KidStyleFile

Post written by Anna

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I have a few special ladies in my life at the moment who are expecting their first child. It is a true joy to be walking their pregnancy journey alongside them. Some days I find myself wishing to I was doing it all again, and others I am very happy my pregnant days are over!

One thing I would love to be able to do if pregnant again would be to drape my pregnant bump in all of the gorgeous maternity fashion that is now on the market. It is so chic, so stylish, so flattering – and man does it look comfortable!

Maternity Sale – www.maternitysale.com.au is a stunning online store that is full of designer maternity wear from label Eve of Eden, and the best news: *everything* in store has been discounted well below recommended retail prices!

Maternity Sale have everything you will need for a very stylish maternity wardrobe: dresses for work, casual and formal occasions, ultra fashionable pants, shorts, and swimwear all designed with making you look and feel your very best. Every day of the year you can source these items with up to  70% off!   Go to it and enjoy pregnant ones, or if you’re like me – lend your pregnant girlfriend a hand and send her the link to the fabulous sale !

Maternity Sale ship Australia wide for the flat fee of $8.00. Australian orders over $150 are shipped FREE of charge. Costs for shipping of international orders are calculated by weight at checkout. For full information please see the Delivery page.

Post written by Miki

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Over 15 years ago, Belinda Blooman of Baobab – www.baobab.com.au – graduated from university in Sydney.  She set her sights on the cutting edge styles of Japan and moved to Tokyo and then Osaka to work in their burgeoning fashion industry, falling in love along the way with Japanese culture and design.

When multiple disasters struck Japan earlier this year, Belinda – now based back in Australia and with her own children’s fashion label, Baobab – desperately wanted to help those afflicted.  She had witnessed the devastating Kobe earthquake in 1995 and knew what a difference the simplest things such as clean, dry clothing could make.  Together with her Tokyo agent, Risa Yamamoto, Belinda realised that aid was not being distributed evenly across the disaster-stricken areas due to remote locations and difficulties with communication, and between the two of them a plan was hatched: Belinda, with the help of Australia Post, will send more than 1000 Baobab garments to Yamamoto who will personally drive them into the stricken areas in Miyagi-prefecture to ensure that they reach those most in need.

Baobab clothing is designed in Australia and made with care in India.  The fabrics are almost exclusively 100% organic cotton and the styles are practical, comfortable and hard-wearing while staying at the cutting edge of children’s design. I can speak from wide experience when I tell you that Baobab clothing washes up well – we have lots of it here, and it just keeps on going no matter what my kids throw at it.  Quite a few of my first son’s pieces have now been handed down to his younger brother and they still look fantastic after a couple of years of non-stop wear.  If that’s not a strong recommendation then I don’t know what is!

To raise awareness of Japan’s need for assistance, Belinda has a special deal for us: spend $50 and receive 25% off any jacket or hoodie in the Winter 2011 collection! The code is HOODIE and it’s valid until 25 May 2011.  Also check the Sale Section for up to 40% off! Buy something special for your own kids and know that you’ll also be indirectly supporting quake-affected children in Japan too – how’s that for retail therapy!

Discounted prices below are valid on orders $50+ when you use code HOODIE until 25 May 2011.

1. Blue Fleecy Hoodie, $48.95 or $36.71 when you spend $50.00+ on other items.
2. Red Girls Fleecy Hoodie, $48.95 or $36.71 when you spend $50.00+ on other items.
3. Circle Pocket Dress, $40.95
4. Charcoal Zipper Tee, $37.95
5. Denim Shirt Dress, $54.95
6. Blue Spot Dress, $44.95
7. Red Baby Fleecy Jacket, $44.95 or $33.71 when you spend $50.00+ on other items
8. Baby Teal Pants, $32.95
9. Red Baby Harem Pants, $32.95
10. Red Musical Tee, $32.95
11. Charcoal Baby Fleecy Jacket, $44.95 or $33.71 when you spend $50.00+ on other items.
12. Red Stripe Skirt, $39.95

Baobab ship Australia-wide with cost dependent on weight; the average shipping cost per order is $7.50. See Delivery Information for all the specific details.

Post written by Raquel

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Yes, we ‘wool’ embrace the cold but if you’re not convinced, perhaps one of the lovely hand knit snugglies in this month’s round up will help you warm to the chillier temps – Enjoy!

The Green Guide is published on the second Friday of each month. Read previous ‘The Green Guide’ posts here.

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1.      Old habits are hard to ditch. Take for instance, plastic. We know glass is healthier, only we can’t help but be a bit of a nervous nelly about its revival. Feeling our collective hesitation, a clever US mum has dreamed up a unique solution that lets us have the best of both. The 5 Phases feeding system is a glass bottle in a plastic, BPA-free shell. Ergo, no worrying about broken glass or spilt milk for that matter – problem solved!

2.      Sure, our aspirations for knitting hand made woollies may not quite match ahem, our efforts but that’s OK because we have knit designer extraordinaire JK Lange. Not only is this German fashion artist saving us the toil, her stunning creations for Teenytini would most likely leave any effort we made in the dust. Crafted using carefully selected naturally dyed fibres: wool, silk, cashmere, the collection for 0-4 year olds includes skirts, jumpers, pinafores and dungarees, all one of a kind pieces just like your lil’ kiddy wink.

3.      If you can’t convince your tot it’s bedtime one of these sweet toddler pillows from Little Finch Studio may just do the trick. Handmade from 100% organic cotton sateen filled with a safe, hypoallergenic corn fibre insert, they’ll help convince him bed’s a great place to be and give him a wonderful night’s sleep. Each pillow has two different prints and can also be bought separately or in sets with a large baby blanket and change pad.

4.      If you’re looking for a way to avoid hair brushing tantrums you could always cover up unruly tresses with this super sweet Jester hat, thus avoiding the impending stand off with fashionable flair! This charming wool felt hat is crafted by Etsy seller Felting Pot, who can customise it in the colour, size and style of your choice.

5.      Papoose’s new Pure range is sure to tickle a few hearts, after all what little monkey wouldn’t love another?! Made with certified organic cotton, the playful primate owes his striking colours to natural plant dyes and has been fairly made in Nepal. He’s joined by a gaggle of equally endearing giraffes, dogs, cats and teddies ready to join him and because of their handcrafted nature, no two are exactly alike.

6.      They say you shouldn’t play favourites, but I fear kids will ‘bearly’ give other teddy’s a look in when their chubby lil’ fingers touch upon this fabulously fluffy friend. Hand knit with dreamily soft wool by MooBeeTees, she’s been filled with eco friendly corn husk fibre, making her perfect snuggly material on wintry nights.

7.      You’ve gotta feel for the poor ol’ hippo – when it comes to children’s gear he rarely gets a look in, not with all the elephants and bunnies hogging the limelight. Fortunately Elana Rosa Designs is remedying this with her super huggable Organic Hippo Friend who’s a striking vision in aqua blue and fuchsia profiles. Screen printed onto organic cotton sateen, there’s a beautiful graphic print on the underside, with Sheep and Owl designs available as well.

8.      After a 70′s flashback? Think retro tube socks or better yet, pick some up. Hank and JoJo’s stripeytime travellers are packed in an awesome reusable tin lunch box (sweet!) with funky unisex colours that’ll make everyone’s life easier. The eco toe warmers have another nifty feature or rather they don’t. There’s no heel patch which means kids can stretch ‘em out and wear ‘em  a little longer, a clever touch that gives these sustainable socks extra legs.

9.      Grrrrr!!! Who says monsters are just for boys? This ‘Girls like monsters too’ organic tee comes with a cute puffed sleeve and a Snarly Flying Dragon, and while he may have sprung from the freaky imaginings of a young boy, he looks pretty darn cute on the fairer sex! Created in Perth by former journalist Jacqui Schofield, Jackson’s Monsters showcases the quirky drawings of her young son Jackson on an organic canvas of long and short sleeved tops.

10.      Cute as a bunny, crafty as a fox; Montreal based Moon and Sparrow’s handmade baby wear  lives up to appearances. Kimono wraps, gowns and onesies are animated with the delightfully drawn critters of graphic artist and illustrator Sandra Dumais, who hand silk screens them onto winter weight Indian organic cotton with veggie dyes. Available in sizing up to 18mths, crocodiles, beavers and a lovely new heart print also feature against a gorgeous backdrop of grass green, violet blue, mustard yellow and watermelon pink.

The Green Guide is published on the second Friday of each month. Read previous ‘The Green Guide’ posts here.

Please check individual sites for pricing and postage details and be sure to survey the KidStyleFile All Current Deals page to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal. Need to convert currency? Use the Xe.com currency conversion tool.

Post written by Leah

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When I became pregnant with Miss N, I reflected on Master R’s first year to help me compile a list of all the things I would need, and the things that I knew I couldn’t do without.  Gifted with a Peanut Shell sling, I knew I was in good hands. Both my bubs were secure and confident babies, something I attribute to babywearing. The hands-free parent-infant bonding it provided was perfect for me as a working mother who was concerned about how I would keep up with the housework and kids! I was able to both simultaneously with the aid of my Peanut Shell sling. In fact, I found an evening of babywearing helped both my kidlets sleep longer through the night.

The Peanut Shell Sling is the ultimate functional, funky and fun baby carrier. Suitable from birth up to 15kgs it can be worn in a variety of positions – cradle (suitable for newborn breastfeeding), tummy-to-tummy, kangaroo carry, hip carry and  back carry. The Peanut Shell is fuss-free, easy to use and can be folded up and carried in your baby-bag to be pulled out whenever you need it. The Peanut Shell also has a massive A-list celebrity following -even Brad Pitt used one with his kidlets!

Babes in Arms – www.babesinarms.com.au has just launched a hot Peanut Shell Sling sale with up to 80% off across the collection! With discounted prices starting at $19.95 it’s never been a better time to start your babywearing journey or add another sling to your collection. You’ll even find the highly coveted Heirloom slings reduced below $100.00! The sale is on now until 19 June 2011 or until stocks run out – but be quick at this steal of a price, stock won’t last long. All orders are dispatched within 24 hours.

Subscribe to the Babes In Arms newsletter for exclusive promotions and discounts and new product updates. You can also join the Babes in Arms Facebook and blog pages where you can meet other baby sling and carrier fans and hear about their hands-free family adventures.

Discounted prices below are only applicable until stock run out or 19 June 2011.

1. Elise Heirloom Peanut Shell Baby Sling $149.00 $99.00
2. Bessie Heirloom Peanut Shell Baby Sling $149.00 $99.00
3. Esther Heirloom Peanut Shell Baby Sling $149.00 $99.00
4. Window Shopping Peanut Shell Baby Sling $99.00 $45.00
5. Weekend in Paris Peanut Shell Baby Sling $99.00 $45.00
6. Time for Tea Peanut Shell Baby Sling $99.00 $45.00
7. Blue Couture Peanut Shell Baby Sling $89.00 $29.95
8. Walk in the Park Peanut Shell Baby Sling $99.00 $45.00
9. Black Microfleece Peanut Shell Baby Sling $69.00 $29.95

Babes in Arms ship Australia wide using Australia Post.  Orders valued less than $30, cost $14 Express Post Shipping or $7.00 Regular Post Shipping within Australia.  Orders valued between $30 and $50 cost $12 Express Post Shipping or $6.00 Regular Post Shipping within Australia.  All orders over $50 are shipped Express Post for $5.00.  For full shipping details, including International Orders, click here.

Post written by Miki

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When a new baby is expected, often one of the ‘big budget items’ on the parents’ shopping list is a bassinet.  Speaking from experience, bassinets are lovely to have as you can have the baby right next to your bed at arm’s reach, ideal for those early months when bonding is so important and night feeds are frequent.  As with all baby items nowadays there is a huge amount of choice – do you want your bassinet to be traditional, modern, hammock, rocking or gliding, Moses basket or perhaps organic?  So much choice is wonderful but it’s also a double edged sword; it can be a bit overwhelming for first-time parents to know what it is that they’re after.

Below is our ‘top 10′ of bassinets for features, practicality and style.

1. BabyCotPod Cascara Bassinet – Due for release very soon, the Cascara bassinet is a dream come true for lovers of modern design. Price TBA.
2. Miyo Baby Hammock – Using centuries-old techniques, the Miyo mimics the feeling of the womb to support and comfort the baby. $139.00 for hammock, $219.00 for stand from Minimee.
3. Leander Cradle & Tripod – Suspended either from the tripod or the ceiling, the Leander cradle is timeless and modern. When unclipped the cradle can be used as a portable bed. $609.90 from MetroMum.
4. Sleepi Spaces Moses Baskets – An alternative to a classic bassinet, the Sleepi Spaces Moses Baskets are fully portable meaning your baby can sleep in his or her own bed no matter where you are. Basket $220.00, stands from $64.00 from My First Room.
5.  Cariboo Classic Bassinet – Beautifully proportioned and timelessly stylish, the Cariboo Classic Bassinet looks lovely in any room. My two babies spent their first months in one of these. $419.80 from Metro Mum.
6. Grotime Eurella Cradle – A traditional ‘gliding’ cradle, the Eurella is made from high quality materials and comes in a choice of finishes. It also converts to a mini-crib. $389.00 $315.00 from Minimee.
7. The First Years Safe & Secure Sleeper – If you want to have your baby in bed with you (‘co-sleeping’) the safest way is to ensure that the baby has his or her own space and can’t be rolled on or covered by blankets. The Safe & Secure Sleeper sits in the parents’ bed, and can also be used to transition baby to the cot. $89.00 $79.00 from Purple Turtle Toys.
8. Seed Organic Cradle - Made from breathable organic cotton with a natural latex breather hole mattress, your baby will always have fresh air flowing freely around the cradle. $299.00 from The Little Kidz Closet.
9. Kanoe Organic Hammock – The Kanoe hammock hangs from a specialised spring which allows the hammock to gently bounce and sway in response to the baby’s movement. $369.00 from Nature’s Cradle.
10. Wicker&Loom Napoleon Cane Bassinet – Designed along traditional Victorian era lines, the Napoleon bassinet comes with a three piece linen set and mattress.  $319.00 $245.00 from Minimee.

Please check individual sites for shipping details, noting that large items usually incur extra shipping charges. Also make sure you check the KidStyleFile All Current Deals page to make sure you’re getting the very best deal.

Post written by Angela

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Calling all residents of the nation’s capital: fancy yourself a few hours out of the house browsing dozens of quality stores and brands all in one convenient  location? Then do I have the ideal outing for you! Mathilda’s Market is coming your way with a showcase of stunning produce from a plethora of designer-makers and stores who all go to an amazing effort with their stands – the effect is of a wonderland of whimsical creativity; it’s just beautiful! You’ll find brand new baby and kids products for all budgets including fashion, toys, feeding items, decor, jewellery and more. Scope the full list of stallholders here.

Here are all the details for your diary:

• Date: Sunday, 22 May 2011 from 9am to 1pm
• Venue: Park Hyatt, Commonwealth Ave, Canberra, in the majestic Ballroom at rear of hotel.
  
• Info: Easy pram access at rear of hotel; plenty of free parking surrounding the Park Hyatt Hotel; cash only: no ATM on site.
  

Make sure you drop by the KidStyleFile stand, too, for your chance to instantly win gift vouchers from our fabulous prize sponsors A Little Bit of Cheek, BOWtique, Club Baby, Just Toy’n Around, Kindred Gifts, Stork Baby, Where Did You Get That?, and Whimsy Child when you come and add your name to our list at the show. Woo!

Not in Canberra? Don’t be sad! We have prizes to be given away at every Mathilda’s Market around Australia until the end of the year, and there are *heaps*of them – yay! Check the full calendar of dates and locations to see when Mathilda’s is coming your way, and find out more about the Mathilda’s Market ethos here.