KidStyleFile

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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

Post written by Melody

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Even though I don’t completely agree with his logic I do like an excuse to shop, especially when the gorgeous online boutique Mini Chatterbox – www.minichatterbox.com.au has some seriously cute new summer arrivals to choose from *and* is having a massive sale. And so the search begins for a pair of ‘boxing’ shorts: I love the drastically reduced Tommy Rocket DJ Shorts, and the Bebe Boys Multi Striped Board Shorts could also work as they are just that bit shorter and super, summer cute. For girls I am loving the Bebe Abbey Rosette Lava Dress, it is a perfect party season dress.

Mini Chatterbox stock a huge array of gorgeous kids’ clothing and accessories. One that stands out for me (and between you and me, this has been added to the Christmas list) is the adorable Oomoo Leggy Table and Chair Set. Crafted out of birchwood, this makes a stylish addition to your kitchen while still looking fabulous with your decor. With extra height and an accompanying stool plus three little chairs, you can enjoy eating with the kids at ‘their’ table. Now is the perfect time to buy this great table too because it is currently on sale *and* comes with free postage – woohoo!

Pick up a bargain today at Mini Chatterbox’s huge sale where you can save up to 60% off RRP. KSF readers can also enjoy 20% off all full priced items and free shipping on all orders over $150.00. Make sure to type in KSFSEPT at the checkout, but be quick, the sale is while stocks last, and the offer ends September 30th, 2011.

Sale items are valid while stocks last; and 20% discounted full-priced items are valid with code KSFSEPT until 30 September 2011.

1. Oomoo Leggy Table and Chair Set $189.00 Sale Price = $180.00 + Free Shipping
2. Cocoon Couture $99.95 Sale Price = $89.95
3. Sooki Baby Fast Cars Play Suit $34.95 less 20% = 27.95
4. Walnut Mary Jane Chilli Red Shoes $29.95, Sale Price $22.95
5. PureBaby Shirred Dress $49.95 less 20% = $39.96
6. Bluebelle Organic Frilly Frenchi’s and Singlet Set $24.95 less 20% = $19.95
7. Bebe Aston Sky Check Shirt $42.95 less 20% = $34.35
8. Old Soles Easy Tread Black $49.95 Sale Price $44.95
9. Love Henry Floral Frilly Dress $54.95 less 20% = $43.96
10. Fox and Finch Willow Sundress with Pockets $57.95 less 20% = $46.35
11. Bebe Abbey Rose Dress Lava $37.95 less 20% = $30.35

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.

Post written by Leah

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KidStyleFile is proud to be the official sponsor of Kids Instyle, part of the hotly anticipated 2011 Life Instyle trade event in Melbourne – now only 1 week away!  Besides being delighted to bring this fantastic ‘trade only’ event to you, we get the perk of previewing who is going to be there.  Because we love to share, we’re letting you in on some sneaky previews. For Anna’s sneak peak from last week see here or for Miki’s sneak peak from the week before see here.

Today’s sneak peek is a lovely selection of some of my favorite picks which I also cannot wait to find on the shelves of some of my favorite online stores

ONE:  Smellies Clothing Some of my favourite memories of the late 80s were scratch and sniff stickers. I was so excited to come across Smellies Clothing who have incorporated this cool idea into their clothing (and even hyper colour).

TWO: Rhubarb I love the primary based colour palette of the range. Durable, hardwearing and stylish.

THREE: Ola and Olek My mum has flaming red hair, so this label feels like home and has a certain cheekiness to each design. Fresh, unique and now based in Australia. MUST SEE their upcoming range.

FOUR: Little Chillies When an upcoming event is on the cards I look to Little Chillies for exquisite detailing, high quality fabrics and vintage styling. Bonus: it’s all Australian made.

FIVE: Rock Your Baby One of the most affordable, stylish and rocking ranges on the market. Any item from the range will give your little one instant street cred.

SIX.  Knuffle Kid  Melbourne based and made, this label is certain to pull out all the punches when exhibiting in their home town. Quirky, yet refined….keep your eye out for glimpses of their winter 2012 collection to be revealed.

SEVEN: Bluebelle Super soft underwear with layers and layers of ruffles. Luxury for your kidlets from the bottom up!

EIGHT: Princess Ratbag One of the most popular of all pettiskirt labels. Whimsical and chic but with just the right pinch of ‘ratbag’; I cannot wait to reveal what they have in store for us.

NINE: OLD SOLES  After footwear that fits growing feet and looks ultra chic? Turn to Old Soles, an Australian label who knows just what you need. What steps have they made since we last covered them at KIS?

TEN: Britt Design Another Australian label that has kept much of its production right here rather than offshore. They have branched out from cute and snuggly wooly garments for kids to include jewellery and accessories and I can’t wait to see their latest offerings (I used to peruse their wares when they were a market store here in Bondi!).

The Kids Instyle essential details for your calendar are:
Where: Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne
Dates: Thursday 4th to 7th August 2011
Hours: Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday/Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 9am-5pm
To register: Click here