourites are pictured below) so something to suit every little man’s personality.  I really love Fred Bare as they’re one of the leading brands when it comes to attractive, age appropriate wear for boys.

If you have girls then you’re in luck too as there’s plenty for you to choose from – and it’s not all pink!  I love the Fred Bare Emb Dress in sunny yellow (no. 9 below), and for baby girls the Fred Bare Dress With Bloomer (no. 5 below) is absolutely adorable.

However if your little princess just loves pink and won’t wear anything else (they all seem to go through a stage of that!) then luckily you too have plenty of stylish options to choose from. I think the Fred Bare Spot Voile Dress (no. 1 below) would be a perfectly sweet Christmas Day outfit.

I’m just focussing on Fred Bare because when it’s around it’s hard for me to look anywhere else, but as I mentioned above the sale also includes other very hip designers: BIG by Fiona Scanlan is always hugely popular, as is Eeni Meeni Miini Moh, while Trelise Cooper Kids has nothing less than a cult following.  Little Horn, Tommy Rocket and Two Belles are also extremely popular brands so I very much doubt this stock will last for long!  Get in quickly while you can.

Buckets & Spades’ full list of brands includes Eeeni Meeni Miini Moh, Fred Bare, GumBoots, Piccolina, Guess For Kids, Petit Bateau, Gant, Kaloo, Alex and Charli, Trelise Cooper Kids, BIG and ‘Fiona’ by Fiona Scanlan, Tommy Rocket, Two Belles and the very finest footwear brands including Diesel, Giocattoli, Garvalin, Agatha Ruiz De La Prada, Lelli Kelly, and Bimbi.

Here are a few of my favourite items to get you in the swing. (Note: no links provided as Buckets and Spades is a frames-based site. The menu system and search engine works great though, so if you like what you see here, type type type!)

1. FRED BARE Spot Voile Dress, $77.00 $49.00
2. GUESS Miami Vice ‘I Want It All’ Tee  $44.95 $35.00
3. FRED BARE Print Short, $66.00 $45.00
4. FRED BARE Summer 08/09 Yarn Dye Shirt, $66.00 $45.00
5. FRED BARE Dress with Bloomer, $66.00 $39.00
6. BIG By Fiona Scanlan Striped Smock Knit Material, $59.00 $39.00
7. FRED BARE Retro Print Short, $66.00 $45.00
8. FRED BARE Riviera Floral Tie Dress, $88.00 $59.00
9. FRED BARE Emb Dress, $88.00 $59.00
10. FRED BARE Summer 08/09 Stretch Denim Jean, $66.00 $45.00
11. FRED BARE Summer 08/09 Contrast Short, $55.00 $35.00

Buckets and Spades have dropped their postage prices! The new charges are: up to 500g $5.00, and up to 3kg $9.00 for postage. International orders are warmly welcomed; contact Zlata for a quote via the ‘Contact us’ menu option.

Today’s post written by Kat
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I have an Auntie who, bless her, gets so into the Christmas spirit she ends up decorating herself like a walking, sparkling Christmas tree – I’m talking flashing earrings, tinsel jewellery, the works. For those of you who prefer a little less Kath & Kim in your Xmas, here’s my top 10 picks for a stylish festive season:

1). Ceramic Word Stars ($12.95) from Biome. Handmade in Brisbane, I love the simple, chic design and positive messages, and they’ll look gorgeous nestled amongst the bushy plastique leaves on our Christmas tree!

2). Laikonik Once a Year Album, ($74) at Mummy’s Favourite. A great gift for new parents or grandparents who, let’s face it, can never have enough photos of their precious little bundles – each year, you pop in one photo and record major events of that year, and eventually it fold out concertina-style to reveal your little person growing up!

3). Cocoon Couture Little Reindeer Christmas Sack $54.95 at Shop House, For the tot who needs more than a measly little stocking, these Christmas sacks are so, so cute and feature cute little critters made with vintage fabrics!

4). Not a Box, by Antoinette Portis ($13.36) at Fishpond. I love the way this book teaches kids to use their imaginations – a young rabbit’s simple cardboard box is transformed into anything he wants it to be, despite being told “it’s just a box!”. An inspiring and beautifully presented book which makes a perfect gift.

5). This wooden musical block set ($33.95) at Urban Baby is another strikingly simple toy that allows little people to explore and create of their own accord. The bright colours are appealing, the noises aren’t annoying, it doesn’t need batteries and ultimately your baby will be learning and developing with each play time!

6). Coco Boheme Elephant Chalkboard ($99.95) at Kids Gift List. I’ve had my eye on this for ages now (actually, I’d love one as an office note board, it’s just so cute!) because my daughter loves elephants, loves to draw, and has lately been expanding her artwork from colouring books to the tiles, carpet and walls. This way we can add some personality to her room AND she can scribble away to her heart’s content!

7). Little Boys (and Daddy’s!) will happily be kept out of the kitchen on Christmas Day if they’ve got one of these to play with – the Plan Toys Parking Garage ($152) from Little Possums Toys. It’s three floors of broom-broom inspired bliss (and it looks mighty cool too!)

8). And now the most important thing: outfits! I’ve actually got Charlotte’s outfit sorted already *blush* – you seriously can’t go past Oobi for gorgeous party dresses, and I can’t wait to bust out her Marilyn Dress in Pink Candy ($43.95) from Baby’s Got Style, and promptly watch it get covered in an attractive blend of roast turkey, fruit salad, and trifle. Oh well.

9). Little Boys will look angelic in one of Baobab’s beautiful summer hoodie tees – I love the striped version for a fresh and edgy alternative to printed tees ($46.95).

10). And finally, a treat for Mum – after all that shopping, wrapping, decorating, cooking, multi-tasking, just remember that the best things come in small blue boxes from Tiffany and Co., now with online shopping functionality…

Please check individual stores for shipping details.

Today’s post written by Kat

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You’d be forgiven for thinking you have to hide your growing baby bump – how many times have you leafed through a trashy mag while waiting for an antenatal appointment and read about the latest pregnant celeb who “hates their fat figure” and “can’t wait to get back to normal” (which they do alarmingly and unnaturally quickly)?

A baby bump is the most natural, feminine and downright gorgeous shapes a woman can have (forgetting for one starry moment swollen ankles, sore backs and lack of sleep).

So, how do you dress for your new and changing shape?

There will come a time, my dears, when all that you will fit comfortably into/be able to put on/feel like wearing are the dreaded trakky daks. I am firmly anti-sportswear and even I couldn’t resist for the last few weeks of my pregnancy.
Prior to this time though (and you won’t care by then, you’ll just be wanting Baby outta there!) there are so many gorgeous designs available enabling you to show off your bump in style. No more sack dresses or, heaven forbid, overalls for this new generation of yummy mummies!

This summer, try these simple pieces for easy and comfortable maternity style:

1). A Maxi dress: Perfect for growing tummies, the maxi dress covers everything while still being comfy, right on-trend and sophisticated. Day or night, casual or dressy, shop around to find something in your price bracket, keeping in mind they’re great for post-baby figures as well (see, smart shopping! At least, tell Hubby that). Try a block colour for understated chic, or go all out with gorgeous prints for a bright, truly summery look!

I’m loving the fresh, summery stripes on the incredibly chic Missi Stripe Greenwich Goddess Dress at Fillyboo ($289).

For some retro glam and oh-so-now one-shouldered action, head to the lush Cedar Leaf for Billion Dollar Babes’ Asymmetric Gown ($310).

For full-on wow factor, the Lilly B Tie Dye Maxi Dress from Sweet Lilly ($197) ticks all the right boxes for Summer 08/09 – tie dye, draping, and a gorgeous mix of red, chocolate and burnt orange, mmm…they reckon you don’t need to be pregnant get away with it either – yay!

2). Longline singlets: Perfect for hot summer days (which seem so much hotter when you’re preggers), you can just throw them on and rest assured everything is covered, and you’re (sort of) cool and very comfy. If you want to dress it up, try some statement accessories (see below).

Some designs will also see you comfortably post-birth and be suitable for nursing. If you like to make a statement, click by Rockstar Moms for some cheeky rock’n'roll attitude (how cool is the iBaby print (pictured).

Glamourmom’s Transition Nursing Bra Tank is an award winning style with built in maternity bra, easy open clip fastenings for when bub arrives, and at just $59.95 for a piece you’ll seriously wear alot, grab one in each of the 4 colours!

Over at Mum’s Got Style, I love the iconic Aussie label Bonds Bumps Singlet for $39.95 (pictured). With lots of stretch and nursing clips, it’ll see you through right through and nicely cover your post-baby tummy!

3). Shoes: If you’re a heel girl, I’m afraid I have some bad news. Consign your Choos to the back of the wardrobe and think of the positive: I need, nay, must to go shopping for new styles! If you can’t quite give up your heels that easily, try a low wedge to begin with.

For summer, you can’t go past Haviana’s in every colour of the rainbow, and there are always such pretty flats out there to chose from! Look for: slip on styles (it gets hard to bend over after awhile); neutral tans, whites and metallics to match back with everything; and styles in soft leathers and that offer breathability.

Avoid: this season’s gladiator styles, because swollen ankles and chunky straps do not a flattering silhouette maketh. Anything that requires you to bend over will soon be rendered useless, so pretty ankle straps and buckle detailing will have to wait til next Summer. Ignore these warning at your own peril!

Tony Bianco Planet Wedge (tan or black) $109.95
Betts Buffy Wedge (black or red) $79.99
SUNDAY Andrea & Joen Macey Thong (chocolate, sand or olive) $69.95
Witchery Bora Bora Thongs (white, tan, black or sea) $79.95

4). Empire line tops: Actually, only pregnant women should really wear these, they are practically made for a growing bump!

Rejoice in the fact that you’ll outshine your girlfriends in one of these little beauties (unless your GF’s are tall, waif-like models with long torsos) – flowing out beautifully over the tummy, don’t think you have to stick to a neutral or dark hue; there are a plethora of prints out there to brighten up your summer!

If you’ve found a cute summer skirt or still fit into low-waisted shorts and jeans, these are the perfect piece to pop on top – and you don’t even have to shop for maternity labels for this particular style – the world is your oyster.

For classic fresh summer white, try the Broderie Oragami Sun Top by Ripe Maternity ($69.99) at Sweet Lilly , and for a pretty pop of colour you can’t go past the coral Empire Tank with cute crochet detail by Testamant at Revolve (on sale, US$32). Plus, scour your local chain stores and indulge in some cheap and cheerful buys!

5). Jewellery: I suggest, in fact I highly recommend, you go bananas trying out statement necklaces (seriously hot right now, and they don’t have to be costly), stacks of bangles, dangly earrings and pretty brooches while Bub is in a place she can’t reach them!

Once you’ve nearly been choked by your latest Etsy find, had your fav boho danglies ripped from your lobes or realized how difficult it can be settling a bub when your jingling bracelets refuse to be tuneful, you’ll prefer the Mummy-Minimalist look.

You are really only limited by your imagination (well, a designer’s, technically) but the world is literally at your fingertips. Browse sites like Etsy and Madeit for one-off vintage and new designer pieces (put aside a few days, they’re completely addictive); or check out Miijo or Mico-Mico for unique and contemporary designer looks.

Themes getting a lot of wear this season include Boho-luxe, Foho (folk-boho; seriously who thinks of this stuff), chunky modern lines in black, white and red; vintage-inspired detailing and quirky patterns – the more individual, the better! Here are some picks to get you started (oh, but there’s so much more, I could go on and on…!)

“If you have to ask you can’t afford it” Bracelet by Jessica Kagan Cushman at Mico-Mico ($159.95)
Kenneth Jay Lane Pyramid Bracelet from Miijo ($129)
Fleur de Lis “The Desperate Hosewife” bracelet at Fromthelandofoz ($150)
“Rolling Jaffas Down the Aisle” necklace by Kreated from Madeit ($49)
“Silver Treasure Chest” necklace by VintageExistence from Etsy ($63)
Retro red Necklace by sweet dreams & monsters at Leeloo ($28)
Owl Glass Bauble Ring by handmade Julz at Strawberry Jam ($28)
Snow Flowers Earrings by Brdu from Esty ($35)
Anya Vintage Earrings by Portobello from Etsy ($45)

Please check individual sites for shipping details

Today’s post written by toy-crazy Miki.

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There’s not much I love better than a great toy sale, and Chic Kids – www.chickids.com.au – is running a corker right now.  Denise has marked down the entire Playtime section by 10%, and she’s extending her 15% off store-wide code until the 5th of December.

Add it up people – I’m talking about approximately 25% off the entire toy section and 15% off everywhere else!

Let’s have a little look at the goodies available.

For the newest new little people out there, have a look at the Just For Baby section which has loads for newborns.  How about a silver rattle by Mother Hen as a keepsake gift?  Bubs will love the GUND hammer with crashing sound, but for something a little quieter you could head to the Toys To Cuddle section and choose the delectable Kate Finn Rosebud Velvet Elephant.

For dress ups, pay a visit to the Just For Fun category as there’s plenty to choose from there (yes, for boys too). In there you’ll also find the hugely popular Mooo ‘made to order’ wooden name puzzles which make fabulous gifts – and it’s very rare to find them discounted!

What about music? I hear you say.  Well if you look at the Ready Mr Music category you’ll find everything you need – maracas, castanets and tambourines aplenty, all beautifully made and gorgeously coloured.  And all 25% off!

Chic Kids always has a super-stylish range of clothing and accessories, including Babylegs which currently has a 15% discount on it already – chop that price by another 15% with the code and you’re talking B-A-R-G-A-I-N-S!

The baby clothing section has Bebe by Minihaha, Baobab, Marquise and Eternal Creation to name but a few of the top brands, while the kidswear has all of that plus Moppit, verymeri, yoli-poli and Mini Mermaid, again to name but a few. Exploit that 15% off code to its full extent and snaffle these little bargains up – just think how adorable the kids will look in their new outfits on Christmas Day!

Now then: to receive your 15% discount, all you have to do is enter ‘CHICKIDS’ at checkout.  That’s it, simple as anything.  Oh, but do make sure you do it by the 5th of December, won’t you!

Denise is also still offering us her ‘free bib’ deal: everyone who uses that code and spends more than $50 (not incl. postage) will receive a FREE Chic Kids bib!

Discounted prices quoted are after the 10% discount on the site, and the 15% discount code has been applied. These prices are effective until 5 December.

1. Mini Bead Chaser, $5.95 $4.46
2. Kate Finn Rosebud Velvet Elephant, $31.95 $23.96
3. Lorry The Tip Truck, $18.95 $14.21
4. Wooden Maraca – Transport, $9.95 $7.46
5. Wooden Castanets, $2.40ea $1.80ea
6. Russian Nesting Dolls – Kirov Traditional, $34.95 $26.21
7. Magnetic Jungle Animal Clips, $7.95 $5.96 for the set of four
8. Asthma Friendly Security Blanket, $17.95 $13.46
9. Magnetic Whiteboard/Chalkboard – Milly, $19.95 14.96
10. Mamas & Papas ‘Baby On Board’ – Lotty Ladybird, $14.95 $11.21
11. Mooo Made To Order Wooden Name Puzzle, from $24.95 $18.71

Chic Kids stocks a great range from Mooo, Moppit, Bebe by Minihaha, Tickled Pink, Kate Finn Toys, Eternal Creation, Cheeky Monkey, Sckoon Organic Clothing, Starchild Shoes, Tippy Toes Socks, BabyLegs, Star & Rose, yoli-poli, Asthma Friendly, Plum, Annabel Trends, Mini Mermaid, Marquise, Sparkle T and verymeri.

Chic Kids post Australia-wide from $6.95 using Express Post.  Please see here for further details.