KidStyleFile

Written by Domenica
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We have some great news for KidStyleFile readers today: The Enchanted Child – www.enchantedchild.com.au, a delightful online boutique filled with clothing and gifts for newborn babies to 8 year old kids, is back online and looking fabulous!

Stocking a veritable treasure trove of the hippest kiddie labels, you can rest assured that The Enchanted Child is filled to the brim with quality pieces that will enchant both parents and children alike. The brands stocked include: Acorn, Alex, Alex Clark, Alimrose Designs, Annabel Trends, Automoblox, Bebe, Bobble Art, Bobux, Cheeky Little Soles, David Fussenegger, DCI, Djeco, eeBoo, Egmont, Eric Clark, Fiesta Crafts, Fox & Finch, Fred, French Bull, Gaia, Goki, Golly Gosh, Hatley, Hello Hanna, Hopscotch, I’m Toys, J.I.P by Present Time, Janod, Jellycat, Kido, Kidstyle, LeToy Van, Littlehorn, Love MAe, Love To Dream, Maisy, Mamas & Papas, Manhattan Toys, Melissa & Doug, Mem Fox, Micador, Minti, Mojo, Mudpuppy, Mumma Bubba, Nici, Olive & Moss, Orchard Toys, Penny Scallan, Pink Poppy, Plan Toys, Rock Your Baby, Seedling, Skip Hop, Sosooki, The Enchanted Child, Tiger Tribe & Walnut.

With new season clothing now adorning the virtual shelves, I want to highlight some standout pieces from some of my favourite labels. For Minti lovers the new season is ready to brighten up the dreariest winter’s day. My top pick for girls is the Heart Hands Crew Top, paired with the Heart Knee Trackies – so cute! For boys you cannot go past the Minti Happy Face Crew Top which works so well with the hugely versatile Minti Bronx Trackies. If you are a lover of Littlehorn should take note that pre-orders for this gorgeous brand are currently being taken for winter stock due to arrive soon – take a look at the Bunny Love Crew which is super cute and perfect for Easter fun.

Right now The Enchanted Child have a special offer just for their subscribers: simply join their mailing list and you will receive 10% off your first order. While you are there checkout their loyalty program where you can earn regular savings of up to 10% off each and every order. If you are after a mega bargain head straight to the sale section where there is currently 40% off *all* sale items, while stocks last. Lastly, spend $150+ to receive free shipping – woot!

Prices less 10% below are based upon subscription to  The Enchanted Child newsletter. Sale prices valid while stocks last.

1. Hatley Tunic Cardigan, $59.95 less 10% = $53.95
2. Minti Happy Face Crew Top, $49.95 less 10% = $44.95
3. Minti Make Believe Tee, $39.95 less 10% = $35.96
4. Gaia Strawberries & Cream Gathered Dress, $32.95 less 10% = $29.66
5. Fox & Finch Chambray Dress, $61.50 less 10% = $55.35
6. Minti Bronx Trackie, Black, $54.95 less 10% = $49.46
7. Fox & Finch Cardigan, lilac, Was $62.90 sale $37.75 less 10% = $33.98
8. SoSooki Big Spots Tee, Was $32.95 sale $19.75 less 10% = $17.76
9. Penny Scallan Nappy Bag, blue spot, Was $89.95 sale = $49.50 less 10% = $44.95; Penny Scallan Nappy Bag, pink spot, $89.95 sale = $49.50 less 10% = $44.95,
10. SoSooki Black & White Stripe Tee, Was $32.95 sale $19.75 less 10% = $17.78
11. Hatley Dog Paddle Outfit, Was $37.50 sale = $22.50 less 10% = $20.25
12. SoSooki Skinny Leg Jeans, Was $64.95 sale = $39.00 less 10% = $35.10

The Enchanted Child offer flat rate $10 shipping within Australia, with orders over $150 shipped free. See here for full terms and conditions.

Written by Jen
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One of the best presents the boys received this Christmas was from their lovely aunty in New Zealand. When our eldest opened up the small orange box of Rory’s Story Cubes®  he wasn’t quite sure what to make of them. Hmmm, a whole lot of dice to throw on the floor? Well, not quite. It didn’t take long for us to figure out that with a quick toss of the dice, the images on smooth white cubes came to life with the well worn words ‘Once Upon a Time…’

Rory’s Story Cubes® are the brainchild of Irish company the Creativity Hub, a husband and wife duo based in Northern Ireland. Recently awarded one of Dr. Toy’s ’10 Best Games’, the Story Cubes are a really effective way to inspire creative thinking and problem solving for young and old alike. The nine dice, each with an image on six sides, hold a total of 54 images. This means that with every roll, there are over 10 million combinations for you to use as the inspiration for your story. 10 million! That’s more than a full time, lifetime of storytelling! What I love most about them is that they have brought us together, sharing our imaginations and losing ourselves in sheer enjoyment and fun. For the boys, the development of their confidence in storytelling was palpable.

The range has now expanded to include a collection of ‘Picto-verbs‘ that help those learning a second language, ‘Voyages’ to inspire epic adventures, larger Max versions for those with special needs and now an app for iPhone and iPod touch. Sometimes it really is the simple things that bring out the best in all of us.

Rory’s Story Cubes are available online through the Creativity Hub shop or in Australia at Little Sprout for $14.95.

Post written by Leah

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Europe epitomises style. It the one place that you just know it is expected to dress up for dinner and every girl is certain to have at least one very special dress hanging in her wardrobe. Places such as the Netherlands are leading the way in kid style with super fun combinations created to last. Collections are created to provide lots of freedom for children to mix and match funky ensembles, allowing them to create their own fashion ID. Looking to get your hands on a few pieces without using your passport? Today we debut a brand new e-store with European designed children’s clothing that caters for girls and boys 2 – 10 yrs. Say a big hello to Jimijo & Co. – www.jimijo.com.au.

This new online boutique is evolving daily with new finds constantly added to inventory. In sourcing labels, Jimijo & Co have looked for edgy, unique styles that will ensure your kidlet is anything but one of the crowd. New to our shores is Br@nd for girls which has been a sell out in Holland for its ability to avoid pink but still look sweet. The opposing northern/southern hemisphere seasons work in our favour, with labels filtering through over the ensuing seasons, with the full compliment of brands on board by winter 2013.

Watch out for the summer 2012 arrival of Cakewalk (for girls) and the iconic Claesen’s with fab gear for boys and girls. And winter 2013 will see the Australian debut of Muy Malo, Salty Dog, Kiezel-tje and Carbone. Gosh, this is a store that you’ll need to bookmark!

As an opening special, the first 5 customers to order over $70 will receive a free pair of leggings (valued at $34.95). No promo code is required – simply add ‘KSF sent me’ in the comment section of customer information during checkout. KidStyleFile readers can also enjoy $5 shipping across Australia until 9 March by entering Ship5 into the promo code box at checkout until 9 March 2012.  PLUS, if you head over to the Jimijo & Co. Facebook page and write ‘KSF sent me’ on the wall, you will go in the draw to win a free girl’s neck scarf. (This will be drawn on March 12, 2012). Want more? Sign up to become a VIP and receive exclusive offers, regular European trend alerts and early notice of sales.

1. Br@nd T Shirt Stars $48.50
2. Br@nd Knitted Cardigan Burnt Orange $83.95
3-5. A preview of what is yet to come!
6. Br@nd Long Sleeve T Burnt Orange (also available in green with medal motif) $56.95; Br@nd Knitted Skirt Orange (also available in navy with burnt orange trim) $74.95; Br@nd Leggings Grey Melee (also available in darker grey, navy and petrol) $34.95
7. Br@nd Long Sleeve T Burnt Orange (also available in green with medal motif) $56.95; Br@nd Skirt Single Pleat Grey (also available in grey and petrol) $64.95
8. Br@nd Sweat Blazer $81.50
9. Br@nd Long Sleeve T Joey Pocket $58.95
10. Br@nd Promotional scarf – valued at $24.50** Join the Jimijo & Co. Facebook page and write ‘KSF sent me’ on the wall for your chance to WIN this!
11. Br@nd Long Sleeve T Sport Heart $56.95

Jimijo & Co. offer flat rate shipping, Australia $8.50, New Zealand $18.00. Orders over $180 are shipped for free within Australia. See here for full details.

Written by Edwina
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“Love the Small Things” was the theme this year at the Kids Instyle trade show in Sydney over the weekend. The nation’s retail buyers were out in force drooling over lots of lovely ‘small things’ for baby, kids and tweens. The Kids Instyle and Life Instyle shows are such a joy to visit because the organisers are dedicated to selecting high calibre exhibitors with products that are creative, high quality and excellent design. We always enjoy our visits to Kids Instyle because we get to chat to the wonderful designers, brands and distributors and get a sneak peek of new products to share with you. We have selected some lovely brands to share with you that are new or have new products, keep a look out at your favourite kids boutiques in the coming months, or contact the brand for stockists.

Oceanika:

It seems that Kazzie Mahina from Oceanika might actually be a Mermaid! Growing up at the beach she spent many hours swimming, exploring rock pools, beachcombing and imagining her life as a mermaid. Years later, the experience of actually swimming with dolphins for a community awareness campaign began a life-changing adventure that has resulted in her design and distributing Merfins. The amazing Merfins are a soft and flexible monofin that would be great fun in a pool or exploring the ocean. Kazzie has also designed matching mermaid swim tights and bikini set to match. Perfect for any mermaids in your home.

Four in the Bed:

Four in the Bed is a brand new Australian sleepwear brand focused on creating classic cotton nighties and pyjamas from high quality fabrics. Ellie Danckert is the owner and designer of Four in the Bed is based in rural NSW. Her desire to create what her mother says are ”proper nighties and pyjamas” offers us another choice when we are looking for cool and comfy junior sleepwear.

Baby Takes a Trip:

Concept Japan:

Japanese culture and creativity is beautifully brought together with the collection of products distributed by Concept Japan. Super cute piperoid paper robots, kokeshi wooden dolls, origami paper crafts, hair accessories, ceramics and more complete the collection. Contact Concept Japan for more details and stockists.

Newbies:

Newbies is a creative company from New Zealand, they have a suite a cute products for kids rooms and giftwear. Laser cut jewellery trees, war planes in blackboard stickers, magnets and decorations and baby feeding  journals. Contact Newbies for more details.

Hatley:

Hatley is a very cool kidswear brand from Canada. It began over 20 years ago in the lakeside village of North Hatley as a family business and has grown into an international brand with some of the coolest cotton PJ’s and gorgeous and stylish rainwear. Distributed in Australia by Jenni and Annabelle from Maddison Freeman Agencies, contact them for stockists.

And The Little Dog Laughed:

This brand is a fave at KidStyleFile HQ. Kylie from And The Little Dog Laughed has continued to grow her brand and her collections. Always with a touch of whimsy and nostalgia this seasons collections include a gorgeous creative collaboration with Sydney-based artist Meredith Gaston with her artwork on rompers and tees. There are also super cute hand knitted dogs, blankets and lovely clothes for boys and girls 0-5 years.

La Queue du Chat:

La Queue du Chat (translated means The Cat’s Tail) is an iconic French brand that oozes delight! Stylish and beautiful, their designs are made from 100% organic cotton in printed and plain poplin, denim and jersey. Comfort and style go hand in hand with this beautiful brand, available in Australia through Little Frenchy.

Rube & Harri:

The Bamboo Design:

The Bamboo Design is dedicated to designing and distributing products that promote sustainability of our environment and making high quality products that endure. They have a gorgeous collection of products made from sustainable bamboo including soft and silky babywear, bamboo wet wipes and room deodoriser made from bamboo charcoal. They also distribute a range of stationery and gifts including super gorgeous handmade slippers made from recycled denim.

Retail buyers enjoying the product stands at Kids InStyle in Sydney February 2011.

Written by Anna

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After the heatwave across much of Australia this past weekend it’s hard to believe that the cooler months of the year are almost upon us. Yet I am certain this is the case because Buckets & Spades – www.bucketsandspades.com.au are always one of the first places ready with autumn and winter collections and their winter fashion for 2012 is live – woot!

With so many years of experience, Zlata and her team really know fashion for kids, and they are ready to get your kids layered and warm in stylish threads. This year they have again stocked from some of the must luxurious designer brands including Fred Bare, eeni meeni miini moh and e3m, DNKY, Minti, One Red Fly, Tommy Rocket, Shrunk by Scotch and Soda just to name a few.

Though it may be time to put some of your little girls’ summer dresses away, it doesn’t mean that you need to say goodbye to dresses altogether until next summer. Buckets and Spades have a stunning selection of winter dresses that will be perfect. I love the dresses on offer this season by eeni meeni miini moh like the eeni meeni miini moh Dress Tulle Girl which offers practical long sleeves for the cooler months with a touch of tulle to keep up with her twirling, swirling fun. The One Red Fly Poppy Border Dress and the Long Sleeve Jersey Dress by Paper Wings are my other top picks.

When I’ve ask my two strapping sons what they would like to keep them warm for winter this year they have replied on numerous occasions ‘hoodies…we want hoodies’. By this they mean a hooded jumper or jacket, and I am in luck as it appears that Buckets and Spades are talking this hoody language! There is a great selection to choose from, some with zips like the Fred Bare California Zip Thru Hoodie and others without like the super cool Tommy Rocket Monkey Pullover.

Whatever is taking your fancy from all these new arrivals you can smile big today as Zlata is offering all KidStyleFile readers a lovely discount: simply enter special discount code AW12KSF code to receive 10% off on new winter fashion. Please note this discount can only be applied on winter stock (though while there pop by the sale page for the last of the sale stock which is now half price). The discount code ends 30 April 2012.

Discounted prices below are only applicable with code AW12KSF until 30 April 2012.

1. Fred Bare Stripe Poncho $88.00 less 10% = $79.20
2. Frankie Dress Le Petite Princess $54.95 less 10% = $49.45
   
3. e3m Dress Combo Girl $109.95 less 10% = $98.95
   
4. One Red Fly Poppy Border Dress $95.00 less 10% = $85.50
   
5. Paper Wings Long Sleeve Jersey Dress $82.00 less 10% = $73.80
6. eeni meeni miini moh Dress Tulle Girl $99.95 less 10% = $89.95
   
7. Minti Crew Dripping M $49.95 less 10% = $44.95
   
8. Tommy Rocket Monkey Pullover $69.95 less 10% = $62.95
   
9. Shrunk by Scotch and Soda Shirt With Badges And Grey Mel.Hood $129.95 less 10% = $116.95
   
10. Fred Bare California Zip Thru Hoodie $88.00 less 10% = $79.20
    
11. Fred Bare Hooded Tee $55.00 less 10% = $49.50
    
12. DKNY Seaport City T shirt $89.00 less 10% = $80.10

Buckets & Spades stocks lots of designer baby and kids’ brands including Eeni Meeni Miini Moh,Purebaby, e3M, Diesel, Shrunk by Scotch and Soda, Big by Fiona Scanlan, FIONA by Fiona Scanlan, Trelise Cooper Kids, Guess, Tommy Rocket, Two Belles, Little Horn, Minti, Oobi, Mine by Kayla, Hula Girl, Lelli Kelly, Agatha Ruiz De La Prada, Garvalin, Bimbi, Petit Bateau, Alex and Charli, Tip Toey Joey and Kaloo. You’ll also find up to 50% off many of these fine labels in their well stocked sale section. Shop online or visit the Buckets & Spades bricks-and-mortar stores in Brighton and Port Melbourne in Victoria, Australia.

Buckets & Spades send via Express Post only, Australia wide. The charges are: up to 500gms, $8.95, up to 3kg, $12.95. International orders are warmly welcomed – see shipping for full details. FREE shipping offered within Australia for full priced orders over $200.00.

Post written by Leah

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Sourcing the perfect birthday card for an upcoming party is something that can take a long time to do. A carefully chosen card can convey a whole lot more than just well wishes to the recipient; it can have depth.  So imagine my delight when I strayed across TMOD – www.tmod.com.au - a website full of interactive stationery designed by the ultra-talented Georgie Swift and Milenka Osen , both graduates of The College of Fine Arts (COFA, UNSW).

Combining vintage motifs with a whole bunch of goodies, their range includes: Scratchie cards full of secret messages and magic tricks; TMOD Post which feature a cast of postal workers who will deliver your message; Rip Cards where you rip the central strip to reveal a further graphic story; TMOD Air, an Aussie Post tested item which you can fly into the post box; Pass the Parcel with each gorgeously wrapped layer revealing a delightful hat. They also have other delights including tote bags, tea towels and jewellery (with a percentage of the revenue from the Poetry in Braille collection going to Vision Australia).

TMOD delights are perfect for engaging your children back to the ‘lost art’ of snail mail, and the tradition of sourcing beautiful cards for those you care about. You can find shop the range directly through the TMOD website or see here for stockists.