KidStyleFile

Post written by Raquel

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

You wouldn’t guess it’s winter by looking at all these cheery goods for children – from fire-truck red shoes to blossom pink blankies and glowing orange chalkboard paint, June is raining down with colourful kid-covetable gear!

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

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

1. In school, pencil cases are big. BIG. Luckily local fave Apple & Bee have just the very thing to catch their fancy. A matching accessory to their popular children’s organic cotton messenger bags, these pencil cases come with cute metal apple key chain and a tear sheet of letters, so kids can mark ‘em as theirs by slipping their name into the front pockets. Neat!
2. Take a straw, cross it with some zany coloured dots and the odd glow in the dark swirl and what have you got? Strawesome! A doozy of an idea, these handcrafted kid-tough borosilicate glass straws come bent, straight, clear and coloured; everything you need to give the party some eco-cool flavour, or just to make dinner time that much more fun!
3. Wow. Interior stylist Sibella Court has teamed up with Murobond paints to create something the kids are going to love: fabulously bold chalkboard paint! Available in 12 smashing colours, from blue Oceania, deep pink Cherry noise and orange Dragonfly, the low VOC water based paints can be applied to any paintable surface around the house, including furniture.
4. It’s OK to go a little gaga over a thing, especially if that thing has crocheted flowers and looks like something Richie Cunningham’s mum would’ve made. Anne-Claire Petit’s handmade organic cotton baby blankets come in blue, pink and cream: for instant nanna-charm just add to cots or prams and combine with one adorably chubby baby!
5. Hurray! There’s finally a little something for mum and while it’s small, its role in the lives of exhausted parents is huge. I speak of course of coffee or more specifically, the cup we take it in! Whether you like it short, white, flat or doubled, it’ll taste soooo much nicer in one of these awesome reusable coffee cups from Melbourne design collective Hookturn Industries. Made from silicon, the newly released vintage hues include pink, blue, mint and lemon and are a gorgeously eco friendly way to get your coffee on the go (because not everyone has time to indulge in a cafe setting).
6. Far out brussel sprout! Just when you think kids couldn’t get any cuter, up pops fair trade UK label Piccalilly with their newly released dressing-up designs to give them extra sparkle! The new costumes include a charming Daisy Petal Tutu, a glorious Dragonfly and the sweetly coloured Rose, Violet and Woodbine Flower Fairy dresses, all ethically made by hand on the island of Bali.
7. Show me a little girl and I’ll show you the rightful owner of this delightful Flower Patch Purse. A bountiful keeper of treasures, it’s a sweet place for her to grow her pocket money pile and has the lovely benefit of providing employment to the Nepalese women who hand make it from wonderfully tactile Australian wool.
8. In my house the kids dig Nintendo, but its not the games they’re into, it’s making voice recordings of each other. All of which makes it a rather expensive gadget for such a simple but cool amusement; fortunately there’s a much cheaper option – one that’s easier for little hands to master! Richard Upchurch’s ace voice recorder has been handcrafted from sustainable wood and comes with all the kids need: a 30 second record time and, for extra giggles, adjustable speed and pitch when playing back.
9. Oh dear, it’s pretty tough deciding between all the terrifically cute shoes for kids, especially when you have the likes of French footwear label Easy Peasy and their gob-smackingly cute creations to choose from. Made from all natural soft leather, they’re all so darn cute you’ll be hard pressed to narrow down your faves – suffice to say, more than one pair will probably be needed, non? To add to the joy, the eco minded company has even created some kiddy cool reusable packaging: the shoes come in funky canvas bags that convert to backpacks, puppets and anything else the kids can imagine!
10. These wonderful baby mobiles from Etsy seller Pom Love have me oohing and aahing. She’s cleverly downsized that ever popular décor accessory, paper pom poms, attaching  sweet puffs of recycled loveliness to silver wire frames. A gorgeous introduction to the whimsical world of paper craft for baby, the mobiles have six pom poms (delivered fully open) in a plethora of beautifully coordinated colour sets: Vintage Quilts, Mint Charming and Hermione Says are terrifically striking or go ahead and custom select your own shades.

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 Anna

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

This time of year sends a bargain hunter like myself into a wee bit of a frenzy with mid-year sales – they are just sooo good! Plus, it gets bigger and better with this amazing deal especially for KidStyleFile readers:

The very fine ladies of Molly & Me – www.mollyandme.com.au are going all out, and offering KidStyleFile readers a delightful treat with a fantastic 25% off everything at Molly & Me *including* the clearance section with huge reductions on past season stock -  90% off some items – SCORE! Simply enter code ksf25 at checkout to redeem, while stocks last and until 30 June 2011.

The collection of items at Molly & Me include a beautiful array of fashion labels like Milky, Freshbaked, Sooki Baby, Bright Bots, Books To Wear, Rhubarb, Mini Fin, Marquise and more - with sizes for these items ranging from 000-7. All our tween parents may be especially pleased to note that there are lots of items in the 8-14 size range - all heavily reduced, and now in the clearance section.

In addition to the sweet fashion, there are also accessories from Bobble Art, hair accessories, tights, tutus, baby rugs and soft toys including some of my favourites from And The Little Dog Laughed. Molly & Me truly is a wonderful place to shop for your little darlings, and you can smile big knowing you’re getting a great price right now!

Discounted prices quoterd below are applicable with code ksf25 while stocks last and until 30 June 2011.

1. Books to Wear Whole and Half PJs $38.95 less 25% = $29.21
2. Feedback Tiny Tee $14.95 $7.95 less 25% = $5.96
3. And The Little Dog Laughed Louis Dog $39.95 less 25% =$29.96
4. SOOKI Alice Wanders Hooded padded jacket Reversable – Size 6 months $49.95 less 25% = $37.46
   
5. Milky Denim Pinny $29.95 less 25% = $22.46
6. Freshbaked Charcoal Marle Coat $69.95 less 25% = $52.46
7. Milky Vespa PJ $29.95 less 25% = $22.46
8. Bright Bots Jacquard Tights $14.95 less 25% =$11.21
9. MILKY Heart Tight $11.95 less 25% = $8.96
   
10. SOOKI Prined Penguin Tee $26.95 less 25% = $20.21
11. And the Little Dog Laughed Rabbits $39.95 less 25% = $29.96
12. Bobble Art Baboushka Canvas Backpack $36.95 less 25% = $27.71

Molly & Me stock quality brands including And the Little Dog Laughed, Bobble Art, Books to Wear, Bright Bots, Cocoon Clothing, Cuddlebee, Feedback, Freshbaked, Jimmie Jams, Ladybird, Lemmi, Little Blossoms, Louis Epstein, Marquise, Milly, Milky, Minifin, Noah and Bells, Nuggest, Rhubarb, Sooki Baby, Sweet Poppie Lane and Tiny Tribe.

Molly & Me utilise Australia Post for all their shipping needs and offer regular postage for $7.95 or express postage for $12.95, Australia-wide. For full shipping details, please see Terms and Conditions.

Post written by Leah

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

One of the most exciting things about being part of the KSF team is that I can devote time to sourcing up and coming designers and labels and feel good about it because it’s all done in the name of work. I can justify the hours I spend trawling the net for new finds, and smile at my husband when he asks what I’m doing as I say “Just work honey”. It’s all especially worthwhile when I find something particularly lovely that I can share with *you*.

Today’s ‘find’, Mundo Melocotón - www.mundo-melocoton.com comes all the way from Belgium. Designer Dauwke, a mum of two very energetic boys, aged 2 and 4,  set about creating garments that could keep up with the rough and tumble play of her boys and their energy and enthusiasm for life. Drawing on her travels to her childhood home in Spain, Dauwke took inspiration form the rich and vivid colours of her homeland.  and so was born ‘Mundo Melocotón’ (a Spanish phrase meaning roughly ‘peach world’.)

The label is continuously growing and adding items to the range. Currently you will find a small range of baby/toddler wear, bed linen and accessories. Velour is the material of choice for most of the garments: soft to the touch but durable when worn. I imagine the double sided blankets would be very snuggly.

Mundo Melocotón has quite an extensive list of European stockists, but has not yet arrived in Australia. You can purchase the range from UK online boutique Little Zebra with prices ranging from  € 9,95 – € 59,95, although postage to Australia can be a little steep.

Post written by Leah

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Mini Chatterbox – www.minichatterbox.com.au – have a wide and varied range of clothing labels, party invites, toys and gift ideas to select from whether you are buying for your own little one or for a party, baby shower or christening. The team are forever on the hunt for new and exciting labels and goods to add to their expanding range, continuing to provide you with a diverse range of options when shopping for something new.

We first covered Minnetonka Moccasins at Kids Instyle Sydney in February, and we are excited to announce that a selection of this gorgeous, deliciously warm footwear is now available at Mini Chatterbox! This label has grown quite a posse of celebrity followers (including Halle Berry’s daughter Nahla; Nicole Ritchie and Kate Moss), have their roots in traditional Native American handcrafts.

If you have a party around the corner, I suggest you have a look at the divine range of  invitations from HIPP that has been added to virtual shelves at Mini Chatterbox. In particular, the Hipp Invitations Little Owl which have caught my eye. These embellished delights come in packs of 25 which included the invitations, printed envelopes and magnets. For an outfit for the celebration, why not peruse some of our favourite labels such as Mini Treasures and  Bebe for your perfect outfit, or scan the play tab for a wealth of gift ideas.

The lovely Jamie at Mini Chatterbox is taking the bite out of the winter blues with 30% off all full priced items across the store until 30 June 2011.  Enter discount code KSF30 at checkout to redeem. Spend over $150.00 and you’ll also receive FREE shipping, Australia-wide. Sale stock clocks in at up to 60% off so make sure you stop in there, too!!

Discounted prices quoted below are valid with code KSF30 until 30 June 2011 only.

1. Purebaby Knitted Long Sleeve Dress Poppy $54.95 LESS 30% = $38.47
2. Bebe Striped Jumper $54.95 LESS 30% = $38.47
3. Minnetonka Tan Suede Back Flap Infant Bootie $65.95 LESS 10% = $59.36
4. Old Soles Eazy Tread Black $49.95 LESS 20% = $39.96
5. Sookibaby Queen of Hearts Frill Legging $28.95 LESS 30% = $20.27
6. Cocoon Couture Gorgeous Giraffe Blue Beanbag $99.95 LESS 10% = $89.96
7. Walnut Pink Rubber Gumboots $39.95 LESS 30%= $27.97
8. Two Belles Shy Belle Tee $49.95 LESS 30% = $34.97
9. Tommy Rocket Martian Rocket Hoody $69.95 LESS 30% = $48.97
10. Fox and Finch Sienna Faux Fur Vest $68.95 LESS 30% = $48.27

Mini Chatterbox stock a large selection of loved brands and unique items from Aden & Anais, Alex & Charli,  Alex Toys, Alimrose Design, Baobab, b. box, Bebe, Bebe Jnr, Bobble Art, Boon, Carters, Chalk n Cheese, Cocoon Clothing, Cocoon Couture, Cried Wolf, Ellani Petite, Fixoni, Freshbaked Kids, Gymboree UK, HIPP Invitations, Jarmeez, Junior Master Chef, Lil Fraser Wraps, Little Chippi, Love Me Baby, Mill & Mia, Milky, MiniChatterbox, Mini Treasures, Moppit, Old Soles, Olli & Pop, Polarn O. Pyret, Purebaby, Rising Star, Skip Hop,Sooki Baby, Tommy Rocket, Woof, Two Belles, Vulli, Willow and Finn and Walnut.

All orders placed at Mini Chatterbox before 12pm are dispatched within 24 hours. Delivery is via Express Post as standard and starts at $7.95 Australia wide. See delivery information for full rates and information.

Post written by Edwina

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

The world of handmade products for kids and adults is huge. The recent revival of craft skills has been enhanced by a desire to inject a contemporary twist into these creations.  Handmade does not have to mean clumsy knitting or macrame pot holders anymore and there are more and more cool handmade creations available at the click of a button.

Etsy is a great place to start as it has a huge bank of lovingly made creations, a big collections of antiques and kitsch and a great cupboard full of craft supplies, all of it available for you to purchase direct from the makers. This month’s selection of handmade treasures is a collection of beautiful childrens toys, models and decorations from around the world. Enjoy!

1. Nesting Dolls by belleslettres $US30
2. Humpty Dumpty Doll by atelierpompadour $US47
3. Fashion Dolls Building Blocks by Mmim $US20
4. Pocket Mouse by Marjji $US15
5. A-frame Model House Kit by Catologhomes $US7.50
6. Pom Pom Garland by shortcakespartypicks $US24
7. Fabric Crown by sweetvioletjane $US20

Want to do a currency conversion? Use the Xe.com site to calculate the cost in your own currency.

Please visit each seller’s store for postage and delivery costs to your location.

Post written by Miki

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Even though Australia heads back to work today after our last long weekend for several months, there’s still some good news to be had.  The team at Little Styles – www.littlestyles.com.au – are determined to cheer us all up, and by golly they certainly know how:

Until midnight on Friday 17 June 2011, you can take 25% off all fashion (excludes sleepwear, accessories, hats, shoes etc.) at Little Styles using the code clothing25. This sale includes absolutely *everything* in the clothing category which means you can get 25% off brands including Purebaby, Sooki Baby, Oobi, Heavenly Creatures, Bluebird & Honey and much more.  This discount even applies to sale items already discount by up to 30%.

As well as the sale, there are lots of other exciting happenings at Little Styles at the moment. New arrivals are flooding in, including gorgeous baby basics from Purebaby Essentials and Marquise, baby shoes from Cheeky Little Soles and Skeanie, Pinkberry Kisses hair accessories, Sparkle T toys, Cocoon Couture wall stickers, sweet retro goodies from Lark and Dumpling Dynasty, new Skip Hop, stylish party accessories from Robert Gordon and Forwalls storage hampers. There are also new labels to be introduced to the Little Styles stable, including Grobag, Snack Trap (these are genius!) and Lunch Punch.

I mentioned Cheeky Little Soles baby shoes there, and here’s a bit more about them: besides being adorably soft leather baby shoes, for the next five days only each pair comes with *two* FREE pairs of Cheeky Little Soles socks! No code is required, just add a pair of Cheeky Little Soles shoes or boots to your order – but do it before midnight on 19th June 2011 when the offer expires.

Discounted prices below are valid using the code clothing25 until midnight Friday 17 June 2011.

Marquise Boys and Girls 2-Pack Underwear, $12.95ea
Robert Gordon Little Circus Ice Cream Cup Set, $6.95
Purebaby Essentials Knit Cardigans – Pink or Grey,  $39.95ea less 25% = $29.96 (also available in blue)
Purebaby Essentials Long Sleeve Tee, $18.95ea less 25% = $14.21
Purebaby Essentials Legging, $18.95ea less 25% = $14.21
Cocoon Couture Enchanted Tree Wall Sticker – Large Neutral, $275.00
Cocoon Couture Enchanted Branch Wall Sticker in Blue or Pink, $85.00ea
Cheeky Little Soles Polar Boots, $49.95 and Rodeo Boots, $45.95

Little Styles stock over 3,000 products from over 120 premium labels, provide flat rate next day delivery – which is FREE on orders $150+ – gift wrap your order in their signature stationery, along with no fuss returns and exchanges. ‘Like’ Little Styles on Facebook to get up to the minute updates, discounts, special offers & competitions.  You can also sign up to their newsletter for the latest information: enter your email address in the signup box on the homepage .