KidStyleFile

Written by Miki

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Ever heard the saying ‘When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping’? Things have been tough here in my household for a couple of weeks what with illness, car breakdowns and even my poor dog having her tail amputated, so I really feel like doing something to cheer myself and the kids up. Fortunately I know exactly what will work: retail therapy!

Looking At You Kid – www.lookingatyoukid.com.au – is my destination of choice today. They’ve just had a load of gorgeous new stock arrive, including summer goodies from Milky, Boohoo? and a range of boys’ tees from Electric Boy that I simply *must* have for my kids. New stock has also arrived from Knuffle Kid, Mini Treasure Kids and Mini Shatsu, meaning there’s a veritable treasure trove of summer gear waiting to be explored.

Alex & Charli is another hugely popular brand (and justifiably so!) offered at Looking At You Kid, and the summer collection has just been launched for pre-order. With pieces like the Kissing Swans Dress and the Sugar Dress in Lilac available for pre-order, it seems like the obvious choice to place my order now and then sit back and wait for them to arrive in a week or two – since I’ll be saving them to hand out as Christmas presents to the little girls in my life, I’m in no rush.

But here’s the kicker: You can take 15% off store-wide at Looking At You Kid using the code KSF15. At the same time, when you spend over $50 your account at the store will be credited with $15.00 to use on your next purchase, and there is no expiry on redemption!  These offers are valid on everything in-store, including the new summer gear and the spectacular sale category where you’ll find lots and *lots* of amazing bargains at up to 60% off, but both offers expire on 14 October 2011. Plus, don’t forget that Looking At You Kid offers FREE shipping on orders over $100.

With all that in mind I’m feeling nicely cheered up, so off to add some more things to my shopping cart. Have a lovely Friday!

The prices below are valid using the code KSF15 until 14 October 2011, while stocks last.

1. Milky VW Bubbysuit, $24.95 less 15% = $21.20
2. Alex & Charli Sugar Dress – Lilac, $42.95 (pre-order)  less 15% = $36.50
3. Mini Life Silk Tie Dye Dress, was $69.95 now $34.95 less 15% = $29.71
4. Milky Paris Tee, $20.95 less 15% = $17.55
5. Milky Ra Ra Skirt, $31.95 less 15% = $27.15
6. Electric Boy Ninja Warrior Tee, $34.95  less 15% = $29.70
7. Electric Boy Pixel Pals Tee, $34.95  less 15% = $29.70
8. Electric Boy Wolf Tee, $34.95 less 15% = $29.70
9. Boohoo? Question Tee, $29.95 less 15% = $25.45
Pre-order: Alex & Charli Kissing Swans Dress, $46.95 less 15% = $39.90; Alex & Charli Please Don’t Leave Dress, $48.95 less 15% = $41.60

Looking At You Kid stocks a fine range from Agoo, Alex & Charli, Alphabet, And The Little Dog Laughed, Bright Bots, Coolibah, Emile Et Rose, Fixoni, Knuffle Kid, Mac & Molly, Milky, Mini Life, Mini Treasure Kids, Minymo, Mirtillo, OUCH, Run Scotty Run, Scooter, Three Little Trees, Tommy Rocket and Two Belles.

Looking At You Kid delivers Australia-wide for a flat rate of $9.95.  International orders are also welcomed.  See here for further delivery information.

 Written by Leah

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Imaginative and role play develops our little ones’ minds and encourages them to make sense of the world and make connections. It can take many forms, some utilise props and some rely solely on the symbolic. On occasion, I like to set the stage for my munchkins. I like the idea of an eco-friendly option that has room for personalisation and can easily be moved around, or even stored. I think I have found just what I am looking for in Build a Dream Playhouses – www.buildadreamplayhouses.com.

Six innovative designs: Snack Shack, Pop ‘n’ Play Castle, Pop ‘n’ Play Kitchen, The Cosmic Cruiser; The Imagine Wagon and the Dream Machine, provide the canvas for your child’s imaginative exploration. They can colour, paint and bring to life each design so it reflects their tastes and the image they have in their head.

The products are just perfect, and I really do think there is a kit for every kid. Of course, the team behind these products were super strategic, they collaborated with a group of 3 to 9 year olds to make sure they had thought of everything your kidlet would want. And for the environment, they have made all of the products out of 80% recycled goods, and ensured that they are all 100% recyclable.

The products start at US$39.95. Unfortunately, they are yet to reach Australian stores, but if you get in quick enough you could use a freight forwarding service such as Hop Shop Go to have them at your door in time for Christmas.

 Post written by Melody

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This year brought with it another little owl to our home. Now we have three owls, night ones of course. The eldest owl wakes randomly, plagued by monsters and a recurring dream that his  ’blanky’ has disappeared. Owl number 2 refuses to go to bed at all, preferring to ‘party on’ all night in a cot surrounded by books and teddies. But the newest arrival, Owl number 3, is the one who never sleeps and has the midnight munchies every few hours. As a result, I have become an owl too and get through the restless nights with a little online browsing. With three nocturnal creatures to care for, it seems appropriate to mention one of my favourite late night finds, Three Little Owls – www.threelittleowls.com.au.

Three Little Owls stock a gorgeous array of clothing, toys, sleepwear and accessories. While they may not sleep, they can still look super cute  while trying. I love the Jock and Tilly Lumberjock PJ’s for boys (also on sale) and the Snugglebum Confetti Longjohns for girls. The clever and cute Aden & Anais sleeping bags may also help them to drift off comfortably, while allowing your little one’s body temperature to regulate so that they don’t overheat.

New arrivals daily make it hard to choose, so maybe my next purchase will be a sleep reward? I think the Santa Sacks are the perfect bribe – filled by Christmas, but only if they can sleep through the night! And to fill the sacks, the Baby Leo Capes will be truly loved!

Right now Three Little Owls is offering KSF readers 25% off *storewide*, including sale items reduced by up to 65%! No code is needed as the discount applies automatically at checkout, and the offer ends on 16th October, 2011.

Don’t forget to sign up to the Three Little Owls newsletter and ‘like’ them on Facebook where you can also be kept in the loop about out what’s new, what’s on sale and their latest competitions.

The prices below are valid with code SPRINGTIME until 16th October 2011, while stocks last only.

1. Alimrose Belle Bunting Set – Belle Pink $39.95 less 25% = $29.95
2. Cotton Clusters Ear Flap Beanie with Flower Pin – Chocolate and Pink $32.95 less 25% = $24.70
3. Boohoo? Peasant Dress – Purple Poppy $39.95 less 25% = $29.95
4. Aden & Anais Bamboo Muslin Swaddle  3 Pack $44.95 less 25% = $33.70
5. Cocoon Couture Sleepy Owl Wall Hook $89.95 less 25% = $67.45
6. Albetta Baby Grow Dancing Monkey $42.00 less 25% = $31.50
7. Eternal Creation Sunhat – Flamenco Was $29.95 Sale Price = $17.95 less 25% = $13.46
8. Snugglebum Adventure Island Shortjohn – Short Sleeved Top & Shorts $34.95 less 25% = $26.20
9. Cocoon Couture Little Robin Beanbag- Watermelon $99.95 less 25% = $74.95
10. Boohoo? Walk Shorts – Palm $39.95 less 25% = $29.95

Three Little Owls stock from a very fine portfolio of labels including: Aden & Anais, Albetta, Alex & Ant, Alimrose Designs, and the Little Dog Laughed, Annabel Trends, Artee Supplies, b.box, Baby Banz, BabyLegs, Baby Leo, Baobab, Blabla, Boon, Britt, Cheeky Monkey, Clean Shopper, CoolKidz, Dad Gear, EcoBaby, Eleganter, Envirosax, Eternal Creation, Eyetribe, Fiesta Crafts, Fish Lilly, Forwalls, Fridge-To-Go, Gaia Organic Cotton, Gaia Skin Naturals, Hess Spielzeug, Huckleberry Lane, Hurphy Durphy, Imse Vimse, Infancy, Infantino, Inner B, Jack & Lily, Jade, Jetti Spaghetti, Jock & Tilly, Keiki Designs, KissKiss HugHug, Korimco Toys, Kumquat, LilSpunk, Little Chipipi, Little Tesoro, Lotus Linens, Mama Mio, Mamapapa, Marquise, Mii & Mia, MiniMonkey, Monkey Do, Monstar Kids, Mothers Minder, Nice4Neez, Noo Designs, Nurtured by Nature, Old Soles, Paper Eskimo, Peanut Shell, Penny Scallan, Pepperpot, Polkadot Papoose, Ponz, Pure Baby, Read with Me, Rose & Lily, SignBaby Australia, Snazzy Baby, Somssi, Sooki Baby, Star & Rose, Storksak, Studio Skinky, Taia, The Wall Sticker Company, Tiny Tribe, Universal, Vanchi, Walnut, Wipe Out.

For standard size parcels Three Little Owls offer flat rate shipping of $7.50 Australia wide, and orders $150+ are delivered FREE of charge Australia-wide. International orders are warmly welcomed. See the Three Little Owls Ordering & Delivery Page for full details.

Written by Jen

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I’m on the look out for some sweet new outfits for my sister’s new baby. While we wait for the impending arrival, I’m trawling my favourite sites for some fabulous Australian brands to be send to the UK. If you’re like me and love primary shades of bright colour (especially red), then Monstar Kids new season collection is probably top of your list. I’m loving the simple graphic tees, especially the little sausage dog! I think this design, along with the cuter than cute striped leggings would look gorgeous on my future niece/nephew. Our favourite hound also appears on the rompers and onesies, oh which one to choose?

If I had girls, well I’d be buying up big with the selection of playsuits and bloomers jam packed with graphic girly greatness. Pleats and pretty go hand in hand, with comfort playing a major role. I just love designers who create clothes that celebrate childhood, don’t you? Monstar Kids excel at creating a collection in a distinct colour palette that isn’t overwhelming and embraces simple tailoring with colour and fun. Oh and did I mention they also have lots of great specials on their website too AND offer free shipping? Monstar Kids is widely available throughout Australia. Please visit their website for your nearest stockist.

 Written by Leah

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There are two things I am focusing on at the moment: spring cleaning and Christmas shopping. Yes dear readers, I am adamant that I am going to become an organised mum. I’ve heard from a few sources that with a little preparation and resolve one CAN become organised, so I’m throwing out my ‘I’ll get to it when I get to it’ attitude, and planning ahead. Of course a little shopping first will help me on my way to my new aspirations.

Lime Tree Kids – www.limetreekids.com.au – is the perfect stop. They have a plethora of gift ideas for all the kidlets I need to buy for this year (both my own and our growing extended family), a lovely selection of ideas for mums (handbag anyone?) and the perfect storage solution for the kids’ bedroom and play areas! To top it all off, you can layby for Christmas too!

A doll house is something that many little girls have on their wishlist. I have my eye on the Janod – Maison with Furniture doll house and possibly the Melissa and Doug Slice and Bake Cookie Set as I know they will bring a HUGE smile to one special little girl’s face this Christmas. For the newborns arriving this summer, you can’t look past Sophie So’Pure Teething ring. Boys don’t miss out either with such delights as the  Janod – DIY Trolley with Magnetic Tools and the  Magnetic Rocket. I’m also inclined to buy a shared gift, and just love the idea of a puppet theatre and puppets. The Doorway Theatre and assortment of hand puppets are perfect. Righteo – that checks a few things off my Christmas list!

Lime Tree Kids have the 3 Sprouts storage items on the way. There are a selection of caddies, storage boxes, wall organisers and storage bins due for arrival this October. The animal characters  are adorable and I’ll be pre-ordering a few to get the kidlets’ bedrooms into order.

Lime Tree Kids are offering KSF readers 15% off everything from today right through until midnight October 12, 2011 (excludes some furniture and bulky items, you will be advised via email if your item/s are excluded from the sale) . To take advantage of this great offer simply enter ksfspring at checkout. Want to wait a little longer for delivery? Choose the layby function at checkout and it will work out a deposit for you, easy peasy!

The prices below are valid using the code ksfspring until midnight October 12 2011, while stocks last.

1. Sophie So’Pure Teething ring $20.00 LESS 15%= $17.00
2. Hand Puppet – Girl $32.95 LESS 15%= $28.01; Hand Puppet – Boy $32.95 LESS 15%= $28.01
3. Doorway Theatre $59.95 LESS 15%= $50.96
4. Dino Pops $18.95 LESS 15%= $16.11
5. Magnetic Rocket $34.95 LESS 15%= $29.71
6. 10 Ink Pads – Pastel $19.95 LESS 15%= $16.96
7. Janod – DIY Trolley with Magnetic Tools $129.00 LESS 15%= $109.65
8. Janod – Maison with Furniture $260.00 LESS 15%= $221.00
9. OiOi Safari Medallion Mood Indigo Slouch Hobo Nappy Bag $69.00 LESS 15%= $58.65
10. Gypsy Chandelier (Large) $189.95 LESS 15%= $161.46
11. Melissa and Doug Slice and Bake Cookie Set $42.95 LESS 15%= $36.51
12. Mushroom Stools $59.95 LESS 15%= $50.96

Available for pre-order: 3 Sprouts range: 3 sprouts – Peacock Storage Box $31.95 LESS 15%= $27.15; 3 sprouts – Raccoon Storage Bin $43.95 LESS 15%= $37.35; 3 sprouts – Owl Storage Caddy $26.95 LESS 15%= $22.90.

Lime Tree Kids stocks the following quality designers: Alimrose, Aden + Anais, Lily & George, Boon, JamBerry, Melissa & Doug, Plan Toys, Fred, Puj, Fiesta Crafts, GOKI, Heimess, Janod, Lilliputiens, Doowell, lunchpunch, Rex, Engel, Oopsie, ERGObaby, Bubeewrap, KissKiss HugHug, Breeze Baby, PeanutShell, WallCandy, Flexi Bath, Lupi Lu, The Wean Machine, Bambinoz, Easy Bubs, O.B Designs, Swaddle Designs, Wee Gallery, Kikkerland, Peekaboo, Dwell Studio, Usbourne, Todd Parr, Toys Pure, Cara Jane, Jellycat, Hog Wild and JIP.

Lime Tree Kids ship Australia-wide using Express Australia Post. Fees are a flat $10 for the first 5 kg, and $3 per kilo thereafter. For full terms and conditions, including international shipping, please see the page titled ‘Shipping’.

Written by Jen

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As a girl it was a very special treat to own an Oilily dress, and I remember thinking how impressed I was with my Mum for buying such unusual clothes for us! This memory came flooding back when I came across Le Petit Lucas, a new French brand created by two ex-lawyers, Marie Lucas and Clémence de Tertre. Inspired by the ethnic cultures of India, Bolivia and Brittany, they are inspired by and work with the people in  these areas to create their collections.

Ethically minded, and obviously gifted as designers, the pair has created a range for girls and boys aged 2 to 14. I simply adore the hotch potch nature of clashing pattern, and with a very clever colour palette – they pull off a collection that is rich and almost intoxicating. How much fun would it be to be dressed in a whole outfit? With such a leaning towards the artistic, I could imagine little ones sprouting poetry and painting while they play in giant teacups. Visit their website and catch the whimsy bug, it’s a delight and one I’ll be sure to keep an eye on, especially now that I’ve discovered their women’s range…

La Petit Lucas is available through Canadian online store Clara de Paris, with free shipping for all orders over $75.00.