Sugar Plum NY Launches Laundry by Shelli Segal Collection

The sugar plum is a legendary symbol of everything sweet and delectable. And so it is with the delicious selection of girls dresses from Sugar Plum NY, Inc.

Ask for it by name. Sugar Plum’s three signature brand designs are Dorissa, Sugar Plum, and Little Miss, plus the recently introduced The Girls’ Collection from Laundry by Shelli Segal (pictured at right). Find Sugar Plum’s chic-traditional party dresses, Communion and junior-inspired dresses in lux fabrics like shantung, organza, chiffon, taffeta, flocked velvet, satin and sequined lace in rich colors like burgundy, teal, pewter, black and plum. Sweet and delectable, indeed.

Little girls feel special and happy in our dresses -adding joy and festivity to their celebrations. As an owner of Sugar Plum since 1985, I’ve enjoyed working with the finest team, and we hope it’s a special part of their fondest memories.

Sugar Plum president Michael Fallas recently talked to me about what makes Sugar Plum dresses so special.

Designed in the USA. Our collection is designed in-house. We find this hands-on approach much more worthwhile, especially because it involves our entire team from the very beginning.

Making Our Dresses is Extremely Unique. We make sure that each dress in every brand stands on its own, with an individual identity. The collection is based on fun fabrics and trims, intriguing embellishments and an eye-catching colors.

There’s the Perfect Dress for Any Occasion. Interestingly enough, although all of our brands are special occasion dresses, each has a distinct difference. Dorissa is contemporary and updated. Sugar Plum is traditional with our special flair and touch. Little Miss is classically traditional, with sizzle.

We Know Our Brand. We know it’s most important that the consumer be drawn to our attractive, appealing dresses; that they are very pleased with the price; and finally, that they recognize the brand for its integrity and tradition. And we always deliver.

Known for fine quality, trendy fabrics, unique and distinctive styling as well as excellent value, Sugar Plum NY is a wonderful line of chic, sophisticated looks and whimsical, flirty and fun dresses.

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

Back Patch Boys from Ruby’s Closet

Former “Hollywood” nanny launches a line of hip accessories for boys.

Alice Hardin is creator/designer of Ruby’s Closet, a line of couture accessories she dreamed up for her daughter -and inspiration-Ruby. Alice’s fresh, stylish and up to date designs have graced celebrity girls’ outfits since she started the company, too.

Late last year, Alice announced her new boys line complete with a dedicated web presence. Back Patch Boys includes fedoras, driving caps, bowler hats, ties, suspenders, cool one-pieces, arm warmers, crawlers, shoes and more. Alice calls them “accessories for little dudes.”

We are designed to be a one-stop-shop with a huge variety of accessories. Our company is located within the United States and ninety-eight percent of our goodies are manufactured here too.

Very cute stuff – for girls and boys! Ask about custom designs. Click here for shopping locations. Available wholesale.

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

Djäknemåla Delights!

Stunning new brand from Sweden is designing for boys, too.

Self-described as “whimsical couture from the beautiful forests of Sweden,” the first collection of Djäknemåla will be available this spring, and it’s already caught the eye of many-an-A-list celeb daughter with its bold colors, striking imagery and elegant lines. (This video really captures the brand personality. Watch here).

Djäknemåla (pronounced yīk-ne-mah´-lah) is named for a beautiful bit of Blekinge Län, Sweden. Designer Pia (who’s also involved with the swimwear line Stella Cove) tells CupcakeMag for Littles that her easy-to-wear clothes made from crisp cottons are inspired by her grandmother’s own magical, fantastical artwork. Plus she’s also included a little bit of Sweden for boys, too:

We have a little Fall line coming out at the trade fairs in early spring which includes a mini foray into boys clothing. I only have boys myself –they would rather walk on hot coal than wear anything I designed- but it was so much fun to make.

Looking forward to seeing more from Djäknemåla!

A special thanks to Rachel Florio PR.

ONIA First Collection for Boys

The matching father-son beachwear set is perfect for Father’s Day gifting.

Men’s swimwear brand ONIA recently launched its first collection for boys. Modeled on the popular Charles Trunk, designer Carl Cunow shrank down the proportions to create the Charlie style for boys six months and older.

The Charlie Trunk débuted at Barney’s and online at Barneys.com and Onia.com until this month. Fabric, materials and construction have been tested and approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

At Onia, we are creating sophisticated, functional style, surf side.

Onia [oh-nee-ah] -which means “ship” in the Hebrew language- is known for easy-to-wear, fast drying beachwear made with expert production techniques and attention to detail. The brand’s unique cotton-nylon blended fabric offers the kind of performance dads love … and now, little boys can love it, too.

Introducing ZozoBugBaby

Using bold, bright designs and mixing prints in nontraditional ways, ZozoBugBaby is all about creative freedom and mix-and-match style.

ZozoBugBaby is a vibrant, artsy brand of children’s clothing, bedding and accessories created by fine artist Julie Martin.

“Here, we live life in color, so … Dress Happy!” The Spring/Summer 2012 Imagine collection includes vintage silhouettes inspired by the innocent designs of the ’50s and ’60s paired with the signature ZozoBugBaby look -tiered dresses and skirts in funky prints, knit leggings and more structured, woven dresses.

I juxtapose girly ruffles with clean lines, as well as pairing knits with wovens. Stripes and polka dots can be found pretty much year-round in my line.

-Julie, who’s also mom to two girls

ZozoBugBaby clothing is available in 6-12 months to size 10. In addition to clothing, the line offers one-of-a-kind, colorful bedding sets for boys and girls, including optional, complimentary name appliqué on bedspread or pillow. Patchwork throw blankets may also be personalized for free and are backed in supersoft minky.

Unique! ZozoBugBaby teepees are made of sturdy cotton and available in cascading ruffles, draped styles or a more structured form. Custom-made to customer specifications.

And check out the cool sewing patterns, too!

Get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products! Contact me today!

Marie Puce Paris – New Collection

When sisters Camile and Anne created Marie Puce Paris in 2003, they introduced the market to beautifully manufactured clothes of elegant design and bright color.

100% fashion, 100% chic. The new Spring/Summer 2012 Collection for girls is inspired by a delightful choice of Liberty prints and four of the sisters’ favorite colors – Fucshia (“makes you radiant”), Coral (“very tonic”), Turquoise (“subtle and soft”) and Purple (“sober and feminine”). Clean lines. Sophisticated final touches.

For babies, the colors are bright and soft. “We love the retro shapes and smart outfits.” And for boys, the collection is energetic and comfortable line with Bermudas, retro shorts and cotton shirts.

Quality is our top priority and we select only the best of fabrics, such as authentic Liberty prints or cotton poplin. And our prices remain very accessible. The clothes are easy to wear and are loved by children, teenage girls and mothers alike.

Clothes, accessories, footwear … jewelry, fragrance and plush toys … all part of Marie Puce! Many pieces are manufactured in France. Consider a private show!

Get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products! Contact me today!

Seen at Toy Fair 2012

Happy Valentine’s Day! New products galore at the International Toy Fair taking place right now in New York, NY.

Booth 1803. See more than 400 new products from Aurora World Inc., including three brand new plush gift lines geared towards new parents and their children; the western-themed Lil’ Howdys, an interactive collection of Crinkle Friends and the plush line, Quizzies.

We are using fancier, softer fabrics with many of our products in 2012. However, in keeping with our mission statement, price points are not compromised by the high quality designs for which Aurora is known.

–Michael Kessler, senior vice president of sales and marketing, Aurora.

Aurora created the international plush toy phenomenon – YooHoo & Friends™ – and its corresponding free, interactive web site, appealing to young children and tweens alike. Founded in 1981, the Korean company with headquarters also in the United States, United Kingdom and Hong Kong, has ascended quickly to become a respected leader in the world’s toy and gift industry.

Booth 5214. Esther Novis, a mother of five and a former Harvard-trained biologist, started The Young Scientists Club as a summer science camp for her then five-year-old son. Friends from other parts of the country told her they wanted to duplicate her concept and the idea for a science subscription service was born. The subscription kits are now mailed monthly to thousands of children around the world and the company’s retail kits are sold in hundreds of specialty stores.

The Young Scientists Club’s newest kits teach children how to make and race magnetic cars, how to create slime, how to grow pretty polymer petunias and super balls, and over 50 other cool experiments.

Booth 6406. anamalz comes to the Toy Fair for the first time to show off its newest box sets in animal kingdom themes of Wild, Farm, Jungle and Prehistoric. Designed in Australia and made from sustainable maple wood, anamalz is anaward winning range of toy animals that can be bent into dozens of funny poses. The green business uses fabric that is AZO dyed and the company’s wood scraps are used on a farm to grow mushrooms. Each toy is assembled in factories that are of the highest standards and meet international regulations.

It’s easy to see why these eco-friendly characters enchant grownups, but it’s the children who are immediately engaged when they see anamalz because these wooden toys look so different from any other toys out on the store shelf. In all, there are 38 figures to collect in four categories. All toys are designed for children ages three and up.

Get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products! Contact me today!

Loved by Celebrity Kids and Everyone Else, too!

Kiddo By Katie and Love Jay Girls are getting a ton of attention from celebrity kids lately for their chic designs, luxe fabrics and ahead-of-the-trend pieces.

Most recently seen being worn by such famous faces as Willow Smith, Shiloh Pitt, Zahara Pitt, Suri Cruise, Ariel Winter and Kennedy Armstrong, these two brands are taking the kids fashion industry by storm -at an affordable price.

Established in 1992, the Kiddo By Katie clothing line appeals to the tween with a keen eye for high fashion.

The versatile Kiddo collection of structured military jackets, off the shoulder tops, playful knits and easy to wear dresses captures the innocence and high energy of the tween lifestyle, thoughtfully incorporating lace detailing, cascading ruffles and funky prints into a wearable look that’s on trend.

Love Jay Girls turns a little girl’s fairy tale into a reality, infusing princess silhouettes with a fashionable edge.

With an array of dresses for young girls sizes 4-8, the Love Jay Girls line captures the beauty and charisma of a young girl’s spirit with a combination of luxurious textures and colorful designs. The core belief that a princess lives inside every little girl is the guiding inspiration behind the enchanting collection.

From great everyday basics to fun, flirty dresses, Kiddo By Katie and Love Jay Girls truly have clothing for any girl who wants to stay as stylish as their moms.

If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

Safe Sleeptime for Babies

HALO Innovations is a unique resource for parents, offering solutions to help baby sleep more safely.

A trusted name in safe sleep for baby for more than 15 years, the company has introduced a new nursery set that enables parents to easily create an attractive and safe sleep environment for baby which supports a new recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

Newer crib standards…have obviated the need for crib bumpers. Because of the potential for suffocation, entrapment and strangulation and lack of evidence to support that bumper pads or similar products that attach to crib slats or sides prevent injury in young infants, the AAP does not recommend their use.

The new HALO Safe Sleep Crib Set™ includes five coordinating pieces: a HALO SleepSack wearable blanket, SleepSack Swaddle, both in 100% cotton; two coordinating crib sheets in soft cotton jersey; and a matching crib skirt. The new Set is available in six patterns in pink, blue and neutral color tones; baby’s sleepwear features adorable, highly embellished appliqué detailing.

We applaud the AAP for recognizing that bumpers can be a potential threat to a sleeping baby and support their efforts in any way possible. Too often parents ‘overdress’ the crib with a quilt and bumpers, both of which can pose a breathing threat for baby.

–Bill Schmid, a SIDS dad and founder

Minneapolis, MN-based HALO Innovations is dedicated to developing products that set new standards for the safety and improved health of sleeping infants. HALO® branded products are used in hundreds of hospitals nationwide in well baby care, NICU’s and in take home programs to help new parents practice Safe Sleep for Baby at home.

If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

New Wendy Bellissimo collections début in June

Fans can expect innovative, streamlined apparel and fashion-forward creations made from high quality fabric reminiscent of the favored Bellissimo lines originally launched in 1997.

Wendy Bellissimo Media, Inc. and 5 Star Apparel Group recently announced a licensing partnership that includes the marketing, production and distribution of the Wendy Bellissimo Baby & Kids apparel line. 5 Star -which owns and licenses a portfolio of recognized brands including kids lines Mecca, Akademiks and Rocawear– is heading the creation, production and distribution of favored Bellissimo brand lines including layette sets, sleepwear and clothing geared for boys and girls ages 0-7.

With the re-launch of our Wendy Bellissimo Baby and Kids apparel designs, the consumer will have an opportunity to enjoy my designs and the products that have become so well-loved on a mainstream level. With the support of 5 Star, we hope to bring these creations back to the consumer for Fall 2012.

-Wendy Bellissimo

The mother of four daughters, Wendy Bellissimo is widely known as a successful entrepreneur with a passion for creating products that families love. First perceived as an authority on products for growing families, Wendy’s sincerity and approachability enable her to connect with other women who see her as either the mom they are or as the mom they would like to be.

A celebrity favorite designer as well as a sought-after television personality, Wendy is hard at work designing new collections for apparel and room décor, scheduled to début in June.

In the meantime, enjoy one of Wendy’s videos!