KidStyleFile

Today’s post brought to you by Miki

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

When my first son was a baby and a new walker, I was a regular customer at Tiny Steps – www.tinysteps.com.au.  Fiona was incredibly helpful when it came to helping me choose shoes for my wobbly, toddling bundle of joy, and I completely trusted her judgement as she specialises in shoes for under-twos and the specific needs of their little feet.

I came away with many a beautiful pair of little shoes, safe in the knowledge that they’d perfectly support my son’s developing feet, and having easily chosen the right size due to Tiny Steps’ comprehensive sizing guides.  The day I realised his feet had grown too big for me to shop at Tiny Steps any more was a sad one, but thank goodness I now have baby number 2, and a whole new reason to do some more miniature shoe shopping!

For anyone else who has little feet to buy for, I wholeheartedly recommend Tiny Steps.  For one thing, buying online from Tiny Steps’ huge range is so much easier than dragging a tantruming toddler through shoe shops (especially when you’re then told that they only have one or two styles in your child’s size). For another, Fiona’s customer service is legendary: FREE customised gift wrap, a no-fuss returns policy, plus the shoes are all shipped in their original boxes (always a bonus), and the site offers flat-rate express or registered postage, and orders over $150 ship free.  There are also a great range of accessories to select from from labels including Eeeni Meeni Miini Moh and BlaBla. You can see why I’ve kept going back!

There’s an extra reason to shop at Tiny Steps right now, too: in addition to a most impressive store-wide sale with up to 40% off, the wonderful Fiona is extending an additional 10% off store-wide discount to all KSF readers. Yep, up to 50% off brands including 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. Woo! Enter discount code ‘KSFFEB10‘ at checkout to redeem this offer until 28 February 2010. If that doesn’t make you feel like dancing, I don’t know what will

The prices below are with the KSF discount applied (read above), while stocks last, until 28 February 2010.

1. Bibi Sneakers – Pistacchio, $56.95 $32.35
2. BLOCH Baby – Tweed Pink, $39.95 $25.87
3. Bibi Sneakers – Tan, $56.95 $32.35
4. Bibi Afeto – Navy/Cream, $45.95 $22.63
5. BLOCH Frilled Pearl Violet, $49.95 $32.25
6. BLOCH Stella White, $75.95 $43.69
7. BLOCH Patent Ballerina Red, $49.95 $32.25
8. Bibi Afeto White/Sky Blue, $45.95 $22.63
9. Bibi Pink Sneaker, $56.95 $32.35

Tiny Steps stocks 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.

Today’s post written by Miki

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

‘Tis the season to be merry! Nope, I’m not talking about Christmas, I’m talking about the post-Christmas sales!  There’s a lot going on at the moment, but one of the best is at Design Child – www.designchild.com.au – where top branded clothing is up to 35% off!

Yes, that’s right folks, up to 35% off (and in some cases more) brands such as Baobab, mill&mia, Aravore, Neige and Albetta!  You don’t need a code, prices are on sale as marked, so get in before everything goes because that’s bound to be soon.  (Note that the sale excludes Peggy brand clothing, and footwear.)

There are also some new products to check out: canvas prints from Sydney company Urban Nest Designs which are absolutely beautiful; peaceful, nature inspired, slightly Scandinavian looking and very, very stylish. There’s a stunning pair of alphabet prints included in the range (one for a girl’s room, one for a boy’s) which are my favourites.

Also new are Pediped shoes which I can personally recommend, my older son having had several pairs. They’re soft soled shoes, as recommended for babies and new walkers by pretty much every health professional out there.  The soles are lightly padded though, which makes it more comfy for little feet especially on uneven surfaces.  The uppers are incredibly soft leather with easy close fastenings, making it easy to get them onto wriggly feet.

So head over to head over to Design Child and make the most of the fantastic sale and the heavenly new products pronto!

Discounted prices quoted below are valid while stocks last only.

1. mill&mia Black Shirred Flower Dress, $99.95 $54.95
2. Aravore Babies Organic Ruffle Dress, $149.95 $109.95
3. Neige ‘Arnie’ Shirt, $64.95 $39.95
4. Baobab Seahorse Tee, $32.95 $22.95
5. And Me Too Tiered Skirt, $64.95 $39.95
6. Albetta Horsey Babygrow, $41.95 $34.95
7. Neige Victoria Top, $74.95 $54.95
8. Albetta Organic Monkey Pyjamas, $54.95 $39.95
9. mill&mia Black Domino Tee, $49.95 $29.95
10. mill&mia Denim Skinny Leg Pant, $74.95 $34.95

Design Child stock Aravore Babies, Oobi Baby & Kids,  mill & mia, Seed Organic, Bluebird & Honey, Walnut, Neige, aden + anais, Baby Bonkie, Caden Lane, Il Tutto, Alannah Rose, Cocoon Couture, Baobab, Albetta, Robbie Adrian, And Me Too, Baby Legs, DwellStudio, Baby Bloch, Automoblox, Design Child, Silikids, Little Chipipi, Alphasketti, Mooo, eeBoo, Brio, Little Choopie, Djeco, Flipsy Flopsy Doll Co, Inner-B, Lambykins, Kidsonroof, Made By Angie,  More 4 Boys, Nurtured By Nature,  Nature’s Child, Seedling, Red Plum Linen, Tummy Tie, Wow, WOOF!, Pebbles, Peanut Shell, Mamas & Papas,.

Design Child charge $6.95 postage for up to 2 kgs, $10.50 for larger parcels. International shipping is very welcome See Ordering & Delivery page for full information.

Today’s post written by Anna

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Well lovely ones; this is it! The last days until Christmas 2009 are now upon us, and Melissa from Design Child – www.designchild.com.au is sending some last minute Christmas love our way!

For the next 48 hours KidStyleFile readers can take 15% off store wide* including sale stock reduced by up to 60% (hot tip: the Kidsonroof mobile home for just $33.95!!) at Design Child. Hurry on over now and shop fast, as this offer must end midnight Thursday 17 December 2009. Plus one bonus day for KSF newsletter readers on 22 December 2009 until midnight!! To redeem enter discount code ‘kidsxmas’ at checkout.
* Please note the following exclusions apply: offer is not valid on Pediped, Seed Organic, Red Plum Linen, gift vouchers, or for lay-bys. No rainchecks. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Cannot be redeemed after orders are placed.

As always, a visit to Design Child is a treat for the eyes – it really is a beautiful site – thanks to Melissa’s knack for searching out all things new and cool. There are some delightful new additions at Design Child, including delightful books from hot designer brand Dwell Studio, Pediped who make gorgeous shoes for little feet, the debut range of boho inspired clothes from Peggy, the sweetest ever hair clips from Giddy Giddy, & Milk Baby’s delicious range of baby bath products.

Plus, you’re only one small click away from a whole section of stocking stuffers – there are so many goodies awaiting you here; your stocking will be overflowing in no time!

Discounted prices quote below are applicable for 48 hours only with KSF discount code (see above).  Prices return to full price at midnight December 17 2009.

1. Giddy Giddy – Heart Hair Clip $9.95 less 15% = $8.45
   
2. Peggy Poppie Dress $79.95 less 15% = $67.95
3. Pediped Couture – Gabriella $49.95
4. DwellStudio – LOOK Book $14.95 less 15% = $12.70
5. Giddy Giddy – Green Apple Hair Clip $9.95 less 15% = $8.45
6. Albetta – Flower Field Summer Pyjamas $54.95 $39.95 less 15% = $33.95
7. Belli Pregnancy – All Day Moisture Lotion $41.95 $31.95 less 15% = $27.15
8. DwellStudio – COUNT Book $14.95 less 15% = $12.70
9. Pediped – Josh $49.95
10. Oobi Baby & Kids – Apple Print Socks $12.95 less 15% = $11.00
11. The Tiger Who Came to Tea $14.95 less 15% = $12.70

Design Child’s have a delightful selection of quality brands. You can shop from: Aravore Babies, Oobi Baby & Kids,  mill & mia, Seed Organic, Bluebird & Honey, Walnut, Neige, aden + anais, Baby Bonkie, Caden Lane, Il Tutto, Alannah Rose, Cocoon Couture, Baobab, Albetta, Robbie Adrian, And Me Too, Baby Legs, DwellStudio, Baby Bloch, Automoblox, Design Child, Silikids, Little Chipipi, Alphasketti, Mooo, eeBoo, Brio, Little Choopie, Djeco, Flipsy Flopsy Doll Co, Inner-B, Lambykins, Kidsonroof, Made By Angie,  More 4 Boys, Nurtured By Nature,  Nature’s Child, Seedling, Red Plum Linen, Tummy Tie, Wow, WOOF!, Pebbles, Peanut Shell, Mamas & Papas,.

Design Child charge $6.95 postage for up to 2 kgs, $10.50 for larger parcels. International shipping is very welcome See Ordering & Delivery page for full information.

Today’s post written by Miki

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Hi, my name’s Miki and I’m a self-confessed kids’ shoe addict.

I’m not alone: KSF readers Jodi and Melanie recently requested a post on shoes and boots for little feet, and I am more than happy to oblige! (In fact, I have been wanting an excuse to sit down and hunt out some awesome little shoes as my son (nearly two) has just grown out of his last pair of Pedipeds and his Walnuts are still too big for him – and that’s not as rude as it sounds!)

So, where to begin?  Well, with winter approaching it seems sensible to look for boots – after all, we mums love to wear our boots in winter so who’s to say that the kids don’t too?  Luckily there are boots galore in all sorts of sizes to suit all sorts of ages, and both girls and boys.  Have a look at the image collage below for some of my faves.

Sneakers are always a goer regardless of your child’s age or gender.  Take them anywhere, do anything in them; they can be teamed with the girliest of tutus or the most macho jeans and shirts you can imagine.  I think every child should have at least one or two pairs of sneakers!

Don’t forget that babies and young toddlers should be in soft-soled shoes until several months after walking has been established. Plenty of research shows that babies’ feet develop best when they learn to walk barefoot, and soft soled shoes are a good alternative where bare feet just aren’t practical.  The soft little leather shoes from brands such as Robeez, Star Child, Beautiful Soles and Skeanie are also great for protecting crawlers’ feet.

Well without further ado, here are my picks for the cutest kids’ shoes and boots this season! Enjoy!

1. Baby Chick Pink Boots, $95.00 from Kounia-Bella
2. Luxurious Cream Loafers, $49.95 from Skeanie
3. Morgan & Milo LTT Oxford – Red/Orange, $44.95 $39.95 from Where Did You Get That?
4. Walnut Desert Boots – Navy, $59.95 from Urban Child
5. LelliKelly Iris Laces Sequinned Boots, $114.00 $109.95 from Where Did You Get That?
6. Beautiful Soles Silver Rock Star Baby Shoe, $39.90 $29.95 from Bubba Funk
7. Star Child Cherry Baby, $39.95 from Chic Kids
8. Scandeez Baby Leather Brown Moks, $35.00 $21.00 from Soda Pop Kids
9. Walnut Mary Janes – French Navy Spot, $29.95 from Urban Child
10. Samvara Navaho Cowboy Boot – Chocolate, $114.00 from Bubba Funk
11. Fire Engine Red Boots, $39.95 from Skeanie
12. Robeez Guitar Soft-Soled Baby Shoes, $57.00 from Kounia-Bella
13. Jack & Lily Love Birds – Chocolate, $54.95 from Little Styles

PS Polka also make a gorgeous girl’s boot, the Mika-Lu, which Ange’s girls have for this winter, for just $88.00. Hit up Raspberry Rascals to behold the goodness. Check sizing with them before your purchase.

As always, please check individual sites for postage details, and have a look at the KidStyleFile All Current Deals page to make sure you’re getting the best deal on your purchase.

Today’s post brought to you by  infant shoe aficionado, Miki.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Back at the start of this month I wrote about the beautiful new online store for baby and toddler shoes, Tiny Steps - www.tinysteps.com.au.

At the time of writing my little boy had just started walking, and I was so excited by that and by the stunning range of shoes available at Tiny Steps that I placed an order for two pairs of Pedipeds.  The particular styles I wanted were out of stock in Alex’s size, so the lovely Fiona ordered them in specially from the US for me!  I can’t rave on enough about her wonderful customer service, she is a joy and a delight to deal with.

As it turns out, I wasn’t the only one who loved Tiny Steps’ range: Fiona has been run off her feet by orders from excited KidStyleFile readers – finally, a place to get reasonably priced, top quality shoes for our little ones!

What has made the deal even sweeter is the 10% off store-wide discount code for KSF readers. This offer ends October 31, so be quick now Enter ‘KSFtake10′ at checkout to redeem.

Fiona also offers beautiful FREE gift wrapping, so just let her know if you want a special pair of shoes to go under the Christmas tree.

Given that Tiny Steps stock Pediped, Pedoodles, shooshoos, Sweet Shoes, diddledumpling, Bibi, Annabel Tends, 2feettall, Blabla and Kinder Clobber, you are guaranteed to find something perfect for your tot – I know I did

From top left in rows:

Discounted price quoted is after KSF 10% discount is applied until 31 October 2008 only.

Bibi Afeto White/Sky Blue, $45.95 $41.35
Pediped Demitri – Navy/Grey, $42.95 $38.65
diddledumpling Penguin Parade, $39.95 $35.95
Pedoodles Sweet Lady Janes, $48.95 $34.27 $30.84
shooshoos Navy With Cream Stripe, $29.95 $22.46 $20.21
shooshoos White/Side Flower, $29.95 $26.95
Sweet Shoes Brown/Black X Bones, $37.95 $34.15
Pediped Giselle, $42.95 $34.36 $30.92

Tiny Steps post within Australia for a flat rate of $7.50 for Express Post, or $8.50 for Registered Post. International orders are welcomed. Contact Fiona for a postage quote.

Today’s post brought to you by happily shoe-mad Miki.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Once upon a time in a land far, far away there was a little boy aged 18 months old who always sat perfectly still in the shoe shops while his mother and the store assistant tried shoes on him.

In the real world, however, I doubt there’s a child under the age of two alive who sits still in a shop for longer than about 0.2 seconds, let alone for long enough anyone to even think of trying new shoes on him or her!

Luckily we now have Tiny Steps – www.tinysteps.com.au to make our lives a whole lot easier!

Instead of wrestling your toddler into a shop and then tearing your hair out, you can order great baby and toddler shoes in the comfort of your own home and then try them on your kids at the right moment.  They offer a convenient and secure shopping environment with the option of credit card payment or direct deposit. Easy peasy!

Stockists of the best shoes for newborn to two year olds, Fiona at Tiny Steps (a shoe fanatic herself) stocks the most cost-effective, adorable and ergonomically sound shoes in Australia.

Brands stocked include Pediped, Pedoodles, shooshoos, Sweet Shoes, diddledumpling, Bibi, Annabel Tends, 2feettall, Blabla and Kinder Clobber, so you can see why Tiny Steps is so popular!

We talk about it all the time, so I’m sure you’ll know how essential it is that babies and toddlers have well-fitting, quality shoes to support their tiny, growing feet, especially when it comes to taking those all-important first steps. It’s well established that barefoot is best for development but so often it just isn’t practical to have the little ones running around with bare feet.  Do them and their feet a favour and put them in a good quality shoe which will aid rather than hamper correct foot development.

The quality brands that Tiny Steps stocks all designed to be a well made and attractive protecting layer around those precious little feet, rather than encasing them in unkindly hard soles and synthetic uppers.

The other great thing about Tiny Steps is that every single one of the shoes stocked isn’t just ergonomic – oh no, they’re absolutely gorgeous as well!

You just can’t go wrong at Tiny Steps as Fiona is dedicated to only stocking brands which will do all the right things for your kids feet.  The Tiny Steps website makes buying shoes a breeze as every shoe stocked has an easy-to-read sizing chart, so you know the shoes will fit well.

One of the newest brands at Tiny Steps is Sweet Shoes. Exclusive to Tiny Steps in Australia, Sweet Shoes are really making it big in the USA, especially since Angelina Jolie put little Shiloh in a pair of the black skull slip-ons ($33.95, less 10% = $30.55 until October 31).  Sweet Shoes was started by a mother of three using skate and surf culture as her inspiration, and the results are pure urban cool with an edge.

Until the October 31, Fiona is giving all KidStyleFile readers 10% discount storewide (most of the shoes are on sale, too, which means you are saving big time!) Enter the code ‘KSFtake10′ at checkout to redeem.

Orders of over $150.00 receive FREE postage, and you can also take advantage of the beautiful FREE gift wrapping on offer.

More hot picks of cool shoes below!

From top left in rows. Prices shown include the 10% KSF discount.

2feettall Jag Pink, $44.95  $35.95 $32.35
Annabel Trends ‘Dot’ socks, $19.95  $15.95 $14.35
Blabla Giraffe Mobile, $59.95  $35.95  $32.35
2feettall Doddles Navy, $44.95  $34.95 $31.45
Pediped Jake – Light Brown, $42.95  $38.65
Sweet Shoes Silver Sweet Janes, $37.95  $34.15
shooshoos Red With White Stripe, $29.95  $22.46  $20.21
Blabla Ladybug and Frog backpacks, $54.95  $32.95  $29.65
Pedoodles Sweet Lady Janes, $48.95  $34.27  $30.84
Sweet Shoes Navy Wave, $37.95  $34.15
diddledumpling Chirpy, $39.95  $35.95 (after all, we do love red birdies here at KSF!)

Tiny Steps post within Australia for a flat rate of $7.50 for Express Post, or $8.50 for Registered Post. International orders are welcomed. Contact Fiona for a postage quote.

Today, Miki reports on some fabulous footwear finds. It’s wonderful to know that funky and fashionable can meet, with baby and kids shoe designers producing shoes that not only look superb, but support healthy foot development. With kid’s feet constantly growing, you get the chance to have a bit of fun with choosing designs, and to make it even more fun, you can snap up some bargains here. Enjoy the weekend!

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

It’s well known these days how important it is to buy quality footwear for children.  The better brands of children’s shoe are designed to ensure that the little feet they protect grow and develop properly, so it’s a vital investment to make on behalf of your kids.

Luckily for us, there’s a great range online, and they aren’t just ergonomically designed, they’re extremely cute to boot! (Te he )

Here are some of our favourites:

Run by unashamed shoe fanatic Fiona, Tiny Steps - www.tinysteps.com.au is shoe heaven for toddlers! With a fabulous range of shoes for newborns through to two years, and it’s good to know that she only stocks shoes which encourage proper foot development in babies and toddlers.

Stocking brands such as Pediped, Pedoodles, diddledumpling, ShooShoos and Kinder Klobber to name but a few, you can’t help but find something perfect for your little one here.

Personally I’m eyeing off the Pediped shoes for my little guy – the hard part is choosing which ones!

From top left in rows: 

Pedoodles Flower Power $48.95
diddledumpling Snail Bootie $39.95
Pediped Tyler Navy $42.95
BlaBla Ladybug Booties $27.95

If you, like so many others – including our Ange -, are a big fan of fabulous US shoe brand Morgan & Milo then head straight to Charlipop Kids – www.charlipopkids.com.au.

Great for active kids, these are not only hard wearing but gorgeous to look at too!  Fresh, fun and sporty designs which are perfect for everyday use while still being a bit special.

The Morgan & Milo emphasis is on the fit, comfort and practical detailing, so these shoes are a winner anyway you look at it.

Don’t forget that you can get 10% off at Charlipop Kids Designer (yes, including Morgan & Milo) until 30 September!  Enter ‘KSF’ at checkout.

From top left in rows:

Morgan & Milo Avril Mary Jane Red Madras Patchwork Plaid $29.00  $26.10
Morgan & Milo Matilda Capri Blue Flower Print $29.00 $26.10
Morgan & Milo Gumboots Lou Lou Spots $45.00  $40.50
Morgan & Milo Libby Skimmer Olive Pinky $29.00  $26.10

Oh, how I love the collection of shoes at Buckets & Spades – www.bucketsandspades.com.au!  A great range of brands are there, including the delightfully frivolous (but somehow still practical) Lelli Kelly maryjanes and boots, Diesel sneakers, Fred Bare sandals, Agatha Ruiz De La Prada, Bimbi and the gorgeous Garvalin. My personal favourite, though, is Tip Toey Joey – adorable!!

Make sure you have a look at the extremely well-stocked Shoe Specials section at Buckets & Spades too!  That’s a great way to get premium quality shoes for the kids at big discounts.  And if there’s something in the full priced section that you adore, use the Shop 4 Kids discount code to take 10% off the price.  Just a tip.

No links provided here as Buckets & Spades is a frames-based site.  Use the search function to find anything you want, or just select the ‘Shoes’ link on the homepage.
From top left in rows:

Discounts below show the 10% Shop4Kids discount off full-priced items.

Tip Toey Joey Wavey 030 K – Olive/Charcoal $49.50 $44.55
Agatha Ruiz De La Prada Shoes Abadia $139.00  $125.10
Lelli Kelly Papavero Mid $99.00  $89.10
Diesel Parawil $125.00 – $140.00 $112.50 – $125.00 depending on size.

If Fair Trade is important to you (and it is to me) then Skeanie – www.skeanie.com should be your first choice for pre-walker and toddler shoes.

Made from soft, high quality leather uppers and designed to be non-slip for both walkers and crawlers, these little shoes are just adorable.  I also love the toddler boots and shoes – perfect for a little person who is determined to be a big person and wants the boots to prove it!

The baby shoes make ideal baby shower/new baby gifts, so take advantage of the Skeanie FREE giftwrapping service!

From top left in rows: 

Red Boots $39.95
Black Leather Toddler Boots $49.95  $39.95
Pink Sandals $29.95
Green Sneakers $29.95

La-La Baby – www.lalababy.com.au – make the most adorable slippers, which are super soft cotton and wool felt, guaranteed to keep baby’s toes snuggly and warm.  These are the perfect baby shower present and they’re so affordable that you don’t have to stop at one pair!

La La Baby also stock Chookleaf shoes designed for kids aged 9 months up, with lovely soft leather and bright, fun designs (for pics, see below).

Ten Sticky Fingers – www.tenstickyfingers.com.au – stock the most exquisite little booties made by mother & daughter team Red Thread Designs.  These booties are handmade using only the finest materials and the cutest little buttons, and no two booties are alike.  These booties are also heavily discounted at the moment to make way for new stock coming. Couture booties on the cheap: I love it!

From top left in rows: 

La La Baby Apple Soft Baby Slippers $18.95
Red Thread Designs ‘Little Pink Duck’ Booties $19.50  $11.90
Red Thread Designs Citrus Tart Slippers $19.50  $11.90
Chookleaf Tan Loafers at La-La Baby $54.95  $47.95

Please check individual sites for postage details.