KidStyleFile

I once aspired to minimalism. My life was condensed to a backpack…and a fair bit of carry-on luggage, admittedly! Those days are long gone since our little Miss came along.

I’m 99.99% sure that once little people enter your life, you have to embrace and accept clutter.

Kids require so much stuff, alot of it neccessary, alot of it not so much. They fill your home with love and laughter, but occassionally you probably get a bit sick of tripping over Tonka trucks and finding crayons in the toilet.

Luckily, there is a whole world of nifty storage solutions at your fingertips, and not all of it plastic. These little beauties look so good you’ll thoroughly enjoy tidying up!

One of my fave storage solutions is the Fiona Kate range.

In a classic colour palette, her “box seats” are all at once a box, table and seat, and can be personalised to suit. Not only for kids, they’re fabulous for the office, kitchen, or garage as well!

They tick all the right boxes: recyclable, made in Australia, low cost, washable, light yet strong and they pack flat.

A starter pack sets you up with two storage boxes and a sturdy tabletop to fit together or use separately, and once you’ve got the hang of it the possibilities are really endless!

There are 4 box sizes, ranging from Mini (18cm x 36cm x 14cm) to Major (36cm x 52cm x 28cm), packs of removeable letters and chalkboard stickers to decorate, and flatpacked table tops in all colours. Go nuts!

Medium Starter Pack $99.95
Mini Storage box $12.95
Major Storage Box $39.95
Removeable Letters $12.95 per pack
Chalkboard Stickers 8 sheets, $10.95
Table Tops $29.95 ea

The Missi Missi Collapsible Storage boxes, stocked at Bubba Funk, are also pretty nifty - storage and a seat, all in one!

They come in pink or navy and Bubba Funk also stock a matching range of beanbags so you can kit out a whole room in style. Then, if you move or simply want to redecorate, it folds down ito itself to make it easy to, well, store your storage away!

Missi Missi storage boxes and beanbags are $99.95 ea.

Tiny People stock these beautiful Toy Storage Cubes by Dwell Studio, which are completely gorgeous in nurseries or kid’s rooms.

I adore the whimsical prints, plus you can get matching bibs, blankets, towels and linen! Made from a heavy duty canvas bin with uncoated cotton canvas lining, they add a dash of bright colour and oodles of personality to a room!

Dwell Studio Toy Storage Cubes $136 ea

The delightful Kroom Furniture is stocked at ShopHouse, including this incredibly cute Storage Bench which would brighten up any nursery or playroom, and it’s made from at least 70% recycled materials while being 100% recyclable!

Krooom do a great range of versatile storage solutions. The Maggie Storage Shelf would look so elegant in a little girl’s room, but also so pretty in an office space or even your bedroom!

Same goes for the Juliette organiser ($45.95) - man, does my desk need one of these! (Eds. note - I have one, and it is fab-u-lous!) Made from recycled corrugated cardboard, it’s perfect for storing files, magazines or organising homework and schoolbooks for older kids.

Kroom Storage bench $49.95
Kroom Maggie Storage Shelf $75.95

If you’re not so into the blue/pink combo, try Kikki-K for storage boxes in colourways like red and black, which again are perfect for older kids or storage that can be used in any room in the house.

These cd boxes are pretty darn cool, while the A4 Cloth Storage Boxes are great for storing memories, drawings, and tidbits as they grow.

Kikki K Cd Storage $14.95
Kikki K A4 Cloth Storage boxes $34.95 ea

Check out these super cute ideas from the wondrous 
Urban Baby by Monsieur and Madame.

These toy storage bags have such a delightful print and can be used not only for toys, but for shopping, laundry, the beach…

Urban Baby also stock gorgeous storage boxes by Tiger Tribe. They have felt lining and fold away neatly when not in use, though they’re so cute I’m not sure why you’d want to hide them away!

Finally, keep the bathroom neat with the Boon Frog Pod which attaches to the wall with semi-permanent adhesive strips, and is a hygienic and funky way to store bath toys and products. (Plus he’s sooo funky!)

Monsieur and Madame toy storage bags $24.50 ea
Tiger Tribe storage boxes from $29.95 ea
Boon Frog Pod $54.95

Please check individual sites for shipping cost and delivery details.

Today’s post written by Angela

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An exciting piece of information for you today: one of my favourite stores, Tiny People - www.tinypeople.com.au - currently have one of my favourite designers, Polka - www.polkakids.com.au -  winner of the KidStyleFile Best New Kidswear Designer Award for 2008 - on sale 30% off!

Super-WOO!!

I have already scooted over and scooped over some more for my collection, but I’ve left some for you, so you can experience the love too.

Polka’s current collection is girls-only, but mums of boys will be honoured next season with a stunning range of pieces for beautiful boys.

Sale on only while stocks last.

Tiny People ship orders over $150 (excluding large and oversized orders) free of charge. Contact Tiny People for details on regular postage charges to your state.

Today’s post written by Angela

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One of my favourite clothing labels for kids is Australia’s Paper Wings - www.paperwings.com.au.

Why?

Paper Wings, match the beauty, uniqueness and natural creativity of children with unbridled exuberance, and quiet detail. Each garment is at once precious and practical. There is love in these clothes, and it shows.

The pedigree of seasoned designers, couple Jason Gibaud and Michelle Fallon — who have worked on films including Moulin Rouge, Star Wars and Peter Pan - Paper Wings transcends fashion with whimsical designs that wear brilliantly. I know this because my children wear Paper Wings clothing regularly, and it handles tree-climbing, and nature-walking (and looks extraordinarily beautiful in these settings!) just as well as the party scene, and washes up to perfection.

So what inspires these exceptionally creative pieces? Michelle and Jason explain:

“Our focus is on enhancing the lives of children by creating products that positively influence the way they look, feel, play, and experience their environment. All pieces are designed to be ‘every day favourites’ - lovingly worn out rather than outgrown.

Our design influences are eclectic, with strong links to historical shapes, traditional crafts, and to both vintage and contemporary graphics.

The breathtaking rural setting of our design studio in Northern New South Wales, is a great source of inspiration. We want to celebrate the freedom of being children, looking like children and - most importantly - feeling like children.”

Bravo to that!

Tiny People currently have selected Paper Wings summer 2008/9 collection (girls pieces only) on sale at 30% off.

Postage is free for orders over $150 (excluding large and oversized orders). Contact Tiny People for details on postage charges to your state.

Today Kat delivers part 1 of a fabulous 2 part features on the most beautiful bedding for babies and kids. These designs capture the essence of fun that all kids want in their rooms, while being kind to adult eyeballs. Leave the bedroom door open, and enjoy!
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Your tot might think a Bob the Builder or Iggle Piggle doona cover is the height of coolness, but if you’d prefer their rooms to look a little less an ABC Kids merchandise stand, here’s a rundown of the bestest, brightest and most beautiful bedding out there (sans Thomas the Tank)…

Kideko

I absolutely adore the modern and achingly cool designs by Kideko. My fav is the Sunshine design in bright yellow with “rock’n'roll typography”, closely followed by the red and pink Love retro heart print. They also do matching posters ($28), cushions ($56) and utility bags ($44)!

Sunshine Bed Set $125
Love Bed Set $125
Love and Sunshine Cushions ($56 each)

Dwellstudio

The gorgeous Tiny People stock a huge range of the equally-gorgeous Dwellstudio. With patterns that are chic and colours that appeal to tots, choose from cot or duvet sets as well as towels, cushions, rugs, stroller blankets.

For a neutral décor, try the warm and sweet Chocolate Dots print comes in both a Cot Set and Duvet Set; for baby boys the Transportation Cot Set is suitably fun in classic colours, and girls can have something pretty without overdosing on pink with the Geometry Primrose Cot and Duvet sets.
Chocolate Dots Cot Set $290
Chocolate Dots Duvet Set $230
Transportation Cot Set $290
Geometry Primrose Cot Set $290
Gemoetry Primrose Duvet Set $250

DIY

Here’s an idea: if you’re nifty with a needle and thread, unlike myself, and get hives from the cluttered mess of Spotlight, like myself, check out online fabric stores such as Duckcloth, Quilt Fabric Delights and Reprodepot and get sewing to create a unique and special keepsake. The ranges are huuuuuge and you’ll be able to find everything from cutesy to cool, vintage to designer.

Or, put aside a few days and hit Etsy for other people’s handmade treasures from around the globe - check out the gorgeous designs at Pollywoggers (from about $50) or shop around for one of the thousands of talented artisans who’ll custom make one for you.

Red Plum

Everything you could ever want for your little one’s room is over at My First Room, including a great range of one of my favourite linen ranges, Red Plum. Aside from having chic styles in every colour of the rainbow, Red Plum also do a great customizing service to truly personalize your little one’s room.

Try the gorgeous printed Cot Sheet Sets or Cot Duvet Covers in your choice of fabrics, and move on to equally stylish Single Sheet Sets and Duvet Sets as they grow.

Red Plum Boys Cot Printed Sheet Sets $123
Red Plum Cot Duvet Cover $118
Red Plum Single Sheet Sets $197
Red Plum Custom Duvet Single Set $168

Olli and Lime

I’m sorry but I could not go past the very girly and oh so cute (yes, I do want one for my bed) Carrie range at UK label Olli & Lime - and, it’s all organic and eco-friendly! At £80 (around $187) for the quilt set, it’s cheaper than a pair Manolos…or for a bright, retro feel that looks amazing with neutral décor, the Billie set is spot-on for boys or girls! Contact Olli and Lime for shipping details.

Olli and Lime Carrie Bedding (sheets set approx $105; quilt set approx $187)
Olli and Lime Billie Bedding (sheets set approx $105; quilt set approx $187)

Lilly & Lolly

Lilly and Lolly manchester is exclusively designed and manufactured in Australia, with an aim to “keep kid’s bedroom doors open”. You can pick up a great range at the Little Kidz Closet - for boys the cool Bubble & Bounce or the Chambray doona cover beats typical prints hands-down; and girls will love the sweet hues of Pink Fizz or the French-inspired Tilly print. Each style naturally comes with a matching sheet set ($130) to complete the look.

Bubble & Bounce Doona Cover $130
Chambray Doona Cover $130
Pink Fizz Doona Cover $130
Tilly Doona Cover $130

Milk Linen Design

Finally, if you’ve had enough of flowers and trucks or pink and blue, I thoroughly recommend Milk Linen Design . Designed in Tasmania, made in Australia (I guess they mean the big island ), the wonderful mix of vintage and contemporary will grow with your kids, and complement any décor.

How cool is the Moo Moo black and white Cot Quilt set (also available in Single) or the beautiful Hot Pink set?! They also do gorgeous sheet sets - check out the Vintage section for some real stunners, including the regal Prince William design for true provincial chic.

Moo Moo Cot Quilt Set $125
Hot Pink Cot Quilt Set $125
Prince William Cot Sheet Set $98 (also available in single)

Please check individual sites for postage and delievery details.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Watching a child play is such a delight to behold. It’s pretty much their sole occupation, and they do it with passion.

It is highly amusing to watch kids exercise their imaginations and pretend to be all kinds of different people and things. From animals to royalty, every role is played with gusto and conviction.

There’s nothing like a good costume to really bring out a great performance, and today I want to introduce to a few of my faves. From little babies to bigger kids, there’s something for everyone. Let the drama begin!

It’s never too early to start! Swaddle your newborn in sweet Sozo wraps and caps from the US, available from Baby’s Got Style. Baby’s Got Style also carry the Australian-designed Noo costumes.

Sozo moo-Cow Wrap and Cap Set $39.95
Noo Designs Bee Outfit $59.95

Ratcheting it up a notch are the fabulous Tom Arma costumes at My Make Believe, imported from the US.  Called “the Armani of the kiddy costume world” by The Wall Street Journal, Tom Arma, an environmentally conscious company, creates costumes that transform your child into the animal they represent. Perfect for costume parties, photoshoots, or why not even for an expedition to the supermarket: that’ll make the other shoppers look twice!

My Make Believe are offering 20% off store-wide until 31 December 2008. Enter code ‘flamingo’ at checkout to redeem.

A selection of Tom Arma costumes at My Make Believe. Prices range from $95.00-$105.00

Travis Design costumes, imported by Little Possums Toys from the UK, present superbly executed versions of your standard costume fare: fairies, pirates, insects, and the like.

Travis Designs costumes at Little Possums Toys. All costumes pictured $72.95

Monkeytail & Wellington hit the superhero mark with their Australian-designed and made Little Hero capes, masks and powercuffs. Chose from their designs, or custom-design your own.

Little Hero capes $39.95-$45.95
Little Hero masks $15.95
Little Hero power cuffs $8.95

Finally, Wovenplay from the US, available to buy at Tiny People, bring high art into children’s costumery. Natural and organic fabrics, hand colouring, and an artistic sensibility, are the hallmark of these contemporary investment pieces. Let your child’s spirit soar!

Wovenplay Moth Dress Up $230.00
Wovenplay Genevra Cotton Tutu $220.00

Please check individual sites for shipping costs and details.

Tiny People - www.tinypeople.com.au - operates their bricks and mortar stores from Kirra Beach and Byron Bay. Their website echoes their physical locations. Visiting it is like breathing in the clean, salty air and feeling the sun’s warmth on your skin.

Here’s some pictures, so you get what I mean:

See! Isn’t it a feast for the eyes!! Tiny People stock a fabulous designer baby and kids range, from Anne-Claire Petit, Brio, Birkenstock, Black Rabbit, Dwell Baby, Like a Bike, to Little Leona, Oeuf, Plan Toys and Zacharia Bier, to name just a few. What a delight!

Tiny People are currently having a sale, an event that always makes me rejoice, as they stock a good range of Paper Wings, which is one of my very favourite labels.

It’s also a good thing for Trelise Cooper Kids, Little Red and Edenstar fans; selected items from these labels are currently a massive 30% off!!

Just a small taste of what’s in store for you:

Edenstar Striped Sailor Tee $44.00 $30.80

Trelise Cooper Lucy Locket Dress $165.00 $115.50

Little Red Little Major Pant $50.00 $35.00

Trelise Cooper Regatta Pleasant Top $71.00 $49.70

Little Red Logo Tee $30.00 $21.00

Visit the sale section to view the entire parade of divine designer kids clothing currently reduced by 30%

Postage is free for orders over $150 (excluding large and oversized orders). Contact Tiny People for details on postage charges to your state.

One of my favourite clothing labels for kids is Australia’s Paper Wings - www.paperwings.com.au

Paper Wings is undeniably one of the most inspired and sophisticatedly whimsical labels on the market, equitably distributing it’s brilliance between girls and boys. It pulls this feat off with aplomb, and without cringe or non-ironic kitsch.

The pedigree of seasoned designers, couple Jason Gibaud and Michelle Fallon — they design together, and he does the sewing — who have worked on films including Moulin Rouge, Star Wars and Peter Pan, Paper Wings exudes quiet calm and unrestrained exuberance.

There is a lot of work, and a lot of love in these garments. Paper Wings has a price tag equal to these facts. Undoubtedly they are worth every penny you might spend. But can you afford to spend that many pennies? On an ordinary day, there’s no way I can. But on sale, well, watch me go.

These clothes look incredible and wear brilliantly and, on sale, well, that makes them just about perfect.

There’s only a small selection on sale at the moment, but what there is is still well worth the pickup. I am always on the lookout, and will let you know as soon as I pick up the scent. In the meantime, do your research, pick out what you like, and wait for it to get cheaper

Tiny People - www.tinypeople.com.au - have a small amount of these precious wearable artifacts on sale.

I highly recommend the Denim Pinafore $92.60 (down from $154.00) and the Red Stripe Dress for $107.70 (down from $154).

While you’re there, check out their sale page for Edenstar, Little Red and Trelise Cooper Kids heavily reduced.

Postage is $12.00, or free if you spend $150 or more.

Going further afield, US-based e-tailers are offering a lovely little price-reduced Paper Wings booty. Note that I have only included stores that offer reasonable shipping options to Australia.

Bella and Max - www.bellaandmax.com - have a number of girls Paper Wings items on sale, including the Striped dress for USD$63.8o.

Bella and Max also stock a lovely range of brands including Tea Collection, Harajuku Lovers and Petit Bateau .

They have a couple of Tea Collection items on sale for boys, and a wider range of brands on sale for girls. I highly recommend the Tea Collection Yuki Dot dress on sale for USD$31.50, and the boys Yuki Dot shirt on sale for USD$23.80. (We have the dress, and the styling and quality is A1. I’m impressed by Tea Collection overall; buy with confidence.)

Also, check out Bella and Max’s range of ‘Neige’ (French for ’snow’). Feast your eyes! These pieces are stunning! The Josephine Dress is on sale for USD$76.80, down from $128.

The Toby Coat is USD$84.00, down from $140. (To browse the full Neige range visit the Neige website - http://www.neigeclothing.com/home.html)

You will need to contact Bella and Max, for a shipping quote to Australia, but you shouldn’t be put off: Juliet is lovely, and a fast and friendly communicator, and charges are kept to a minimum.

Olliebollen - www.olliebollen.com have the Paper Wings Striped Leggings in black and white on sale for USD$34.50 a true bargain (1 size 2 and 1 size 6 only), and the long sleeved all over Shoe Print tee (1 size 2 and 1 size 4 only) for USD$36.90; another steal.

Olliebollen carry an extensive range of upscale brands including Camper, Tea Collection, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Absorba, Baby Lulu, Small Paul et al. Check out their clothing sale page; a huge range of quality offerings are within. They also have a good range of Haba, Melissa and Doug, and some Marimekko on sale in their toys and accessories section.

Postage is charged based on weight of the goods, and is calculated at checkout.

And last, but definitely not least, the wonderful Skimbaco - www.skimbaco.com.

Skimbaco is (pronounced ’skimba-co’) is the family business of Katja Presnal and her husband Matt — a former runway model from Finland, and a emergency services rescue helkicopter pilot respectively — and their three stunning offspring. They operate Skimbaco from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Katja has the most exquisite taste and style, and every product Skimbaco carries is selected with great care to ’spread sunshine’ (as is their motto) to their customers.

Receiving a parcel from Skimbaco is a great delight as they send in a box, not a post satchel, which somehow confers a greater delight to the opener. The website is also very helpful in that it has a currency selector, so you can do all your shopping in your home currency - AUD$.

During December I took advantage of one of the most delight-filled sales I have ever witnessed (crazy crazy prices and free international shipping, for example — don’t worry, I will let you know as soon as that’s happening again!), remnants, which include Edenstar, Tea Collection and Lola et Moi, of which are now still available.

Thanks to the great prices I took the opportunity to purchase a number of brands I hadn’t heard of before, Riiminka Designs, Twinkle Kids and Wati, for example, and dig in on some Tea Collection - ‘Journey Dress’ still available for AUD$33.14 : grab it, it’s beautiful!! -, Lola et Moi (incredible Owl Brooches; thank-you-very-much) and Droopy Knickers(!) - Blue Silhouette tee still available for AUD$18.78 (a tip on this piece: it runs large, size 2T more like an Australian standard size 3-4). The quality and detail of the items is superlative. I couldn’t be happier!

Katja also has a taste for Aussie design and stocks Edenstar, and Paper Wings…which is the purpose of this post, after all!

Skimbaco are currently low on Paper Wings thanks to their recent super sale, but they do have the Boys Skull tee on sale for AUD$44.19. (The skull print is worn at the back).

Skimbaco’s shipping costs are very reasonable; and shipping is free for orders over USD$200.