KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Miki

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All that is new, all that is hip, and all that is fresh, is now in-store at the inimitable and fabulous Baby’s Got Style – www.babysgotstyle.com.au.

It’s a hive of industry over at BGS, and Daniela and the team are working like crazy loading the piles of new stock onto the site.  Between me writing this post a few hours before it gets published and you actually reading it, chances are even more new items will go live on the site – and that’s what I call fresh new season!

There’s so much to look at in the New Arrivals section at BGS that I hardly know where to begin!  However the fact that the last of the new products from Oobi’s Winter ’09 range have arrived is pretty hard to top -  the new shirt dresses (available in Red Bird or Retro Swirl) are cleverly designed to look so funky that it hides how practical they secretly are.

Also new and hot is the collection from BIG by Fiona Scanlan, featuring sharp contrasting stripes – the Military Tee for girls is a prime example of the majorette theme we’re going to see more of this year – and fun, OTT prints. The Denim Rugby Legging (pictured at no. 2 below) is going to be a seasonal must-have!

The entire Ouch range for this season is fabulous for boys and girls from babyhood up (the Moose tees for baby boys are so cute!), and new brand Ivy Designs has beautifully retro-styled pieces for girls teaming vintage fabrics and applique with charming, optimistic designs.  Love it!  Love it all!

Now if you’re not already signed up to the Baby’s Got Style newsletter, you must go and do so immediately.  Quite besides all the hot gossip about new products and sales it will bring you, just being a newsletter recipient will put you in the draw to win a $200 Baby’s Got Style gift voucher – 2 winners are chosen every month! To subscribe, just click on the mailing list link on the home page (it’s a picture of a bird over on the far right).

1. BIG by Fiona Scanlan Ballet Wrap Top – Black Milk, $42.95
2. BIG by Fiona Scanlan Denim Rugby Legging, $54.95
3. Noo Designs Bee Sunhat, $19.95
4. Noo Designs Bee Nappy Cover, $19.95
5. Ivy Designs Love Birds Tee – Blue, $39.95
6. Ivy Designs Love Birds Skirt – Blue, $49.95
7. BLINK Designs Stripe Tie Tee, $33.95
8. Ouch Navy Blue Velour Tracks, $29.95
9. Oobi Baby Red Cord Button Dress, $49.95
10. BIG by Fiona Scanlan Opaque Leggings – Peachy Pink, $13.95
11. Ouch Skeletor Rodeo Zip Hoodie, $40.95
12. Freshbaked Straight Leg Pocket Pant – Brown, $49.95
13. Purebaby Giraffe Knit Growsuit – Steel, $54.95

Baby’s Got Style cater for kids from birth up to eight years and stock Aka Pipik, Albetta, Alimrose Designs, Annabel Trends, BabyLegs, Baby Cha Cha Baobab, Bebe, Bical, BIG by Fiona Scanlan, BlaBla, Bobble Art, Booghaboo Baby, Children of the Revolution, Moppit, Cheeky Little Soles, Cloud B, Cold Coffee, DripStik, Dan300, Dwell Studio Baby, Elleroo, FLATOut, Fortune Tee, Fresh Baked, Giddy Giddy, Global Style, Haba, Infancy, Little Horn, Little Red by Mr Wolf, Little Twig, Mamas & Papas, mill & mia, Mooo, Mother Hen, Munster, Oobi Baby, Ouch, Pure Baby, Snugglebum, Seafolly, Tiger Joe, Frankie Ray Sooki Baby, Square Peg, Tiny Tribe, Toshi, Totem Kids, Vice Versa, Vintage Kid, and Zoo Emporium. New to Baby’s Got Style are Three Little Trees, Minimonkey Baby Slings, and Paul Frank’s label for kids, Small Paul.

Baby’s Got Style charge from $6.50 -$9.50 for overnight delivery (regional centres may take longer) dependent on weight. International orders are warmly welcomed. Read the full shipping details here.

Today’s post written by Bec

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Itsy bitsy teenie weenie handmade polka dot accessories – be playful with these Polka dot designs on from local handmade haven madeit.com.au.

		Scrummy Mummy Upcycled Nappy Bag Seller – rejenerate Price – $79.00 More info/Buy It
		“Jungle Time” Vintage Style Bib Seller – finnymoo Price – $12.00 More info/Buy It
		MYA: Green Polka Dot Babushk Seller – shinyredapple Price -$35.00 More info/Buy It
		Pink Polka Dot Mary Janes Seller – franiej Price – $25.00 More info/Buy It
		Spotty Love Seller – sarahsb Price – $7.00 More info/Buy It

All prices quoted are AUD$. Please contact individual sellers for postage and delivery information.

Today’s post written by Miki

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It’s not every day we come across big discounts on this brand. But guess what?  I can now reveal that Bronwyn at ShopHouse – www.shophouse.com.au – is offering KidStyleFile readers 20% off all OshKosh!

Yep, you read that right: for one week only, every OshKosh order will cost 20% less when you use the code ‘KSFOKB’ (make sure you enter it in capitals else it won’t work) from 12-19 May 2009 – WOO!

OshKosh is a hugely popular brand, and with very good reason – look at their classic styles and great quality and you see kidswear which everyone is guaranteed to love; whether it be the kids who love the playground cred it gives them, or the mums who see the pieces wash up beautifully each time.

The modern yet traditional styles of OshKosh are designed with complementary colours and shapes – it’s a very ‘mix and match’ brand, and all the pieces work back together.  This is another reason Oshkosh is a long-standing fave of Mums everywhere: it’s super-easy to get kids looking stylish when the wardrobe contains a few key OshKosh pieces.

The popularity of Oshkosh means that ShopHouse’s OshKosh will go like hotcakes.  Bronwyn keeps her range of OshKosh at below retail store prices anyway, and this extra 20% off is going to mean that savvy buyers swoop in fast.  Many of the most popular styles only have one or two pieces available in each size, so if you want a piece of the action ou’d better move fast! All orders at ShopHouse over $99 also receive FREE delivery, so what are you waiting for? Zoom!!

The prices below reflect the 20% off KSF reader discount, using the code ‘KSFOKB’. Valid 12-19 May 2009 only.

1. Krazy Dayz Stripe Knit Beanie, $19.95 $15.96
2. Krazy Dayz Stripe Knit Cardigan, $42.95 $34.36
3. Street Legend Grey Marle Jersey Hoodie, $45.95 $36.76
4. Poochie Chambray Pinnie, $49.95 $39.96
5. Oh So Foho Dark Denim Skinny Jean, $42.95 $34.36
6. Return To Sender Chino Pant – Navy, $49.95 $39.96
7. Baby George Pre-Walkers, $32.95 $26.36
8. Baby Joni Pre-Walkers, $32.95 $26.36
9. Bella Romper, $39.95 $31.96
10. Roman Holiday Long Sleeve Tee – Sky, $34.95 $27.96
11. Home Sweet Home Striped Knit Romper – Glacier, $45.95 $36.76

ShopHouse stocks Annabel Trends, Baobab, IDTee, Kee-Ka, Lil’ Lana, mill & mia, Mondays Child Pyjamas, Oobi Baby, Bod and Eco.Kid skin and hair care products, toys and decor pieces from Alimrose Designs, Moltex nappies, Organic Bubs baby food, Cocoon Couture, Krooom, Little Chipipi, Look at the Wall, Mon Tresor, Little Kitchen, and The Little Experience, Penny Scallan, PouchMISS and Rileah Design, and And The Little Dog Laughed, plus of course OshKosh B’Gosh!

ShopHouse post within Australia at a flat rate of $6.50, and all orders over $99 are shipped for FREE!

Today’s post written by Angela

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Whilst in New York for the Bubble tradeshow in March, I was hugely impressed with US label dan dan – www.dandangoods.com – who design a fabulous range of clothing for babies, and boys and girls up to 6 years. I was instantly drawn to the exquisite fabrics and tailoring, and then I discovered that all dan dan pieces are designed to grow with your child, so you can wear them, and love them, for longer!

I had a lovely conversation with dan dan designer Aiko Decelles (pronounced eye-koh d’sells), and quickly became besotted with her beauty, warmth and energy.

In the course of chatting, an Australian connection was revealed: Aiko spent 4 formative years gowing up in Sydney!

Aiko now lives in New York City with her husband Dan. Aiko enjoys yoga and golf, loves dogs, and colour is her favourite colour. Read on for more…

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Tell us about your background?

I was born in Tokyo, Japan, and in my childhood had the fortune of moving around. At three, we moved to the USA, and just as I’d secured the English language we moved back to Japan. At eight we left our mother country for the great land Down Under! An unforgettable four years was spent growing up in West Pymble NSW where I met my lifelong friends at Gordon West Public School (a shout out to Penny, Anoushka, Nadine, Rowena, Stephanie, Veronica, Leona, Christine, Siobhan!) At twelve, we made a permanent move back to the States where I’ve now been for 21 years.

After surviving two major catastrophes – escaping from the 38th floor of Tower 1 of the World Trade Center on 9/11, and most recently just narrowly resigning before the bankruptcy of my firm – I was ready for a change from my profession of Information Technology.

While I have no formal background or training in apparel or design, designing for function was my specialty in information technology, so I decided to apply it toward children’s apparel. Why children’s? Why not! It’s got to be the happiest segment of the fashion industry.

Tell us about the philosophy behind dan dan?

“dan dan” in Japanese means ‘gradual’ or ‘step-by-step’ (and it also happens to be what I call my husband!)

The concept behind the collection is clothing that grows step-by-step with the child, focused on the common frustration that parents have of kids growing out of clothes so quickly. Our design is about function: wear it for longer and/or wear it more than one way.

Above: Pieces from the dan dan Spring/Summer 2009 collection

Above: Pieces from the dan dan Fall 2009/Australian Autumn/Winter 2010 collection

We’ve also extended our designs to address convenience. For example, our Spring/Summer 2009 collection of Lexi tops and dresses are designed where the front and back are symmetrical.This means you’ll never have the outfit on backwards, a great convenience factor particularly for fathers but also for girls learning to dress themselves!

As you can see in my collections, I tend toward very happy bright colors in the spring/summer, while looking for more refined, subdued and muted tones for fall/winter.

What inspires you?

Every season my design process starts with fabric. Fabric selection is by far what I enjoy most about the design process. My inspiration for silhouettes starts with an excursion to the Fashion District in NYC where I am surrounded by bolts upon bolts of textiles.

Ideas are generated by the combination of texture, color and broad aesthetic of the fabric.

What are your current top 5 products for baby and kids?

I am in love with products that draw out the inner creativity of children. My most recent find is The Little Experience, (2. below) a UK-based company who creates the most wonderful craft kits in equally creative boxed packaging for children across many skill levels.

Others include Land Of Nod (1. below) with a wide selection of arts & craft projects (love the “And Sew It Goes” kit!)

Also, I can’t go past my childhood favorite: latch hook kits! (5. below)

In apparel, I’ve been a huge fan of the sophisticated and simple yet so-accessible clothing for baby and children by Makie (4. below), and more recently discovered an exquisitely designed all-organic line by Tane Organics (3. below).

What’s your idea of a perfect day?

This one’s a no-brainer: my husband, the beach, sunshine and dogs! We recently spent some time on the coast of California south of San Francisco called Carmel. The beach runs for miles and walking alongside Dan with flip flops in hand, two Goldens frolicking up ahead, and the warmth of the sun combined with the cool morning air makes for the most extraordinary feeling of freedom and pure joy.

What is your favourite childhood memory?

My family liked to go camping and experience the great outdoors in rustic style, a luxury that was tough to come by in Japan. The moment we stepped foot in the States, my father purchased a caravan and tent. We would spend long weekends driving into wooded territory, setup our camp and go blueberry picking.

On occasion we’d wake to the ever-so-pleasant smell of skunk who’d raided our garbage through the night, but our trips away were always cherished, and my brother and I would anxiously await the next.

Retailers interested in becoming stockists can contact Aiko Decelles for information. Please check the dan dan website for US stockist information. dan dan is available to buy in Australia from ele-ahbaant.

Today’s post written by Miki

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Does your baby rock?  I know mine does, so naturally I love to shop for him at My Baby Rocks – www.mybabyrocks.com.au. What’s not to love at this rockin’ store?

First of all, there’s the brands stocked: Alex & Charli, Bobble Art, Books To Wear, Tommy Rocket and Two Belles, Plum, Tees2Knees, Sooki Baby and lots more!

Then there’s the hip, fun layout of the site and how easy it is to use.  Seriously, I spend a lot of time looking at shopping websites online, and this is one of the simplest I’ve found to use.  Mary at My Baby Rocks has put a lot of work into making a site worth visiting, and she has certainly succeeded!

And on top of that winning combination, you get the fabbo deals that Mary runs – take this new season Winter sale as an example:

From the 11-26 May 2009, you can get the following fantastic discounts using the code ‘mbrwinter’:

15% off Alex & Charli, Annelia Designs and Bobble Art Hair Clips!
20% off Tommy Rocket, Two Belles and Plum!
25% off Books to Wear Pyjamas and Applique backpacks!

Discount applies to new season winter clothing only (no further discounts on already reduced merchandise).

I recommend checking out the fun, colourful little applique backpacks which are cheap to start with, and then marked down by 25%!  The Books To Wear pyjamas are marked down by 25% as well, and they’re so cute, you’ve got to see the full range.

Now on top of that, you’ve got to check out the sale category at MBR.  Chockablock full of spectacular discounts, including items at less than half price, I guarantee you won’t be able to resist adding piles of things to your shopping cart!

From 11-26 May 2009, you can take get the following fantastic discounts using the code ‘mbrwinter’:

- 15% off Alex & Charli, Annelia Designs and Bobble Art Hair Clips!
- 20% off Tommy Rocket, Two Belles and Plum!
- 25% off Books to Wear PJs and Applique backpacks!

1. Alex & Charli Blue Retro Circles L/S Top & Matching Bottoms, $49.95 less 15% = $42.45
2. Books To Wear ‘All Sides’ Girls Winter PJ – Pink, $39.95 less 25% =$29.96
3. Two Belles Wincey ‘Love & Peace’ Tee, $44.95 less 20% = $35.96
4. Plum Boys Infant Vintage Striped Romper, $26.95 less 15% = $22.90
5. Bobble Art Fabric Button Elastics (2pk), $7.95 less 15% = $6.75
6. Bobble Art Applique Backpack – Monkey, $29.95 less 25% = $22.46
7. Books To Wear ‘Baby Boy’ Winter PJ – Blue, $34.95 less 25% = $26.21
8. Plum White Spotted L/S Tee & Matching Leggings, $32.95 less 20% = $26.36
9. Annelia Designs Large Flower Clip – Blue, $8.95 less 15% = $7.60
10. Tommy Rocket Boys Tijuana Hoodie, $59.95 less 20% = $47.96
11. Bobble Art Applique Backpack – Aeroplane, $29.95 less 25% = $22.46

My Baby Rocks charge a flat rate of $5.00 postage, or $7.50 for Express shipping, and international orders are welcome. View all postage and delivery information here.

Today’s post written by Angela

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The benefits of baby-wearing are now well understood – for starters, try a more settled, healthy baby that sleeps better and so happier, more well-rested parents; no small benefit!  – and the ERGObaby Carriers are one of the best baby carriers on the market.

Offering multi-carry (back, front or hip) functionality to Mums and Dads for babies from birth (with optional insert) to pre-school age, the ergonomic design supports a correct sitting position for baby’s physical development and eliminates compression on baby’s spine. ERGObaby Carriers also have a long lifespan, catering for your offspring up to 18kgs, and offering continued support when a baby sling or front carrier is no longer comfortable, and being lighter, and more secure, than a hard-frame baby backpack.

ERGObaby have just released the new ERGObaby ‘Sport’ model into the Australian market, and I’m pleased to introduce you to it today.

So what’s the difference between the standard ERGObaby Carrier, and the ‘Sport’ model?  Well, the ‘ERGO Sport’ shares the same unique features as the standard ERGObaby Carrier range; the ergonomic design, 3 different carrying positions, and the versatility of carrying from birth (with infant insert) to preschooler.

The main differences include a detachable sleeping hood, a split at the back for better ventilation, and a 65% cotton/35% polyester blend fabric which effectively wicks moisture away, making it cooler than the standard 100% cotton carrier, and over 20% lighter.

The new ERGObaby Sport was also designed for larger people in mind, especially tall dads who sometimes had a hard time fitting into the regular carrier. In comparison with the standard carrier, the shoulder straps are 4″ longer and the waist belt is 5″ longer as well as being slightly wider.

Finally – and this one is the clincher – the ERGObaby Carrier ‘Sport’ model is $10.00 LESS than the standard ERGO carrier range (!!) coming in at $165.00.

If you are interested in seeing the ERGObaby Carrier ‘Sport’ model in action, you can catch it, and it’s sibling the ERGObaby Carrier Standard model, at the BUBS Baby & Kids Shop stand (No.J7) at the Parents, Baby and Kids (PBC) Expo in Rosehill, Sydney, from 15-17 May 2009.

If you make your purchase at the Expo, you’ll score a 20% discount on both models – Standard ERGObaby Carrier RRP: $175 EXPO Special:$140, ERGObaby Carrier Sport RRP: $165 EXPO Special: $132.

The cost of admission to the PBC Expo is $16/$12 concession (kids under 14 free), but you needn’t part with a penny: click here to print out your free multi-day ticket!

The dates for the Expo are:

• Friday 15 to Sunday 17 May 2009

Opening Times:

• Friday 10am – 4pm (last admission 3pm)
• Saturday and Sunday 10am – 5pm (last admission 4pm)

You can get full information on the PBC Expo, including directions, parking, and facilities, and dates for other states here.