KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Miki

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Regular KidStyleFile readers will know – and have probably shopped at – one of our very favourite online baby and kids boutiques, Urban Child.

Melissa at Urban Child has focused right from the start (three years ago now!) on only stocking products which meet her exacting standards for quality, price and design, and as part of Urban Child’s ongoing development, a new and up-to-date name for the store has been chosen. Please welcome Design Child – www.designchild.com.au.

The good news for fans of the store – like me, I’m a repeat customer – is that none of what we have come to know and love at Urban Child will change with the change of name: the fabulous range of products will be just as amazing as ever, Melissa’s legendary customer service will stay just as lovely, and layby, gift registries and gift vouchers will continue to be available! Hurrah!

To celebrate the new name, Design Child are holding a massive sale until Sunday the 2 August 2009, with 25%-50% off EVERYTHING in store. To make the celebration even bigger, Melissa at Design Child is giving lucky KidStyleFile readers FREE POSTAGE* on all orders for the duration of the sale.  All you need to do is enter the code ‘KSFSHIP’ at checkout, and free shipping is all yours. That makes for a pretty fantastic party!

Design Child stock Aravore Babies, Oobi Baby & Kids, Neige, And Me Too, Bluebird & Honey, Little Chipipi, Belli Skincare, Flipsy Flopsy Dolls, Baby Bonkie, Walnut, WOW toys, Albetta, Aden + Anais, Alannah Rose, Cocoon Couture, Automoblox, Caden Lane, Seed Organic, Baby Legs, Baobab, DwellStudio, Djeco, Brio, eeBoo, Il Tutto, Lambykins, Kidsonroof, Made By Angie, Look At The Wall, Mill & Mia, Nurtured By Nature,  Mooo, Mamas & Papas, Pebbles, Red Plum Linen, Seedling, Robbie Adrian, Silikids, WOOF!, Tummy Tie, Peanut Shell, Nature’s Child, Kaloo and Infancy. Make hay until 2 August, people!

The sale prices below are valid until midnight on Sunday 2nd August, plus don’t forget you can score FREE shipping* using the code ‘KSFSHIP’ for the same period.

For girls: 1. Aravore Babies Organic Retro Coat, $89.00 $44.25; 2. Neige Girls Dark Denim Jeans, $69.95 $52.45; Babylegs – Cinnamon, $15.95 $11.95

For boys: 1. mill&mia Charcoal Racer Coat, $149.95 $82.95; mill&mia Indigo Denim Jeans, $71.95 $44.95; Babylegs – Phinney, $15.95 $11.95

For baby: ‘Hello Baby!’ – Mem Fox, $24.95 $18.70; Nurtured By Nature Kind Organic Pebble Romper, $24.95 $18.70; Eco Baby Bonkie – Eloise, $69.95 $52.45

For mum: Il Tutto Chiara Leather Nappy Bag – Red, $449.00 $336.75; Belli Pregnancy Foot Relief Cream, $36.95 $27.70

Toys: Red Enamel Picnic Set, $34.95 $26.20; Seedling – The Junior Doctor Kit, $49.95 $37.45

*Free postage offer is by standard delivery to Australian delivery addresses only.

Design Child ship Australia-wide starting at $6.95 and welcome international orders. Orders over $150 are shipped free. They also offer layby, gift registries and vouchers.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Today is National Premmie Day, an initiative of the non-profit organisation, the National Premmie Foundation to help raise awareness and support funds for the 21,000 babies that are born pre-maturely in Australia each year.

21,000: that’s quite a number, and quite a rollercoaster for the babies and families who make up that statistic. Chances are you won’t have to go far to find someone who has had a prem baby in their lives – I’ve had two in mine. A big shout out to all the parents of prem babes out there!

Please show your support for premmie babies and their families today by making a donation to the National Premmie Foundation appeal (KidStyleFile has just donated $150), or by attending one of the fundraising events being held around the country.

Today’s post written by Miki

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More goodies today from the recent Playtime Paris 2009 childrenswear trade show in the form of Coq en Pâte éditions – www.coqenpate.com.

French-based Coq en Pâte éditions is a young company with a strong social conscience: their conviction is that it is not necessary to destroy in order to produce, and that it is possible to create, manufacture and commercialise products while respecting human beings and their environment.

All cottons used by the company are organic, farmed and produced to the SKAL/Sustainable Textile Certification standard. Leathers are almost always recycled, and fair trade principles are adhered to, making this brand a safe bet for consumers who are concerned about ethical purchasing.

Teaming up each season with new and up-and-coming designers gives each Coq en Pâte collection a fresh and distinctive look. Current collections have been designed by graphic stylist Virginie Aracil and designer/illustrator Tinou le Joly Sénoville.  Aracil’s collection of cotton and canvas bags and t-shirts are inspired by walking in St-Germain des Près, and are urban and playful, while le Joly Sénoville’s ‘petit retro’ range is sweeter and strongly print-based.

Each collection from Coq en Pâte éditions features tees, a variety of bags, pencil cases, and interiors products. The animal-print tees and masks in the image below are part of an upcoming Christmas gifting range, due for release near the end of 2009.

KSF readers in Brisbane can source Coq en Pâte products from the bricks-and-mortar Queensland Art Gallery shop. Otherwise a good selection of their products is available at Paris-based Little Fashion Gallery who deliver worldwide.

Today’s post written by Angela

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While out cruising for new Walnut boots for Miki’s just-turned-two son Alex last night I came across a very fine discovery: the ultra stylish boutique My Mini Moda – www.myminimoda.com – is currently having a very impressive store-wide sale.

How impressive? Well, get ready to round your eyebrows up and stick them back on!! Nab 25-50% off elite quality brands including Bebe by Minihaha, Bebe Junior, Cheeky Little Soles, Chino Kids, Deux Par Deux, Elodie and Elvis, Girly Girl Bowtique, Marquise, Books to Wear, mill&mia, Millie Melisse,  Minihaha, Noukies, Princess Ratbag, Tommy Rocket, Two Belles, Walnut, Woof!, and Willow and Finn.

My hot picks are the entire French-Canadian wow-factor brand Deux par Deux at below wholesale prices, the most gorgeous boys jacket ever from premium Aussie label Chino, lush Mille Melisse tutus, and frothy, fun Princess Ratbag Pettiskirts, and of course those Walnut boots I mentioned – reduced from $47.95 to $28.80: that’s what I’m talking about!! Erin at My Mini Moda is a dream to deal with too: you’ll have a ball!!

Discounted prices quoted below are valid while stocks last only.

A. Books to Wear PJs $39.95 ON SALE $23.97 per pair
B. Deux par Deux Tights $29.95 ON SALE $17.97
C. Deux par Deux Hat $29.95 ON SALE $17.97
D. Mille Melisse ‘Poppi’ Tutu $69.00 ON SALE $51.75
E. Walnut Boots in Pink $47.95 ON SALE $28.80
F. Deux par Deux Knitted Dress $89.95 ON SALE $53.97
G. Chino Boys Black Jacket $109.95 ON SALE $65.95
H. Princess Ratbag Pettiskirt $79.95 ON SALE $64.95
I. Cheeky Little Soles Polar Boots $49.95 ON SALE $29.95
J. Noukies: Paco $38.00 ON SALE $28.50
K. Deux par Deux Down Winter Jacket $89.95 ON SALE $53.97
L. Deux par Deux Hat $29.95 ON SALE $17.97
M. Walnut Boots in Blue $47.95 ON SALE $28.80
N. Deux par Deux Denim Pant $49.95 ON SALE $29.97
O. Elodie and Elvis Ferris Wheel A-line Coat $269.95 ON SALE $161.95

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 Miki

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The display by iconic French toy and interiors brand Moulin Roty was one of my highlights at the Playtime Paris childrenswear trade show last month.

Packed to bursting with the brand’s exquisite traditional ‘Memoire d’Enfant’ toys (memories of childhood) and showcasing a fantastical range of modern interior and playtime products, the stand was truly a wonderland to explore.

Although certainly not new to the children’s market, even in Australia – after all, Moulin Roty has been producing toys for over thirty-five years – this was the first time I had seen many of the Moulin Roty products in the flesh, and I found the quality and attention to detail remarkable. The packaging for each product has been carefully produced and designed too, making the brand’s products extremely giftable.

All Moulin Roty products are designed in France, and the company itself is a co-operative with all employees having equal shares and an equal say in the company’s direction. Their philosophy is based on social responsibility, and with many quirky ways of showing this; my favourite is the ‘lost comforter’ service, where a replacement to a lost Moulin Roty comforter is dispatched by urgent courier to distraught children (and parents!).

New to the Moulin Roty range is their ‘Le Jardin‘ collection of junior-sized gardening tools and accessories.  All of top quality, made from traditional materials and with the signature Moulin Roty vintage feel to them, they are solid, practical toys which will last indefinitely, even with rough use.

In Australia, Moulin Roty is distributed by Play Imports to a wide range of stores in each state and territory. Online, head to Send a Toy – www.sendatoy.com.au – who carry a compact selection of Moulin Roty products.

Please check individual websites for shipping details.

Today’s post written by Angela

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The brand Mamas & Papas constitutes one of the leading nursery brands in the UK today. From humble beginnings, this family-based company has grown from strength to strength, drawing on their Italian family history to create a range of tasteful and enduring products.

This stunning selection of exceptional quality softies make ideal gifts for baby and beyond, designed to  snuggled and loved for a lifetime.

Little Possums Toys – www.littlepossumstoys.com.au - celebrates Mamas & Papas with a 15% discount across the entire range. The 15% discount offer is valid until 5 August 2009. Enter promo code “mamas15″ to redeem.

Be sure to check out Little Possums Toys’ regularly updated specials section for fresh discounts on top selling toys, and if you haven’t done so already, be sure to sign up for the Little Possums Toys newsletter and receive automatic entry into their monthly prize draw.

A. Mamas & Papas Made with Love Activity Spiral – $49.95 less 15% = $42.45
B. Mamas & Papas Made with Love Luxury Ella Chime Toy – $19.95 less 15% = $16.95
C. Mamas & Papas Snoozy Sleepy Head – $34.95 less 15% = $29.65
D. Mamas & Papas Made with Love Luxury Playmat & Gym – $168.95 less 15% = $143.60
E. Mamas & Papas Berry Rag Doll – $49.95 less 15% = $42.45
F. Mamas & Papas Crumble Bear Bean Toy – $15.95 less 15% = $13.55
G. Mamas & Papas Dreamy Sleepy Head – $34.95 less 15% = $29.65
H. Mamas & Papas Knitted Puppy – $39.95 less 15% = $33.95
I. Mamas & Papas Pudding Monkey Soft Toy – $45.95 less 15% = $39.05

Little Possums Toys stock the very best toy brands from Australia and abroad including Alex Toys, annieB’s Automoblox, Brio, Djeco, Felt Tales, Fiesta Crafts, Folkmanis, Goki, Le Toy Van, Little Chipipi, Mamas & Papas, Manhattan Toy Co, Missi Missi, Orchard Toys, Papo, Plan Toys, Schleich, Sevi, The Little Experience, Tiger Tribe, Tolo, 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 Toys for further details.

Today’s post written by Miki

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Earlier this month I spent two days in Paris at the Playtime childrenswear trade show.

Apart from my high-school French causing the occasional language barrier, it was a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable two days during which time I discovered a feast of new and – to me, at least – undiscovered European brands.

I was constantly humbled by the hospitality and generosity of the European designers and agents exhibiting at the show; they were only too happy to spend time working through the language difficulties to explain to me the design inspiration and manufacture processes that made their brands unique.

Over the next little while I’ll be sharing some of my favourites with you, so stand by to see some fabulous collections of interiors, footwear, clothing and much, much more.

Today’s post written by Anna

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Hey KidStyleFile Readers, I’ve got two words for you; two words we all love to hear – Clearance Sale! And they sound even better when teemed with the very chic Chic Kids! – www.chickids.com.au.

There’s a lot to love at Chic Kids and you can make the most of 10- 40% off clothing and toys while stocks last. Sale must end 17 August 2009, so head there now to make the most of these great reductions.

Top of my “lovin’ it” list are the absolutely adorable Mini Mermaid Dresses. Designed and made in Australia, one of these dresses for your little one will have her looking cute as a button! The combination of the retro style print of the fabric and the three quarter length make a perfect whimsical combination. Love them!

Soft and sweet is the Bebe Girl’s Cardigan on sale at the great price of $38.21.  This little number is also made mini – check out the Bebe Baby Cardigan.

I have been on the lookout for a few affordable new play things to help with the last “inside days” of winter and just look what I found; the Monkey Bowling Set is now only $13.46, or for some musical fun, Chic Kids stock a great range of musical toys like wooden maracas in all different colours and patterns.

Though they are not included in the sale, as the mother of a baby girl after two very boyish boys, I couldn’t help but include the scrumptiously feminine Princess Ratbag Pettiskirts. These are simply divine and I can’t wait until my little girl is old enough to enjoy one!  You could make yourself aunt or uncle of the year with a purchase of one of these for your niece!

Chic Kids is a quality site designed to make shopping a joy and not a burden. And as I can never resist a beautiful bow, special note on the FREE gift wrapping!

Chic Kids source the best of the best from the following list of brands:

Aden + anais, Annabel Trends, Aroma Baby, Asthma Friendly, Babymode, Baby Einstein, Babyboo, Babylegs, Baobab, Baby Bee Cino, Beach Bums, Bebe by Minihaha, Bebe Jnr by Minihaha, Books To Wear, Bright Starts, Brio, Bunnykins, Cheeky Monkey, Chic Kids, Crocodile Creek, Disney DVD, Eternal Creation, Fairy Girls, Fresh Baked, Get Fresh, GUND, Jacques Farel, Kaloo, Kate Finn, Kiddy Sac, Le Bon, Little Heros, Little Swish, Look at the Wall, Mamas & Papas, Marquise, Mini Mermaid, Mon Tressor, Mooo, Mooo – New, Mooo T-shirts, Mooo Toys, Moppit, Mother Hen, New Seasons, No Throw, okidokie, Oobi baby, Opal London, Ozbozz, Pebbles, Plumb, Poche, Princess Ratbag Pettiskirts, S & S Fortuna, Sckoon Organic, Soda Kids, Sparkle T, Star & Rose, Starchild, Taggies, The Happiest Baby, Tickled Pink, Tkxi Surf, verymeri, Walt Disney Records, Wild Eagle Trading, and yoli-poli.

1. Bebe Girl’s Cardigan Price: was $50.95 now $38.21
2. Wooden Maracas – Blue Price: was $10.95 now $9.86
3. Princess Ratbag Pettiskirts – Aqua/Black Price: $80.00
4. Plum Dino Romper & Hat Price: was $33.90 now $22.00
5. Princess Ratbag Pettiskirts – Baby Pink Price:  $80.00
6. Monkey Bowling Set Price: was $14.95 now $13.46
7. Baobab Dragonfly Tee Price: was $32.95 now $24.71 and Baobab Blue Racers Price: was $33.95 now $25.46
8. Mini Mermaid Dolly – Size 3 Price: was $64.00 now $38.40
9. Baobab Red Bow Dress Price: was $45.95 now $34.46
10. Moppit Boys Grey & Black Striped Hoodie Price: was $49.95 now $29.97

Postage at Chic Kids is determined by weight and/or size. For most items postage will be $7.95. Orders over $200 receive free postage. See the Chic Kids FAQs for details.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Another wonderful exclusive for you today: the spring/summer ‘09-’10 collection of Itch Design – www.itchdesign.com.au.

Aptly named ‘A Graphic Garden’, designer Jodi Walker’s new season pieces for Itch blend swirling psychedelic colours with organic cloud-like forms and iconic 80’s and Japanese manga-inspired characters, creating a completely unique Itch world.

Clever use of fabric and print, gives the pieces depth and standout quality. My favourite pieces are the ‘Signature’ dress, which features an assymetric hemline, giving the dress a beautiful shape, and the ‘Button Pocket’ tee, with its Japanese-esque clouds, and yellow button details.

Expect these to fly off the shelves when they become available in-store mid August. Stake out stockists here.

Today’s post written by Anna

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Looking for outfits that resonate with spunk, pizzazz and all that for your cheeky little monster? Well, you can find all the items you need at Cheeky Little Monsters – www.cheekylittlemonsters.com.au.

I cannot fault the urban style of this hip on line store. Cheeky Little Monsters houses a quality selection of very ‘now’ fashion for babies, boys and girls from a range of brands including Appaman, Beautiful Soles, Cocoon, Eternal Creation, ForWalls, Itch Design, Líl Fraser Collection, Monster Baby, Samvara and Zephire Generation.

And hooray – Cheeky Little Monsters is in sale mode! Huge reductions in store including: Up to 60% off of Zephire Generation’s winter range, up to 50% off Cocoon Clothing & Samvara Tutu’s and 10 to 50% off Appaman. Plus use code KSFFS from 27 July – 3 August 2009 for FREE shipping.

This sale is SO good it’s just like stumbling onto your very own treasure map! X Marks the spot for me on the very first sale page! Check out the great reductions on Appaman clothing.  I love the Bulldog Tee in Red and have a certain little cheeky monster in mind for this one!

To keep your tiny monster babe all cosy, you might like the L’il Fraser Collection 100% cotton wraps, on sale for $20.00 – what a find! And I adore the Sweet Peanut Kimono Suits  – the “Pirate’s” design is really sweet and different.

Zephire Generation has some really funky and off beat boys jackets on sale like their Fur Lined Hoodie. This one is a definite eye catcher! And the markdown makes it so affordable (now only $30.00).

Or if you have a cheeky little monster of the princess/fairy/ballerina variety, at 50% off adding a Samvara Tutu to her wardrobe has never been more affordable!

Honestly I could go on and on with the treasures I have found (check out the pics below for my favourites). To get your treasure hunt under way start at the Cheeky Little Monsters specials page.

A. Appaman Wool Sherling Jacket $130.00 $65.00
B. Samvara – Tutu Skirt Aqua $64.95 $32.48
C. Zephire Generation – Fur Lined Hoodie $89.95 $30.00
D. L’il Fraser Collection Wrap – Bailey $26.95 $20.00
E. Appaman Bulldog Tee  – Red $39.95 $33.95
F. Zephire Generation – Jean Zip Leg Pockets & Roll Up Hem $72.95 $30.95
G. Zephire Generation – L/S Frilled Top $49.95 $24.95
H. Monster Baby – Mummy’s Little Angel $30.00 $15.00
I. Sweet Peanut Kimono Suits Pirates $48.95 $25.00
J. Zephire Generation – Button Pleated Skirt with Piping $64.95 $26.00
K. Itch Design – Superstar Button Tee $34.95 $10.00

Cheeky Little Monsters do their upmost to deliver fast, and Australia-wide shipping is a flat rate of $7.50. Orders over $150 are shipped FREE. See the Shipping & Returns page for full details. *Don’t forget for KidStyleFile Reader’s postage is FREE for orders placed between 27 July and 3 August 2009 – use code KSFFS to redeem.