KidStyleFile

Well, here we are, the very last day of 2008. And what a year it has been!!

KidStyleFile quietly turned 1 year old over Christmas, and I have to thank so many people for supporting me as it has thrived and grown:

- My husband and two girls, for providing expertise, inspiration, motivation, space, and time – I love you, and thank you, infinitely.

- The KSF Girls, who bring diversity and perspective to KSF – Kat, and Nerida, and Miki, my right-hand woman – a huge thank you, beautiful ones!

- The fabulous store owners who keep everything fresh and dynamic with their boundless energy and passion for bringing us the finest products – I am honoured to work with such good hearted and vibrant people; it has been such a pleasure.

- The designers and creators, whose talents I marvel at every day – You make the world a richer place for adding your beauty to it.

- And, last, but not least, you, my dear reader – Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your ongoing support: every time you read KidStyleFile, you drive me onward, filled with inspiration to help deliver what you seek — with a cherry on top! — and to bring to you the most precious treasures that are out there.

And, so, with love, peace, and happiness, I wish you all a very Happy New Year.

Angela x

Today’s post written by Miki

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Looking for a sale to make you smile? Here’s a cracker: Ekidna Kids – www.ekidnakids.com.au – have 10% to 50% off just about everything!!

That means hefty discounts off brands like Bebe, Woof!, Minihaha, Marquise, Skip Hop, Baobab, Eternal Creation and many, many more.

The bargains can be found throughout the site, so settle in for a treasure hunt through the categories at Ekidna Kids.

First stop for me is always Clothing, then a leisurely potter through Baby Bags (special note: Isoki and SkipHop are heavily discounted) and then on down through the categories.

I’m not going to give too much away in terms of pointing out bargains – after all, part of the fun is the thrill of not knowing what treasures you’ll find! – but I will just quietly suggest that you have a look through the Bebe available if you have an ‘under one’, and also Woof! if you have a boy and Minihaha if you have a girl.

Right, that’s all the hints you’re getting.  If you want further inspiration, check out my product picks below and otherwise: Happy Bargain Hunting!

PS:  Just a final note – grab a copy of My Child magazine (or check the KSF Deals & Steals weekly newsletter) and get the discount code. You can use it to take another 15% off these already fantastic prices!!

1. Woof! Chocolate & Blue Stripe Shirt, $44.00 $30.80
2. Bebe White Bunny Applique Matinee Jacket, $25.00 $17.50
3. Bebe Teepee Print Pyjamas, $23.95 $16.76
4. Infancy Sky Marle Cotton Knit Romper, $49.95 $34.96
5. Skip Hop Lunch Bag – Red, $59.95 $31.96
6. Marquise Highway Embroidered Top, $19.95 $13.96 and Highway Velour Pants, $22.95 $16.06
7. Eternal Creation Heart Patch Skirt, $54.95 $24.46
8. Bebe Red Poppy Leatherette Ballet Slippers, $31.95 $22.36
9. Minihaha Coco Spot Pinafore, $61.95 $43.36

There’s a huge range of top quality brands to choose from at Ekidna Kids, including Anamalz, Annabel Trends, Aroma Baby, Babe Mode, Baby Blankie, Baby Legs, Badger Balm, Baobab, Beautiful Soles, Bebe, Bertini, Bud, Brio, Cheeky Little Soles, Chelona, Crocodile Creek, Eternal Creation, Fairy Floss, Fiesta Crafts, Fish Lilly, For Walls, Fruity Faces, Heimess, Humphrey’s Corner, Infancy, Isoki, Itsy Bitsy, Jaffa, Karma Baby, Lark Designs, Latitude Enfant, Little Chipipi, Longueville Media, Mamas & Papas, Marquise, Messaround, Milkwrap, Minihaha, Mondays Child, My Munchkin Home, Nature’s Child, Oobi, Paper Eskimo, Peter Rabbit, Pia Eriksson, Roocci, Russ, Sigg, Skip Hop, Smart Mom, Smirk, Starchild, t4tot, Toys Pure, Uchi, Vintage Kid Designs, WallCandy Arts, Wink Designs and Woof!

Ekidna Kidswear charge $6.95 for standard postage, and $9.95 for Express Post, Australia wide. International orders are welcome. Visit the Delivery information page for full shipping and delivery details.

Today’s post written by Miki

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I love a bargain and I loooove Urban Child – www.urbanchild.com.au – so when the two come together it makes my week!

Right now is just such a time: Melissa at Urban Child is giving us 30% off all clothing, and an extra 5% off to KSF readers!!  WOW!!!

Enter ‘KSF5‘ at checkout to redeem your extra discount. Sale on while stocks last. Extra 5% off expires 14 January, 2009.

The 30% off discounts are marked already, and your 5% extra discount will be calculated and shown at checkout.  Some items in the Clothing category are discounted at more than 30%, so where that’s the case your additional 5% discount still applies, you just save even more money!

And just wait til you see what brands Melissa has discounted.  I swear she must have exactly the same taste as I do, because all my favourites are in there: Oobi, Baobab, Woof! and Walnut Shoes to name but a few of my all-time faves.  There’s also the stunning Neige, exquisite Aravore Babies, gorgeous Albetta and divine Infancy.  And all at 35% off or more!

Also, Walnut Shoes are 20% off until the end of January!  These are the best shoes ever in my opinion.  They’re rugged and tough, yet soft and flexible.  They look fantastic, and when they get grotty I just throw them in the washing machine and they come out looking like new.  When my boy grows out of his current pair I’m definitely getting some more!

My picks today are pretty party dresses from Oobi, which I can just never get enough of.  I don’t have a girl but I’m tempted to buy the two dresses I’ve pictured below regardless, as they’d make the most most beautiful gifts for friends’ daughters!

I also love the Baobab graphic t-shirts, especially the giraffe print (pictured below).  Team the tees with some funky shorts (I love these ones from Woof!) and a pair of Walnut Cruise Shoes and your little man looks hip and practical for a summer’s day.  Perfecto!

1. Baobab Giraffe T-Shirt, $36.95 $25.85
2. Oobi Baby Marilyn Ruffle Dress – Pink Candy, $43.95 $30.75
3. Woof! Toffee Canvas Toddler Shorts, $49.95 $34.95
4. Baobab Fish Envelope T-Shirt, $34.95 $24.50
5. Walnut Cruise Shoes – French Navy, $29.95 $23.96
6. Baobab Striped Hoodie – Pink & Green, $46.95 $29.95
7. Oobi Baby Betty Sailor Dress With Knickerbockers – Pink, $49.95 $34.95
8. Baobab Cat Bodysuit, $34.95 $24.45
9. Baobab Mint Tulle Skirt, $41.95 $28.95
10. Walnut Mary Janes – Fuschia Pink, $29.95 $23.96

Melissa’s gorgeous range of brands includes Aravore Babies, Oobi Baby & Kids, Neige, DwellStudio, Aden & Anais, Kidsonroof, Albetta, Little Chipipi, Walnut, Baby Bonkie,  eeBoo, Cocoon Couture, Peanut Shell, Alex Toys, Mooo, Baby Legs, Red Plum Linen, Red Wagon, Belli Skincare, Baobab, Caden Lane, Robbie Adrian, Crocodile Creek, Brio, WOW Toys, Mamas & Papas, Kaloo, Ellaroo, Urban Child, Infancy, Felt Creations,  Made By Angie, Look At The Wall, WOOF!, Schylling, and Pebbles.

Urban Child ship Australia-wide from $6.95 for most parcels.  Orders over $150.00 are shipped free of charge. Please see the Orders & Delivery page for more details.

Today’s post written by Angela

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One of my favourite clothing labels for kids is Australia’s Paper Wings – www.paperwings.com.au.

Why?

Paper Wings, match the beauty, uniqueness and natural creativity of children with unbridled exuberance, and quiet detail. Each garment is at once precious and practical. There is love in these clothes, and it shows.

The pedigree of seasoned designers, couple Jason Gibaud and Michelle Fallon — who have worked on films including Moulin Rouge, Star Wars and Peter Pan – Paper Wings transcends fashion with whimsical designs that wear brilliantly. I know this because my children wear Paper Wings clothing regularly, and it handles tree-climbing, and nature-walking (and looks extraordinarily beautiful in these settings!) just as well as the party scene, and washes up to perfection.

So what inspires these exceptionally creative pieces? Michelle and Jason explain:

“Our focus is on enhancing the lives of children by creating products that positively influence the way they look, feel, play, and experience their environment. All pieces are designed to be ‘every day favourites’ – lovingly worn out rather than outgrown.

Our design influences are eclectic, with strong links to historical shapes, traditional crafts, and to both vintage and contemporary graphics.

The breathtaking rural setting of our design studio in Northern New South Wales, is a great source of inspiration. We want to celebrate the freedom of being children, looking like children and – most importantly – feeling like children.”

Bravo to that!

Tiny People currently have selected Paper Wings summer 2008/9 collection (girls pieces only) on sale at 30% off.

Postage is free for orders over $150 (excluding large and oversized orders). Contact Tiny People for details on postage charges to your state.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Eternal Creation – www.eternalcreation.com- are greeting 2009 with gusto with a spectacular 50% off sale on all summer season stock.

Yep, you heard right: *all* summer stock has been marked down by a huge 50%!!!

Pick up European-inspired vibrant prints and stripes for boys, girls and babies at half price for summer 2009 (smart shoppers also pick up a few pieces in the next size up for summer 2010!)

Eternal Creation are a fair trade company who support their employees with love, care, and a fair wage. It’s a win-win-win situation: the workers win, Eternal Creation designer Frances Carrington wins, and WE win!

What a great way to start the New Year!

Be quick – the sale ends on 7 January, 2009, and only while stocks last. Here’s but a few of the lovely pieces on offer…

1. KD558 Long sleeve cotton print dress with tie at back and contrast ruffle trim $69.95 less 50% = $34.95

2. KD224 Gypsy dress with shoulder ties and open sleeve. Waist tie trimmed with beads. 100% cotton $59.95 less 50% = $29.95

3. KD333B Rouched bodice dress with long sequin trim at waist $69.95 less 50% = $34.95

4. KD521 Holiday shirt with breast pocket. 100% cotton $54.95 less 50% = $27.95, and KD631T Straight leg cotton twill jeans with patch pocket. Adjustable waist $49.95 less 50% = $24.95

5. KD234 Overalls in stripes or checks with contrast front panel $49.95 less 50% = $24.95, and KD241 Soft cotton t-shirt with contrast trim and applique design $34.95 less 50% = $17.95, and HT53 Boys’ sunhat with contrast trim and decorative loops on band $29.95 less 50% = $14.95

6. KD360B Cute cotton print baby playsuit with patch pocket $44.95 less 50% = $22.95, and KD489B Party top with lace ruffle sleeve and gathered neck and waist $33.95 less 50% = $17.95, and KD361B Printed cotton top with shoulder buttons and matching knickers $49.95 less 50% = $24.95

Eternal Creation ship orders to you wherever you are in the world direct from their Himalayan workshop. Freight is calculated on the gross weight of your order, and your shipping costs are shown on the delivery information page during check out. You can proceed through the checkout to confirm shipping costs prior to placing your order.

Today’s post written by Nerida

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Following on from my recent post on the stunning range of locally designed baby bags in our midst, I bring you the cream of overseas designers. From the affordable to the POA-only, there’s something luxe for every taste.

Missoni

Missoni is a very cool brand with a very serious price tag. I am not sure many of us could justify almost $1,300 for a nappy bag but hey, it’s nice to look! Plus it is a nice looking bag, particularly if you are a fan of Missoni’s innovative use of colours and patterns. The bag includes a change mat and could easily be converted to a weekend bag once your nappy carrying days are over.

Missoni baby bags are available at Childrensalon.

Baby Beatrix

Dante Beatrix New York dedicates themselves to creating cool, practical ways to transport gear for mums, dads and kids. Their Baby Beatrix tote is a lovely looking bag which comes in pewter metallic and grey/khaki and includes a very nice looking change mat and pouch. The tote is available from Queenbee

BabyMel London

BabyMel London are relatively new on the baby bag scene, launching their first collection in 2007. The bags contain changemats, bottle holders and come in a variety of colours and shapes. Baby Mel have just designed a limited edition for that fabulous UK fashion chain Topshop.

Luckily we can get them locally at Haggus and Stookles.

Ramalama

In addition to making lovely baby carriers, Ramalama also designs some very nice looking nappy bags. In addition to being highly functional, the bags are very classical and made from fine Italian leather.

Ramalama baby bags are available from Urban Baby.

Mia Bossi

On their website Mia Bossi state that their bags combine fashion with motherhood, creating the ultimate hot mama: these bags really are perfect for hot mamas everywhere! If you’re looking for an incognito bag, you would be hard pressed to spot these designs as nappy carriers, particularly the ‘Alisa’ in zebra.

Mia Bossi bags are available from MetroMum.

Fleurville

The Fleurville totes are handy in that they can be carried 3 ways – as a tote, as a messenger bag or attached to a stroller using an ingenious o-ring. The totes look good, are made of eco-friendly materials, and are incredibly practical, with a whole range of features including the usual bottle holder/change mat but also a changing cloth and see through wipes case.

Fleurville totes are available from The Hip Infant.

(Editors note: Fleurville also make the coolest range of bags for kids. Buy them at Kinder Kaboodle).

Hammitt Collection

I found this one recommended on the Vogue forums (thoroughly recommend if you like chatting all things fashion!). The ‘Suzy’ by Hammitt is one cool looking bag available in an incredible range of colours, from basic black to a very bright looking green. The bag includes a matching change mat.

Available online through Hammitt Bags.

Tod’s

One of my favourite sites, Celebrity Baby Blog, has come out with the proclamation that Tod’s new bag is a must have for new mums, and who am I to argue? (Well my bank balance might!! Tod’s bags are POA!) Unfortunately Tod’s bags are not readily available in Australia and I was unable to find the bag online. So if you have a friend overseas and you ask them really nicely, they might just visit a Tod’s store and buy one for you.

Available in-store only at Tod’s.

1. Diaper Dude Camouflage Dude Bag $128.95 – Check web for stockists
   
2. Missoni Nappy Bag £577.40 (approximately $1,300) from Childrensalon
3. Baby Beatrix Tote $194.95 – Check web for stockists
4. BabyMel Amanda Nappy Bag $109.95 from Haggus and Stookles
5. Ramalama Hannah Nappy Bag $450 from Urban Baby
6. Mia Bossi Alisa Nappy Bag in Gold Zebra $560 from MetroMum
7. Fleurville Sling Tote Gold $198 from The Hip Infant
8. Suzy by Hammitt $US550 (approximately $830) from Hammitt Bags
9. Tod’s Pashmy Baby Bag P.O.A from Tod’s
   

Please check individual sites for shipping costs and details.

Today’s post written by Miki

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Wheep wheep!! Super bargain alert!!

Buckets & Spades – www.bucketsandspades.com.au – HUGE summer sale has begun, with up to **50% off** high-end baby and kids clothing labels including Fred Bare, Trelise Cooper Kids, BIG and Fiona, by Fiona Scanlan, Diesel, Guess, Little Horn, Eeni Meeni Miini Moh, Tommy Rocket and Two Belles, and much much more, but only while stocks last!

Oh, boy, oh boy!!!…..Ok, must remain calm now!! Here’s the game plan: snap up some bargain summer pieces for now, and  buy in advance for next summer too (work out what size your kids will be in next December,and go for it!!)

Mums of girls, ohhh there’s so much to choose from!  Pretty dresses galore from brands like Fred Bare, Trelise Cooper Kids and Diesel, fashionably cut jeans, stylish t-shirts and loads more.  All the products in the Specials -> Summer category are heavily discounted and won’t last, so grab everything you can now!

Mums of boys, have a look in the Clothes -> Boys section, as it’s easier than digging through all the dresses   I love the funky t-shirts by Diesel, Tommy and Guess, and there are some very comfy-cool shorts to be snapped up too.  For dressier occasions you’ll find crisp button-down shirts by Eeni Meeni Miini Moh.  There’s a good range of sizes from 00 right up.

Zoom over, and start shopping now!

No links today as B&S is a frames based site.  Use the search function to find any products here that you love.

1. DIESEL Tavvri T-Shirt, $69.00 $49.00
2. GUESS Shield Twill Bermuda Grey, $79.95 $59.00
3. FIONA By Fiona Scanlan Worn Denim Jean, $79.95 $49.00
4. DIESEL Diano Dress, $130.00 $89.00
5. Trelise Cooper Kids Settle Petal Skirt, $179.00 $99.00
6. FRED BARE Print Dress, $71.50 $49.00
7. GUESS Love Always Spaghetti Dress, $89.95 $59.00
8. Tommy Rocket Viking Stripe T-Shirt, $44.95 $35.00
9. Eeeni Meeni Miini Moh Shirt, $84.00 $49.00
10. FRED BARE Print Dress, $88.00 $59.00
11. Eeeni Meeni Miini Moh Short – Angular, $79.00 $49.00

Buckets & Spades stock 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.

Buckets and Spades’ postage charges are: up to 500g $7.00, and up to 3kg $10.00 for postage. International orders are warmly welcomed; contact Zlata for a quote via the ‘Contact us’ menu option.

Today’s post written by Angela

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I love the Australian artist Mirka Mora. I think I love her philosophy even more than her art.

In her book Love and Clutter, and in an interview recently with The Age she explains that she collects, houses and retains a wild menagerie of objects, from handbags to birdcages, because each one reminds her of a point in time. An event, a person, the thrill of the moment in which she acquired each piece.

I think there is a little of the hunter gatherer instinct still left in us as human beings, and in the Western world this often manifests itself through shopping and acquiring new things. Shopping is basically one of the only thing the average person has left to exercise this instinct on.

I once aspired to minimalism in my life, but I have now let my natural tendency to be a magpie take over, and I’m all the happier for it. These things that surround me, they give me context for my life, who I am, where I am and where I have been.

In my pursuit and documentation of all the wonderful kids products out there I am not advocating buying things just for the sake of it. I am expressing my appreciation for all the love, thought, care and hard work that has gone into the production of each piece.

By waiting until sale time, I am not only saving myself precious funds, but extending the pleasure of noticing, and being inspired by, the exquisite beauty within each creation. Treasuring – especially – the things I have waited patiently for, savouring them far more because of it. Maybe there’s truth to that old saying “Good things come to those who wait”…

So, Dear Reader, does this theory resonate with you, or do you think I’m just justifying my large soft toy collection? Drop me a line, I’d love to know:)

Today’s post written by Angela

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Want to get happy today? Head on over to Frock You – www.frockyou.com.au – where you can score a juicy 30% off store-wide!

That’s right, 30% off BabyLegs, Ej Sikke Lej (pronounced “ay-sic-kay-lay”), American Apparel, Amy Tangerine, Baobab, Baby Blend, Cuski, Deadly Girl Couture, Eco Peko, Elodie & Elvis, Fully Stoked, Gabrial Saynte, Itch Design, Little Red, Lucca.P, Monster Baby, Moppit, Smelly Welly, Smirk, Sooki Baby, Tippy Toes, TomTom, and Yunginz (note for future reference: Doll’s Boutique, Freshbaked and Mimosa will land at Frock You in Feb).

But that’s not all, folks! This show ain’t just for the little ones! Mums are catered for too, with a fashion-forward range of women’s wear to funk you up, and put a skip in your step.

Head on over to grab 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, and more, for yourself at a very sweet 30% off!

Use the code ‘KSF‘ at checkout where your purchases will be reduced, as if by magic, by a very lovely 30%.

Peruse the goodness below and make track fast: these goodies won’t last long!

Sale ends Monday 29 December 2008. Terms and Conditions apply: I have included these below for your convenience.

Terms and Conditions of Sale, supplied by Frock You:

-You must enter the KSF discount code at checkout to receive your discount. The KSF code is not valid in conjunction with any other discount code.
-Items purchased with the KSF code are not eligible for refunds, but can be exchanged or returned for store credit only, so please choose carefully!
-Please remember to return to FrockYou after paying with PayPal to confirm your order, otherwise we have to do it manually and you may miss out!
-Remember, once you place an order your are legally obliged to complete it, ie pay! Bank deposit payments must be received within 4 business days. After this time your order will be cancelled. Remember it takes 24-48hours (on business days) for it to clear. If you’re sending a money order, we allow 7 business days for it to arrive.
-With heavy sale traffic on the website, you may order something that has sold out microseconds ago. This is rare but if it happens we will notify you immediately and advise you of your options. Please note we will not be able to re-order out of stock items for you at this time of year, as most of our suppliers are closed until mid-January. But we’ll do our very best to help you out!
-Please feel free to email info@frockyou.com.au anytime with any queries, we’re here to help!

Frock You charge $5.00 for Express Post Australia wide. Orders over $150.00 are shipped free. Check the Frock You site for information on international shipping.

Today’s post written by Miki

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I suspect I’m not alone in having a fussy toddler.  It’s so frustrating to spend ages painstakingly creating a – to my mind – gourmet creation for him, only to have it end up on the floor.  Again.  *sigh*

However, since discovering the kid friendly recipes collection at the brilliant Australian recipe website, Taste – www.taste.com.au – life has become easier for me, and tastier and more nutritious for my little in-house food critic.

Taste is a brilliant resource for recipes of all kinds.  It is essentially an attractive, easy-to-use database of the recipes featured in many of Australia’s top foodie magazines including Delicious, Super Food Ideas, Simply Food, Good Taste, Vogue Entertaining & Travel and Notebook, so the recipes on Taste are from some of Australia’s top chefs and food writers.

I also love how members of Taste (it’s free to join) can rate each recipe and leave comments on how they may have adapted it. I’ve collected some brilliant ideas through member comments.

Now, parents of small people should take particular note of two recipe collections: one is the ‘kid friendly‘ recipes as mentioned above, and the other is ‘kids party food‘.

Both have an enormous collection of delicious recipes perfect for the little ones. I enjoy browsing through Taste every few days finding new ideas for lunches and dinners – after all, it’s fun to try new dishes, and it’s especially satisfying when the plate gets virtually licked clean at the end of the meal!

Below are some of the recipes which have been a big hit in our household over the last couple of months:

1. Mini Ham & Cheese Quiches
2. Carrot, Zucchini and Parsnip Frittata Fingers
3. Cheesy Bean Subs
4. Fruit Soup (I let him slurp this out of the bowl with a straw)
5. Capsicum Boats
6. Chicken Zebra Sandwiches
7. Coconut Banana Pikelets (he’d eat these for breakfast, lunch and dinner if I let him)
8. Tuna Sweet Potato Cakes

Credit for all recipes and images goes to Taste – www.taste.com.au