LamanBlu™ Celebrates Childhood

Play, dance, live…because LamanBlu™ is made to Celebrate Childhood.

Holli Gibson’s three-year-old is a stunner. Her eco-friendly contemporary apparel line LamanBlu™ premiered to rave reviews in 2009 and has grown to include a boy’s line and industry praise. Holli herself is the recipient of The Rising Star Award for Design from Fashion Group International.

“‘Laman blou’ means ‘blue sea’ in Papiamentu and is a constant source of inspiration for me,” Holli says. “I’ve been a fashion designer for years working out of New York and Dallas, but watching my children explore the world’s wonders with fresh eyes led me to create a brand to celebrate childhood.”

Made in the USA. The company makes beautiful apparel with signature detailing for children ages six months to six years, using gentle-to-our-environment fabrics, which are also gentle to a child’s delicate skin. Holli says, “We use fabrics including bamboo, pure linen and organic cottons, recycled polyester blends, all in fashion forward bright colors – and everything is Made in the USA.” She knows that children want to be comfortable no matter what they’re wearing, so all styles go through extensive wear testing by real kids. She keeps mom’s busy life in mind, too –creating machine washable, ironing optional pieces, many have adjustment points at critical areas, so a child can wear their clothing for longer, even after a growth spurt.

Another way LamanBlu™ carries out its mission to Celebrate Childhood is to support charities protecting children and protecting our world for them. “We are actively involved in several charities both through direct volunteerism and financial support, including JDRF, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and Falling Whistles.

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!

Drool Monkey – 100% Certified Organic Cotton

You learn something new every day.

When Kam Corkin introduced me to her young company, I learned not just one, but two things. 1) what a “lovie” is and 2) how easy it is to be drawn to a product with such a cute name.

Kam is founder/CEO of Drool Monkey Organics, makers of fine-quality, eco-friendly baby products, and specializing in organic hankies and teething lovies. What’s more, the heirloom-quality lovies are made from a custom-woven wicking fabric that helps prevent drool and teething rash. Simply knot the corners to give your baby relief from those growing pains, too.

Kam designed the first Drool Monkey as a practical solution for her drooling baby. “When my first child was three months old and started putting everything in her mouth,” she tells me, “I knew I had to find a non-toxic solution that was easy to keep clean.” Her organic and sanitary products quickly became sought after by all her friends, so she started her Monterey, CA-based business right as her second child was born. “It’s been a roller-coaster trying to launch a product during such a busy time in my life, but it’s been magical to watch my son use the product that I invented for my daughter three years ago.”

We also just had our first celebrity sightings. Selma Blair has been photographed using her Drool Monkey. Ali Landry just tweeted a photo of her son, Marcello, snuggling his Drool Monkey.

I’ll let Kam tell you what makes Drool Monkey so unique:

Made from custom-woven organic cotton fabric, it is amazingly luxurious and soft. The best part is that it can be washed and dried every day to keep it clean and sanitary without any piling.
Multi-purpose Cloth Teether, Burp Cloth, Sleep-Aid (absorbing Mom’s scent), Blankie and even a Nursing Cover or Sun Shield – all in one.
Teething Relief – Tie a cube of ice in the extra fabric for baby to chew on (works like a mesh feeder but doesn’t get baby wet); tie knots in the corners for baby to chew on – it even comes with two removable ribbon tethers
Each Drool Monkey comes packaged in an organic cotton snap front wristlet bag complete with a free gift tag.
A gift that Mom will find extremely useful from the newborn stage all the way into the toddler years.
Designed by a Mom for a Mom

My own two kids are kitty-kids … but I’m convinced even my cats would appreciate a Drool Monkey. I know I would!

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!

Huggalo – Small Business with a Big Mission

From apprehensive toddlers to courageous pre-schoolers, one mom is transforming the way children handle life’s transitions with her inspiring company.

Though she’s never worn the inventor’s cap before, Donna Broder‘s choice to become a mompreneur has not only enriched her own life, but that of her son … and those of both parents and children nationwide.

Let me explain.

When Donna’s son Noah first started pre-school, he had a little trouble adjusting to days away from home. When his first-day jitters extended to weeks, Donna was inspired to create a product that would help Noah through this transition, and help her leave the school yard without both of them in tears.

She gave Noah a photo to take with him to school … but soon, the photo got torn. So she put on her thinking cap and came up with an award-winning idea.

No parent wants to watch their children suffer when they should be having the time of their lives.

From its huggable feel to its adorable hip look, Huggalo is what the company calls “a best buddy with a surprise on his tummy.” The keepsake soft doll has a clear plastic frame to hold favorite photos, so kids can take their memories with them on their greatest adventures –and know they’re loved, even far from home. Once Donna introduced Noah to Huggsley – the first Huggalo – he went to pre-school with a smile.

Huggalo is a great transitional toy for any situation. From a military parent’s deployment to the grandparents living cross country, to the first day of school or the passing on of a beloved pet or friend, Huggalo succeeds by pairing something tangible with pictures of those who can’t be around every minute of the day. By sticking a photo of their dad, mom, sibling or a grandparent in the frame, kids can see the people they miss. But Huggalo lets kids do more than that.

“By letting our son or daughter adapt to new situations we are helping our kids become more resilient and confident, too,” Donna says. She believes that kids are empowered when they are given tools to comfort themselves.

Winner of the Parents’ Choice Recommended Award. In fact, Noah’s Huggsley has made such a huge impact on children’s lives, that he was recognized and commended by the Parents’ Choice Foundation for his heroic ability to teach life lessons with care.

Huggalo is brought to you by Donna’s Redorb Concepts, her California-based company that supports several philanthropic organizations, including The Soldiers Project and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Thank you, ChicExecs PR, for introducing me to Huggalo!

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!

Haute Mommies and Bella Babies

Let me introduce you to Haute Mommies & Bella Babies, a fabulous online store and Houston-based boutique servicing the Clear Lake area of Texas.

When owner Darcy Santala contacted me through Facebook, I was thrilled to peruse her lovely online store and sing its praises. “We’re always looking for the coolest new baby stuff,” she tells me. She’s also looking for the coolest, new baby stuff that’s true to the “go-local” philosophy – such as Houston-born Infantissima (just featured on CRT recently!) – and others Made in the USA.

We cater to stylish moms-to-be, new moms as well as friends and family members of expecting women who are looking for the perfect gift for their loved one and impending new addition.

Staff Recommendations. Mother of two girls, Darcy knows what to look for when sourcing for her store. She’s dedicated to finding high-quality, adorable and durable, unique and versatile products at an affordable price.

You’ll find things for moms and maternity; girls, boys and parent-friendly gear; nursery; gifts as well as gift certificates and wrapping service. Plus, don’t hesitate to find out what the staff recommends. It’s all here!

Hand-selected and Haute Mommie Approved. Darcy selects all of the products herself –and she’s also used them all with her own children. “The majority of our maternity clothes are designed to be worn during and after pregnancy,” Darcy says, “and trust me, this stuff is so cute you’ll want to wear it after baby arrives.” In fact, many shop employees actually wear maternity outfits all the time, and no one would know it, unless they ask!

Cool Partners. The Haute Mommies & Bella Babies shop is located at 477 Bay Area Blvd in Houston, TX 77058. I’m especially impressed with Darcy’s partners list, which includes a pregnancy spa and ultrasound clinic, a maternity leave coach –and Seattle, WA based Dabble Wine (“For after baby arrives or for a little fun before getting pregnant.”). A girl after my own heart!

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!

Shine On with Little Trendstar

In one of my other lives, I produced marketing campaigns for Xena: Warrior Princess, creating the much-loved, often-repeated tagline, Battle On!

And if you know anything about Xena and her passion, you know that’s exactly what she does.

That’s the thing about taglines – the good ones are shorthand for the true essence of a brand, capturing the heart as well as the imagination.

So it is with Little Trendstar®, the much-loved (especially celebrity-love!), often-talked-about children’s brand of designer clothing, created for kids and babies to Shine on!

My two little boys inspired me to start Little Trendstar® since they love the spotlight. I wanted to create tees that were worthy of their ‘look at me’ personalities!

-Nicole Worth

Demand a Second Look. Owner Nicole Worth and her team are creating t-shirts and baby one-pieces made from 100% cotton, and the look-at-me graphic designs are printed with non-toxic, water-based inks that contain no phthalates or PVC. Part style icon, part rock n’ roll and all trendy, the designs let kids capture the spotlight –as they so love to do- with fun and fashionable clothes that are as “stage-worthy as their one-of-a-kind personalities.”

What kids will do with all this attention is up to them, but making them shine while wearing our tees is us saying be a Little Trendstar®!

Made in the USA. Not only is Little Trendstar Made in the USA, so is the creative inspiration. In addition to being a mom of two boys, Nicole is co-owner of Michigan-based Formcode Design Group, which creates graphic and website design.

In April, photographer AJ Mueller and his team at Streetview Productions hand-built a stage backdrop for the Little Trendstar Spring/Summer collection photo shoot. “We added just enough star quality to really give off a rock concert vibe,” Nicole writes on her blog. The models did a fantastic job performing and letting their inner rock star shine.”

See what Gwen Stefani, Tori Spelling, Kate Hudson -their celebrity kids- and a gaggle of hip mommy bloggers are talking about! Thank you, Rachel Florio PR, for introducing me to Little Trendstar.

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!

Super Shopping Experience for Children’s Shop Owners

Children’s wear companies looking for a prime go-to destination for doing business are heading to 34 West 33^rd Street in New York City.

Roseann Yarusi, president of The Rose Garden, moved into Suite 1224 in 2009. She’s thrilled with her showroom – and her customers love it, too.

This building already has a strong group of reps as well as children’s wear manufacturers. The convenience of not having to run all over the city is very important to our buyers. So now, more than ever, it’s a huge benefit to have as many reps and manufactures under one roof.

The Rose Garden Look. Roseann started The Rose Garden “to celebrate her love for all things fabulous,” offering children’s brands seen in Saks, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Barney’s, Neiman Marcus, Lester’s and many high-end specialty boutiques. She calls it “The Rose Garden look” – and a children’s shop or department gets it by carrying the kind of merchandise that kids love, such as Bows With Bling, Cach Cach, Hollyword, Kid CuteTure, MonCheri By Joan Calabrese, Signorelli, Twirls and Twigs, Warrior Poet and more.

Convenient and Comfortable. Located in the heart of New York’s Garment District, 34 West 33^rd Street has been marketed specifically to the children’s wear companies for about four years now by owner-manager Adams & Company Real Estate LLC. Currently the third, ninth and twelfth floors, all with multiple showrooms, house children’s wear companies exclusively. Of the 30 or so Adams & Co. properties in Manhattan, 16 are niche locations like 34 West 33^rd. The building spans the block, through to West 32^nd Street, so many of the showrooms take advantage of the natural light shining in from the large windows, making it a pleasant experience for both the showroom personnel and their clients, too.

So if you are a children’s shop owner heading into the city on a shopping spree, why not visit Roseann Yarusi and other children’s wear companies at 34 West 33^rd Street? You’ll be glad you did!

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!

All Things Infantissima

The story of Infantissima is a warm one.

While ‘Infantissima’ won’t be found in any dictionary, if it were a real word, it would be Italian and probably translate as the most special, precious, little baby in the whole wide world.

-co-owner Trudy Hutchings

The specialty baby gifts and accessories company promises to make a lasting impression on you, your little ones –your friends and their little ones, too- with every purchase you make. From bibs to burp cloths, blankies to hooded towels, artist smocks and more … the folks at Infantissima use the highest quality materials to ensure longevity and all products are CPSIA-compliant, meaning no lead or phthalates were detected in any of the fabrics or component parts. Not to mention the great prices.

Made in Texas. What’s more, all of the products made available on the company website are manufactured and processed in the United States. “Infantissima was born as all good ideas are,” Trudy begins, “out of necessity and a mother’s ingenuity.” In this case, it is grandmother’s ingenuity that kicks in, when Trudy gets inspired to make her own shower gifts for her daughter and first grandchild. That was in 2003, when she and other daughter Jennifer sewed up 16 burp cloths, each with their own theme and full fabric lining with ribbon trim.

What began as an expression of love for daughter Allison, son-in-law Ray and grandson Jack turned into a first order from a local specialty baby store – and the family continues to grow the business, Texas-style.

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!

Wearable Memories of Lemon Loves Lime

Known for innovative appliqués, sophisticated color combinations and ruff-fully goodness, Lemon Loves Lime is inspired by love!

Lemon Loves Lime is a wonderfully whimsical girls collection from Joy Cha (even her name is lovely), created for every mother to express her unconditional love and devotion for their daughters. “Each piece from the Lemon Loves Lime collection is wonderfully unique and resembles cherished memories of our daughters’ childhood that we hold dear in our hearts,” Joy says, “their exuberant smiles and laughs of happiness, their tears of sadness and fright, their innocent curiosity and wonder of the world before them, as well as their playful mischief.”

Joy’s designs come to life thanks to women who are masters of their craft, and share her passion for the story behind each piece.

Joy recently launched GNU Brand, a unique clothing line for boys inspired by quality and comfort. Creative designs for t-shirts, shorts, and infant one-pieces are constructed from durable fabrics and color combinations with the same sensibility as Lemon Loves Lime.

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!

One-of-a-Kind Finds at CandiCheeks.com

Why are super-cute styles perfect for babies and small children found overseas so hard to find in the U.S.?

This is the question John and Sue Lee set out to alleviate with CandiCheeks, a unique online baby boutique. Created by parents for parents, CandiCheeks carries those absolutely adorable baby accessories made by international manufacturers that are nearly impossible to find here in the States. Booties, bibs, socks, hats, leggings – even stationary – all impossible to find in regular retail markets.

100% Cotton and Machine Washable. These adorable baby socks features a multi-colored pattern with a plush decorative sunflower character sewed to the front. The best part of these socks is the non-skid rubber bottom, which helps to prevent your little one from falling, especially at the stages of walking.

This two-year-old Virginia-based company was once just a dream for Sue, who began selling items through an online marketplace in 2004.

Now, the Lees ask a different question …

Fresh and one-of-a-kind … isn’t that what your baby needs?

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!

Mutsy’s Newest Rubber Baby Buggy Bumper

Big News! Check out Mutsy’s all new website!

Netherlands-based stroller company introduces its latest innovation for “baby transport.”

The lightweight and stylish EVO is a combi-buggy with an ingenious baby mobility choice. From Mutsy, recognized for its modernistic stroller designs and distinctive modular construction, EVO offers parents and caregivers outstanding ease of operation at an affordable price.

First a maker of traditional style prams, Mutsy moved into aesthetically beautiful and technologically advanced stroller designs featuring a distinctive modular system, from birth to early childhood products that include strollers, high chairs, booster seats, a baby rocker, baby essentials and accessories.

Mutsy’s signature style shines in the compact and simply designed EVO. The very versatile stroller seat can face front or back, and is easily reclined with a one hand to a full lay down flat position. A uniquely designed footrest with fabric can be attached to the front bumper bar to create a safe and completely cosseted enclosure for younger babies when the backrest is fully reclined.

Designed to be exceptionally easy to push as well as maneuver, EVO is easy to fold without the need to remove the seat, and extremely compact when closed. Other features include a height adjustable leatherette handle, swivel/lock system on front wheels, extendable hood with mesh panel, easily accessible and very large shopping basket, a carrying handle and flip down sun shade.

Mutsy USA offices are located in Chester, NJ. View an animated piece featuring the story of EVO here http://on.fb.me/L2Ue6j.

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!