KidStyleFile

Post written by Angela

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At KidStyleFile we are always searching for the best to bring you, our readers. Whether it is the latest news from a long-established and well known brand, or the new discovery of a brand new talent, we’re on the hunt.

We deal primarily in the boutique and the unique: things not typically found in chain or department stores, and things that have a story behind them. Stories of love, care, passion, imagination and creativity. Stories of people, connection and meaning expressed through objects that enhance, improve and inspire a thoughtful, fun and well lived life with children.

There is enormous creativity, talent and dedication out there. All over the world individuals are working to make the world a better place for kids through what they express with their own hands.

This motivation and dedication of individuals to create beautiful objects for children to enjoy imparts a sense of goodness, tenderness and warmth that is enormously good-spirited and inspirational and we want to celebrate that.

KidStyleFile is pleased to launch our ‘I Made This’ New Design Talent segment, and invites submissions from eligible designer-makers. Please read below for full information on eligibility criteria and submission requirements.

View our ‘I Made This’ column archives here.

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KidStyleFile ‘I Made This’ New Designer-Maker Talent Program

The KidStyleFile ‘I Made This’ New Designer-Maker Talent program has been launched to offer independent designer-makers of products designed for babies and/or children a high profile platform from which to present their product/s to the market; both individuals and wholesale and retail entities. Submissions are now open until further notice from independent designer-makers meeting the eligibility criteria and submission requirements below. Successful candidates will have their work featured on KidStyleFile as part of a regular monthly column.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Candidates must comply with all criteria and requirements set out below.
• Products submitted must be designed specifically for for babies and/or children only.
• Candidates must be fully independent, and must have no stockists other than their own web stores (which must be solely dedicated to their own brand: mixed brand sites are not eligible), or co-operative stores (etsy, MadeIt etc.) or physical market stalls at the time of publication.
• Candidates must have a direct role in the design, production and manfacture of their products: products must be hand made by the designer maker i.e. no factory makes, no third party designers.
• Only individual candidates working alone will be considered.

Submission Guidelines:

• Submissions are open to independent designer-makers worldwide who are able to ship to Australia.
• Candidates must represent themselves in their submisssion. No agencies please.
• Candidates must fully comply with the submission guidelines below to be considered for inclusion. Compliance does not neccessitate inclusion and no correspondence will be entered into regarding this.
• No more than 1 submission will be accepted per week, and each submission must be unique.
• Successful candidates agree to post a “As Seen on KidStyleFile” button with a link on their website/blog/store page etc.
• The candidate makes their submission at their own risk, and gives full irrevocable permission to KidStyleFile to publish the submission on the KidStyleFile.com.au website.
• KidStyleFile accepts no liability relating to submissions.

How To Make A Submission:

If you meet all the criteria and requirements above please email the material required below to imadethis@kidstylefile.com.au with “I Made This: <your business/label name>” in the Subject Title:

1. A single  .jpg or .png image of 500×500 pixels
2. A title for your product
3. The price of your product (in AUD$ as well as native currency – use currency conversion tools where appropriate)
4. A link to the product
5. A 50 word description of your creative aim with this product.
6. Whether or not you are seeking wholesale or retail stockists, or just individual orders.

Please adhere strictly to these requirements as only fully compliant submissions will be considered for inclusion.

Today’s post written by Miki

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Isn’t it brilliant how Australian kidswear designers have come into their own in the last few years?  There’s so much out there that’s fresh and funky and downright hip, and it’s homegrown!

Two of the best are sibling brands Tommy Rocket and Two Belles, hailing from the Bellarine Peninsula, and designed by respected fashion designer Brooke Murphy.  With nods to both urban Euro and Aussie/US surf culture, and featuring edgy little details on every garment, it has the kind of casual flair that can’t be replicated.  It’s hugely popular both in Australia and abroad, and its obvious why: just take a look at the pieces below!

Paperartzi Boutique – www.paperartziboutique.com.au – is the ideal place to dig in to Tommy Rocket and Two Belles: as a premium stockist, Paperartzi carrries the entire current season collection, both online and at their bricks & mortar store in Echuca, Victoria.

To celebrate the bountiful selection of Tommy Rocket and Two Belles at Paperartzi Boutique, stylish store owner Melissa is offering KidStyleFile readers 20% off both ranges: no code needed, prices as marked until 31 May 2010. You’ll also get FREE postage on all orders Australia-wide with code ‘TOMMY‘ until 31 May 2010. There’s also a great competition running: for every $50 you spend on Tommy Rocket and/or Two Belles you’ll get one entry into the draw to win this Tommy Rocket hoodie, or this Two Belles longline cardi – mention KSF in the comments field at checkout to enter. Get your credit card out and jump in line behind me!

Brands stocked for babies through to teens at Paperartzi Boutique include Aden+Anais, Alimrose Designs, BIG by Fiona Scanlan, Bobble Art, Bright Baby, Bugaboo, Cheeky Little Soles, Cocoon Clothing, Cocoon Couture, Danish By Design, David Fussenegger, Eeni Meeni Mini Moh, Eyetribe, Fairy Floss Creations, Fiona by Fiona Scanlan, Fish  Lilly, Fred Bare, Haba, Huckleberry Lane, Huggalugs, Il Tutto, Jooki, Lark Made, L’il Fraser Collection, Mamas & Papas, Melissa & Doug, Mini Metalicus, Miss Metalicus, Minimink, Movables, More 4 Boys, One Red Fly, Oobi Baby, Ouch, Paperartzi, Paper Eskimo, Silver Cross, Sooki Baby, Taia Hair Clips, Tiger Tribe, Tiny Tribe, Tip Toey Joey, Tommy Rocket, Two Belles, Wheely Bug, Willow and Finn, Seafolly, Cuddle Fish and Chook Leaf.

Labels stocked in the maternity/womenswear section are Anna Campbell, American Vintage, Bella B Wear, Black Orchid, Blue Turtles, Desigual, European Culture, Gypsy 05, Fluxus, Hudson Jeans, Itsus Eco, Jets by Jessica Allen, Juicy Bear, Katzi, Lilya, Maurie & Eve, Metalicus, Nü by Neo, Petals, Rodeo Show, Siwy Denim, Style Stalker, Viktoria & Woods, Von Treskow and Wildfox.

Paperartzi Boutique also stocks a selection of stationery and scrapbooking supplies by Cristina Re.

Discounted prices quoted below are valid until 31 May 2010 (see above for full details).

Two Belles
1. Floral Tee w/ Hood, $57.95 LESS 20% = $46.36
2. Owl Velour ZT Hoodie, $69.95 LESS 20% = $55.96
3. Two Belles Longline Cardi, $99.95 LESS 20% = $79.96
4. Pink Bow Hoodie Dress, $99.95 LESS 20% = $79.96
5. Bootleg Jean, $82.95 LESS 20% = $66.36

Tommy Rocket
6. Mexican Fighter Tee, $49.95 LESS 20% = $39.96
7. Flannel Check Shirt, $59.95 LESS 20% = $47.96
8. Slim Leg Jean, $74.95 LESS 20% = $59.96
9. Skull Tee, $42.95 LESS 20% = $34.36
10. Check Pant, $69.95 LESS 20% = $55.96

Paperartzi Boutique charges a flat rate fee $8.50 for postage, Australia-wide. Orders over $150 are shipped free. International orders are welcome. Click here for full postage and delivery information.

Today’s post written by Leah

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The ambience of a party venue or room sets the mood of the party from its very onset. The tricky thing is creating the scene that will appeal to both the kids and  the parents. What a juggling act!

Part 2 of our party coverage focuses on decorations. We have swept across the internet to provide you with a range of bunting, balloons and hanging decorations that you can use to wow young and old alike at your next party event.

Stay tuned for Part 3, coming soon.

Miss Part 1? Never fear, find it here: Part 1: Woohoo it’s Party Time! Loot Bags, Thank You Cards & Party Favours

Bunting

Birthday Banner and Bunting Set – Dreams of Paradise – $39.95 from Made for Ava (Made It); Pirate Theme Bunting– $19.00 from Canterburybelle (Made It);  TLI Paper Coloured Lace Bunting $19.95 from Ten Little Indians; Aqua and Red Bunting– $30.00 from ZippyZippy (Made It); Paper Eskimo Paper Bunting – $7.85 from The Spotty Napkin;  Party Flag Bunting – $19.95 from Ten Little Indians .

Hangings

Blom Paper Flowers – $19.95 from Lark ; Sequin and Ribbon Door Curtain – $33.50 from Generation Wonder; Tissue Paper Pom Pom – Pack of 5 $25.00 from Ah-Tissue; Paper Daisy Decoration – $5.50 from Pink Frosting; Turquoise Blue Swirl Print Rice Paper Parasol – $32.50 from Pink Frosting; Red and White Spot Lantern – $2.95 from Ten Little Indians.

Balloons

Balloon – Red Heart – $0.35 from Complete Party Boxes; Pastel Green Balloon – Pack of 10 $4.00 from The Petite Party Company; Pastel Balloon– $0.50 from Twiggi; Paper Eskimo Balloons– $9.95 from Ekidna Kidswear;  Daisy and Dot Party Balloon – $0.85 from The Complete Kids Party.

Please check individual stores for postage and delivery information.

Today’s post written by Anna

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I am always drawn to funky mummies and their adorable funky babies. Though we may never have been introduced, I am the woman in the park, the library, or the supermarket looking on and smiling at you and your little one(s) as if you were a long lost friend. I thrill at the brands that are being worn out and about in my local neighbourhood, and I love to stop in the street for a chat to swap tricks and hot shopping tips.  A little spot for guaranteed funkiness, and one I share with friends and strangers alike, is Bubba Funk – www.bubbafunk.com.au.

You’ll find clothing, toys, bedding and accessories at Bubba Funk – and you can rest assured that every item you purchase will have heads turning in your direction!  Try anything from 3 Pommes, ABCD Industrie, Aden + Anais, Annabel Trends, Baby Brands, Beautiful Soles, Bod, Bod for Bubs, Boon, Britt, Catimini, Chalk n Cheese, Cuddledry, David Fussenegger, Egg Baby by Susan Lazar, Fish Lilly, For Walls, Heavenly Creatures, Il Tutto, Isoki, John Crane, Kandy Crew, Kas Australia, Koda Lighting, Korimco, L’il Fraser Collection, Luna Ninos, Marquise, Melobaby, Milk Bands, Minihaha, Minimonkey, Missi Missi, Moppit, Nature Baby, Oobi Baby, Quilt Baby, Ramalama, Samvara Kids, Skeanie, Sprout Design, Tiny Mammoth, Vice Versa, Walnut Melbourne, Well Spotted, Woof! and Zephire Generation – and you and the world around your little one will be touched with instant funkiness!

My top picks for today include a touch of funky – no matter who you are shopping for.  Mum gets Isoki Multi Messenger bag for a funky African inspired bag. Your wee little babe gets gorgeous skin with the help of Bod for Bubs Everyday Moisturiser. Little men are styled up with some Woof! and Polka. I have included Chalk N Cheese and Fresh Baked for little ladies. And last but not least, add some much needed glamour (as well as fantastic functional design) to the realm of toilet training with the Boon Potty Bench.

There is extra reason to hit up Bubba Funk right now: proprietor Mariana is offering KidStyleFile readers a 20% storewide discount until 31 May 2010 (excluding the sale section, which already clocks in at up to 50%). To get funky with it, just enter the code ‘KSF20‘ at checkout.

Prices quoted in red below are only applicable as part of special KSF offer (see above). This offer ends at midnight May 31, 2010.

1. Bebe Boys Cardigan with Mock undershirt – Water Marle $53.00 less 20% = $42.40
2. Minihaha Georgia Trench Coat in Marine $86.00 less 20% = $68.80
3. Woof! Hoodie with side pockets $75.90 less 20% = $60.70
4. Isoki Multi Messenger – Kenya $129.95 less 20% = $103.95
5. Chalk n Cheese Schroom Navy Stripe Dress $89.00 less 20% = $71.20
6. Bonds birdie PJ’s Grey $22.95 less 20% = $18.35
7. Fresh Baked Striped Bow Cardigan Cherry Red $47.95 less 20% = $38.35
8. Bod for Bubs Everyday Moisturiser Mother’s Milk $20.95 less 20% = $16.75
9. Czarque Ballet Slipper – Black Suede $69.95 less 20% = $55.95
10. Polka Nemesis Knit Sleeveless Hoodie $74.95 less 20% = $59.95
11. Boon Potty Bench $79.95 less 20% = $63.95
12. Tiny Mammoth geo allover hood Grey Marle $64.95 less 20% = $51.95

Postage at Bubba Funk is provided by TNT couriers for gift boxes and e-parcel through Australia post for individual orders. Shipping is determined by weight/size, and the average charge is $7.95. See the Delivery and Postage section for full details.

Today’s post written by Miki

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Happy times when I checked the mailbox today: my latest order from Stuck On You – www.stuckonyou.biz – had arrived!  I’ve been buying labels from Stuck On You for a couple of years now, ever since my first child started at daycare.  The labels were recommended by a friend and they’ve never let me down yet.  Believe me, these labels stay stuck! (or ‘stucked’, as Master Nearly-Three says – he loves helping me choose which ones to buy next).

It doesn’t seem to matter how many times the iron-on clothing labels go through the heavy duty wash cycle or the tumble dryer, or how often the vinyl labels go through the dishwasher!  They come out looking like new every time – and some of them are over two years old and have had this kind of treatment daily.  Now that’s what I call a good product!

Stuck On You has just released Carrie’s Corner, a little treasure trove of specials – up to 50% off selected products! – hot new trends, latest designs and even a bit of gossip.

The Latest Trends section has also just been launched, and the labels in it are so darn gorgeous!  The top selling Owls are just too sweet to be true, and check out the trucks & diggers below – every little boy’s dream (I know what Master Nearly-Three will be choosing next time we order).  The Latest Trends section includes backpacks, lunchboxes, height charts, canvases, wall stickers, labels and more.

Now speaking of The Latest Trends range, you’ll want to hear this: KidStyleFile readers can take 10% off all products in The Latest Trends category only (not to be used in conjunction with any other offer) until 23 May 2010.  The code to use is ‘STYLEFILE10‘.  Now get sticking!

The labels and products above are all from The Latest Trends range.  Don’t forget that you can take 10% off the collection (not to be used in conjunction with any other offer, and valid on The Latest Trends range only) until 23 May 2010 using the code ‘STYLEFILE10‘.

Stuck On You despatch all orders within four working days and postage start as at a low $2.00 – $5.30 via standard Australia Post delivery. If you need your order faster the charges are $7.50 for Express Post, or $15.00 for courier delivery.

Today’s post written by Miki

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I suspect I’m not the only parent constantly on the lookout for great toys.  My definition of a ‘great toy’ is one that will entertain a child for more than 5 mins at a time, encourages creativity, and won’t break the first time it’s used.  The Toy Bug – www.thetoybug.com.au – has a truly wonderful array of high quality toys which fit all those criteria.  Their website is wonderful to explore; full of toy delights at every click.

Whether your kids love puzzles or tea sets, tool kits or musical instruments, books, bath toys, cuddly toys or skipping ropes, you’ll find something for them here.  I’m also impressed by the array of inexpensive toys perfect for party bags.  The quirky Wooden Lacing Cheese (#5 below) would be right up my 2.5-year-old’s alley, and I, erm, I mean my 8-month-old, would love these Rainbow Sound Blocks.

The lovely Jo at The Toy Bug is offering KidStyleFile readers 10% off every toy store-wide – including those located in the bumper SALE section, where you’ll find quality toys of all decriptions up to 40% off! Orders over $40 (before post costs) will also automatically go into the draw to win a 5 in 1 Toy Cube valued at $120.00 (drawn 11 June 2010). The Toy Bug also offer FREE gift wrapping. What are you waiting for? Use the code ‘KSF10‘ at checkout to redeem your discount and enjoy all the fun until 8 June 2010.

You can stay in touch with The Toy Bug via their newsletter, Facebook page, Twitter account and blog.

The 10% off discount shown below is valid using the code ‘KSF10′. It expires June 8 2010.

1. Walking Slide Toy, $14.95 – 10% = $13.45
2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Magnetic Game, $4.00 - 10% = $3.60
3. Tone Blocks, $6.95 - 10% = $6.25
4. Wooden Nuts & Bolts In A Jar, $24.95 - 10% = $22.45
5. Wooden Lacing Cheese, $9.50 – 10% = $8.60
6. Animal Puzzle In Box Set, $22.00 – 10% = $19.80
7. Nine Shapes Puzzle, $25.95 $16.95, save $9.00! - 10% = $15.25
8. Build A Village Game, $42.00 $30.00, save $12.00! - 10% = $27.00
9. Heimess Pirate Pacifier Holder, $15.95 $11.95, save $4.00! - 10% = $10.75
10. Fairy Tea Set, $75.00 $60.00 save $15.00! – 10% = $54.00
11. Activity Doll Set – Clinic, $48.50 $32.50, save $16.00! - 10% = $29.25
12. My Toolbox Bench, $79.00 $61.00, save $18.00! - 10% =$54.90

The Toy Bug stock quality brands including Active People, Anamalz, Boyle, Crocodile Creek, Djeco, EDDU Toy, Fat Brain Toy Co, Fiesta Crafts, GUND, Le Toy Van, JELLYCAT, Mamas & Papas, Manhattan Toy Company, Melissa & Doug, Petit Jour Paris, Sparkle T, Spiegelburg, TOLO, Toys Pure, Voila, WANJU and Wonderworld.

The Toy Bug charge $9.90 flat Australia-wide (with three product exceptions) and post for FREE Australia wide for all orders over $150.00.  Read the full shipping and delivery information here, including details on international orders.