KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Anna

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Brand new week, brand new day, brand new *store* – yay! Introducing the new buzz on the street, The Bees Knees Kid -www.thebeeskneeskids.com.au.

The Bees Knees Kids is a busy little hive specialising in babywear, kidswear and accessories for newborn up tpo 6 years of age.

Propreitors Sean and Bernice happen to be adoring parents themselves, and this shows in the great cross-section of items they have carefully chosen – the Bees Knees Kids has everything you need for feeding, carrying, and bathing your precious little bundle.

You can find top quality fashion alongside very practical items for life with baby from proven brands Babycupcakes, Babylegs, Baobab, Barrajack, Best4Baby, Billiebaby, BumpBuddy Coldpacks, Chino Kids, ERGObaby, Goldbug, GAIA, Huggalugs, Mom Invented, Plum, Ruffle Butts, Sooki Baby, Skeanie and Vintage Kid.

The Bees Knees Kids stock Bébé Au Lait Fashion Nursing Covers – a top choice for out and about mums.  My fave of the 6 prints available is the Papillion as shown below.

The Bees Knees Kids also showcase ERGObaby - a fantastic range of baby carriers that can be used from birth right up to pre-school.  The ‘Sport’ model is a recent addition in our house and our little girl loves being carried in it around the house and on our school run – and I love having my hands free!

As a welcome gift to their new store The Bees Knees Kids are offering a FREE GIFT (Baby, Baby Musical Keys Toy rrp $14.95) for the first 50 orders received over $100, until 30 September 2009. Get busy and enjoy the buzz!

A. Sooki Baby – Little Man Snapsuit – $26.95
B. Sooki Baby – Kitty Snapsuit – $26.95
C. ERGO Baby Sport Carrier – $164.95
D. BumpBuddy Coldpack – Soccer Ball – $9.95
E. RuffleButt Crawler Red – Woven – $34.95
F. Skeanie – Chocolate Soft Soled Shoes – $29.95
G. Musical Photo Buddies- Toy Keys – $14.95
H. Bébé Au Lait Fashion Nursing Covers –
I. Huggalugs Smitten Kitten – $17.95
J. Huggalugs Vanilla Cream – $17.95

The Bees Knees Kids ship Australia wide for the great flat fee of $6.95.  International orders are calculated at checkout. For more information see here.

Welcome to the August edition of ‘Mixtape Monday’, our last-Monday-of-the month burst of inspiration. This month, Kathy, one half of Fat Mummas by way of Justine at Mixtape Zine, brings us a piece on the role of television in modern parenting. Read on…

(You can read previous Mixtape Monday posts here.)

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I’m not a regular Supernanny watcher, but I caught an episode the other day about a couple of working parents who were splitting their work hours so that they could spend more time with their young family. In theory, this should have been wonderful: the kids had a parent on hand all the time.  However, the parents
were exhausted with working and looking after the kids on their own most of the time! They were easily swayed to using the ‘electronic babysitters’ – the computer or the television – to keep their kids entertained. Their kids were nightmares waiting to happen.

My initial reaction was; ‘How disgusting!’. But then I started thinking about how much television my kids watch when I’m sewing… or how that biscuit keeps them quiet while I’m on the phone… or how I say yes to the Nintendo when I’m cooking dinner. This led me to a t-shirt idea.

‘Raised by TV’ is about me trying to come to terms with my busy lifestyle in a way that I can learn  to laugh and take the good with the bad.

I try very hard to have what I consider to be ‘good’ limits on how  much TV the kids watch, how much time they spend in front of the computer, and what rubbish they eat… but when I’m completely knackered, it’s hard to resist the calling of those electronic babysitters. I decided I’m not going to beat myself up about it, as life is all about balance, and I think my kids get to see and do some great stuff too!

I calm myself with the knowledge that some of my earliest memories are of watching Starsky and Hutch, while eating chips on a Saturday night, ‘way past my usual bedtime. But I  haven’t turned in to a gun-touting, fast car driving, private detective… just a needleholding, stitch-picking, screenprinting, Fat Mumma!

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Fat Mummas is Kathy and Tracy, two mums who, before children, were a visual merchandiser and a graphic/web designer. All Fat Mumma’s products are made in Australia or hand-crafted with care and attention to detail. One day we hope to fund projects in developing nations and social justice campaigns for women subjected to abuse. In the meantime, we are trying to bring up healthy, happy, confident kids who might want to change the world one day themselves. We don’t think that’s too much to ask!

This article can be found in issue 9 of Mixtape Zine. You can buy current and back-catalogue issues of Mixtape here – the current issue is limited-edition hard-copy; back-catalogue issues are available in PDF only.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Welcome to Kidzwear Online – www.kidzwearonline.com.au – Australia’s Largest Online Factory Outlet!

Kidzwear Online carries over 500 lines of baby and kids fashion from Australian, European and US brands for newborn to 16 years of age.

Designer Carolyn O’Driscoll helms this huge operation, as well as designing 4 collections per year for her label Wikidz, which is featured on Kidzwearonline together with a moving feast of brands including Skechers, Gap, Lulu Kids, Feu Follet, Hot Klobba and Y Que by Play Fair Kids New York.

All garments on Kidzwear Online are permanently on sale: you’ll always save a 25%-85% off the recommended retail price – the prices are truly gobsmacking: run your eyes over the figures below my picks below and you’ll see what I mean!! – and Kidzwear Online stocks summer and winter fashion year-round, so you’ll be able to shop happily for the season you’re in wherever you are.

Kidzwear Online is being constantly updated as Carolyn receives her new shipments of goodies and it’s really worth signing up to the Kidzwear Online VIP Club to be kept in the loop for new arrivals and special weekly member only sales and promotions.

Right now you can get all Winter fashion and Lulu Kids gear on sale up to 80% off until 30  September 2009. Also be sure to swing by the Bargain Basement where everything is $10 or less.

KidStyleFile readers can shear another 5% off these already knockout prices by entering ‘kidstylefile’ in the coupon section at checkout, and if you spend $100 or more your order will automatically be upgraded to Express Post. Both of these offers end on 30 September 2009, so head on over to Kidzwear Online to shop in 2009 at 1990′s prices.

Check the Kidzwear Online site for additional discounts apply to selected products below, and don’t forget to take another 5% off with the code ‘kidstylefile’ at checkout until 30 September 2009.

A. Wikiz Very Berry Party Dress $41.95 $31.00
B. Feu Follet Strawberry & Cream Skirt 3-pc set $100.00 $38.00
C. Dusk Smock Top $23.95 $15.00 and Rose Roll Neck Skivy Rose $21.95 $8.00 and Rose Long Leggings $16.95 $13.00
D. Baby UNISEX 3-pc set $32.95 $16.00 (also avaiable in Baby Girl Star 3-pc set and Baby Boy Star 3-pc set)
E. Wikidz Cross Bone Tie Tee – Red $24.95 $18.00 (also avaiable in Navy)
F. Wikidz Carpenter Jeans $22.95 $8.00 (Note: top pictured not included)
G. Hot Klobba Boys Brushed Denim Jacket Black (0-4 yrs) $26.95 $14.00
H. Angel by Wikidz Kaleidescope Dress $33.95 $25.00
I. Wikidz Band Member T “Best Seller” $25.95 $15.00
J. Y Que by Play Fair Kids NY Audrey Dress – Orange USD$32.95 $25.00
K. Wikidz Broderie Angalsie Top $26.95 $20.00 and Wikidz Pink Denim Capri Leggings $23.95 $17.00

Kidzwear Online charge from $6.50 postage Australia wide. Orders over $150.00 are shipped free of charge within Australia. International orders are welcome. Check the full Kidzwearonline postage and delivery information here.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Welcome to summer ’09-’10 at Eternal Creation – www.eternalcreation.com, where the forecast is for effortless summer fashion for boys and girls from birth to 10 years, with a palette of blues, reds and chocolates with bold splashes of burnt orange, with stripes for boys and bold, vibrant florals for girls as far as the eye can see.

Frances Carrington and her team of expert (and fair wage paid – Eternal Creation has social responsibility at its core) Himalayan tailors have created an exquisitely tailored and carefree collection for the new season that will have you look – a feeling – great all summer.

Lap up the feel-good factor with FREE postage worldwide on all orders from Eternal Creation until 10 September 2009. Enter discount code ‘KSFFREESHIP’ at checkout to redeem. Get in quick before your favourite styles sell out!

Also be sure to stop by the Sales + Specials sections at Eternal Creation (browse to age/gender selections from the homepage) to scoop some fantastic bargains on current and past season’s designs.

1 KD693 Party Dress: Pintuck party dress with side pockets, lace trim and back tie. Shirred at back for comfort. 100% cotton – $59.95

2 KD332 Dress: Classic cotton sundress with tie at back and decorative neckline – $54.95

3 KD672 Set: Printed cotton top with cap sleeves and lace trim. Matching ruffle trim knickers – $47.95 and SC209 Hairclips: Cute set of printed cotton bow hairclips $9.95

4 KD675 Top: Printed cotton top with small shoulder ruffle, lace trim and hem – $39.95 and KD686 Skirt:
Full circle printed cotton skirt with contrast ruffle and ribbon trim with elastic waist – $65.95

5 KD710 T-shirt: Flatlock t-shirt with appliqué design – $39.95 and KD706 Shorts: Cotton twill shorts with box pockets and elastic waist – $39.95 and HT102 Hat: Boys cotton stripe fishing hat with contrast hat band and loops – $29.95

6 KD521 Shirt: Holiday shirt with breast pocket – $42.95 and KD717 Shorts: Cotton poplin boating shorts with appliqué yacht on hem with adjustable waist – $49.95

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 Anna

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Heads up dear reader: if you love designer label clothing like Polka, Chalk n Cheese, Tiny Mammoth and Monkey Toes, Pink Chicken Kit + Lilli and Lucy Sykes NY, then you need to hurry on over to Raspberry Rascals – www.raspberryrascals.com.au to make the most of an incredible storewide discount, ending soon.

There are only have 3 days remaining to take advantage of the special discount on offer at Raspberry Rascals – this fabulous 15% off storewide discount must end on 31 August 2009, so make like a jet! After selecting your items from either the sale section or from the great range of new summer stock – including Raspberry Rascal’s newest additions Three Little Trees and Dolly Up enter ‘LOVEKSF15′ at checkout to redeem your additional 15% off. Plus an extra bonus, if you spend $150 or more, you’ll also get your goodies shipped for FREE.  Woo hoo!!

My top picks of sale items include Chalk n Cheese dresses for little girls. You can pick up one of these exclusive dresses for an absolute steal!  Check out the Joy Dress in Dusty Rose on sale, plus your KSF discount, it works out at $38.25! And the Freida Girls Dress in Navy & White for only $38.90 with the discount applied.

Di from Raspberry Rascals has impeccable taste and the brands she has assembled have summer 09/10 collections that really are to die for! Standouts for me are Polka and T .  I love the Polka board shorts for boys like the Scandinavian Tree in grey, and again for boys the Three Little Trees – Jitter Bug Shorts.

…And with 15% off these designer labels, now is a great opportunity to get in early for some great summer stylin’!

1. Polka – Aye Aye Spandex Black Cap $19.95 less 15% = $16.95
2. Polka – Scandinavian Tree Grey – Board Shorts $59.95 less 15% = $50.95
3. Chalk n Cheese – Joy Dress – Liberty Dusty Rose $79.00 $45.00 less 15% = $38.25
4. Dolly Up Lace Tights $29.95 less 15% = $25.45
5. Chalk n Cheese – Bold Red – Circle Dress $89.00 less 15% = $75.65
6. Lucy Sykes – Little Hippy Top $52.00 $30.00 less 15% = $25.50
7. Chalk n Cheese – Freida Girls Dress – Navy & White $79.00 $45.95 less 15% = $38.90
8. Monkey Toes – Spunky Spiders – Shoes $49.95 $39.00 less 15% = $33.15
9. Jolie + Jane – Mini Blouse – Liberty Sakura Print $65.00 $45.50 less 15% = $38.70
10. Three Little Trees – Jitter Bug Shorts #1 $49.95 less 15% = $42.45

Raspberry Rascals is stocked with items from designers Lucy Sykes, Chalk n Cheese, Kit + Lili, Jolie + Jane, Pink Chicken, Monkey Toes, Polka, Tiny Mammoth, Morgan Wills + new to the store: Three Little Tees and Dollly Up.

Raspberry Rascals deliver using Express Post for the great flat rate of $6.95 Australia wide plus FREE postage for orders over $150. See Deliveries and Shipping for details including International orders.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Father’s Day 2009 is fast approaching – it will be here on Sunday 6th of September, so it’s time to hustle and prepare to celebrate the Dads in your life.

I’ve compiled the top 10 picks for Dads of all tastes, with something to suit every budget.

News.com.au has reported that Father’s Day has a lower spend made on it than virtually any other celebratory date on the calendar. Well, News.com.au, don’t you know that money can’t buy love?

Kid-made is the pinnacle of what your child can give their Dad, and it barely costs a dime. Get all the inspiration you need with how-tos from The Crafty Crow.

If you want to knock those research stats around then I can guarantee that you will get big brownie points with Dad with a new iPhone (buy outright or upgrade Dad’s plan to get your hands on one).

Beyond that, pamper Dad with some a Beauty and The Bees ‘Tiger’ Pack complete with Beer Soap (highly recommended by some very manly SNAGS that I know), or treat Dad with a set of pyjamas that he will actually want to wear. The Parent and Child Robe Set fom Metro Mum is also a sweet (and practical) ‘Daddy and Me’ gift idea.

Metro Mum also have a great selection of Dad-themed mugs – my fave is the mug with the word for ‘Dad’ in English, Greek, Hebrew, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Chinese printed on the side – and if your Dad loves toys, then Playsam racers, planes and yo-yos are the go.

If your baby Daddy is hip like Brad Pitt why not grab him Brad’s baby bag? The leather Storksak ‘Jamie’ bag is the choice here. I also love the Dad Gear messenger bags for casual cool.

If you have a daring Dad then choose a Red Ballooon Days Experience, which offers everything from a F1 car ride to a balloon ride.

If all else fails then give Dad a a book, CD or DVD (or voucher for these) from Fishpond Bookstore, which offers a huge range of goodies at below recommended retail prices.

1. Playsam Lacquered Wooden Toys: Racer $132 and Yo-Yo $22 at Metro Mum
2. Kid-made Dad’d Day Craft Inspiration at The Crafty Crow
3. Beauty and The Bees ‘Tiger’ Pack $23.95
4. Parent and Child Robe Set by Ocho: Robe + Slippers + Robe Slippers and Teddy $120 at Metro Mum
5. Apple iPhone in 3G or new 3GS model. Check here for stockists nationwide.
6. Gingerlilly Men Nicholas Pyjamas $79.95 from Pastel Pink
7. Dad Gear Courier Bag in blue $120 from Haggus and Stookles and Storksak Jamie Nappy Bag in Espresso $299 at Just Ripe
8. Dad Mugs $7.95 each at MetroMum Mugs
9. A book, CD or DVD from Fishpond.com.au
10. An Experience from Red Balloon Days

Please check individual stores for postage and delivery information. Also be sure to check the KidStyleFile Current Offers page, and the KidStyleFile Weekly Newsletter for discount codes to make sure you get the best possible deal. (If you’re not a subscriber already then you can sign up here – it’s free!)