KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Miki

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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 written by Miki

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On the hunt for something new and cool for your kids?  It’s well worth paying a visit to Chic Kids – www.chickids.com.au – to check out all the fabbo new stock Denise is bringing into the store.

She’s been visiting trade shows, and hunting far and wide to find hot new products for us to load into our shopping carts, and I have to say, I love what she’s turned up: the new range from popular Freshbaked is funky and, well – fresh!  You’ll find plenty in there for boys and girls, and all with the hip edge that characterises Freshbaked’s gear, plus I think it’s great that they’re not afraid of bright colours.

The other new addition, and this one will be of special interest to the mums of girls, are the adorable new tutu/pettiskirts from Princess Ratbag.  Made from up to seven metres of floaty, luxurious nylon chiffon, they feature an elasticated ribbon waist to ensure plenty of room for growth.  I think no little princess’s wardrobe could be complete without one of these!  I’m quite certain that if I’d had one as a child it would have had to be surgically removed from me, I’d have loved it so much.

As always when you’re at Chic Kids, make sure you check out the Delicious Discounts section; it’s delicious indeed – check the hefty discounts on brands such as Marquise, Bebe by Minihaha, Baobab and Plum, so if you’re quick you can snap up the kinds of bargains that leave you grinning all day!

Here’s even more reason to visit Chic Kids right now: Denise is holding a 10 day sale with 15% off store-wide! Yep, that includes all new stock, all sale items – everything!!  Ya!! Enter ‘CHICKIDS’ at checkout to redeem. Sale finishes at midnight on the 14 May 2009. But wait, there’s more! Spend over $20 (before postage) and you’ll receive a FREE wooden jungle animal bookmark too! Offer available while stocks last.

Discounted prices quoted in red below are after the 15% code as above has been applied. Discounted prices are applicable until midnight 14 May 2009 only.

1. Big Baby Bib, $9.95 $8.45
2. Baobab New Pink Tulle Skirt, $44.95 $38.20
3. Magnetic Jungle Animal Clips, $6.95 $5.90
4. Marquise Striped Romper, $34.95 $29.70
5. Cupcakes Wooden Puzzle, $46.95 $39.90
6. Baby Ballet Shoes – Black, $18.95 $16.10
7. Star Child Jolly Pirate Shoes – Blue Stripe, $39.95 $33.95
8. Freshbaked Tee – Green, $29.95 $25.45
9. Freshbaked Denim Overalls, $39.95 $33.95
10. Animal Bowling Set, $32.95 $28.00

Chic Kids post Australia-wide from $7.95 using Express Post.  Please see here for further details.

Today’s post written by Angela

Today’s post written by Miki

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As the mum of a boy, I often get frustrated when trying to shop for clothes for him.  I walk into any children’s clothes store and see row after row of pink, while the boys clothes might take up half a rack.  It’s inequality, I tell you!  I might write to my MP about it

This is one of the reasons I prefer to shop online for his things.  I don’t have to waste my time walking into every pink-dominated store in town, and I can hunt around for the pieces which I think would suit him best – and the prices that suit me best!

Shopping online gets even better when I find sites like Just For Boys – www.justforboys.com.au – which is a relatively new site on the scene that sells the creme de la creme of boyswear in Australia.  I am in luuuuuurve!

Just For Boys stock a fantastic selection of clothing and accessories from Gabrial Saynte, Inky Dink, Mites, Pixie Rock, Sourpuss, Elodie Details, The Bitterstrums, Starchild Shoes, Ed Hardy, Wonderboy, True Religion, Sandbox Rebel, Cocoon Clothing, daksforkids, Monster Baby, Baby WIt, Personalised Pacifiers, Milkooler,  Fred & Friends, and Deadly Girl Couture (yes, despite the name it’s the boyswear they stock!),

Inky Dink is, as of right now, my new favourite brand for boys tees.  I love their styles – hip, a bit edgy and yet still age-appropriate for a little boy.  He’ll rock out in these tees!  The Urbanscapes tee pictured at no. 1 below is at the very top of my ‘must have’ list, I love it!

Mums of baby boys, have you seen daksforkids before?  They do the cutest little animal print pants in 100% cotton, and the best thing about them is that they’re designed to grow with your little man, starting off as full-length pants, then cropped and then 3/4 as he gets taller.  So not only are they adorable but you’ll get twice as much use out of them!

Right now is a fantastic time to pay a visit to Just For Boys, as Julie is having a sale on selected brands and products.  You can take up to 25% off Inky Dink, daksforkids, Ed Hardy, Wonderboy and Starchild Shoes – woohoo!!

And because we are special, KSF readers can take an extra 5% off with the code ‘ksfsummersale’.  Just type it in at checkout and you’re away!  This fiesta ends 12 February 2009, so leap on over.

You can take an additional 5% off these prices by using the code ‘ksfsummersale’ at checkout until 12th of February 2009.

1. Inky Dink Urbanscapes Tee, $29.95 $24.95 (my absolute must-have pick for the day!)
2. Wonderboy West Point Short Sleeve Western Shirt, $44.95 $29.95
3. Starchild Sporty Shoes, $34.95 $24.95
4. daksforkids Zebra Print Pants, $29.95 $18.95
5. Starchild Star Shoes, $34.95 $24.95
6. daksforkids Blue Giraffe Pants, $29.95 $18.95
7. Wonderboy Maritime Tee, $22.95 $14.95
8. Inky Dink Space Invaders Tee, $34.95 $27.95
9. Crime Scene Bandaids, $9.95 (ok, so these aren’t on sale but I thought they were a neat idea to stash away in the present drawer!)
10. Ed Hardy Long Sleeve Tee With Bulldog Print, $89.00 $74.95

Just For Boys post Australia-wide from $7.90.  Please see their Payment & Shipping page for further details.

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!

The Fairy Jardin

The Fairy Jardin – www.thefairyjardin.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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If you thought the best of the winter sales were over, you were wrong!

Chic Kids – www.chickids.com.au – are having a massive sale: 15% off all clothing!

But it gets even better than that! Chic Kids members get an extra 10% off store-wide!! All you have to do is register at checkout and use the coupon chic10 to receive this bonus.

So that makes all clothing at Chic Kids at least 25% off!!!

Plus if you’re a greedy guts and want even more of a discount, have a squiz at the new Chic Kids section, Delicious Discounts. In there you’ll find Oobi at 20% off, and that’s before your extra 10% off is calculated.

Chic Kids have a gorgeous range of designers, including Moppit, Oobi Baby (all Oobi on sale until sold out!!), Tickled Pink, Kate Finn Toys, Eternal Creation, Cheeky Monkey, Sckoon Organic Clothing, Starchild Shoes, Tippy Toes Socks, BabyLegs, Star & Rose, yoli-poli, Asthma Friendly, Plum and the uber cool US label verymeri.

Speaking of verymeri, their tees are really taking off in the US now. All verymeri tees are designed by kids! Anyone under 18 can enter a design, and kids can likewise vote for their favourites and the winning designs are produced for purchase. Check out Chic Kids’s verymeri range here.

Now this next thing I want to mention isn’t clothing, but they’re just so cool that I couldn’t go past them: Mooo ride-on racers. Now how completely and totally awesome are they??!

The Mooo Ride-on racers come in red, pink and black, they don’t have pedals so they’re perfect for little toddler legs to push around, and they’re just so shiny and gorgeous that the whole neighbourhood will want one (even the adults ).

When you use the members discount code to take 10% off the price they’re really quite affordable too, much cheaper than many other quality ride-on toys. At $125.00 $112.50 I’m incredibly tempted to get my son one of these – in red of course; red goes faster – for his first birthday which is coming up in a couple of weeks.

Now without further ado, here are my picks for the clothing sale:

Don’t forget to take an extra 10% off these fab prices when you netr ‘chic10′:

Starchild leather shoes – Monkey, $39.95 $33.96
Starchild leather shoes – Lacey, $39.95 $33.96
yoli-poli Warrior II tee, $29.95 $25.46
Moppit La Princesse tee, $44.95 $38.21
Tickled Pink kaftan top, $22.95 $19.51
Moppit grey & black striped hoodie for boys, $49.95 $42.46
Baobab striped bodysuit in red/navy, $37.95 $32.26
Eternal Kids double pocket mountain shirt, $39.50 $33.57
Eternal Kids cord bootleg pants in camel, $39.50 $33.57
Tickled Pink dress in pink with ballerina print, $44.95 $38.21
Plum long-sleeved boys two piece set in green, $33.90 $28.81
Sckoon organic preemie round kimono in blue, $38.95 $33.11

Chic Kids post Australia-wide using Express Post. Parcels up to 1kg are $6.95, parcels 1-3kgs are $9.90 and for orders over $200 postage is FREE.