KidStyleFile

There’s a wise old saying that “Any man can be a father: it takes a special man to be a Dad”.

With Father’s Day galloping up on September 7, it’s time to turn our minds to suitable and special ideas for that special guy in your family.

Truly celebrate your man’s Daddy status at Metro Mum - www.metromum.com.au - by skipping the socks and undies, and buy him something that will optimise his life with kids.

There is a great range of stylish baby bags for Mums on the market, but not every Dad wants to tote a floral masterpiece. DadGear, developed by two American Dads answering the call of hands-on Dads everywhere for products geared towards Dads and their unique needs, is the ultimate answer!

The DadGear nappy bags are available in backpack and stylish messenger bag styles that are pretty much incognito - Dad can definitely get away with using these bags anytime anywhere. All DadGear bags incorporate the DadGear “hands free” approach which allows you to change, feed, and entertain your child without ever having to set the bag down.

DadGear also offers a clever ‘Diaper Vest’, a revolutionary twist on the traditional nappy bag bag. DadGear’s “hands free” concept combines comfort and style, allowing dads to change, feed, and entertain their child easily without anyone knowing they are wearing a diaper bag.

With strategically placed pockets, the vest is constructed with high quality materials for ultimate durability and longevity. Just perfect for minimal-gear trips to the park!

Read the full story on the DadGear products on the DadGear website.

I also like the Dad-focused Bathrobe, Slippers and book set (hey, if he doesn’t go for the gown and slippers, there’s always you ), and the journals for Dad to record his thoughts and stories about parenthood and life in general; a lovely bonding exercise and keepsake.

Clockwise from top left:

DadGear Diaper Vest $139.00
DadGear Messenger Bag - Professional Grey $145.00
Dad: My Hero Magnetic Book-Style Photo Frame $13.50
DadGear Backpack Nappy Bag $130.00
Microfleece Bathrobe and Slippers and Dad: My Hero Compendium $70.00
DadGear Sports bag - Retro Red $120.00
My Dad: His Stories Heirloom Book $14.95

While you’re over at Metro Mum scoping gifts for Dad, check out these great new products just landed.

Scout Organic clothing from the US, is so gorgeous for summer, and one of the most affordable organic cotton brands I have found. Trust me: once you’ve experienced organic cotton you won’t want to go back!

Also new in, are the French/English Language Littles dolls (I am so tempted on these: how divine it would be to have French-accented little ones in my midst, and what a life-long gift to be bi-lingual!), Caden Lane linen and blankets from the US - these prints and designs are exceptionally beautiful - iconic Oeuf baby loungers cots and furniture, Milk & Tickles BPA-free colour change baby bottles (a flashback to the Hypercolour ’80s!), and the new and exquisite Ellaroo Mei Tai Organic cotton baby carriers.

So much beauty, so little time! Enjoy

Clockwise from top left:

Language Littles Bi-lingual Doll - ‘Jolie’ English/French (also available in Hebrew, German, Spanish, Russian, Italian and Japanese boy and girl dolls) $69.0
Scout Organics Tee $24.00
Scout Organics dress $33.00
Milk & Tickles BPA-Free colour-change bottle $14.00
Caden Lane Blankets from $48.00
Ellaroo Mei Tai Organic Baby Carrier from $140.00
Oeuf Lounger $165.00

Metro Mum stock the following brands: Caden Lane, Emotion & Kids, Trunki, Babymoov, FLATOUTbears, Il Tutto, Bilibo, Britt, Lilbird, The Prego Planner, Isoki, Mokopuna, Storksak, Melobaby, Mia Bossi, PeeWee & PooToo, David Fussenegger, DadGear, Little Sprowtz, Language Littles, Little Beetle, Baufix, Little Swish, Kipiis, FunPod, Keptin-Jr, Paper Eskimo, Foogo by Thermos, Snack Trap, Nest, Kanoe, Qtees, Mothers Minder, Ocho, Little Kitchen, Compendium, Ellaroo, Boyle, Milk & Tickles, Annabel Trends, Wall Candy, Lupi Lu, Mishi Design, Scount Organic, Oeuf, Mishi Design, and Penny Scallan.

PSST: Wanna get a 15% discount AND a FREE gift* when you make a purchase at Metro Mum? Pick up a copy of the current Shop4Kids magazine to get the code. Can’t make it to a newsagent? Drop me a line, and I’ll send it to you!

Also, don’t forget to sign up to the Metro Mum Loyalty Club before you make any purchases: you earn loyalty points for every purchase. Also, Metro Mum offer FREE delivery with orders over $200.00 - fabulous!

Metro Mum charge $7.95 postage to most areas (less if you’re in the Sydney Metro area) - check the Delivery page for full details. Orders over $200.00 are posted free of charge within Australia.

*Terms and conditions apply. 

Ok, here’s the latest news for all the luxe bag lovers in the house: Metro Mum - www.metromum.com.au - is now stocking the entire Mia Bossi Spring 2008 baby bag collection, direct from the US.

Even if you haven’t heard of Mia Bossi before, I’m sure you have spotted these top-shelf bags in the media: Mia Bossi bags are toted by A-list Illuminati including Katie Holmes, Tori Spelling, Angelina Jolie, Anne Heche, and Britney Spears.

What do they all love about these most luxurious of baby bags? Well, they are effectively incognito baby bags - you would never know they were baby bags to look at them.

Mia Bossi bags don’t deceive on the nappy bag functionality front though: they are impressively big, and come complete with a removable nappy bag insert, faux fur change mat, stroller clips to make attaching your Mia Bossi to your pram or stroller a snap, and a host of other thoughtful features. You can even purchase a computer bag insert to carry your laptop in the ultimate style once the baby days have passed. You can view lots of detailed images of the bag features on the Mia Bossi website.

Mia Bossi carry the hallmarks of the most prestigious quality and are constructed of the finest Italian leather, and waxed canvas trimmed with Italian leathers and hardware.

Mia Bossi bags are on-trend, while possessing a classic presence (think Hermes) that is bound to endure.

Buy one now from Metro Mum and receive a FREE muslin wrap and Mother Minder bracelet. Offer ends 7 August 2008.

PS: You should sign up to the Metro Mum Loyalty Club before you make any purchases: you earn loyalty points for every purchase, and I saw a mention of a discount code there, too Also, Metro Mum offer FREE delivery with orders over $200.00 so there are a lot of ways to save a mozza.

Clockwise from top left:

Mia Bossi - ‘Audrey’ Italian Barolo Leather Nappy Bag (Sand) $1200.00
Mia Bossi - ‘Maria’ Italian Leather Nappy Bag (Chocolate) $515.00
Mia Bossi - ‘Tobey’ Nappy Bag (Rootbeer) $180.00
Mia Bossi - ‘Maria’ Designer Nappy Italian Leather (Tangerine) $385.00
Mia Bossi – ‘Katie’ Designer Nappy Bag Popcorn (Cream Dots) $193.00
Mia Bossi – ‘Katie’ Designer Nappy Bag Noir (Black) $193.00

While you are over at Metro Mum, take note of the other gorgeous products in store, and don’t miss their toy sale for some hot bargains. Find my my top picks below.

Clockwise from top left:

Baufix Buggy Construction Set $29.95 $25.46
Trunki Towgo $69.95 $63.00
Kanoe Baby Hammock $349.00
Bilibo (available in 6 colour choices. Mini Bilibo also available.) $39.00 $33.15 - FREE TOTE BAG with every Bilibo purchased
Language Littles Bi-lingual Doll - ‘Alexia’ English/Greek (also available in Hebrew, German, Spanish, and Japanese boy and girl dolls) $69.00 $62.10
Nest Cot Linen Set (Pink Pebbles) Also available in Green Pebble $248.00
Kiddy Food Kutter $9.95
FunPod Safety Stand $230.00
Binky Boo Dressing Gown, Slipper and Teddy Set (Latte) $50.00
KeptinJr Post a Baby Comforter (Blue, also available in pink) $19.95 $13.97

Metro Mum stock the following brands: Emotion & Kids, Trunki, Babymoov, FLATOUTbears, Il Tutto, Bilibo, Britt, Lilbird, The Prego Planner, Isoki, Mokopuna, Storksak, Melobaby, Mia Bossi, PeeWee & PooToo, David Fussenegger, DadGear, Little Sprowtz, Language Littles, Little Beetle, Baufix, Little Swish, Kipiis, FunPod, Keptin-Jr, Paper Eskimo, Foogo by Thermos, Snack Trap, Nest, Kanoe, Qtees, Mothers Minder, Ocho, Little Kitchen, Compendium, Ellaroo, Boyle, Annabel Trends, Wall Candy, Lupi Lu, and Penny Scallan.

Metro Mum charge $7.95 postage to most areas (less if you’re in the Sydney Metro area) - check the Delivery page for full details. Orders over $200.00 are posted free of charge within Australia.

Happy New Financial Year everyone!!

This might not have the same ring to it as Happy New Year, but it many ways it’s just as fun, because it’s Tax Return time - yay! - and I have just the plan for what you can spend it on

The Hip Infant - www.thehipinfant.com.au - is one of the icons in Australian online baby-wear and accessories. If it’s cool and for the under 5 set, then The Hip Infant has it.

There has been a very exciting development over at The Hip Infant: they have just launched their very own product range, The Hip Infant Basics.

The Hip Infant Basics is essentially a capsule wardrobe for babies. It is comprised of the finest quality singlets, rompers, separates and sleeping suits, all in super-stylish and flattering colour-stripe combinations.

Mel at The Hip Infant has four children (three boys and a girl), and in a previous life was a neo-natal nurse, so there isn’t much about kids that Mel doesn’t know.

Mel has designed The Hip Infant Basics drawing from her wealth of experience as a mother, and as a children’s health professional. These products are a winning combination of comfort, style, and practicality, and as an added bonus they are inexpensive!

At $19.95-$29.95 you can afford to wear them every day, and why not when they look this good!?

As a very special exclusive offer to KidStyleFile readers, Mel at The Hip Infant is offering two incentives to buy from The Hip Infant Basics range.

OFFER 1: Spend over $50.00 on The Hip Infant Basic Range and receive a FREE matching Teddy Hat (Valued at $14.95)
Enter code KSF-TED to claim your gorgeous hat free!

OFFER 2: Spend Over $100.00 on The Hip Infant Basic Range and receive a FREE matching Long Eared Bunny (valued at $19.95)
Enter code KSF-BUN to claim your sweet bunny free!

Offers end 31 July 2008.

We are a very privileged lot over here at KidStyleFile as these gifts are limited edition items, and this promotion is exclusive to KSF. I keep thinking of what a fab gift this will make for a little new-bub…hmmm

While we’re on the subject of new products at The Hip Infant, check out their new The Hip Infant Sneakies soft-soled pre-walkers.

At just $27.95 a pair, these are such a steal!!

You are bound to find something beautiful to make you smile at The Hip Infant. They stock over 85 high end baby and kid brands.

Choose from clothing, accessories, nursery products, decor pieces, baby carriers and slings, and toys, from AKA Pipik, Albetta, Alex Toys, Alimrose Designs, Anna & Sally, Annabel Trends, Anne Claire Petit, Baby Einstein, Baby Legs, Babylicious, Benny Boy, Bical, BlaBla, Blink Designs, BUD, Built NY, Bump Buddy, Cheeky Monkey, Christmas Ideas, Coco & Eli, Cuddlefish, David Fussenegger, DiddleDumpling, Dirty Laundry, Elodie Details, Eyetribe, Fiesta Crafts, Flensted Mobiles, Fleurville, For Walls, For Windows, French Bull, Gertie and Me, Go_Home JNR, Green To Grow, Haba, Heimess, Hip Stuff, ID Tee, Inch Blue, Infancy, Jazzy Toes, JellyCats, JewelQueen, Kathe Kruse, Keptin Jr, Kid Squidgy, Kiddopotamus, Kipiis, Lima Bean, Limo Basics, Little Chipipi, Little Einsteins, Little Joey, Little Twig, Liz Knits, Milestone Press, Mill & Mia, Mini Glow, Mitty James, Mon Ange, Moppit, Mum To Mum, My Child, Oeuf NYC, OUCH, Peanut Shell, Present Time, Pure Baby, Rockabye Baby, Rondeau Industries, Rush, Sigikid, Simple Gorgeous Storage, Skip HOP, Smirk Kids, Snugglebum, Snugzeez, Teeny Me, Tiger Tribe, Tippy Toes, Toys Pure, Trunki, Vessel, Wall Candy Arts, WalRUs, and Wee Gallery.

You can pick up a lot of products up for less at the moment at The Hip Infant’s end of financial year sale.

My picks from the sale are the Peanut Shell baby carriers, David Fussenegger blankets, and Trunki kids ride-on suitcases (the Trunki Towgo is one of my top 10 picks for kids), all going cheap as chips!

The Hip Infant charge $7.50 postage flat Australia wide for Express Post/courier delivery. Orders are dispatched within 24 hours of receipt. The Hip Infant also ships internationally. Please visit the Delivery Info page for full information on shipping.

Today’s post written by Miki
………………………………………………………………………………………………………

You know what I love best about winter?

It’s not the hot chocolates with marshmallows melting gooily in them. It’s not the chill in the air that puts colour into my cheeks, it’s not the open fires, it’s not even the winter fashions, although I do love all of those things too.

Nope, what I love best about winter is that it always means the End of Financial Year sales begin! And do I have a doozy for you today

he lovely Mel at The Hip Infant - www.thehipinfant.com.au - has just announced their End of Financial Year sale and it’s oh-so-fab:

Up to 70% off selected items, and as an extra special bonus for KidStyleFile readers there’s an extra 5% off store-wide! Do the maths with me - that’s up to 75% off! Also, you have the jump on the sale, as it doesn’t officially start until Monday 16 June!

Enter ‘KSF‘ at checkout to receive an extra 5% off your order. Discount code is valid until 30 June. All other discount codes are suspended during the sale period. (Head straight to the sale section to start shopping.

The Hip Infant stocks over 85 high end brands including AKA Pipik, Albetta, Alex Toys, Alimrose Designs, Anna & Sally, Annabel Trends, Anne Claire Petit, Baby Einstein, Baby Legs, Babylicious, Benny Boy, Bical, BlaBla, Blink Designs, BUD, Built NY, Bump Buddy, Cheeky Monkey, Christmas Ideas, Coco & Eli, Cuddlefish, David Fussenegger, DiddleDumpling, Dirty Laundry, Elodie Details, Eyetribe, Fiesta Crafts, Flensted Mobiles, Fleurville, For Walls, For Windows, French Bull, Gertie and Me, Go_Home JNR, Green To Grow, Haba, Heimess, Hip Stuff, ID Tee, Inch Blue, Infancy, Jazzy Toes, JellyCats, JewelQueen, Kathe Kruse, Keptin Jr, Kid Squidgy, Kiddopotamus, Kipiis, Lima Bean, Limo Basics, Little Chipipi, Little Einsteins, Little Joey, Little Twig, Liz Knits, Milestone Press, Mill & Mia, Mini Glow, Mitty James, Mon Ange, Moppit, Mum To Mum, My Child, Oeuf NYC, OUCH, Peanut Shell, Present Time, Pure Baby, Rockabye Baby, Rondeau Industries, Rush, Sigikid, Simple Gorgeous Storage, Skip HOP, Smirk Kids, Snugglebum, Snugzeez, Teeny Me, The Hip Infant Basics, The Hip Infant Sneakies, Tiger Tribe, Tippy Toes, Toys Pure, Trunki, Vessel, Wall Candy Arts, WalRUs, and Wee Gallery - phew!

In fact, if it’s stylish and to do with kids then I can’t think of much that The Hip Infant doesn’t stock!

The Hip Infant has everything from baby slings (check out the fab discounts on Aka Pipik and Peanut Shells) to nursery bedding (discounted David Fusseneger, anyone? Ooh, pick me!!), toys to clothes to decor and wall art, ad infinitum.

Also, check out The Hip Infant’s very own product range, including babygrows: The Hip Infant Basics (so popular, the first shipment has already sold out! Keep your eyes peeled though, more landing soon!), and pre-walker shoes: The Hip Infant Sneakies.

Also, I can’t let the moment pass without mentioning the huge discounts on nappy bags (I’m a wee bit notorious for my nappy bag addiction by now, and The Hip Infant is doing nothing to help me get over it I have to say!).

Anna & Sally Chic nappy bags are down to $89.95 from $129.95 and Fleurville Baby Bags - oh how I love Fleurville! - are reduced by $50.00, bringing them down to $148.00! Those are incredibly good prices.

I just have to show you some of my favourite sale items; check ‘em out. Don’t dilly dally too long though, at these prices stock will be gone in a flash! Head straight to the sale section to start shopping.

Anna & Sally Chic nappy bag, $129.95 $89.95
Fleurville baby bag, $198.00 $148.00
Skip Hop lunch bag, $59.95 $39.95
Bical Shoes Socks, $22.95 $15.95
Benny Boy long sleeve tees (various designs), $44.00 $29.95
Built NY bibs, $19.95 $10.95 and look out for the nifty Built NY bottle holders also at $19.95 $10.95
Mill & Mia Boatneck dress red stripe, $69.95 $39.95
Ouch babygrow denim chambray, $24.95 $15.95
Infancy spotty babygrow, $38.50 $29.50 (this one just makes me way too clucky, it’s dangerous!)
Kipiis bib clips, $16.95 $10.95 These are brilliant, I use them to hang a cloth nappy over my boy for really messy meals, but he also loves his Kipiis as a toy! Best thing ever to keep in your nappy bag, covers all eventualities.
Blabla Mini Rosalie, $42.95 $32.95

The Hip Infant charge $7.50 postage flat Australia wide for Express Post/courier delivery. Orders are dispatched within 24 hours of receipt. The Hip Infant also ships internationally. Please visit the Delivery Info page for full information on shipping.

Just a few reminders for you super-stylie-filers so you don’t miss out on the loot.

The superb Trunki Towgo offer from Kids Gift List - www.kidsgiftlist.com.au - finishes this Sunday 9th March.

If you’re going away for Easter, the Towgo is absolutely indispensable; you won’t know yourself, trust me! And $59.07 is all it will cost you with the KSF exclusive discount code. This is a cheap cheap cheap price. You will not find the Trunki Towgo on sale, discounted or cheaper for less anywhere!!

I know, I’m raving! But I am seriously in love with the Trunki; that’s what love does to me Check the post for full details on how to take home your very own indisputably practical, sweet, beautiful, cheap Trunki Towgo.

*********************************

Want the whole family to scrub up a treat for Easter? Don’t forget to get your frocks on with the fabulous Frock You - www.frockyou.com.au - KidStyleFile reader exclusive 25% off store-wide discount. Offer ends Monday 10th March. Check the full post for the discount code details.

Lots of super kids brands to choose from including Baby Legs, baobab, Ej Sikke Lej (”ay-sic-kay-lay”), Elodie & Elvis, Fully Stoked, Gabrial Saynte, Itch Designs, Little Red, Monster Baby, Moppit, Oobi, Smelly Welly, Smirk and Tippy Toes.

Grab yourself a treat while you’re there; Frock You is the doyenne of women’s fashion. Choose from Alice Wears Gold, Allira, American Apparel, Birds of a Feather, Blue Juice, Chip Chop!, Dolly Rockers, Fanciulla, GRAB, Little Potty Red Shoes, Living Doll, Mejikuhibiniu, Mermaid Sister, Moe Moe, Nude Footwear, One Teaspoon, Seduce, SUNDAY By Andrea & Joen, Sunny Girl, Tribu, and Vicious Threads.

*********************************

The Hip Infant’s - www.thehipinfant.com.au - summer clearance sale is continuing, and Mel at THI has popped a few extra items up to pique your interest.

Items are all under $25, (except this AKA Pipik Giraffe Sling reduced by half from $100.00 to $50.00: cheap cheap cheap! DO NOT delay on this one!!!)

Mel has added to the bounty one of my evergreen fave’s: Anne Claire Petit Crocheted Rabbit Ring Rattles reduced from $49.95 to just $24.95. What a classy heirloom gift, for your babe, or for a lucky friend’s bubba.

(My children were gifted an ACP Ducky each for their first birthdays, and they have been loved, albeit it has been tough love, especially from me. I throw them in the washing machine and tumble dry them mercilessly afterwards. You wouldn’t know to look at them though. Now that’s a result worth shelling out for!)

The Trunki Towgo is one of my “desert island” buys for kids. It has so many positive aspects, and no negative ones whatsoever; a rare breed indeed!

Our two Tunki Towgo served us well again recently when our flight was delayed for an hour. Instead of grizzles (from myself included!) there was just fun and laughter as we cruised the airport corridors and were swamped by enquiries about them.

Just a reminder that there is only 1 week to go to snap up your fabulously cheap Trunki Towgo for a truly remarkable $59.07.

Read the post from 24 Feb for full details of the offer.

And now, for the moment you have all been waiting for: da-da-da-daaa - the Cheap Trunki Towgo!The fabulous KidsGiftList - www.kidsgiftlist.com.au - is pleased to offer KidStyleFile readers an exclusive discount of 15% off the magnificent Trunki Towgo. The Towgo is not different just in colour from the earlier Trunki models (the pink Trixie, and the blue ‘Terrance’). Its features included a carry handle, locking catches, a teddy bear strap, two tiny little hidden compartments, and a pouch and I wouldn’t be without them.

This offer starts Monday 25th Feb, and runs until Sunday 9th of March. Enter ‘KSF’ at the coupon code section at checkout to receive the discount. (Applies to Trunki Towgo only, no further offers or discounts apply.)

This amazing discount brings your Trunki Towgo down to just $59.07: that is an absolute STEAL for the Towgo! Head on over to snap one up before they’re all gone!

I bought my Trunki x 2 from Kids Gift List and, I can tell you, it was such a wonderful experience.

If you have ever felt nervous about shopping online, KidsGiftList is a great place to cut your teeth. Monique is a such a lovely lovely person, service is second to none, and a secure shopping environment is paramount at all time. You can really buy with confidence at Kids Gift List.

While you are purchasing your super-bargain Trunki at Kids Gift List, capitalise on their fantastically low postage costs ($6.00 flat Australia wide) and pick up some of the superb bargains in the Sale section. Cinti Does Vintage, Sooki Baby, Oobi, Sudo and Zacharia Bier are just a taste of what’s on offer there.

Also, I highly recommend the VW Combis, including the new ‘Peace’ Combi: groovy, man! at just $9.95, (check out my post from Dec ‘07 on Kids Gift List, the Trunki, and the V-Dubs: ya gotta gotta gotta get one of these; they’re incredible!!)

Kids Gift List also offers you a FREE gift list service. This means that you need never fear the ‘gift’ of ill-fitting undies, or bad fashion again; simply login to create your list, pick out what your child would like or needs from the beautiful selection available, print and judiciously distribute for universal benefit!

Read more about this great, innovative service here.

Kids Gift List charge an unbeatable $6.00 flat Australia wide, excluding oversized items. Just so you know; the Trunki aren’t oversized; $6.00 is all you’ll pay! Now you just need to book a trip so you can start traveling in true Trunki style!

Here’s one for all you KidStyleFilers out there on the look out for a Trunki cheap.This is a sneaky one, because it’s not on sale, or on special, but it is discounted to well below the recommended retail price.

Peters of Kensington - http://www.petersofkensington.com.au - have the Trunki Terrance (blue/lime) for only $51!!

Bar-gain!!!

(They do also carry the ‘Trixie’, but it’s currently out of stock. If you’re looking for a cheap Towgo, the best deal is still at The Hip Infant - www.thehipinfant.com.au. Enter ‘moving’ in the discount code area at checkout, to receive 20% off.)

PofK also carry SkipHop, David Fussenegger, Oobi, and Kaloo.

Postage charges vary between states, and are are as below.