KidStyleFile

Written by Leah

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One of my earliest memories involves a waterhole, a set of Smurf floaties and an old Holden ute. We had just moved to Darwin and my dad was convinced that we wouldn’t survive very long if we didn’t know how to swim. He drove us out to a place he was told had no crocs and threw my brother and I in the water. It could have been terrifying, but I lapped it up. I LOVED the water from that moment on (I’m certain the Smurf floaties gave me a confidence boost!). It must be in the genes too, as my kidlets also love the water!

Of course, if you are going to be lounging around a pool, a swimming hole or the beach this summer you will need a good pair of swimmers. I’ve found that practicality is essential, as you don’t want them falling down at an unforgiving moment. At the same time, style is essential rather than an optional extra.

As such, I have rounded up a plethora of swimwear labels for your perusal. I’m certain you will find a favourite pair of togs within my selection that will suit your requirements and a style that will suit your little one. And remember – like shoes, you can NEVER have too many bathers!

1. Funky Trunks – Lake Como – $44.95
2. Stella Cove Fergalicious Swimsuit Girls $60.00
3. Platypus Australia Baby Sunsuit $47.30
4. White Soda Heart Print & Pinkalicious Starting at $24.95
5. Alfie and Nina All In One Zip Up Rashie In Blue/Grey Stripe $59.00 Girls 1 Piece In Flamingo Red $52.00
6. Moo Rashies Starting at $39.95
7. White Soda Barcode and Blueberry Starting at $24.95
8. Seafolly Vintage Rose Baby Sunvest Set and Seafolly Vintage Tank Costume, see here for stockists and prices
9. Halle – Gingham Check Oobi $49.95
10. Bobbi Sunshine Daisy Bandeau Full Piece $49.95
11. Blue Rose Swimwear Set $36.00
12. Funkita Baabaa Funshine $34.95
13. 2Chillies Strawberry Shortcake See here for stockists and prices
14. Sandy Feet Starting at $27.95
15. Tiger Joe Shipwreck Short Sleeve Rashie UPF 50+, Boardie, T-Rex singlet, see here for stockists and prices

Today’s post written by Leah

The seasonal change brings with it an awesome display of vibrant colour as our trees transform their leaves from green to brown and slowly lose their leaves ready for the winter that approaches. Nature is replicated in some of our favourite stores such as Paperartzi Boutique – www.paperartziboutique.com.au, where the cool and breezy summer stock is being replaced by snugly autumn/winter ranges, making now the perfect time to sweep up some bargains.

Until the end of the month you will find up to 60% off a wide range of well known labels at Paperartzi Boutique. Many of your favourite brands including Fred Bare, Big by Fiona, Miss & Mini Metalicus, Tommy Rocket, Two Belles, Sooki Baby, Ouch, Eeni Meeni Miini Moh, One Red Fly, Seafolly and Tiger Joe are at greatly reduced prices.  (With Miss N moving into a size 2, I’m stocking up on the BIG by Fiona range for starters!) And just when you though there couldn’t be any more goodness, Paperartzi have a gorgeous new womens fashion range that includes some Melbourne labels as well exclusive LA and US labels. Fantastico!

Melissa at Paperartzi is celebrating the seasonal change by offering all KSF readers an additional 15% off store wide – the lovely new winter arrivals, and the sale stock already discounted by up to 60% included!  Use the coupon code KSF-SAVE at checkout to redeem until 31 March 2010. Paperartzi Boutique also have a lovely bricks-and-mortar store located in Echuca, Victoria, where you can see all these goodies – and the gorgeous Melissa – in person.

Discounted prices quoted below are valid with code (see above) until 31 March 2010, while stocks last, only.

1. Big by Fiona Chambray Pedal Pusher $79.95 $47.95 LESS 15% = $40.75
2. Huckleberry Lane Navy Nightie $49.95 LESS 15% = $42.45
3. Willow & Finn Knit Dress Black $90.00 $30.00 LESS 15% = $25.50
4. Two Belle’s Grandma’s Favorite $59.95 $35.95 LESS 15% = $30.55
5. Eeni Meeni Mini Moh Jumpsuit (Detachable Hood) – Haze $64.00 LESS 15% = $54.40
6. One Red Fly Bubble Coat $143.00 LESS 15% = $121.55
7. Tiger Joe Long Sleeve Rashie $44.95 $26.95 LESS 15% = $22.90
8. Sooki Baby King Padded Jacket $49.95 LESS 15% = $42.45
9. Sooki Baby Minimalist Boy Snapsuit $26.95 LESS 15% = $22.90
10. Tommy Rocket Tommy Old Favs $82.95 $30.00 LESS 15% = $27.00
11. Fred Bare Cotton Check Embroidered Top $72.00 $40.00 LESS 15% = $34.00
12. Fred Bare Brad Denim Jean $71.95 $29.95 LESS 15% = $25.45

Brands stocked for babies through to teens include (deep breath now!) Aden+Anais, Alimrose Designs, Big by Fiona Scanlan, Bobble Art, Bright Baby, Bugaboo, Cheeky Little Soles, Cocoon Clothing, Cocoon Couture, Danish By Design, David Fussenegger, Eeni Meeni Mini Moh, Eyetribe, Fairy Floss Creations, Fiona by Fiona Scanlan, Fish  Lilly, Fred Bare, Haba, Huckleberry Lane, Huggalugs, Il Tutto, Jooki, Lark Made, L’il Fraser Collection, Mamas & Papas, Melissa & Doug, Mini Metalicus, Miss Metalicus, Minimink, Movables, More 4 Boys, One Red Fly, Oobi Baby, Ouch, Paperartzi, Paper Eskimo, Silver Cross, Sooki Baby, Taia Hair Clips, Tiger Tribe, Tiny Tribe, Tip Toey Joey, Tommy Rocket, Two Belles, Wheely Bug, Willow and Finn, Seafolly, Cuddle Fish and Chook Leaf.

Labels stocked in the maternity section are Metalicus, American Vintage and Juicy Bear, Seraphine maternity jeans. And for you yummy mummy’s Gypsy 05, Hudson Jeans, Fluxus, Viktoria & Woods and Anna Campbell and Abi & Joseph.

Stationery and scrapbooking supply brands include American Crafts, Basic Grey, Basic Grey, Bazzill Basics, Cristina Re, Hipp, Kaiser Craft, Kikki K, Making Memories, My Minds Eye, Paperartzi, Provo Craft, REDD Leather and Tombow.

Paperartzi Boutique charges a flat rate fee $8.50 for postage, Australia-wide. Orders over $150 are shipped free. International orders are welcome. Click here for full postage and delivery information.

Today’s post written by Miki

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It’s shaping up to be a long hot summer, and there’ll be nowhere better to be than the pool or the beach over the next few months.  But this leads to a dilemma: where on earth do you go to find gorgeous swimwear for the kids?

We at KidStyleFile have done the hard work for you, and rounded up the best brands for aquatic and marine fun this summer. From Polka to Girls 4 Sport, from Cuddlefish to Tiger Joe, and from Tkxi Surf to Stella Cove, the choice is extensive and there’s something for every kid from babies upwards.

Keep in mind, of course, that the Australian sun is harsh and damaging to delicate young skin, so look out for options that offer sun protection.  There’s a great range of rashies on the market these days, and brands such as Girls 4 Sport and Tkxi Surf are 50+ UV resistant.

For sheer prettiness, Polka‘s girly options and Stella Cove‘s chic styles are perfect choices.  Boys also have some great choices from Polka, and Tiger Joe do some great sporty sets for boys too.  Babies are spoiled for choice with more Polka, along with the eternal favourite Cuddlefish and adorable Lil’ Ludy.

Check out all these gorgeous options for boys, girls and babies, and get in the swim for summer!

1. Tkxi Surf Marine Blue 3/4 Sleeve Set, at Tkxi Surf $60.00
2. Polka Scandinavian Tree Boardies, at Little Pinwheel $59.95
3. Polka Black Dot Bikini, at Little Pinwheel $69.95
4. Polka Digital Grey Baby Board Shorts, at Raspberry Rascals $44.95
5. Tkxi Surf Short Sleeve Rash Vest, at Tkxi Surf $55.00
6. Stella Cove Garbo Maillot, at Design Child $74.95
7. Lil’ Ludy 70s One Piece, at Trifle Shoppe $45.00
8. Polka Peacock Mermaid One Piece, at Raspberry Rascals $69.95
9. Girls 4 Sport Fairy Garden L/S Rashie 50+ UV resistant, at Where Did You Get That $42.95
10. Cuddlefish Tankini – Flamingo Stripe, $34.95; and Cuddlefish Pool Party Skirt – Flamingo, $44.95, both at The Hip Infant
11. Small Paul Julius Heart Beach Towel, at Kid’s Got Style $49.95
12. Tiger Joe Ocean Blue Tiger Rashie, $39.95 $25.00; and Tiger Joe Ocean Blue Lined Pant, $29.95 $20.00 both at Baby’s Got Style
13. Girls 4 Sport Plum Swim Skort 50+ UV Resistant, at Where Did You Get That? $38.95
14. Cuddlefish Short Sleeve Bouyancy Swim Suit – Marine, at The Hip Infant $69.95

Please check individual stores for postage and delivery information. Also be sure to check the KidStyleFile Current Offers page, and the KidStyleFile Weekly Newsletter for discount codes to make sure you get the best possible deal. (If you’re not a subscriber already then you can sign up here – it’s free!)

Today’s post written by Kat

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Now that the weather is finally heating up, it’s time to make the most of the sunshine: here’s my rundown on the coolest picks for summer swimwear. No daggy coveralls here! Each piece has passed the cute-and-cool test, presents great value for money and most importantly, will keep precious little skin protected in the scorching summer sun (and always remember to slip, slop, slap!)

Tkxi Surf do funky, yet understated,  prints in practical as well as downright cool styles. For boys I’m loving the Bones Board Shorts ($45, sizes 0-7) and Bats Rashie ($55, sizes 2-8), plus a great alternative to Speedo-style: the Euroleg pants ($33 sizes 0-8).

Girls can choose from cute one- or two-pieces, rashies and sets, and the chic colour combos and pretty prints make it darn hard to choose! My picks include the *cute-as* Ladybird One Piece ($55), the gorgeously bright printed Wonderland One Piece ($49, sizes 2-5) and for a touch of glam, the right on-trend Disco Fairy Frill Two-Piece ($50, 0-8).

Above: Selection of baby and kids swimwear from Tkxsi Surf

Baby’s Got Style stock Seafolly and Tiger Joe by Seafolly – classic Aussie style, in little people sizes! Possibly the coolest set I’ve seen for boys is the Camo Set ($54.95, sizes 1-7) and little boys will just love the GI Joe Truck Slime Rashie (the name says it all, really! $39.95, sizes 0-3). They also do very funky swim hats – try the Slime Camo ($34.95, size 1-3+) to match back with your other cool buys!

Girls can just drip with cuteness in just about any of the beautiful designs by Seafolly – you won’t be able to contain your “OMG!! That is soooo cute!!!”‘s when you see your little princess in the Rose Ballerina Tutu tank ($59.95, 0-3) and I am in love with the bright swirly print of the Soda one-piece ($49.95, sizes 2-6).

Bubs are also catered for with the pink Ruffle nappy pant ($34.95, sizes 00-2), and everyone can do sun safety in style with the Swim Hats ($29.95, sizes 0-3+).

Above: Selection of baby and kids swimwear from Baby’s Got Style

Monster Baby know their stuff – with a background combining surfing and fashion, you know you’re onto a winner! From the classic Skulls to the uber cool Xray print in black or white to the hippy-cute Rainbow Love in hot pink  ($45, sizes 00-5)  they’re made in Aus, they stand out from the crowd and trust me, they last through more than just one summer of swimming!

Above: Selection of baby and kids swimwear from Monster Baby

Hugely popular Cuddlefish is available by the bucketload at The Hip Infant. From the genius Buoyancy Suit ($69.95, sizes 2-4) to the sweetest swim shorts ($24.95, sizes 1-4) and thoughtfully designed long ($44.95, sizes 1-4) and short sleeve swim tees ($39.95, sizes 1-4), you can complete a perfectly matched outfit with the UPF50+ Bucket Hats ($29.95)!

Above: Selection of baby and kids swimwear from The Hip Infant

One of the biggest swimwear ranges online is at Little Explorers, and if your tot is serious about their style then this is the place to go! The Goldie Tankini ($29.95 on sale, sizes 2-5) is beautifully bright and girly, as is the gorgeous Judy Jetson Tankini ($29.95, sizes 2-6). They also have a great range of protective long sleeve rashies by Loose Boots – girls can go pretty in Pink and boys will love the cool combi print on Blue (both $44.95 on sale, sizes 1-6). I’m also thinking this Major Menace Reversible Rashie ($29.95 on sale, sizes 3-4) would be a big hit with cool little dudes!

Above: Selection of baby and kids swimwear from Little Explorers

For a massive range of girl’s togs, head on over to Where Did You Get That? for the brilliantly priced, mix’n'match range from the USA, Girls 4 Sport.

With heaps of cool boardies, rashies, tops and bottoms, all in SPF50+ material, you can create your own look without breaking the budget! I’m thinking the Leilani Rashguard ($31.95, sizes 2-8) would look increditbly cute with the pink Swim Skort, or if you’re not so much into pink, the Pixie Swim Top ($24.95, sizes 2-8) and matching Swim Shorts ($24.95, sizes 2-8) make for a welcome burst of summery colour!

Above: Selection of baby and kids swimwear from Where Did You Get That?

Finally, if you’d rather choose your own adventure, head on over to Mooo, who can customise a Rashie for you. Choose from 30 unique designs, and 6 colour choice per design. They’re just $39.95 for a short-sleeved Rash top including choice of your design and customisation. Phew! That’s hot!

Please check individual websites for shipping costs and details.

If you have children already, then today’s store needs no introduction; you know its goodness!

If you’re a pregnant mama, and new to the scene, then take note:  Baby’s Got Style – www.babysgotstyle.com.au is *the* place to shop online for the hottest fashion and accessories for babies and kids from birth up to 8 years, *and* they’ll have you looking stylish and feeling comfortable while you’re expecting too!

As well as stocking Aka Pipik, Albetta, Alimrose Designs, Annabel Trends, BabyLegs, Baby Cha Cha Baobab, Bebe, Bical, BIG by Fiona Scanlan, BlaBla, Bobble Art, Booghaboo Baby, Children of the Revolution, Moppit, Cheeky Little Soles, Cloud B, Cold Coffee, DripStik, Dan300, Dwell Studio Baby, Elleroo, FLATOut, Fortune Tee, Fresh Baked, Giddy Giddy, Global Style, Haba, Infancy, Little Horn, Little Red by Mr Wolf, Little Twig, Mamas & Papas, mill & mia, Mooo, Mother Hen, Munster, Oobi Baby, Ouch, Pure Baby, Snugglebum, Seafolly, Tiger Joe, Frankie Ray Sooki Baby, Square Peg, Tiny Tribe, Toshi, Totem Kids, Vice Versa, Vintage Kid, and Zoo Emporium, Baby’s Got Style has just taken delivery of some hot new brands.

First up, some body love for new mums and little babes from Wedela. Baby’s Got Style is carrying the renowned Calendula Baby range, as well as Baby Colic and Teething powder,  rash relief cream, breastfeeding tea, Blackhorn elixir (useful for fatigue), nipple care cream and Almond face products.

A German company founded in 1921 dedicated to supporting the inherent healing properties of the human body, their motto is “In harmony with nature and the human being”. Wedela’s focus is firmly on the gentlest most nurturing care of your skin, without compromising nature – sustainability is paramount – and supporting the primary producers they trade with – Weleda contracts until Fair Trade practices. Wedela products are comprised of bio-dynamic ingredients, are free from chemicals, and are never tested on animals. You and your baby or child deserve no less, and with prices between $12-$26, you can well afford it!

To celebrate the arrival of Weleda at Baby’s Got Style, Daniela and the team at BGS are giving every customer who places an order in October a FREE Calendula Nappy Change cream sample.

Also, would you like to go into the into the draw to WIN an amazing Weleda gift pack valued at over $300? To enter all you have to do is purchase any item from the Weleda range during October (if you purchase two items you get two entries, and so on)!

Onto the fashion at Baby’s Got Style now. And boy, there’s a lot to talk about there!! Over 100 new kids summer styles, and over 200 babies summer styles have arrived in store in the last 2 weeks. Woah, baby! It’s going to be a hot summer!

I’m hugely loving Polka, a new range for girls. I’ve paired their Yoga Bum pants (back view shown: how cool are they?!) with a summery light Fresh Baked top, for a visual splendor of cool comfort, and their ‘Birdy’ dress is to die for. This is Polka’s first collection, and they had a limited run to test the water, which means once it’s sold out, that’s it, so get in quick!

I’m inspired by boys summer pieces too: I’m totally digging the Freshbaked Disco Beats Tee, with Ouch black cargoes and Rock Your Baby Peace Cap.

Onto face fashion now: new at Baby’s Got Style are the the range of kid’s sunnies from Frankie Ray; 100% UV protection with shatter proof lens, super cool, and suitable for the 4-14 set, you’ll be wishing you had a pair!

In the decor section are the most delightful large counting cards from Eeeboo. Simply beautiful!

If you’re looking for a gorgeous gift for a newborn you cannot go past Dwell Studio’s mind blocks. Tactile, visually stimulating and clever these are relevant from birth up until 2+ years.

Finally, as we’re heading into the out-and-about season, you’ll want to be prepared. Pick up a Dinky Diner, and you’ll be able to safely contain your little charge wherever you go – no more contending with icky highchairs in restaurants, or missing out on one altogether. The Dinky Diner folds up and fits right in your handbag. Neat!

In the picks below I’ve specified the sizes each product is in available in. If you’re browsing in general, I recommend that you use Baby’s Got Style like this:  select the ‘Babies’ tab for sizes 00000-2, The ‘Kids’ tab for sizes 3-8 , and the ‘Mum’s tab for Mums and Mums-to-be.

Also, don’t forget to check out the Sale items in each category. There are over 300 items on sale up to 50% off. Go to it!

From top left in rows:

Polka Birdy Frou Dress (size 3-6) $99.00
Giddy Giddy Felt Hairclips – assorted designs $9.95 each
Polka Yoga Bum Pants (sizes 2-6 years) $55.00
Eeboo Counting Birds Large Art Cards $39.95
Fresh Baked Vanilla Flower Swing Top (sizes 0-7) $27.95 also available in Raspberry
Fresh Baked Disco Beats Tee in White (sizes 0-7) $26.95 also available in Grey
Frankie Ray Sunglasses  (4-14 years) $39.95 pair
Ouch Boys cargo pant- black (size 3-7) $36.95 $21.96
Seafolly Rose ballerina tutu tank (sizes 0-5) $59.95
Rock Your Baby Leopard print s/s bodysuit (sizes 000-00) $29.95
Blabla Handknit beanie- Panda (sizes 0-2 years) $39.95
Dwell Studio Mind block soft set $64.95
Giddy Giddy Ponytail Elastic – assorted designs $11.95 each
Rock Your Baby Peace cap khaki  (L= 4-5 years) $24.00
Dinky Diner (6 months +) $24.95

While you’re over at Baby’s Got Style check out their very cool blog. There’s heaps of interesting stuff to read about, including an interview with the designers of Munster, and their recent trip to New York with baby in tow(!!)

Baby’s Got Style charge $6.50 for postage, up to a maximum charge of $9.50 Australia wide, dependent on weight. Price is calculated during checkout. Orders placed before 1pm EST are delivered the next business day in all capital cities and most regional centres. Other areas are delivered the following day (very remote locations may take longer). International orders are warmly welcomed.