KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Angela

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I so admire Aussie designer Ingrid Daniell: not only is she Mum to gorgeous twin boys, but she is the prodigious talent behind magnificent decor and accessories label, Cocoon Couture - www.cocooncouture.com.

Ingrid gets it just so right in her design, masterfully balancing appealing retro-styled ‘critters’ that are undoubtably “kiddy”, with a design features that harmonise beautifully with an adult aesthetic, making it an absolute snap to create a full-filled, imaginative environment for your child, while retaining a sense of calm in your home interior.

I am not the first to regonise Ingrid’s talent: Cocoon Couture have a massive following, both here in Australia, and overseas, and last year they won the prestigious Home Beautiful magazine ‘Best Home Accessory’ Award for the magical floor-standing Enchanted Tree.

As well as this award-winning piece, Cocoon Couture produce a superb range of smaller wooden room accessories, including mobiles, bookends, wall art, and decorator pieces. All Cocoon Couture timber products are handcrafted from eco-friendly ply wood, so you can enjoy these products with a clear conscience.

I’m loving Cocoon Couture’s beautiful new line of wooden wall art kits. Every kit includes a pre-printed ply wood tile featuring two sets of Cocoon Couture critters stickers so your child can have the fun of completing the piece themselves: a truly thoughtful product.

The lynchpin of any living space is the seating: it’s where you can sit, relax, and feel comfortable and at home. Cocoon Couture beanbags are the perfect seating solution for kids, adding a dash of casual playfulness, while being infinitely practical.  Cocoon Couture bean bag cover feature one of the Cocoon Couture ‘critters’ (choose from tiger, bird, whale or fox, and new designs for 2009, Dreamy Owl and Bouncy Bunny, to name but a few) in vintage inspired fabric applique on pinwale (fine) corduroy fabric. These fabulous beanbags feature a separate inner, so you can easily wash the cover without having the remove all the beans, and also an inbuilt handly at the top of the bag for ease of carrying - genuis!

Also don’t miss Cocoon Couture’s fabulous range of shoulder bags, library bags, (soooo cool and very affordable), cosy cushions, sweet fabric gift cards, and the most appealing height charts on the market.

The pricing of Cocoon Couture’s products is also very reasonable, and production of many pieces has been revised, which means that many pieces are even cheaper than last year. You can view all products and check rrp pricing on the Cocoon Couture website. To purchase Cocoon Couture products from whereever you are in the world, please check the stockists page.

To keep up to date with all developments at Cocoon Couture, you can follow Ingrid on Twitter, or check out the brand new Cocoon Couture blog.

Cocoon Couture are a sponsor of the KidStyleFile Annual Reader Survey: 7 lucky survey respondents will each receive a  Cocoon Couture prize pack including a Bean Bag and Wall Art Kit valued at $149.90!  Click here to start the survey now.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Australian designers really do know how to dress Australian kids, and Moppit - www.moppit.com.au - is a case in point.

Dynamic design duo, sisters, Jennie and Melissa, have been designing Moppit for 7 years now, and have a huge following. This energetic pairing that delivers a healthy dose of fun into kid’s wardrobes, and Moppit’s Autumn/Winter ‘09 range features a superb selection of fashion and accessories for babies from birth, to boys and girls right up to 12 years, including fun printed long-sleeved tees, reversible hoodies, go-anywhere dresses, and pants and leggings that are a winning combination of funky, comfortable, practical, and affordable.

Check out the range of new season’s stock in-store now at the fresh and fabulous Moppit Online Store, and don’t miss the Sale section to scoop a super bargain.

In other news, Jennie told me last night that Moppit will be launching their Tween range, ‘MPT’, for girls and boys from 8-14 years Autumn/Winter 2010. What a boon for Moppit fans everywhere! It is always a joy to me when a designer I love extends their sizing, as it’s great to be able to continue loving a fave brand (that you can be sure of the quality and fit of) that bit longer! Jennie from Moppit and Therese from Edenstar were featured late last year on Mornings with Kerri-Anne,  talking about Tween fashion. You can check out the segment here.

If you want to stay up to date with what’s happening at Moppit there are a few ways to stay in the loop: you can Subscribe to the Moppit newsletter, which will deliver news of special offers, new collections, sales etc. to your inbox,  catch up with Jennie, and enjoy her lively banter on Twitter (I love being able to get to know and communicate with the people who design my kids clothes: makes is so much more personal).

Moppit also have a Facebook Fan page which you can join here. (I think that this is a trip you’ll want to be making as there is a juicy 15% discount code awaiting you there )

On a final note, Moppit are also a major sponsor of the 2009 KidStyleFile Annual Reader Survey: complete the survey and go into the draw to win 1 of 5 $500.00 Fashion Packs from Moppit - that’s $2,500.00 of Moppit to be one - YOWZA: that’s HOT!

While you think about that, you can plan what you might score when you win below. Enjoy!

Moppit ship Australia-wide via Express Post or Courier for $10.00 per order. International orders are welcome. Please read the full information on postage and delivery here.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Baby Legs, Baby Legs, Ba-by-Ba-by-Ba-by Legs…Baby Legs, Baby Legs, Ba-by-Ba-by-Ba-by Legs…

Yessiree, it’s that time of year again, the time of year when the chill wind blows and we sing our BabyLegs - www.babylegs.com.au - song and reach for our easy-on-easy-off-all-purpose-go-anywhere-and-look-funky BabyLegs/arm warmers!

Besides adding a large slice of funk to any outfit, protecting your little one’s legs from bumps and knocks (essential knee-protection for little crawlers!), and the cold wind, and making toilet training soooo much easier, they can be worn on arms for an edgy and practical layered look, or to add pizzazz to the dress-up box.

BabyLegs offer designs for every taste over their Standard, Organic and Supersoft ranges, and prices start at a dirt cheap $16.50!

Besides a massive following in homes of everyday peeps like me, the ‘Legs also have a celebrity following with fans including Zahara Jolie-Pitt (who loves her Supersoft Rainbows), and Gwen Stefani’s sons Kingston and Zuma, who is seems are really seen these days without a pair of BabyLegs on their limbs!

BabyLegs charge from $6.50 postage Australia-wide: buy 4 pair and they’ll post your order FREE.

Sing-it-with-me-now: Baby Legs, Baby Legs, Ba-by-Ba-by-Ba-by Legs…Baby Legs, BabyLegs, Ba-by-Ba-by-Ba-by Legs…

Above: Gwen Stefani and sons Kingston and Zuma, Jessica Alba and daughter Honor, and KSF Official Mascots Miss E and Miss S in their BabyLegs, together with an assortment of my fave BabyLegs. You can buy them here.

Photo credits: Celebrity images courtesy of BabyLegs.com

Today’s post written by Miki

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I love cute, cuddly teddy bears as much as the next person, but every so often it’s nice to find a soft toy that makes me giggle as well as want to hug it.

An entertaining example of these attributes is Fluffels, a toy brand designed and handmade by Mariska Vos-Bolman in The Netherlands.  Mariska started designing and making Fluffels when she got her first sewing machine and has never looked back.

Her characters are adorably wacky, from dopey-looking Bubbo (the green dude below) to the confused Devil who wants to be like Cupid.  There’s also the hilariously creepy Zombie Bear, whose intestines are fully removeable from his stomach!  Now that’s a feature worth having in a plush toy, don’t you think?  I reckon Zombie Bear is the only soft toy I’ve ever seen who would entrance even the roughest seven year old boy…

You can order your Fluffels directly from Mariska’s website, or for an Australian stockist see Charlotte’s Web who have a good selection.

Please see the individual websites for shipping information and charges.

Today’s post written by Angela

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The benefits of baby-wearing are now well understood - for starters, try a more settled, healthy baby that sleeps better and so happier, more well-rested parents; no small benefit!  - and the ERGObaby Carriers are one of the best baby carriers on the market.

Offering multi-carry (back, front or hip) functionality to Mums and Dads for babies from birth (with optional insert) to pre-school age, the ergonomic design supports a correct sitting position for baby’s physical development and eliminates compression on baby’s spine. ERGObaby Carriers also have a long lifespan, catering for your offspring up to 18kgs, and offering continued support when a baby sling or front carrier is no longer comfortable, and being lighter, and more secure, than a hard-frame baby backpack.

ERGObaby have just released the new ERGObaby ‘Sport’ model into the Australian market, and I’m pleased to introduce you to it today.

So what’s the difference between the standard ERGObaby Carrier, and the ‘Sport’ model?  Well, the ‘ERGO Sport’ shares the same unique features as the standard ERGObaby Carrier range; the ergonomic design, 3 different carrying positions, and the versatility of carrying from birth (with infant insert) to preschooler.

The main differences include a detachable sleeping hood, a split at the back for better ventilation, and a 65% cotton/35% polyester blend fabric which effectively wicks moisture away, making it cooler than the standard 100% cotton carrier, and over 20% lighter.

The new ERGObaby Sport was also designed for larger people in mind, especially tall dads who sometimes had a hard time fitting into the regular carrier. In comparison with the standard carrier, the shoulder straps are 4″ longer and the waist belt is 5″ longer as well as being slightly wider.

Finally - and this one is the clincher - the ERGObaby Carrier ‘Sport’ model is $10.00 LESS than the standard ERGO carrier range (!!) coming in at $165.00.

If you are interested in seeing the ERGObaby Carrier ‘Sport’ model in action, you can catch it, and it’s sibling the ERGObaby Carrier Standard model, at the BUBS Baby & Kids Shop stand (No.J7) at the Parents, Baby and Kids (PBC) Expo in Rosehill, Sydney, from 15-17 May 2009.

If you make your purchase at the Expo, you’ll score a 20% discount on both models - Standard ERGObaby Carrier RRP: $175 EXPO Special:$140, ERGObaby Carrier Sport RRP: $165 EXPO Special: $132.

The cost of admission to the PBC Expo is $16/$12 concession (kids under 14 free), but you needn’t part with a penny: click here to print out your free multi-day ticket!

The dates for the Expo are:

• Friday 15 to Sunday 17 May 2009

Opening Times:

• Friday 10am - 4pm (last admission 3pm)
• Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm (last admission 4pm)

You can get full information on the PBC Expo, including directions, parking, and facilities, and dates for other states here.

Today’s post written by Miki

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A few months ago I came across Playsam Toys ‘in person’ for the very first time, and I fell head over heels in love. On the screen Playsam is beautiful enough, but in the flesh they are to die for!

A small, iconic, Swedish design company, Playsam have worked with companies such as Saab, Volvo, Skandia, Brio and Atlas Copco, among others. When you see their toys you’ll understand why such prestigious companies want to work with them - they are so fine, they can even be found in the Swedish Design Museum under Icons of Swedish Design!

Extraordinarily sleek, these wooden toys made of beech from Germany and Italy, and coated numerous times with certified toxin-free lacquer paint, beg to be touched, handled and played with - you’ll find yourself unable to leave them alone, never mind the kids!  They also look good enough to be displayed as art around your house - they’re just too beautiful to pack away at the end of the day.

Little Living - www.littleliving.com.au - currently have a fine selection of Playsam Toys on sale up to 30% off. While you’re there, also be sure to stop by their general Sale page. You’ll be needing your credit card…

Little Living postage costs are based on Australia Post’s weight charges. The avergae cost for Expressdelievry is $9.50 per order, Australia-wide. International orders are welcome. Please see the Little Living Delivery page for full details.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Today I want to make a special introduction: KSF Readers meet BALOB (green) TADA (orange) JOOP (purple), DOOT (blue) and BEEP (pink/orange) - aka the Muddy Cloud Crew - MCC meet KSF readers. I’m sure it won’t take long for the two of you to become acquainted, the former having super taste, and you both being incredibly cool!

So what’s the Muddy Cloud story? What IS a Muddy Cloud? I met Joy from Muddy Cloud at the Bubble tradeshow in New York and she gave me the lowdown: they’re about using your imagination - they can be whatever you want them to be!

For me the Muddy Cloud creatures extend beyond their soft-as polar fleece snuggliness to become friendly aliens, woodland creatures and fruit - BALOB just gotta be an apple! - in rich bright colours that make me feel happy. They’re perfect for babies and kids with their amiable expressions, bright colours and grabbable ‘ears’, and grown-ups who love to have their imaginations stimulated. Put me on the list…

Find out more about Muddy Cloud here.

Muddy Cloud buddies (AUD$25.95) are available to buy in Australia exclusively from Little Styles.

Today’s post written by Angela

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OeufNYC - www.oeufnyc.com - (pronounce it UH-F: it’s French for ‘egg’), comprised of French-American couple Sophie Demage and Michael Ryan, are well know for their incredibly beautiful, sleekly designed modern range of furniture and accessories for babies; think the Oeuf Baby Bouncer, Classic range of cots and furniture (recently added to with the stunning new ‘Sparrow’ line).

Lesser well-known in Australia, but no less stunning, is their kids clothing range, Oeuf Clothier.

The Oeuf Clothier Fall/Autumn 09 collection delivers traditional-style knits, impeccably cut, in a stylish palette of greys, browns, creams and pale blues, accentuated with stripes, hearts, and their range of hand-knite animal-inspired accessories - bonnets with ears, masks, snouts, tails and claw-foot booties, strongly evocative of Maurice Sendak’s “Where The Wild Things Are”.

It’s an irresistable combination, made even more compelling with the knowledge that Oeuf are a fair trade and environmentally responsible company: all Oeuf clothing is made in Bolivia, South Amercia, under fair trade agreements which promote fair pay and cultural respect, and all their furniture is made in Latvia, Europe from sustainable materials, with a focus of minimal impact on the environment.

Below are just a small sample of some of my favourite pieces from the Oeuf Clothier Fall/Autumn range, as presented at Bubble New York this past March.

To purchase Oeuf and Ouef Clothier, US and OS readers can head straight for the Oeuf Stockists page, which will serve you well.

Oeuf furniture and accessories are stocked in a number of Australian boutiques including Metro Mum, The Hip Infant, and Urban Baby.

If you are interested in Oeuf Clothier pieces, then try Kido Store who currently have some of last season’s pieces on sale; keep your eye open for the Fall/Autumn pieces as pictured below, or, if you can’t wait, try one of the US/OS stores to see if they’ll post internationally for you.

Please check individual stores for postage and delivery information.

Today’s post written by Angela

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When I met Jen Bulthuis aka Fidoodle - www.fidoodle.com - in New York recently, I became completely enveloped in her world, filled with deliciously soft ‘dreamers’, and cushions, 3D puzzles, ‘city’ and ‘country’ block sets (with a puzzle to complete on the reverse!), art canvases, and t-shirts.

Jen lives and works in Toronto, Canada, where she hand-makes her wonderful produce from the birch of well-managed forests, sheep wool, organic cotton and recycled fabrics.

Jen brings her imagination to life by virtue of her unique and beautiful illustration style. The characters instantly draw you in, and evoke stories. Fidoodle offers us a gentle, artful world with infinite potential for creative play.

I was so taken with the Fidoodle puzzles, which are beautiful artefacts for children and adults alike. The option to either lay them flat to complete, stack them on top of each other like building blocks, or skew them on sticks in any order that pleases you to make your own characters, is utterly delightful and takes the puzzle to a whole new level.

Also completely entrancing were the Fidoodle range of  ‘dreamers’ - the softness is indescribable! - and the story of the ‘dreamer’ - a buddy in sleep and dreams for your child - is the epitome of warmth and comfort.

Fidoodle products can be purchased online from Jen’s Etsy store.

1. Fidoodle Rabbit Dreamer $USD24.00
2. Fidoodle Printed Cushions - please enquire for prices and availability
3. Fidoodle City Mini Blocks USD$30.00
4. Fidoodle Country Mini Blocks USD$30.00
5. Tortoise and Hare - Lion and Mouse Small Puzzle $USD85
6. Cinderella Large Puzzle $USD135

Fidoodle ships to Australia - and to the world outside the US and Canada - from USD$6.00.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Being a twin-mama I am always on the look out for clever products that cater for a life with more than one child. The right product can make the difference between calm organisation, and frustrating chaos.

With twins I often feel that a team of sherpas is the only solution to our gear challenges (and no doubt parents who move from one to two, or more, kids, feel the same way), but I am happy to say that I have found something that I have found the perfect DIY arrangement.

It’s the Babymel x2 bag, which is actually *two* bags which can be clipped together, or separated, as needed.

My kids may not be babies anymore, but the X2 really spoke to me. I often get indecisive about bag colour choices, but the X2 lets me have the best of both worlds: you can choose black/black or black/red. With an international trip imminent, and a new bag needed (and organisation being the key to happy travel), I was keen to give it a go, and so snapped one up (in black/red - yay!)

The X2 bags are a nice size at 26cm high,  44cm wide and 12cm deep. The exterior fabric is a soft thick matt synthetic, which holds up well under use in both the functionality and looks stakes. It is also fully wipeable in the event that you need to clean it.

It features two magnetic closure pockets on the outside face of one of the sides, and an insulated pocket at one end. Inside it features one large velcro closure pocket along one side, and two elasticised pockets on the other. The inner lining is camel coloured which makes it easy to see what you are doing.

The bags come with two of everything you need: shoulder straps with their unique innovative stroller attachments, and two change mats (which I’m thinking would also be a good surface to sit on in the event of wet grass).

The genius of these bags is the way they clip, and unclip, together easily. This is great when parents need to head off in two directions, or on days when you are taking more or less gear. For me, I use one bag for my gear, and one for the kids: no more rummaging around!!

I also really love the clips that attach the shoulder strap to the bag; they are super-easy to operate, and I find them very useful to attach shopping bags to when I need to be fully hands-free.

Although the price for the Babymel X2 is budget at $149.00 for the set of two bags, the quality has not been skimped on - Babymel is the diffusion line from Storksak after all!! Buy with confidence!

You can purchase the Babymel X2 bag direct from the Babymel website (they charge $15.00 flat for courier delivery, Australia-wide). Check here for Australian/New Zealand stockists, here for US stockists, and here for UK/Europe stockists.