Celebrity Favorites

Annual Gala Raises $1.4 Million


The event celebrated the fashion industry’s efforts to provide families and children in need with supplies and goods, in partnership with K.I.D.S. and Fashion Delivers.

Eight hundred fashion leaders joined Kids In Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.) and Fashion Delivers for the annual fundraising gala, raising $1.4 million and several hundred thousand dollars in product donations.

This year’s gala celebrates the growing collaboration between K.I.D.S. and Fashion Delivers as we reach new levels of impact, helping families affected by these challenging times. This is especially important following recent natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy, the Oklahoma tornadoes, and the Colorado floods.

– Kevin Burke, K.I.D.S. Chairman of the Board

Recently held at Chelsea Piers in New York and hosted by celebrated film and television actress/producer Vivica A. Fox, this year’s honorees included Brendan Hoffman, President and CEO, The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.; Peter Comisar, Vice Chairman, Investment Banking, Guggenheim Partners; Robert Campbell, Chairman and CEO, BBC International LLC; and Daisy Fuentes, fashion entrepreneur and television personality.

112613_KIDS_01“I’ve often said that we don’t work within just an industry,” says Allan Ellinger, Chairman of the Board of Fashion Delivers. “Ours is a community that gives back to help people in need, people who are sick, students seeking professional support and many other worthy causes.”

K.I.D.S. and Fashion Delivers help fight the consequences of poverty by delivering hope and a brighter future through the gift of new product. The two charities solicit excess merchandise from companies that make and market home furnishings for children and adults. To date, over $1 billion of donated goods have been distributed through a network of more than 1,000 community charities serving the poor and disadvantaged worldwide.

Photo, left to right: Denise Durham Williams, K.I.D.S. President; Allan Ellinger, Fashion Delivers Board Chairman; honoree Robert Campbell, Chairman and CEO, BBC International LLC; Kevin Burke, K.I.D.S. Board Chairman; Honorees Daisy Fuentes; Brendan Hoffman, President & CEO, the Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.; Peter H. Comisar, Vice Chairman, Investment Banking, Guggenheim Partners; Vivica A. Fox, gala host

The Honest Company


111413_HonestCompany_logoWhat you may notice first about The Honest Company is that celebrity mom and actress Jessica Alba is the founder.

When I became a mom, I finally became the person I am, that I always should have been. It’s the most satisfying job in the world. But, it can also be overwhelming and confusing. I created The Honest Company to help moms and to give all children a better, safer start.

Compassionate Collaboration. What you may not realize is Jessica’s co-founder and chief product officer is Christopher Gavigan, father of three and former CEO of Healthy Child Healthy World (a national nonprofit empowering parents to protect their children from toxic risks), author of a best-selling book and instrumental in educating people through a collaboration with WebMD.

The two make diapers, wipes and baby products, bath and body essentials, cleaning products and vitamins for babies and homes that are effective, safe, eco-friendly, beautiful, convenient and affordable. Not to mention good for babies and families alike. HONEST!

111413_HonestCompany_productsBundled for Brilliance. The growing product line is also available in groupings or bundles, where the merchandise can be customized, personalized and shipped anywhere. The company also makes things such as free trials, shopping incentives –oh yes and bundle savings- available to its growing list of customers, too.

Healthy, Happy Homes. The Honest Company strives to offer its customers the safest products, the best service and the most useful tools that help create healthier, happier homes. It’s a one-stop-shop for parents to give a better future, not only to their own children, but to kids all over the globe. How? The Honest Company gives back by donating product, money and time to finding solutions for health and social issues affecting children and families.

KanDi Jewelry


101613_KanDiJewelry_candybraceletWho says you can’t have your candy and wear it too!? 

KanDi Jewelry is a very fun line of jewelry for girls, tweens and teens. The New York-based company designs and manufactures bracelets, necklaces, earrings and hair ties that resemble kids’ favorite candy treats, only this modern version of candy jewelry is just for stylish show.

Once upon a time, it was okay to eat candy necklaces and lick sticky ring pops. But unfortunately when you hit a certain age, sucking on jewelry is just not cool anymore.

101613_KanDiJewelry_jawbreakernecklaceCandy necklaces were all the rage when I was young, but once you ate the candy, the jewelry was all gone! From candy necklaces to gummy bears and jawbreakers, the new KanDi’s  are fun, colorful, stylish … and irresistible.

101613_KanDiJewelry_hairtiesEye Candy. Candy fiend Dani Kates dreamed up KanDi Jewelry for all the little girls who grow up, but never outgrow their love of candy –just like her. Dani’s original diamond KanDi necklace became such a hit that celebrities such as Lauren Graham, Kristen Bell, Fergie, Lindsay Lohan, Sharon Stone, Hayden Panettiere and others were seen wearing it.

“After just a year and a half, we are available in over 150 children’s boutiques and candy stores throughout the U.S. and Canada -and we are growing every day,” Dani tells me.

Plus, KanDi Jewelry’s full range of candy-inspired pieces are so affordable, no one can have just one!

  • 101613_KanDiJewelry_gummibearsChildren’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!

Clever Relish


Solving life’s parenting problems with panache.

101513_CleverRelish_jillThrough partnership with the undiscovered genius of parents across America, we will deliver smart products that dress up your life while empowering the growth of strong families.

The CleverRelish™ company is the brainchild of Jill Carreiro, an engineer, salesperson, lifelong tinkerer and clever Mom of four children –which means Jill has endured nearly six straight years of diaper changes looking at that same ugly plastic baby wipes tub with every change.

Total inspiration for improvement, don’t you think?

101513_CleverRelish_WipesWrapsPatent Pending, Made in the USA. One day Jill realized, why can’t baby wipes tubs simply become part of the décor?! And with this “aha” moment, she started development on her first CleverRelish product, a simple, elegant solution to add style to your life.

101513_CleverRelish_01As the world’s first interchangeable decorative cover available, WipesWraps™ by CleverRelish™ transform unsightly baby wipe tubs into pretty room accessories, an inventive, quick-fix that stretches on to dress up any environment.

Massachusetts-based CleverRelish recently shipped 2,500 units of WipesWraps exceeding its initial goal –and for a small, privately-owned and entrepreneurial business, this is a fantastic accomplishment!

“The commitment to our mission of building this business and innovating new products is unwavering,” Jill says. “As a mother and business woman, I understand our customers, which shows in the design of our flagship product line that has people desiring the unexpected and purchasing products that have the ability to turn something boring into something fun.”

101513_CleverRelish_02Celebrity Fave. Hollywood Moms from Jennifer Garner to Kate Hudson rave about their new fave accessory, and with more than 4,000 social media followers, the company is receiving accolades from customers -and media- around the world.

Have a Clever Idea of your own? “CleverRelish prides itself on being an advocate for entrepreneurs thinking outside the box and strong women everywhere taking risks to make a difference for themselves, their families and the world around them,” Jill says. “We vow to support other small and local businesses, advocate for their success and recognize their brilliance and ingenious efforts, which provide inspiration and motivation to the growth and perseverance of CleverRelish every day.”

If you’re a clever inventor with a cool idea for kids or the home, tell Jill about it by emailing idea@cleverrelish.com.

WubbaNub


Soft and cuddly, these pacifiers are just the right size for little hands to grasp and hold.

091813_Wubbanub_PinkKittenMissing Pacifier Syndrome. A few years ago, new Mom Carla Schneider was hoping to enjoy her first vacation with her baby –and eventually, she did … after she found a way to soothe her little one’s non-stop fussing and crying. Crafty Carla put the hotel’s complimentary sewing kit to good use, attaching her baby’s favorite plush toy to a pacifier –and that’s what it took! Not only did she solve the “missing pacifier syndrome,” she created what is now known as The Original Plush Pacifier!

091813_Wubbanub_BabyGiraffeAward Winner. A Creative Child Top Choice Award winner in 2011, 2012 and 2013, WubbaNub pacifiers are not only loved by babies and their parents, but by celebrity moms, too. Available in children’s shops and online, distributed in hospitals, NICU and well-baby units nationwide, WubbaNub also won a National Parenting Seal of Approval Award in 2012.

Patented Design. Innovative Improvement. Made with a Soothie™ medical grade, Latex-free pacifier, WubbaNubs are BPA-, PVC- and phthalate-free and the durable one-piece construction won’t let germs hide in any nooks or crannies.

WubbaNub has created a reputation in the parenting and children’s industry for being dedicated to nurturing babies in the safest, healthiest way possible.

091813_Wubbanub_YellowDuckCarla’s patented design  is just the right weight and size, making it super easy for baby keep near the mouth. The plush animal not only helps, but adds a little comfort for baby and makes it easy for parents to find it in the car seat, baby sling, carrier, stroller or diaper bag!

Plus, they’re adorable! I do wish Carla would make a little goat version, though!

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.

Spoiled! Fashionz


082013_SpoiledFashionz_02What better way to get your hands on designer duds for kids at a fraction of the cost!

From Ralph Lauren, LaCoste, Armani Jr., Burberry Children, Baby Dior, Moschino Baby/Kid/Teen and Gucci, all kids need to have that outrageous outfit for special school and family functions.

Spelling Bees, school plays, field trips and recitals, and with the holidays just around the corner, kids need clothes that are age-appropriate and super stylish.

082013_SpoiledFashionz_logoLos Angeles, CA-based Spoiled! Fashionz is an exclusive e-commerce consignment retailer* for brand name, luxury designer clothes for children ages 12 and under. This virtual shopping destination features high-end, just-like-new apparel and accessories donated from not only celebrities but fashionable moms everywhere … some clothes still have tags on them, never been worn!

Find everything from jackets, pants, belts, jeans, shirts, tops, dresses and shoes, everything to spruce up your little one’s wardrobe –at an affordable price. There’s even an app for that!

082013_SpoiledFashionz_01Entrepreneur “social light” CeCe Hendricks founded Spoiled! Fashionz while raising her young son Jordan.  A fashionista at heart with a keen eye for style, CeCe came up with the idea to solve a common dilemma most parents have when their children grow up so fast, they don’t have a chance to “wear through” items in their wardrobe.

082013_SpoiledFashionz_04At first, CeCe relied on donations from her personal Hollywood celebrity friends whose kids’ closets were replete with “never been worn” designer styles. The response was so overwhelming that moms everywhere not only shopped the site, but began contacting CeCe to donate “like new” or “unused” pieces from their own kids’ closets.

We’re a new company, but it is important that our business model incorporate an initiative to help those in need, especially the children.

082013_SpoiledFashionz_03Spoiled! Fashionz not only gives “like new” clothing another chance, but a portion of the net proceeds goes to the Jenesse Center, a domestic violence intervention program.

*As a consignment retailer, SpoiledFashionz.com shares 50% commission with the donor.

Name Maker Personalized Labels


Back-to-School means time to label your kids’ stuff!

081413_namemaker_01Save time and money with Name Maker‘s easy-to-use personalized clothing and waterproof sticker labels.

Woven Fabric Clothing Labels. Printed with non-fade ink, these labels iron on easily and are made to withstand washer/dryer/commercial laundering and dry cleaning for the life of the garment. Stick ’em on your kids’ clothes, jackets, uniforms and book bags.

Waterproof Personalized Sticker Labels are great on lunch containers, water bottles, school supplies and sports/dance gear. Dishwasher, microwave, ‘fridge and freezer safe. These waterproof stickers are also a must for school kids with allergies and other medical conditions.

081413_namemaker_04On-trend Designs. Kids love the cool-looking styles and Moms love not digging through the lost and found or replacing expensive supplies.

A leading manufacturer of top-quality labels for 75 years, Name Maker uses a unique nine-step process for personalizing products. Name Maker also employs trained artisans who personalize ribbons, napkins, gift wrap, bags and boxes, favor containers, as well as labels in custom made sizes, care content and origin tabs. The company’s personalized gift wrap recently won the Best New Product Award at the National Stationery Show.

Celebrity Favorite. Atlanta, GA-based Name Maker, Inc. was established in 1938 as a fabric label company in New York City. Bernie Bryan, president of Notions Unlimited, bought the company in 1950 and rebuilt all of the original machinery for the Atlanta plant.

Bernie’s daughter Cheryl Dorrell joined the business in 1990, developing several new products, then becoming president in 1996. The company’s personalized packaging concepts have attracted celebrity customers such as Oprah, Martha Stewart, Darcy Miller, Reese Witherspoon, Julia Roberts, Dakota Fanning, Katie Couric, Tricia Yearwood, David Copperfield, Marcia Gay Harden and Fredric Fekkai, among others.

081413_namemaker_03

That Madonna Girl


080713_ThatMadonnaGirl_TMGFlowerHeadbandMade in the USA and over-the-moon popular from New York to London.

From Paris Hilton to Kate Middleton –yes, new mom Kate- the floral crown hair style is the hottest trend hitting runways and must-be-seen events this summer.

And celebrity designer Michelle Madonna has created this phenomenon with her line of accessories, That Madonna Girl –TMG for short.

080713_ThatMadonnaGirl_TMGFloppyHatThe charming flower headbands (called “halos” in flower child speak), sunglasses and floppy hats adorned with daisies or roses are all the rage at music festivals and celebrity events. The look is very romantic, free-spirited and appropriate for “flower children” of all ages.

080713_ThatMadonnaGirl_TMGRadBandsMade in the USA. Currently Michelle makes over 20 different styles of halos by hand, in her upper East Side studio in New York. Available in a variety of sizes, colors and patterns and sporting a TMG-beaded trademark, each halo style is inspired by and named for one of her friends.

Michelle plans a more earth-toned halo color story for the fall, and will also introduce a line of bracelets, too.

  • 080713_ThatMadonnaGirl_logoChildren’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!