KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Miki

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I love it when Zlata at Buckets & Spades – www.bucketsandspades.com.au – throws a sale!

She always goes to town, and today proves the rule: *30%* off selected items from Fred Bare, Eeni Meeni, Guess, Big By Fiona, Fiona, Diesel, Trelise Cooper Kids, Two Belles and Tommy Rocket! HOT! HOT! HOT! This offer lasts only while stocks do, so don’t wait long to pounce!

These brands at those prices mean there’s absolutely no excuse for your kids to run around naked (besides the fact that it’s fun!) Zlata’s enormous range of winter fashion, and this fabulous 30% off sale, means that it’s super-easy to throw stylish outfits together on a budget, as I spent a happy while doing just now.

So what’s missing from your kids’ wardrobes for this winter?  Are they growing out of their jeans?  If so, I love Guess jeans this season: the girls ‘Walking Across London Jeans’ (no. 2 below) are ultra hip, and for boys I can’t go past the ‘Weapon of Sound’ Corduroy Pants (no. 5 below).

Fred Bare is always fantastic for hoodies and  stylish winter coats – I can’t get enough of this season’s swing coats for girls – and I really love the snuggly Eeni Meeni Miini Moh knits.  Eeni Meeni do great jeans too, by the way!

Trelise Cooper Kids is brilliant for adding a bit of glitz and glamour to a little girl’s wardrobe, and BIG by Fiona Scanlan just epitomises the kind of sophistication every little girl wants to have, while still remaining appropriate for a child to wear. Gotta love Trelise and Fiona, they’re both such talented designers!

Buckets & Spades stock the following super-brands: BIG By Fiona Scanlan, Guess for Kids, Diesel, Trelise Cooper Kids, Tommy Rocket, Two Belles, Hula Girl, and Alex and Charli, and footwear from Diesel, Garvalin, Agatha Ruiz De La Prada, Lelli Kelly, Bimbi. Buckets & Spades is also now stocking Oobi Baby and Kids, and the Autumn/Winter 09 range is now in-store.

No links today as B&S is a frames-based site – but the site is really easy to navigate and there is a search function so if you see something you like here, use it!

1. FRED BARE Fred All Over Print Hoodie $79.20 $55.00; FRED BARE Howard Jean $75.90 $55.00; DIESEL Para Troop Parabarny Shoe $135.00
2. DIESEL Siverso Felpa Jacket $129.00 $89.00; GUESS Walking across London Denim Pants w/ Dart, $99.95 $69.00; Lelli Kelly Papavero Mid Boot $99.00
3. FRED BARE Flannel Lined Coat $121.10 $89.00; BIG By Fiona Scanlan Sequin 20s Dress $159.95 $99.00; Garvalin Nero Boot $135.00
4. DIESEL Drante Vestito $169.00 $99.00; Eeeni Meeni Miini Moh Skirt – Mini $89.00 $59.00; Garvalin Nero Boot $179.00
5. FRED BARE Emb Wink Sweater $71.50 $55.00; GUESS Weapon Of Sound Corduroy Pants $89.95 $69.00; Diesel Parawil $125.00

Buckets & Spades Ordering Process – PLEASE READ BEFORE PLACING AN ORDER

Because Buckets & Spades’ online store runs additionally to their two impressive bricks & mortar stores, there is a special process for placing orders:

1. Collect all the items you love into the shopping cart
2. Submit your order to Buckets and Spades - Note that no payment is required at this stage
3. After Zlata and her team receive your order they will check stock, and then phone you to arrange payment over the phone.

Buckets and Spades send via Express Post only Australia wide. The charges are: up to 500gms, $7.00, up to 3kg, $10.00. International orders are warmly welcomed; contact Zlata for a quote via the ‘Contact us’ menu option. Check out the Buckets and Spades blog to enjoy more of the Buckets and Spades vibe.

Today’s post written by Miki

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With the school holidays coming up (or starting now, if you’re in Tassie!) I bet a whole heap of you are planning to go away somewhere. It doesn’t matter if it’s overnight to grandma’s house, or a two week trip to Disneyland, you’re going to need some bits and pieces to keep the kids amused and organised, and the place head first is Little Explorers – www.littleexplorers.com.au.

HOT TIP: If you’re scratching your head on what to do this holidays, you can search through Little Explorers’ directory of fun, exciting, kid-friendly places to go, and gather info on taking the kids outdoors and travelling with their FREE articles.

Ok, so now you’ve decided to go on the road, what do you need?

First of all you’ll need a bag to pack the multitudes of gear in.  With a range from Rush, GR8X and Kiddysac, and some sweet little changemat clutches from ChangeMates to pop in your bag for any little ones still in nappies, you have no excuse not to find something gorgeous – and the great thing about the Rush trolley suitcases is that they’re so easy to spot on the baggage reclaim circuit!

Next you need to find things to put in the new bag.  Swimwear is usually an essential packing item for any holiday with active kids, and Little Explorers have a huge amount to choose from for girls and boys.  What about Cuddlefish at heavily reduced prices? Zoggs are there too, along with 2Chillis, Major Menace and Loose Boots among others. There’s even a section of floaties for the smallest family members.

The last thing to make sure you have before you get on the road is something to feed the kids with!  Eating accessories are ultra-important when you’re travelling – after all, nobody wants to deal with kids who are low on blood sugar!! – so make sure you have a lunchbox packed full of healthy snacks and a drink bottle to hand at all times, plus of course Kipiis are invaluable if you have a messy little eater and the HandySitt portable high chair/booster seat is a nifty way of avoiding those nasty, filthy high chairs that seem to populate airports and such places.

Now make absolutely certain that you don’t miss the super Sale Section at Little Explorers.  It’s huge and packed full of delicious discounts, including top brands at up to 50% off! They’re only there while stocks last, so go go go!

1. Long Tee – Red (sz 2 only), $44.95 $22.50
2. Squidgy Critter – Cow, $19.95 $17.95
3. Aka Pipik Sling – Red Poppy, $99.00 $89.95
4. Major Menace Racers (sz 2 & 3 only), $19.95 $9.95
5. Cuddlefish Buoyancy Swimsuit (medium only), $69.95 $54.95
6. Aussie Flag Boardies, $39.95 $34.95
7. Rush Canvas Backpack – Paper Dolls, $35.95 $32.95
8. ChangeMate Nappy Wallet, $34.95 $31.95
9. Dumpling Dynasty Explorer Kit, $29.95 $27.95
10. Aussie Flag Frilled One Piece, $29.95 $27.95
11. LittleLife Explorer Child Carrier, $469.95 $449.95

Little Explorers stocks products from Sigg, Kipiis, Danish By Design, Baby Banz, Akapipik, GR8X, MacPac, Cuddlefish, Goldbug, 2 Chillis, Zoggs, Outlook, Mr Wolf, Sitro Group, 2 Chillies, Austin, Kiddysac, Lima Bean, Freds, LittleLife, Dumpling Dynasty, Be, Annabel Trends and Loose Boots.

Little Explorers ship Australia-wide using Express Post from $7.00 for parcels up to 500g and $11.00 for parcels up to 3kgs. Please see here for more details.

Today’s post written by Miki

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Technically, winter begins on June 1. That’s not far away now!  Are you all prepared?  Do your kids have all the lovely wintery things they’ll need?  Because if not (or even if you’re like me and they technically do but you figure there’s no such thing as too much!) then you need to visit 5 Little Monkeys – www.5littlemonkeys.com.au – as soon as possible.

Why the rush?  Well first of all, Ange at 5LM is holding a start-of-winter sale with up to 30% off a huge range of current season winter fashion, including Ouch, Tommy Rocket & Two Belles, Baobab, Miatom and Run Scotty Run. There are some BIG discounts to be found on these lines and nothing is going to last for long with you savvy KidStyleFile readers now in the know.

What makes the rush even greater is the fact that Ange is giving KidStyleFile readers an extra 15% off! This means you can take around 45% off many current season pieces, and that’s an amazing offer!  And additionally, Ange will give a FREE surprise gift to everyone who places an order over $100 excluding postage!! Just enter ‘KIDS’ at checkout until 12 June 2009 to redeem.

So what are you going to snap up for your little darlings?  Personally, given my kiddie shoe fetish, I always go straight to the shoe section and here I’m in luck: Ange has just received a new shipment of shoes from WALNUT Melbourne in the gorgeous new season styles and colours!  I’m a huge fan of Walnut – not only are their shoes great quality, they look fantastic, last for ages and don’t break the bank.  What’s not to love?

There has also been a new shipment of Three Little Trees, just gorgeous.  And I can never go past Miatom for graphic tees and hoodies; their designs are always so eye-catching and so much fun!  My current fave is the Caravans Long Sleeve Tee, so excuse me now while I run off to add that to my cart before you all rush in and buy them out!

These prices are after the KSF reader additional 15% off discount has been applied. Use the code ‘KIDS’ to redeem until 12 June 2009.

1. Ouch Star Stripe Hooded Tee – Natural, Brick and Marine, $29.90 $23.92 $20.33
2. Ouch Newborn Moose Raglan Tee – white & blue, $22.95 $18.36 $15.60
3. Ouch Newborn Pocket Jean, $34.95 $26.21 $22.27
4. Three Little Trees Bamboo Dress, $52.95 $45.00 It comes ready to wear with a pair of above the knee socks!
5. Two Belles Love Heart Pointelle, $49.95 $41.95 $35.65
6. Ouch Denim Jacket, $47.90 $38.32 $32.57
7. Run Scotty Run Tonal Stripe Henley Tee, $30.95 $26.30
8. Ouch Shark Drill Pant – Ash, $38.95 $29.21 $24.83
9. Three Little Trees Sumo Tee, $32.95 $28.00
10. Two Belles Stripe Pant, $75.95 $60.76 $51.64

The brands stocked at 5 Little Monkeys include Ouch, Run Scotty Run, Baobab, and Walnut Melbourne shoes, scoop accessories from Tiger Tribe, Cocoon Couture, Gertie and Me, Ikaboo, Rush, BabyLegs, Honky Tonk, Keptin Jr, and Hess Speilzeug.

5 Little Monkeys charge $7.95 for postage Australia-wide. Check out their shipping and returns page for more info.

Today’s post written by Edwina

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Japanese design traditions focus on minimalism and ritual that results in a design aesthetic that is deliberate and serene. Fabrics, furniture, homes and gardens are pared down, functional and beautiful.

Some of the contemporary Japanese design movements including Zakka and Wabi-Sabi blend influences from ‘traditional’ Japanese culture such as discrimination, attention to detail and function with the beauty of technological advances. Japanese products also have a Kawaii, (cute) factor, which emphasizes their ‘softness and gentleness’. This often manifests in cute-overload (this may explain Hello Kitty), but it can also have a more subtler influence on design.

Zakka is a word that you hear or see around more and more. It is difficult to define, but literally means “general merchandise” or “sundry goods” and refers to all the everyday items that are used around the home. Beyond its literal meaning, it refers to a design movement that honours the beauty in the everyday items that improve our home or outlook. These items are often hand-made, simple and full of charm.

Commercial companies are also producing ‘zakka’ products that take on these principles and are often influenced by Scandinavian and European design cultures.

While it is hard to pin down in words a feeling or attitude in design, the images below give a little window into the nuanced themes of Zakka, Wabi-Sabi and Kawaii for you.

More inpiration can be found at these websites:

• Creative Japan
• Zakka
• Wabi-Sabi
• Shirokumasha
• Shinzi Katoh – check out Monkeytail and Wellington and Kindergallery for some great Shinzi Katoh products and art.
• If you’re in Melbourne, you can check out Zakka in the flesh at Zakkaya. Luckily, for the rest of us, they also have an online store.
  

Today’s post written by Miki

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There’s something really thrilling for me about discovering a new store on the kidswear scene, it gives me a thrill each and every time as I dive in to make wonderful new discoveries. I have been lucky enough to do so today: ladles and jellyspoons, allow me present to you the oh-so-fabulous new store, I Want Fabulous – www.iwantfabulous.com.au.

As soon as I hit upon I Want Fabulous I was hooked, and if you look at their list of brands you will understand why!  Knowledgable and fashion-savvy Katie at IWF stocks a fabulous (of course!) range of boutique Australian brands, including Toetum, baobab and Skeanie among other KSF faves, and she is also the exlusive stockist of some seriously cool overseas brands, like Scandinavian labels UBANG babblechat (their silly tights are pictured below, too cute!) and MALA, and Redfish Kids from Canada.

I have fallen particularly head over heels for Danish label Urban Elk. Their signature moose print can be found all over their pieces; FABULOUS! I’ve always had a bit of a thing for moose (mooses? moosi? moosums?) and this particular print has really grabbed my imagination.  Urban Elk also have an adorable dachshund print and next season’s collection will feature lions and ladybirds too!  Katie plans to stock their full range from next season, so keep your eyes peeled for new stock arrivals – this is a brand to watch; it has already developed quite a following, and is being snapped up fast at IWF.

While browsing at I Want Fabulous, be sure not to miss the Fabulous Seconds & Sales category.  In here you’ll find lasts-of-lines, and pieces which have minor imperfections (clearly stated so you can be sure of what you’re buying) at super-bargain prices.  It’s worth checking in often so that you don’t miss a cheap – and fabulous! – find.

Katie is giving KSF readers a special introductory offer to her wonderful store: take 20% off store-wide (excluding the Fabulous Seconds & Sales category) until 30 June 2009. Whoopee!!  Enter ‘KSF told me’ at checkout to score this fabulous discount. Enjoy!

Prices highlighted in red below are valid until 30 June 2009 with code ‘KSF told me’.

1. Elk Print Sweater by Urban Elk, $84.95 $67.96
2. Vintage Denim Karate Pants by Redfish Kids, $54.90 $43.92
3. Teal Outdoor Coat by MALA, $159.95 $127.96
4. Red Corduroy Dress by Ida T, $84.95 $67.96
5. Turquoise Silly Talkie Tights by UBANG babblechat, $39.90 $31.92
6. Purple Mooseprint Long-Sleeve Tee, $49.90 39.92 and Dog Print Sweater Skirt, $59.95 $47.96, both by Urban Elk
7. Lucky Dress by Redfish Kids Clothing, $99.95 $79.96
8. Red Monkey Tee by UBANG babblechat, $79.90 $63.92
9. Brown Mooseprint Long-Sleeve Tee by Urban Elk, $49.90 $39.92

I Want Fabulous’ full range of brands includes: Ida T, Toetum, baobab, SKEANIE, Sweet Peanut, Urban Elk, Danefae, UBANG Babblechat, Redfish Kids and MALA.

I Want Fabulous sends all orders via Registered Post for $8.00 Australia-wide, while all orders over $150 are posted for FREE. International orders are welcomed. Please see the Shipping & Returns page for further information.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Baby Legs, Baby Legs, Ba-by-Ba-by-Ba-by Legs…Baby Legs, Baby Legs, Ba-by-Ba-by-Ba-by Legs…

Yessiree, it’s that time of year again, the time of year when the chill wind blows and we sing our BabyLegs – www.babylegs.com.au – song and reach for our easy-on-easy-off-all-purpose-go-anywhere-and-look-funky BabyLegs/arm warmers!

Besides adding a large slice of funk to any outfit, protecting your little one’s legs from bumps and knocks (essential knee-protection for little crawlers!), and the cold wind, and making toilet training soooo much easier, they can be worn on arms for an edgy and practical layered look, or to add pizzazz to the dress-up box.

BabyLegs offer designs for every taste over their Standard, Organic and Supersoft ranges, and prices start at a dirt cheap $16.50!

Besides a massive following in homes of everyday peeps like me, the ‘Legs also have a celebrity following with fans including Zahara Jolie-Pitt (who loves her Supersoft Rainbows), and Gwen Stefani’s sons Kingston and Zuma, who is seems are really seen these days without a pair of BabyLegs on their limbs!

BabyLegs charge from $6.50 postage Australia-wide: buy 4 pair and they’ll post your order FREE.

Sing-it-with-me-now: Baby Legs, Baby Legs, Ba-by-Ba-by-Ba-by Legs…Baby Legs, BabyLegs, Ba-by-Ba-by-Ba-by Legs…

Above: Gwen Stefani and sons Kingston and Zuma, Jessica Alba and daughter Honor, and KSF Official Mascots Miss E and Miss S in their BabyLegs, together with an assortment of my fave BabyLegs. You can buy them here.

Photo credits: Celebrity images courtesy of BabyLegs.com