KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Anna

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I live in one of the most spectacularly beautiful places on earth: Tasmania; which also happens to have some of the coolest weather here in the land of Oz.  So for this summertime babe, the truth hurts! The reality is that fun in the sun will shortly come to an end for me and my little family. All too soon we will be reaching for much warmer clothing to see out the day.

However I’m not glum, no! Instead, I am so very excited to report that Hayley from Little Pinwheel – www.littlepinwheel.com.au already has some seriously gorgeous new winter gear ready and waiting to pre-order now,  AND -  for all you savvy shoppers (and all you lucky ducks who enjoy all-year sun), further reductions have been made in the summer sale: all summer stock is now marked down to 60% off. This sale continues until sold out.

Polka this winter looks bold, bold, BOLD! Plus there are some great pieces in black,  making a fabulous choice regardless of what gender you’re out shopping for.  I love the serious cool of this stylish brand.  Polka sure do know how to make their knitwear stand out from the crowd and this year is certainly no exception! Check out Hayley’s little boy Taj pictured below in the Monoscope Baby Knit – what a handsome little man!  If you have a little lady to shop for, check out the ‘My Plastic Heart’ Knit.

Chalk N Cheese has an absolutely charming selection this winter. My favourites on offer at Little Pinwheel are the Ploughman’s Blouse for girls and the long sleeved Pablo Polo for boys.

As the mother of a little boy with what can only be described as a passion for hats; I must make mention of the fabulous Gatsby Cap by Sudo. Oh, my little man will be falling over himself waiting to wear this one. In grey it will be so versatile, ready to keep his little head warm all winter. Wouldn’t surprise me if it even gets worn to bed!

I love checking in at Little Pinwheel to see Hayley’s photos of new stock being modeled by her two very beautiful children Keely and Taj. It is a great way to see how it looks in ‘real life’. (Mind you, their smiling faces make everything look beautiful!) So keep your eyes peeled for more fabulous picks soon.

PSST: Want a discount at Little Pinwheel? Scope the magazine codes in the KidStyleFile weekly newsletter, out each and every Tuesday. Not a subscriber? Sign up here, it’s free!

Get The Best of all Seasons: New Winter Ranges for Pre-order at Little Pinwheel + 60% off All Summer Stock + Extra Discounts for KSF Subscribers!

1. Chalk N Cheese Ploughman’s Blouse $69.95
2. Polka Euro Trax Pants (baby) $39.95 & Polka Tomek Long Sleeve Tee (baby) $39.95
3. Polka Monoscope Baby Knit $59.95
4. Polka Jarmie (baby) – Mauve $49.95
5. Polka Jarmie (baby) – Blue $49.95
6. Sudo Gatsby Cap – Grey $39.00
7. Chalk n Cheese Pablo Polo $43.95
8. Polka ‘My Plastic Heart’ Knit (baby) $59.95 & Polka Euro Trax Pants (baby) $39.95

At Little Pinwheel, you can find premium kids fashion, toys and accessories for babies, boys and girls from designer luminaries including Polka, mill&mia, Nature Baby, Sudo, Three Little Trees, Tiny Mammoth, Itch Design, Dan300, Lark Design , Nature Baby, Sevi Toys, monte&tex, Heavenly Creatures, Chalk n Cheese, Cocoon Couture, Nellystella, Rittenhouse Kids and L’il Ludy.

Little Pinwheel charge $7.50 flat-rate Australia wide. Orders over $150.00 are shipped free, Australia-wide. International orders are welcome. Please see the Little Pinwheel Delivery page for full information on postage and delivery.

Today’s post written by Edwina

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When I first featured the wonderful work of Mummysam (aka Samantha Cotteril), an arty English girl living in upstate New York, it was her super-cool softies that I fell in love with.

Today I’m falling head over heels once more, this time with the news of her upcoming fabric line  for Robert Kaufman Fabrics, entitled ‘A Day in the Life’, to be launched in April this year.

Samantha says, “The idea for the line stemmed from my daily doodles I used to draw in bed at night when my kids were babies.  Instead of documenting my day through words, the day was portrayed through a series of pictures.  Looking back at it now, I cannot believe how much I did before 10am!”

The colourways have not been finalised, so this sample does not portray the colour scheme of the line, but we are loving the visuals and will have to wait patiently until April to see the rest of the line, when three fabulous new designs will become available.

In the meantime you can satify yourself with another Mummysam project just completed: a limited edition set of prints created in collaboration with Rachel Hetzel from Pistachio Press. These would make a fantastic addition to a child’s room and are available, together with the fabulous Mummysam softies, from the Mummysam Etsy shop.

Today’s post written by Anna

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Some of the most delightful compliments I have received about my children’s attire have been when they are wearing a piece of clothing from Australian label Eternal Creation – www.eternalcreation.com.

Each piece is so striking people can’t help but be drawn to them, and the appreciation of these finely tailored pieces has grown further when I have relayed the incredible story behind these fabulously beautiful pieces.  (If you haven’t ever read the ‘Eternal Story’ behind Eternal Creation, do it today – it’s amazing!)

The downside is, since having children, my wardrobe could do with some love! Know the feeling?!  Well, stepping in to shower you and your wardrobe with some special ‘mummy love’ is Eternal Creation – and just in time for Valentine’s Day. Choose from stunning, dresses, skirts, tops, sleepwear and accessories including jewellery, bags and scarves.

Eternal Creation are offering you, dear KidStyleFile readers, 25% off full priced women’s items until V-Day on 14 February 2010. To redeem this excellent discount enter ‘valentine’ at checkout (how sweet is that?!)

PS. This link can be easily forwarded to significant others in time for Valentine’s Day *wink, wink*

TO72 Top – Fabulous 70′s style party top in printed georgette. Comfortable fit with adjustable tie on sleeves, suitable for all figure shapes. 100% polyester. Colour: Sylvie. Price: $59.95 less 25 % = $50.96

TO66 Dress - Cute knee length cotton dress with V-neck, cap sleeves and front tie. Ribbon trim on neckline and sleeves. Very comfortable. Length: S 100cm, M 103cm, L 106cm, XL. Colour: Amritsar. Price $49.95 less 25% = $42.46

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 Leah

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When you sit back and think about it, most of our kidlets sleep for at least half of any given day (notice how I do say ‘most’!).

With this in mind, don’t you think it’s fitting that the outfits that we dress them in for this lengthy exercise are comfortable, relaxing and stylish? Materials that breathe and prevent sticky, itchy skin are a must and durability is also of utmost importance, up with many of our children performing near acrobatics in their sleep!

With these considerations in mind I introduce you to Rube & Harri – www.rubeandharri.com.au -  (pronounced ‘roob and harry’) an Australian designed range of luxury sleepwear which will have your tot sleeping through the night, or at the very least looking particularly stylish at 3am!

I have fallen in love with the clean lines, gorgeous prints and soft fabrics found in the Rube & Harri range, and I’m certain that you will too. Click on the 10 Things You’ll Love About Rube & Harri to discover all the irresistible facts about this chic label.

As an introductory offer, Rube & Harri are offering all KSF readers FREE postage Australia-wide until 28 February 2010. To redeem, place your selected items in the cart and proceed to checkout. Select “Australia” as your country of delivery and your postage charge will automatically be reduced to $0. If only everything in life were so easy!

Boys: (L to R): Boys Navy Compass PJ Set $44.95 Boys Green Blue Stripe PJ Set $44.95

1. Boys Navy Compass PJ Set $44.95
2. Boys Red Blue Stripe PJ Set $44.95
3. Boys Blue Stripe PJ Set $44.95

Girls (Left to Right): Girls Pink Blue Harriet PJ Set $49.95 Girls Raspberry Spot PJ Set $44.95

4. Girls Pink Blue Harriet PJ Set $49.95
5. Girls Pink Pinstripe Nightie $49.95
6. Girls Pink Floral Bird PJ Set $44.95

Bubble – The Kids Trade Show was held in London over 31 January and 1 February 2010.  The trends at the show were varied, and included quilting, nature inspired prints, sequins (especially matte sequins), crushed velvet girls partywear, bright retro prints/logos on grey marle or oatmeal tees, organic & ethical production, and still lots of retro inspiration, especially from Scandinavia.

KidStyleFile Senior Writer Miki was at the show to scout out new and exciting brands and products, and today we bring you Part 2 of her coverage.

You can read Part 1 of our Bubble London coverage here.

– Angela.

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4 Funky Flavours

Direct from The Netherlands, 4FunkyFlavours is all about colour, with a big range of bright play clothes for children.  There is a definite 70s Scandinavian feel to the collection, and while this is not unusual for childrenswear from this part of the world, the 4FunkyFlavours take on it is fresh and confident.  The Autumn/Winter 2010 collection includes repetitive print rompers and tees with prints include pears, Japanese dolls, hearts and mushrooms, along with tailored shirts, dresses, including some standout pieces in gingham, graphic trousers and jumpsuits for older children.

4FunkyFlavours is not currently available in Australia, but we will update you when this changes.

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Dotty Designs

Primarily a home storage company, Dotty Designs produces flat packed storage cubes which are available in three sizes, and in a huge range of vibrant designs.  Ideal for toy storage, they can also be folded completely flat for easy storage when not in use, which also makes transporting them much more efficient.  The cubes are made from natural cotton fabrics and are fully machine washable.  Best selling designs for children – pictured above – include Ballet Shoes, Toys and Soldier. Also in the Dotty Designs range are aprons, wall tidies, children’s purses, shopping bags and so on, all designed by Hannah Wright in London.

Dotty Designs is not currently available in Australia, but you can purchase off the UK website.  Email Hannah for a shipping quote.

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Fabric Flavours

Fabric Flavours create tees featuring licensed characters.  Not your usual Ben 10 and the like, the characters chosen by Fabric Flavours include beloved children’s book illustrations – The Gruffalo and The Very Hungry Caterpillar are best sellers – and retro/nostalgic comic, film and television characters.  The Star Wars range has been hugely successful in the UK, along with the retro Sesame Street and vintage Disney collections. The designs are printed on high quality 100% cotton pre-washed tees, and sizing is from 12 months up to nine years.

Fabric Flavours only holds the licenses for these characters within the UK, so we won’t be seeing the brand in Australia any time soon.  However, Australian customers can buy through UK online stockist Little Sunflowers who have an excellent range of Fabric Flavours gear, and will ship to Australia.

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hummel Kids

Since 1923, Danish brand hummel have been making high quality sportswear for adults.  hummel Kids has been around for two years now, and now offer a sizeable collection of sports and activewear for children based on the traditional hummel lines.  Primarily the designers have focused on retro and heritage sports, with an ‘old school’ trend, while simplicity and usefulness also play a large part in the designs.  Patterns include football (soccer) elements, hexagons and hummel’s distinctive chevrons.  Being a northern hemisphere brand, hummel Kids’ AW2010 collection naturally contains some ski and snow wear, but soft jersey tees, cord or jersey pants, underwear, accessories and babywear also make up a large part of the collection.

hummel Kids is not yet available in Australia.  We’ll keep you posted.

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Melton

Danish hosiery brand Melton aim to ‘make your day funnier’ with their colourful and on-trend collections of tights, socks and baby shoes. There is also a small but lovely range of outerwear (primarily baby hats) and nightwear for children.  The ‘feetwear’ has been designed in four main categories: basic (self explanatory), trend (designed to fit in with current season fashions), fun (bright splashes of colour and latest knitwear technologies) and exclusive, for special structures, extra softness and distinctive features.  Then there is ‘M’ by Melton, which targets the teen market with a funky and edgy collection of tights, socks, leggings and legwarmers.

Melton isn’t in Australia yet, but watch this space.

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Pili Pala

Made in a converted farmyard in Wales, Pili Pala garments are constructed from soft organic cotton and recycled fabrics.  Sustainability is at the forefront of the company’s values, along with creating clothes for children that will last them for as long as possible.  The collection features nature-inspired prints – Pili Pala’s signature butterfly is one: Pili Pala means butterfly in Welsh – and bold stripes.  The bubble dresses (pictured above) are standout items, and are excellent trans-seasonal pieces, while the jumpsuit (also pictured above) goes right up to size 4-5 years.

Pili Pala is a new brand and are in the process of launching their second collection.  We’ll let you know when they arrive in Australia, but in the meantime you can buy directly through their website as they do ship internationally.

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Podlers

Established UK shoe company pod are in the process of launching their new infants range, Podlers.  Made with breathable leather uppers and soles in genuine rubber, the shoes are flexible enough to care for little feet.  The range is chunky, while still being very lightweight, and features contrast stitching, buttons and very colourful leather as design features.

Podlers are brand new for AW2010 – we’ll let you know when they show up on our shores.

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Rockefella

Swedish kids denim brand Rockefella make 1950s rockabilly inspired jeanswear for children.  Specifically tailored for babies, toddlers and children, as opposed to small adults, the collection features denim in raw and vintage washes, printed cottons, ginghams, polka dots and narrow stripes. Along with the mainstays (jeans, skirts, shirts and tees) there’s a good range of accessories including some great suspenders, underwear, leggings, bandanas and headscarves.  Sizing is from three months to six years.

Rockefella isn’t currently available in Australia, but you can buy directly through their website.

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Tiny Doe

Tiny Doe, based in Norway, creates organic girlswear under ethical conditions.  Each collection features a signature animal (AW2010 is a rabbit), giving the ranges good cohesion.  They make full use of the recent advances in organic technology including glitter prints, and playful details such as decorative buttons and beading add flair.  The brand’s best seller is their sparkle raincoat with co-ordinating sou’wester hat.

We’ll let you know when Tiny Doe hits our shores.

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Zigozago

Italian brand Zigozago were at Bubble for the first time – in fact it was their first ever UK trade show – and they made quite a splash with their colourful range of baby accessories.  Bibs are at the heart of Zigozago, although the collection also includes cot bedding, baby sleeping bags, a bath range, travel accessories and beautifully detailed quilted play mats.  Every piece is designed by the brand’s creator Luisa Masciello, and handmade in Italy with all the passion that the Italians are famous for.

Zigozago is not available in Australia, but you can buy directly through their website as they offer international shipping.

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You can read Part 1 of our Bubble London coverage here.

Please check individual sites for shipping details.

Today’s post written by Miki

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If you’re looking for a party, I can tell you that it’s happening right now over at Little Styles – www.littlestyles.com.au.  Every time I visit the store – which is often, it’s a favourite! – something exciting is going on, and there’s always something new for me to fall in love with.

Take right now for example: Winter stock is beginning to arrive, and that always gets me excited – I love winter fashion.  I’m really impressed by Bonds this season; what used to be a good-but-basic brand has really come into its own in recent seasons’ collections and the current Bonds range is hip and happenin’.  Funky prints, great colourways and incredibly comfy fabrics make it a winner in every way, but when buying just remember to go up a size as Bonds gear is traditionally on the small side.

Also new at Little Styles is the iconic Sophie the Giraffe, or Sophie la Girafe as she’s known in her native France.  We have a Sophie in our household and she’s just gorgeous – lovely soft 100% natural rubber, her sweet smile and her happy squeak make her incredibly popular with me and my five month old.  If I’m going out and need something to entertain him, Sophie is the first thing I throw in the nappy bag. Little Styles also stock Sophie’s friends, the Chan Pie Gnon chew toys.  Too cute!

Yet more new arrivals include Skip Hop’s Zoo Packs, the fabulous and colourful Lifefactory WeeGo glass bottles, new Tiger Tribe (see below for TT soft toys, adorable), new Sparkle T, new Alex bath toys, new Hess-Spielzeug baby toys, and loads of top ups of styles that sold out over Christmas.  Terri and her team sure have been busy!

The Little Styles huge summer fashion sale is in full swing, with up to 60% off on top brands, including Oobi, Sooki Baby, Bonds, Big By Fiona, Gaia and Purebaby.  And speaking of discounts, you’ll want to take note of this:  Terri is giving KidStyleFile readers 10% off store-wide, including sale stock, *on all orders $65 (before postage is added).  This offer ends aat midnight 12 February 2010.  Enter the discount code ‘febfun‘ at checkout to redeem. Enjoy!

You can take 10% off the prices below when you spend over $65 in one transaction (before postage), using the code ‘febfun’.  This offer expires midnight 12 February 2010.

1. Bebe by Minihaha Molly Wrap Footed Romper, $36.95; and Noah Stripe Footed Romper, $35.95
2. Bonds Birdie PJs – Grey, $26.95; Bonds Lil Wonder 3/4 Sleeve Tee – Dark Pink, $15.95 and Bonds Stretchies Bear Print Legging, $16.95
3. Sophie The Giraffe Teething Toy, $35.95; Chan Pie Gnon Chew Toy, $25.95
4. SkipHop Zoo Pack – Mouse, $39.95; and Dog, $39.95
5. Tiger Tribe Softie Elephant Rattle, $19.95; Tiger Tribe Daisy Pigtail Rag Doll, $34.95; LifeFactory WeeGo Glass Bottles, from $19.95
SALE: Tiny Mammoth Skeleton Ghost Tee, $39.95 $27.95; Oobi Baby Carmen Dress – Buttons, $44.95 $29.95; Sooki Baby Funky Monkey Holiday Snapsuit, $26.95 $19.95; Bluebird & Honey Sundress With Brooch, $43.95 $35.95

Little Styles stocks fashion, toys and accessories from the following list of brands: Aden & Anais, Adiri, Albetta, Alex, alex & charli, Alimrose Designs, Annabel Trends, Baby Gund, Babykids, Babylegs, Babylicious, Baobab, Bbox, Bebe, Bebe Au Lait, Belly Art, Big by Fiona Scanlan, Blabla, BLINK Designs, Bluebird & Honey, Bobbleart, Bonds, Busybee Friends, Cheeky Little Soles, Cheeky Monkey, Cloud B, Cocoon Couture, Deglingos, Elodie Details, Fish Lilly, Flipsy Flopsy Doll Co., Flirty Bird, ForWalls, French Bull, Fresh Bakes, Gala Organic Cotton, Gertie and Me, Giddy Giddy, Gimmo, Global Style custom, Haba, Hess-Spielzebug, Infancy, Infantino, Isoki, Itch Design, Jack & Lily, Jasnor, Kathe Kruse, Lakeland Design, Lark and Friends, L’il Fraser Collection, Little Chippi, Little Styles, Love Police, Mamas and Papas, Marquis, Melissa & Doug toys, Miatom, Milk Baby, Minimonkey, Minti, Moppit, Muddy Cloud, Noo Design, Oobi, Paper Eskimo, Pink Thodore, Plum, Precious L’il Thingsm Purebaby, Rockabye baby!, Rush, Russ, Sevi, Sigikid, Skeanie, Skip Hop, Sooki Baby, Super Zeros, SwaddleDesigns, Three Little Trees, Tiny Mammoth, Tiny Revolutionary, Tiny Tribe, Vintage Kid, Walnut, Well Spotted, Woof!, WOW toys.

Little Styles deliver Australia-wide for the flat fee of $7.50. Orders over $150 are delivered FREE of charge! See ordering and delivery for more information, including international shipping rates.