KidStyleFile

Today’s post brought to you by Miki

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When my first son was a baby and a new walker, I was a regular customer at Tiny Steps – www.tinysteps.com.au.  Fiona was incredibly helpful when it came to helping me choose shoes for my wobbly, toddling bundle of joy, and I completely trusted her judgement as she specialises in shoes for under-twos and the specific needs of their little feet.

I came away with many a beautiful pair of little shoes, safe in the knowledge that they’d perfectly support my son’s developing feet, and having easily chosen the right size due to Tiny Steps’ comprehensive sizing guides.  The day I realised his feet had grown too big for me to shop at Tiny Steps any more was a sad one, but thank goodness I now have baby number 2, and a whole new reason to do some more miniature shoe shopping!

For anyone else who has little feet to buy for, I wholeheartedly recommend Tiny Steps.  For one thing, buying online from Tiny Steps’ huge range is so much easier than dragging a tantruming toddler through shoe shops (especially when you’re then told that they only have one or two styles in your child’s size). For another, Fiona’s customer service is legendary: FREE customised gift wrap, a no-fuss returns policy, plus the shoes are all shipped in their original boxes (always a bonus), and the site offers flat-rate express or registered postage, and orders over $150 ship free.  There are also a great range of accessories to select from from labels including Eeeni Meeni Miini Moh and BlaBla. You can see why I’ve kept going back!

There’s an extra reason to shop at Tiny Steps right now, too: in addition to a most impressive store-wide sale with up to 40% off, the wonderful Fiona is extending an additional 10% off store-wide discount to all KSF readers. Yep, up to 50% off brands including Pediped, Pedoodles, shooshoos, Sweet Shoes, diddledumpling, Bibi, Annabel Tends, 2feettall, Blabla, Kinder Clobber, SKEANIE, Cheeky Little Soles, Vessel, Scruffy Dog, Eeni Meeni Miini Moh, Woof!, Old Soles, Rileyroos and BLOCH. Woo! Enter discount code ‘KSFFEB10‘ at checkout to redeem this offer until 28 February 2010. If that doesn’t make you feel like dancing, I don’t know what will

The prices below are with the KSF discount applied (read above), while stocks last, until 28 February 2010.

1. Bibi Sneakers – Pistacchio, $56.95 $32.35
2. BLOCH Baby – Tweed Pink, $39.95 $25.87
3. Bibi Sneakers – Tan, $56.95 $32.35
4. Bibi Afeto – Navy/Cream, $45.95 $22.63
5. BLOCH Frilled Pearl Violet, $49.95 $32.25
6. BLOCH Stella White, $75.95 $43.69
7. BLOCH Patent Ballerina Red, $49.95 $32.25
8. Bibi Afeto White/Sky Blue, $45.95 $22.63
9. Bibi Pink Sneaker, $56.95 $32.35

Tiny Steps stocks Pediped, Pedoodles, shooshoos, Sweet Shoes, diddledumpling, Bibi, Annabel Tends, 2feettall, Blabla, Kinder Clobber, SKEANIE, Cheeky Little Soles, Vessel, Scruffy Dog, Eeni Meeni Miini Moh, Woof!, Old Soles, Rileyroos and BLOCH.

Tiny Steps posts within Australia for a flat rate of $7.50 for Express Post, or $8.50 for Registered Post, while orders over $150 are posted free of charge. International orders are welcomed. Contact Fiona for a postage quote.

Today’s post brought to you by self-confessed kids shoe addict, Miki

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Tiny Steps – www.tinysteps.com.au – is ONE YEAR OLD!  Hip hip hooraaaaay!!!

I’m fairly well known for my kids’ shoe fetish by now, and Fiona at Tiny Steps has been just a bit too helpful in facilitating my addiction.  You see, she stocks the best of the best in shoes for under-twos – absolutely brilliant given how hard it normally is to find good shoes for toddlers as anyone with a little one will know.

A lot of vitally important foot development goes in in the early years, and that’s why I am willing to go out of my way to make sure my kids only wear quality footwear, shoes which won’t muck around with their tootsies.  The great thing about Tiny Steps, though, is that I don’t have to go out of my way – Fiona is a dream to deal with as far as customer service goes (I’m a repeat customer; take it from me) and she is careful to only stock brands which are good for little feet. Makes for an incredibly easy, fun shopping experience, vastly preferable to trying to go shoe shopping with a toddler!

The new brands at Tiny Steps are just too cute and I can’t wait to try them out.  Have a look at Rileyroos, a US brand, for a combination of European design inspiration and American toughness.  I absolutely adore their MJs in tweed (no. 11 below), and the Kane boots for boys (no. 4) are fab – it’s hard to find decent boots for little boys, so I’m especially pleased to see these!

Old Soles is another great new brand in store.  Designed by Australian Vicki Lever, the shoes come with a leather sole in the pre-walker sizes – we all know by now that leather soles are great for babies when barefoot isn’t an option – while the ‘first steps’ sizes for new walkers have a non-slip sole.  They’re also gorgeous to look at: the jogger styles for boys are trendy and practical, and the cowboy-tipped MJs for girls are seriously cool.

Now because of the first birthday celebrations, Fiona has generously decided to give KidStyleFile readers a hefty 20% discount store-wide, including sale items!!  Enter ‘WEAREONE’ at checkout to redeem; code expires 30 June 2009.

My credit card won’t thank you, Fiona, but I certainly do!!

The prices below include the KSF 20% discount. Enter ‘WEAREONE’ at checkout. Code expires 30 June 2009.

1. Old Soles Hip Hop Jogger, $49.95 $39.96
2. Old Soles St Tropez – Pink, $49.95 $39.96
3. Bibi Sneakers – Pistachio, $56.95 $45.56
4. Rileyroos Kane Bark, $54.95 $43.96
5. Old Soles Cowboy Toe Tip – Black/Silver, $49.95 $39.96
6. Rileyroos Mary Jane Sassy, $49.95 $39.96
7. Sweet Shoes Blue & Lime Dandelion, $35.95 $32.95 $26.36
8. Rileyroos Sportie Tiger, $49.95 $39.96
9. Sweet Shoes Skulls – Natural, $33.95 $27.16 (also available in black, as worn by Shiloh Jolie-Pitt)
10. Old Soles Urban Jogger – Navy/Red, $49.95 $39.96
11. Rileyroos Mary Jane – Tweed, $49.95 $39.96

In addition to the wonderful brands already mentioned, Tiny Steps stock Pediped, Pedoodles, shooshoos, Sweet Shoes, diddledumpling, Bibi, Annabel Tends, 2feettall, Blabla, Kinder Clobber and SKEANIE shoes.

Tiny Steps post within Australia for a flat rate of $7.50 for Express Post, or $8.50 for Registered Post, while orders over $150 are posted free of charge. International orders are welcomed. Contact Fiona for a postage quote.

Today’s post written by Kat.

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If we all live vicariously through our kids in some way, big or small, then I am guilty of amassing a shoe collection for my daughter which would make Imelda proud. And hopefully jealous.

A toddler’s feet grow so much faster than an adult’s, so, you know, it’s simply a necessity to keep her feet well-shod. That’s what we tell Daddy, anyway!

She’s got everything from supersoft handmade in Morocco flats (we got them at Where Did You Get That?) to Parisian Ballets in shiny Red (from the lovely Kim over at Itty Bitty Yuppy) and even genuine vintage patent black Mary Janes (my first pair of shoes, handed down!)

So what will we be adding to the collection for Summer?

A browse through department stores reveals a whole lotta not much, so thank goodness for online shopping – think bucketloads of colour and a dash of metallics contrasted with fresh whites and neutrals.

Here are my picks of the labels and stores to look out for:

Babies:

Skeanie have developed cool summer sandals, in classic blue and pink right through to bright red and chic navy. Made from soft leather with suede soles, they’re easy to wash, easy to put on, and easy on the purse at just $29.95!

Similarly, you can find the gorgeous Cheeky Little Soles label at Baby’s Got Style – check out these uber-funky Retro Blue shoes, or try the girly, shiny Nesting Sandals over at Ekidna Kids, both for $35.95!

Seed shoes are not only affordable, but so darn cute – check out these baby Havianas ($24.95), stylish Metallic Sandals ($39.95), nautical Leather Moccassins ($39.95) and hip Velcro Runners ($39.95) for the most stylish tot on the block!

Tip Toey Joey is synonymous with sleek, classic styles and top class quality – I can’t go past these fresh white Mary Janes ($42.95) at LillieLuca for teaming with pretty summer frocks, or these rich chocolate Leather Sandals ($49.50) at Buckets & Spades for matching back with crisp summer neutrals. Sigh.

Or, try Tiny Steps for a gorgeous range of baby and infant shoes – they stock the brilliant Pediped range (I’m hearting the Olivia white sandals, $42.95, and the Colin classic dark brown, $42.95), as well as Bibi, Sweet Shoes, Diddle Dumpling, Shooshoos….and oh so much more!

Little People:

A constant in my daughter’s shoe closet is New Zealand label Bobux, designers of the original “elastomatic” ankle support system and with an ever expanding range including eco-friendly leathers. I don’t know if it’s possible to go past the cute as can be Jnr Ballet Shoe ($49.95) or the i-Walk Sandals in Marine or CherryMadison Lane. ($59.95) at

Yunginz is a new label on the Australian market, priding themselves on funky, original designs without compromising on quality. The Candy Stripe shoes ($44.95) look so modern but are covered in pretty, girly stripes to match any outfit! Boys (or Mum, at least) will love the Velcro Sandoze Sandals ($35.95) ‘cos they go with absolutely everything! Check the website for stockists.

I’m also loving Chook Leaf, with simple yet strikingly cool designs, such as the silver Welsummer Sandal Hamburg Boy’s Sandal ($55) at Cocoon Living, and the Sussex Sandal ($59.95 at Dragonfly Store) – they all just scream breezy summer sophistication!

If only all of these labels made Mummy-sizes…..!

Today’s post brought to you by  infant shoe aficionado, Miki.

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Back at the start of this month I wrote about the beautiful new online store for baby and toddler shoes, Tiny Steps - www.tinysteps.com.au.

At the time of writing my little boy had just started walking, and I was so excited by that and by the stunning range of shoes available at Tiny Steps that I placed an order for two pairs of Pedipeds.  The particular styles I wanted were out of stock in Alex’s size, so the lovely Fiona ordered them in specially from the US for me!  I can’t rave on enough about her wonderful customer service, she is a joy and a delight to deal with.

As it turns out, I wasn’t the only one who loved Tiny Steps’ range: Fiona has been run off her feet by orders from excited KidStyleFile readers – finally, a place to get reasonably priced, top quality shoes for our little ones!

What has made the deal even sweeter is the 10% off store-wide discount code for KSF readers. This offer ends October 31, so be quick now Enter ‘KSFtake10′ at checkout to redeem.

Fiona also offers beautiful FREE gift wrapping, so just let her know if you want a special pair of shoes to go under the Christmas tree.

Given that Tiny Steps stock Pediped, Pedoodles, shooshoos, Sweet Shoes, diddledumpling, Bibi, Annabel Tends, 2feettall, Blabla and Kinder Clobber, you are guaranteed to find something perfect for your tot – I know I did

From top left in rows:

Discounted price quoted is after KSF 10% discount is applied until 31 October 2008 only.

Bibi Afeto White/Sky Blue, $45.95 $41.35
Pediped Demitri – Navy/Grey, $42.95 $38.65
diddledumpling Penguin Parade, $39.95 $35.95
Pedoodles Sweet Lady Janes, $48.95 $34.27 $30.84
shooshoos Navy With Cream Stripe, $29.95 $22.46 $20.21
shooshoos White/Side Flower, $29.95 $26.95
Sweet Shoes Brown/Black X Bones, $37.95 $34.15
Pediped Giselle, $42.95 $34.36 $30.92

Tiny Steps post within Australia for a flat rate of $7.50 for Express Post, or $8.50 for Registered Post. International orders are welcomed. Contact Fiona for a postage quote.

Today’s post brought to you by happily shoe-mad Miki.

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Once upon a time in a land far, far away there was a little boy aged 18 months old who always sat perfectly still in the shoe shops while his mother and the store assistant tried shoes on him.

In the real world, however, I doubt there’s a child under the age of two alive who sits still in a shop for longer than about 0.2 seconds, let alone for long enough anyone to even think of trying new shoes on him or her!

Luckily we now have Tiny Steps – www.tinysteps.com.au to make our lives a whole lot easier!

Instead of wrestling your toddler into a shop and then tearing your hair out, you can order great baby and toddler shoes in the comfort of your own home and then try them on your kids at the right moment.  They offer a convenient and secure shopping environment with the option of credit card payment or direct deposit. Easy peasy!

Stockists of the best shoes for newborn to two year olds, Fiona at Tiny Steps (a shoe fanatic herself) stocks the most cost-effective, adorable and ergonomically sound shoes in Australia.

Brands stocked include Pediped, Pedoodles, shooshoos, Sweet Shoes, diddledumpling, Bibi, Annabel Tends, 2feettall, Blabla and Kinder Clobber, so you can see why Tiny Steps is so popular!

We talk about it all the time, so I’m sure you’ll know how essential it is that babies and toddlers have well-fitting, quality shoes to support their tiny, growing feet, especially when it comes to taking those all-important first steps. It’s well established that barefoot is best for development but so often it just isn’t practical to have the little ones running around with bare feet.  Do them and their feet a favour and put them in a good quality shoe which will aid rather than hamper correct foot development.

The quality brands that Tiny Steps stocks all designed to be a well made and attractive protecting layer around those precious little feet, rather than encasing them in unkindly hard soles and synthetic uppers.

The other great thing about Tiny Steps is that every single one of the shoes stocked isn’t just ergonomic – oh no, they’re absolutely gorgeous as well!

You just can’t go wrong at Tiny Steps as Fiona is dedicated to only stocking brands which will do all the right things for your kids feet.  The Tiny Steps website makes buying shoes a breeze as every shoe stocked has an easy-to-read sizing chart, so you know the shoes will fit well.

One of the newest brands at Tiny Steps is Sweet Shoes. Exclusive to Tiny Steps in Australia, Sweet Shoes are really making it big in the USA, especially since Angelina Jolie put little Shiloh in a pair of the black skull slip-ons ($33.95, less 10% = $30.55 until October 31).  Sweet Shoes was started by a mother of three using skate and surf culture as her inspiration, and the results are pure urban cool with an edge.

Until the October 31, Fiona is giving all KidStyleFile readers 10% discount storewide (most of the shoes are on sale, too, which means you are saving big time!) Enter the code ‘KSFtake10′ at checkout to redeem.

Orders of over $150.00 receive FREE postage, and you can also take advantage of the beautiful FREE gift wrapping on offer.

More hot picks of cool shoes below!

From top left in rows. Prices shown include the 10% KSF discount.

2feettall Jag Pink, $44.95  $35.95 $32.35
Annabel Trends ‘Dot’ socks, $19.95  $15.95 $14.35
Blabla Giraffe Mobile, $59.95  $35.95  $32.35
2feettall Doddles Navy, $44.95  $34.95 $31.45
Pediped Jake – Light Brown, $42.95  $38.65
Sweet Shoes Silver Sweet Janes, $37.95  $34.15
shooshoos Red With White Stripe, $29.95  $22.46  $20.21
Blabla Ladybug and Frog backpacks, $54.95  $32.95  $29.65
Pedoodles Sweet Lady Janes, $48.95  $34.27  $30.84
Sweet Shoes Navy Wave, $37.95  $34.15
diddledumpling Chirpy, $39.95  $35.95 (after all, we do love red birdies here at KSF!)

Tiny Steps post within Australia for a flat rate of $7.50 for Express Post, or $8.50 for Registered Post. International orders are welcomed. Contact Fiona for a postage quote.

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.