KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Anna

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True to the sound of it’s name Yooneek – www.yooneek.com.au (pronounced ‘unique’) is a unique new store with it’s finger on the pulse when it comes to highly innovative and stylish products. Yes, Yooneek is one of those stores that has the serious ‘it’ factor going on!

You won’t find anything at Yooneek that doesn’t have ‘it’: that magical infusion of function and style, a little bit of quirk and of course the best of the best in quality – many products boast an original European design.  This an emporium of funky wares designed to bring happiness and ease to modern life, home and outdoor living spaces – with prices that don’t induce “guffaw, cough, splutter” when you glance at the price tag!

The doors are being flung wide open at Yooneek with a sale of up to 65% off the RRP of selected brands in their Kids Department. Discounted brands include some KidStyleFile favourites like:  WallCandy, Trunki, Kipiis, KidsonRoof, Automoblox, Boon, Bilibo, Playsam and Wheely Bug. This fantastic sale continues only while stocks last until 31 March 2010.

Starting from as little as $20, this sale is a fantastic opportunity to snap up some WallCandy to decorate your nursery, child’s bedroom or playroom. Included in the sale is the best-selling Season shown at number ten below, and the new design called Smarts – a 3 step art program designed to enhance newborn and infant cognitive development.

Meal time at our house has always been a fairly messy affair. But with an independent 14 month old now in the mix; let’s just say things have gone to a whole other level! I am constantly reaching for a bib, and really, whatever is closest to minimise the damage! Enter Kipiis bib clips to my rescue – designed to transform a napkin, kitchen towel or cloth nappy into a convenient, instant bib. This very clever product is currently on sale at Yoonneek -  25% off in fact!

Christmas saw a new addition in our little family, her name is ‘Harley’ and she is simply delightful! On a recent interstate holiday, she was the talking point for every adult near us in the airport, and she provided some much needed entertainment for our three little ones. I just love the entire Trunki range, and Yooneek is a great place to stock up on all things Trunki for any upcoming holiday adventures. Trunki ride on-luggage is currently 10% off at Yooneek. Plus new products just arrived are the Trunki Holsters for adding some H2O for your travels, as well as the Saddlebag – with one twist this cool messenger bag doubles as a comfy saddle for your Trunki. So thoughtful and so funky!

Last, but not certainly not least, and in fact exclusive to Yooneek, are the unique, limited edition Raplapla dolls. These contemporary rag dolls are made by Erica Perrot from Canada.  Raplaplas are simply charming creations. Each one is a character, with a magnificent smile, ready to come alive and play with  plenty of scope left for your little one’s imagination. My favourite is ‘Tim’ a little more Clark Kent than Superman – he is just too cute for words!

There is lots to peruse at Yooneek. When you’re all done checking out out all the fabulous finds in the Kid’s Department, skip on over to play in the rest of the store for some unique home wares and gifts to spoil yourself with.

1. Trunki ‘Harley’ $89.95 on sale for $81.00
2. Boon – Frog Pond$69.95 on sale for $55.00
3. Trunki Holsters $15
4. Kipiis bib clips $15.95 on sale for $11.95
5. Automoblox $54.95 on sale for $45.00
6. Raplapla dolls ‘Lison’ $75.00 (gift boxed)
7. Raplapla dolls ‘Tim’ $75.00 (gift boxed)
8. WallCandy Smarts $55.00 on sale for $50.00
9. WallCandy Chalkboard Animals $99.95 on sale for $55.00
   
10. WallCandy Season $99.95 on sale for $85.00
    
11. Trunki Saddlebags $25.00
12. WallCandy Count $79.95 on sale for $45.00
    

Yooneek stock some truly unique products from the following range of designers: Automoblox, Bilibo, Boon, Bucket ina bag, Candela, Danny Cheung, Dekoop, DesignByThem, Doorganizer, Dosh, Driinn, Flux, Innermost, Isa Toys, Joseph Joseph, Kidsonroof, Kipiis, KOR ONE, Lamy, Magppie, Mobilet, mysmartpac, Nanda Home, Nuance, Peek-a-box, Pension Fur Produkte, Playsam, Plus D, Pulpo, Raplapla, Side By Side, Spike, Tea Forte, The Laundry Bag, The Teaspot, Travelpac Design, Trendform, Trunki, Wall Candy, Wetnoz, Wheely Bug and Wild and Wolf.

Yooneek use Fastway Couriers and Australia Post for delivery. Freight is a low $8.00, delivering anywhere in Australia. See the Customer Care page for full shipping information.

Today’s post written by Miki

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Back in July, when I was eight months pregnant with my second child, I had a problem.  I had a very dressy event to go to (it was a garden party at Buckingham Palace – I kid you not!), absolutely nothing suitable to wear that fit me, and neither the inclination nor the bank balance to spend the megabucks that stylish, dressy maternity wear seems to cost.

How I wish somebody like Nicole White had been there for me!  You see, Nicole has recently started up Glamour Mumma – www.glamourmumma.com.au – which hires out glamourous maternity wear to Melbourne-based mums-to-be.

Pregnant women can make an appointment to go to Nicole’s tranquil Glen Iris based studio and try on her almost endless range of stylish maternity clothes from designers like Szabo, Fillyboo, Picchu and Ripe, along with several brands sourced from the US and the UK.  Alternatively Nicole can bring a selection of her range to your home or office, making it blissfully easy to find that perfect outfit to wear.

The cost of hiring a Glamour Mumma garment is $100, which seems like great value to me as it includes pick up, dry cleaning and GST.  The idea of having that extensive and gorgeous wardrobe to raid almost makes me want to get pregnant again!

None of us like spending big bucks on an outfit we’ll only wear once during pregnancy, and we certainly don’t like traipsing around the shops with our big bellies and swollen feet trying desperately to find something that’s even slightly flattering and appropriate. So instead, at least if you live in Melbourne, you can call or email Nicole and she’ll immediately come to your rescue.

Today’s post written by Leah

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My annual trip to Victoria this past Christmas was full of sightseeing galore (two zoos in two days!), a trip to what I’m labelling the best ‘free’ playground ever (Woodend), family events and a visit to Lark in the township of Daylesford, Victoria.

You may already be aware of Lark as their lovely products have been featured many times on KidStyleFile. I am a huge fan, so you can imagine my delight when I discovered that Lark had opened their very own store only minutes from my childhood home! As it was the holidays, my whole little family joined me on my trip to check out the store at 4a Duke Street, Daylesford.

My husband was quick to note that the store felt like it was originally a petrol station, which was confirmed by owner Allison. This quirky environ enhances the ambience of the Lark store which is decidedly retro. I was quickly in love. Shelves, and shelves of delights – I just didn’t know where to start. Everywhere I looked there was something to remind me of my own childhood.

Firstly, the Lark handmade products. There is a wealth of gorgeous products to choose from – my eye was drawn to the gorgeous Lambie, so soft and cuddly – and although reminiscent of the toys my grandmother once made for me, much more trendy! They also have an abundance of pretend play toys such as knitted teapots, cups, cakes, vegetable rattles, fruit rattles, and donuts. Feast your eyes on them here.

I also came across My Sister Pat swimwear – perfect for any mother if you ask me, with sizing from 8 to 20! The collection is designed by Margie Dlahunty Spencer and handmade in the loveliest retro and vintage materials. Modelled on the 1950s era, these swimsuits have full back shirring which ensures they are flattering on all figures.

On the shelves I found a Sushi Train set. We are well known at our local Sushi Train, and I know this wooden box of felt and magnetic sushi pieces that can be places of a rounded wooden track would be perfect for the kidlets pretend play sessions.  Isn’t it delightful?

This is a shop for kids – there are no signs saying “don’t touch!”. Both Miss N and Master R loved Lark. The reception children receive when they walk through the door makes them welcome from the very start. Stringed balloons were quickly provided, which kept both kidlets amused whilst I browsed the shelves and Dear Husband chatted with Allison about the building, and when we left each child was gifted with a sweet little goodie bag with papercraft items and a whistle inside.

If you’re in the Daylesford area be sure to stop in at Lark. if you’re not in the area you can visit the online store here. Be sure to check out the sale Allison has running until 12 January 2010: you can save up to 50% off on some delightful gear!

Lark stocks products from Arthur’s Circus, Beci Orpin, Belle & Boo, byGraziela, Clothkits, Darling Clementine, Dumpling Dynasty, Engel, Frankie, I Like, Jurianne Matter, Vintage Ladybird, Lark, Lisa Jones, My Sister Pat, Miller Goodman, MT Tape, Ozowiezo, Paumes Books, Peggy, Rosie Flo’s Colouring Books, Solitaire, Sparrowkids, Sukie, Two Little Boys and Umpen Editions, all which will remind you of your own childhood.

Lark charge $5.95-$9.95 postage Australia wide, and international orders are welcome. Click here for full postage and delivery information.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Earlier this year at the KidsInSTYLE tradeshow I met up with the team from Queensland-based Toetum – www.toetum.com. Chiu Lee (pronounced chew lee) and her team impressed me greatly with their passion and vibrancy: they were a stand out exhibit for me.

Toetum’s debut collection for infants and toddlers is colourful, exuberant and unique thanks to a collaboration of talented individuals (I am besotted by Nadine’s Chagall-esque illustration, and the imaginative colour of Jodi’s graphic art).

I hope you enjoy ‘meeting’ Chiu today, and learning a bit about Toetum. Toetum are on my watchlist of fine Australian designers: expect big things!

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Tell us a bit about your background

I began my own fashion agency business when I was 22 and have run that for the last 15 years. Prior to that I studied fashion in the US. I’m now a mother of two, and incorporate my love of business and yoga with spending time with my kids, Lucy, 4 and Max, 6 months.

Tell us a bit about Toetum

I’m head designer for Toetum, and also in the Toetum family are Kate, Jodi and Nadine.

Kate is a recent graduate of the Queensland University of Technology’s Fashion Design degree (and she also has a degree in economics: handy!). Kate’s previous experience is in womenswear so she’s really enjoying the different challenges that working with childrenswear brings.

Jodi, our clever graphic designer who, despite not having children herself, has a natural affinity for designing and illustrating for children (she’s even illustrated a children’s book!)

Nadine (Sawyer) is an artist with a background in floristry and interior design. Nadine’s work appears on some of our garments and is the result of our first collaborative project.

How did you all meet?

Some would say it was the universe lending a hand in bringing us all together – it was such a natural evolution!

The collaboration with Nadine came about after I saw and loved one of her paintings on the wall at a friends house.

Kate started as a work experience student during her last year of study, and now works with us full-time.

Jodi was initially employed to develop the branding for the label. That collaboration worked so well that we asked her to help develop part of the artwork for the range.

What is your business ethos?

At the core of Toetum is the idea of working together, like a clan or tribe. Our name comes from ‘Totem’ which stands for family or clan so that really is the essence of Toetum.

I think the main reason we work so well together is that we share the same ideals and values and are passionate about a lot of the same things – accepting, sharing and embracing different cultures, creativity and the arts.

We all believe in the concept of Toetum as a vehicle to present these ideals to the general public who we hope will then share them with their family and friends.

What are you loving for your kids right now?

I can’t live without my Bebedelice (1, below) – with Max starting solids recently, I can steam and puree until my heart’s content! Our Raff and Lulu Playmat (3, below: no longer available in blue spots, pink spots available as pictured here) goes everywhere with us – love it! My Bubbaroo Joey Pouch (2, below) has been perfect for Max as the nights are cooling down. Rachael Gleeson’s homeopathic remedies for kids (5, below), are fantastic! Mini Metalicus for Lulu (4, below) – she will only wear clothes that stretch, so we live in Metalicus and lots of layers. I am also madly in love with these cute as a button Chinese dragon baby slippers (6, below; purchased by Chiu in China – buy similar here).

What’s coming up for Toetum?

We believe in helping our own community and at the moment it’s all about jobs so we’re in the process of organising for a portion of our range to be made locally. By purchasing inputs and employing patternmakers and machinists locally we hope to do our bit to help those affected by the current employment situation.

We accept that to produce locally and pay award wages, retail prices will have to be higher than product made overseas so we really hope the public appreciates this and show their support for the Australian industry by viewing their purchases as a contribution to building jobs in their community.

In terms of product, we’re about to launch our “Toetum Friends” and “World Kids” ranges which we’re really excited about!

You can buy Toetum direct from the Toetum website. Alternatively shop Toetum at I Want Fabulous – www.iwantfabulous.com.au: they have an extensive range of Toetum designs, and are also offering $10.00 off your order for a limited time only. You can view the complete list of Toetum stockists here. Please check individual stores for shipping and delivery information.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Fairy Floss Creations - www.fairyflosscreations.com.au – create the most delightful hair accessories for little girls. From frothy pink confections, to 50’s inspired rosette clips, Lisa at Fairy Floss Creations designs and creates the highest quality pieces to suit every occasion.

Every piece is hand-made by Lisa, and no two pieces are exactly alike, adding to their charm and uniqueness.

Lisa’s baby line ‘Tiny Creations’ – baby headbands and mini clips – is in great demand. These teeny tiny clippies and bands are perfect for Mums with babies born without much hair, as they are designed to attach to even the finest follicles.

The selection available for older kids is just gorgeous. I am particularly taken with double-layered rosette clips and headbands with button detailing.

There are lots of options in Christmas-y red and white too. If you’re looking for the perfect accompaniment to that special Christmas outfit, you’ve come to the right place.

Lisa at Fairy Floss Creations has recently launched her stunning new online store, and to celebrate she’s sharing the love with KidStyleFile readers. All orders over $30.00 will receive a free set of covered clips valued at $9.95. Spend over $50.00, and you’ll receive a free double layered rosette clip valued at $12.95

Enter coupon code ’stylefile’ at checkout to redeem. Offer ends 2 December 2008.

See below for just a handful of the wonderful pieces in store.

Clockwise from top left:

Fairy Floss Creations Rosette Headband – $14.94
Fairy Floss Creations Olivia Claire Hairclips – $11.95
Fairy Floss Creations Tiny Creations Headband – $14.95
Fairy Floss Creations Princess Lilly Bow – $11.95
Fairy Floss Creations Macey Double Layer Rosette Clip with Button Detail – $11.95
Fairy Floss Creations Tiny Creations Isla Bleau Headband – $14.95
Fairy Floss Creations Zara Clips – $9.95
Fairy Floss Creations Indiana Grace Double Layer Rosette Clip with Button Detail – $12.95

Contact Lisa at Fairy Floss Creations for standard postage charges. Orders over $100.00 are shipped free of charge.