KidStyleFile

Post written by Miki
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Following on from last week’s US Designers special feature, this week we’re heading across the Atlantic to the United Kingdom.

The UK has long been a source of leading children’s- wear and equipment. Iconic names such as Silver Cross prams instantly bring to mind classic chic, perfectly groomed nannies or the more modern ‘yummy mummies’ parading through Hyde Park with their beautifully dressed offspring on full display.

Hey, if you have a baby you’re proud of and gorgeous gear for him or her, why not show them off?

That concept shows in UK designers products - they’re always gorgeous to look at (not to mention touch) and practical to boot. And now, thanks to some of Australia’s top children’s-wear online boutiques, we can access the best of British design from the comfort of our living rooms.

So get comfy and have a look at some of my picks for the week!

Fairy Kisses

Fairy Kisses - www.fairykisses.com.au - stock the cutest little leather babyshoes from Starchild. I’m sure you’ve seen these before, they’re just so sweet! For the traditionalists among us there is Nenuphar London: timeless designs with a hint of their French heritage. Any child couldn’t help but look as though butter wouldn’t melt in their mouth wearing these clothes! They’re especially perfect for special occasions.

If you prefer organic cotton on your precious little one’s skin, there are two designers I would bring to your attention: Piccalilly Organics and Little Blue dog. Both have loads of adorable designs and are so gentle on babies’ skin!

Starchild ballerina shoes in blue, $42.95
Piccalilly red organic hoodie, $39.95
Little Blue Dog signature baseball top, $38.95
Little Blue Dog cat romper, $38.95
Nenuphar London puff sleeve dress, $84.95
Starchild gingham Jolly Roger shoes, $39.95

Urban Child

Another great place to stock up on UK designers is Urban Child - www.urbanchild.com.au. Here you can find simply beautiful baby clothes, blankets and accessories from AraVore Babies. Exclusively imported from London, all organic and knitted from exquisitely soft ‘Fair Trade’ cotton and merino wool, they are the most wonderful baby presents, especially for a winter baby. It’s the kind of gift that will become a family heirloom!

Urban Child also have the ever-popular Albetta (I’m in love with Albetta babygrows; could they get any cuter?) and a selection of WOW toys - these toys are destined to be come favourites with everyone, you can’t go wrong with them.

WOW toys ‘Motorbike Max’, $24.95
AraVore Babies organic vintage matinee coat, $105.00
Albetta Flying Machines babygrow, $42.00 $21.95 (great price!!)
AraVore Babies pink stripe jumper, $82.00
Albetta booties -blue velvet gingham, $24.95 $9.95 (even greater price!!)
Ekidna Kids

One of my all-time favourite stuffed toy brands is ‘Mamas & Papas‘ from the UK. These knitted and fleece animals are really lovely - just a bit quirky, a bit whimsical and bound to be adored.

The fleece ones can just be flung in the washing machine and the knitted ones are easy enough to spot clean. I know this because I got tomato sauce on my friend’s knitted puppy a couple of months ago - don’t ask - and was totally mortified until I realised the stain had come right out! (Promise not to tell her please )

My favourite place to get these in Australia is Ekidna Kids - www.ekidnakids.com.au.

M&P Colour Bunch soft toy - Tuli, $21.95
M&P Knitted lamb gift toy, $39.95
M&P Knitted puppy gift toy, $39.95
M&P Kitted bear gift toy, $39.95
M&P Colour Bunch soft toy - Baru, $21.95

Kids Gift List
Two fabulous UK designers at Kids Gift List - www.kidsgiftlist.com.au. The first is Sparrowkids, designers of stunning ‘DIY’ craft kits for kids. All the materials are Fair Trade (you can have very thought-provoking discussions with the kids over this topic) and they’re great quality. Craft projects aren’t just for the girls. Show me the primary school boy who could resist the pencilcase rocket!

The other designer is Trunki, which is only the best luggage for kids in the whole wide world. Seriously, who could ever go past the funky little ride-on suitcases with horns?

Sized to be carry-on baggage compliant, light enough for parents to carry comfortably over their shoulder and robust enough for not just one but two preschoolers to ride, these little suitcases are too cool.

Perfect for 3-6 year olds, and they are just as good for overnight stays at the grandparents’ place as international jetsetting!

Sparrowkids DIY felt butterfly bag, $28.95
Sparrowkids DIY felt sparrow bag, $28.95
Sparrowkids DIY rocket pencil case, $39.95
Trunki ride-on suitcases, pink and blue, $63.95

Please check individual store for postage prices and information.

Post written by Miki
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This week I’m having a look around at some of the best US designers in the boutique kidswear market - and of course, where to find them.

The great thing about the current high Aussie dollar against the US dollar is that many Australian retailers have been able to offer their US lines at lower prices - so make the most of it while it lasts!

One word of advice though - US sizes are a bit different from Australian sizes, and tend to run a bit smaller. So if in any doubt always go a size up when choosing.

Itty Bitty Yuppy

Itty Bitty Yuppy - www.ittybittyyuppy.com.au - have a big selection of gorgeous US designers’ lines. Abe Jones is a great one, with a range of tees and some adorable vintage-inspired dresses with sophisticated fabrics. There’s also Eight3One with the cutest little print onesies and tees for the little ones, and Pink Chicken (stunning New York based line) with fabulous prints and frills for little girls. There’s loads of choice for boys too, with Knuckleheads, Wonderboy and Tin Tank.

IBY are having a huge clearout sale at the moment, with prices on selected items discounted by up to 75%! Yes, it’s a great time to shop!

Clockwise from top left:

Abe Jones infant tank, $49.95 $32.47
Knuckleheads ‘Don’t Bug Me’ tee, $29.95
Wonderboy ‘Basketcase’ shirt, $72.55 $47.16
Eight3One ladybug onesie, $32.95 $21.42
Pink Chicken ‘Lola’ dress, $82.45

Bubbafunk

Bubbafunk - www.bubbafunk.com.au - carry two beautiful US-based lines for tiny people. The first is Egg Baby by Susan Lazar, the first post of call for for exquisite hats and booties, plus some really lovely rompers. These are special pieces for special babies and make such wonderful gifts.

Then second is Quilt Baby, who deliver a colourful and contemporary take on some great basics, like bodysuits, wraps and bibs - just gorgeous!

Check out Bubba Funk’s huge clearance sale currently on for some great bargains.

Clockwise from top left:

Egg Baby mother & child layette, $69.95 $49.95
Egg Baby by Susan Lazar cable hat and booties set, $79.95
Quilt Baby chocolate burst bib and burp set, $39.95
Quilt Baby Candy dots bib and burp set, $39.95
Quilt Baby yellow giraffe long-sleeve onesie, $29.95

Chic Kids

One of my favourite organics ranges can be found at Chic Kids - www.chickids.com.au - and that is Sckoon Organics. Based out of Soho in New York, Sckoon Organic products are beautifully soft and comfortable for tiny tots, and look great too!

Chic Kids also stock two fab t-shirt lines, verymeri and yoli-poli, both of which are popular with celebrities’ kids - and when you see how gorgeous they are you’ll understand why!

Check out Chic Kids’ sale items, and join the Chic Kids loyalty club for an extra 10% discount off marked prices: nice!

Clockwise from top left:

Sckoon Organic ZEN Plum long-sleeved shirt and monkey pants, $46.95 $39.91
Sckoon Organic long-sleeved shirt and karate pants, $49.95 $42.46
verymeri Woof! short-sleeved t-shirt in pink, $29.95 $25.46
yoli-poli Namaste pink tank top, $28.95 $24.61
verymeri Blast Off! short-sleeved t-shirt in black, $29.95 $25.46

Moxie Kids Online

Finally today we have Moxie Kids Online, an American kidswear boutique - and where better than a US boutique to get the fantastic US label Glug. Makers of sweatshop-free American Apparel t-shirts and dresses with striking, modern prints, every kid will find something there that they love. I really love this line, there’s so many t-shirts I want to get!

Check out the Moxie Kids incredible sale: 125 items up to 75% off!

Clockwise from top left:

Glug Baby tree dress, USD$50.00 USD$29.99
Glug Baby raindrops dress, USD$50.00 USD$29.99
Glug Baby eagle infant tee, USD$32.00 USD$14.99
Glug Baby panda infant shirt, USD$32.00 USD$14.99
Glug Baby ladybug infant tee, USD$32.00 USD$14.99

Please check individual sites for shipping details.

Hello Yummy Mummys, Gentle-Babies, and NADs* in the audience

Today I’d like to give you the heads-up on some very new news: there’s a brand new kid in town. The name’s Funk. Bubba Funk - www.bubbafunk.com.au.

Bubba Funk are new to our screens - they launched only last week - and they are making a great first impression.

Start with the high quality and usability of their website, work through the impressive stable of brands they are carrying including Aden + Anais, Annabel Trends, Babu, Baby Brands, Beautiful Soles, Bod, Bod for Bubs, Boon (if you’ve been looking for a Boon Frog Pod going cheap, jump now: it’s only $35.96 after all discounts have been applied!) , Britt, Bud by Designroom, David Fussenegger, Egg Baby by Susan Lazar, Fish Lilly, For Walls, Grobag, Il Tutto, Isoki, John Crane, Little Chipipi, Luna Ninos, Marquise, Moppit, Nature Baby, Oobi Baby, Present Time, Quilt Baby, Ramalama, Vice Versa and Well Spotted, and work your way to their ultra-chic custom gift wrapping, and you will be nodding and muttering ‘yes, yes, ooh yes!!’ to yourself just like me!

To really make their mark, Bubba Funk are celebrating their debut in fine style with a 20% off store-wide sale.

Because KidStyleFile readers are at the forefront of all that’s hip and in the know, Bubba Funk want to reward your savvy gorgeousness with an additional 10% off. All you have to do is enter discount code KSF01 at checkout.

Offer ends midnight 15 July, so do not delay!

Here are some serving suggestions for you. As a nod to winter, my picks today are based around the theme of snug, warm and uber-stylish. Plus I couldn’t resist adding the bag de jour: the Il Tutto Mia. Read on!

Clockwise from top left. Quoted prices are after all discounts have been applied:

Britt Baby My Favourite Long-sleeved T-Shirt in Deep Blue $37.00 $26.64 Also available in Pink and White
Oobi Baby Knee-Hi Boots - Navy with Green Dots $39.95 $28.76 Fun and funky Oobi wins the day! Buy the set for winter delight. Available in 3 colour-ways.
Oobi Baby Beanie - Navy with Green Dots $29.95 $21.56
Oobi Baby Mittens - Navy with Green Dots $22.95 $16.52
Quilt Baby Yellow Giraffe Long-sleeved onesie $29.95 $21.56 Direct from the US, grab a piece of contemporary cool exclusively at Bubba Funk.
Britt Baby Cuddles Pram Liner in ‘Midday Wolf’ $85.00 $61.20 Super snuggly faux fur on one side and luxury terry on the other provides trans-seasonal functionality.
Egg Baby by Susan Lazar Cable Hat and Bootees Set in Ivory $79.95 $57.56 From New York city, Egg Baby by Susan Lazar is a modern classy. This set makes for a *very* classy gift. Also available in pink and blue.
Bubba Funk Funky Parents Gift Box $90.00 $64.80 Gift-boxed quality products to indulge both bubba and proud parents. Super wonderfully priced, this gift is sure to be appreciated.
Bubba Funk Gift Box $9.95 $7.16 Buy a box and fill it with your own choice of products from Bubba Funks stellar range.
Bubba Funk Newborn Girl Gift Box $110.00 $79.20 Oobi mittens, hat and knee-hi booties, complete with a Korimco Squishee Pig comprise this superb gift box. Unbeatable! Also available in boy colours.
Luna Ninos Cotton Tree Bonnet in Indigo/Silver $49.95 $35.96 Luna Ninos (pronounced Lunar-Nin-yos) products are the pinnacle of quality and graceful design, bringing together modern sensibility and classic appeal that will last across generations. So so soft and made in Australia, I can’t recommend Luna Ninos highly enough!
Luna Ninos Cotton Tree Blanket in Indigo/Silver $89.95 $64.76

Finally, if you’re seeking bag heaven, then look no further than the luxe Il Tutto range, as favoured by A-list Aussies Cate Blanchett and Sarah Murdoch.

Why do celebrity endorsements mean so much? Well, money is no object to these well-heeled mamas: they can afford to, and do, pick the best products available, so their lead isn’t such a bad thing to follow, especially when the product of their choosing is within the economic reach of mere mortals.

Pick up an Il Tutto Mia Tote (or Ava or Chiara) available in red, black and cream at a bargain price for just $449.00 $323.28 at Bubba Funk. These bags have style and substance: they are a fabulous size, look great and come equipped with a removable nappy bag inner, so they have a lifespan way beyond the baby stage: you’ll be toting this one in style for years.

Bubba Funk postage charges start at $6.95. Visit the delivery information page for full details.

*NAD = New Age Dad. I kinda just made this up; it made me giggle? Do you think we can make it catch on? Let me know what you think

I just love it when there’s a snap sale - bang, pow, SAVE, ka-ching!

Minifashionista - www.minifashionista.com.au - have the all the goods to endow your baby or kid with the ultimate left-of-centre street cred.

Grab all t-shirts at Minifashionista (short AND long-sleeve) 20% off. Make it snappy though; this offer ends this Friday April 18.

Brands on sale include Small Paul by Paul Frank, No Added Sugar, Snuglo, Droopy Knickers, Winter Water Factory and Egg by Susan Lazar!

Love these Small Paul Tees (don’t forget the matching socks and this indescribably cool hoodie!!)

Small Paul Julius Long-Sleeved Tee in Blue and Pink $44.95 each ONLY $35.96 after 20% discount

No need for a code for this one; the discount will applied automatically when you get to the check-out. Spend $130.00 or more at Minifashionista and Express Postage is FREE.

International Orders are welcome. See the Minifashionista customer service page for information on local and international shipping rates.

The Minifashionista - www.minifashionista.com.au - birthday celebrations will officially end at midnight March 31, but until then we can all party hard: Shannon from Minifashionista has decided to gift all KidStyleFile readers with a fabulous 15% off store-wide!

Yes! You can go ahead and take 15% off already heavily discounted products in the Minifashionista Mega Summer Clearance Sale!

Yes! You can take 15% off just arrived new season’s stock! (Read on)

Yes, yes yes!!!

Minifashionista stock the coolest range of products; a blend of New York cool meets Euro style, with a liberal twist of Australian quirk. Just what the doctor ordered!

(See my previous post for full details of brands available at Minifashionista - including Small Paul, by Paul Frank; I love I love! - pricing, more pics, and the general low-down).

New products, just in from London, and exclusive to Minifashionista, are the No Added Sugar bio-degradable Shoes, and from the US, Egg by Susan Lazar, and Fleurville Nappy Bags.

Minifashionista has been exclusively stocking the No-Added Sugar clothing range, to the joy of appreciative shoppers, for the last year. Minifashionista are now also exclusive Australian stockists of the super-hot No Added Sugar Shoes.

The beauty of these shoes lies not just in their stunning design, but how they are made. No Added Sugar shoes are handmade using luxury soft chrome-free leathers, and natural dyes free of heavy metals. These shoes are actually biodegradable! Kind to babies and the environment; that’s smart!

Available in pre-walker sizes 6-12 mths, and toddler 12-18 mths, for $43.95 a pair - $37.35 with 15% discount

Stay tuned for No Added Sugar’s Winter Clothing Range arriving at Minifashionista soon.

The Egg by Susan Lazar range is comprised of cable knit layettes, blankets, hats, and booties. The range also includes a bamboo co-ordinates line. Bamboo is hypoallergenic, naturally antibacterial and has a soft silky feel and is also the fastest growing plant in the world, making it the most sustainable of all natural fibres. Sweet!

The Egg by Susan Lazar ‘Camel’ Layette (romper, pictured above) is $69.95 $59.45 with 15% discount, and the Egg by Susan Lazar Hat and Booties set in Ivory (Pictured above) is $79.94 $67.94 with 15% discount.

Fleurville Sling-Tote Nappy Bags, new to the Australian market, are synonymous with style and functionality. They can be carried 3 ways: over the shoulder as a tote, as a messenger bag, or attached to your pram/stroller. They are laid out impeccably and with pragmatism; with lots of pockets, a changing cloth, a see through wipe case, an insulated bottle holder and more.

Fleurville is environmentally aware and active, and Fleurville products are created with Fleurville’s revolutionary polyurethane laminate Green-LAM™. Green-LAM™ has superior attributes like moisture–repellency, UV-resistance, and overall durability, and is non-toxic, unlike PVC, which is more commonly used for applications such as these.

The ‘Pink Stripe’ and ‘Blue Chocolate’ Sling-Tote Nappy Bags pictured above are $199.00 each $169.15 with 15% discount.

Also, keep your eyes peeled for BENK hand knitted hats from the Netherlands, coming very soon exclusively to Minifashionista. Way cool!

Shannon at Minifashionista has a very neat blog — the Fashionista Blog - www.fashionistablog.wordpress.com. Oh, she makes me laugh! And she has excellent excellent taste.

I’m loving the vid she’s put together to showcase the Minifashionista Winter 2008 ranges. View the video here.

Now, just one last thing to communicate to you, dear reader: the small matter of the discount code so you can score yourselves a very fine 15% off all this wonderful produce.

To receive 15% of the total purchase price enter ksf in the discount box at the checkout. Offer applies to all stock. Offer ends March 31. Not to be used in conjunction with any other discount offer.

In addition to all these festivities, if you spend $130.00 or more, Express Postage is FREE, and all orders before the end of March automatically go into the draw to Win a $250 Minifashionista Gift Voucher, drawn at the end of March, 2008 - good luck!

International Orders are welcome. See the Minifashionista customer service page for information on local and international shipping rates.