Mermaid Magic

Finally, the first full day of spring is here! What better way to celebrate than to shop for unique finds?

I’ve recently discovered The Spirit of Mermaids, a beautiful accessory line created by Virginia Beach, VA designer Ashley Gillies. The unique starfish barrettes and Bohemian style leather headbands with beads are inspired by the mysteries of the deep blue ocean.

Natural is beautiful, and there is nothing more natural than real starfish.

“The accessories I make embody girls who live for sunny days and salt on their skin,” Ashley says. “My leather beaded headbands can be worn as headbands or necklaces. I wear them both ways. My line of jewelry is laid back and carefree.” Pinned directly to clothing or hats, her creations can be worn year round to truly show off a beachy personality.

Right now, folks who live in the Virginia Beach, VA area can purchase The Spirit of Mermaids merchandise directly from Ashley (email her at thespiritofmermaids@yahoo.com), who plans to offer the line online as well as in stores. Stay tuned!

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!

Special Offer for Children’s Retail Today Readers

As a thank you for following Children’s Retail Today, find out the details of a very special offer.

Now, Children’s Retail Today readers enjoy special savings when shopping AnnieWear, a unique online store offering the best selection of animal-themed baby and toddler clothing and gifts.

What makes AnnieWear so special is that portions of all AnnieWear sales are donated to animal rescue programs around the country. It’s our way of giving back to animals that so desperately need help. And the more we sell, the more we can give.

A portion of the proceeds from every Children’s Retail Today sale will be donated to The Gentle Barn! Located in Santa Clarita, CA, The Gentle Barn rescues, rehabilitates and gives sanctuary to severely abused animals. It’s a place where kids interact with the animals to learn kindness, compassion and confidence.

In addition, you receive a 10% discount at the AnnieWear checkout on your purchase (excludes shipping). Click here for this special promo code – it’s the thank you that gives back!

Shop for unique Easter gifts!

With Easter Sunday fast approaching on April 8 – shop AnnieWear’s Easter gifts section for a fun, animal-themed selection of products perfect enough to make any Easter basket special!

Thanks again. For the 10% discount code PLUS a way to give back to animals in need, click here. And my heartfelt thanks to Pamela Pinta and Laurene Parletore of AnnieWear for making it all happen!

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

pediped® footwear Kicking It Up A Notch!

The pediped® Spring/Summer 2012 collection includes more than 75 new styles and color combinations across the Nevada-based footwear company’s three signature lines.

What’s exciting about pediped‘s newest collection? How about a new sole for the Originals® line and an expanded Adventure Line that lets kids enjoy the outdoors in style with footwear featuring a trendsetting color palette of metallic, jewel tones and bright accent colors. With styles ranging from water-safe shoes, gladiator sandals, athletic styles, boat shoes, Mary Janes and more, pediped’s expansive collection includes a shoe for every need and occasion. Here’s a rundown:

Originals®

The Originals® line of soft-soled infant shoes mimics barefoot walking and features a new sole, created based on customer feedback. The sole features a slip resistant diamond tread and is made of all natural high quality leather, just like before. Find out what pediped® parent reviewers had to say about their experience with the improved Originals® sole design by reading real reviews and watching videos here.

Grip ‘n’ Go™

Grip ‘n’ Go™ footwear is made with all the benefits of Originals®, adding special G2 Technology for active toddlers that are transitioning to walking with a more confident stride. With over 15 new styles, the line features metallic sandals, classic Mary Janes and several new athletic styles.

Flex®

pediped Flex® is the ultimate shoe for confident walkers who have developed a solid, natural stride. The Flex line offers more than 60 styles in jewel tones, metallics and bright colors.

The popular Adventure Line of rugged, water-safe, eco-friendly footwear has also expanded with over 15 styles. The Minnie and Amazon for girls both come in pediped’s new summer color pool. Fin, Delmar and Sahara are three new boys’ styles making their début, all with bright pops of color.

pediped® footwear is sold in over 3,000 stores in the United States, 40 countries worldwide and online at pediped.com.

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!

Mixed Up Clothing Really Puts It Together

Billed as Multicultural Clothing for the 21st Century Child, Mixed Up Clothing is inspired by the textiles, cultures and people of the world.

The collection of peasant tops, capris, jumpsuits, rompers, sundresses, tank tops, flouncy skirts, shorts, camp shirts and more for girls and boys from infants to toddlers to “big” kids feature ethnically diverse styles with cultural twists, blending materials and designs for a trendy, global look.

Join our journey as we build friendships through fabrics.

Creative executive Sonia M. Kang founded Mixed Up Clothing five years ago, and since then her designs have been showcased at cultural events across Southern California and shared with Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng, author of children’s book Ladder to the Moon, the forward to Mixed: Portraits of Multiracial Kids by Kip Fulbeck … oh yes, and she’s also President Obama’s sister!

Born to an African-American father and a Mexican-American mother –and married to a Korean-American husband- Sonia has been mixing it up culturally all her life. With four children of her own, “I knew that I wanted to make something for my children that they could celebrate their cultures by finding fun prints and pairing them with cool styles. Mixed Up Clothing was born,” she recently tells Honeysmoke.

I first discovered Sonia’s line as editor of HUDSON’S Childrenswear Review, and fell in love with the fun and kitschy fabrics she uses in her designs. Zulily curated a Mixed Up Clothing event last year, too. Since we last communicated Sonia tells me, “Our line has gotten into four more boutiques, mostly in the Los Angeles area.” Recently, she’s also pitched the line at Macy’s New York headquarters.

Mixed Up Clothing is a real find … so ask for it at your favorite shop! Or buy it online. And shopkeepers – it’s available wholesale.

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!

TANE organics introduces T2

Three-year-old TANE organics launches T2, a beautiful organic line for preemies.

TANE organics, a children’s luxury brand known for beautifully designed pieces made from the purest materials, is launching a capsule collection of essentials for preemies. The T2 collection is a natural extension of TANE’s dedication to providing clothing that is pesticide free, hence limiting newborns and toddlers exposure to toxins. It’s being débuted for wholesale partners at ENK Children’s Club, going on in New York right now, and will soon be available in stores.

Designer Sheree Lee uses 100% certified organic cotton to create the TANE organics collection for newborns up to two years. Signature silhouettes, colors, fabrics, stitches and the easily coordinated designs are what distinguish this modern collection.

The health benefits of offering organic cotton clothing for preemies is tremendous. After spending time with twin nephews, born as preemies, my natural instinct was wanting to envelope and dress them in the purest materials.

-Sheree Lee

The new T2 collection is available in two sizes: 0, fitting 3-5 lbs, and size 1, fitting 5-8 lbs, in just four simple shapes, and modern neutral colors.

TANE, which means seed in Japanese, takes inspiration from the kimono shape. The emphasis on design with thoughtful construction and details provide comfortable fit while maintaining performance through time and play.

Company folks blog that they can’t wait to share the new inspiration, colors, textures and shapes of the Fall/Winter TANE collection. “The new collection is already getting a lot of buzz, especially with the launch of T2, using the purest organic cotton.”

Sheree and her New York City-based company believe the customers are as important as those who crafted the garments. The connection with Peruvian artisans supported by fair trade practices echoes TANE organics’ commitment to the planet and its people. Every purchase supports the vision of a cleaner, kinder earth with positive production footprints.

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!

It’s Love at First Sight – Pink Pewter

Pink Pewter’s newest collection -It’s Love at First Sight- includes new stretch bands, bracelets and jewelry.

Four years ago, hair stylist Mireya Villarreal decides to start a company that makes hair accessories from her own creative point of view, to complement a variety of haircuts and personalities. “We struggled to think of a business name for weeks and weeks,” she tells me, adding that the word ‘pink’ had to be part of it. “We must have gone through 10 sheets of paper writing down ideas. During this process, my daughter -about six years old at the time- kept coming into the room asking if she could use the computer, pronouncing it ‘pewter.'” So, there it is -the aha moment that inspires the name Pink Pewter.

Today, Mireya designs beautiful hair accessories and more. The company’s newest collection -It’s Love at First Sight- includes new stretch bands, bracelets and jewelry. “We provide high style without the high price,” designing wearable things for children “without losing sight of the timelessness and innocence that makes children’s fashion unforgettable.” The new scarf collection for fall can be worn in so many ways that the wearer can personalize the look based on their own style. “It screams ‘Pink Pewter,'” Mireya says. “We only stand behind a design that we truly believe in and aligns with our consumer base perfectly.”

Celebrity Driven and Loving It. Knowing who the fans are is something the company works passionately on, staying on top of the latest fashion trends and fleshing out the Pink Pewter persona as youthful and invigorated. Pink Pewter is known as a celebrity driven brand, frequently participating in event sponsorship and charity red carpet events. “We go to the events ourselves and interact with the stars and their fans on a personal level,” Mireya explains. “People relate to celebrities and align themselves with the values of their favorite role models, which drives credibility to our brand.”

Our brand is expanding into accessories such as belts, scarves, bracelets and jewelry to complete the experience. The key is to have each item complement the other -accessorize an accessory if you will.

Coming Soon. Look for a new tween/teen apparel line that includes trendy shirts and contemporary dresses!

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!

Make Traveling with Kids Fun

This summer, there’s a TrayKit® for every kid!

Launching this year in the U.S., the award-winning TrayKit® and TrayKit® Traveller collection are fun for kids and practical for parents.

Already a smash in the UK, the TrayKit® is created by a British mom and offers parents a brilliant all-in-one solution that can make traveling a lot more enjoyable -not only for you and your kids, but for everyone else in any train, plane or automobile!

TrayKit® is a carry-on backpack that kids can pack themselves and easily carry along on any trip using the handle or shoulder straps. Once on-board, TrayKit® can be hung from the back of a seat or strapped onto train and plane tray tables. When kids open it up, they have an extendable play surface with raised sides, preventing any toys from going overboard, so no one has to crawl around looking for lost crayons and puzzle pieces. When ready to go, simply pack up the bag, so everyone -and everything- will be on time.

“Like so many parents, I have spent endless journeys packing and carrying all sorts of on-board ‘keep-them-entertained’ toys which all end up on the floor having rolled off their tray table or lap. TrayKit® is the perfect trip companion that will make your child the perfect travel companion!”

-Solvej, inventor of the TrayKit and mum of two

Available May 2012. Distributed in the U.S. through Kids Preferred and specialty retailers nationwide, the TrayKit® Traveller collection is a terrific line of coordinating travel essentials, including passport covers and holders, luggage tags, travel journal kits complete with pencils and erasers, and the very cute TravelBug™ plush toy. Cool colors and patterns to choose from, something for boys and girls ages three and older –with a durable surface that can be wiped down easily.

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!

AnnieWear Inspires Animal Lovers to Give Back

Pamela Pinta and Laurene Parletore have taken their passion and turned it into a reality.

“AnnieWear is an online gift store that gives back,” Pam tells me. “We donate part of the proceeds from every item sold to animal rescues nationwide.” AnnieWear offers animal-themed products for newborns, infants, toddlers and kids up to size 7, as well as things that appeal to moms.

Named after Laurene’s adopted dog Annie and inspired by nephew Roland, who was born around the time Annie was adopted, AnnieWear has already donated to Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue (where Annie is from), Liberty Humane Society (where Pam volunteers), Angel Acres Horse Haven Rescue, Purrs and Pooches, and The East Coast Maine Coon Rescue (where Pam was just elected to the Board of Directors).

Pam and Laurene are cousins who are both passionate animal lovers and avid shoppers with completely different styles and tastes. Pam loves all animals and adopts cats. Laurene loves all animals and adopts dogs. Neither are moms to humans, but they dearly love their nephews and try to influence their lives in a positive way.

Laurene says, “We cater to people looking for a unique gift for a special occasion, something that will make their gift stand out and their gift recipient appreciative.”

The pair began by creating their own product lines: the Life Line and the Annie Line. Both offer 100% ring-spun combed cotton one-pieces and t-shirts in traditional and contemporary colors for boys or girls. The Annie Line products features Annie’s picture, along with her trademark “So Stinkin’ Cute” graphic.

AnnieWear also includes popular brands such as Aden + Anais, Bibi & Mimi, Hatley, Kalencom, Kicky Pants, San Diego Hat Company, Vincent and many more.

AnnieWear products perform double duty for you: Unique gifts sure to be a hit that also help animals in need.

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!

Get $65 in FREE Products! Join Klippie Klub!

Popular children’s accessories brand Itzy Bitzy Designs launches a new club that makes accessorizing affordable.

Do you have a little diva darling who loves wearing the perfect hair accessory with every outfit? She can never have too many hair bows, right? Wouldn’t it be great if all that shopping didn’t break the bank?

Look no further. Michelle Ruesch, founder of Itzy Bitzy Designs, introduces the Klippie Klub, a kit-of-the-month hair accessories club, where members receive a themed kit containing exclusive, newly released hair clips each month. It’s the perfect way to build an up-to-the-minute-cute hair accessories collection that’s incredibly affordable as well.
“Monthly subscription programs are very popular and allow the customer to enjoy products at a significant savings,” Michelle tells me. “We wanted our customers to be able to enjoy a wider range of our products by being able to offer them a substantial savings – and you will not find another club that offers such an incredible value.”

Get $65 in FREE Products. You enjoy fantastic savings from the start, with a choice of two memberships. The Krazy is only $15.99 a month – a 70% savings off retail. The Kasual is only $18.99 a month – a 50% savings off retail – and requires no long term commitment. FREE Shipping is included with each membership – another bargain!

For Children’s Retail Today Followers. Join now and receive the first kit FREE plus a FREE Klippie Klub Hair Accessories & Travel Organizer (total retail value $65.00). Help get the word out about this terrific deal!

use this link to like the Klippie Klub Facebook Page;
or sign up for the Klippie Klub Newsletter (Join My List) and be the first to receive special promotions and coupon codes;
or start following the Itzy Bitzy blog;
and share my posting (this one!) about the Klippie Klub on your own Facebook page!

And sign up for the Klub, of course!

Designed in the USA. Each month, members –and their diva daughters- can look forward to a beautifully themed set of hair clips exclusively designed only for club members, made from high-quality, trendy fabrics and colors. The sturdy clips are easy to open yet stay in place, and the soft inside is gentle on a child’s lovely locks.

Every little girl deserves to feel like a princess. We hope that our unique affordable program insures little girls will always have the perfect hair accessory for any outfit.

Continue reading →

Zomsters Brings Friendly Monsters to Life

Mom-owned Zomsters sustainable children’s fashion and museum-quality art collections are invading kids closets and rooms nationwide.

Leap Year Zaniness! Zomsters is based in Snoqualmie, WA (just up the mountain from me!) and offers a full line of earth-friendly art and clothing designed for kids featuring zany characters called Zomsters. Meet Wally, Harold, Stanley and the growing family of friendly characters here!

Zomsters are designed to make kids smile and to spark their imaginations. We create characters rich with unique traits, interests and backgrounds to teach kids about far-off cultures and places, and about career choices that aren’t as common.

-founder/designer Ronda Bergman

Ronda also designs to create awareness about how making small green changes in our lives can make big differences in the world. The company is committed to sustainable business practices, choosing environmentally-conscious materials like organic cotton, recycled paper and recycled aluminum cans. Zomsters minimizes its impact by using water-based, azo-free inks for non-toxic printing and selecting local manufacturers and suppliers to reduce shipping and materials waste.

Parents choose from a plethora of adorable products including one-pieces, knot hats, toddler tees … art blocks, cards and prints, water bottles and more. Coming soon: coloring pages, wall papers and more.

This Leap Year, find your inner Zomster and spread the word! Available online and select retail locations. Also wholesale.

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!