KidStyleFile

Post written by Leah

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The land of children’s fashion design here in Australia is as vast as our glorious country. There are the small, intimate labels, just like our small townships through to internationally recognised designers living abroad that still call Australia home. The spectrum of tastes runs from the bohemian right through to the traditional. There is such a vast point of difference between each label, but what they each have in common is a strong Australian identity.

Today bring you Part 2 of our two part series on Australian labels that design and produce their collections right here in Australia. This is not an easy task: there are few incentives for them to do so; the government offers little support – taxes are high, and subsidies are low – and the benefits of off-shore production promise lower production costs and higher profit margins. It’s true that you may pay a little more for Australian made, but we’re confident that you will be happy with what you receive for it: the knowledge that you are supporting local industry and reducing your carbon footprint, that fair working conditions are in place, and that you are purchasing a high quality product that will take everything that your child dishes out to it and then still be good to go again.

We hope you love these Aussie labels as much as we do. Please show your support and buy a piece or two

Did you miss’ Australian Made: Part 1 – Celebrating Designers Who Make Their Collections In Australia’? Catch it here.

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Well Spotted!

Anyone who can pull off a Star Wars themed tee and be totally stylish rather than just geeky is a winner in my book. In the words of the designer behind Well Spotted, the label was created “out of parental joy, expectation & well, frustration!”. Tony Clayton (whose resume includes stints at both Mambo and Macrs), the man behind Well Spotted,  always held the  belief that if all our big companies take the manufacturing of garments overseas, no one will be able to make even a t-shirt here in Australia. He swore that if ever ventured into creating his own range, he would keep it in Australia. Starting off making slogan tees for adults, Well Spotted somehow morphed into a range for kids (I think son Finbar may have been a bit of the inspiration here), and true to his word, Tony ensured that the entire label was an Australian product. The  t-shirts are designed by Tony in his studio in Summer Hill, made in Bankstown and then printed by Tony in Leichhardt.  You can find Well Spotted tees at Cornflowerblue and Little Styles or check here for a stockist.

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Cried Wolf

What do you get when you put a newborn baby in the arms of a buyer from General Pants? A whole new funky Australian designed label that’s part surfer style, part skater style and a whole lot of seriously hip. Cried Wolf has some of the funkiest tees and boardies, and all of their t-shirts are designed and printed right here in Australia! How cool is that (now to convince them to make their boardies here too!). Right now you can find super bargains on the past summer range at About A Boy or here for their stockist list.

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One Sunday

“Dreamy days at the beach, long lazy afternoons with friends… one Sunday is a collection full of colour, where elegance rhymes with comfort, carefully chosen cuts and fabrics.” One Sunday is a gorgeous boutique label for tweens 8- 14 that are after something a little refined, age appropriate and totally stylish. Using New Zealand milled jerseys and cottons, the range is then designed, cut and sewn right in here in Australia. Click here for stockists.

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Tkxi Surf

With most of the Australian population living on the coast, it is only reasonable to suspect that a great many of us spend a lot of the summer days at the beach. For those more inland, there are lots of rivers, lakes and dams (or local swimming pools) to keep us cool in the heat as well. Of course, this calls for swimwear that will endure a whole lot of wear, offer SPF 50+ protection and look totally stylish. Designed by Karen Panaretto, formally of Aussie swimwear icon Seafolly, Tkxi Surf is an Australian design and made swimwear label that ticks all three boxes. You can find Tkxi Surf at a number on online boutiques, click here for stockists.

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Electric Boy

Members of the Justice League in the Wiggles Big Red Car; A Batman Shadow Puppet; Darth Vadar joins the Green Side (found riding on a bike)….these are just some of the super cool prints to find their way onto the tees and jumpers of Electric Boy’s Winter 2011 range. With a label who describes their inspiration behind their name in these words: “I really really love The Mighty Boosh, especially Princey Vincey!! But I couldn’t be Electro Boy, so thus born Electric Boy!!” you know you’ve found something very special for your little man. Electric Boy is designed in Australia with all items printed right here in Australia. You can find the label at Cradle Rock, Ten Little Indians and Threads of Red or try their stockist list for a store near you.

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Brusselsprouts

Having studied Art History at uni, then working as both a ceramic artist and hairdresser amongst other jobs, Victoria Crisp became inspired to create the label Brusselsprouts when she was pregnant with her second son. With her husband  on the road driving road trains for the mines, Victoria sews at home (and now runs her new B&M shop) in Kalgoorlie, West Australia whilst also balancing her duties as mummy to two gorgeous little boys. The Brusselsprouts range is all about the fabric, so you will find stunning garments that are rather simplistic in style, but absolutely stunning to the eye thanks to the careful selection of materials. Brusselsprouts garments can be purchased at their online store.

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Tiddles & Chich

Tiddles & Chich is an Australian designed and made label that release two ranges each year. Creating a range that is somewhat French classic and stylish, yet maintains a modern day aesthetic, Tiddles and Chich has been seen on a bevy of celebrity children including Suri Cruise (not just once either!). Created by Freyr Lennon and Luise Geddes, and later joined by Freyr’s sister Alexis who has returned from the UK after working for The Royal Family and The Conrans, this label produces a spectrum of goodies from play to party for babies to seven year olds. For stockists click here.

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Little Miss J

Using luxe fabrics, laces and trims, Little Miss J is a label designed by Jo Lambert whose subtle colour palette and french overtones are perfect for special events, birthdays and for little girls who wish to stand out from the crowd. Proudly made in Australia, the range is perfect for little girls 1-10 years. You will find Little MIss J at Hopscotch Children’s Boutique and The Little Kidz Closet, or you can click here for stockists.

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Elodie & Elvis

Are you looking for an exquisite, high end label for your little one that is often found on the catwalk and has a real European flavour.  Specialising in exquisite coats and clothing for both boys and girls, Doris Reymond created the label in 2001 and has seen the label blossom to become an Australian boutique favourite. Both designed and made it Melbourne, Australia, any one of the items from the range will bring an element of sophistication to your childs wardrobe. For stockists, please contact Elodie and Elvis directly.

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Sophie’s Lane

Based in Brisbane, Sophie’s Lane is the latest label that combines Liberty of London prints with exquisitely designed and tailored dresses for girls 0-3 months to 5 years. Gorgeous yokes, fabric buttons and fully lined with quality cotton, each dress is a piece of art handmade by designer Sam Aloquin with real European styling with a modern twist. Dresses are available for order from their webpage.

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Read Australian Made: Part 1 – Celebrating Designers Who Make Their Collections In Australia

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

Post written by Leah

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Like many of you, I’m a working mum. I work full-time outside the home and find it very difficult to find opportunities to visit the shopping centre without it eating into my precious weekend time with the kids. With Christmas fast approaching I must confess I haven’t got a worry: online shopping not only fits into my busy schedule, but has the best prices and the most stylish and fun gifts for everyone these holidays.

First stop this week Chic Kids – www.chickids.com.au where the shelves are stocked full of some wonderful gift options and summer threads. Chic Kids’ stunning list of stocked brands includes favourites such as Aden + Anais, Annabel Trends, Aroma Baby, Asthma Friendly, Babymode, Baby Einstein, Babyboo, Babylegs, Baobab, Baby Bee Cino, Beach Bums, Bebe by Minihaha, Bebe Jnr by Minihaha, Books To Wear, Bright Starts, Brio, Bunnykins, Cheeky Monkey, Crocodile Creek, Disney DVD, Dolly Up, Eternal Creation, Fairy Girls, Fresh Baked, Get Fresh, GUND, Jacques Farel, Kaloo, Kate Finn, Kiddy Sac, Le Bon, Little Heros, Little Swish, Look at the Wall, Mamas & Papas, Marquise, Mini Mermaid, Mon Tresor, Mooo, Moppit, Mother Hen, New Seasons, No Throw, okidokie, Opal London, Ozbozz, Pebbles, Plumb, Poche, Princess Ratbag Pettiskirts, S & S Fortuna, Sckoon Organic, Soda Kids, Sparkle T, Star & Rose, Starchild, Taggies, The Happiest Baby, Tickled Pink, Tkxi Surf, verymeri, Walt Disney Records, Wild Eagle Trading and yoli-poli.

To help you skip the fight for a car space that less savvy shoppers than yourself endure and start crossing off your list with ease, Chic Kids is offering all KSF readers 20% off storewide including delicious discounts of 30% on sale stock. Shop til you drop and use code CHICKIDSKSF at checkout to knock an extra 20% off your bill until 21 November 2010.

Discounted quoted below are only applicable with special KSF discount code CHICKIDSKSF until midnight 21 November 2010.

1. Dancing Fairy Dress $38.95 LESS 20%= $31.16
2. Charm It! – Crystal Link Bracelet $24.95 LESS 20%= $19.96
3. Wooden Magnetic Safari Puzzle $17.95 LESS 20%= $14.36
4. Pirate Outfit Plus Sword $41.95 LESS 20%= $33.56
5. Princess Ratbag Pettiskirts – Raspberry/Pink Ribbon $80.00 LESS 20%= $64.00
6. Flower Fairy Dress $64.95 LESS 20%= $51.96
7. Japanese Girl Knitting Dolls $8.95 LESS 20%= $7.16
8. Bebe Jnr Elle Sun Dress $54.95 $43.96 LESS 20%= $35.17
9. Afternoon T Party $64.95 LESS 20%= $51.96
10. Tkxi Surf Disco Fairy One Piece Swimsuit $45.00 $36.00 LESS 20%= $28.80
11. Baby Dozer Check Bucket Hat $14.95 $11.95 LESS 20%= $9.56
12. Malia Surf Hat $15.95 $12.76 LESS 20%= $10.21
13. Tkxi Surf Pirate Rashie $45.00 $36.00 LESS 20%= $28.80

Postage at Chic Kids is determined by weight and/or size. For most items postage will be $7.95. Orders over $200 receive free postage. See the Chic Kids FAQs for details.

Post written by Miki

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My little family is lucky to live very close to the beach, and with the amazing weather over the last little while we’ve been down there almost every day.  I’m starting to notice that the kids are rapidly growing out of last year’s swimsuits so I decided to get them some more.  But here’s the thing; unless you know where to look, it can be hard to find swimwear for kids that meets the essential criteria – offers maximum sun protection, is hard wearing, looks fantastic, and doesn’t break the bank.

Because I’m willing to bet that my kids aren’t the only ones who need new swimwear to see them through Summer ’10/’11, here is this year’s KidStyleFile roundup of the latest and greatest swimmers, bathers and cossies. Whatever you like call them at your house I’m sure we’re all in agreement: surf’s up!

For more great baby and kids swimwear brands check out our 2009 swimwear roundup here.

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x&y threads focus on quality, performance and contemporary styling.  Designed by Louise Douglas and Alisa Pearson, they are aware that swimwear is typically worn in harsh environments with more than usual wear and tear, so their pieces are made to last the distance. The edgy styling of the range is still age appropriate for kids, and seeks to protect them from the rays while looking great.  The range is priced from $44.95-$64.95.

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Bondi-based, beach loving parents Rob and Stacey Bruns created Bobbi Sunshine when they couldn’t find stylish and good quality swimwear for their daughter Bobbi, the brand’s namesake.  They designed a line with frills and fun fabrics, and the Lycra fabric used is rated UPF50+ to protect young skin from harmful rays.  All Bobbi Sunshine swimwear is produced in Bali through a small family business.  The range is priced from $40.00-$45.00.

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‘Stunning, Sunsmart Swimwear’ is the very apt tagline for Saltwind, which was created by a Gold Coast-based teacher and mum.  With a family history of melanoma, she had trouble finding long-sleeved swimwear for her daughters who shared her fair skin, and decided to create her own line.  Her aim is to provide a range of swimwear which has both the level of sun protection that Australian kids today need, and at a realistic price.  UPF50+ rated, the range is sold in matching sets to make it easy for parents, features bright, sporty designs and is priced at $29.95 per set.

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White Soda, for kids 0-8yrs, is a mix-and-match collection in sorbet colours, inspired by fun and fashion.  The range comprises rash tops, matching separates, boardshorts, bikinis, one-pieces, hats and swim nappies, all made from UPF 50+ chlorine resistant stretch PBT.  Priced from $24.00-$59.00.

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Around since 1996, Platypus Australia has become popular down under, taken the UK by storm and is expanding into Europe, Asia and the US markets.  The fabric used meets the strict criteria of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), and is colourful with playful prints and is priced from $22.00-$50.00.  The range is sized from 0-14 and includes hats, one-pieces, rash shirts, shorts, briefs, boardshorts and bikinis.

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Designed by Karen Panaretto, formally of Aussie swimwear icon Seafolly, Tkxi Surf is a fresh and fun take on swimwear for Aussie kids.  Sized from 0-12 years the range features lots of bold colours with unexpected prints – bumblebees and bats, among others – to add a quirky touch.  The fabrics are all rated UPF50+ allowing for great sun protection, and the collection is priced from $33.00-$55.00.

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Babes In The Shade focuses on creating swimwear for kids aged 0-12 that is stylish, colourful, good quality and affordable.  The fabrics used are rated UPF50+ as tested by ARPANSA and are resistant to chlorine and seawater.  Long sleeved rash shirts and one-pieces give maximum protection while details such as sleeve ruffles and fantastic prints give the range flair.  Pricing is from $15.00-$39.00.

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Designed and manufactured in Australia, Tooshie swimwear is unique, vibrant and fun.  Made with UPF50+ lycra, the range features long sleeves, high necks and in some cases even long pants for maximum sun protection while ruffles and funky prints make it great to look at.  Sizing is 0-12, and pricing is $35.00-$70.00.

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Please check individual sites for shipping details and make sure you check KidStyleFile’s All Current Deals page to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

Post written by Olivia

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When it comes to deciding what you need for your baby or child you just can’t  beat an experienced mama. Denise at Chic Kids – www.chickids.com.au – is all that and more: she’s a mother full-grown triplets, and now also a grandmother. With this under her belt, there’s not much she doesn’t know about raising kids. Denise has seen fads come and go and has tried out countless products for herself and truly knows what is a must-have and what you can leave on the shelf.

Denise has poured this knowledge into her fine store, and at Chic Kids you’ll only find keepers. Clothing brands stocked include Moppit, Baobab, Bebe, Marquise, Fresh Baked, Bay Bee Cino, Cheeky Monkey, Plum and Eternal Creation, with footwear and leggings from Starchild shoes, Tippy Toes Socks and Babylegs, and toys courtesy of Mamas & Papas, Kaloo, Crocodile Creek, Kate Finn, Gund, Sparkle T, Babyboo, Taggies and Brio.

Denise and her team are gearing for Christmas and want to share the love with you. All orders will be gift-wrapped FREE of charge PLUS you’ll receive a FREE Disney Fairies or Disney Princess Lip Gloss or Lip Balm (a great stocking stuffer!). The best is yet to come though: enter ‘CHICKIDSKSF‘ at checkout to receive a 20% discount store-wide, including a fantastic collection of products already on sale 30% off , until midnight 28 October 2010 only. Make your move now, and be smiling come Christmas!

Discounted prices quoted below are valid with code CHICKIDSKSF only until midnight 28 October 2010.

1. Fresh Baked Mini Cord Ra Ra Skirt $39.95 less 20% = $31.96
2. Fresh Baked Denim Shortalls $39.95 less 20% = $31.96
3. Bebe Scott Print Sleep Pod $53.95 less 20% = $43.16
4. Babytalk Growsuit – Silent Night $14.95 less 20% = $11.96
5. Bebe Jnr Marley Board Shorts $39.95 less 20% = $31.96
6. Malia Surf Hat $15.95 less 20% = $12.76
7. Starchild Jolly Pirate – Blue Striped $39.95 less 20% = $31.96
8. Bathtime Buddies $5.95 less 20% = $4.76
9. Bebe Argyle Boy’s Vest $47.95 less 20% = $38.96
10. Baobab Mint Tulle Dress $48.95 less 20% = $39.16
11. Bebe Jnr Black Slub Linen Shorts $46.95 less 20% = $37.56

Chic Kids’ stunning list of stocked brands includes favourites such as Aden + anais, Annabel Trends, Aroma Baby, Asthma Friendly, Babymode, Baby Einstein, Babyboo, Babylegs, Baobab, Baby Bee Cino, Beach Bums, Bebe by Minihaha, Bebe Jnr by Minihaha, Books To Wear, Bright Starts, Brio, Bunnykins, Cheeky Monkey, Chic Kids, Crocodile Creek, Disney DVD, Dolly Up, Eternal Creation, Fairy Girls, Fresh Baked, Get Fresh, GUND, Jacques Farel, Kaloo, Kate Finn, Kiddy Sac, Le Bon, Little Heros, Little Swish, Look at the Wall, Mamas & Papas, Marquise, Mini Mermaid, Mon Tressor, Mooo, Mooo – New, Mooo T-shirts, Mooo Toys, Moppit, Mother Hen, New Seasons, No Throw, okidokie, Opal London, Ozbozz, Pebbles, Plumb, Poche, Princess Ratbag Pettiskirts, S & S Fortuna, Sckoon Organic, Soda Kids, Sparkle T, Star & Rose, Starchild, Taggies, The Happiest Baby, Tickled Pink, Tkxi Surf, verymeri, Walt Disney Records, Wild Eagle Trading and yoli-poli.

Postage at Chic Kids is determined by weight and/or size. For most items postage will be $7.95. Orders over $200 receive free postage. See the Chic Kids FAQs for details.

Post written by Leah

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I love spring for many reasons, not least that it means that summer is just around the corner! Summer is undeniably the season of celebration: we fling open the windows, toss off our shoes, enjoy the warmth of the sun and, of course, a plunge in the cool water, be it at the beach or poolside.

Australian swimwear label Tkxi Surf – www.tkxisurf.com – designed by Karen Panaretto, formally of Aussie swimwear icon Seafolly, have just released their summer 2010-1 collection for babies, boys and girls from 0-12 years. Full of bold colours, comfortable styling and gorgeous graphics, the Tkxi Surf  range envokes the imagination, providing ample opportunity for your kids to explore their creative side. Your kids can be batman, a fairy, a bumble bee or even a butterfly, whatever takes their fancy on a warm summer day.

The rash vests  are rated with a SPF factor of 50+ to protect our youngsters as they enjoy the sunshine, and prices range from $33.00-$55.00.

Get in the swim and receive 10% off all purchases + FREE regular postage, Australia-wide, at Tkxi Surf . Simply enter ‘KidStyleFile‘ in the comments section at checkout to redeem until 31 October 2010.

Tkxi Surf postage charges starting at $7.40. For full shipping and return details please click here. Tkxi Surf are stocked at a number of retail and online outlets aross Australia and New Zealand. Please see the stockist page for further details.

Today’s post written by Anna

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For Christmas just gone, my daughter had a very special Trunki waiting for her under our Christmas tree – her name is Harley, and she’s a ladybug! A few weeks later my little girl celebrated her first birthday (everybody say awwww!) and was given a Wheely Bug by her grandmother, who proudly exclaimed “it matches her suitcase!”

This got me to thinking – what other gorgeous Ladybug items are currently out there on the market? Well, they’re out there, cute as ever! See below for just some of the fab Ladybug love inspired finds out there.

1. Samsonite Sammies Medium Back Pack $39.95 at Sydney Luggage Centre
2. Wheely Bug Large $119.00 at Green Goat
3. Little Styles Castanet – ladybug $3.95 at Little Styles
4. Noo Designs Lady Bug Dress Up Set $49.95 at Urban Baby
5. Trunki- Limited Edition Harley Ladybug Trunki $88.00 at Metro Mum
6. Tkxi Surf Lady Beetle One Piece (size 2) $55.00 at Tkxi Surf
7. Boon Bug Pod – Red $59.95 at Metro Mum
8. Sambellina Party Cup Polkadot Red pack of 12 $6.95 at The Hip Infant
   
9. Sparkle T Ladybird dummy holder $6.95 at Baby’s Got Style
10. Giddy Giddy Ladybug hairclip $9.95 at Little Styles

Please check individual stores for postage and delivery details.