KidStyleFile

Post written by Anna

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There are some concessions that have to be made when you become a mother – mostly your desire for a full nights sleep! You need not, however, relinquish your desire to lead an ‘in vogue’ life!  It can be done so easily with all the beautiful designer products now on the market.  At hand to lead you in this collaboration of motherhood and style is the fabulous site Metro Mum – www.metromum.com.au.

Proprietors Tamara and Francine are the epitome of stylish, busy, metro mums -  between them juggling 5 children, Vegemite smears and professional careers.  All their style advice and expertise on the best and most innovative parenting products is just a click away and beautifully displayed at Metro Mum.

There is much to behold for the autumn season at Metro Mum. There are a host of new arrivals like the stunning Alma Papa Cot and Dresser. And how about the intelligent Stokke Tripp Trapp Newborn Set? What a brilliant way to lift baby up into the up high world of your family and meal times. I love it! If you have any trips coming up with your little ones, I thoroughly recommend the resources put together by Usborne. Make  sure there is plenty of fun on your next family holiday with the Usborne 100 Games to Play on Holiday.

• Purchase any Oeuf Cot and receive a FREE mattress valued at $149.95;
• Get set up with a gorgeous nappy bag from Storksak, Babymel and Isoki all at 20% off; no code needed, prices as marked;
• Buy 1 x 300ml Green to Grow bottle and receive FREE 3-6mth Teats Pack valued at $11.50;
  
• Save $10 on MilkBar nursing pillows;
• Grab up to 40% off on autumn clearance sale stock.
  

Make your move and shop now – all offers run until 31 March 2011 only.

Discounted prices quoted below are as marked and are valid until 31 March 2011 only.

a. Babymel Big Slouchy Nappy Bag $99.00 reduced to $79.20
b. Oeuf Sparrow Cot $1199.00 (special free mattress offer)
c. Bloom Baby Alma Papa Dresser $999.00
d.  Usborne 100 Games to Play on Holiday $15.99
e. Isoki Reversible Saddle Tote Bag $199.00 reduced to $159.20
f. Storksak Olivia $225.00 reduced to $180.00
g. Stokke Tripp Trapp Newborn Set $224.95
h. Bloom Baby Alma Papa Cot (ex Mattress) $999.00
i. Green to Grow BPA free Baby Bottle 300ml Wide Neck $19.95 (buy 1 and receive a 3-6mth Teats Pack FREE)
j. MilkBar Nursing Pillow $64.95 reduced to $54.95

Metro Mum stock from the following brands: Hess-Spielzeug, Allerhand, Annabel Trends, Babymoov, Babymel, Baby Steps 123, Baufix, Babywedge, Bilibo, Bloom Baby, Boyle, Britt, BubbaMat, Bud by Design Room, BusyBee Friends, Caden Lane, Cariboo NZ, Compendium, DadGear, DanishbyDesign, David Fussenegger, Dwink Box, Ebulobo, Ellaroo, Ellie Bellie, Elodie Details, Emotion & Kids, Fatboy The Original, Fertile Mind, FLATOUTbears, Foogo by Thermos, FunPod, Giimmo, Happy Mais, Hello Babe, Il Tutto, IntelliGender®, Isoki, Kanoe, Kiddie Food Kutter, Kids Kitchen, KidsonRoof, Kipiis, Language Littles, Learning Tower, Leander, Leisure Learning, Lilbird, Little Beetle, Little Kitchen, Little Sprowtz, LittleOneBaby, Luna Lullaby, Lupi Lu, Melobaby, Metro Mum, Mia Bossi, Milk & Tickles, MilkBar, Mini Bilibo, Minimonkey, Mishi Design, Mojo, Mokopuna, Mothers Minder, Munchee Mug, My Plate-Mate, Nest, Nuance, Nurseryworks, Ocho, Oeuf, OnTray2Go, Oti, Paper Eskimo, PeeWee & PooToo, Playsam, Prego Planner, PuggyHouse, Qtees, Scout, Seed Organic, Snugabub, Storksak, Totem, Trunki, VisualGram, Vulli, Wall Candy and Zuny.

Metro Mum use Fastaway Couriers and Australia Post for delivery.  Total delivery cost will be calculated at checkout.  For estimated delivery times, international orders and all the ‘how to’ information see here.

Today’s post written by Anna

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Through I would love to keep this new little treasure trove of mine a secret, it is with sheer delight that I make some introductions today. So, without any further ado, dear KidStyleFile readers meet May and her beautiful boutique Trunk Show Kids – www.trunkshowkids.com.au. I have that warm fuzzy feeling you’re going to be new best friends!

As a mother of two little girls, May has first hand knowledge of how difficult it can be for busy parents to get out on the hunt for that often elusive bargain. Stocked full of designer samples, factory seconds and end of season stock all at heavily discounted prices; Trunk Show Kids really is a little piece of shopping heaven for the modern parent!

There is serious drool factor going on for me as I relay the list of designers found at Trunk Show Kids. You’ll find Babymel, Bee and Tree Nursery, Bluebird & Honey, Chalk n Cheese, Cocoon Clothing, Cocoon Couture, Cried Wolf, Heavenly Creatures, Infancy, Llum, Moppit, Right Bank Babies, Sooki Baby, Storksak, Sudo, Three Little Trees, Tiger Tribe, Tkxi Surf. And just wait till you feast your eyes on the prices!

Quite literally, every designer is a highlight. But today, special mentions go to Sooki Baby at 50% off and organic baby wear by talented Melbourne mural artist Jane Reiseger. Her label is called Bee and Tree Nursery and it looks luxuriously soft.

You will also find a very special collection of Llum (which is a current hit in the Hoolywood ‘A’ list of parents) at Trunk Show Kids and it really is a very special collection. My favourite is the Llum Sunset – Lily Pond. Check it out at picture #10 below.

Plus (because I know some of you have been waiting for it ) the hottest items currently on offer at Trunk Show Kids are the Baby Change Bags by Babymel and Storksak. Oh yes! At 50-70% off, these bags are high end fashion and quality without the expensive price tag. My favourite two bags are both from Storksak.  The Storksak Emily is just divine. And though I would  choose to have it in Pewter, Angelina Jolie has been seen sporting the black one!  The Storksak Elizabeth is my other favourite.  I love the look of it, and heads up if you are a working mum: this bag has room for your laptop as well as mountain of things we need for little ones.

At Trunk Show Kids, May has taken out all the stress, effort and inconvenience of bargain hunting – all that’s left for us is the fun!  You can shop by brand, or shop by gender and age, all with the cutest little trunk icons to boot! KSF and TSK – you’ll be BFF in no time!!

1. Chalk n Cheese Daisy June Frock -Coral Pink – rrp $79.00 at TSK just $35.00
   
2. Three Little Trees Jarrah Nappy Pants – rrp $37.00 at TSK just $6.00
3. Babymel – Amanda Black Poppy – rrp $129 at TSK just $70
4. Sooki Baby Dog Ate It Tee – rrp $24.95 at TSK just $12.00
5. Right Bank Babies Reversible Skirt – Lemon Dot – rrp $59.95 at TSK just $29.00
6. Cocoon Clothing Stripe Shorts w Salmon Trim – rrp $34.95 at TSK just $12.00
7. Sooki Retro Terry Short – rrp $26.95 at TSK just $13.00
8. Storksak Elizabeth – Tan – rrp $399 at TSK just $200
9. Storksak Emily – Pewter – rrp $229 at TSK just $120
10. Llum Sunset – Lily Pond – rrp $44.00 at TSK just $35.00
11. Sudo Leon Shirt – Black – rrp $54.90 at TSK just $27.00

Trunk Show Kids ship Australia wide for the flat fee of $7.50 and to New Zealand for $9.00.  See the Shipping & Returns Page for full information.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Five years ago Charmaine Papallo came up with a unique concept: to create beautiful bouquets as new mother and baby gifts.

How is this idea unique? The bouquets are made of useful items like onesies, socks, bibs, hats, and more, skilfully fashioned into look-a-like floral arrangements, dubbed ‘Baby Buds.

No more water, wilting or waste: these attractively presented arrangements are celebratory and practical.

Since it’s inception Baby Buds – www.babybuds.com.au – has blossomed into a full-grown ‘giftopia’ offering Baby Gift Bouquets, Gift Occasions, Sibling Gifts, Baby Toys, Luxury Services, Baby Clothes and Linen, Baby and Parenting Books, Baby Care and Lotions, Baby Gift Vouchers, Pregnancy Gifts, Baby Keepsakes, and First Christmas Gifts (take note: Chrissy isn’t that far away now!), from brands including Bobux, David Fussenegger, Babymel and Storksak as well as the Baby Buds house brands.

A stand out for me is the new Baby Buds ‘Jungleloo’ range of baby toys, a very appealing range of puzzles, rattles, soft toys, blankets and giftware in gentle colours. I cannot resist the beautiful fabrics used for the softies and blankies, and the single piece puzzles are so beautiful you just want to reach out and touch them!

The four different Jungleloos puzzles’ combination of shapes and animals would make a lovely gift as a set (and at $10.95 each you don’t have to break the bank to give it!)

Baby Buds currently have a sale on selected stock of up to 50% off, while stocks last. You can also save a packet by becoming a Baby Buds Buddy subscriber – it’s free, and each month you get access to a new range of exclusive discounts – sign up here, and reap the rewards.

A. Babymel Amanda Nappy Bag – $129.00 (just $103.20 for Baby Buds Buddy subscribers until 30 September 2009)
B. Baby Buds Unisex Summer Bib & Bodysuit Gift Box – $27.95 24% off now $21.00
C. Jungleloos Plush Toy – Owl – $31.95
D. Jungleloos Animal/Shape Puzzles – 4 designs – $10.95 each
E. Jungleloos Baby Rattle – Monkey – $14.95
F. Jungleloos Owl Door Hanger – $24.95 each
G. Jungleloos Animal Blankie Blanket – 3 designs – $22.95 each
H. Baby Buds Sporty Baby Boy Gift Box – $62.00 30% off now $42.00
I. Bobux Star Sandals – $35.00 50% off now $17.50
J. Baby Buds Sporty Baby Girl Gift Box – $62.00 30% off now $42.00
K. Bobux Nomad Boot in Pink – $45.00 50% off now $22.50

Baby Buds charge from $7.00 for Express Post delivery postage Australia-wide. Click here for full postage and delivery information.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Being a twin-mama I am always on the look out for clever products that cater for a life with more than one child. The right product can make the difference between calm organisation, and frustrating chaos.

With twins I often feel that a team of sherpas is the only solution to our gear challenges (and no doubt parents who move from one to two, or more, kids, feel the same way), but I am happy to say that I have found something that I have found the perfect DIY arrangement.

It’s the Babymel x2 bag, which is actually *two* bags which can be clipped together, or separated, as needed.

My kids may not be babies anymore, but the X2 really spoke to me. I often get indecisive about bag colour choices, but the X2 lets me have the best of both worlds: you can choose black/black or black/red. With an international trip imminent, and a new bag needed (and organisation being the key to happy travel), I was keen to give it a go, and so snapped one up (in black/red – yay!)

The X2 bags are a nice size at 26cm high,  44cm wide and 12cm deep. The exterior fabric is a soft thick matt synthetic, which holds up well under use in both the functionality and looks stakes. It is also fully wipeable in the event that you need to clean it.

It features two magnetic closure pockets on the outside face of one of the sides, and an insulated pocket at one end. Inside it features one large velcro closure pocket along one side, and two elasticised pockets on the other. The inner lining is camel coloured which makes it easy to see what you are doing.

The bags come with two of everything you need: shoulder straps with their unique innovative stroller attachments, and two change mats (which I’m thinking would also be a good surface to sit on in the event of wet grass).

The genius of these bags is the way they clip, and unclip, together easily. This is great when parents need to head off in two directions, or on days when you are taking more or less gear. For me, I use one bag for my gear, and one for the kids: no more rummaging around!!

I also really love the clips that attach the shoulder strap to the bag; they are super-easy to operate, and I find them very useful to attach shopping bags to when I need to be fully hands-free.

Although the price for the Babymel X2 is budget at $149.00 for the set of two bags, the quality has not been skimped on – Babymel is the diffusion line from Storksak after all!! Buy with confidence!

You can purchase the Babymel X2 bag direct from the Babymel website (they charge $15.00 flat for courier delivery, Australia-wide). Check here for Australian/New Zealand stockists, here for US stockists, and here for UK/Europe stockists.

Today’s post written by Nerida

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Following on from my recent post on the stunning range of locally designed baby bags in our midst, I bring you the cream of overseas designers. From the affordable to the POA-only, there’s something luxe for every taste.

Missoni

Missoni is a very cool brand with a very serious price tag. I am not sure many of us could justify almost $1,300 for a nappy bag but hey, it’s nice to look! Plus it is a nice looking bag, particularly if you are a fan of Missoni’s innovative use of colours and patterns. The bag includes a change mat and could easily be converted to a weekend bag once your nappy carrying days are over.

Missoni baby bags are available at Childrensalon.

Baby Beatrix

Dante Beatrix New York dedicates themselves to creating cool, practical ways to transport gear for mums, dads and kids. Their Baby Beatrix tote is a lovely looking bag which comes in pewter metallic and grey/khaki and includes a very nice looking change mat and pouch. The tote is available from Queenbee

BabyMel London

BabyMel London are relatively new on the baby bag scene, launching their first collection in 2007. The bags contain changemats, bottle holders and come in a variety of colours and shapes. Baby Mel have just designed a limited edition for that fabulous UK fashion chain Topshop.

Luckily we can get them locally at Haggus and Stookles.

Ramalama

In addition to making lovely baby carriers, Ramalama also designs some very nice looking nappy bags. In addition to being highly functional, the bags are very classical and made from fine Italian leather.

Ramalama baby bags are available from Urban Baby.

Mia Bossi

On their website Mia Bossi state that their bags combine fashion with motherhood, creating the ultimate hot mama: these bags really are perfect for hot mamas everywhere! If you’re looking for an incognito bag, you would be hard pressed to spot these designs as nappy carriers, particularly the ‘Alisa’ in zebra.

Mia Bossi bags are available from MetroMum.

Fleurville

The Fleurville totes are handy in that they can be carried 3 ways – as a tote, as a messenger bag or attached to a stroller using an ingenious o-ring. The totes look good, are made of eco-friendly materials, and are incredibly practical, with a whole range of features including the usual bottle holder/change mat but also a changing cloth and see through wipes case.

Fleurville totes are available from The Hip Infant.

(Editors note: Fleurville also make the coolest range of bags for kids. Buy them at Kinder Kaboodle).

Hammitt Collection

I found this one recommended on the Vogue forums (thoroughly recommend if you like chatting all things fashion!). The ‘Suzy’ by Hammitt is one cool looking bag available in an incredible range of colours, from basic black to a very bright looking green. The bag includes a matching change mat.

Available online through Hammitt Bags.

Tod’s

One of my favourite sites, Celebrity Baby Blog, has come out with the proclamation that Tod’s new bag is a must have for new mums, and who am I to argue? (Well my bank balance might!! Tod’s bags are POA!) Unfortunately Tod’s bags are not readily available in Australia and I was unable to find the bag online. So if you have a friend overseas and you ask them really nicely, they might just visit a Tod’s store and buy one for you.

Available in-store only at Tod’s.

1. Diaper Dude Camouflage Dude Bag $128.95 – Check web for stockists
   
2. Missoni Nappy Bag £577.40 (approximately $1,300) from Childrensalon
3. Baby Beatrix Tote $194.95 – Check web for stockists
4. BabyMel Amanda Nappy Bag $109.95 from Haggus and Stookles
5. Ramalama Hannah Nappy Bag $450 from Urban Baby
6. Mia Bossi Alisa Nappy Bag in Gold Zebra $560 from MetroMum
7. Fleurville Sling Tote Gold $198 from The Hip Infant
8. Suzy by Hammitt $US550 (approximately $830) from Hammitt Bags
9. Tod’s Pashmy Baby Bag P.O.A from Tod’s
   

Please check individual sites for shipping costs and details.