Luna Leggings

Adorables for fashion-conscious, high-spirited young girls … and their legs!

Inspired by her daughters’ love for bright color combinations coupled with a mutual respect for flowers, trees and edible gardens, designer Jennie Hearing transformed their carefree and creative style into Luna Leggings, adding spice and whimsy to any girl’s wardrobe.

The line of organic cotton tights and leggings for girls ages 0-8 is made of high-quality organic cotton, in a wide range of colorful designs and graphic patterns that appeal to the most creative of fashionistas.

We’ve created versatile styles and hip designs that fit well and wear well- they are not your ordinary tights!

Durable and functional, styles feature footless or footed leggings -some with attached tutu skirts- in bright, bold nature and edible garden-inspired designs. “Using the perfect blend of high-quality organic cotton enables us to produce ultra-soft, long-lasting leggings,” Jennie says. “Nylon stitching and seams maximize stretch and strength, while a wide, reinforced waistband adds comfort and stay-ability.”

Jennie and her team have a close relationship with the small, family-run knitting company in India, where Luna Leggings are manufactured. “Spending time with the owners, their children and grandchildren, and sharing meals at their home in India, has greatly enhanced the working relationship and helped to create a close bond across continents,” she says. “We’ve hosted the owner’s daughter in our home; she actually dressed my girls in the very first Luna Leggings!”

Available at over 60 stores nationwide as well as Liberty in London, Luna Leggings also has a huge following from celebrity moms such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Alessandra Ambrosio, Jennifer Garner and Alyson Hannigan.

The Oakland, CA-based company donates 10% of profits to the Edible Schoolyard Project (founded by chef Alice Waters of Chez Panisse fame), dedicated to getting middle school students involved in all aspects of farming organically, then preparing, serving and eating food to teach the value of nourishment, community and the land. “We make thoughtful and conscious decisions to support and respect our environment – our kids make us more aware because every decision effects more than ourselves, and we know that our actions today effect generations to come.”

Thanks, Teri Akahoshi of Dana Dramov PR, for introducing me to Luna Leggings! 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!

Zooligans

Children’s Retail Today Adorables – the founders of Zooligans create a new company, taking the brand to another level.

Cheryl Andonian, co-founder of Zooligans footwear, tells me it’s been a crazy year since she and her husband, shoe designer Joel Rusnak, launched the brand. The duo just reformed a new company, ShoeString Shoes LLC to make Zooligans shoes even better.

Stampeding Toward Fall. The Massachusetts-based company is offering exciting additions to the clever collection of animal-themed shoes for Fall ’13, multiplying for the back to school season with a new menagerie of styles, colors and characters in their Pawflex line.

New critters-shoes include a Penguin, Pony and Kitty boot; a Puppy and Gator Ox; a Dinosaur and Monkey mid-cut boot and an Owl and Panda slip on clog – all featuring Zooligans’ signature Paw Flex bottom with its bold paw print design that’s super flexible. Zooligans shoes are designed for little kids’ growing feet with a roomy toe box for toes to stretch and grip plus the flexibility that little feet need.

Zooligans is also expanding the brand with Baby Zooligans, a collection of soft-soled shoes for infants. Baby Zooligans’ tiniest menagerie includes a Lamb, Lion, Kitty, Piglet, Puppy and Monkey, made from soft leather and suede to provide protection, warmth (and cuteness) for baby’s delicate feet. The bottoms are made of soft suede and have a fun printed pawprint on the bottom.

Loved by blogging moms everywhere, recognized as “must have’s” and “most awesome,” the new company will be ready to ship the new Zooligans to retailers in August.

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!

Ponytail Pals

A new line of little-girl-chic hair accessories combines the ease of creating fun hairdos with the cuteness of cuddly stuffed animals.

Recently introduced at the ENK Children’s Club trade show in New York, Ponytail Pals is a collection of ponytail holders that feature adorable little stuffed animal accouterments. The collection is created for girls ages infant to 12, who are thrilled with the 14 different cuddlies, which include a bunny, chick, lamb and more – a fun find for any little one’s Easter basket.

The heart of this brand captures that innocence and uninhibited imagination through playful, amusing accessories that bear elements of surprise, whimsy and delight.

Celebrating Girlhood. Designer Lisa Moy developed Ponytail Pals after searching for cute hair designs for her nieces. Fun to give as gifts, for special occasions and for every day, Ponytail Pals celebrate girlhood. “These ponytail holders become little buddies and trusted companions,” Lisa says, “so they will be invited to the next tea party and all the other fun things little girls love to do with their pals.”

Kid-at-Heart Style. Lisa’s journey into children’s accessories started with a passion for design and a love for kids and animals. Through her graphic design firm Moy Creative, she has put her unique visual style to work in annual reports and brochures, corporate videos and advertising campaigns. Walk into her Milwaukee-based design studio and you see her playful personality interpreted through her whimsical interior design style. With beloved rescue dogs Buddy, Chester and Jeff by her side, designing a Ponytail Pals line for girls was a natural transition which enables her to bring together all the things that she loves most.

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!

Baby’s Dreamworld on Etsy

When you’re looking for the ultra-handmade-super-special-totally-personalized shopping experience, head to “the world’s handmade marketplace.”

Sometimes a gift giver is just stumped. Or they’ve shopped in circles, with no special item to show for it. Or they’re looking for a little something they can’t yet describe.

They may want to give Etsy a try.

We are bringing heart to commerce and making the world more fair, more sustainable, and more fun.

Where local meets global. Etsy is a global online marketplace where very specialized small businesses can make their mark on the economy. The company says its mission is “to empower people to change the way the global economy works.” Totally tapped into the value of shopping local, the artisan virtual storefronts –and the customers who shop them- appreciate pride of authorship and a sense of place as much as price and convenience.

Ultimate shower gift. Linda’s lovely Baby’s Dreamworld is a fine example. Opened in September, she makes beautiful rhinestone baby shoes and baby accessories using sparkly Swarovski crystals, ribbon and other materials. Perfect for baptisms, christenings, weddings and other special occasions, “Most of my items can be customized for your liking and needs,” Linda says. “If you need a certain item in a different size or color, just send me an email and I would be happy to provide it for you.” Aunties would love to spoil little nieces with these stylish finds.

Florida-based Baby’s Dreamworld is just one of the delicious delights waiting to be discovered on Etsy. With very personalized customer service and special one-of-a-kind offerings, you may find just what you’re looking for … right at your fingertips!

After all … every little girl is someone’s princess!!

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!

Cute Beltz

One mom’s homemade project leads to so many requests from friends and family, that she turns it into a business!

After searching and searching for a suitable belt that would keep her young daughter’s pants from falling to her knees, Kristen Ford-Stevens decided to make one herself. That was back in 2008. Now, Kristen is the owner and designer of Cute Beltz, makers of popular, fashionable belts for girls, boys and babies.

Like most moms, I went to Target, Walmart, Macy’s, Sears, JCPenney … the list goes on and on … but there were no belts for toddlers. I decided to make one, because I couldn’t have my baby mooning people.

Made in the USA. Durable and well-crafted, Cute Beltz are adjustable, adapting to growing children. They’re also handmade from 100% cotton webbing and 100% polyester fabrics, and CPSIA compliant. The D-Ring style is not only cute and fashionable, they help to teach kids how to use their fingers. And for children who are allergic to metal, the Velcro style is also easy to use -especially during the potty training- and for children with special needs.

Cute Beltz are not only popular, they’re winning awards! The company makes girls’ headbands, too. Kudos to Cute Beltz!

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!

Nina Kids Shoes

It all started with a fabulous fashion clog, which graced the feet of stylish women everywhere, including Miss Universe contestants …

New York, NY-based Nina Footwear Corp. is one of the most widely-recognized footwear brands in the United States. And for almost 50 years, the Nina Kids division has been one of its cornerstones.

Known for the perfect fit, Nina Kids shoes are stylish and sturdy at the same time – with comfortable, kid-tested designs made from quality materials. One of the most trusted brands among children’s shoes, moms love ’em, too. They appreciate the extraordinary selection as well as the narrow and wide widths in select styles.

The company recently ran a Back To School contest on Facebook – each day for two weeks, several lucky fans won a featured pair of Nina Kids. From school shoes to play shoes and dress shoes, Nina Kids puts fashion where the foot is – for girls from infants to teens.

“Moms are raving online about Nina Kids comfort, fit, ease and quality,” publicity director Mary Robertson tells me. “And we have some exciting children’s news I’ll be able to tell you about soon!” Stay tuned.

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!

Lily & Momo – Stylish Accessories

What little girl wouldn’t want to accessorize her cute outfit with a stylish owl handbag? Thanks to new company Lily & Momo, she can!

Atlanta, GA-based Lily & Momo specializes in high-quality, handmade accessories for children. The extensive collection of fanciful barrettes, headbands, bows and hair clips –from animals to flowers to stars, rainbows and crowns- are packaged to please using recycled paper and other environmentally friendly materials. There’s even a variety of “clip keepers” to choose from. The embellishments are handcrafted from soft felt in vibrant colors and the working part of the clip is made to stay securely in the hair.

And the kid-sized purses and handbags are a stand-out … in owl, turtle, fish and flower designs that are sure to delight.

I was looking for fun hair accessories for my daughter and found that the market was missing whimsical hair clips for girls. So I developed one -a hip, fashionable line of hair accessories.

Named after her daughter Lily and her son Miles (Momo is his nickname), Sharon Miller and her husband Evan launched the company about one year ago, and Sharon tells me that it’s captured the imagination of the children’s marketplace, growing extremely fast. An adorable addition, I agree! The product design and materials used are safety tested to ensure the highest quality, made with love and care. Available at Nordstrom and children’s shops from Alaska to Connecticut, Canada to South Korea, too.

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!

Keep Kids’ Knees Protected with Crawlings

Two-year-old company Crawlings makes infant and toddler accessories, including kid-friendly kneepads.

It’s a Wobbly World Out There! Sisters and new moms Tina Dowden and Hailey Kim started their New York-based company out of a need to have what they call “fun and sweet utilitarian designs.” Available at Crawlings.com and retailers in the U.S., the UK, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the UAE, the company’s collection of kneepads give your child that extra protection while they learn to navigate the big and sometimes wobbly world in style.

As our babies were learning to crawl, their knees were always red, bruised, and scratched from the carpet, tile or hardwood floors. We tried to find a product in the marketplace that would protect their little knees without hindering their mobility. After months of searching, we decided to design and make exactly what was needed to help our babies as they became more mobile.

Made of premium cotton, EVA foam and spandex, Crawlings kneepads are soft, stretchable and breathable, designed to move and grow with the child. Perfect for indoor use and the rough ‘n tumble great outdoors.

Designed to protect in a super stylish way, the fun embroidered designs keeps kids standing tall, exploring what’s under their knees, and come in an adorable star-covered box, perfect for baby showers and birthday parties.

Crawlings also supports MiracleFeet, a nonprofit international organization to help children with clubfeet get the simple, affordable, and effective treatment they need to walk, run and play like every child deserves.

Thank you, Katie Hammond of 9SPR for introducing me to Crawlings!

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!

All Things Infantissima

The story of Infantissima is a warm one.

While ‘Infantissima’ won’t be found in any dictionary, if it were a real word, it would be Italian and probably translate as the most special, precious, little baby in the whole wide world.

-co-owner Trudy Hutchings

The specialty baby gifts and accessories company promises to make a lasting impression on you, your little ones –your friends and their little ones, too- with every purchase you make. From bibs to burp cloths, blankies to hooded towels, artist smocks and more … the folks at Infantissima use the highest quality materials to ensure longevity and all products are CPSIA-compliant, meaning no lead or phthalates were detected in any of the fabrics or component parts. Not to mention the great prices.

Made in Texas. What’s more, all of the products made available on the company website are manufactured and processed in the United States. “Infantissima was born as all good ideas are,” Trudy begins, “out of necessity and a mother’s ingenuity.” In this case, it is grandmother’s ingenuity that kicks in, when Trudy gets inspired to make her own shower gifts for her daughter and first grandchild. That was in 2003, when she and other daughter Jennifer sewed up 16 burp cloths, each with their own theme and full fabric lining with ribbon trim.

What began as an expression of love for daughter Allison, son-in-law Ray and grandson Jack turned into a first order from a local specialty baby store – and the family continues to grow the business, Texas-style.

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!

Livie & Luca – Spreading Joy!

Popular footwear brand stays true to a mission to “tread lightly” on the environment and to give back whenever possible.

Those who dreamed up the Livie & Luca footwear line like to say if one of their shoes could whisper in your ear it would say, “Spread Joy!” This company responsibly sources and ensures their factories offer ideal working conditions and fair wages. Each month, they donate 10% of their online profits to a worthy charity and regularly donate shoes to local children’s hospitals and overseas relief efforts.

Watch a fun video featuring the Spring/Summer collection here!

Fresh New Designs. The current Spring/Summer collection draws inspiration from the moon and stars. Co-founder and designer Mitzi Rivas was inspired by the open sky, the planets and the feeling of floating. New designs include the cloud-accented Dawn, starry Nova and rocket ship Juno styles. At the suggestion of customers and after numerous fittings, Livie & Luca’s shoes have a new custom tailored fit, and this includes the expanded baby shoe collection.

Additional new styles include the Flutter butterfly sandals, Boa sandals with a subtle snake detail and the scallop-edged Ivy sandals. Classic styles are given a new twist with bold colors, including the light blue Pio Pios with red bird accents, the shimmery red Celestinas and the teal Barcelonas.

For Big Girls, Too. The Nola ballet flats for women are available in an earthy, sustainable jute -a great neutral- and a rich red for added intrigue. Designed to complement the Fun Dots in jute and the Ruche in red styles for children, the Nolas are a hip alternative to traditional mommy-and-me styles.

For customers seeking an animal product-free alternative, the striped Ferris shoes are 100% vegan and come in nature-inspired colors and playful prints- bark, bamboo and navy for boys, and flora and kiku for girls. Made of breathable fabric and featuring a flexible sole, these comfortable, lightweight shoes are perfect for playtime.

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!