Announcements

Reinventing Floatimini


092613_floatimini_07A popular children’s swimwear line returns, for girls only.

092613_floatimini_03Five years ago, Erie Chang and Sehee Kim dreamed up Floatimini, a fashionable clothing line focused on swimwear that inspired both girls and boys to have their own dreams. The bright colors, playful prints and unique patterns helped Floatimini to stand out from the rest, expanding from swimwear to a full complement of resort wear that included hoodies, wrap skirts, sun dresses, shorts and t-shirts.

092613_floatimini_04Now, these two Moms, designers, artists –and friends- are staying true to their original signature, re-introducing the brand to focus solely on girls ages six months to eight years.

Floatimini produces sophisticated, high-quality swimwear using the brightest technology: heavier weight, quick-drying fabric, ultraviolet and antibacterial protection and SPF-50.

092613_floatimini_01Find Her Beach. Erie and Sehee travel the world for the latest in trends, innovations and perspectives on what makes beachwear the best. Their goal is to create “the perfect pool print” -bright colors, up-to-date style, vintage sensibility, cute ruffles, sophisticated details and trims.

092613_floatimini_09In addition to stunning swimwear, these beach-loving designers also plan to feature bright cotton knit dresses in the 2014 collection.

  • Thanks to Daniela Vitali of DV REPS for re-introducing me! 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!

Too Scoops Kids


Children’s Retail Today congratulates you on Birthday Number One!

365 days, 154 posts, 321 comments and 10,867 views later, Too Scoops Kids is celebrating its first birthday with a Blogiversary Celebration this Saturday, September 21 in Atlanta, GA – and everyone’s invited! Check it out here.

This has been an amazing year for us and we want to share the excitement with our readers and favorite brands targeting little girls.

091913_TooScoopsKids_ButtonToo Scoops Kids (TSK) is a blog dedicated to what founders Lysi and Jenny call “the pint-sized fashion star.” A one-stop-shop for fun, fashion and family, Too Scoops Kids offers high quality, one-of-a kind content that engages moms and women from all walks of life with trendsetting commentary and options for affordable clothing and accessories for little girls.

“Our goal is to develop custom packages for brands that want to target the millennial mom who loves fashion, family, and fun,” they say. “TSK values our audience and we welcome all brands that seek to enhance the quality of life for our families in an original and innovative way.”

091913_TooScoopsKids_BlogiversaryInviteLysi says visitors can expect fabulousness, and Jenny says you’ll find “honesty, fun, a true glimpse into the life of a real life millennial mom, that loves life, adores her family, believes in being who you are without excuses, and is a sucker for a good-time!”

Talia from Pink Pearl PR tells me TSK is planning to launch an online boutique -and a few of their own designs- over the next few months. Great birthday present, girls!

Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella


091113_CindersByJanBrett_BookcoverWhile reading the current issue of Country Woman Magazine recently, I was introduced to Jan Brett, an award-winning author/illustrator who also happens to breed award-winning chickens.

Jan is renowned all over the country for her beautiful illustrations in children’s books –and when I saw the cover of her newest tale, Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella, I just had to tell my Children’s Retail Today peeps about it -and about Jan, too.

Cinders is Jan’s take on the classic fairy tale, complete with a little hen who’s transformed into a beautiful and mysterious guest at a ball during one magical night. Her fanciful illustrations capture the grandeur and glamour of eighteenth-century Russia, where Jan traveled herself. Together with her funny flock of chicken characters, this Cinderella story is whimsical and original. A feast for the eyes, one might say!

“I want kids to be able to open my books and feel as if they could walk right into the pages.”

-Jan Brett, in Country Woman

Charmed by Chickens. The Massachusetts-based author is currently touring the United States for her new book, visiting towns in New York, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Alabama, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, New Jersey and New Hampshire (phew!) –visiting book stores, schools and libraries, giving book talks and illustration demonstrations at each signing. It’s something Jan does every fall, to meet her book-reading fans in person.

091113_CindersByJanBrett_TourBusIf you’re lucky enough to live in a town she’s visiting, sign your kids up for Jan’s “Lunch on the Bus” contest, where your child and three friends have the chance to win lunch with Jan on her tricked out traveling machine. Visit JanBrett.com for more.

091113_CindersByJanBrett_JanWithChickensWhile you’re checking out her online footprint, learn more about Jan’s stories that have been incorporated into school curricula across the country and download free educational activities for teachers to use with their students.

MiniJoops


Launching September 1, MiniJoops is an online boutique that curates a global selection of children’s apparel, toys and accessories from up-and-coming, innovative designers and entrepreneurs.

Malisa Mac Nab is a fashion loving, full-time Mom who lives to style not only herself, but her three beautiful children in the newest, trendiest clothes. She’s launching her first big business- MiniJoops -this Sunday, an idea that grew from her own shopping experiences –and her talent for talking up authentic, stylish finds and internationally-inspired designs through social media.

MiniJoops helps upcoming new brands become known through kids fashion designers worldwide.

082913_MiniJoops_03What Sets MiniJoops Apart. Along with super easy shopping for her customers, Malisa plans the Mini Café, a section at the http://minijoops.com store that lets fashionista parents share their tips and picks, creating a new virtual style community.

082913_MiniJoops_02“We would love to be well-known worldwide as the place to find unique brands that are upcoming, with a little social kick to it with our Mini Café,” Malisa says. “We want to get big enough to be known on a high level in the fashion industry as a destination for new entrepreneurs trying to unleash their passion for trendy kids fashion, but not too big to take away from my focus of always working on providing the best brands to give to our clients.”

Malisa curates MiniJoops’ inventory herself, choosing brands that she’d dress her own children in, as well as the yet-to-be-known brands in the US –”the ones with the most passion, as it is most likely the owner(s) who are doing a lot of the leg work to make their products perfect.” She loves dressing her kids in the most trendy, contemporary, fashion-forward pieces she can find. “My biggest style inspirations are all the wonderful kids pictures I see on Instagram and in the social world,” she says.

082913_MiniJoops_logoMiniJoops.com launches September 1; check out MiniJoops on Facebook.

2013 Small Business Influencer Awards


Nominations and voting end September 9, so get started!

082113_SmallBusinessInfluencerAwards_LogoThe Small Business Influencer 2013 Awards honor companies, organizations, vendors, apps and people who have made a significant impact on the North American small business market.

Produced by Small Business Trends and Small Biz Technology, the three-phase process starts with a nomination followed by voting by you and an all-star judging panel. The Top 100 Small Business Influencers are announced in mid-September, with an Awards Gala in New York City in October 2013.

For instance, Leaders, Corporations, Journalists, News Outlets, Apps or Experts that provide widely used products or influence by being a thought leader, or provide information or services to significant numbers of small businesses can be honored.

Nominate as many people, apps and/or organizations as you wish. All nominations are subject to administrative review, and may be edited for completeness, proper categories, accuracy, grammar and typographical errors. Voting takes place concurrently; anyone may vote, one vote per nominee per day. It may take up to 48 hours for nominations to be appear on the site. Nominations and voting close September 9, 2013 at 11:59 pm Los Angeles time.

Once the community has voted, the all-star small-business judging panel will cast their votes. The community vote counts for 40% and the Judges’ vote counts for 60%.

Good luck!

About the Producers

Small Business Trends is a highly popular, independent, small business, online magazine serving over 6,000,000 small business owners, stakeholders and entrepreneurs annually. The site was founded in 2003 by Anita Campbell.

Small Biz Technology is a media company which educates growing businesses with information on how to strategically use technology as a tool to grow their businesses. The site was founded by Ramon Ray.

 

pediped® ♥’s Schools


Enrolled schools receive 10% back on all attributed purchases, giving parents another reason to shop this award-winning brand.

Popular footwear company pediped® launched the new pediped ♥ ‘s Schools, a one-of-a-kind giving campaign where participating schools receive a check for 10% back on their total attributed purchases of pediped® Footwear. Each school can earn up to $10,000 per year.

I’m excited to celebrate the start of a new school year with kids everywhere. Schools need our help now more than ever and it’s essential for them to have the things they need. Giving back always has and will continue to be a core value of pediped.

-Founder Angela Edgeworth

081313_pediped_01School officials, parents and teachers can enroll their school into the program by visiting pediped.com/pedipedschools.  Each school receives a unique code that’s used by shoppers at checkout when making a purchase on pediped.com or in any pediped® owned boutique. The pediped® team tracks these purchases so each school can receive 10% back on their total combined purchases.

Purchases will be tracked now until May 15, 2014, and schools will receive their checks in June 2014. Any purchases made after May 15 will roll over to the next school year. Schools are also able to track their earnings on pediped.com.

“We are receiving heavy support from parents and teachers alike who see the value in creating awareness on the importance of providing schools with adequate resources,” Angela says.

Fastest growing children’s footwear brand in the United States. Known for exceptional quality, comfort and distinctive styling, the award-winning pediped company recently opened three boutique retail stores in Las Vegas, Shanghai, China and in Brno, Czech Republic. pediped® footwear is now sold in over 2,500 stores in the United States and 40 countries worldwide.

081313_pediped_logoSpecializing in healthy foot development, pediped® is dedicated to enriching the lives of children. In addition to pediped® ♥’s Schools, the pediped® Foundation was established to work directly with charities that are devoted to the health, education and basic needs of children around the world. Since its inception, the pediped® Foundation has donated nearly two million dollars in product and monetary support.

  • Another Hilary Abbott Communications client! 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!

Sweet Bzz & Daisies


073113_SweetBzz&Daisies_05One-of-a-kind signature dresses for special occasions.

After retiring from a career in aerospace engineering, Dipa Suri rediscovered her creative side after her niece was born, which inspired her to take up heirloom sewing. With a wealth of talent in embellishment techniques, tailoring and Japanese embroidery, she designs a collection of special occasion dresses called Sweet Bzz & Daisies to reflect her love of nature.

The Sweet Bzz & Daisies line has given me a creative, tangible way to celebrate the beauty we find all around us in nature.

073113_SweetBzz&Daisies_06Recently, Dipa has expanded the dress line that celebrates special moments with luxurious materials, detailed construction and one-of-a-kind designs rarely found in children’s wear, available for sale on a new ecommerce site SweetBzzandDaisies.com. With it intuitive layout, clearly labeled categories and enhanced product images, customers get a better view of the intricate details on each garment, and can shop with ease.

073113_SweetBzz&Daisies_01“I’m excited that the expanded selection will give more little girls the opportunity to dress in a garment created especially for her,” Dipa says. “And the new website allows consumers to get into the Sweet Bzz & Daisies spirit immediately while shopping for their little ones.”

Create Exclusive Wardrobes for Your Children. The Sweet Bzz and Daisies collection now spans lightweight spring/summer dresses and luxurious fall/holiday looks perfect for weddings, religious occasions, holidays, birthdays and picture days. One-of-a-kind designs feature heirloom-quality materials and embellishments that make little girls feel special and cherished -combining texture, pattern, color and hand details on luxurious fabrics like dupioni silk, silk brocade, Indian Tussar silk, silk charmeuse, cotton voile, Swiss cotton batiste and tulle. Each dress is finished with French seams for comfort and durability. And the exclusive nature of each dress will be appreciated by discerning mothers and grandmothers who wish to create unique wardrobes for their children.

073113_SweetBzz&Daisies_09Inspired by Nature. Through exquisite details like petal collars, vine embroidery, hand-painted butterflies and ribbon rosettes, Dipa’s designs replicate nature’s intricate patterns and delicate touch. Smocking, hand beading, imported lace trims, decorative buttons and feminine bows adorn a timeless collection that blooms with flora and fauna references, age-appropriate and mom-approved.

The line also includes layering pieces, including sweaters, coats and jackets to complement select styles. Full skirts for twirling and accents that twinkle also appeal to a girl’s sense of style and current fashion trends.

073113_SweetBzz&Daisies_logoSingular Creations. Because the dresses are singular creations, there is only one of each offered in the stated size. The Sunnyvale, CA-based company happily accommodates special order requests, special designs for bridal parties and more. Simply contact Dipa – like a flower or a snowflake, each dress in the line is unique, underscoring her belief that each child has her own personality, which deserves to be celebrated.

Little Flock of Horrors


073013_LFOH_02From pet project to designed line – here come the beasties.

Little Flock of Horrors | merino for little monsters is a new line of fashion-inspired casualwear that is handmade in New Zealand from 100% New Zealand merino.

We’re all about embracing kid’s’ inner monsters and capturing those moments.

073013_LFOH_05Lucy and Fran Wildman are parents to Iggy and Frankie –the two little monsters who inspire the couple’s brand. When her son was born in the middle of a particularly cold winter, Lucy happened to find some garments made from merino wool, which kept him warm and comfortable. “The only problem was that the silhouettes and cuts were traditional and pretty blah,” Lucy says. So she bought herself a sewing machine and merino, making up clothes for him, stylish enough for friends to notice her gift of color combining. After her daughter was born 18 months later, Little Flock of Horrors went from a pet project to a designed line.

073013_LFOH_03“We’re not a fluffy and soft baby brand, we’re honest,” Lucy says.”I lived in the US for almost a decade working in snowboarding/action sports before moving back to New Zealand with my husband four years ago to start our business. We get Americans. Now we just need to show them why they should be wearing merino!”

If you’ve never been to New Zealand, you may be interested to know that the “sheep-to-person ratio” there is a little over seven sheep per person. The wool from those merino sheep makes THE ultimate fabric, and New Zealand makes the best merino in the world. And here’s why your children should be wearing merino:

  • It’s 100% natural, biodegradable, totally renewable and sustainable
  • It’s the only fabric that naturally breathes and controls moisture
  • It’s antimicrobial, hypoallergenic and antibacterial
  • It’s flame retardant and self-extinguishing
  • It’s machine washable and can be tumble-dried
  • And might I add luxurious, sleek and beautiful, too!

073013_LFOH_06Currently available for sale online, Lucy and Fran recently launched a Kickstarter campaign and are heading to New York City for this weekend’s retail tradeshows to show a Spring ’14 collection of drop-crotch pants, dipped hem tops, skinny leggings, kimono wrap tops, slouchie beanies, fingerless gloves and more.

073013_LFOH_01“We’re pretty sure that you’ll have similar styles in your wardrobe already,” they say. “The only difference is Little Flock of Horrors clothing is made of 100% New Zealand merino in New Zealand.”

And what a difference it is!

Yankers®


072313_Yankers_03Easy Access, Easy Changing: Yankers Débuts Smart New Way To Dress Children

After enduring countless diaper changes involving multiple snaps, noisy Velcro, irritating zippers and binding elastic waistbands, children’s clothing designer Rosalee Rester creates a comfortable, simple alternative for babies and children.

Yankers® is a brand new clothing concept for easy diaper changing débuting a new collection this Fall. These stylish all-in-one outfits have no snaps, zippers, button, Velcro™, elastic or other fasteners to contend with.

As a mom I know exactly what it’s like to struggle with kicking legs, tons of snaps and out-of-control rollers. My innovative design allows you to pull the stretchy legs down and off to change baby fast and easy.

072313_Yankers_02Yankers in Action. For a diaper change, simply yank down on the back panel, guiding the baby’s knees out. The top stays put the entire time to keep baby warm during the change. When you’re done, guide baby’s feet back into pant legs and yank up on the panel, for that Mom-approved finish!

“I loved the concept of an all-in-one outfit that I could grab out of a drawer in the dark, not having to worry about matching tops to bottoms,” Rosalee says, “and have my baby dressed in a stylish outfit without ever having snapped even one snap.”

Made in the USA. Yankers is a women-owned and operated apparel company that makes modern, sustainable clothing for children, manufactured in the United States of America using natural and breathable fabrics -blends of cotton, bamboo, model and spandex. (I love this: the company says that occasionally, they employ men as slaves!). Yankers are available in sizes 0 to 3T at www.yankersbaby.com.

072313_Yankers_01Born in 2008. Rosalee spent five years researching and developing her revolutionary idea, testing eight different patterns before perfecting the Yankers® design. The Fall ’13 début collection features a green, red and black color palette with optional ruffle and pocket details. In addition to the solid colors, Yankers with Buddha, Heart Bolt, Star Bolt and an adorable “Baby Nerd” tie and pocket protector design are also available.

Interested in a unique color? Ask for special hand-dyed custom-colored Yankers.

Rosalee is also the founder of Baby Wit, one the first manufacturers to market with rock clothing for babies. Check back tomorrow to find out more!

Pink Olive School


Pink Olive is a whimsical boutique filled with beautiful gifts that make you smile.

071713_PinkOlive_GraceKangEver since savvy entrepreneur Grace Kang opened Pink Olive in 2007, I’ve been a fan. The former buyer for Bloomingdale’s, Saks.com and Barney’s New York has curated a treasure box of wonderful things for people of all ages –not only in New York’s East Village, Manhattan and Brooklyn’s Park Slope neighborhoods but online as well. Whether it’s working with local artists, artisans and small businesses, to celebrating their wonderful customers, to championing local charities and other causes, the Pink Olive team strives to discover creative products that inspire giving and beautiful living.

“Our recent venture, OliveBox (a monthly subscription service), has been a wonderful expansion of this mission, building on our community from New York to California to Canada,” Grace tells me, “working hand in hand with companies we never would have had the chance to work with otherwise.”

We are stronger together than we are alone.

071713_PinkOlive_visualPink Olive School. Now, Grace and her team are taking their commitment one step further, with the introduction of Pink Olive School.

“While we have always loved showcasing local talent, and working with designers, now is the time to expand in our mission to mentor creative product-based entrepreneurs to step up and thrive in this ever changing economy,” Grace says. “Without the diverse array of creative products, stores would all look the same and customers will leave uninspired. You wouldn’t want that, right?”

Creatives, Small Businesses and Local Talent –Take Note! Pink Olive School is a one-stop opportunity to start and grow your creative business. By mentoring creative product makers of all kinds, Pink Olive School can help you take your creative passion into a sustainable business. Grace says, “Whether you’re in the very beginning stages of development, or have a fully functioning business, we can help take you to the next level.”

071713_PinkOlive_logoCongratulations, Grace and Pink Olive! If you share Grace’s mission, please email her at hello@pinkoliveschool.com. “In celebration of our launch and my birthday month, I have a special gift that I am offering creative makers want to create a product business they love,” Grace says. Click here for details.