KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Kat.

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If we all live vicariously through our kids in some way, big or small, then I am guilty of amassing a shoe collection for my daughter which would make Imelda proud. And hopefully jealous.

A toddler’s feet grow so much faster than an adult’s, so, you know, it’s simply a necessity to keep her feet well-shod. That’s what we tell Daddy, anyway!

She’s got everything from supersoft handmade in Morocco flats (we got them at Where Did You Get That?) to Parisian Ballets in shiny Red (from the lovely Kim over at Itty Bitty Yuppy) and even genuine vintage patent black Mary Janes (my first pair of shoes, handed down!)

So what will we be adding to the collection for Summer?

A browse through department stores reveals a whole lotta not much, so thank goodness for online shopping - think bucketloads of colour and a dash of metallics contrasted with fresh whites and neutrals.

Here are my picks of the labels and stores to look out for:

Babies:

Skeanie have developed cool summer sandals, in classic blue and pink right through to bright red and chic navy. Made from soft leather with suede soles, they’re easy to wash, easy to put on, and easy on the purse at just $29.95!

Similarly, you can find the gorgeous Cheeky Little Soles label at Baby’s Got Style - check out these uber-funky Retro Blue shoes, or try the girly, shiny Nesting Sandals over at Ekidna Kids, both for $35.95!

Seed shoes are not only affordable, but so darn cute - check out these baby Havianas ($24.95), stylish Metallic Sandals ($39.95), nautical Leather Moccassins ($39.95) and hip Velcro Runners ($39.95) for the most stylish tot on the block!

Tip Toey Joey is synonymous with sleek, classic styles and top class quality - I can’t go past these fresh white Mary Janes ($42.95) at LillieLuca for teaming with pretty summer frocks, or these rich chocolate Leather Sandals ($49.50) at Buckets & Spades for matching back with crisp summer neutrals. Sigh.

Or, try Tiny Steps for a gorgeous range of baby and infant shoes - they stock the brilliant Pediped range (I’m hearting the Olivia white sandals, $42.95, and the Colin classic dark brown, $42.95), as well as Bibi, Sweet Shoes, Diddle Dumpling, Shooshoos….and oh so much more!

Little People:

A constant in my daughter’s shoe closet is New Zealand label Bobux, designers of the original “elastomatic” ankle support system and with an ever expanding range including eco-friendly leathers. I don’t know if it’s possible to go past the cute as can be Jnr Ballet Shoe ($49.95) or the i-Walk Sandals in Marine or CherryMadison Lane. ($59.95) at

Yunginz is a new label on the Australian market, priding themselves on funky, original designs without compromising on quality. The Candy Stripe shoes ($44.95) look so modern but are covered in pretty, girly stripes to match any outfit! Boys (or Mum, at least) will love the Velcro Sandoze Sandals ($35.95) ‘cos they go with absolutely everything! Check the website for stockists.

I’m also loving Chook Leaf, with simple yet strikingly cool designs, such as the silver Welsummer Sandal Hamburg Boy’s Sandal ($55) at Cocoon Living, and the Sussex Sandal ($59.95 at Dragonfly Store) - they all just scream breezy summer sophistication!

If only all of these labels made Mummy-sizes…..!

It’s always great to have a look at out into wider world, and today Miki brings you some great finds from some fine New Zealand designers. Enjoy!

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For the last six weeks I’ve been coming to you live from my adopted home of Auckland, New Zealand. I’m a born-and-raised Adelaide girl but I married a Kiwi and recently we and our 12 month old son Alex moved back to the land of the long white cloud.

New Zealand design has been at the leading edge for quite some time now - check out the World of Wearable Art if you want to see some really out there stuff! - and children’s design is not lagging behind.

Often making use of one of NZ’s most famous resources, merino wool, and incorporating delightful textures, colours, shapes and prints, children’s-wear in NZ is wonderfully wearable for the kids and both attractive and easy-care for mum. Can’t ask for better than that!

Here are a few of my favourites:

Mokopuna

‘A Child In Sheep’s Clothing’ proclaims the slogan, but it doesn’t even begin to describe the fine weave and softness of the 100% NZ merino wool that all their garments are made from.

Merino is fabulous to wear because it isn’t scratchy, it’s non-allergenic, you can throw it in the washing machine and even the tumble dryer without a problem, it’s odour-resistant and both insulating and breathable. If that doesn’t sound possible, I assure you it is!

Mokopuna is distinguished not only by the supersoft merino but also by their fresh seasonal colours and the simple, practical shapes of their range. I can wholeheartedly recommend the baby sleep suit gowns, as we were lucky enough to be given one of these when Alex was born. It’s had no special treatment from me at all, but still looks brand new and we used it constantly.

Luckily for us we can get Mokopuna in Australia at Metro Mum - www.metromum.com.au. See the range here.

Merino wool baby sleep suit - glacier, $54.50
Merino beanie, mittens and booties set - lily, $45.00
Merino wool cosy hat - ruby, $24.95
Merino wool hooded jumper - cocoa/ruby, $89.95
Merino wool long sleeve tee - raspberry, $43.00

Bobux

Bobux - www.bobux.com - are best known for their totally adorable leather baby shoes. I have a couple of pairs of Bobux shoes and can’t say enough about them - soft, gorgeous little shoes that actually stay on (without cutting off the circulation!) and there’s such a massive range of them to choose from! No really - have a look just at the range of 0-27 months range here, and don’t forget that there’s a number of other categories to browse through too.

Bobux creators Chris and Colleen Bennet actually pioneered the now-popular ‘elastic ankle’ leather baby shoe shape back in 1991, and since then Bobux baby shoes have become a Kiwi icon.

These days Bobux also have a range of Mercino (100% merino wool) and Mercot (merino outer and cotton inner layer) baby and toddler clothing too.

Bobux will post to Australia for roughly AUD$7.00 per order, and for a limited time orders of over $100.00 qualify for a free pair of lined eskimo boots at checkout! If you select your region as Australia when you enter the site all prices are given in $AUD.

Dog tan suede, $34.96 $19.95
Ballet slipper red, $34.96
Lined eskimo boots, pale pink, $34.96 (remember, you can get a free pair of these boots at checkout if you order is over $100.00 - there are several colours available)
Tiger chocolate, $34.96
Mary Quant milk, $34.96

Nature Baby

Ohhhh how I love Nature Baby - www.naturebaby.co.nz. Their website is delightful, as are their two ‘bricks and mortar’ stores in Auckland which are a genuine treat for the senses.

Luckily for Aussies, Nature Baby are happy to post overseas at very reasonable rates - and even better, you can discount the prices on their website by 12.5% (GST) which is removed for international orders.

Don’t forget to factor in the favourable exchange rate too as currently the NZ dollar is worth about 0.80 Australian dollars - cha ching! These two factors combined mean that Nature Baby is very affordable (verging on dirt cheap even) for Australian shoppers.

As to the products themselves, well, what can I say? Exquisitely soft organic cotton, feather-light wool, beautiful, eye-catching designs and absolute top quality make this brand to die for. Alex has a Nature Baby-heavy wardrobe and I love every piece. My favourites are the tree print tees (see below).

Drawstring pants, NZD$24.95 without GST NZD$21.83
Longsleeve kimono bodysuit, NZD$26.00 without GST NZD$22.75
Lambskin booties, NZD$31.50 without GST $NZD27.56
Tree print longsleeve tee, NZD$35.00 without GST NZD$30.62
Organic cotton sheets, from NZD$59.95 without GST NZD$52.45

Dolly Up

Here’s one for the girls - Dolly Up - www.dollyup.co.nz - unique designerwear for toddler, pre-school and school aged girls.

I obviously don’t own any of this, having a boy myself, but friends whose daughters own Dolly Up pieces assure me that the quality is fantastic and that their daughters never want to take it off. The range is frequently updated and the pieces are designed to be mixed and matched as far as possible. There’s a great range of headgear too, make sure you have a look.

I don’t think you can do much better for a girly gift or a special occasion outfit for your daughter.

Dolly Up will ship to Australia for about $8.00 per order. It’s easy to set the site to show prices in $AUD, just look for the currency drop-down menu in the top right-hand corner of the screen once you get past the home page.

Boutique top, $34.00 and Checkers skirt, $41.00
Kiss kiss headband, $22.00
Candy peony beanie, $22.00
Delicate rose skirt, $43.00 and Lipstick rose top, $32.00

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Ange’s note:

Ellen G

I came across the gorgeous Ellen Giggenbach (Ellen G - www.elleng.co.nz) at the recent Life inSTYLE/ Kids inSTYLE trade show in Melbourne, and while Ellen’s products aren’t strictly for children, I think the shaped cushions cross over to the kids gear market very easily, and the bags are perfect for mums on the run.

Designed by graphic artist Ellen Giggenbach and showcasing her cut paper art, each item has had the design - drawn from the folklore inspired images of her German heritage - transposed onto top quality fabric.

They’re guaranteed to attract compliments in your home or - in the case of the bags at least - when you’re out and about. The designs have a folk-artsy, 60’s-70’s feel to them; very hip in any environment.

Stay tuned for news of online stockists.