KidStyleFile

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.