KidStyleFile

Post written by Miki

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Did you go into a toy shop in the run up to last Christmas?  Did you escape with your life?  Since you’re reading this I assume you did, but I bet it was a close run thing.  There’s something about toy shops during the Christmas shopping period that brings out the inner gladiator in many parents, making them truly terrifying places to be.

Fear not, this Christmas you can make it a much more enjoyable experience by shopping online at Little Possums Toys – www.littlepossumstoys.com.au – where a huge range of toys from brands like AnnieB, Automoblox, Brio, Djeco, Felt Tales, Folkmanis, Fun in the Sack, Le Toy Van, Lilly & Lolly, Little Chipipi, Mamas & Papas, Manhattan Toy Co., Missi Missi, Papo, Plan Toys, Princess Ratbag, Schleich, Sevi, Tiger Tribe, Tolo, Travis Designs, Vtech and WOW Toys UK are ready to ship right to your door.

There’s a plethora of toys here for kids of all ages, and I’ve spotted several items that I think will end up under our tree with my boys’ names on them. For starters, I know Master A would *adore* an Automoblox Sedan (although he may have to line up behind his father to play with it), while Master J is very into shape sorters at the moment, and this one from Brio is easily the nicest I’ve seen. We’d all have fun redecorating their bedroom with the Little Chipipi Drive Time Wall Stickers too!  For our nieces I’m loving the Princess Ratbag Pettiskirts, and I can’t help but think how much I’d have loved a Le Toy Van Mayberry Manor Doll House when I was a little girl.

You can make your Christmas budget go 20% further when you shop at Little Possums Toys for the next week, because KidStyleFile readers can take 20% off store-wide. Enter ‘KSF10‘ at checkout to redeem until midnight 31 October 2010.  I also suggest signing up to the Little Possums Toys newsletter to be kept abreast of new arrivals, specials and be entered into the monthly prize draw.

Here are some gift ideas for boys:

Discounted prices quoted below are valid until 31 October 2010 using the code KSF10

Clockwise from top left: Sevi ‘Throw The Ring’, $68.95 less 20% = $55.16; Sevi Wooden Drum, $59.95 less 20% = $47.96; Fun In The Sun Game Pack, $109.95 less 20% = $87.96; Sevi Mouse Cubes, $105.00 less 20% = $84.00; Sevi Wooden Guitar, $63.95 less 20% = $51.61; Sevi Wooden Whistle, $17.95 less 20% = $14.36; Automoblox Sedan S9 – Blue, $49.95 less 20% = $39.96.

And here are some suggestions for little girls:

Discounted prices quoted below are valid until 31 October 2010 using the code KSF10

Clockwise from top left: Le Toy Van ‘Chloe’s Coupe’, $48.95 less 20% = $39.16; Djeco Cinderella Boxed Silhouette Puzzle, $26.95 less 20% = $21.56; Djeco Colour Gouache, $6.95 less 20% = $5.56; Automoblox Purple SUV, $49.95 less 20% = $39.96; Djeco My Cooker, $120.00 less 20% = $96.00; Le Toy Van Teapot Cafe, $96.95 less 20% = $77.56; Djeco My Florist, $72.95 less 20% = $58.36; Djeco Birthday Party Teatime, $69.95 less 20% = $55.96

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.

Post written by Leah

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There is no mistaking it, Tea Princess – www.teaprincess.com.au encapsulates just what little girls are made of – sugar and spice, and all things nice! The stunning, whimsical and unique dresses and lacy pieces have developed a cult following amongst many of our readers with little girls. Classical and stylish, the label is a must have for every wardrobe.

Tea Princess is the brainchild of three Sydney sisters who combined their rich talents to develop one of Australia’s latest fashion exports. Of course, with a daughter with more than a few Tea Princess items in her wardrobe, I jumped at the opportunity earlier this week to speak with Belle about the latest range and future directions. Enjoy!

Tea Princess Spring/Summer 2010-11 is in stores now with the limited edition high summer collection arriving in November. Sizing begins at infant to size 8. Prices for SS10 range from $14.95-$89.95. Click here for stockists. The special collection range begins at $80 and is available by order from Tea Princess directly.

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Hi Belle.  Tea Princess combines the talents of 3 sisters, tell us a little about your background.

Kate, Tan & I are behind the girls clothing and accessories brand Tea Princess. We have 5 children between us with another 2 babies on the way. Our family has always been exceptionally close, so as we have got older it has been wonderful to combine our experience to work together to create a brand we are so passionate about.

Image: Tea Princess Special Occassions Baby Ivy Dress

What do you like the best about working with your sisters? What are the strengths of such a partnership?

Working as sisters is a wonderful, unique experience. To share the highs and lows of running a demanding and thriving business has been so rewarding. To be honest, going to work for us is like catching up with your best friends, we have lots of coffee and laughs everyday!

How did Tea Princess come about?

Kate made some clothes for Tan’s daughters, 6 years ago. She has studied art and design and has always handmade clothes since she was young. Our friends started to place orders and we decided to start the label and call it Tea Princess, inspired by our neices love for tea parties and princess stories. Our first retailers were Charbella in southern Sydney and Little Missy and Moo in Shellharbour NSW. To date these stores are the largest stockists of Tea Princess in Australia and they have a loyal customer following.

Image: Tea Princess Special Occassions Alice Dress

Tell us about Tea Princess S/S 2010: what’s inspired you this season.

We are always inspired by beautiful trimmings, so we often source lace and fabrics and then start designing from there. We focus on the fine details and love to include feature elements on the back of our dresses. Soft colour palette s are our signature and this summer we have used lavender, peach and mint. Our favourite pieces are our blush jersey maxis, lace tiered dresses and our bikini. We have a limited edition high summer collection arriving in November which includes has a gorgeous kaftan to layer over the bikini.

Image: Tea Princess Blush Maxi (Gardenia white and Soft dusty pink)

What has the proudest moment in your business been?

Visiting Harvey Nichols department store in London, we had just delivered our Autumn/ Winter collection and didn’t think it would be in store. Once inside we saw it straight away hanging next to world renown brands. The staff thought was were slightly crazy until they realized who we were and gave us the feedback that everyone was loving the range.

Image: Kate and Tan outside Harvey Nichols in London

What are your favourite things for babies and kids right now?

We are bringing a UK babies brand called Toffee Moon to Australia next year. They have some gorgeous knitted blankets, cardis and rompers for both girls and boys that we think our customers will love.

Image: Tea Princess Peach Blush Babydoll

Your Special Occasion range is exquisite. What led you to this range?

Our brother’s wedding made the cover of Cosmo bride magazine and our nieces were photographed wearing our Ivy dress – lots of orders followed. When Kate got married last year, she designed five new dresses which her flowergirls wore and we released our special occasion collection with these dresses earlier this year. Each design is named after our great-aunties and grandmother, all passed away now except Alice who is 101 years old! We are so proud to honour Anne, Ivy, Alice and Olive with these dresses.

The special occasion collection is an exciting new venture for us, we love the personal contact with our customers and sharing in the excitement of the occasion.

Image: Kate’s wedding with Tan and Belle as her bridesmaids.

What do we have to look forward to in future ranges?

Tea Princess is always going to offer something new and exciting for its loyal customer base, so stay tuned for some new developments next year!!

Post written by Angela

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The team at ethical fashion label Eternal Creation – www.eternalcreation.com – have really outdone themselves this season. Note only do they offer fine apparel and accessories for babies, boys and girls, but they now also offer collections for men and women, meaning that you can shop for the whole family in one convenient location.

The Eternal Creation Summer 2010-11 collections for babies, boys and girls offer daywear, sleepwear and accessories in a colour palette of reds and blues, with pastel green thrown in for boys and a splash of yellow for girls. The men’s and women’s collections echo these themes, and have quality fabric and tailoring as well as their fair-trade status in common with the children’s range. Ladies also take note: Eternal Creation have significantly expanded their accessories range, which now includes a stunning range of necklaces, earrings, hats, tote bags, hand bags and makeup purses.

Treat yourself at Eternal Creation with up to 25% off sale stock – click through to the Eternal Creation homepage select your desired sale category – and receive a FREE gift + *10% off your order* when you spend $75+ (not including postage costs) until Friday 29th October 2010. Enter the following codes to receive the corresponding free gift:

• Enter code ‘56ARU’ to receive a set of two cotton print makeup bags. Fully Lined, 18 x 9cm and 23 x 13cm, rrp $19.95
  
• Enter code ‘116WR‘ to receive a cotton shopping bag, fully lined with 2 internal pockets. 48x37cm, rrp $37.95
• Enter code ‘BB09P’ to receive a reversible cotton bib with contrast piping and Velcro tab, rrp $19.95
• Enter code ‘108FG‘ to receive a fabulous printed cotton dress up bag with contrast lining and magnetic snap closure, rrp $24.95
  

One gift only per order, while stocks last only. Colour may vary according to stock availability.

1 – Left: Cotton/ Lycra t-shirt with embroidered v-neck and cap sleeves, $39.95 Gathered cotton skirt with shirred waistband, and cotton voile lining and ruffle hem, $59.95 Right: Cotton voile top with printed shirred chest, double ruffle hem & shoulder ties, $49.95 Cotton/ Lycra knee-length leggings with decorative buttons on hem,  $29.95

2 – Shirt Classic short sleeve button front shirt with breast pocket, $45.95 Patch pocket denim shorts. Contrast panel on pockets and cotton tape stripe, $39.95 Boys cotton fishing hat with contrast topstitching and 2 stripe hat band, $29.95

3 – Set of two cotton print makeup bags. Fully Lined, 18 x 9cm and 23 x 13cm, $19.95 *FREE GIFT CODE* = 56ARU

4 – Great cotton shopping bag, fully lined with 2 internal pockets. 48x37cm, $37.95 *FREE GIFT CODE* = 116WR

5 – Reversible cotton bib with contrast piping and Velcro tab, $19.95 *FREE GIFT CODE* = BB09P

6 – Fabulous printed cotton dress up bag with contrast lining and magnetic snap closure, $24.95 *FREE GIFT CODE* = 108FG

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.

Post written by Olivia

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When it comes to deciding what you need for your baby or child you just can’t  beat an experienced mama. Denise at Chic Kids – www.chickids.com.au – is all that and more: she’s a mother full-grown triplets, and now also a grandmother. With this under her belt, there’s not much she doesn’t know about raising kids. Denise has seen fads come and go and has tried out countless products for herself and truly knows what is a must-have and what you can leave on the shelf.

Denise has poured this knowledge into her fine store, and at Chic Kids you’ll only find keepers. Clothing brands stocked include Moppit, Baobab, Bebe, Marquise, Fresh Baked, Bay Bee Cino, Cheeky Monkey, Plum and Eternal Creation, with footwear and leggings from Starchild shoes, Tippy Toes Socks and Babylegs, and toys courtesy of Mamas & Papas, Kaloo, Crocodile Creek, Kate Finn, Gund, Sparkle T, Babyboo, Taggies and Brio.

Denise and her team are gearing for Christmas and want to share the love with you. All orders will be gift-wrapped FREE of charge PLUS you’ll receive a FREE Disney Fairies or Disney Princess Lip Gloss or Lip Balm (a great stocking stuffer!). The best is yet to come though: enter ‘CHICKIDSKSF‘ at checkout to receive a 20% discount store-wide, including a fantastic collection of products already on sale 30% off , until midnight 28 October 2010 only. Make your move now, and be smiling come Christmas!

Discounted prices quoted below are valid with code CHICKIDSKSF only until midnight 28 October 2010.

1. Fresh Baked Mini Cord Ra Ra Skirt $39.95 less 20% = $31.96
2. Fresh Baked Denim Shortalls $39.95 less 20% = $31.96
3. Bebe Scott Print Sleep Pod $53.95 less 20% = $43.16
4. Babytalk Growsuit – Silent Night $14.95 less 20% = $11.96
5. Bebe Jnr Marley Board Shorts $39.95 less 20% = $31.96
6. Malia Surf Hat $15.95 less 20% = $12.76
7. Starchild Jolly Pirate – Blue Striped $39.95 less 20% = $31.96
8. Bathtime Buddies $5.95 less 20% = $4.76
9. Bebe Argyle Boy’s Vest $47.95 less 20% = $38.96
10. Baobab Mint Tulle Dress $48.95 less 20% = $39.16
11. Bebe Jnr Black Slub Linen Shorts $46.95 less 20% = $37.56

Chic Kids’ stunning list of stocked brands includes favourites such as 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, Dolly Up, 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, 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.

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.

Post written by Leah

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PAUSE -
STOP!

Christmas decorations have infiltrated the shops!  This event is my cue to write my gift list and start collecting items to put under our tree, and to ensure I have my kidlets summer wardrobe in check ready for our annual pilgrimage down south for our family holiday celebration.

Ten Little Indians – www.tenlittleindians.com.au – is the perfect pit-stop for super stylish clothes, party goods and gift ideas. Their new season arrivals from  Littlehorn, minti, Munster, Oobi, Cried Wolf, Alex & Ant, Bebe, Alex & Charli, Coco & Ginger, Books to Wear PJ’s, Purebaby, and Gaia Organic Cotton, among others, will kit your munchkin out in no time.

I’m much enamoured with the gorgeous and affordable new label Rhubarb. In fact, I’ve already snapped up the Rhubarb Pavillion Stripe Pantsuit which Miss N wore to a party last weekend, receiving numerous compliments. Super soft, durable and playful, I’m sure you will love it too! Keep your eye on the new Pure Baby Kids which has just launched, now offering sizing from birth right up to 7 years in their signature 100% certified organic cotton fabric. Of course you can never go past Oobi, and their latest drop includes the much anticipated Lucy Dress with Orange Dots, jewellery range (including the apple pendant!), flip flops and pencil cases just to name a few.

To help you with your ever expanding Christmas List, the girls at Ten Little Indians have come to the rescue with a whopping 30% off all orders over $50.00! This offer applies on all stock store-wide including already reduced sale stock discounted by up to 60% off – WOW! Enter discount code ‘KIDSTYLE’ at checkout until midnight October 31. In addition, orders $150+ will be posted absolutely FREE via standard AusPost shipping! Need items gift wrapped? Ten Little Indians will wrap a maximum of any two items in your order FREE for you.

But that’s not all, folks! To celebrate the introduction of the new release Purebaby Kids range, you will receive a free bag from Purebaby when you  spend over $100 on any two items of Purebaby (must include at least one Purebaby Kids range piece) until stock runs out.

Be sure to subscribe to the Ten Little Indians newsletter and Facebook page for exclusive subscriber offers.

1. Littlehorn Einstein Tee $39.95 Take 30% off when spending $50+ at TLI = $27.97
2. Electric Boy John Doe Tee $29.95 Take 30% off when spending $50+ at TLI = $20.97
3. Littlehorn Vampires & Ghosts Tee $39.95 Take 30% off when spending $50+ at TLI= $27.97
4. Munster Goo Board Shorts $54.95 Take 30% off when spending $50+ at TLI = $38.47
5. Alex & Charli Blue Owl and the Pussy Cat Onesie $32.95 Take 30% off when spending $50+ at TLI = $23.07
6. Gaia Organic Cotton My Belle Blue Lace Dress $59.95 Take 30% off when spending $50+ at TLI = $41.97
7. Coco & Ginger Blue Poppy Jeni Playsuit $59.95 Take 30% off when spending $50+ at TLI = $41.97
8. Coco & Ginger Italian Floral Chloe Sunsuit $42.00 Take 30% off when spending $50+ at TLI = $29.40
9. Oobi Pencil Case Set $19.95 Take 30% off when spending $50+ at TLI = $13.97
10. Oobi Apple Necklace $14.95 Take 30% off when spending $50+ at TLI = $10.47; and Oobi Cherry Necklace $14.95 Take 30% off when spending $50+ at TLI= $10.47
11. Rhubarb Baby Oak Tree – 2 Piece Set $39.95 Take 30% off when spending $50+ at TLI = $27.97
12. Oobi Lucy Dress Orange Dots $34.95 Take 30% off when spending $50+ at TLI = $24.47

Ten Little Indians stock items from brands: 2 Little Boys, Albetta, Alex & Charli, Alex Toys, Ali Bird, Alimrose Design,Bebe by Minihaha, Big by Fiona, Bluebird and Honey, Bobbleart, Books to Wear, BoyleIndustries, by OMA, Charli & Ant; Cheeky Monkey, Chook Leaf, Coco & Ginger,  Cocoon Clothing, Cocoon Couture, Cried Wolf, Dumpling Dynasty, Emotion & Kids, Emperor’s Laundry, Fish Lily, Flash Harry Studios, GaiaOrganic Cotton, Gimmo, Heavenly Creatures, Itch Design, Knox & Floyd, Lakeland Mini, Lark, LilSpunk, Little Chipipi Moveables, Little Leona, Little Swish, Littlehorn, Lotus Linens, me2me2, Meet Me at Mikes, Melissa & Doug, Miatom, Mill&Mia, minti, Miny Mo, Monstar Kids, Monster Couture, Moppit, Mudpuppy, Munster, My Child Magazine, My Picture Story Book, No3No4, Noonoo, Oobi Baby, Peggy, Penny Scallan, Pidgeonhole, Purebaby, Raff + Lulu, Rhubarb, Robert Gordon Australia, RosieFlo, Ruby Luxe, Rush, Serena & Lily, Sew Your Own, Shanghai Ruby, Sophie the Giraffe, SparkleT, Tayla-Lu Swimwear, TenLittleIndians, The Little Experience, The Source, Tiddles&Chich, Tiger Tribe, Tin Lid Designs, TkxiSurf, and tomtom designs.

Ten Little Indians ships daily using Australia e-parcel express for flat rate shipping of $7.50 Australia-wide. Deliveries over $150 are shipped free of charge across Australia.  Flat rate international shipping charges available. Click here for further details.

The latest edition of  The ABC Kids Expo was held in Las Vegas, USA. from 10-13 October 2010.

This trade-personnel ony event touts itself as “the world’s premier juvenile products show”, and didn’t disappoint at its latest edition, which brought together more than 900 exhibitors across over one million square feet of exhibit space – that’s one huge event!

KidStyleFile correspondent Mari was our scout on the ground at the show, and today she brings you her first round of show picks, chosen for their innovation and design features.

View Part 2 of Mari’s coverage here, and Part 3 here. Visit Mari’s blog Small for Big for more great show reports.

Enjoy! – Angela.

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Boon Glo Nightlight

Boon Glo Nightlight The simplicity of this light, and avant garde shape, hides a brilliant function. The multi-color LED backlit balls are removable – kids can take them to bed, where the glow will fade over 30 minutes.

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Oxo Tot Interchangeable Cup Collection

Oxo Tot Interchangeable Cup Collection: The universal fit of the lids and handles allows your Oxo Tot cups to move from traditional sippy to straw to beginner cup with a minimum of fuss.

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Catbird Baby Pikkolo Carrier

Catbird Baby Pikkolo Carrier: The Pikkolo carrier will hold children front and rear facing, on the hip,and on the back. They’re available in a great range of colors and patterns – more modern than most.

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Bloom Fresco Loft High Chair

Bloom Fresco Loft High Chair: The Fresco Loft High Chair’s rotating seat allows it to move from a 0-6 month counter-height (or lower) cradle, all the way to a 3 years + adjustable chair.

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Clek Modern Booster Seat

Clek Modern Booster Seat: The simple styling of these Clek seats are actually designed to mimic our full-size adult seats in our cars. They’re built with a sturdier metal frame – and a cool reclining feature – and include great new colors and Paul Frank collaborations.

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Wishbone Balance Bike

Wishbone Balance Bike: Wishbone’s wooden Balance Bikes, based in New Zealand, are the perfect marriage of cool design and great 3 in 1 functionality. Converting from a 3 wheeler, to two different heights of 2 wheelers to fit your child from 1 to 5 years old. The limited edition Wollemi will be available Spring 2011.

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Lollacup: These simple straw cups for kids are exactly that – so simple. I love the bright colors, the little bird eyes, and the weighted straw base to keep it where the liquids are.

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Please check individual sites for availability and shipping details.