KidStyleFile

Written by Miki

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Here is Part 3 of our Store-Owner Picks Gift Guide.  The five retailers featured below have chosen a beautiful range of gifts for the whole family, even mums and dads!

Read all our Christmas 2011 Gift Guides to date here. 

		“We think it’s a fantastic, unique gift idea for kids that actually gets them outside, running around in the fresh air! It doesn’t require batteries, there are no nasty chemicals or plastic, and it’s a fun game that the whole family can play together – which means quality time spent as a family, rather than kids with their heads in a video game or watching a DVD.” Kellie Byrnes at KindredGifts.com.au Fun In The Sack Egg & Spoon Race, $29.90
“The award-winning ERGObaby Carrier is your ticket to peaceful family holidays this Christmas, offering three ergonomic carry positions from birth to 20kgs – the perfect handsfree travel companion.” Anita Lincolne-Lomax at BabesInArms.com.au ERGObaby Carrier, from $159.00
		“The perfect holiday season shoe which can be worn to all occasions – super stylish and comfortable! Also available in white and red.” Fiona at TinySteps.com.au Old Soles Sienna Silver Sandal, $59.95
“Perfect for a summer’s day out at the beach, or a Christmas BBQ.” Lin at LittleUrby.com.au Maman Overall Jumpsuit, $35.00 $21.00
		“This gorgeous shoulder bag from Fair Trade label Eternal Creation features a bold cockatoo motif, two internal pockets and magnetic snap closure – divine!” Rory at EternalCreation.com Woman’s Shoulder Bag, $54.95 $39.95

Please check individual sites for postage details and be sure to survey the KidStyleFile All Current Deals page to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal.

Post written by Miki

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Do you have a baby or young toddler in your house?  Then I have a suggestion for you: how about a new pair of teeny tiny shoes in his or her stocking this Christmas?  Last Christmas my youngest son had just started walking, and he was so chuffed to have a new pair of sandals to toddle around in.  It was such a successful gift that this year I am thinking I might get little pairs of shoes for my baby niece and God-daughter, aged seven and nine months respectively.

As we all know, the place to go for little shoes is Tiny Steps – www.tinysteps.com.au – where proprietor Fiona searches far and wide to bring us the best in shoes for children aged 0-2.  She has collected a big range of shoes for all seasons from brands including Pediped, Livie & Luca, Saltwater Sandals, Chillikids, BLOCH, Skeanie, Rileyroos, Old Soles, ScruffyDog and Shooshoos.  Plus, as a mum of boys, I can definitely give props to Fiona for her boys’ shoes range – it can be really hard to find cute sandals and shoes for little boys, but she has a great range here.

Take advantage of the new season styles and colours at Tiny Steps with 20% off storewide!  This offer is valid using the code KSFsale20 until 4 December 2011, and you can use it on anything in the store – new stock and sale stock alike!  And speaking of sale stock, do go through the Sale Section where you’ll find up to 50% off – and that’s *before* your extra 20% discount is applied!

For my niece I’m thinking the Bloch Ballerina Argento slip-ons in silver might be the way to go, and my God-daughter would look adorable in the Rileyroos Maryjane in Fuchsia.  And I’ll tell you what, I think Scruffy Dog win my ‘cutest boy’s sandal of the summer’ award in a two-way tie between the Joey in Red and the Buddy in Black - simply gorgeous.

The prices below are valid using the code KSFsale20 until 4 December 2011, while stocks last.

one. Scruffy Dog  Joey – Red, $49.95 – less 20% = $39.96
two. Old Soles Newboy – Slate, $44.95 - less 20% = $35.96
three. Rileyroos Maryjane – Fuchsia, $47.95 - less 20% = $38.96
four. Livie & Luca Boone – Navy, $74.95 - on sale = $60.00, less further 20% = $48.00
five. Scruffy Dog Buddy – Black, $59.95 - less 20% = $47.96
six. Livie & Luca Bloom – Fuchsia, $69.95 - less 20% = $55.96
seven. Chillikids Luke – Navy, $39.95 - less 20% = $31.96
eight. Pediped Sydney – Navy Multi, $45.00 - less 20% = $36.00
nine. Shooshoos Cobalt Blue Sports, $29.95 - less 20% = $23.96
ten. Saltwater Sandals – Black, $64.00 - less 20% = $51.20
eleven. Bloch Ballerina Argento – Silver, $39.95 - on sale = $30.00, less further 20% = $24.00
twelve. Chillikids Belle – Pink Patent, $53.95 - less 20% = $43.16

Brands stocked at Tiny Steps include Pediped Grip n’ Go, Livie & Luca, Saltwater Sandals, Chillikids, Pediped, Pedoodles, shooshoos, Sweet Shoes, diddledumpling, Bibi, Annabel Tends, 2feettall, Blabla, Kinder Clobber, SKEANIE, Cheeky Little Soles, Vessel, Scruffy Dog, Eeni Meeni Miini Moh, Woof!, Old Soles, Rileyroos and BLOCH!

Tiny Steps posts within Australia for a flat rate of $7.50 for Express Post, or $8.50 for Registered Post, while orders over $150 are posted FREE of charge. International orders are welcomed. Contact Fiona for a postage quote.

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As part of our Christmas coverage this year we are sharing with you our own personal picks for our kids. Today we’re featuring Dom’s picks. Enjoy! – Ange
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Mia (L) & Eva (R) both 20 months old

Christmas last year was a bit of a blur to be honest. I had 10 month old twins who really didn’t know what was going on, and the only thing on my Christmas wishlist was getting to have a shower that day! This year my girls are at an age where for the very first time they might just understand the magic of Christmas, and I look forward to spoiling them silly.

My Christmas shopping list terrifies my husband with its ability to grow daily. Here is a glimpse of how it looks right now:

1. Xick Black Leather Sandals $55.00- from Wee Willie Winkie Because girls will learn from a young an age to have a love of shoes. Made from leather, these shoes are just gorgeous for warm summer days.

2. Rhubarb Birdie Handbag $14.95 – from Stylish Kiddish I need to encourage my girls away from mama’s bags and towards their own, and how better than with this gorgeous birdie bag from Rhubarb?

3. Sparkle T Cupcake Stand $55.95 – from Stylish Kiddish Truly fabulous on the waistline are these wooden cupcakes from Sparkle T. They are great at encouraging imaginative play and the act of sharing.

4. Skip Hop Zoo Backpack Owl $34.95 – from Little Styles (In an effort to encourage a few sleepovers at Nonna’s house) I am loving this cute backpack from Skip Hop – they’ll love it because it will remind them of Hoot from the ABC’s Giggle & Hoot.

5. Old Soles Pavement Tread Red $44.95 – from Cornflowerblue I am a little embarrassed to admit to the fact that my girls now own 10 pairs of Old Soles shoes between them. This pair, however, are for my nephew who will love racing around in them. Everyone knows that red runners make you go faster. I also like this pair here from Mini Chatterbox.

6. Imp Blue Playsuit $49.00 – from Aunty Ollie I love this gorgeous brand; and either one of my babes will look lovely in this on-trend jumpsuit.

7. Janod Chic French Grocery Shop $125.00 NOW $115.00 for a limited time – from Lime Tree Kids Anyone say entrepreneurs? My girls can learn the art of making money young by running their own shop in this tres chic little French grocery.

8. Missie Munster Owlwise Dress $50.00 – from Little Pinwheel My absolute favourite piece for girls this summer. I love – they need!

9. Sparkle T Markham Machine in Pink $9.95 – from Stylish Kiddish To save my girls fighting over my nephew’s trucks they can have their very own. Being pink he isn’t going to want it, and at this price I can easily buy the girls one each.

10. Nursery Rhyme Blocks $34.95 – from Cornflowerblue What a fun way to learn nursery rhymes while also further developing fine motor skills.

11. A Child’s First Numbers by Alison Jay $24.95 – available from Design Child My girls love books and we have almost all Alison Jay’s books – except this one.

12. Contigo Kid’s Autoseal Drink Bottle in Purple $11.95 – available from Where Did You Get That? I love it because it will save me cleaning up spills and they’ll love it because it looks like a big person’s drink bottle. Everyone’s happy!

 Please check out KidStyleFile’s All Current Deals page for any special deals that might be available.

Written by Melody

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As I write this I have *all* three children asleep – trust me, this is a feat that rarely happens! A lot can be said for silence when there is usually three mini chatterboxes running around. Without the alternating giggles and cries of the 8-month old, the little chatter of the two-year old and the rough and tumble of the four-year old, I finally have a chance to start chatting myself about the fabulous store Mini Chatterbox – www.minichatterbox.com.au.

Mini Chatterbox has a gorgeous array of kids’ clothing and accessories. They make Christmas shopping easy with categories including the What We Love and What’s New category which highlight some delightful pieces from some of our favourite brands. If you are looking for a special Christmas day outfit for your little ones then look to the What’s New category where you can pick up gorgeous pieces like the beautiful, organic cotton Purebaby Shirred Dress in a blueberry floral print.

The On Sale section is a must see for those looking for a bargain without sacrificing on style. The Tommy Rocket No Rude Finger Tank is so cool for little boys on a warm day, and at 50% off it’s a total steal. The Moppit Charity Pink Dress also stands out for its floaty shape and soft baby pink cotton jersey – pretty and comfy. The Alimrose Design Teething Rings also deserve a special mention. They have transformed the traditional gel teething moulds into a gorgeous accessory that any mother would be proud to have their baby resting their gums on; a perfect gift for a little babe.

To help you prepare for the silly season, Mini Chatterbox is offering KidStyleFile readers a massive 20% off all full-priced items, plus free shipping on orders over $150.  And if you’ve been hoping to get your hands on one of the coveted Cocoon Couture Bean Bags for your child’s room, now is the time to buy – a library bag is being thrown in for *free* with each bean bag sold! To access these savings type in code KSFNOV at the checkout before 27 November 2011.

Sale prices less 20% below are valid with code KSFNOV before November 27, 2011 – while stocks last only.

1. Old Soles Petal Ballet Flat Silver was $49.95 now $44.95
2. Cocoon Couture Dreamy Owl Bean Bag Green Pink Owl was $99.95 now 89.95 + a free Library Bag with every Cocoon Couture Bean Bag sold, while stocks last. 
3. Sooki Baby Love Pears Cross Over Swing Top 32.95 LESS 20% now $26.36
4. Bluebelle Organic Frilly Frenchi’s & Singlet Set Red Spot 24.95 – 20% now $19.95
5. Bebe Abbey Dress Lava $44.00 LESS 20% now $35.20
6. Junior Master Chef Cake Kit $39.95 now $35.95
7. Love Henry Pink Bow Singlets 24.95 LESS 20% now $19.96
8. Bobble Art Large Canvas Backpack Alien was $37.95 now $32.95
9. Walnut Shoes Tennis Grey Jersey was $29.95 now $22.95
10. Milky Baby Chopper Tee $17.95 LESS 20% now $14.36
11. Purebaby Blue Check Shirt $39.95 LESS 20% now 31.96 

Mini Chatterbox stock a large selection of loved brands and unique items from Aden & Anais, Alex & Charli,  Alex Toys, Alimrose Design, Baobab, b. box, Bebe, Bebe Jnr, Bobble Art, Boon, Carters, Chalk n Cheese, Cocoon Clothing, Cocoon Couture, Cried Wolf, Ellani Petite, Fixoni, Freshbaked Kids, Gymboree UK, HIPP Invitations, Jarmeez, Junior Master Chef, Lil Fraser Wraps, Little Chippi, Love Me Baby, Mill & Mia, Milky, MiniChatterbox, Mini Treasures, Moppit, Old Soles, Olli & Pop, Polarn O. Pyret, Purebaby, Rising Star, Skip Hop,Sooki Baby, Tommy Rocket, Woof, Two Belles, Vulli, Willow and Finn and Walnut.

All orders placed at Mini Chatterbox before 12pm are dispatched within 24 hours. Delivery is via Express Post as standard and starts at $7.95 Australia wide. See delivery information for full rates and information.

Written by Miki

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When it comes to shoes for little feet, quality is paramount.  Babies’ and toddlers’ feet are formed mostly of cartilage rather than bone, and as such they’re very easily moulded. Having shoes that fit properly and are well designed for delicate, growing feet is absolutely vital.

When I was a kid, shoes that were high quality and good for feet also meant ugly, but luckily that’s no longer the case! Baby Bootique – www.babybootique.com.au – stocks a range of shoes for babies and children, each shoe carefully selected to ensure that it’s exactly what we, as parents, want for our kids’ feet.  There are stylish offerings from Rileyroos, Jack & Lily, Baby Couture, Chilli Kids, Old Soles and Skeanie to name but a few of the brands on offer.  The new summer stock is just gorgeous too – adorable sandals for boys and girls, plus sneakers and MJs that are just begging to be bought and tried on with every outfit in your kid’s closet; who could resist?

Personally I adore the Rileyroos Chessie Sandal in Chocolate for boys and the Old Soles Copper Gladiator Sandals for girls.  But then again, I’m also drawn to the Chilli Kids Andy Canvas Slip On in Navy and the Livie & Luca Bloom in Latte… hmmm, it’s a difficult choice. What are your favourites?

To celebrate their 2nd birthday, Baby Bootique are giving you 20% off storewide! Enter the code KSF at checkout before 27 October 2011. The discount is off everything in the store, including sale items which are already discounted by up to half price, while stocks last!

The prices below are valid until 27 October 2011 using the code KSF at checkout.

1. Rileyroos Dakota Fire Engine Sandals, $47.95 less 20% = $38.36
2. Jack & Lily Black Skull Boy Shoes, $44.95 less 20% = $35.96
3. Livie & Luca Bloom Latte, $72.95 less 20% = $58.36
4. Rileyroos Chessie Sandal Chocolate, $47.95 less 20% = $38.36
5. Old Soles Copper Gladiator Sandals, $44.95 less 20% = $35.96
6. Skeanie Black Junior Mary Janes, $49.95 less 20% = $39.96
7. Chilli Kids Andy Canvas Slip On Navy, $34.95 less 20% = $27.96
8. Jack & Lily Chocolate Lovebirds MJs, $44.95 less 20% = $35.96
9. Livie & Luca Pio Pio in Brown, $72.95 $55.00 less 20% = $44.00
10. Jack & Lily Cream Sneakers, $52.95 $27.50 less 20% = $22.00
11. Rileyroos Bailey Boots  Cocoa, $51.98 $39.60 less 20% = $31.68
12. Skeanie Winter Boots Pink, $49.95 $39.60 less 20% = $31.68

Baby Boutique stocks a range of high quality babies’ and children’s shoes from brands such as Rileyroos, Jack & Lily, Charli Bear, Baby Couture, Chilli Kids, Gracious May, Old Soles, Sweet And Spontaneous, Skeanie, Pork Chop Kids.

Baby Bootique is proudly Australian owned and operated, and delivers to all states within Australia free of charge for any orders above $150 in value (international shipping rates vary). A flat fee of $7.00 applies for any order under $150 in value.

Written by Jen

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Growing up in Dublin, I recall the regular visits to the Start Rite shop, where we’d have our feet carefully measured in a fabulous old foot fitting machine. It could have been something straight out of a Roald Dahl story, but we always came away with a pair of shiny new shoes.

I’m excited to see lots of bright and beautiful designs for Summer that mix fashion with function. And we’re not talking boring brogues either, designers have colour and cool all wrapped up. Don’t forget, there are always bargains around and I was so excited to see some Native Jeffersons on sale in my favourite totem red. I think the boys will be getting a pair each!

Of course there are mouth watering styles for girls, a kaleidoscope of pretty colours that are just too cute for words, my favourite being a tie between the Lyra sandals from See Kai Run and the Shiny Yellow delights from Saltwater. Oh to be young again! But don’t forget the boys,  if you really want to impress, why not buy a pair of Superhero wings from Smallfly. They come in a range of colours and will add some serious status to any playground.

1. Smallfly Superhero Green Wing accessories USD $22.00 on Etsy
2. Diesel Yuk and Net runners in blue $119.00 at Buckets and Spades
3. Native Jefferson Shoe in Totem Red $49.95 at Little Pinwheel
4. See Kai Run Lyra sandals in Blue $64.95 at See Kai Run
5. Mini Melissa Aranha sandals in Green Pearlescent were $80, now $65 at Melissa Australia
6. Crocs Shirley sandals in Green and Blue $59.99 at Crocs Australia
7. Havaianas Hundreds and Thousands Thong $24.95 at Saltwaterwine
8. Scruffy Dog Buddy Sandals in Khaki $62.95. Stockists available through Scruffy Dog
9. Walnut Rope Sole in Red Stripe $34.95 at Walnut
10. Chook Leaf Maran Shoe in Cream/Yellow $88 at Chook Leaf
11. Native Shoes Fitzimmons Boots in Blue $89.95 at Little Pinwheel
12. Birkenstock Nervada in Black $86.00 at Tiny People
13. Agatha Ruiz de la Prada Cazoleta Shoes in White $135.00 at Buckets and Spades
14. Camper Ous Sandal in Ink/Sapphire $143 at Eeni Meeni
15. Chilli Kids Sarah in Navy Spot $34.95 at Chilli Kids
16. Old Soles Candy Flat in Silver $44.95. Stockists available through Old Soles
17. Livi & Luca Port in Aqua toddler shoes $72.95 at Baby Bootique
18. Jack & Lili Cream Sneakers were $52.95 now $27.50 at Baby Bootique
19. Camper Wabi Rubber Sandal in Berry Pistachio $77.00 at Eeni Meeni
20. SaltWater Sandals in Shiny Yellow $64.00 at Tiny Steps