KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Miki

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As an Aussie living overseas I find that the longer I am away from home, the more patriotically Australian I become.  I proudly wear my green and gold kangaroo print socks on the 26th of January each year, and my mum is under strict instructions to keep the vegemite coming in the post!

I am raising my kids to be proud little Aussies, and luckily for me I can dress them in the best of boutique Australian kidswear simply by shopping online at La Toriana – www.latoriana.com.au.

Elizabeth at La T makes a point of hunting down and stocking truly unique and beautiful Australian brands, and my goodness she’s good at it!  She has just received gorgeous new stock from Eternal Creation, Tea Princess, Three Little Trees, Lambykins and Alimrose, to name but a few of her amazing brands.

Another of her many fabulous Aussie brands is Vanchi, well known for their nappy bags, oversized wraps and bibs, and other baby accessories.  I can personally recommend Vanchi: my main nappy bag is a Vanchi Carry All which still looks brand new after nearly two years of heavy abuse. I also can’t get enough of the Vanchi oversized bibs which are brilliant for teething tots; my son just about lived in them while his teeth were coming through.

Check out Elizabeth’s fantastic May special offer on Vanchi:

Now that’s a brilliant offer just on its own, but there’s so much more going on at La Toriana at the moment, so listen up!

Firstly, by signing up to the La Toriana newsletter this month you will score yourself $10 off your next purchase of $60 or more, AND 15% off your next purchase after that!  Elizabeth is sending out the newsletter each week this month, so sign up today and you won’t miss out.

Next, read the La Toriana blog and be in to win one of three pairs of slippers.  The draw is on 30 May 2009, and all you need to do to qualify is be signed up to the newsletter and comment on any La T blog post. Easy peasy, and you can even choose which colour slippers you’d like.

Lastly, keep a watch out for the La Toriana Challenge which starts very, very soon – you could score items at up to 60% off, or even some for FREE!  Ladies, start your engines…

1. Eternal Creation Charcoal Winter Dress, $69.95
2. Alimrose Navy Blue Pirate Set, $31.00
3. TikiBoo Kids Baby Beanie – New Baby, $22.95
4. Tea Princess ‘Snow Princess’ Cardigan, $59.95
5. Lambykins ‘Sandy Beach’ Designer Merino Pram/Bassinet Blanket, $99.00
6. Three Little Trees Sushi Duffle Coat, $69.95
7. Lambykins Organic Three Piece Set, $52.95

La Toriana stock a big range of products from annieB, Britt, Tippie Toes, Cheeky Little Soles, Dobbin and Drum, Eternal Creation, Finnigan Finn, Hey Baby, Huggalugs, Deshabille, Vanchi, Kee Ka, Lambykins, Oobi, Toys Pure, BumpBuddy, Lazybones, Gertie and Me, Britt, Thurlby Farm, Kids Kitchen, Grommets, Mini Whisk, Annabel Trends, Vintage Kids, Babylicious, Penny Scallan, Tabitha Emma, Tickled Pink, Djeco, Anamlaz, Three Little Trees, Nana Huchy, Jasnor, Footprints, Tummy Bear, Tea Princess, Alimrose Designs, Fairy Floss Creations, Cuski, and Gaia, Nanny Pickle, Oopsidaisi, G&T Kids, Eco Peko, TikiBoo Kids, Wild Things of Noosa, and prem baby brands Tummy Bear and Early Birds.

La Toriana charge $7.95 postage Australia-wide.  Orders over $150.00 receive FREE shipping and a FREE gift.

Today’s post written by Edwina

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I was chatting to a friend the other day and she mentioned that she had picked out what she wanted for Mother’s Day. This statement took me a little by surprise because, firstly, I usually leave the present decisions up to The Dad and The Kids, and secondly, I am not that organised. But it certainly has got me thinking, in fact, I haven’t stopped thinking about what little treasure I could find for myself to celebrate that aspect of my life. Why should the kids have all the fun?!

So when I found out La Toriana – www.latoriana.com.au – was having a special 3 day sale…. well I just had to have a little look and see what little lovelies I could find.

Yes, the lovely Elizabeth at La Toriana is treating us all to a 20% off storewide sale (excluding the Tea Princess Winter Collection and Tummy Bear) for 3 huge days ending 9am 29 April 2009. To get the discount enter the code KidStyleFile at checkout. Make a comment on the La Toriana blog and Elizabeth will send you a free gift with your order as well!! Yeah for more presents!!

My first stop was straight to the Mums and Dads section, and I was not disappointed. They have a wonderful range of Deshabille (pronounced dez-ha-bee-ay) sleepwear made from natural fabrics and beautifully detailed. Of course, completely ignoring the coming of the colder nights, I couldn’t resist falling head over heels for the Babydoll ‘Jardin’ PJ’s from Lazybones, it is adorable, they also have matching PJ’s for girls.  Elizabeth also has a great collection of VanChi Nappy bags for Mum and Dad, and with 20% off, now is the time to grab one for yourself and one for Father’s Day!

With gift giving in mind, my next stop was the gift section. I always seem to get in the mood for stockpiling as Winter beckons, and the present cupboard in no exception. The selection is great, and there are so many things that will go click, click, clicking into my shopping cart. The Lavender Babushka Dolls are perfect tucked under the pillow to aid in restful slumber, the Guardsmen Skittle set is soooooo cute, and I am a complete sucker for Pandas.

The opportunity for 20% off shouldn’t pass without a thorough scan of the fashion in-store. Elizabeth stocks some wonderful brands at great prices. Head for the Specials section for some hugely discounted goods on sale from Tea Princes, Eternal Creation, Britt Designs, Finnigan Finn, just to name a few.

Prices in red below are after 20% discount is deducted. These prices apply with code until 9am on 29 April 2009 only.

1. Panda Anamalz $9.95, $7.95
2. 3 Piece gift set Organic Blanket, Owl and Hat $62.95, $50.35
3. Cheeky Little Soles – Cuddles Duck $31.95, $25.55
4. Babushka Lavender Dolls $14.95, $11.95
5. Babydoll Mums PJ’s by Lazybones $59.95, $47.95
6. The Traveller Designer Nappy Bag by Vanchi – Rust $149.95, $119.95
7. Britt Design – Reversible Shaggy Vest $49.95, $31.95
8. Eternal Creation Magic Forest Party Dress$69.95, $25.18
9. Eternal Creation Maroon/Olive/Beige Striped Vest $45.95, $22.05
10. Desperate Housewife Apron $25.95, $20.75
11. A Wooden Skittle Set… Queens Guardsmen $36.95, $29.55

La Toriana stock a big range of products from annieB, Britt, Tippie Toes, Cheeky Little Soles, Dobbin and Drum, Eternal Creation, Finnigan Finn, Hey Baby, Huggalugs, Deshabille, Vanchi, Kee Ka, Lambykins, Oobi, Toys Pure, BumpBuddy, Lazybones, Gertie and Me, Britt, Thurlby Farm, Kids Kitchen, Grommets, Mini Whisk, Annabel Trends, Vintage Kids, Babylicious, Penny Scallan, Tabitha Emma, Tickled Pink, Djeco, Anamlaz, Three Little Trees, Nana Huchy, Jasnor, Footprints, Tummy Bear, Tea Princess, Alimrose Designs, Fairy Floss Creations, Cuski, and Gaia, Nanny Pickle, Oopsidaisi, G&T Kids, Eco Peko, TikiBoo Kids, Wild Things of Noosa, and prem baby brands Tummy Bear and Early Birds.

La Toriana charge $7.95 postage Australia-wide.  Orders over $150.00 receive FREE shipping and a FREE gift.

Today’s post written by Angela

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If you’re expecting, or already the parent of a bub 12 months and under, 9 Months Waiting – www.9monthswaiting.com.au – is just for you.

Cathy at 9 Months Waiting has carefully researched her products to ensure the best range of babywear and essentials for the first 12 months.

Select from a great range of basics from Marquise and Bonds (be sure to buy a size up in Bonds, as it is known for its small sizings), divine fashion pieces from Three Little Trees, Baobab, Eternal Creation, and Tees 2 Knees, well priced bedding essentials from Living Textiles and Lotus Linens, and luxe, yet affordable baby bags from Vanchi, who also make the world’s best large sized baby wraps.

I recently met Sarah from Vanchi in person, and had a good look at the entire Vanchi range. I was particularly keen to see the baby wraps, as I had heard so many good things.

Available in both cotton/elastane and 100% cotton muslin varieties, these wraps are a lovely quality. Sarah has put on extra effort into making these wraps just perfect: the stretch in the muslin wraps is across the grain, ensuing that you can pull the wrap nice and snug to your baby’s body, without straining the fabric, or distressing your bub. Another huge benefit of these wraps is their generous sizing. At 180×100 cm you can use these quality wraps as a stylish beach sarong once their work as a baby snuggler is done!

Vanchi baby bags really are gorgeous, and so affordable. My faves are the oriental fabrics. If you’re a fan too, don’t miss the matching Vanchi ‘Change and Away’ pouches, which make changing on the go a snap.

If you’re looking for extra special basics for your little one, or are seeking the softest bassinet or cot sheeting for your babe, then stop by and check out Lotus Linens at 9MW. Lotus Linens products are made of 70% bamboo and 30% certified organic cotton fibres, which feel incredibly soft and cool to the touch. Bamboo is also a sustainable resource, so you can feel extra good about bringing it into your home.

9 Months Waiting have just received a new shipment of Lotus Linen Bamboo Bambini range in both long and short-sleeved onesies, so if you’ve been hanging out for them, now’s the time to jump.

Until 8 March, 2009, KSF readers can take 15% off store-wide – including already reduced sale stock! – at 9 Months Waiting. Enter code ‘KSF15-F24′ at checkout to redeem.

Note: Use the search facility at 9 Months Waiting to locate your chosen designers in an instant.

The prices below show the 15% KidStyleFile discount (see above for details), which is valid until 8 March 2009.

A. Vanchi Extra Large Muslin Baby Wrap $19.95 each $16.95
B. Vanchi 2 pack Extra large bibs $12.95 $11.00
C. Vanchi Extra Large Wrap and Hat Set $29.95 $24.45
D. Lotus Linens Bamboo Sleeping Bag $54.95 $46.70
E. Lotus Linens Bamboo Kimono Short-Sleeve Rompers $25.95 each $22.05
F. Tees 2 Knees Betty Bird Long-Sleeved Tee $34.95 $29.70, and Tees 2 Knees Mertie Martian Long-Sleeved Tee $34.95 $29.95 $24.45
G. Lotus Linens Bamboo Long-Sleeved Bodysuit $24.95 $17.95 $15.25
H. Lotus Linens Bamboo Bassinet Sheet Set $36.95 $31.40
I. Vanchi Lime Change ‘N’ Away, $34.95 $29.95 $25.45
J. Vanchi Lime Baby Bag with Musk Lining $96.95 each $86.95 $73.90

9 Months Waiting postage prices start at $5.50 for Parcel Post and $7.70 for Express Post Australia-wide. International orders are warmly welcomed. Please see the Delivery info page for full information.

Today’s post written by Miki

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I love this time of year.  I know it’s hard to believe given the weather recently, but it’s almost the turn of the season.  Give it another week or two and the deciduous trees will start changing colour, the nights will be growing crisp, and the autumn fashion has already started turning up in the shops.

Online is no different – you can see the seasons changing by the new offerings in-store at places like the divine La Toriana – www.latoriana.com.au – where new arrivals are turning up nearly every day at the moment!

Elizabeth at La T makes a real point of featuring the best of Australia’s and New Zealand’s homegrown designers.  I love to buy Aussie, and Kiwi, made items; it feels great to support local industry and the pieces tend to be of a much higher quality than many of those manufactured overseas.  Elizabeth carefully selects brands she really thinks are worth showcasing, and her taste is impeccable!

One of her latest finds is the beautiful vintage-inspired Tippie Toes, with some sweet little pieces for girls in-store now, and boyswear coming soon. The new season Three Little Trees will also be in-store any day now, as will Tea Princess among others.

If you haven’t already, it’s well worth signing up to the La Toriana newsletter to receive news on the latest arrivals in-store, along with VIP deals, incentives and discounts not available to the public.

KidStyleFile readers, listen up:  Place an order at La Toriana in the month of February, enter ‘KSF’ in the comments section at checkout, and receive a FREE mystery gift valued at $10.00. Offer valid until midnight on the 28th of February 2009.

1. Early Birds Organic Premmie Long Sleeved Bodysuit, $32.95
2. The Traveller Designer Bag by Vanchi – Graphite, $149.95
3. Huggalugs ‘Cool Spirit’ Organic Tee, $32.95 $19.77
4. Huggalugs ‘Butterflies’ Bump Hugger, $34.95 $31.95
5. The Traveller Designer Bag by Vanchi – Rust, $149.95
6. Oobi ‘A Line’ Dress, $24.95 $14.47
7. Arabella White Christening Headband, $19.95
8. Annabel Trends Jolly Roger Socks, $19.95 $15.96
9. Nest Organics Three Piece Gift Set Organic Blanket, Owl & Hat, $62.95
10. Tippie Toes Petite Singlet with Lace Motif, $22.95 and Tippie Toes Enchanted White Tutu, $49.95

La Toriana stock a big range of products from annieB, Britt, Tippie Toes, Cheeky Little Soles, Dobbin and Drum, Eternal Creation, Finnigan Finn, Hey Baby, Huggalugs, Vanchi, Kee Ka, Lambykins, Oobi, Toys Pure, BumpBuddy, Lazybones, Gertie and Me, Britt, Thurlby Farm, Kids Kitchen, Grommets, Mini Whisk, Annabel Trends, Vintage Kids, Babylicious, Penny Scallan, Tabitha Emma, Tickled Pink, Djeco, Anamlaz, Three Little Trees, Nana Huchy, Jasnor, Footprints, Tummy Bear, Tea Princess, Alimrose Designs, Fairy Floss Creations, Cuski, and Gaia, Nanny Pickle, Oopsidaisi, G&T Kids, Eco Peko, TikiBoo Kids, Wild Things of Noosa, and prem baby brands Tummy Bear and Early Birds.

La Toriana charge $7.50 postage Australia-wide.  Orders over $150.00 receive FREE express delivery.

Today’s post written by Nerida

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Three years ago I had to buy my first nappy bag – suffice to say, the choice was rather dismal. Sure the bags were practical but designs were rather ho hum and seem to shriek “I CONTAIN NAPPIES!”.

With the recent birth of my son I was delighted to see that bags had improved, and not just a little, but quite dramatically! Australian designers Storksak, il Tutto, Isoki, OiOi, GR8X, Jooki, Soon Melbourne and Vanchi have answered the call with a fine selection of bags catering for women wanting both style and utilitarianism.

Storksak’s bags are gorgeous with many made of hard wearing leather or canvas. They all contain thermal bottle warmers, changemats and lots of pockets for mobile phones, nappies and purses. And for those of us who like to keep on top of all things celebrity, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Gwyneth Paltrow, Liv Tyler and Julia Roberts are among the many celebrities that just can’t leave home without their Storksak nappy bags.

My favourite right now is the Elizabeth in cream (although also available in more practical shades of tan, grey or navy). Although gorgeous to look at, and incredibly practical for carrying around baby gear, it will also fit most laptops which makes it useful for when the kids are out of nappies.

Storksak is available through Just Ripe.

Isoki nappy bags have the added bonus of being reversible so they can change according to what you are wearing or to your mood. Don’t feel like leopard print today? Just convert to a more subtle shade of grey. In addition, each bag contains coordinating inner components including a change mat, cooler bag and double sided storage satchel.

And if you were wondering which bag Toni Collette carries around when out and about with her daughter Sage, it is more than likely an Isoki.

Isoki bags are available through Bubba Funk and Ekidna Kids.

il Tutto has a beautiful range of nappy bags, all practical and easy to clean. The Lucia bag is one that I would be happy to carry around any time of day. Available in black or red, a key feature (and rather a good idea!) is a zip out liner for easy cleaning. One of my all time favourite actors, Cate Blanchett has one which gives it the thumbs up from me. Buy il Tutto at Bubba Funk.

My husband is one that is often left holding the nappy bag (and often the baby as well!) For that reason, I just had to include a great bag that most men wouldn’t mind carrying about. Made by maternity brand Soon Melbourne, the canvas nappy bag is large enough to carry heaps of baby gear and best of all is fully washable. Check it out at Eco Child.

For quite some time a Bugaboo and a Grey Dot OiOi Hobo was the uniform for what seemed like every new mummy in inner Melbourne. The Grey Dot Hobo is still a gorgeous bag, and just one of many from these veteran nappy bag makers. OiOi produces bags in a range of materials including hard wearing leather and microfibre and all contain lots of pockets, change mat and bottle holder. OiOi bags are available from The Baby Shop.

Another brand that makes bags suitable for both mums and dads is GR8X. In addition to a wide range of innovative baby products, GR8X bags are incredibly practical and come in a wide range of shapes and prints. In addition to the change mat and bottle holder, GR8X bags also contain detachable stroller attachments and an external access wipes pocket. GR8X bags are available through The Baby Shop.

Jooki is an Australian brand that makes beautiful and baby friendly bags. Available in a range of fabrics including leather and hard wearing microfibre, Jooki bags are easy to clean and contain an insulated bottle warmer and change mat. I love the look of the Talissa bag, available from Paperartzi

Vanchi bags are available from 9 Months Waiting and La Toriana. With some cool shapes and colours, my favourite is the classic looking Hearts bag. Not only is it great to look at but it includes bottle thermos, wet pack and change mat. And best of all is one of the more affordable bags on the market.

Finally a cheeky baby bag for everyone who wants to thumb their nose at the whole designer bag scene, the “All the Baby sh!t” Bags from Aussie designers BagLadies. These bags are a mere $10, contain lots of pockets, feature an adjustable strap to fit over the pram and they’re eco-friendly.

1. Storksak Elizabeth $379 from Just Ripe
2. Isoki Vintage Floral Reversible Baby Bag $189.95 from Bubba Funk
3. il Tutto Mia Nappy Bag $449 from Bubba Funk
4. OiOi Black Hobo $134.95 from The Baby Shop
5. Soon Melbourne canvas nappy bag $149.95 from Eco Child
6. GR8X Camo Messenger $119.95 from The Baby Shop
7. Jooki Talissa $285 from Paperartzi
8. Vanchi Hearts $99.95 from La Toriana
9. “All the baby sh!t” $10 from BagLadies

Please check individual stores for shipping details.

Today’s post written by Miki

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The beautiful baby store 9 Months Waiting – www.9monthswaiting.com.au – is very aptly named.  It feels like a long wait from finding out you are pregnant to getting to meet your baby, and one way to fill that time is by setting up your nursery and the getting together the layette (newborn clothes) for the impending arrival.

9 Months Waiting has just about everything you’ll need for the task!

Stockists of some of the finest products around for birth to 12 months, the store has a stunning range of clothes from Baobab, Eternal Creation (fabulous collection of EC summer stock just arrived), Tees 2 Knees, Three Little Trees, and more, plus a big drop of Marquise just about to land – keep your eyes peeled for that as it’s bound to go quickly.

Mums of boys will be glad to know that Cathy of 9MW understands that it’s easy to find cute clothes for girls but can be much harder shopping for boys, and she stocks accordingly.  So if you have a newborn boy or you’re expecting one, make sure you have a look at the well-stocked boys section.

Another place where 9MW really excels is nursery bedding.  Among the brands they stock are two real stand-outs: Living Textiles and Lotus Linens.  Not only do they have sheets, blankets and comforters, you can also get wraps and baby sleeping bags.

I love Living Textiles wraps and used them exclusively when my son was a newborn.  They’re an excellent size (120x120cms) which makes them easy to use, and your baby won’t grow out of them before you’re ready to stop using them.  Choose from classic white, or an adorable selection of colours and patterns.

Another brilliant product from Living Textiles is the eight piece cot starter pack, which includes fitted and flat cot sheets, a pillowcase, a cellular blanket, a mattress protector, and a three-pack of those brilliant wraps I mentioned above.  Except for the mattress protector it’s all 100% cotton and excellent quality – you really can’t go wrong, and you make great savings buying this way.

I mentioned Lotus Linens before, and I want to elaborate because it’s such beautiful stuff.  Made of 70% bamboo and 30% cotton, the Lotus Linens fabric is exquisitely soft.  In fact, when I first felt it and didn’t know what it was, I actually thought it was a cashmere blend!  Next time I have a newborn I’m definitely getting some of the Lotus Linens bassinet sheets.

Lotus Linen does newborn clothing as well, which is just as gorgeous and really quite adorable.  See 9MW’s whole Lotus Linens range here.

There’s a great range of other labels at 9 Months Waiting too: check the dresses from Three Little Trees (comes with free frangipani tree seeds!), the sweetest applique tees from Tees 2 Knees, classic baby basics from Marquise, cool cuts that are infinitely wearable from Baaobab, fresh summery attire from fairtrade maker Eternal Creation, Living Textiles, and stylish baby bags from Aussie designer Vanchi.

Smile, and be happy, because Cathy at 9 Months Waiting is giving us 15% off store-wide until December 14. Enter ‘ksfile’ at checkout to redeem.

Discounted prices listed below are after the 15% discount has been deducted. Prices return to normal on December 14, 2008.

1. 8 Piece Cot Starter Set, $99.95 $84.95
2. Tees 2 Knees Applique T-Shirt – Dotty Dinosaur, $34.95 $29.70 (I love this little guy, so cute!)
3. Eternal Creation Barbados Baby Romper, $43.95 $37.35
4. Smart Swaddle ‘Stars & Stripes’ – Blue, $29.95 $25.45
5. Three Little Trees Frangipani Singlet, $25.00 $21.25
6. Lotus Linens Bamboo Bassinet Sheet Set, $37.95 $32.25
7. 3 Piece Bassinet/Cradle Set, $59.95 $50.95
8. Smart Dream Sleep Bag – Baby Animals, $39.95 $33.95
9. Tees 2 Knees Applique T-Shirt, $34.95 $29.70
10. Lotus Linens Bamboo Sleeping Bag, $54.95 $46.70

9 Months Waiting ship via Express Post within Australia. Prices start at $7.70. International orders are warmly welcomed. Please see the Delivery info page for full information.