KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Angela

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It’s officially winter, and the weather hasn’t missed that fact this past week. The barometer is cooling around the country now, putting paid to bare feet for outdoor endeavours. This of course, means going on the hunt for cool new shoes and gumboots, but also for that most essential of winter undergarments: socks!

I have been on a major expedition around the web in search of the best socks for my kids, and thought I’d share my findings with you.

My criteria for socks are: quality construction – robust fabric weave and stitching, a high percentage cotton composition, or wool blend, with elastane to make them easy to get on and off, the ability to be ruthlessly washed and tumble-dried if necessary, and great looking!

The top 10 find are listed below: everything from baby socks for little feet, to ski socks for outdoor adventures, to purposely mismatched socks in odd numbers, to Japanese gems.

For the record, I have purchased the Annabel Trends Tippy Toes socks, in every available design, for countless friends, snapped up no less than 6 pair of over-the-knee socks from Monkey Do for my own kids (4 pair stripe, 2 pair yellow dot design – and I am loving these Aussie designed, NZ made sockies!), and couldn’t resist the Boo Foo Woo’s as I was researching last night.

I must say that it has taken me most of my life to realise the importance of quality socks: if your feet are cold, your entire body feels cold. Good socks can improve your whole outlook on life, so why not share that gift with your kids?

Note that I’ve just covered ‘designer’ socks here: for plain dress socks, school, sports, or character socks, hit up your local supermarket, or chain-store. Brands like Bonds and Rio, as well as in-house brands have it covered for you.

1. Annabel Trends Tippy Toe Socks Box of 6 Pairs $19.95 per box from Chic Kids

2. Ouch Knee-high Socks $7.95 $4.95 per pair from 5 Little Monkeys

3. Toe Socks $6.40 per pair from Charlipop Kids

4. Little Mismatched Socks in Zany Puzzle Pice/Rainbow $11.95 $7.95 from Gifted

5. United Oddsocks (sizes up top 12 mths) pack of 10 mismatched socks $29.95 from Millie Molly Moo

6. Oobi Baby & Kids Pack of 3 Pair $12.95 at Baby’s Got Style

7. Monkey Do Over the Knee Socks $15.00 per pair at Monkey Do

8. Boo Foo Woo Socks $24.95 $15.00 at Cradle Rock

9. Bootsies 100% wool socks from $24.09 Puddle Beach

10. XTM Kids Thermal Heater Ski Socks Two Pack Blue/Red $27.95 from Outdoor Kids

Please check individual stores for postage charges and delivery details. Swing by the KidStyleFile Current Deals page to see if you are eligible for any further discounts on prices quoted.

Today’s post written by Kat

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Snuggling into a lush, cosy knit is one of the simple joys of Winter. Ok, so the weather report tonight saw all capital cities hitting the mid-20’s, but it’s definitely the time of year to snap up a cardi or two, rub the soft, soft fabric against your cheek (surely we all do this?!) and store it carefully til the mercury drops.

1). Handmade is no longer the domain of the daggy; no siree, it is in fact now the epitome of hip. If your Nanna can’t knit, find another who can – Etsy is choc full of other people’s handmade goodness, and many sellers will take personalised orders. It’s a fast ticket to instant playground cred!

GrannysKnits is a hit with celebs, with these funky Letter Sweaters (US$50) in high demand. HandKnitHugs have gorgeous, simple knits like this Stripe button through cardi (US$36), while I was enchanted by the gorgeous blue of EveldasNeverland soft kimono cardi (US$32). Too cute!

2). Minihaha got a mention last week in our Coats special, but this week again I’m going to point you in the direction of kounia-bella for beautiful knits for boys and girls. Is there anything cuter than a preppy Argyle Vest ($49.50, Bebe Jnr by Minihaha) on a little man? And possibly the prettiest cardi of the season, the Trixie Lollipop cardigan by Minihaha ($74) is a soft angora blend and perfect for princesses in pink.

3). ShopHouse have all Oobi’s must-have knits, including the ever so cute Cable Knit Cardi ($64.95; grey, white or red) and the playfully vintage Nanna’s Strawberry Knit Cardi ($44.95). Love the strawberry buttons! If you haven’t had an Oobi knit with their adorable little bear ears on the hood, I strongly suggest it. Everyone you meet will stop and admire your cute-as-a-button child.

4). Purebaby has always featured strongly in my daughter’s wardrobe, and even though she’s nearly outgrown the size 2’s *sob* I’m determined to squeeze every last organic drop out of the pieces we have. Yes, that has meant knitted pinnys in summer, but with bare legs and sandals, it looks rather cute. (And also like I haven’t washed any of her sundresses…)

This season, the Knitted Vest ($54.95) is on my (wish)list, while the single button Knitted Cardigan ($54.95) is a super cool new spin on an old classic. Little boys can rug up in their own Knitted Vest with a cool front pocket ($44.95) or slip on a funky Knitted Jumper ($49.95). Yes, it has a pig on it. They’ll love it.

5). Let’s face it, Europeans do winter to a T. If a bit of Euro-style is what your child’s wardrobe wants, head to Charlipop Kids for a great range of brands including 3 Pommes, Alphabet, Krickets and Oilily.

For just $34.45, this glam grey cardi by Krickets is so girly and chic, while  I’ve just gone and had a bit of a coo over the cute deisgns by Alphabet, including the Les Petite Parisiennes Black Knit cardi ($39). Little boys won’t mind that you put them in a beige cardi when the see the cute teddy bear patch (Alphabet, $29) and they can even rock the uber-chic Apres look with this funky Krickets Baffin Isle Hooded Knit ($35). Even Nanna would approve of this one.

6). Little indulgence for girly girls now – Tea Princess, readily available at La Toriana, is quickly gaining a huge following, and it’s easily to see why. Whimsical, vintage styles are made thoroughly modern, and completely adorable, in a beautiful range of knits, frocks and accessories. A little crochet cardigan for newborns is such a classic piece you’ll want to keep forever ($35.96 on sale); while the Pink Vintage Cardi ($54.95, available April) is so wonderfully girly and just right for tea parties.

7). Emperor’s Laundry is a range I came across at a trade show last year. The designs are simple, unique and have a real old-world charm about them. The Bamboo Cotton Knits ($45) come in pink, red, or green and are so lush and soft (oh, and they look pretty darn cool too!) They also do gorgeous knit dresses and charming hair accessories; and though none of these come with an addiction warning, consider this a stern hint…

Please check individual stores for postage and delivery information.

Today, Miki reports on some fabulous footwear finds. It’s wonderful to know that funky and fashionable can meet, with baby and kids shoe designers producing shoes that not only look superb, but support healthy foot development. With kid’s feet constantly growing, you get the chance to have a bit of fun with choosing designs, and to make it even more fun, you can snap up some bargains here. Enjoy the weekend!

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It’s well known these days how important it is to buy quality footwear for children.  The better brands of children’s shoe are designed to ensure that the little feet they protect grow and develop properly, so it’s a vital investment to make on behalf of your kids.

Luckily for us, there’s a great range online, and they aren’t just ergonomically designed, they’re extremely cute to boot! (Te he )

Here are some of our favourites:

Run by unashamed shoe fanatic Fiona, Tiny Steps - www.tinysteps.com.au is shoe heaven for toddlers! With a fabulous range of shoes for newborns through to two years, and it’s good to know that she only stocks shoes which encourage proper foot development in babies and toddlers.

Stocking brands such as Pediped, Pedoodles, diddledumpling, ShooShoos and Kinder Klobber to name but a few, you can’t help but find something perfect for your little one here.

Personally I’m eyeing off the Pediped shoes for my little guy – the hard part is choosing which ones!

From top left in rows: 

Pedoodles Flower Power $48.95
diddledumpling Snail Bootie $39.95
Pediped Tyler Navy $42.95
BlaBla Ladybug Booties $27.95

If you, like so many others – including our Ange -, are a big fan of fabulous US shoe brand Morgan & Milo then head straight to Charlipop Kids – www.charlipopkids.com.au.

Great for active kids, these are not only hard wearing but gorgeous to look at too!  Fresh, fun and sporty designs which are perfect for everyday use while still being a bit special.

The Morgan & Milo emphasis is on the fit, comfort and practical detailing, so these shoes are a winner anyway you look at it.

Don’t forget that you can get 10% off at Charlipop Kids Designer (yes, including Morgan & Milo) until 30 September!  Enter ‘KSF’ at checkout.

From top left in rows:

Morgan & Milo Avril Mary Jane Red Madras Patchwork Plaid $29.00  $26.10
Morgan & Milo Matilda Capri Blue Flower Print $29.00 $26.10
Morgan & Milo Gumboots Lou Lou Spots $45.00  $40.50
Morgan & Milo Libby Skimmer Olive Pinky $29.00  $26.10

Oh, how I love the collection of shoes at Buckets & Spades – www.bucketsandspades.com.au!  A great range of brands are there, including the delightfully frivolous (but somehow still practical) Lelli Kelly maryjanes and boots, Diesel sneakers, Fred Bare sandals, Agatha Ruiz De La Prada, Bimbi and the gorgeous Garvalin. My personal favourite, though, is Tip Toey Joey – adorable!!

Make sure you have a look at the extremely well-stocked Shoe Specials section at Buckets & Spades too!  That’s a great way to get premium quality shoes for the kids at big discounts.  And if there’s something in the full priced section that you adore, use the Shop 4 Kids discount code to take 10% off the price.  Just a tip.

No links provided here as Buckets & Spades is a frames-based site.  Use the search function to find anything you want, or just select the ‘Shoes’ link on the homepage.
From top left in rows:

Discounts below show the 10% Shop4Kids discount off full-priced items.

Tip Toey Joey Wavey 030 K – Olive/Charcoal $49.50 $44.55
Agatha Ruiz De La Prada Shoes Abadia $139.00  $125.10
Lelli Kelly Papavero Mid $99.00  $89.10
Diesel Parawil $125.00 – $140.00 $112.50 – $125.00 depending on size.

If Fair Trade is important to you (and it is to me) then Skeanie – www.skeanie.com should be your first choice for pre-walker and toddler shoes.

Made from soft, high quality leather uppers and designed to be non-slip for both walkers and crawlers, these little shoes are just adorable.  I also love the toddler boots and shoes – perfect for a little person who is determined to be a big person and wants the boots to prove it!

The baby shoes make ideal baby shower/new baby gifts, so take advantage of the Skeanie FREE giftwrapping service!

From top left in rows: 

Red Boots $39.95
Black Leather Toddler Boots $49.95  $39.95
Pink Sandals $29.95
Green Sneakers $29.95

La-La Baby – www.lalababy.com.au – make the most adorable slippers, which are super soft cotton and wool felt, guaranteed to keep baby’s toes snuggly and warm.  These are the perfect baby shower present and they’re so affordable that you don’t have to stop at one pair!

La La Baby also stock Chookleaf shoes designed for kids aged 9 months up, with lovely soft leather and bright, fun designs (for pics, see below).

Ten Sticky Fingers – www.tenstickyfingers.com.au – stock the most exquisite little booties made by mother & daughter team Red Thread Designs.  These booties are handmade using only the finest materials and the cutest little buttons, and no two booties are alike.  These booties are also heavily discounted at the moment to make way for new stock coming. Couture booties on the cheap: I love it!

From top left in rows: 

La La Baby Apple Soft Baby Slippers $18.95
Red Thread Designs ‘Little Pink Duck’ Booties $19.50  $11.90
Red Thread Designs Citrus Tart Slippers $19.50  $11.90
Chookleaf Tan Loafers at La-La Baby $54.95  $47.95

Please check individual sites for postage details.

Okie dokie: it’s high time I introduced you to one of the most extraordinary and exceptional kids fashion boutiques on the web – Charlipop Kids - www.charlipopkids.com.au.

Charlipop Kids is a cornucopia of delights for the fashion conscious mama of kids from birth to 12 years.

Presenting a fabulous range of Euro and US/Canada brands, and flying the flag for a fine selection of local Aussie labels, Charlipop Kids encompasses 3 wonderful stores: Charlipop Designer, Charlipop Treasures, and Charlipop Preloved.

The flagship ‘Designer’ store stocks a range of designer garments from Australia and around the globe, many which aren’t available elsewhere online.

Labels stocked include Absorba, Alphabet, Bengh, Blue Moon, Boboli, Cakewalk, Coolibah, Dolce Orsetto, Ecoboo, Emile Et Rose, Fixoni, IKKS, Indi Jo, Jean Bourget, Krickets, Le Bebe Du Paradis, Marese, Marquise, Max & Tilly, Morgan & Milo, Monnalisa, Motion Wear, Oilily, Osh Kosh, Ouch, Puppet Baby, Room 7, Uttam Kids and 3 Pommes.

Charlipop ‘Treasures’ provides premium label end-of-line pieces at bargain prices, with brands including Alphabet, Anna & Sally, Bebe B Bush, Boboli, Bridget B, Blue Moon Girls, Bright Bots, Crystal Bears, David Charles, Eternal Creation, Feedback, Fresh Baked, Goldbug, GR8, Koby Boys, Krickets, Le Bon, Little Lady, Little Pumpkins, Little Treasures, Marquise, Motionwear Boys, Puppet Baby, Purple Caterpillar, Purr Girls, Snug as a Bug, and Uberbabe.

Charlipop ‘Preloved’ does what it sounds: sells second-hand designer labels at a fraction of their first-hand prices. Choose from Absorba, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Alphabet, Babyworld, Bebe, Bonds, Burberry, Butterfly, Cakewalk, Catimini, Chino, Confetti, Country Road, DNKY, Elle, Esprit, Fred Bare, Gala, Gap, George, Guess, H&M, IKKS, Jack & Milly, Jean Bourget, Junior J, Kanz, Kenzo, Kids Unite, Krickets, Magilla, Marese, Marquise, Marks & Spencers, Minihaha, Mini Minors, Monsoon, M New Baby, Next, Oilily, Osh Kosh, Ouch, Pampolina, Papoose, Peter Rabbit, Pumpkin Patch, Ralph Lauren, Red Herring, Replay & Sons , Rocha Little Rocha, Roxy, Room 7, Run Scotty Run, Seed, Solutions, Target, Timberland, United Colors of Benneton, Za Girls and 4 Little Ducks.

I’m not going to talk too much more now, as I want to give you plenty of time (and you’ll need it – there’s so much wonderful stuff to take in here!) to go and have a thorough looky at the wonderful world of Charlipop, but before I sign off, some very important things you should know:

1. Kathryn at Charlipop is giving KSF readers a 10%  store-wide discount on purchases made at Charlipop Kids Designer until 30 September.  Enter ‘KSF’ into the promotional code box at the checkout to redeem*. (Check out the heavily discounted prices with up to 50% off the RRP for boys and girls Ouch, Krickets, Max & Tilly, Emile Et Rose, Alphabet, Morgan & Milo, Absorba, & Room Seven. In the new stock department, new season’s Krickets is just gorgeous, featuring garments presented in a range of colourful stories, many including accessories. Fixoni, from Denmark, is new to Australia this season, with adorable prints and sweet yet simple designs particularly for babies. Coolibah, a new local brand, features a range of special occasion and flattering dresses for girls with gorgeous prints and applique. And for those who love GWP (Gift with Purchase), here’s one for you: all Emile Et Rose pieces come with a free teddy.) 
2. Free postage applies at the Preloved store until October 2*
3. There is a massive Clearout Sale in the Treasures store with up to 75% off the RRP on all Alphabet, Blue Moon & David Charles.

Woo! Hope you’re cashed up View my picks of the day below. All picks are from the ‘Designer’ store. Don’t forget to take an extra 10% off!

From top to bottom:

Take an extra 10% off these prices until September 30 using code ‘KSF’ at checkout.

Krickets Fiji Flora 2 Layered Lime Green & Brown Babydoll Top $44.00
Room Seven Bibi Blouse Style Summer-Suit White with Big Flower Design $63.50
Ouch Fairytale Tulle Ruffle White Skirt $18.95
Krickets Natures Bloom Cream, Beige and Apricot 3 Piece Set Top, Bloomers & Hat $43.85
Fixoni Colourful Striped Ribbed Cardigan $44.95

From top to bottom:

Take an extra 10% off these prices until September 30 using code ‘KSF’ at checkout.

Ouch State Football Champ Striped Shirt $15.95
Ouch Black Skulls Hooded Raincoat $12.50
Krickets Oasis Fun 3 Piece Set Striped Cotton Tee, Socks & Lined Cotton Beige Pants With Elephant Patch at Back $42.95
Room Seven Jersey Tee Blue/Red/White Striped $36.80
Baby Krickets Tam Tam Striped Shirt with Red Shorts & Cap $15.60
Marquise Boys PJs 2 piece set $22.95

View comments from some of the happy customers at Charlipop Kids.

Get to know Charlipop’s owner Kathryn, find out more about the Charlipop Kids stores and products, and participate in the cool comps Kathryn runs, at the “It’s a Charlipops World” Blog.

* Discount code applies to the ‘Designer’ store only, and is not applicable at ‘Treasures’ or ‘Preloved’. Free postage offer applies to ‘Preloved’ store only, and is not applicable to ‘Designer’  or  ‘Treasures’ stores.

Check the Charlipop Kids Terms and Conditions page for full information on postage charges.