World’s Finest Fashion Aprons – for Mother’s Day

I love the aprons of D-Lux 57 – and you know beautiful aprons are all the rage.

This cheeky, cheery company offers a variety of apron styles in gorgeous cotton prints that are Made in the USA, designed for “the modern day June Clever.” Founder/designer Cynthia Berman caters to everyone – women, tween cooks, like cooks (4-6x) –even Mother/Daughter cooks- with several collections of “kitchen-wear,” beautifully made from incredible textiles.

Just because you wear a D-Lux 57 apron, doesn’t mean you’re a good cook. It doesn’t mean you have to cook. It does mean that you look good when you tie one on!

Recently launched is the new Designer Series Aprons, featuring designer Paula Prass among others. “I chose the very talented Paula Prass and her new Botanika Collection to be our first featured designer,” Cynthia says. “I wanted to welcome her recent move to southern California where D-Lux 57 aprons are lovingly stitched in the sunny state of swaying palm trees and sandy beaches. Paula is an artist with a flair for bold interior design statements while her unique style is a well balanced mix of clever simplicity and detailed beauty.”

D-Lux 57 also offers the Original Keepsake Collection Aprons, vintage styled aprons that are fully lined and packaged in a matching keepsake envelope.

Cynthia moved to Los Angeles, CA USA from Canada in the 1980’s to begin a lifelong dream of making her mark in the apparel industry. The inspiration for D-Lux 57 came one night while she and her daughter were cooking together (Cynthia loves to cook). Memories came flooding back when Cynthia spotted her daughter wearing an apron bought many years earlier at Harrods in London, England – vivid moments of baking bread with her aunt and the colorful quilts so artfully created by her grandmother. That’s when she decided to create this line of aprons designed to touch the lives of people in a nostalgic way. “Hopefully they can become ‘comfort food’ for you, too,” she says.

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!

Dainty Lions – Hot, Young Accessory Line with Celebrity Following

In a snap, mix and match trendy accoutrements to any single headband, hair clip, button or pendant.

About two years ago, Heather Ells invented Dainty Lions™ interchangeable snap accessories after she decides to be a stay at home mom for her little ones. With a degree in elementary education and the inspiration of her daughters, whom she knew she’d be accessorizing for years to come, Heather put her creativity to good use, dreaming up a way to use a snap system in a line of super-trendy interchangeable accessories. After experimenting with multiple prototypes, she launched Dainty Lions, so girls of all ages can “Change it out. Snap it in.” With just one single base accessory and different button or flower snaps, girls can create multiple looks.

What girl doesn’t like a little bling?

Each Dainty Lions product has a snap securely attached, and can be mixed and matched with Dainty Lions headbands, hair ties/wristbands, ties, pendants and bobby pins. What’s more, girls can trade ’em to create even more unique looks.

The product name is inspired by the wishful thinking behind the memory of watching dandelion seeds floating in the air. It not only conjures the magic of childhood, but appeals to moms and grandmothers who treasure its whimsy.

“We sell our line in many small retail shops across the country,” Heather tells me, “and many teens/young adult stars have been wearing them to red carpet and other events.”

Dainty Lions has quite a following on Facebook, where fans can find out about new styles, contests and more –and Heather also keeps them up-to-date on the various charities and foundations she likes to donate to.

Journaling Ideas. I read recently that Heather writes all her new ideas in a journal (love this!) until they’re ready to introduce. Be on the lookout for Double the Dainty, two button snaps or two mini flower snaps on one elastic headband.

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!

Chicken Rhythm, Crazy Fun

Meet Malvina Buonocore and Aliki Visser. These two ladies run a company in Belgium called Chicken Rhythm.

We’re spunky.
We like to laugh.
We’ve been friends for years.
Our kids go to the same school.
We see each other practically every day.
If we don’t, we’re on the phone.
We go on vacation together.
If we could, we’d be living together.

Now, these two are just the kind of ladies I’d like to meet. For years, the “Chicas” at Chicken Rhythm have been keeping me up to date with news of all the fabulous iron-on patches, fun children’s t-shirts and backpacks that these girls produce. They’re all pretty special, sporting unique, custom designs by artists – because Chicken Rhythm has a thing for art, in all its forms –especially bringing art to the people, both big and small.

Malvina and Aliki started the company in 2008 and work with a slew of talented illustrators, graphic designers, comic book artists or others such as Geertjan Tillmans, Sam De Buysscher, Marijn Dionys, Jan Werkt, Sabien Clement, Jan Truyens, Philip Paquet and Reinardus. The Chicas find ways to apply their designs to things they never thought possible.

What’s more, Malvina and Aliki are moms, too –so they produce products that can survive the wear and tear of both children … “and washing machines.” Available online for shoppers in the USA.

Crazy fun. Can’t you tell just by looking at them?

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!

Squishable Socks That Entertain

How does a former surf apparel executive start a baby clothing company? He is inspired by his twins … and the recent earthquake in Japan.

In their search for fun, practical clothing for their twins Kai and Lily, Matthew Sanders –former chief executive officer and president of Volcom Japan- and his wife Kanako are inspired by the Japanese aesthetic known as “kawaii”, which means “cute.” After the Japanese earthquake in 2011, they return to Southern California USA and set out to create a children’s apparel brand that appeals first to babies and toddlers.

Socks that entertain? The result is pipopipo (pronounced pee-po pee-po), a baby and toddler apparel and accessory company that designs age-appropriate clothes for children ages five and under that is fun to wear and practical to buy. The collection features signature pipopipo friends –whimsical characters that are fun, adventurous and kawaii– representing all that is good about being a kid.

Available this fall. pipopipo launches with a collection of eco-friendly infant sock sets, featuring 3-D faces designed to be touched and squished. Packaged in an eco-friendly, reusable bamboo box, the socks are rayon, made from sustainable bamboo, nylon, spandex and polyester. They’re also mold-, mildew- and odor-resistant, moisture wicking and thermal regulating, and non-slip, featuring Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)-safe silicone on the bottom. And … they’re machine washable!

We believe in adventure, fun and blurring the lines between the real and imaginary. We’re always looking for new pals to play with. Won’t you come join us?

-pipopipo friends

Online fun. The company’s website, www.pipopipoclothing.com, is an interactive entertainment destination featuring storytelling and age-appropriate content for children five and under.

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!

Introducing Zooligans

Available in stores later this month, Zooligans™ by Roc-A-Bouts® have plenty of animal magnetism.

This brand new line of footwear for kids ages one through five can prove to be irresistible, as each little shoe looks just like an animal, complete with molded eyes and stitched on details. Each pair is tagged with the animal’s name, and kids can learn about its personality and quirky habits from reading the fun, educational story that’s included.

Zooligans animals –oh, I mean shoes- come in a nifty shoebox that’s reusable and recyclable. Like a fun toy, the box looks and acts like a pet carrier, so kids can use it to carry their Zooligans shoes or to carry their favorite stuffed animal. And when it’s time, it can be thrown right in the recycle bin.

Who can resist a shoe that looks you in the eye and smiles?

The Zooligans line is created by long time children’s shoe designer and former toy designer Joel Rusnak and his wife and marketer Cheryl Andonian. The team partnered with popular shoe company Roc-A-Bouts to manufacture a high-function, quality shoe featuring a unique Paw-Flex bottom, which looks like a paw and flexes like one, too. Made with soft leather uppers for natural breathability and comfort, the designers utilize an athletic shoe construction for excellent stability.

Later this April, look for eight characters of Zooligans in stores, including a kitty, monkey, bunny, gator, panda, koala, puppy and raccoon in either a Mary Jane style for girls or a fisherman sandal style for boys and girls.

I’m putting my request in for a shoe that looks like a goat (my favorite animal – and they’re feisty, 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!

Casual, Comfortable Native Shoes

Footwear for the future – designed for anybody, anywhere, anytime.

Vancouver, BC-based Native Shoes hit the streets three years ago with a good-looking, trendy line of footwear that molds to feet, is lightweight, washable and odor resistant –a fantastic combination, especially for kids.

The company launched the Native Kids collection in Fall 2010, modeled after popular adult silhouettes Miller, Jefferson and Corrado. Made from the same unique foam-injection molded EVA, the kids collection is also free of animal by-products, waterproof, washable, shock absorbent and odor resistant –using the company’s low energy emissions manufacturing process and zero waste injected molds. Cool.

For the Spring 2012 season, Native Shoes collaborated with The Jim Henson Company on the kids collection look book, which features two stars from Fraggle Rock. Company reps tell me, “Fraggle Rock characters have a special place in the hearts of many young, stylish parents who grew up watching the show. Red Fraggle and Travelling Matt, not only target both parents and kids this season, but also fits into Native’s brand ideology of ‘Futuristic Nostalgia’ perfectly: designs for the future, connected with the past.”

Inspired by classic, casual silhouettes and everything we’ve ever loved about shoe design, the Native aesthetic results in shoes that are easy to wear and great to look at.

Sold everywhere from North America to the Middle East, you can also get your Natives online at Zappos.com, among other e-tailers. I’m thinking about getting myself a pair, actually -they look sooo comfortable.

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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!

Jefferies Socks Loved by Children’s Retailers Everywhere

Jefferies Socks has been a leading manufacturer of socks and tights for 75 years.

The Burlington, NC-based company expanded their product line to include the children’s market in 1962, and now offer everything from basics to fashion for children of all ages.

Our crochet baby bootie collection for baby girls and baby boys are all hand crocheted. They are one of our great sellers.

–Sandra Sullivan, marketing executive for Jefferies Socks

Jefferies is the kind of company that children’s retailers and specialty stores love to do business with. “We bring selection, product expertise, in-store service, quality and prompt delivery to the retailer,” they say. “In addition to our brands, we also offer private label program.” The company also makes socks and tights to wear with school and military uniforms as well as selections for men and women, too.

If you own a children’s store, the Jefferies team makes it easy and fun to buy wholesale, offering online catalogs, a list of showrooms where shop owners can see product, as well as trade show information and online specials. Follow Jefferies Socks on Facebook and Twitter; keep up with company news on Jefferies’ blog, 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!

pediped® footwear Kicking It Up A Notch!

The pediped® Spring/Summer 2012 collection includes more than 75 new styles and color combinations across the Nevada-based footwear company’s three signature lines.

What’s exciting about pediped‘s newest collection? How about a new sole for the Originals® line and an expanded Adventure Line that lets kids enjoy the outdoors in style with footwear featuring a trendsetting color palette of metallic, jewel tones and bright accent colors. With styles ranging from water-safe shoes, gladiator sandals, athletic styles, boat shoes, Mary Janes and more, pediped’s expansive collection includes a shoe for every need and occasion. Here’s a rundown:

Originals®

The Originals® line of soft-soled infant shoes mimics barefoot walking and features a new sole, created based on customer feedback. The sole features a slip resistant diamond tread and is made of all natural high quality leather, just like before. Find out what pediped® parent reviewers had to say about their experience with the improved Originals® sole design by reading real reviews and watching videos here.

Grip ‘n’ Go™

Grip ‘n’ Go™ footwear is made with all the benefits of Originals®, adding special G2 Technology for active toddlers that are transitioning to walking with a more confident stride. With over 15 new styles, the line features metallic sandals, classic Mary Janes and several new athletic styles.

Flex®

pediped Flex® is the ultimate shoe for confident walkers who have developed a solid, natural stride. The Flex line offers more than 60 styles in jewel tones, metallics and bright colors.

The popular Adventure Line of rugged, water-safe, eco-friendly footwear has also expanded with over 15 styles. The Minnie and Amazon for girls both come in pediped’s new summer color pool. Fin, Delmar and Sahara are three new boys’ styles making their début, all with bright pops of color.

pediped® footwear is sold in over 3,000 stores in the United States, 40 countries worldwide and online at pediped.com.

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!

Back Patch Boys from Ruby’s Closet

Former “Hollywood” nanny launches a line of hip accessories for boys.

Alice Hardin is creator/designer of Ruby’s Closet, a line of couture accessories she dreamed up for her daughter -and inspiration-Ruby. Alice’s fresh, stylish and up to date designs have graced celebrity girls’ outfits since she started the company, too.

Late last year, Alice announced her new boys line complete with a dedicated web presence. Back Patch Boys includes fedoras, driving caps, bowler hats, ties, suspenders, cool one-pieces, arm warmers, crawlers, shoes and more. Alice calls them “accessories for little dudes.”

We are designed to be a one-stop-shop with a huge variety of accessories. Our company is located within the United States and ninety-eight percent of our goodies are manufactured here too.

Very cute stuff – for girls and boys! Ask about custom designs. Click here for shopping locations. Available wholesale.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

Hair Accessory Line Gives Back

The Woobie Wear couture hair accessory brand is on a mission to provide ill children with beauty, those with disabilities with rewarding jobs and worthy charities with extra support.

Founder and designer Lisa Blackman was inspired by the birth of her baby girl -affectionately nicknamed “Woobie,” and by 2006 had launched the company. The product line includes headbands, hats and vibrantly colored flower clips for babies, toddlers and tweens; there’s even a mother-daughter line. Signature Woobie Wear hats are crocheted by hand from an exclusive, one-of-a-kind pattern.

Recently, Woobie Wear added a full line of versatile Magnetic Strands that can be worn as a necklace, bracelet, anklet or headband, feather clip-in hair extensions, fedoras for boys and girls, winter head wraps and over-the-knee socks.

Woobie Wear strives to bring a little fun and beauty to kids that are struggling to overcome huge obstacles and terrible diseases. While products are becoming a staple in local hospitals, the company recently donated hats to Shizuoka Children’s Hospital in Tokyo, Japan. Part of the product line is produced and packaged in partnership with St. Coletta’s of Illinois Foundation, which provides support and funding for special needs individuals so they can take an active part in their communities. Lisa and Woobie Wear donate proceeds to several charities that help families fighting pediatric cancer and raise money for their bi-annual charity event at Hope Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn, IL.

-Janet Muniz