Kai

Big kids can have cool shoes, too.

Popular footwear manufacturer See Kai Run is débuting its new big kid line, Kai, at this season’s upcoming trade shows. Kai continues where the See Kai Run collection leaves off with sizes to fit post-toddler to school-aged kids two to six years old.

“We want kids to grow up with See Kai Run,” says founder Cause Haun. “Since 2004, our customers have told us over and over again that they want the same See Kai Run styling they love in larger sizes. We’re so thrilled that the wait is over and the new larger sizes have arrived!”

Kai features eight new styles -five for girls and three for boys in sizes 8 through 13. The debut collection takes See Kai Run designs and adapts them for bigger-sized shoes, accommodating the needs of older kids. Kai also features soft, high quality leather and flexible soles, but with the right amount of durability and sturdiness for kids on the go. Kai joins the company’s largest collection to date, which includes 31 new styles from the See Kai Run first walker line and 23 styles from the Smaller® baby bootie line. Design highlights include adult trends that translate well for little girls such as scallops and ruffles. Color focus is non-traditional, with pink taking a back seat to purple, gray and copper for girls, and bright accents for boys.

See Kai Run footwear promotes healthy development of babies’ and children’s feet with their ultra-flexible soles, soft leather and wide toe box and meets the American Podiatric Medical Association‘s rigorous standards for foot health and functionality. See Kai Run is awarded the APMA’s prestigious Seal of Acceptance.

-Janet Muniz

BEARPAW

Only in HUDSON’S & HCRSourceBook.

Now in its tenth year, Citrus Heights, CA-based footwear brand BEARPAW is known for comfort, quality and style at affordable prices. A trademark of Romeo & Juliette, Inc., founder Tom Romeo and his team have grown BEARPAW into a lifestyle, embraced by kids and adults throughout the U.S. and in 13 counties. “There’s a scientific aspect to comfort inherent in the BEARPAW culture and design,” the company explains on BEARPAWStyle.com, an online magazine-blog-site created specifically to fuel the mindset it represents. “BEARPAW has changed the game in footwear by using sheepskin, which regulates body temperature. Feet stay cooler and drier in warm weather, warmer in cold weather – it works for sheep, why not for people?”

Last year, BEARPAW began exploring new ways to use recycled and earth-friendly materials, pursuing green methods and practices from the factory to the final sale. Enter Linda Poetsch. Linda created the company’s first line of footwear for spring/summer, not only initiating its greening -the line is made from recycled materials, cork, bamboo, jute and hemp- but expanding BEARPAW into a year-round brand.

“In the past, I had worked with John Larkin at two different companies,” Linda tells us during a recent trip to China. “We share a mutual respect for each other’s abilities. He said that he felt that I could really help expand BEARPAW’s appeal to consumers.” After introducing her to Tom Romeo and his footwear team, Linda started working once more with John, now the company’s EVP, international business development. “Once you have proven yourself, Tom pretty much gives you the autonomy and freedom to run your department the way you want.”

Linda is an award winning designer and holds several patents. She started her own company, TEN80 Design, Inc. after working in-house for such companies as Avila, adidas, Nike and Fila. “I wanted to contribute more in the areas I specialize in -Color, Trend and Design forecast and analysis- to more companies,” she says. She is also an expert at guiding the entire development process, from creative use of color, innovative design and quality development, to delivering the very best product to market.

Currently, Linda is working on BEARPAW’s new children’s collection set to deliver for this year’s Back-To-School season. The company offers a range of sizes for children: youth, toddler and infant. Linda says about half of the looks for this kids collection are take downs of the women’s line and the other half are new styles just for kids. “What I love about the take downs is they are great looking styles for all ages.” For example, a fun, African print story is told with printed suede zebra and cheetah looks. “The great thing about the kid-specific styles is they can be more fun, while keeping our brand commitment to comfort and price,” Linda says. The faux vulcanized product includes a slip-on shoe, a short boot and a taller boot, both in fun colors along with the classic colors. “The kids boots are dressed up with a combination of materials, perforated accents, studded details, all used in a more youthful way, reflecting more freedom of expression,” Linda explains. “Color and fun details know no bounds, and together can create a boot or shoe that becomes a child’s favorite.”

It’s a particular joy for Linda to design children’s shoes. “I love that kids are drawn to more color and are impacted by the fun and free spirited look and feel of these designs,” she says. “They know better than anyone how a happy, fun color makes you feel good. They are not tainted by society and what is deemed proper attire.”

For BEARPAW, Linda’s kids collection is just one more way the company gives the consumer lots of natural and comfortable styles to choose from, at prices sensible enough for them to afford several items each season. “For all children as well as adults, we know that bare feet love BEARPAW,” she says. “What parent wouldn’t want their kids to have the same benefits? Who doesn’t want their kids to be comfortable, look stylish and pay a sensible price for that?”

Indeed. As they say, it’s time to relax –for kids- BEARPAW Style.

-Janet Muniz

Real Kids Shades

Real Kids Shades honored by Prevent Blindness America.

Prevent Blindness America, the nation’s oldest volunteer eye health and safety organization, honors Real Kids Shades™ (RKS) with the Star Pupils™ Inaugural Partner Award, presented in recognition of the outstanding support the company provided to launch the organization’s new children’s eye health program, Star Pupils.

“We know that many parents are not well-informed about how critical quality UV protection is relative to their children’s vision,” says VP of marketing Lisa Medora. “We are now able to help educate parents on the importance of UV protection as well as provide much-needed funds to support such an important program.”

RKS designed a pair of Star Pupils-branded infant sunglasses and pledged 20% of the proceeds from every purchase to the Star Pupils’ efforts. A main component of the program is education on eye safety, including UV protection.

Even though every parent has been warned about the harmful effects of UV rays, and 82% of parents use sunscreen to protect their children’s skin, only 32% take action to protect their children’s eyes. This is especially dangerous because children’s eyes are

more vulnerable to sun damage than those of adults. Long-term UVA/UVB exposure is linked to adverse effects such as the development of cataracts, sun burning of the eyes, known as photokeratitis and macular degeneration, which scientists now believe is a leading cause of blindness in adults.

Real Kids Shades products make it easier than ever for parents to quickly and thoroughly shield their children’s eyes from what could turn into a lifetime of disease. With a complete line of sunshades that feature 100% protection against UVA/UVB rays along with shatterproof, impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses, parents now can have the protection without the hassle. The company meets the strictest American, European and Australian standards in eye protection and are CPSIA compliant. Products are also CE Certified and FDA approved for protecting children’s eyes.

Prevent Blindness America also honors The Abbott Fund, Transitions, Healthy Sight for Life Fund and VisionDirect.com with the award as well.

-Janet Muniz

Carousel Designs

A unique interactive design tool for expectant parents to design and decorate the nursery.

From its start as a small family business in 1988, Carousel Designs has grown to become an award-winning national online retailer and trusted brand of premium baby bedding, twin bedding and home décor. Jonathan Hartley continues the family tradition of ownership as CEO with his business partner, president Allan Sicat. The two dads of young children are both graduates of the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY, are U.S. Army veterans- and take special pride that all Carousel Designs baby bedding products are Made in the USA.

In addition to offering custom baby bedding, Carousel Designs offers more than 100 pre-designed crib bedding collections, ranging from classic themes to more modern, sophisticated designs. Mini/portable crib, cradle, toddler, twin and full/queen bedding is also available along with coordinating nursery décor including lighting, furniture, rugs, musical mobiles, pillows, diaper stackers, wall art, draperies, rocking chair pads and valances.

Carousel Designs is the only baby bedding company that allows parents to design their own crib bedding, see it online, and choose other elements of the nursery to preview the room before making a purchase. The company recently launched version 3.0 of its popular Nursery Designer®, a unique interactive design tool offering expectant parents more options than ever before for designing and decorating their nursery. Customers can mix and match fabrics and component styles, change the color of the nursery walls, choose a crib finish and pick flooring to design a virtual nursery. An expanded range of crib colors and flooring options are offered with Nursery Designer® Version 3.0, allowing customers to experience a more accurate visualization of their nursery.

“For more than two decades, Carousel Designs has been committed to providing expectant parents with products that create a stylish and nurturing environment for their babies,” Allan says. “No matter what their style or skill level, Nursery Designer® will give parents endless possibilities to make their dream nursery a reality at an affordable price.”

As they anticipated fatherhood, both Jonathan and Allan were inspired by how their wives enjoyed spending time in the design studio, playing with fabrics and creating custom bedding for their nursery. They knew if they could create the same experience online- not only the ability to design the perfect bedding but also to visualize a nursery before making a purchase -they could offer real value to their customers and more importantly, make sure that every mom gets exactly what she wants. With combined experience in technology, ecommerce, business operations and finance, they set out to make sure that Carousel Designs provided expectant moms with the absolute best experience in decorating baby’s first room.

-Janet Muniz

Sweet Spud

Cute little tots.

From giraffes to dreamy clouds, Sweet Spud introduces fresh new designs to their collection of super soft organic cotton infant clothing, including long-sleeved toddler tees that feature thoughtful quotes with lush graphics, including Irish poet William Butler Yeats’ “Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.” Made in the USA using certified organic cotton and water-based, phthalate-free inks, the Sweet Spud collection includes coordinating infant bodysuits, toddler tees, yoga style pants and knot caps in sizes newborn to 6T, delivered in a gift-ready 100% recycled/recyclable box and wrapped in tissue paper that is made of 100% recycled fibers. After meeting rigorous standards, Sweet Spud recently received GreenAmericaToday.org Seal of Approval.

-Janet Muniz

PAIGE LAUREN BABY

Simple luxury, redefined.

West coast-based PAIGELAUREN BABY announces its Fall/Winter 2010 collection, inspired by cozy nights by the fire, the flush of color on autumn trees and the crisp cool of California mornings. The collection marks the season with luxurious streaky fleece, smartly striped ribs and a new snug beenie. An all-new palette includes Rosewater, Haze, Willow, Twilight and Scarlet. Designer Paige Lauren has hand-selected fabrics and colors that reflect the essence of West Coast living. The three-year-old company is known for designs where simplicity trumps excess and quality outlasts trendy in a line of signature kimonos, rompers, tees, hoodys and pants that have been called “an absolute necessity.”

-Janet Muniz

Dogwood

“Trouble is my business and business is good.”

Boys’ apparel company Dogwood updates the fit and styling of graphic t-shirts for spring 2011 with a fitted and relaxed t-shirt using 100% combed cotton. Made in the USA. For the fall 2011 season, Dogwood plans soft cotton t-shirts, hoodies and jackets with cool and updated graphics, along with plaid woven shirts and skinny jeans. Sports, trucks, dinosaurs and rock ‘n roll continue to influence the line’s designs as well as humorous word phrases, such as “Trouble is my business and business is good.”

-Janet Muniz

Babymio Collection

“These highest quality baby bitties are built to last for a lifetime of hugs from the softest Minky fabrics.”

-owner June Wong

Débuting last summer, the Babymio Collection is a line of blankies, BaBa Loveys, booties and slippers, bibs, robes and plush animals for infants from birth to 24 months featuring six animals: Millie the Giraffe, Jax the Tiger, Mooky the Cow, ChiChi the Cheetah, Mellven the Moose and Kona the Monkey. Purchase separately or in gift sets. The company started in a spare bedroom by a mother and daughter team last July, and it’s growing quickly. June recently moved into a 2,000-square-foot warehouse in Sunnyvale, CA and the collection is selling in 50 stores across 16 states.

-Janet Muniz

Geometric Prints to Fascinate Baby

Megan Kelleher is founder of Tutortogs, the first line of stylish apparel and accessories designed to stimulate an infant’s vision.

“I’m a mother of three,” she tells HCRSourceBook. “I come from a large family and we spend a lot of time together. One day while feeding the babies, we noticed our infants were fascinated by a patterned t-shirt I was wearing. Their little eyes followed me everywhere, which was such a great feeling! We all saw the possibility in that moment: a line of clothing specially designed for new baby eyes: high contrast patterns that they can easily see.”

The company launched last summer with a collection of women’s tops for new moms and others who care for baby, like grandmothers, aunts and nannies. Now the Nursery Cool collection of infant wear – rompers, infant gowns and matching baby caps topped with pom poms – sport the Tutortogs signature black and white geometric prints to fascinate baby.

-Janet Muniz

K.I.D.S. 25th Anniversary Gala

Congratulations to K.I.D.S.!

Internationally renowned children’s charity Kids In Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.), celebrated its 25th anniversary at a Gala on December 1 in New York, NY at Cipriani Dolci, raising about $1 million to help benefit children in need.

Gayle King, editor-at-large for O, The Oprah Magazine and host of The Gayle King Show, hosted 650 guests including the mayor of Newark, NJ, Cory Booker -the event’s keynote speaker.

The organization also raised close to $3 million in new product toward its 2010 goal of $100 million of new merchandise to distribute to needy children.

As part of the event, K.I.D.S. honored three industry leaders for their exceptional contributions to help underprivileged and disaster-struck children, including John Goodman, executive vice president of Sears Holding Corporation; Oscar Feldenkreis, president and CEO of Perry Ellis Corporation; and Wayne Elsey, founder and CEO of footwear charity Soles4Souls. A special service award was given to Karen Bromley, principal of The Bromley Group and K.I.D.S. board member, for her 25 years of continuous service to the organization.

-Janet Muniz