KidStyleFile

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.

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. 

Nee na nee na!! Coming through with a wild and crazy wholesale clearance of stock at Ten Sticky Fingers – www.tenstickyfingers.com.au.

Casey at TSF is preparing for the coming season, and has decided to cut to the chase with 50-80% off store-wide. Absolutely every single item in every category – winter stock and current season alike – has been slashed to go. Prices have already been marked down for you, and the sale runs while stocks last only

YOWZA! That is *hot*!

Ten Sticky Fingers delivers a perfect blend of individuality, practicality and affordablity, and brings a beautiful dash of hand-made love and Australian design flair into our lives; so while these prices are bargain basement, the quality of the products is certainly not.

Casey stocks predominately Australian owned and operated labels including Little Brown Mouse, and Heavenly Creatures , (the most gorgeous one-off clothing pieces) and Black Eyed Susie (a huge talent out of Tasmania, my wild and wonderful home state) , Wasabi Kids (a slice of Harajuku, Japan, Australian style: we have the Froggie and Mushroom Tees, and the Mushroom Swing Top. I love the Piggy Pants, too. Apparently the ears aren’t sewn down on the pants, resulting in them wiggling as bubba crawls along: too cute!!), Cinti Does Vintage (timeless class), Barbara Sansoni Designs (wonderful eco and kid friendly soft toys; we have several of these in out house, and they are truly lovely! The removable clothing is a lovely detail), Tonic (luxe bathing products), The Little Experience (great for winter rainy days!), Baby Cupcakes (baby socks in flan, sushi and cupcake form: make perfect gifts), Heavenly Creatures (beautiful quality), and Casey’s own divine vintage-inspired label which she runs with her mum, Judy, Red Thread Designs (superb felt booties and accessories, and hand-knit hats).

I promise that you will be absolutely stunned by the beauty of Ten Sticky Fingers’ product range, and completely knocked out by the prices.

Picks of the day below, and yes, those really are the right prices!! Get over there before it’s all sold out!

Left to right by rows:

Red Thread Designs Apple Crumble Booties $19.50 $11.90
Wasabi Kids Mustard Mushroom Tee $23.90 $11.50
Barbara Sansoni Designs Cuddly Elephant $25.00 $16.00
Wasabi Kids Piggy Pants $27.00 $16.50
Heavenly Creatures Red Stripe Tee $35.00 $20.00
Heavenly Creatures Heidi Dress $65.00 $30.00
Babycupcake Socks & Silicone Patty Pan set $10.00 $5.00
The Little Experience Endangered Species Create-It Finger Puppet Kit $19.00 $5.50
Black Eyed Susie Green Retro Trimmed Cords $44.90 $25.00
Red Thread Designs Vintage Cuff $19.50 $11.90
Cinti Does Vintage Autumn Leaves Baby Kimono $69.95 $32.00
Edward and Lilly Sweet Teddy and Cuddly Cat $37.50 $20.50
Little Brown Mouse Black and White Spot Dress $46.00 $23.00

Ten Sticky Fingers charge $5.50* flat rate delivery (conditions apply) Australia wide.

Today, Miki brings you a gorgeous selection of clothing for little girls from birth to three years. There are so many beautiful finds here, and lots of wonderful deals on offer too, so hold on to your credit cards, and dive in!

Next week: Girlswear for 3-7 years

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I have an imaginary daughter.

Is that weird? I know of kids who’ve had imaginary friends to talk to, and it isn’t like that; she and I have never had a conversation or anything of the kind.

But I do love to pick out clothes for her!

Even though I wouldn’t swap my little boy for anything, and despite all the funky boyswear on the market these days, I still find myself clucking over something like the Baobab horse print dress or the Mill & Mia denim pinafore. (Hey, I’m only human! Find me the woman who wouldn’t go all dotty over gorgeous bits and pieces like those!!)

Luckily for me, this week I’m indulging my fantasy-daughter-dressing to the max. Here are my pics for girlswear for the threes-and-under:

Ekidna Kids
Let’s start off with the ever-fantabulous Ekidna Kids – www.ekidnakids.com.au.

Stockists of a vast range of the best brands around, like – and keep in mind that this is just the tip of the iceberg – Smirk, Minihaha, Monday’s Child, Koby, Fish Lily and Oobi; Ekidna Kids are truly a shopping mum’s delight. Their stunning range of girlswear made my job of choosing just a few pieces to showcase extreeeemely difficult it must be said!

Ekidna Kids are even more appealing than ever at the moment too: they’re having a store-wide 25% off mega-sale to celebrate their second birthday! So hip hip hurrah for Ekidna Kids, and they certainly are jolly good fellows!

Minihaha Orient top with Sleeve Print, $36.95 $27.71
Eternal Creation Orleans Denim Ribbon Skirt, $41.95 $31.46
Vintage Kid ‘Ruby’ Shift Dress, $69.95 $52.46
Koby Spot/Jaquard Reversible Pinafore $44.95 $33.71 I love that this is reversible – effectively two gorgeous dresses in one!
Minihaha Vintage Long Sleeve Tee with Lace Print, $47.00 $26.96
Minihaha Coco Pants, $54.95 $41.21

ShopHouse
And on to the next gorgeous girlswear retailer: ShopHouse www.shophouse.com.au.

Recently ShopHouse have started stocking Mill & Mia, one of the funkiest Australian designers out there, and they always have a big range of Penny Scallan who I just love. I also love the extremely groovy IDTees, there are loads of designs all personalised with your kid’s name – what a great gift idea, if you can bear to give them away!

I think the best deal at the moment is on the Kee Ka organics range: for a limited time, buy one item and get one free! You can’t do better than that!

Make sure you look at the rest of ShopHouse while you’re there, as their accessories, decor and the like are second to none. I’m especially loving the Cocoon Couture growth charts right now.

Just to make it even more tempting to buy from ShopHouse, they’re currently offering 25% off all winter clothing and FREE Express Post on all orders  for the month of June – so buy up big with those discounts!

You’ll also receive FREE Bubble Bath when you buy any two products from the Bod or Eco.Kid until June 30. View full details here.

Mill & Mia Ruffle Sleeve Dress, $69.95 $52.46
Mill & Mia Newborn Long Sleeve Jumpsuit, $49.95 $37.46
Kee-Ka Organic T-shirt, $32.50 $26.00 AND buy one Kee-Ka item and get one free!
Mill & Mia Denim Knickerbocker, $62.95 $47.21
Penny Scallan Daisy Raincoat, $49.95 $37.46
Mill & Mia Denim Pinafore Dress, $71.95 $53.96 I LOVE this dress!

Baobab
Baobab www.baobab.com.au. Well, you’re guaranteed to know the brand already (who doesn’t? it’s developing cult status these days!), so I hardly need to tell you about the 100% cotton fabric, the beautiful seasonal colours, the distinctive graphic prints or the simply stunning detailing, do I?

But I will anyway, just because I’m such a fan.

Baobab was created by an Australian mum who wanted simple, no-fuss clothing for her daughter that still looked great. She designed her own to those ends, and I think she succeeded!

What’s even better is that Baobab currently have a knock-out sale on: 20% – 50% off a huge range of products! So get in there quick before it all goes, because you can be sure that it won’t be around for long at prices like these!

Dress horse print, now $33.60 save 20%
3/4 Length girls’ pant, now $18.90 save 30%
Peasant skirt scoobie stripe, now $32.95 save 25%
Stud tee cherry print, now $27.95 save 20%
Baby pyjamas set, now $29.55 save 20%
Baby-gro pink dragon print, now $27.95 save 30%

Ten Sticky Fingers
If your daughter is a little bit quirky and likes to stand out from the crowd then make a beeline for Ten Sticky Fingers www.tenstickyfingers.com.au. The designers they stock – Little Brown Mouse, Cinti Does Vintage, The Red Thread et al – are just what she’ll love.

Beautifully made, a little bit cheeky and touchingly whimsical, the products here just don’t get any more gorgeous. I love the Strawberry Meringue beanie by The Red Thread – vintage inspired and really quite exquisite! What a beautiful accessory for a winter wardrobe.

As Angela told us earlier this week, Ten Sticky Fingers are offering a free gift with purchase for KidStyleFile readers! Just enter ‘kidstylefile‘ in the coupon section at checkout and tell Casey whether you’d like a girl’s gift or a boy’s gift. What a great way to sweeten the deal!

Ruby Red Maryjanes by The Red Thread, $19.00
Love Love Halter Dress by Little Brown Mouse, $45.50 $34.13
Ribbon Belt by Little Brown Mouse, $8.00
Mushroom Lipstick tee by Wasabi Kids, $23.90 $17.93
Autumn Leaves Baby Kimono by Cinti Does Vintage, $69.95
Strawberry Meringue Beanie by The Red Thread, $12.50

Cheeky Chickies
To wrap up today’s post Cheeky Chickies have a great deal on Huggalugs for you: buy two pairs and get the third pair at 50% off! And there is the most ENORMOUS range to choose from, literally dozens of designs. That’s a huge choice so waste not a moment, order yours today! Hint: if anyone out there is pregnant, Huggalugs also do great ‘bump huggers’ that sit over the bit of tummy your t-shirts no longer cover

Cheeky Chickies are holding a bumper winter sale at the moment – up to 60% off! – and they’re even offering an extra 10% off for KidStyleFile readers! Enter H80C2IBI4 in the Discount Promotional Code Section at checkout to score this fantastic bonus.

And while you’re at it, don’t forget to check out some of the other great product lines at Cheeky Chickies: Noo! Fig, Feef, Eternal Creation and Barefoot Kids to name but a few.

Huggalugs, various designs, $16.50 (buy two and get the third pair at 50% off)
Fig Girl’s Sleeveless Tunic Top, $36.00 $30.60 $27.54 with KidStyleFile discount
Fig Girl’s Hoodie in Teal Sparrow, $49.95 $42.45 $38.20 with KidStyleFile discount

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Please check individual stores for postage details.

Happy Wednesday! Today I am very pleased to formally introduce to you to the very wonderful Ten Sticky Fingers – www.tenstickyfingers.com.au

Ten Sticky Fingers delivers a perfect blend of individuality, practicality and affordablity, and brings a beautiful dash of hand-made love and Australian design flair into our lives.

The products Casey stocks at Ten Sticky Fingers are predominately Australian owned and operated labels including Little Brown Mouse (the most gorgeous one-off clothing pieces), Wasabi Kids (a slice of Harajuku, Japan, Australian style: we have the Froggie and Mushroom Tees, and the Mushroom Swing Top. I love the Piggy Pants, too. Apparently the ears aren’t sewn down on the pants, resulting in them wiggling as bubba crawls along: too cute!!), Cinti Does Vintage (timeless class), Barbara Sansoni Designs (wonderful eco and kid friendly soft toys; we have several of these in out house, and they are truly lovely! The removable clothing is a lovely detail), Tonic (luxe bathing products), The Little Experience (great for winter rainy days!), Baby Cupcakes (baby socks in flan, sushi and cupcake form: make perfect gifts), Heavenly Creatures (beautiful quality), and Casey’s own divine vintage-inspired label which she runs with her mum, Judy, The Red Thread (superb felt booties and accessories, and hand-knit hats).

Casey is offering KidStyleFile readers a most lovely gift with purchase with every order – yay!

For girls, the Ten Sticky Fingers’ exclusive The Red Thread button hair clips made from vintage cotton in an array of fabulous colours and prints, and for the boys, an exclusive The Red Thread button cuff fashioned from edgy print fabrics in a patchwork style with some boy friendly buttons and charms.

Simply enter the code ‘kidstylefile‘ in the coupon section at checkout, and state whether you would like a boys or a girls gift in the comments section. Offer ends 31 July, 2008, or while stocks last.

How beautiful! Thank you Casey from all of us

Here are a few gorgeous picks from Ten Sticky Fingers to get you inspired; enjoy! (Don’t forget to check out the Specials section for on-sale goodies!)

Left to right by rows:

The Red Thread Ruby Red Mary Janes $19.00
Little Brown Mouse Forest Green Cords $36.00
Barbara Sansoni Designs Cuddly Elephant $24.90 $21.17
Wasabi Kids Piggy Pants $27.00
Wasabi Kids Mushroom Swing Top $27.90 $20.93
The Little Experience Endangered Species Create-It Finger Puppet Kit $19.00
Babycupcakes Sushi Socks 6 pair $28.90
The Red Thread Nutmeg Beanie $12.50
The Red Thread Burnt Orange Peony Beanie $12.50
Cinti Does Vintage Autumn Leaves Baby Kimono $69.95
The Red Thread Powder Blue Felt Booties $19.00
Barbara Sansoni Designs Grasshopper Girl $24.50 $20.83
Little Brown Mouse Black and White Spot Dress $46.00

Ten Sticky Fingers charge $5.50* flat rate delivery (conditions apply) Australia wide.