KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Kat

Welcome to Part 2 of our ‘Stay Cool’l two-part summer fashion special. Today Kat gets her frock on to check out summer dresses for girls. Have a boy? check out Part 1: Boys Picks to keep your little man cool in the summer sun.

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Whether you’re 2 or 32, there’s nothing quite like a breezy summer frock for just slipping into when the weather heats up. So, following on from last week’s post about hip buys for little dudes, this week it’s time for some girliness: KSF presents a rundown on the hottest frocks for keeping cool on sweltering summer days!

You may have noticed that here at KSF we rave about a brand called Daily Tea. If you haven’t tried it, I would highly recommend it – they’re beautifully made, the prints are simple and delightful, and they last wash after wash. They should come with a warning though; much like good tea, they are pleasantly addictive! You can browse a large array at Where Did You Get That?, including the Fan Flower Drop Waist Dress (on sale, $22.37), the Flower Dot Dress (on sale, $22.37), and the Floral Tank Dress (on sale, $18.55).

There’s yet even more Daily Tea available at Ele-ahbaant – check out the new season Cherry Blossoms Dress ($37.75) or the super cute vintage inspired Multi Dot Banded Dress ($37.75).

Another couple of my fave labels, Little Leona by Leona Edmiston and Big by Fiona Scanlan also now have online stores, yay! Check out the Sale section at the Leona Edmiston site for huge bargains for yourself and your little princess (who’ll look even more the part in the Talitha Tulle Dress , $79.95, sizes 1-7) and you can also keep tabs on new season stock without battling department store crowds. Also check Appleseed Child for out of this world bargains on Little Leona frocks.

The gorgeous Big by Fiona Scanlan site has all the new stuff as well as some beautiful summer and trans-seasonal frocks (just add tights and a skivvy for winter): I love the very pretty Petal Print Dress ($79.95, sizes 2-8) in the hottest hue of the season, navy, while the cool folk inspired (let’s not go near “foho”) Paisley Print Top ($64.95, sizes 2-8) would have a place in my wardrobe if it came in mummy-sizes!

Kounia-Bella stocks a huge ranges of gorgeous frocks from drool-worthy (yours as well as bub’s) labels such as Collette Dinnigan Enfant, Eeni Meeni Miini Moh, Ouch, Bebe by Minihaha, Tea Princess, Emilie et Rose…get a hanky for excess dribble ’cos they have a 40% off summer sale on…(eew, sorry)…this simple white pinny by Ouch would look great with a bright tee or tank (on sale, $19.61, sizes 1-7),  while at the other end of the scale, the Loletta dress by Collette Dinnigan Enfant ($180, 6-12 months) is a beautiful keepsake for generations of hot summers. Or, for the designer look without the price tag, grab the Bebe Junior by Minihaha White Lace Dress ($24 on sale) for a cute and cool (in every sense) girly look!

Over at Itty Bitty Yuppy, there’s no shortage of beautiful designer looks…at half the price on their bulging sale rack (woohoo!).  The Egg & Avocado June Dress (on sale, $38.97, sizes 2-6) just got added to my cart (I’m a sucker for hot pink, and my daughter is too young to complain about it), while the Freshbaked Summer Dress (on sale, $29.22, 3-6) is the most perfectly summery shade of blue. Mill & Mia fans, rejoice, because there’s 35% off beautiful pieces like the Stripe Tshirt Dresses (on sale, $45.47, sizes 1-6); or if you’re a fan of quirky retro prints, a Pink Chicken frock such as the Sasha Dress (on sale, $53.59, sizes 2-6) is just the ticket.

After something all natural (as opposed to au naturale, the under 5′s globally preferred style of choice)? Mini Eco stocks gorgeous organic garments, including the Lark Retro Baby Dress (on sale, $19, sizes 3m-12m) with it’s vintage print/modern design combo (result: super cute!), and this classic Polka Dot Dress (on sale, $25, sizes 12m-6y). Over at Purebaby you can pick up the organic Racer Back summer dress in Stripe or Gumnut (on sale, $22.46, sizes 000-2), while Pastel Pink stock a nice big range of Gaia Organics – check out the beautiful Prairie Feather Dress (on sale, $24.72, sizes 000-4)  or the pretty Rosebud Dress in pink or white (on sale, $19.98, sizes 000-0).

I could go on for years about frocks actually, but on a final note for today, you simply can’t go past Baobab for gorgeous basics and gorgeous bargains – the Tank Dresses (on sale, $33.60, sizes 1-6) are unbelievably stylish and breezy, in 4 colourways and prints (I’m a fan of the black, it looks truly wicked with a dash of pink accessory!); or the Raglan Striped Dress (on sale, $36.80, sizes 1-6) for some easy beachy-cool!

Please check individual sites for spostage and delivery details.

Today’s post written by Edwina

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The Hip Infant – www.thehipinfant.com.au – is adding some fun to ur world this Feb: they are on the look out for a new design for their winter tee range and the winning entry will receive a $200 gift voucher to spend in-store on anything you please!

Don’t be put off by the word “design” – this competition is for everyone! They don’t mind if it is a witty slogan or a cool image – whatever you fancy.The work just has to be original and the graphics or image something you have created yourself.

Entries close on the 5th March, click here through to the homepage for more info.

Lucky for us the fun doesn’t end there. The Hip Infant has extended their Id Tee range to bibs, bodysuits, aprons and library bags (perfect timing for Back to School smocks and book bags!).

Spend over $50.00 on products from the Id Tee range and in addition to getting a package of cool personalised gear you also will receive an I love my Babycinos book FREE! (value $9.95)

ID Tee – Singlet, $25.00
ID Tee – Short Sleeved T-shirt, $35.00
ID Tee – Long Sleeved T-shirt, $38.00
ID Tee – Bodysuit, $31.00
ID Tee – Bib, $17.00
ID Tee – Library Bag, $29.00
ID Tee – Apron, $26.00

Have you come up with a great idea for the new winter tee yet? Perhaps you need some inspiration and a just a few more cool reasons to enter.

I could spend $200.00 at The Hip Infant in a flash, they have such a great range of Pure Baby, Aden + Anais, Babylicious, Dwell Studio, Gertie and Me, Tiger Tribe, French Bull,  and, Baby Legs just to name a few.

I couldn’t resist spending a little time creating a wishlist of great products, this is only a small selection of the items I would snap up an instant.

1. Pure Baby Essential Sleepsuit With Mittens $29.95 100% Organic Cotton
2. Pure Baby Organic Cot Sheet Set White $89.95 100% Organic Cotton
3. Pure Baby Essential Singlet $9.95 100% Organic Cotton
4. Music Box Carousel Bunny $24.95
5. Trunki Frieda The Cow $89.95
6. Rush Wall Clock Elephant $79.95, $69.95
7. Candela Night Lights Blue/Green $99.00
8. Ouch Button Up Iris Swirl Dress $42.95 $34.35
9. Custom Made name by Rondeau Industries $85.00
10. Floral Pintuck Dress $39.95 $31.95

P. S. Be sure to check out their SALE section there is a lot of great stuff and great discounts!

The Hip Infant charge a flat rate of $7.50 for postage Australia-wide.

Today’s post written by Miki

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Well, school’s well and truly in around the country now, but as the kiddlies start bringing home library books, artwork and more, you never know when you might just “need” a cool new update, or replacement item.

These beautiful, reusable and environmentally sustainable library bag options are just the thing if you’re in the market – so much better that lugging the books around in last week’s plastic bag from Woollies – check them out!

Kiddysac make fabulous library/swim bags in two sizes (large and medium), which feature drawstring tops and adjustable backpack straps.  There’s a huge range of bold colours with striking designs, making them ideal for young kids to remember which bag is theirs (“It’s the blue one with ballet shoes on it”).

You can buy Kiddysac bags at the following stores: Kinder Kaboodle, Little Explorers, and Pastel Pink.

Next let’s look at Envirosax.  Lightweight and small enough to be wadded up into a pocket when not in use, Envirosax are like environmentally friendly, reusable shopping bags.  They’re a great size for library books, especially picture books, and they’re cheap as chips!

You can find a superb range of  Envirosax bags at Pastel Pink.

Now we have Cocoon Couture, my personal favourite.  Featuring beautiful striped fabric and appliqued animal designs, these bags are quirky and totally adorable.  If you buy one of these bags you’ll want to keep it for yourself, rather than handing it over for the kids to use!

Get your Cocoon Couture bags from Urban Child, ShopHouse, Pastel Pink, Kinder Kaboodle and 5 Little Monkeys.

And may I just remind you to always check the KidStyleFile ‘All Current Deals’ page before making a purchase, just to make sure you’re getting yourself the best possible deal?

Here are some of the cool library bags on offer:

Please check individual sites for postage details.

Today’s post written by Angela

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There’s a hot new locale on the online baby and kids store map. Meet My Mini Moda – www.myminimoda.com! You’re going to fall head over heels in love with their gorgeous range currently in-store from Bebe by Minihaha, Cheeky Little Soles, Chino Kids, Deux Par Deux, Girly Girl Bowtique, Harry & Co, mill&mia, Millie Melisse,  Minihaha, Noukies, Tommy Rocket, Two Belles, Walnut, and Willow and Finn.

To celebrate My Mini Moda’s launch, Erin at My Mini Moda is giving KSF readers a sweet 20% store-wide discount off your first order at My Mini Moda. This is Autumn/Winter ’09 stock!

Enter “FIRST20” at checkout until 1 March 2009 to redeem. This offer is valid on your first order only.

My current faves at My Mini Moda? Ooh, that’s no easy task! Here’s just a few to get you started:

• the whimsical, and completely delicious Millie Melisse fairy/princess dresses and tutus (OMG the *tutu*!!!! Despite being a tomboy, this is exactly, precisely, the kind of tutu I lusted after as a child!)
• divine Euro-inspired colour and texture, at prices you will smile at, from French-Canadian Deux par Deux
• sophisticated lines from premium Australian brand Chino
• velvety soft cuddly toys, from Noukies of Belgium
• and Girly Girl Bowtique USA hair bows for the finishing touches.

It’s all 20% off at the moment too, so make your move now before it is gone baby, gone!

PS Also watch out for Elodie & Elvis, Marquise, and Woof!, coming soon to My Mini Moda.

Discounted prices quoted below are valid with code until 1 March 2009.

A. Mille Melisse ‘Poppi’ Tutu $69.00 less 20% = $55.20
B. Deux par Deux Down Winter Jacket $89.95 less 20% = $71.96 and Denim Pant $49.95 less 20% = $39.96
C. Deux par Deux Hat $29.95 less 20% = $23.96
D. Girly Girl Bowtique Bow $8.95 less 20% = $7.16 each
E. Cheeky Little Soles Ballet Slipper in Red $31.95 less 20% = $25.56
F. Noukies: Paco and Lola $38.00 less 20% = $30.40 each
G. Cheeky Little Soles ‘Scooter’ shoe $35.95 less 20% = $28.76
H. Chino Mid Atlantic Dress $79.95 $54.95 less 20% = $43.96
I. Deux par Deux Hat $29.95 less 20% = $23.96
J. Mille Melisse ‘One plus Ribbons’ dress, in aqua $89.00 less 20% = $71.20
K. Two Belles Love and Peace Top $49.95 less 20% = $39.96
L. Deux par Deux Knitted Dress $89.95 less 20% = $71.96

My Mini Moda charge $7.90 for shipping, Australia-wide. Orders over $250.00 ship free of charge. International orders are welcome: contact Erin at My Mini Moda for a quote.

Today’s post written by Edwina

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Searching for a very special bear, a bear as unique as your child, to be their constant companion and best bud? Tedde – www.tedde.com is the place for you!

Tedde is based on founder, Sky Khan’s fundamental belief that all teddy bears should not be created equally, and so Teddes are exclusive, limited production, always handmade and never identical.

Working with designers and artists to create one-of-a-kind bears, with loads of individuality, and personality a-go-go, Manhattan-based Tedde’s mission is to rid the world of factory made bear clones.

For those living outside Tedde’s Big Apple headquarters, there is the Tedde website, where you can meet and adopt a little Tedde of our own. Here are some of my favourites…

Clockwise from top left:

Jones. Origin: New York, $US25.00
Andy. Origin: Grand Rapids, $US26.00
Herman. Origin: Maine, $US26.00
Mac. Origin: Minnesota, $US89.00
Tiki. Origin: New York City, $US41:00

They also have some very cute Bear Food, which I imagine would be a delicious treat for all our beloved bears and stuffies.

Coney Island Hot Dog. Origin: Conneticut, $US22.00

Edamame Pod. Orgin: California, $US13.00

Check the Tedde site for shipping costs to Australia.