Blu & Blue New York

Premium denim, redefined for kids.

Since its launch in December 2015, retailers, customers, parents and kids are instantly taken by Blu & Blue, which has also built a wildly successful following among influencers and celebrity fans, too. Blu & Blue founder Aaina Jain leverages her family’s 35-year reputation in manufacturing quality denim to produce clothing for babies and toddlers that is versatile enough to wear all year long. Blu & Blue’s seasonal collections are contemporary, fashion-forward, comfortable pieces that are safety-tested, adorned with hand embroideries, denim techniques and washes. The denim in also combined with different fabrics, for a new, unique look for each garment. The super-soft yet durable apparel stands up to active playtime.

Company Mission – Do Denim Right #BluDoneRight

Blu & Blue is well-designed, mindfully-made and contemporary, with quality you can feel. “Each Blu Product is made with you in mind – a quality conscious, fashion forward parent who values well designed, elegant and sustainable clothing for their children,” Aaina says in an interview with Home Business magazine. “Each product is thoroughly quality checked and given the Blu seal of approval before it is packaged and shipped directly to you.”

All Blu & Blue fabrics are free of lead, phthalates and flame-retardants. Every step of the design and manufacturing process is conducted in-house. Each Blu Product is thoughtfully designed, cut, stitched, ripped and repaired and washed at the company’s own state-of-the-art sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturing and washing facility. Special softeners and treatments are used to make the fabrics butter-soft for extra comfort, luxurious texture and look. The company also uses “saliva friendly” fabrics that are pre-washed for a safe and super soft garment.

The company says its strength lies in “our passion and commitment to deliver quality.” Retailers – check out Blu & Blue’s launch of the new Fall/Winter 2018 Collection at Children’s Club January 7-9!

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Lili Collection

Make a Style Statement.

Finding the perfect baby shoes can be challenging, which is why Lili Collection strives to design highly fashionable baby shoes for all babies and toddlers. Whether you’re looking for a special occasion, photo session, something playful or something casual chic — we’re sure to have something you’ll love.

“Lili Collection is born and inspired from my son Liam, aka Lili,” says Megan Linke. “When Liam was born in 2013, we entered the land of all things baby. This is where I discovered how few companies make their shoes here in the states.”

Armed with this knowledge, Megan set out to make her own baby shoes. She takes sewing lessons in New York’s Garment District, learning to make booties and moccasins for Liam “ in every color.” She says, “Moms in the neighborhood took notice and would ask if I could make them a pair. After enough interest — Lili Collection was born.”

Made in the USA

Lili Collection prides itself on two things that are rare to find in today’s market; handcrafted and Made in the USA. “I personally handpick the leather and believe this is essential to producing high quality products,” Megan says. “Lili Collection believes in the notion that great design and craftsmanship equals patronage for generations to come.”

The company is known are known for fun handmade moccasins, oxfords and loafers that are stylish, comfortable and easy to put on.

Megan says, “Lili Collection has grown beyond our wildest dreams since opening in 2014” The company has been featured in have been featured in many leading publications including Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine, Parents, Footwear News, Glamour and popular industry blogs; Megan’s been interviewed by local television stations, the Hallmark Channel and more. Several celebrity moms and dads have given Lili Collection their seal of approval.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Freshly Picked Marketplace

Newly launched online shopping community curated by Susan Petersen.

Baby and kid lifestyle brand Freshly Picked just launched the Freshly Picked Marketplace, an online community made up of small businesses that features hand-selected and unique baby products. Not only will shoppers learn the passion behind each business, they can buy the products online directly from the Freshly Picked Marketplace.

The unique companies are “freshly picked” by the Freshly Picked founder Susan Petersen, who started making durable, well-designed baby moccasins from premium leather in 2009. Her highly coveted moccasins soon became adored by parents across the country, have remained a celebrity kid must-have and are available online at www.freshlypicked.com and retailers nationwide, including Nordstrom, Zappos, Bloomingdales and others.

“The Marketplace community of small businesses is truly the best of the best, hand-picked and tested by the Freshly Picked team. I’m excited to introduce moms and dads to each of these wonderful brands, and to add to the Marketplace community moving forward,” Susan says. “As new baby product innovators have emerged and try to gain exposure for their awesome products, I’ve thought, ‘I’ve been there before’. As I found myself wishing I had megaphone to share each of their stories and products in a way that didn’t distract from our focus at Freshly Picked, my team and I came up with the idea for Marketplace.”

Susan and her team want to create an online destination for small brands that need and deserve exposure – and Marketplace shoppers can rest assured they are getting well-made, amazing products. The first companies selected include:

Sproutling + Co

“Sproutling + Co’s simple wooden baby mobiles are a stunning, keepsake-worthy nursery accessory.”

Sproutling + Co is a modern mobile company started by Kristin Okada in 2016. Simple, beautiful baby mobile made of natural products and handcrafted with care for your sweet new baby. Each mobile is shipped in a beautiful muslin keepsake bag.

Koko’s Nest

“Koko’s Nest blankets’ modern design, heirloom quality, and intelligent versatility make them a must-have for every new arrival.”

Koko’s Nest is a contemporary knit baby blanket company started by Sy Yang in 2015. Made of 100% Egyptian cotton and spun in Italy, this year-round, versatile blanket will become a part of your everyday life as a family.

The Posh Society

“The Posh Society’s leather bows are the perfect size and shape for every tiny fashionista!”

The Posh Society is a playfully indulgent baby bow company started by Sasha Petersen in 2013. Each bow is made with genuine Freshly Picked leather and is attached to thin ivory elastic, made with felt on back of leather for maximum comfort.

Hazel Village

“Hazel Village produces their soft toys responsibly, striving for heirloom quality at a reasonable price.”

Created by Jane Van Cleef in 2010, Hazel Village is a soft toy company inspired by her favorite childhood stories like Brambly Hedge, Uncle Wiggly and the Little House stories and then expanded into making woodland theme animal toys.

Bannor Toys

“Made with all safe and organic materials, Bannor hardwood toys are beautiful and last a lifetime.”

Bannor Toys is a wooden toy company founded in 2012 by Jesse and Stacey Bannor.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Moc Happens by Itzy Ritzy

Five Fresh Styles of Adorable Baby Moccasins

Moc Happens™ is a brand new line of leather baby moccasins by Itzy Ritzy. Made from super soft, breathable and durable leather, the spring collection includes five moccasin styles available in three different sizes for newborn babies up to 18-months-of-age.

“At Itzy Ritzy, we wanted to create chic, high quality, leather moccasins that were affordable and would be the perfect gift for any occasion in a baby’s early life,” says Kelly Douglas, Itzy Ritzy’s Co-CEO. “Moc Happens is the latest product in the Itzy Ritzy line that marries function and style for the modern parent.”

Itzy Ritzy’s Moc Happens feature removable padded inserts for comfort and to extend the life of the shoe as baby’s foot grows, secure elastic openings for easily taking them on and off, and Itzy Ritzy’s signature chevron embossed soles for an extra touch of style and distinction. The moccasins are available in five unique and playful styles including Ritzy Dot, Dino-Monster, Diamond Rain, Precious Metals and Toasted Almond.

Ideal gifts for baby showers, new moms, holidays, christenings or first birthdays, Moc Happens moccasins come packaged in a gift box and are fully CPSIA-tested and compliant. Moc Happens are available for purchase at fine retailers nationwide, online and at www.itzyritzy.com.

Itzy Ritzy’s products show that parenting in style is possible. By packing function and style into one eco-friendly punch, Itzy Ritzy provides attractive solutions to everyday challenges. Responsible for the great selling line of modern solutions for chic parents on the go, products include the Snack Happens Reusable Snack Bags, Nursing Happens Infinity Breastfeeding Scarf, Cozy Happens Infant Car Seat Canopy, Ritzy Sitzy Shopping Cart & High Chair Cover, Travel Happens Zippered Wet Bags, and Teething Happens Chewable Mom Jewelry. Celebrity fans include Jennifer Garner, Kelly Clarkson, Zoe Saldana, Gisele Bundchen, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Gwen Stefani, and Nicole Ritchie.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

LÍLLÉbaby & The Guncles

A new baby carrier that celebrates adoption – Benefits the Independent Adoption Center

Popular baby carrier maker LÍLLÉbaby and The Guncles (aka Bill Horn and Scout Masterson) are collaborating on an original, new, limited-edition baby and doll carrier to celebrate adoption. The bold geometric print is available now on LILLEbaby.com and Amazon.com. A portion of the proceeds from sales will be donated to the Independent Adoption Center (IAC), a national non-profit adoption agency.

Who are The Guncles®?

For six seasons, millions tuned into reality TV’s Tori & Dean and saw the couple’s good friends who became known as The Guncles (the words gay + uncles combined) to their kids. Throughout the years, fans tuned in to be a part of Bill Horn and Scout Masterson’s commitment ceremony as well as their efforts to adopt a child of their own. In 2010, with the help of IAC, daughter Simone Lynn became part of the family, which grew again in 2014 with the addition of son Bosley Jo.

“When our friends at LÍLLÉbaby suggested we create our own custom print to be featured on their popular carriers, we knew we wanted to design a bold, geometric print that was cheerful, sophisticated, and unique,” The Guncles say. “We are proud to be able to use this project to benefit a charity near-and-dear to our hearts – the Independent Adoption Center.”

With a fresh box of crayons and a blank sheet of paper, The Guncles created the colorful print by hand, an expression of the joy and love that adoption has brought into their lives.

“We are excited to announce this beautiful new collection and love this bold, one-of-a-kind print created by Bill and Scout,” LÍLLÉbaby President Lisbeth Lehan says. “We followed their adoption process last year, and it feels very special to be able to assist them in giving back to the organization that made their family.”

Benefits of Babywearing

“Wearing your baby is an amazing experience that serves you and your baby in so many ways,” Lisbeth says. “There are many benefits of babywearing, not the least of which is that it promotes bonding and attachment. Many social workers recommend babywearing as an effective way for new adoptive parents and children to bond. LÍLLÉbaby is thrilled to be a part of that essential bonding process and further support it through this collaboration.”

All proceeds that The Guncles earn from the sale of this limited edition run of LÍLLÉbaby carriers will be donated to the IAC and LÍLLÉbaby is matching their donation. IAC plans to use the donations to assist adoptive parents with above expected or anticipated expenses, such as legal and medical fees.

“What a great and creative way for Bill and Scout to pay-it-forward to other adoptive parents with the help of LÍLLÉbaby’s wonderful products,” says Ann Wrixon, IAC Executive Director.

IAC is the largest open adoption agency in the country, facilitating adoptions in 49 states, and fully licensed with offices in California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, New York, North Carolina, and Texas. Since opening in 1982, the IAC has successfully placed over 4,000 newborns with families in the United States. “The IAC is so grateful for their generosity.”

Good news for fans, too – The Guncles are currently in development on their own reality TV show.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Kardashian Kids

I’m just sayin’ …

The lovelies at The Rose Garden/NYC say, “The Holiday Collection is a Must See!”

Launched as a Babies R Us exclusive brand, then retailing at Nordstrom, now branching out to boutiques and independents, Kardashian Kids has also expanded from girls in sizes newborn to 5T to boys sizes newborn to 24 months. The still-value-priced line is also taking over Instagram accounts everywhere, just like Kardashian sisters do. Or can.

Everyday Style. Staple pieces with a twist… tutu skirts, camo pants, boho chic, harem pants, graphics-inspired prints in fresh color combos. Special details and fabrics that are soft enough for sensitive skin, yet affordable.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Wyatt Lily NYC Collection

The popular Upper West Side boutique launches signature collection for summer.

After the successful launch of Wyatt Lily NYC, New York’s children’s boutique that caters to the city’s most discerning mini-fashionistas, owner Rachel Uchitel is débuting the Wyatt Lily NYC collection, inspired by her three-year-old daughter. The boutique’s signature collection is playful with a dash of New York chic –just like its namesake.

“I’ve created the collection to be both whimsical and practical with a bit of an edge,” Rachel says. “Our clothing is meant to be fashionable- but it’s just as important that young children can play all day in all of our pieces, too.”

Sparkly star-accented tutu dresses, flowy tiered halter dresses ideal for warm summer days, breezy swing tops, tees with cheeky sayings, and stylish harem pants round out the playground-friendly collection. Soft t-shirts and tanks declaring, “Queen of New York” and “Star” in a rainbow of glitter color choices complement the gold star-accented skirts, available in summery lavender, teal and pink hues.

Sizes range from 6 months to 6T; select custom styles are now available up to size 12. Other custom tees and dresses are also available through a free personal shopping service, which Rachel encourages all customers to experience: decerning help choosing and creating the best gift or outfit the store has to offer.

Since opening in December 2013, Wyatt Lily NYC has quickly become a shopping destination for parents nationwide looking for the best children’s brands curated by Rachel –with help from three-year-old, Wyatt Lily herself. She says, “As a mother, I want Wyatt to be as creative and carefree as she can be.”

Rachel’s keen eye for micro-fashion has led to numerous accolades for the boutique, including 2015’s Best of Manhattan Award for Children’s Clothing Store and Best Kids’ Birthday Presents in New York Magazine’s Best of New York issue this year. Located at 290 Columbus Avenue near 74th Street in Manhattan, Wyatt Lily NYC also ships to customers worldwide from WyattLily.com.

Visit Wyatt Lily NYC booth #418 at KidShow Las Vegas August 17-19 to see the signature collection, which is available online and at select boutiques nationwide.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Kissy Kissy For Fall ’14

The beloved baby brand launches a new line of pajamas.

Tatiana and Company is the first U.S. company to establish a Peruvian Pima cotton line for children in the U.S. kids market –Kissy Kissy, a wonderful collection of Peruvian Pima cotton layette with a traditional look, and its style and signature designs have set industry standards.

In addition to new themes, Kissy Kissy’s collection for Fall 2014 is launching a new line of pajamas, which feature a snug fit.

“When you think about a child’s first two years, it’s amazing how much they develop and learn just through common daily sights and interactions. That’s why this season Kissy Kissy is offering a curated selection of prints that celebrate everyday wonders as seen through baby’s curious, impressionable eyes,” says founder and owner Roxana Castillo. “This combined with our ongoing commitment to exceeding moms’ expectations for quality and comfort makes it a very special collection indeed.”

Timeless Style, Signature Peruvian Pima Softness. From wardrobe essentials to dressy options, find sweet looks in the Kissy Kissy line; bolder statements from Kissy Kissy’s Qt-Qt; christening apparel in Besos by Kissy Kissy; and embroidered, smocked garments from Kissy Kissy Premier.

For girls, hearts inspire devotion, ballerinas exude grace, sweet treats tempt, animals thrill and delight, and flowers bloom. The line also charms with little extras like ruffle hems and tushies, smocked bodices, scalloped necklines and floral fabric accents. The boys’ prints feature bustling city streets, courageous law officers, far-off planets, frolicking puppies, classic cars and endless construction. Contrast stitching, color blocking, rolled hems, hang-down sleeves, raglan silhouettes and kangaroo pockets provide additional visual interest.

For those looking for unisex options, the line offers neutral creams as well as bold primaries and sunny yellows with animal, toy, teddy bear and sweet pea graphics. Both fabric and pattern mixing up the sophistication level throughout while embroidery details provide a subtle bit of whimsy. Pieces with all-over stripes, dots and stars coordinate with individual groupings while a windowpane check pattern intermixes with several boys’ themes. Silhouettes include rompers, footies, playsuits, pants sets, gowns, A-line dresses, drop-waist dresses, swing tops and bishops bodies. The collection features sumptuous velours, chic knits and quilted textures on cozy hats, cardigans, blankets and buntings. Sizes run from preemie through 4T.

Kissy Kissy is carried in the finest department stores and specialty boutiques around the world and has a strong celebrity fan base that includes Katie Holmes, Molly Sims, Celine Dion, Salma Hayek, Brooke Shields and Alyson Hannigan.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

BambiniWare

Mompreneur brings new line of innovative gear for mommies + babies to star-studded pre-Golden Globes event.

Launched in October 2013 by Washington, D.C.-based attorney-turned-entrepreneur Riche Holmes Grant, BambiniWare™ is a new line of smart, stylish baby products designed to make life with baby easier and even a little more glamorous in the process.

BambiniWare is heading to Hollywood January 10-11, 2014 to exhibit at LA’s exclusive, invitation-only Boom Boom Room Pre Golden Globes gifting suite, which showcases the latest in baby and kids’ gear for celebrity moms and dads.

I am thrilled to showcase our new gear on such a grand stage. I created BambiniWare to provide functional and fashionable solutions to the everyday dilemmas that I faced as a new mom and I’m excited to share our products with celebrity mommies and babies who confront the same challenges.”

-Riche Holmes Grant

The Boom Boom Room, considered “Hollywood’s Biggest Night for Famous Tots,” is the first and only all-baby and kids gifting suite during Hollywood’s awards season. Celebrity nursery designer and fashion television personality Jayneoni Moore reached out to Riche shortly after launching BambiniWare to attend this special event.

Mommy Designed. Made in the USA. Designer bibs, burp cloths and unique baby gifts feature vibrant, bold colors and modern prints to soft palettes and timeless classics. Sold online and sold exclusively at Daisy Baby in Bethesda, MD, BambiniWare is mommy-designed and tested, features materials that are safe and friendly to babies and is manufactured in the United States.

“For a long time after the birth of my daughter, I felt like I was stuck in a fashion rut because I paid so much attention to her needs that I neglected my own,” Riche says. “The products in BambiniWare’s inaugural Burpa™ line reflect my effort to help other moms tackle the various spills and thrills that babies bring with tools that make sense and look great. Featuring modern prints to timeless classics, we’ve got something to fit every mommy’s style from Hollywood to Hometown, USA.”

Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

Backstage Bag Gifting Opportunity

Attention children’s designers – Backstage Bag has an opportunity for you!

Backstage Bag, a celebrity product place company specializing in gifts for celebrity parents, babies and kids, announces an opportunity to participate in the next Celebrity Baby Baskets event!

Product Deadline is New Year’s Day. Want to have your product be included in Celebrity Bag’s VIP gift basket for soon-to-be celebrity parents? Backstage Bag’s Celebrity Baby Baskets are going out to A-list celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Kelly Clarkson, Kerry Washington, Gwen Stefani, Ginnifer Goodwin, Soleil Moon Frye, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Kristin Cavallari, Kendra Wilkinson, Olivia Wilde and others on January 5, 2014. Media coverage is scheduled in Pregnancy and Newborn magazine.

Sponsorship benefits include:

Product inclusion in 12 VIP gift bags for targeted celebrities and media Professional photo of your product with the gift basket and contents
“As Seen In…..” logo to use for marketing, website, etc.
Inclusion in featured giveaways via magazines (TBD)
Inclusion in social media announcements
Inclusion in press release

Past sponsors include Target, Vera Bradley, True Religion Baby, Evenflo, Mustela, Quinny, Phil and Teds, Petunia Pickle Bottom and many more.

Amy Boatwright is the mind behind Backstage Bag, designing custom gift baskets for high profile celebrities and awards shows. She is also part owner of Secret Room Events, known for producing the most exclusive gift suites for Hollywood’s elite talent and media.

The deadline for product is January 1, 2014. If interested, please contact Amy or Ralph for a full proposal:

Backstage Bag
943 19th St Suite 4
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Email: backstagebags@yahoo.com or Amy@backstagebag.com
Website: http://backstagebag.com/
Tel: 310-403-3384/310-890-0263

Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!