In general I love the job of dressing my children. Searching the web for stylish clothes to match their spunk and personality has become a truly joyful pastime of mine. Yet there have been a few times I have been really daunted by the task of finding them an outfit. Those have been the times they have been required to look extra special; formal special – including my brother’s wedding!
I do wish I had known then what I know now; that there is a simply stunning boutique called Stellina Cute Couture – www.stellinacutecouture.com.au – on hand with an absolutely breathtaking collection of special occasion fashion and accessory labels for girls and boys 0-14 years. This unique boutique has the whole range of special events covered, with everything from christening and communion wear to flower girl dresses, page boy suits and party wear.
Business owner (and stylish mamma) Melina started Stellina Cute Couture because, like me, she found her self overwhelmed and frustrated in her pursuit of the perfect special occasion outfit for her children. As such, she know the pressure you my be under and has created a site that offers an enjoyable and reassuring shopping experience. There is an tool on the site called the virtual dressing room, where favorite items can be saved, and a life like zoom tool which creates a ‘touch and feel’ element, which is just so *hugely* helpful when selecting a garment that represents both a significant investment and a gazillion photo opportunities!
Melina has poured all of her passion into researching, planning and hand-selecting the best of the best pieces for the Stellina Couture collection and it really has to be seen to be believed. The range celebrates traditional elegance and weaves this together with modern pieces from current trends. You will find exquisite labels C’Elegance, Flowergirl Fairy, Execukids Australia, Our Small World, Just Darling and more international labels coming through this year. To top it all off, at Stellina Cute Couture you will also find complementing accessories including shoes, sashes, jackets, jewelery and hair pieces to complete your little one’s amazing outfit.
Stellina Cute Couture delivers big on style and even bigger on personalised service, with complimentary consultations offered by phone and e-mail to assist with individual requirements to ensure your selections will be 100% perfect. Melina also offers appointments at the boutique’s showroom on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, where every item on the website is on display to view and try for size.
If there is a special occasion on the horizon for your little ones, take advantage of Stellina Cute Couture’s sensational service and exclusive KSF 10% discount. To redeem this offer enter code KSFD10 at checkout. Please note this offer is valid for online purchases only, excludes all made to measure and customised items and expires on 13 February 2011.
Please note prices quoted in red below are only applicable with KSF discount code KSFD10 until 13 February 2011.
Stellina Cute Couture deliver Australia wide for a flat rate of $24.95 which includes a keep forever storage gift box and Stellina’s signature wrap. International delivery is also available upon request. For complete in delivery information please see here.
We’re very sun conscious here in Australia, with the mantra ‘SLIP, SLOP, SLAP’ something most of us adhere to. What we are often unaware of is that the UV rays that can burn our skin can do as much damage to our eyes. Although most children don’t spend all day in the sun, and instinctively squint their eyes in bright light, those that spend a lot of time around high glare areas, such as the beach where rays reflect off the sand and water, should protect their eyes. Today’s round up present some of the best sunglasses for kids on the market right now.
Please check individual sites for postage details and be sure to survey the KidStyleFile All Current Deals page to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal.
The winter edition of bi-annual trade-only expo Playtime Paris – www.playtimeparis.com – is on in the city of lights this weekend. 250+ exhibitors have come from all over the world to Paris to showcase their wares ready for the upcoming European spring/summer season, and today and tomorrow we bring you the best of the 12 categories on show. From clothing to toys, accessories to cosmetics, we have sorted through each and every exhibit to find the top 3 in each area.
On today’s menu we offer part 2 of our coverage with the final 6 categories on show: Cosmetics, Accessories, Design & Gift, Nursery Goods, Organic & Fair Trade and Illustration & Graphic Design. Feast your eyes on our choice of top picks. Enjoy!
Read Part 1 of our Playtime Paris February 2011 coverage here.
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If you are thinking of entering the Baby and Children’s product market, you would be wise to look at cosmetics / skin care. This year, Playtime Paris saw a single exhibitor within this category. With infant massage strongly encouraged in maternity hospitals, and the majority of parent well aware of the chemically produced components of many supermarket shelved kids shampoos and moisturisers, I don’t think it due to lack of demand that there are so few.
1.Bubbles and Creams was created by Carmen, a pharmacist and natural cosmetics freak in her very own kitchen for her newborn. Friends asked to try it out, fell it love with it, and all of a sudden demand was too much for her own kitchen so she quit her job and made Bubbles and Creams officially a product manufacturer. Everything is organic and they are free of alcohol, free of petro-chemical derivatives, free of silicone, free of GMOs, free of paraffin, free of paraben, free of mineral oil, free of synthetic perfume and free of colouring agents. What’s more – it’s a truly environmentally friendly brand using recycable plastic bottles, labels which are manufactured from 100 % recycled paper and glued on the bottles with “Greentac Plus”, a recyclable adhesive and they boast the Ecocert label. Besides all this each products smells delicious! You can purchase Bubbles and Creams direct from their online boutique. Click here for all the details.
After clothing and shoes, accessories are my favourite thing to shop for when I have a chance. I have a particular fondness for lunchboxes and I am very taken with the retro revival of the lunch case and satchel.
1. Atsuyo et Akiko grew from a love of screen printing and illustration. Originally, Atsuyo was a shoe designer who travelled the world before working as a handbag designer for TOCCA in New York where a chance encounter with Akiko, who was working with acclaimed Japanese artist, AMANO in a SOHO studio, led to the development of their own label. Together they have fused their experience and passion to create stories with their accessories. Each line tells a story. Click here or peruse their online store.
2. Blafre is a Norwegian label bringing back retro in a big way. Blafre’s genesis occured in 2005, sparked by Ingrid Erøy and Remi Fagervik. Ingrid does all the designing herself and uses a wide colour palette. The range includes invitations, wall art, notebooks, art books, water bottles, lunch boxes, boxes and much more. Blafre do not sell direct to the public and are represented by distributors in each country. Find a stockist here.
3. Coq en Pate is an environmentally conscious French label. All items in the Coq en Pate range are made from 100% organic cotton free from chemicals used in conventional cotton product – ammonia, chlorine, pigments containing heavy metals, PVC and chromium. Where timber is used in an item it is sourced from sustainably managed forests. I just love that there is this movement towards stylish and functional items that don’t harm our environment. To purchase from the range, go directly to the site.
I have two reactions to illustrations created by talented people: one is awe, the other is envy. Today I am embracing awe, and I am sure you will too as you look through our top 3 picks from the weekend.
1.The Linna Morata range are Japanese ‘kawaii’ cute even though they are French! The collection”My Super Hero,” is the latest design to hit the label, created exclusively by Christopher Lardenois. I just love the range of patches. With two kidlets under 5 who are forever getting small rips in their denim, I love the idea of adding a patch and extending the wear of the item. It also makes them look quirky and hip! You can purchase the range from a number of stockists here.
2. Deuz is a hypnotic burst of colour, playfully combined to create stimulating playmats, bag/cushions and napkins for kids. Their large “Tapikid” or playmats are almost abstract in design, but with an outline sufficient enough for children to utilise their imaginations and create car tracks, farms, roaming walking trails or whatever they decide. Again, the movement towards environmentally friendly products has been embraced by Deuz creators (and sisters) Mary and Charlotte, who utilise certified organic cotton, natural dyes and recycled paper across their range. For stockists click here.
3. Lobuki was born during a meeting between cousins, Laura and Manu, in 2009. The wall stickers they design are amazing – they literally make you tingle with a feeling of magic and enchantment. The soft, delicate colour palette is perfect for a nursery, neither overpowering the walls or providing too much distraction at bedtime. Lobuki illustrations are printed on opaque white vinyl, are repositionable and will not leave marks on your walls on removal. Lobuki stickers are currently available for order for French residents only. You can contact Lobuki directly if you are interested in ordering from the range.
The category “childcare” was initially confusing. I wondered if they would be exhibiting Au Pairs or pre-schools. Fortunately not. I was pleasantly rewarded with nursery items, baby goods such as prams and cots, and other nursery paraphernalia. I must admit, I had a lot of trouble pulling myself away from the Baby Zen pram to find two other labels for the round up, but I think you’ll be pleased with the results.
1. Olivelse creates whimsical bedlinen for the nursery all with a heavily French influence and sourced vintage fabrics. Originally created by trained graphic designer, Else for her daughter Mila, the range has expanded each year to now include Ukulele shaped cushions. Click here to order from the store.
2. Ooh Concept - is a range of unique baby products that have been developed to make parenting easier. From a souped up baby potty (you can even get it designed as a throne!) to a bag that converts to a one stop nappy changing room, the products are French designed and yet to hit the Australian continent.
3. Baby Zen is revolutionary! It is the ONLY pram that can be truly opened with just one hand. I just love this concept! No more putting your baby into a hot car while you fold the pram away – you can hold them and fold the pram! It also comes with a solar powered LED lighting system that can be used as a warning light when crossing roads or as a road light at night. The commands sit on the handlebars. Jean-Michel started designing the Baby Zen concept back in 2006 when he realised using a pram was a bit like a Tetris game! The first Baby Zen prams hit the European market last month (December 2010). Have a look at the video below to experience the Baby Zen features. Unfortunately for Aussie residents, you’ll need to wait for this one to hit our shores.
If mother nature’s recent activity is anything to go by, the forecasters of rapid climate change are onto something. It was exciting to see an expo that has embraced the need for Eco products and created a category specifically of labels with a eco-conscious. Today’s round up looks at products that utilise manufacturing techniques that are safe for the environment and safe for our children, after all, we wish to leave them with a legacy we can be proud of.
1.Kite Kids is a UK label that specialises in eco-friendly garments for children aged 2-11 years. Based in Poole, Dorset, the designers behind the label were originally buyers for a number of High Street stores. After finding out a little too much about the effect of cotton production on the environment and farmers, they decided to create their own label that would be stylish and comfortable without compromising the planet which their children would inherit. All garments are made from either certified organic cotton, bamboo or recycled polyester. For stockists click here.
2. Easy Peasy is a label that specialises in slippers. Developed from eco-friendly raw materials such as 100% vegetable dyed leather with a full vegetal leather lining in undyed sheepskin, these slippers are super comfortable and stylish. Each pair comes in a slipper bag to reduce landfill. For stockists, click here.
3. Bomb Design is a label based in Berlin, Germany. Developed in 2001 by interior architect / designer Ulrike Acker and product designer Malte Nisch, the range includes soft pillows, blankets, merino knitted blankets, cuddly animals and stunning mobiles.
There were a large number of illustrators and graphic designers at Playtime Paris, offering their textile and illustrations design services to manufacturer. My picks below offer you a glimpse of what you might see upon upcoming children’s garments, books and paperworks in the future.
1.Charlotte Deinez Collection offers a selection of badges, paper goods and illustrations. Charlotte Deinez studied at Beaux Arts de Saint-Etienne and has directed her passion for art into her own collection. She hopes to convey the laughter, simplicity and happiness of childhood. A sample range of her creations are available at her website.
2. Graphiscopio by Rafbet Garcia is a freelance graphic designer whose creative output is snapped up for catalogues, magazine coverage and now children’s clothes. His bold, futuristic graphics maintain a primary palette resulting in strong, vivid imagery.
3. Fleurs de Gourmandises is a freelance graphic designer and photographer with a distinct French aesthetic, offering Louis XVI chairs (with a quirky colour palette), cupcake boxes for your jewellery and a whole bevy of items. Enjoy!
Read Part 1 of our Playtime Paris February 2011 coverage here.
The winter edition of bi-annual trade-only expo Playtime Paris – www.playtimeparis.com – is on in the city of lights this weekend. 250+ exhibitors have come from all over the world to Paris to showcase their wares ready for the upcoming European spring/summer season, and today and tomorrow we bring you the best of the 12 categories on show. From clothing to toys, accessories to cosmetics, we have sorted through each and every exhibit to find the top 3 in each area.
On today’s menu we offer Part 1 of our coverage with the first 6 categories: Baby & Children’s Clothes, Junior, Maternity Swimwear /Underwear, Shoes, Maternity, and Dolls/Soft Toys/Toys. Feast your eyes on our choice of top picks. Enjoy!
Read Part 2 of our Playtime Paris February 2011 coverage here.
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Covering the clothing category was possibly the hardest to do. Dwindling the ‘best of’ list down to three was no mean feat, but after much deliberation I think I managed to find the three which exemplify style more than any other. Let me introduce you to Dis Une Couleur, Dominique Ver Eecke and Wovenplay. Each label is unique and all provide comfort whilst conveying an eye for detail and the mischievousness of a playful child.
1. Dis Une Couleur has a real retro feel about it and was inspired by baby Coco’s grandmother who produced some clothes she had squirreled away from her daughter’s 1970s wardrobe. Coco’s parents became enchanted by the colour and look and decided to produce their own new line of clothing with a very similar look made from all natural fabrics. Not yet available in Australia, source an item or two from one of their online stockists here.
2. Dominique Ver Eecke graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Fashion Department, Antwerp in 1992 and went on to find a creative outlet in children’s fashion pieces. The latest collection colour palette reminds me of the orange/brown/green linoleum kitchen my parents renovated in the late 70s, however it works in this case. The cut of each item has a somewhat dreamy feel about it. For stockists, contact Dominique directly here.
3. Wovenplay needs no formal introduction for serious fashionistas, after all items from the collection have been featured in many, many magazines and blogs since the label burst onto the scene under the direction of founder Katherine Edmonds. Using old style dressmaking techniques and handmade textiles, this Manhattan based label brings an otherworldly charm to each and every handmade/hand-finished garment.
Looking for something to wear for yourself or your preschool aged kidlet? Look no further than one of the 3 handpicked labels from the Junior section.
1. Haute Saison may be a French label, but for their very first season they have been heavily influenced by Scandinavian rainwear. In fact, they commissioned a Swedish designer to help create their pieces. Inspiration was drawn from bubbles and peas in subtle hues to create feminine jackets to keep you dry this winter. Click here for stockists (have Google Translate ready).
2. Noro is a label that instantly made me nostalgic for fresh spring days, jazz bands and laughter. Another label out of Paris, France, I’m really hoping that this label makes it to Australia soon. See here for stockists.
3. Not So Big is a boutique that specialises in clothing and toys sourced within the EU. This year, their clothing line exhibited at Playtime Paris revealed firework bursts of blue and green. Unique, yet classy, keep a watchful eye on these pieces in the future.
One of the most important things a pregnant woman should include in her Top 3 pregnancy items is a good maternity bra and brief set. Not only will they provide good support and easy access for feeding when baby arrives, but a very carefully selected piece, cleverly engineered to provide comfort, will also help you feel *hehmm* sexy! Yes, it’s true. Up until now, I have only known of two labels that have broken away from the beige, thick strapped maternity bra styling. Today I have found THREE more that you can add to your list!
1.Amoralia was created by Jules Fossett, a former advertising strategist, who recognised a need for stylish undergarments for expecting mums. Researching the many facets of underwear design, Jules and her team have created a range that flatters the pregnant form (including bigger bottoms) to make you look your best and feel amazing. For stockists click here.
2. Cache Coeur Lingerie hails from France and have created a vast range of bras that come in soft cup or underwired bras, full cup or balconnette effect – you choose. Exclusive to Cache Coeur are easy-opening magnetic clips which makes fastening your cup after nursing that little bit easier. Gorgeous, soft lace and embellishments will make you feel ultra feminine. For stockists click here.
3. Made in Femmes combines chic with sexiness to create a lingerie label perfect for pregnancy. Embrace your femininity and make those 9 1/2 months a time to enjoy your new body.
Finding the Top 3 shoe labels across the category was easy this year – I was drawn instantly to three.
1.Sontatina took my breathe away. Designed and made in Italy, these exquisite baby shoes are hand sewn in leather and absolutely perfect for little feet. Each shoe is individually assembled by handpicked craftsmen to ensure they are perfect. I would be happy to take the whole collection!
2. Pom d’Api was founded in 1970 in France by Guy and Yvon Rautureau. The label has become an institution, with the shoes worn by the children of celebrities and royalty. The collection has something for each age group from babies to tweens. Find a stockist here.
3.Chupeta shoes are dreamy, whimsical, romantic shoes. A little vintage sans mothballs, these shoes capture the sweetness of a spring day.
1. Fragile have surpassed expectations with their latest, 20th anniversary, maternity collection, so much so that I am disappointed that I’m not in a position to wear any of it! Colourful, vibrant and certain to flatter your new found shape, this is one label to get your hands on this pregnancy.
2. Zero to Nine is an eclectic mix of maternity wear with an item or two to suit each and every pregnant mama. Based in Belgium, this fresh label is perfect for work, dinner and even casual days. For stockists click here.
3. Oef’s mood kit is an innovative way of dressing during pregnancy. Buy a simple kit and wear it in a multitude of ways. The perfect gift for a newly pregnant friend, or an addition for your own pregnancy wardrobe, I think a simple kit or two will suffice for the entire pregnancy if you are after something simple but stylish. Watch the video below to see how you can wear it. For stockists click here.
In my house, I’m unsure who gets more excited about new toys: the kids or me! Actually, I think it’s me. Given my penchant for toys, I was absolutely delighted to peruse the toy selection at this years Playtime Paris. From innovative new designs to old favourites jazzed up, there were so many choices and delights.
1. Tukluk have embraced children’s love for building and created a piece of furniture which is also a toy that can be manipulated into a bevy of different shapes for both imaginative playtime and functional purposes. Using cylindrical magnets attached to the edges of the coloured modules, each triangle fits to the next and can be built into any conceivable shape. Available in 10 colours and made out of solid TÜV-approved foam, upholstered in a soft, comfortable fabric which bears the Öko-Tex® (Standard 100) seal of approval for the best hypoallergenic material, I see this item becoming a favoured toy amongst kidlets 3 years and above. Click here for purchase details.
2. Hase Weiss have just released their own range of farm and doll houses. I found the doll house quite innovative, as it can be put together in countless different ways. The rooms each fit together within the wooden box for easy storage, and can be rearrange on, around or within the box, allowing your kidlets vision of doll architecture to take form. What’s more, the closed side of the box is covered in blackboard paint, allowing daily decoration. *SOLD!* Items are available direct from Hase Weiss.
3. Gabriel Apardo was the stand out soft toy exhibitor this year. I love the bold primary colours which have been splashed across the range of 100% cotton, German made, printed soft cushions. Guitars, cars, planes….you name it, they have been printed out and stuffed ready for a cuddle. Fancy one?
Read Part 2 of our Playtime Paris February 2011 coverage here.
Far superior to sheeting, these light weight slumber bags can’t be thrown off in the night and give bubs a lovely sense of security and comfort (and you: they are also Australian Standards approved for children’s sleepwear). These fab, attractive bags are designed to fit babes from 000 through to 2 year old toddlers so you’ll get lots of wear and great value for money. You can tell mums have designed these sleep sacks because as well as being sold in singles they are also sold in a twin packs so one can be in the wash while the other one is in use – genius!
For when the weather inevitably cools you’ll be needing a lovely cosy blanket for your child to snuggle under. Woolly Wugs’ signature Baby Woolly Wugs Woollen Baby Blanket. Made from super soft 100% Australian merino wool and backed with pure cotton, there is one design for girls and one for boys, and both so gorgeous that you will want to tote them everywhere with you.
Right now you can eat your cake now and have it again come the cooler months: purchase a Woolly Wugs Sleeping Bag Twin Pack for $99.95 and receive a Woolly Wugs Woollen Baby Blanket (rrp $99.95) FREE, while stocks last until 28 February 2011. Simply add a twin pack and your chosen baby blanket to your cart, then enter promo code WWXMAS at the checkout to redeem your gift.
Woolly Wugs ship Australian-wide with prices starting from $8.00 for one item. Please see Shipping for full details, including international orders.
Dallas wrote his first book, An Awesome Book, for his son about the idea of dreaming big and never giving up. It is a beautiful book, full of colour, charm and whimsy. His follow up book is An Awesome Book of Thanks which is a wonderful reminder of all the things in the world we have to be thankful for.
Dallas founded The Awesome World Foundation to spread his message of big dreams and small graces and help promote children’s literacy. For every copy of An Awesome Book sold a copy is donated and distributed to schools, hospitals, libraries, camps and shelters both domestically and worldwide. Thank *you*, Dallas! We think *you’re* awesome!
After clothing and shoes, accessories are my favourite thing to shop for when I have a chance. I have a particular fondness for lunchboxes and I am very taken with the retro revival of the lunch case and satchel.
In my house, I’m unsure who gets more excited about new toys: the kids or me! Actually, I think it’s me. Given my penchant for toys, I was absolutely delighted to peruse the toy selection at this years Playtime Paris. From innovative new designs to old favourites jazzed up, there were so many choices and delights.
