KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Kat

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I have to admit something: I am not a fan of theme-dressing. Sparkly christmas earrings give me hives; licenced kidswear causes nausea.

So, thinking about ‘Easter Fashion’ I nearly choked on my Creme egg (theme-chocolates I can handle).

Thankfully, I’ve realised you can be cheerfully festive and dressed to impress, without the need for fluffy bunny ears…(though if you can’t resist, try the hip version: Rock Your Baby’s Rabbit knit hat, available at Baby’s Got Style for $29.95. Adorable!)

Nanny Pickle’s Bad Bunny Collection is so cute and cheeky it wins my vote for rabbit-themed clobber. Clobber, though, is a bit harsh, because this collection is made from supersoft bamboo and organic fabrics that are just luscious to touch, and come complete with important life lessons such as “Eat your Crusts” and “Don’t Run With Scissors”. Hehe! You can find the Bad Bunny at La Toriana from $19.95.

Cradlerock have a handy Easter section which includes these funky rabbit tees and hoody by Tiny Mammoth (designed by Beci Orphin of Princess Tina fame). How cool is this unique take on a gorgeous vintage print?!

Quinn Macool’s take on bunny prints is, erm, cool! From the cute retro “I Believe” (aaw!) to the “How To Draw A Bunny” tee, perfect for little artistes, you can personalise everything to your taste and nab a nifty new tee for only $22!

But if the only bunnies you want to see this Easter are of the chocolate variety, you could instead have fun putting together a gorgeous new outfit to celebrate:

Baby: Keep little ones warm and snug with a funky romper from Onesies – you’d be hard pressed to go past the simple and chic prints from Danish label Nanoou ($42, 0-12 months), teamed with this versatile, soft velour hat by Gertie & Me ($9.95) and gorgeous matching booties ($9.95; both available at The Hip Infant) for maximum aw-factor. You could also add a sweet little cardi like this one from Purebaby ($32.47 on sale from Just Ripe) for extra warmth and cuteness!

Little Boys: If Nanna’s going to be at Easter lunch, it might be wise to leave your rock’n'roll tees at home, and go for a timeless piece like this Wonderboy Stripe tee ($39.95, 6m-7Y, from Itty Bitty Yuppy). Work it with some classic denim (Munster Stovey 2 Jeans, $80, sizes 2-10; from Tiny People) and retro cool trainers – Adidas Country Stripe, $59.95, sizes US4-10; from Kido Store). If it’s cool, skip the hoody and go for a smart jacket like the Steve Mac coat from Freshbaked (on sale for $29.95 at BabysGotStyle). Watch out, ladies!

Little Girls: We all know how spoilt for choice little girls are now days when it comes to fashion – it’s hard to narrow down a party frock but this week my pick is Polka’s Black Birdy Frou Dress ($99, sizes 3-7; from BabysGotStyle). Accessorise with a slouchy knitted hat (Toshi, $18.95) and ribbed tights for a nice play on texture (Marquise knit tights, $9.95, both also from BabysGotStyle) - or try printed legwarmers scrunched at the ankle if you’re really cool (Huggalugs, $14.50 on sale from My Baby Rocks). Shoes? Yunginz Classeez ($59.95) are pretty enough for every occassion!

Please check individual stores for postage and delivery details. Always check the KSF All Current Deals page to see if you are eligible for any discount.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Quinn Macool – wwww.quinnmacool.com.au - is a leader in boys tees on the web, with an extensive range of fun, and funny, designs featuring comical slogans, and simple, iconic animal prints.

Quinn Macool also offers the most remarkable – and flexible – service, in that you choose the t-shirt design, type (singlet, romper, short-sleeved, long-sleeved, summer/winter weight, or even *design your own!!*) colour and size. How good is that?!! Other features of Quinn Macool garments is that the cut is specifically for boys, which means a perfect fit. Quinn Macool products also do away with sewn-in tags to optimise your boys’ wearing enjoyment.

Besides having a 40% off sample sale happening right now, with prices starting at just $5.00, Quinn Macool have the perfect Easter deal for you and your little man: the first 100 orders over $60.00 will receive a fantastic Quinn Macool Easter Showbag, valued at over $50.00, absolutely FREE!! You cannot go past this super-good, sugar-free, long-lasting Easter option!! You can choose either a showbag for an infant (sizes 000 – 0) or one for a child (size 1 – 8).

This offer does not include delivery charges in the total, is not valid with any other offer, or if claiming your customer loyalty discount, and applies to the first 100 orders only, while stocks last.

Free Quinn Macool INFANT Easter Showbag ( sizes 000-0, value$56.85) includes:

1. Something to carry: An environmentally friendly calico bag printed with their own name which is made from soft material and had applied. Value $12.95

2. Something to wear: One Quinn Macool Easter singlet PLUS a matching pair of shorts. Value $22.90
3. Something to eat: Lolly pops to keep them happy. Value $1.00

4. Something for later: Also included is a Quinn Macool shopping voucher to the value of $20.00 to redeem on your next purchase for orders over $60.00. That’s 30% off.

Free Quinn Macool BOYS Easter Showbag (sizes 1-8, value $55.90) includes:

1. Something to carry: An environmentally friendly calico bag printed with their own name which is made from soft material and had applied. Value $12.95

2. Something to wear: One gorgeous Quinn Macool embroidered cap for all occasions. Value $16.95

3. Something to eat: Lolly pops to keep them happy. Value $1.00

4. Something to do: Keep the kids entertained over Easter. The showbag includes a cool activity set. activity set (Note will vary from showbag to showbag) Value $4.00

5. Something for later: Also included is a Quinn Macool shopping voucher to the value of $20.00 to redeem on your next purchase for orders over $60.00. That’s 30% off.

How to Redeem

1. Shop to your heart’s content until you have $60+ in your shopping cart.
2. Head to the checkout, and enter one of the following codes in the redeem code section: ‘babybag’ or ‘kidbag’. The system will say you have redeemed $0.01 which equals 1 showbag.
3. Important: Please enter the name you would like printed on your customised bag and, if ordering the baby bag, your preferred size for the baby wear.

Quinn Macool also have a fab Loyalty Program. join up today, place your first order, and from there on in  get 10% off purchases for life!

Quinn Macool charge $6.50 postage, including their signature gift boxing, Australia wide. International orders are welcomed with a smile. View the full details on shipping here.

Today’s post written by Kat.

Stay tuned for Part 2: Girls Picks, of this great special feature, coming next Friday. Until then, keep cool!

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Recently I trekked through every local department store looking for something so apparently unobtainable at this time of year: a short sleeve t-shirt for my daughter. Just a simple, plain tee, heck even a tank top would do!

It was 40 degrees outside but all I could find in-store were long sleeved tops and cardis. Not exactly weather to inspire the purchase of knitwear!!

But, rejoice: the mysterious cycle of fashion that sees jumpers on the shelves in January also means mid-season is an online bargain hunter’s paradise!

Surf some cyber-waves this summer and pick up pieces they’ll need for a few months yet – here’s part 1 of our KSF guide to looking cool when it’s hot. Boys first!

1). Your first stop should be JustForBoys – the name isn’t a cryptic clue, it’s simply a site totally dedicated to kitting out  your little man in style.

From higher-end labels to local designers, there’s certainly no shortage of funky short sleeve tees here! I just spent a few minutes having a good ol’ LOL at some of the designs: check out Furvana and A Celebrity tried to Adopt me! by Pixie Rock ($25.95 ea), or the hilarious truths printed on tees by Bitterstrums ($22.95ea).

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2). Baby’s Got Style always have a huge range of gorgeous gear, and luckily for all of us they’ve just started their summer sale, with up to 70% off!

For a true summer vibe, the awesome Corey Tee by Littlehorn (on sale for $19.95) has a great print, and would look very cool indeed matched with these Navy Cargo Shorts ($35.95 on sale) by Infancy.

Speaking of shorts, grab a pair of Ouch Cargos (in black check, black stripe or grey stripe) for just $26.95 and use them as a versatile basis for showing off an array of funky summer tees! Baby boys are amply covered as well, with comfy nappy shorts by Sooki Baby ($19.95) and beautiful sleeveless Bebe onesies ($19.95)!

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3). Noisebox Threads is a relatively new label on the Australian market, but the prices are fantastic and the designs cool yet age-appropriate. Sweltering summer days will be made bearable with these cute printed singlets from $9.95, tees from $12.95 and shorts from $17.95. Seriously, that’s chain-store prices but designer styles!

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4). ShopHouse have a great range of summer Mill & Mia and Purebaby stock on sale.

This very cool Henley tee is a steal at just $14.95, and would look great with these organic cotton Charcoal Shorts ($14.95). No-one would know you paid only $29.95 for the Patch Pocket Drill Shorts by Mill & Mia – they’ll look a million dollars paired with this PureBaby Polo ($14.95)!

Little men are best kept covered, but cool in a onesie: check out this gorgeous romper by And the little dog laughed ($15.95) and *bargain alert* the Stripe Romper by Mill & Mia is just $29.95 (reduced from $59.95!). I also couldn’t go past a modern take on the sailor suit (yes, we all went through it) – Puerbaby’s Navy Deck Pants ($16.95), just add a white sailor cap and it’s all smooth sailing!

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5). Quinn Macool have some of the best statement tees around, and, if you’re sick of the same old-same old AB/CD tees, they can personalise tees to your liking!

Turn your child into a rock star with their own portrait tee ($39.95 on sale), make learning letters fun with their own Initials Tee (from $26.95), or if it’s too hot to care about telling inquisitive old ladies your little man’s birthdate, just point at his DOB singlet ($9.95)!

Eye candy below for visual confirmation of coolness, in every sense of the word!

Please check individual sites for postage and delievery details.

Today I want to introduce you to some fine established and up-and-coming Australian baby and kids product designers.

These talented and individuals pour their heart and soul into their work, resulting in the most wonderful artifacts that truly capture the magic of childhood.

I also want to send out a big shout out to everyone who is inspired to create and bring what you imagine to life. However young or old you are, or big or small your enterprise, your passion represents a positivity, individuality and diversity in the world that burns bright.

Vive the independent designer!

Below, view my multimedia presentation of 10 Australian designers (Chalk ‘n’ Cheese, Paper Wings, mill&mia, Red Thread Designs, Imprintables, Quinn Macool, Look at the Wall, Red Wagon, Miss Haidee, Evie LaLa).

There is music, so turn it up

Get inspired with this directory of resources that will lead you to a bevy of unique and boutique Australian baby and kids designers showcasing their talent locally and internationally.

On your doorstep

• Hope Street Markets, Sydney (www.hopestreetsmarkets.com)
• Magnolia Square, Melbourne (www.magnoliasquare.com.au)
• Mothers Market, Hobart (hobartmothersmarket.blogspot.com)
• South Bank Lifestyle Market, Brisbane (www.southbankmarket.com.au)

Online & around the world

• Made It – Australian independent designers selling online (www.madeit.com.au)
• Bubble – The Kids Trade Show (www.bubbletradeshows.com)
• Playtime Paris – The International tradeshow dedicated to children’s universe and maternity wear (www.playtimeparis.com)
• Life inSTYLE/ Kids inSTYLE tradeshow, Australia (www.lifeinstyle.com.au)

Pick up the current issue of My Child magazine, and turn to page 12, to read my Trend Watch article on independent designers. 

Today Miki brings you a great selection of inspired Father’s Day gift ideas. The big day is just over 2 weeks away, so make haste, and scoop up these goodies (and get some great bargains too!)

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Fathers Day is just around the corner, and I still haven’t organised anything! Eeek!!

Luckily for me and for anyone else in my shoes, it’s been made easy this year. Have a look below to see what these great stores are offering!

First up, we have Global Style – www.globalstyle.com.au, tha bomb for personalised tees, jumpers, singlets, hoodies, hats and bags. With a huge range of the ‘base’ garments and a MASSIVE range of personalisable designs to go on them, each product from Global Style is truly unique.

There’s a great range of Fathers Day designs at the moment, so you can go nuts creating something special for a special Dad who deserves it. My favourite is ‘daddycool’ (pictured below) but that’s just one of many. I couldn’t do justice do all of the available designs in the graphics below, so go and browse around at Global Style to see them all!

Another reason why Global Style gear makes such a great gift is the free matching personalised gift card which can be completed as you go through the checkout process.

Abbey at Global Style is offering KidStyleFile readers 10% off storewide. Enter code: DADDY and expiry: 09/2008 (make sure the date is in exactly that format) when prompted at checkout. This offer expires at 3pm AEST on the 2nd of September and orders received by then will arrive in time for Fathers Day.

No links here as everything at Global Style is personalised and completely unique – but you can very easily re-create one of these just by following the process in the Global Style online store.

Metro Mum – www.metromum.com.au – have a brilliant selection of stuff for dads. The DadGear bags and vests are quite fantastic. I know for a fact that my husband would love these, as he often grumbles about having to carry my gorgeously feminine nappy bags around with him when he takes our son out. And the vest is even better, as it negates the need to carry a bag at all! Pack everything you need into the cleverly-situated pockets and that’s one dad who’s ready to roll.

The ‘For Dad’ section at Metro Mum is full of great gift ideas for daddies, even after the DadGear vests and bags. There’s a gorgeously fluffy – yet masculine – bathrobe and slipper set, Annabel Trends aprons, bath goodies, books, photo frames and more.

Use the Shop 4 Kids code to take 15% off storewide at Metro Mum, and get a free gift!*

Annabel Trends screenprint apron – ‘Daddy Cool’, $25.95
DadGear diaper vest – black, $139.00
DadGear messenger bag, $145.00
Bathrobe and slipper set, $70.00
Compendium – Interview Heirloom Book “My Dad. His Stories, His Words”, $14.95

La Toriana – www.latoriana.com.au – has long been known for its attention to the finer things for kids and parents, and their selection for dads is no exception.

The Vanchi nappy bags for dads are great; stylish, minimalist black which doesn’t show the dirt from all those trips to the park and looks great hanging over Dad’s shoulder.

There’s also a great, giftable range of little things to make Dad’s wardrobe and life just that bit more luxurious. Lovely soap, a therapeutic heat pack, perfumed shoe inserts (brilliant for smelly shoes!), and ‘Socks & Jocks’ perfumed sachets to go in his underwear drawer, but they’re also great for a suitcase if he travels. This range all has gorgeous black and white packaging, very classy.

Use the Shop 4 Kids code to take 15% off storewide at La T and get a free gift!*

Vanchi canvas dad bag, $99.95
Mens therapeutic heat pack, $21.95
Mens shoe sachets, $15.95
Mens ‘Socks & Jocks’ scented sachet set, $10.95
Vanchi vogue dad bag, $119.95

Last but certainly not least, visit the source of the hippest slogan tees for Dads and their sons, at Quinn Macool – www.quinnmacool.com.au.

With a fantastic Fathers Day offering on at the moment, there are three fabulous gift ideas at Quinn Mac.

The first is a unique personalised magazine cover, mounted on canvas with your very own photo and headlines. Fantastic for putting above Dad’s desk at work! There are six templates to choose from, and Monique at Q-Mac makes it easy peasy to create just the right layout for your Dad.

The next is Father & Son matching t-shirt sets. These are great, with some heartwarming and some hilarious combinations. ‘Like Father…’ ‘…Like Son’ is pictured below, and there are loads of others to choose from.

The third gift idea is a Fathers Day t-shirt for your son. Make him into a walking greeting card (only cuter), and really give Dad something to smile about on the day. Who could resist their little boy in a t-shirt saying ‘Dad Rocks’?

These three gift ideas are already discounted at Quinn Macool, and KidStyleFile readers get an additional 10% off until the 1st of September! Enter dadrocks in the Redeem Code box at checkout.

Personalised magazine cover printed on canvas, from $30.00
Dad Rocks infant tee, $20.00
Just Like My Dad infant tee, $20.00
Dad symbol tee, $20.00
‘Like Father, Like Son’ t-shirt set, $44.95

Please check individual stores for postage and shipping details.

* Pick up a copy of Shop 4 Kids Magazine at your newsagent, or email Angela and she’ll let you in on the code.

Today Miki waxes lyrical on one of her favourite store, boyswear specialist boutique Quinn Macool. Just a note for Mums of girls too: Quinn Mac now does girls designs! Read on to find out more.
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A warning: Fathers Day is rapidly approaching – it’s the 7th of September, just in case you’re like me and can never remember.

Luckily this year, thanks to the wonderful Monique at Quinn Macool – www.quinnmacool.com.au – Fathers Day is all sorted. There’s a whole host of great gift ideas at Quinn Macool and they’re all so well priced!

Well priced becomes amazingly well priced for KidStyleFile readers: Monique is giving KidStyleFile readers and extra 10% off storewide! Enter ‘dadrocks’ in the Redeem Code box at checkout to claim this fab offer.

And just when I thought it was as good as it could possibly get, it gets even better! Monique is also offering FREE gift wrapping on all orders and FREE gift cards (normally $5.00)! Offers end Monday, 1 September.

Fathers Day just doesn’t get any easier than this. The hard part now is choosing which of the fantastic products/designs/colours to spoil Dad with!

First of all we have the innovative personalised magazine covers on canvas.

With a choice of six templates, this is a really special gift for Dad, and something that will be completely different from anything he has received before! It’s perfect for pride of place above his desk and is that much more eye-catching than your standard family portrait.

It’s easy too: all you have to do is fill in dates, titles and title descriptions when ordering. The team at Quinn Macool will then send you the information you need to submit your very own photo.

The canvases are available in two sizes, small (25cm x 30cm) for $30.00 $27.00, and medium (30cm x 40cm) for $40.00 $36.00, after 10% KSF discount. See the full range here.

Next on the gift idea list are the father and son t-shirt sets. These are great – humorous, a bit quirky and guaranteed to attract comments and compliments when you’re at the footy together. Famous pairs like ‘Butch Cassidy’ and ‘The Sundance Kid’ are there, along with ‘Coach’ and ‘In Training’ . You can also get ‘In Need Of Training’ for the second kid in the family! – and a big range of others as well. See the full range here.

Me and Mini Me t-shirt set, $44.95 $40.45 (and Mini Mini Me t-shirt, $22.00 $19.80)
Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid, $44.95 $40.45

Also available are Fathers Day t-shirts for the kids to wear. What a fantastic way for your kids to show how much they love their Dad!

Whether you’re going with the simple but effective ‘Dad Rocks’ or the ‘Happy First Fathers Day Dad’ bodysuit (yes, even the tiny ones can get in on this!) you’re bound to find something which perfectly expresses how fantastic the kids think their Dad is.

Here is the range for babies and this is the range for toddlers and kids.

Dad symbol bodysuit, $26.95 $20.00 $18.00
Mirror image t-shirt, $26.95 $20.00 $18.00
Dad Rocks t-shirt, $26.95 $20.00 $18.00

Now before I sign off for the day, I just want to say that I got a bit side-tracked earlier by the NEW BABY GIRLS CLOTHES on the Quinn Macool website! Previously the exclusive domain of funky boyswear, Q-Mac are now also offering a selection of adorable little tops and bodysuits for baby girls – so that they can be as cool as their big brothers of course. Check them out here.

Into Ballet bodysuit, $26.95 $24.25
On Layby bodysuit, $26.95 $24.25
Red Rose bodysuit, $26.95 $24.25
Butterfly bodysuit, $26.95 $24.25

Quinn Macool charge $6.50 for postage Australia-wide. International orders are welcomed.

Today’s post is brought to you by Miki. Miki usually writes weekends, but when she heard about the Quinn Macool sale she was over the moon with excitement, and it was the least I could do to let her express her joy to you, and so here it is. Over to you, Miki!

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OMG OMG OMG!! I just got the BEST news: Quinn Macool- www.quinnmacool.com.au – are having a massive stocktake sale!

I’m so excited about this because I adore Quinn Macool but I missed out on the last sale and I’ve been hoping for ages now that they’d do another one.

Time to stock up for winter!

For those of you who don’t know what I’m talking about, Quinn Macool is the most fantastic boyswear-only online store!

So, here’s the deal: 40% off jumpers and 30% off pants, sweatshirts, t-shirts, rompers and singlets with over 120 designs to choose from!!

(I know I’m way over-using the exclamation marks here, but I don’t care!!! That’s how much I love Quinn Macool! But I’ll try to be sober and sensible now, however difficult it may be.)

Other great things about Quinn Macool: the shirts are tagless so there’s nothing to scratch little necks, the fit makes getting dressed a breeze, and everything comes gift boxed for free!!(!!! – couldn’t resist!)

To redeem these amazing discounts enter ‘winter’ in the redeem code section at checkout.

And just because the lovely Monique at Quinn Macool knows how great KidStyleFile readers are, she’s given us these fantastic inducements to buy up big:

Spend $50-$120 (excluding delivery) and get a FREE Personalised Planet Friendly Calico Multi-purpose Bag valued at $12.95 – see the picture below. To claim, write the name you want printed on the bag in the comments field at checkout.

If you spend $120 – $199 ex. delivery you’ll get 2 x Personalised Planet Friendly Calico Multi-purpose Bags plus a FREE mystery singlet, all up valued at $32.85! I know I said I’d control the exclamation mark use, but that’s a pretty amazing gift, especially when you consider the hefty discounts you’re also getting!! To claim that one, you write the names you want on the bags and the size for the singlet in the comments box at checkout.

But wait, there’s more! Nope, no steak knives, it’s loads better than that: Spend $200 or more ex. delivery and get 2 x Personalised Planet Friendly Calico Multi-purpose Bags plus a FREE mystery t-shirt, total value $52.85!! It’s the same as the others to claim, I’m sure you’ve got the gist by now

The sale ends on June 18th and many designs are starting to get low in numbers… so GET IN THERE QUICKLY!

Ok, without further ado let’s have a look at the gorgeousness that is Quinn Macool:

Clockwise from top left:

Disco Bunnies short-sleeved infant t-shirt, $26.95 $18.87
Little Bro short-sleeved infant t-shirt, $26.95 $18.87 ‘Big Bro’ is also available, see below!
Fetch winter jumper, $31.46 $22.02
Paw Prints infant pants, $26.95 $18.87
Counting Sheep infant t-shirt, $26.95 $18.87

Most infant t-shirt designs are available in short-sleeve t-shirt, long-sleeve t-shirt, short-sleeve romper and long-sleeve romper and in a big range of colours – definitely something for everyone there!

Clockwise from top left:

Saxophone jumper, $34.95 $22.02
Packer, Murdoch, ME t-shirt, $26.95 $18.87
Big Bro t-shirt, $26.95 $18.87
Celtic Cross singlet, $9.95 $6.97
Geronimo! jumper, $34.95, $22.02

Most of the boys t-shirt designs are available in short-sleeve t-shirt, long-sleeve sweatshirt and dual toned long-sleeve sweatshirt, and also in a great range of colours!

Quinn Macool’s Personalised Planet Friendly Calico Multi-purpose Bag, valued at $12.95 but at get at least one FREE with purchases over $50 excl. postage!

*Sale excludes Father and Son sets, customised gear, rock star tee, gifts and hampers.

Quinn Macool charge $6.50 for delivery, Australia-wide.

Today I’d like to introduce to you to new KidStyleFile weekend contributor, Miki. Miki is mum to 9 month old Alex, and brings her stunning written style and a new perspective on boys gear to KSF. Today’s piece is Part 1 of Miki’s great expose of superb boys gear for less. Stay tuned for Part 2, coming next Saturday.
(PS Part 2 is now available here)

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Do you have a boy under the age of two? Do you struggle to find fun, funky and practical clothes him… without bankrupting yourself? Me too. The good news is that since I discovered KSF I’ve been enjoying multitudes of online stores which not only stock a great range of cool gear for baby and toddler boys, but also have fantastic sales and specials.

Here are a few of my favourites:

Quinn Macool

It’s very difficult to go past Quinn Macool www.quinnmacool.com.au when you’re talking about fresh and fun clothes for little boys, and even more so now that they’ve brought in their new winter value packs starting from $50.00 for jumper and pants. There are loads of options and great savings. In fact, the savings are even better this weekend, as Quinn Macool are having a massive pre-winter sale with 30% off winter jumpers, infant pants and singlets!

Check out these great designs:

‘Beam Me Up, Scotty’ Jumper, $24.46 (was $34.95); Bravo Oscar Yankee sweatshirt, from $26.95; ‘Save Us’ sweatshirt, from $26.95 (most designs available in long sleeve and short sleeve t-shirts, and long sleeve and short sleeve rompers). Enter may in redeem code on checkout for your 30% discount on winter jumpers, singlets and infant pants.

Frock You

Ok, I’ll admit it – I’m a Frock You www.frockyou.com.au addict!

My nine-month-old boy pretty much lives in their American Apparel Baby Rib Karate Pants (apparently so do loads of other little boys, given how quickly they sell out!), and the Smirk t-shirts are also a big favourite with their simple, eyecatching designs and bright colours.

Frock You have some great boys’ gear from Baobab (have you seen the dragon bodysuit?) and also from Moppit, who do some of my favourite little boys’ tees.

Pics: Baobab Dragon Bodysuit, $34.95; Smirk ‘Astronaut t-shirt, $34.95; Moppit ‘Sticks, Trucks & Rock n Roll’ t-shirt, $39.95

The Rocking Horse

I have found my all-time favourite beanie here at The Rocking Horse www.therockinghorse.com.au: the Blabla Pocket Beanie in Basil. There is also a great range of the Oobi knits, including the classic ‘Little Bear’ hoodie – little boys in hoods with bear ears are just impossibly cute, but be warned: all the grannies at the supermarket will want to stop you to admire him!

However, I think my absolute favourite products at The Rocking Horse would have to be the Well Spotted tees, as recently featured in (I hope you’re sitting comfortably) Shop 4 Kids, Timeout Sydney, Sydney Morning Herald ‘Fashion Police’, The Age, New Weekly, Sunday Life and Marie Claire. Phew! Great slogan t-shirts, sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. I’m finding it very difficult to choose between ‘I’ll have my people call your people’, ‘Far out brussel sprout’ and ‘I’m small but I know stuff’, and there are loads more besides!

Pics: Oobi ‘Little Bear’ hoodie with bear ears, $39.95; Blabla Pocket Hat in Basil, $39.95; Well Spotted ‘I’m small but I know stuff’ t-shirt, $29.95.

Chic Kids

If you, like me, worry about harsh chemicals on your precious new baby boy’s skin, then have a look at these Sckoon organics at Chic Kids www.chickids.com.au.

They are made from 100% organic Egyptian cotton, so perfect for the delicate skin of a baby. Check out the bodysuits – being in the kimono style they are wonderful for a newborn as it means not pulling anything over his little head (a guaranteed cause for screams, and not just from the baby!)

There are also some great top & pants designs, of which my personal favourite is ‘ZEN cloud’. And don’t forget to register with Chic Kids to get 10% off! Details are here.

Pics: Sckoon Organic ZEN Cloud Long Sleeved Shirt And Monkey Pants, $42.25 (was $46.95); Sckoon Organic Kimono in blue, $19.75 (was $21.95). Prices include 10% discount.

Pastel Pink

It must be said that a store called ‘Pastel Pink’ www.pastelpink.com.au is not the first place I’d have thought to look for boys’ gear. I’m so glad I did though; they’ve actually got some great stuff!

Have a look at the Bebe Marcel range, particularly the romper which is one of the nicest I’ve seen anywhere. And how cute is the David Fussenegger ‘Pirates’ bassinet blanket! There’s plenty more besides these two offerings, so it’s worth having a look for yourself. And remember that KSF readers get 10% off at Pastel Pink! Click here for details.

Pics: Bebe Marcel Romper, $35.95 (was $39.95); David Fussenegger ‘Pirates’ bassinet blanket, $44.95 (was $49.95). Prices include KSF 10% discount.

Kids Gift List

Last but certainly not least, one of my all-time favourite brands is Sooki Baby.

Kids Gift List www.kidsgiftlist.com.au has some Sooki Baby for boys on sale at the moment, so hurry on over and check it out before it all goes! I like this quirky little ‘Cruisin’ romper! (Spot the fluffy dice in the print on the front?)

There are some other great bodysuits and tees in the sale section too – I really love the environmental ones such as ‘I’ll change the world someday’ and ‘Save some green for me’.

Pics: Sooki Baby Cruisin’ Romper, $26.35 (was $32.95); ‘I’ll change the world someday’ onesie, $31.15 (was $38.95); ‘Save some green for me!’ tee, $31.15 (was $38.95)

Check individual sites for postage pricing and details.

Historically, boys haven’t had as much cool clothing to choose from as girls. The lack of skirts, bows or ruffles, has dictated that much of the clothing produced for boys sacrificed style for generic practicality, resulting in much less variety, and a more muted colour palette.

That’s all beginning to change now, as Australian designers are redressing the balance and breaking the mould to deliver the most thoughtfully funky, fun and stylish clothes for boys, while still delivering on the practicality promise.

A high-five to boys (and their parents) everywhere, Quinn Macool – www.quinnmacool.com.au – designs, produces and sells clothing specifically with boys in mind.

Quinn Macool designs are strong, fun, and funny, featuring comical slogans, and simple, iconic animal prints. You may recognise the Eye Chart “I am not going to bed, OK” tee ($26.95) from the recent Studio Bambini magazine feature.

Quinn Macool gives you the most remarkable – and flexible – service in that you choose the t-shirt design, type (singlet, romper, short-sleeved, long-sleeved, summer/winter weight, or even *design your own!!*) colour and size. How good is that?!!

Other features of Quinn Macool garments is that the cut is specifically for boys, which means a perfect fit. Quinn Macool products also do away with sewn-in tags to optimise your boys’ wearing enjoyment.

As if all this weren’t fabulous enough, Quinn Macool’s prices are extremely affordable, bringing the ‘Cool into the realm of everyday wear (prices start at $9.95 for singlets, $26.95 for t-shirts, and $34.95 for winter-weight jumpers).

Quinn Macool are offering KidStyleFile readers a wonderful exclusive 20% discount* until the end of April. Enter ‘kidstyle’ at the Redeem Coupon section at checkout to receive the discount.

Quinn Macool also have a fab Loyalty Program; join up today to get 10% off purchases for life!

(Don’t forget to check out Quinn Macool’s Bargain Bin for a few little goodies seriously reduced – like the Adam the Alien Toy pictured above: only $9.95, and the Chef Hat & Apron set for only $13.95!!)

Grab some Quinn Macool for a gift, or for yourself, today: either way it comes fabulously gift-boxed for no extra charge!

Mothers, Fathers, friends, sisters, Aunties, Nanas, Poppys of boys, and indeed boys themselves, REJOICE!

Quinn Macool charge $6.50 postage, Australia wide. International orders are welcomed with a smile. View the full details on shipping here.

*Off full-price clothing. Offer excludes customised orders, newborn hampers, gifts and products already reduced.