Apparel

City Threads


This real American clothing company has been making clothes in the USA since 2002. 

090513_CityThreads_LogoCaletha Crawford is a well-known and respected childrenswear consultant based in New York. Once the editor of the venerable children’s trade publication Earnshaw’s, Caletha is also part of the the Children’s Apparel Consulting Group, a full-service, one-stop network of industry veterans that works with children’s clothing companies on branding, design, merchandising, production, sales, credit checks, order processing, back office, customers service, marketing, collections, PR and social media –good to know, in case you’re embarking on your passion for children’s fashion with a new product or business!

090513_CityThreads_02Made in the USA. Caletha recently featured Los Angeles, CA-based City Threads in her e-newsletter –an apparel company that started out manufacturing cool clothes for boys emblazoned with city names, and now caters to both boys and girls sizes 0 to 14 with a full complement of clothing for day and night,  including pajamas, underwear, layering pieces and fashionable sportswear that features innovative graphics designed to excite kids’ imaginations.

090513_CityThreads_05Spring 2014. City Threads is putting its spin on classic warm-weather must-haves for a spring collection that’s fun and carefree.

“The Spring ’14 line comprises t-shirts, polos, hoodies, shorts, dresses, one-pieces, swim trunks, pajamas and underwear for 24/7 style,” Caletha says. “The brand is devoted to comfort with soft, quality fabrics and an easy fit.”

With our Spring ’14 collection, City Threads has done what we do best by putting our signature trend-right twist on the iconic American style staples kids love to live in. Plus, the fabrics are comfy enough that kids won’t want to take them off.

-co-owner and designer Shayna Samuels

090513_CityThreads_06Outrageously eye-catching graphics spill over fronts for added visual interest on tees, tanks, swim trunks and shorts. Hoodies have 3D details like a shark fin on the back  that kids really love. And it’s the line’s swimwear that makes the biggest splash with moms year after year, thanks to its quality and durability –now with screen printing on swim trunks this season.

090513_CityThreads_04Popular with celebrity moms and parents everywhere, husband-and-wife team Shayna Samuels and Joe Willis runs this family business that makes its cool apparel in the United States. They also make padded footies, pants and hats, rounding out a collection that becomes a staple in a child’s wardrobe.

The Matching Dots & KNOCKOUT Tees


Be cool. Be glamorous. Be spotted! Our motto has this fun double meaning: wear spots and be spotted. Our customers are unique and original, and we make them noticeable!

090413_TheMatchingDots_02Made in the USA. Polka dots have made a royal comeback, thanks to Princess Kate being “spotted” leaving the hospital with newborn Prince George. And dots are being done in a fun, modern way right here in the US by The Matching Dots, a company that specializes in polka dot prints, featured in designs for girls and their dolls, as well as their moms and their little dogs, too!

090413_TheMatchingDots_04Fe Read and Augusta Justen have made their childhood dream of owning a business come true with their socially responsible clothing line that’s not only Made in the USA, but making a difference in the world.

“Our unique and exclusive coordinating designs are proven to strengthen family relationships,” Fe tells me, who bonds with her own little girl wearing their coordinating Matching Dots dresses. Fe, who lives with her family in North Carolina and serves as managing director of The Matching Dots, has a background in business management working for non-profits, and has a soft spot in her heart for helping kids in need. “Philanthropy is a big part of our organization,” she says. “For every dress we sell we feed one hungry child in partnership with Stop Hunger Now.”

090413_TheMatchingDots_03Augusta also studied business management, but she decided to follow her passion to fashion early on, studying in Italy, London and Brazil before moving to the Portland, OR area and becoming the creative director of The Matching Dots.

“Behind each one of our designs is the desire to help strengthen family relationships,” they say. “We are very passionate about what we do and we feel delighted with the possibility of being part of your special moments.”

I’m tickled by the team’s explanation of why “dots” are so special –especially the notion that many believe something intrinsically “divine” or “perfect” can be found in circles.

090413_TheMatchingDots_KnockOutTees_01TEE Parties. Fe and Augusta are also the minds behind KNOCKOUT Tees, a line born soon after The Matching Dots with the goal is to help “knock out” hunger, child abuse and neglect, malnourishment, poverty and violence.

A percentage of profits automatically goes to address the needs of children, so by supporting both The Matching Dots and Knockout Tees, you are helping children in need. The company puts together events called TEE PARTIES every year to raise funds for specific non-profit agencies throughout the US.

KinderStuff


082813_Kinderstuff_ownersA pretty revolutionary approach to kids fashion.

Dr. Alexander Reichhuber, Sebastian Schmoeger and Rob Rebholz are the German entrepreneurs behind KinderStuff, ditching their corporate jobs to develop a totally new venture- not only is KinderStuff a young apparel brand, but a brand new way of shopping that makes “hand-me-downing” cool again.

Created in Los Angeles. KinderStuff is what they call the world’s first fashion brand that lets parents send the fashion back, once their kids have outgrown it, free of shipping charges and in exchange for a discount on their next purchase.

All hand-me-downs we receive are donated to charity, because we believe outgrown baby clothes have a higher purpose than just ending up in a box in the attic.

082813_Kinderstuff_onepiece100% Organic Cotton. The clothing is made from the highest quality 100% organic cotton, plus the bodysuits, t-shirts and long sleeves for babies up to two years is super-stylish. KinderStuff teams with  local urban artists on modern designs that celebrate “both the vibrancy of youth and the forward-thinking trends of eco-fashion in Los Angeles.” Plans are underway to add hoodies, pants and hats for kids up to six years.

Made in Germany. These guys are not only committed to social responsibility, but to ecological sustainability, collaborating with industry experts to make the line in the world’s best factories as well as fan-parents, to continually improve upon the products and services they offer.

082813_Kinderstuff_websiteKinderStuff is the realization of a father’s vision, developed through the help of his two friends and the efforts of an amazing team across the globe, created with the hope for a better, more colorful future.

Young Over-Achiever. Just over a year old, KinderStuff has already won prestigious kudos from Natural Child World as the Best Fashion for Kids in 2013 to several Red Tricycle nominations, so they’re on a roll!

Who wouldn’t love that?

Matilda Jane


A fanciful new collection that could make a girl smile from ear to ear.

080813_MatildaJaneClothing_AugustWallpaperThis August, the folks at Matilda Jane Clothing are introducing a Fall 2013 collection called Paint By Numbers, a vibrantly-colored mix of pieces that are sophisticated, colorful and “a wee bit cheeky.”

I want MJC to showcase the sweetness of the child. I try to keep the silhouettes simple for that reason, it’s not about the fancy embroidery, it is about the darling girl wearing it. I want her to love what she is wearing and be proud of how she looks.

080813_MatildaJaneClothing_01The designer doesn’t considers herself a designer at all, just a person who can make her ideas come to life. ” Inspiration? I am not sure, it just happens,” she says. “I just get an idea and go with it.” She does acknowledge her family and a good group of friends for their unending support of her sometimes risk-taking plans. “After all,” she says, “what is the worst thing that could happen?”

Available in sizes 12m-12 as well as a growing collection of sizes for Moms, Matilda Jane is sold exclusively through in-home Trunk Shows. Find out more about them by visiting the Matilda Jane Clothing website here.

080813_MatildaJaneClothing_trunkshow

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!

Kikli Design


071613_KikliDesign_Montage_02This new dress line captures a feeling of wanderlust with a carefree, exotic style.

Redondo Beach, CA-based Kikli Design draws inspiration from the feeling of escape and discovery that arriving at your vacation destination can bring. The début collection of easy-wearing boho dresses is influenced by different spots on the globe, blending themes, prints and colors to create a unique, happy silhouette. The custom prints and free-flowing fabric combine an effortless California vibe with the vibrancy of India.

071613_KikliDesign_JasmineKikli Design is designed to provide every Mom and little girl with a tangible expression of wanderlust and the search for beauty everywhere.

Fun, Carefree Spirit of Childhood. Founder Harjot Gill says she chose the name to reflect the lighthearted feeling she experienced as a girl, twirling with her friends in the traditional Kikli circle dance. “Kikli Design brings together my passion for travel, which allows me to discover new worlds and ideas -and design, which informs everything I see and touch,” says the Mom of one well-dressed and well-traveled little girl.

071613_KikliDesign_NatashaFor its début, the line features six summery dresses, each with its own print, color combinations –and personality. Ella is a sleeveless dress with a different fabric on each of the three tiers of its skirt. Cece sundress features a smocked bodice with contrasting print panels. Natasha has raglan flutter sleeves, a cinched waist and a solid color pop at the neckline. Sasha takes the high/low hemline for a spin and features a contrasting yoke and colorful piping details. Penelope is a flowy empire-waist dress with a square neckline and contrasting patch pockets. And Jasmine delights with short sleeves, an A-line skirt, vibrant floral embroidery on the yoke and colorful piping on the bodice and hem.

Delicate to Statement-Making. The cheerful, upbeat and vibrant color palette and unique prints welcome warm weather with tones of Neon, Honeysuckle and Blossom pink; ornately decorated elephants roam through a garden of exotic florals; regal paisleys spring from leafy vines fill a lush garden of Lagoon and Neon pink. Single, repeated stems of Champa flowers feature Lipstick petals, Lagoon leaves and Herb stems. A cloud of multicolored butterflies alight on a Blossom background for a pretty in pink look.

Children’s Buyers – See the Spring ’14 line at ENK Children’s Club, booth #3313 in New York August 4-6.

Shoppers – Ask for it by name! Sizes range from size 12 months to 8. Visit Kikli Design at its future digital home at http://www.kiklidesign.com/.

Coney Island Baby


Ever wonder what “educational clothing” is?

070213_ConeyIslandBaby_01Apparel company Coney Island Baby designs clothing that features original artwork inspired by the wisdom of the ages, brought to the world by beloved scholars of our time. The clothing line –and the wisdom- is presented through an interactive digital experience with just a click and a mouse.

We hope our services stimulate reflection on the things that matter so grown-ups can help spark a child’s imagination.

070213_ConeyIslandBaby_02Awaken Wonder. The artists, designers, writers and scholars of Coney Island Baby believe that education starts at home, and strive to create what they call a cultural experience for families through casual daywear. “Our approach is guided by the idea that a mind is a fire to be lighted, not a vessel to be filled,” they say. “Together, we can set a child’s mind alight!”

The “mental playground” found at www.Ci-Baby.com combines thought-provoking quotes, beautiful illustration, original screen-print artwork, patches and appliqués into fun creations made mostly of machine washable, stretchy cotton -wisdom that kids can wear.

Parents and children alike will want to read the Coney Island Baby story here, and get the full vision of educational clothing! There’s also a robust community happening on the company’s Facebook page, too.

JuJuBe Kids


The “Mini Me” fashion trend comes full circle.

062613_JuJuBe_05Sofia Ven’s smart, hip JuJuBe Kids sportswear collection is full of fun, shapely silhouettes that are bold and colorful, graphic and sweet.

Fashion made for your little sophisticate.

062613_JuJuBe_01The up-and-coming JuJuBe Design Studio was  founded in 2010, and focuses on designing fashion wear for girls ages three to eight. Sofia’s tastes catapult little fashionistas into sophisticated style, prompting parents to partake of a Mini-Me sensibility –that’s totally cute, and totally now.