That Madonna Girl

Made 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.

The 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.

Made 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.

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 Wit

Show the world your baby has serious style.

BabyWit.com‘s quirky, eclectic t-shirts for children is the largest collection of comic infant and toddler t-shirts on the Internet, according to founder Rosalee Rester. You can also find one-pieces, bibs, dresses, blankets, slippers and other accessories in funky, alternative prints.

Apparently, Rosalee started Baby Wit because she was tired of seeing cute rainbows, hearts and bears on baby shirts (“Especially bears. We hated bears.”). More to the point, Rosalee’s designs for kids clothing reveal quite a sense of humor, with an adult sensibility. And for the past 10 years, the rock-inspired Baby Wit brand has become quite popular, too.

Our best sellers come from pop culture icons and the music you love, that someday your baby will grow to appreciate, too.

Tragically Hip. Consider Baby Wit’s shopping categories:

rock baby clothes (Sonic Youth, Sex Pistols)
unique art on baby clothes (DAVe Warnke, Option-G)
conscientious baby clothes (Stephen Colbert, Protester, Emma Goldman)
funny baby clothes (“My Mama Drinks Because I Cry,” “If You Think I’m Good Lookin’ You Should See My Uncle,” Jon Stewart)
celebrity baby clothes (Hitchcock, Bukowski, Bill Murray, Clint Eastwood)
select clothes are also available for women, men and dogs -yep, your family pet!

Made in the USA. Baby Wit infant and toddler clothing is made from sustainable fabrics, and is hand-pressed using retro iron-on transfers, or hand-printed using non-toxic water based inks. Everything is cut, sewn and printed in Portland, OR.

Baby Wit is a Small Itty Bitty Tiny Single Mom Run Business. “It’s just me holding down the fort,” Rosalee says. “This past year I’ve had to lay off my last employee, so it’s just me running the shop now,” Rosalee says. “Yes, I’m the one answering the phones, your emails, making all your shirts, folding them, packing them and labeling them. Sorry for the crappy gift wrapping. I seem to be lacking in that department. Patience is appreciated! A shout out and hearty thank you to all my current customers.”

Not so fast.

She may be running Baby Wit by herself these days, but Rosalee is continually at the forefront of the alternative clothing movement, being one the first manufacturers to market with rock clothing for babies. She makes an effort to introduce new and revolutionary concepts to the shopping public all the time – like her new brand Yankers, a clothing line made especially for easy diaper changes.

I say Rock On, Rosalee.

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!

TinyTinkers

Clever photography and a realistic look come together in this sportswear line that lets kids aspire to grown-up dreams.

Orly Catz has always been a visual person, so when she receives her first camera at the age of 12, she finds the perfect way to express her creativity. Orly not only specializes in commercial and fine arts photography, but through her new apparel line, she’s helping kids envision their own futures.

I raised my children to be open-minded and to try as many things as possible from sports to math to Brussels sprouts! And that’s what TinyTinkers represents, a world wide open to our children to become whoever they’re meant to be and embrace what they love.

Endless Possibilities of Childhood. With the Spring ’14 collection of TinyTinkers, Orly uses her illustrative style to create clothing that allows children to literally try on any persona they choose. The 100% cotton sportswear line uses digital textile printing with non toxic, water base inks, which creates realistic trompe l’oeil images depicting a range of grown-up occupations, hobbies and sports that both kids and their parents can relate to.

As a result, cooks looking for a sous chef, golfers in need of a caddie or handymen wanting an extra hand can find them, with the help of TinyTinkers®.

By offering real-life images unlike traditional screen prints, TinyTinkers fulfills the need we all have to see ourselves in our children. “I also love that TinyTinkers brings such joy,” Orly says. “Kids, parents and even passersby get a kick out of the realistic look of our images.”

With TinyTinkers, kids can walk in their parents’ footsteps, and adults can start them off on their own path. For instance, for shoppers who have a budding cameraman in their lives, the Tiny Photographer is the perfect way to bring their aspirations into sharp focus.

TinyTinkers’ spring collection features Polo rompers, one-pieces, T-shirt dresses and short-sleeve and raglan tees in sizes 12 months to 4T. Orly’s photography is brought to life with complementary imagery on the front and the back, with themes that include a gardener’s belt cinched at the waist; a guitar over the shoulder; a baker’s apron tied in place and a purse filled to overflowing hanging across the body. Sports images include a baseball mitt, bat and ball enhanced by baseball stitching; golf clubs slung over the shoulder; and tennis balls caught in the net. And for a bit of seasonal fun, the line includes Popsicles and a beach scene.

Children’s Buyers – TinyTinkers launches at KidShow/Las Vegas August 19-21.

Wholesale prices range from $12-$20. The line is represented by Bill and Sandie Ellsworth in New England, Dave Lefelstein in New York, Chelsea & Co. in the Southeast, Kathy Fedoryshyn in the Midwest, The Coffs in the Southwest and Jo Ann Farese on the West Coast.

Shoppers – ask for TinyTinkers at your favorite children’s boutique!

Another Caletha Crawford 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!

Monkeybar Buddies

This summer’s must-have line of practical undergarments and more for active girls.

The Name Says It All. Have your daughters ever wanted to just swing from the rafters, no matter what they were wearing?

I See London, I See France, I CAN’T See Your Underpants!

Monkeybar Buddies is an line of shorts, capris, leggings –and more- designed to let girls play as freely as they want to –even in their dresses and skirts. Functional as well as stylish, this collection of meant-to-be-seen underclothes keeps girls confident on the jungle gym.

Run & Jump without Showing Your Rump. Designed for ultimate comfort, girls don’t have to give a second thought to exposing anything unmentionable while wearing the Spandex leggings -with ultimate stretch- or the fun shorts and capris in bright colors.

Check out Baby Buddies – adorable ruffled diaper covers- and Barely Buddies, too … seamless underwear in bright colors that give tweens and teens the confidence to put it all out there, without putting it all out there.

Giving Back. The Monkeybar Buddies company loves to give back with their products, too. Buy one of the Girl Effect t-shirts, and proceeds from the sale benefit popular non-profit The Girl Effect, helping to make a difference in the lives of girls around the world.

Monkeybar Buddies’ collection of head bands is perfect for helping girls beat the summer heat – another way the company has every girl covered. Buddie Bands come in a variety of colors and unique prints, with a comfortable velvet underside. Another plus – with every purchase, $1.00 is donated to DonorsChoose.org, helping students in need.

Shop for it all or find retailers near you at the Monkeybar Buddies website.

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 Loubilou

In this new global marketplace, independent designers and small merchants rule –and shoppers can find very unique “childrensware.”

First introduced in the UK and now launching in Australia, Loubilou (Loubilou.com.au in Australia) is an online selling platform for independent retailers offering children’s clothing, gifts, toys and accessories.

We search far and wide to find the most unique and delightful childrensware, and then bring it together in one hub. In this way, we humbly aim to make the world just a little bit smaller.

Loubilou offers only merchandise that is well-made and not mass-produced, giving both buyers and sellers a personalized shopping experience far more authentic than department stores, or even other e-commerce sites.

How? “Most parents have limited time and rely on retailers from large shopping centres to shop for their children,” says founder Heath Kane, father of two, award-winning designer and also the former creative director of global marketing firm Sapient. “I noticed my kids -and all their friends- were looking like little department store clones.”

Heath recognized that a child’s individuality is important, but he was very frustrated trying to find one single website offering the kind of clothing, toys and accessories that took that personal style to heart, much less all in one place. So he created it.

This Stuff is Cute. Both Loulibou sites cater to parents with youngsters up to the age of 10, a one-stop shop for high-quality, boutique children’s goods from independent sellers, designers and craftspeople around the world (I particularly like Clareoncloud9’s adorable cloud with smiley faced rain drops). Heath plans to integrate both sites within the next six months to provide a global marketplace for children’s indies –and their fans.

The Loubilou’s are open to any independent merchants or designers that fit the criteria of “high quality, unique and independent.” It’s free to join and there’s no lock in.

“Our mission is to build a platform to give small businesses a voice in a world dominated by big corporate players and to bring small wonders and delight to children through a world of cool stuff,” says Bree Jessup, manager of Loubilou Australia.

Connect with Loubilou on Facebook.

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!

Hudson Threads

Tweens love the bold graphics and trendy sophistication.

New York-based Hudson Threads specializes in girls clothing available in sizes 4-16, perfect for those hard-to-please tweens.

Dayna Cohen and Michele Polo pride themselves on offering styles that are both fun and easy to wear.

Look for color blocking, graphic prints, neon and more in soft, flattering fabrics. aka mix two hot trends: color blocking and neon, with great success. For instance, the Kim Dress pictures on the left, made from a Poly/Rayon/Lycra blend, is machine washable and Pucci-inspired, featuring a fun dolman sleeve design and oversized black cuffs. Where to shop and wholesale information available on the website.

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 Halloween Find from Chicken Rhythm

Iron-on moustaches!

One day, the chicas at Chicken Rhythm –the fun company from Belgium that sells creative iron on patches- discovered De Blaffende Kip, from Dutch graphic and textile designer Anouk Corstiaensen. The fun part? The translation of de blaffende kip is, “barking chicken.” Right? It’s only natural that a barking chicken would want to partner with a little chicken rhythm! And so, it happens …

De Blaffende Kip products surprise, make merry, turn your frown upside down. Anouk creates designs that capture the imagination, in brillant –and funny- ways. She uses traditional craft technique, natural materials such as wool and cotton, and discarded products as raw materials for new designs.

Enter the Moustache. Perfect for that special Halloween costume … and most anything in-between … the Rubens, Dali & Gringo Moustaches are now available at Chicken Rhythm’s webshop! Boo-ya!

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!

Born To Be Sassy

Made in the USA, this line boasts unique boutique designs at very affordable prices.

Alabama-based Born To Be Sassy was born in 2006 and in just six months, outgrew its manufacturing facility! Just like a child.

Today, with more than 51,000 likes on Facebook – the apparel line of appliqué clothing for kids has grown “beyond our wildest dreams,” say the owners. Offering daily sales on social media and free shipping –always … the company makes quality clothes for both girls and boys as unique as your very own child.

We love being a part of those special occasions where only the perfect outfit will do.

How do they do this? One word: personalize, baby. (OK, that’s two words, but who’s counting?) Born To Be Sassy clothing can be monogrammed with your child’s name or initials, creating an “only-for-me” outfit your child will love.

I especially love the fun and easy “How to Shop” promotion Born To Be Sassy’s doing on Facebook.

Boo-ya! It’s timely, affordable –and fun! Thanks to my sister-in-law for introducing me to Born To Be Sassy.

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!

Fun Swappers Use Snazzy Swap

An eco-friendly group of parents in North Carolina have created a snazzy way for families to exchange their growing kids’ stuff.

Snazzy Swap is a pretty nifty service created for parents who are looking for easy ways to save money –and save the planet from too much waste. Moms Melissa and Meredith Weiss, along with others have tapped into the multibillion-dollar market for children’s gently-used clothing and toys with a winner.

Save Money, Save the Planet, Have Fun! The site is created for families to swap items their kids have outgrown -clothes, toys, books, DVDs and more- without ever leaving home. And since statistics show that children grow out of clothes every three to six months, there could be a whole lotta swappin’ goin’ on -right in front of your computer screen!

Described as “a cross between Netflix and eBay for kids’ stuff,” swappers can log onto Snazzy Swap, pick a box stuffed with things they think their kids will love, pay only $5 plus shipping and the box arrives at their door.

Parents love the quality, savings and ease. Kids love the presents. Everyone thinks it is fun and it is addicting :-)!

FREE! Snazzy Swap has no membership fees, plus they’ll send you boxes for your posted swap stuff for free. “Every time you post a box your kids have outgrown, you can pick another box on the site that your kids will love,” they say. “If you do not find a box that you want right away, you can save your credit for later, when you find a box that you really like.” Swappers can sign up for “box notifications,” too –and swap clothes for toys or toys for books or books for clothes- the swap factor is endless!

Give presents all year long! Did you know the average American discards 68 pounds of clothing a year? Buying gently-used items for your children is one of the greenest things you can do as a consumer. Plus Snazzy Swap donates 50 cents from each swap to help kids with special needs. Sweet!

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!

Wee Ones – a company on the move

Back in 1973, when Barb Agatstein started making bows for her daughter Betsy, little did she know her home-based business would take off, becoming one of the most respected and well-known brands in the girls hair accessories market today.

Classic American Success Story. Missouri-based Wee Ones® makes high-quality hair bows, headbands, clips and other fashionable accessories for babies and young girls. Family-owned and award-winning, the company continues to turn heads for its design excellence, recently adding Sana Shucart as product designer. “Sana has done a lot of different things in the shoe industry,” says CEO Miles Faust, “and she’s excited to learn our business and find ways to apply what she’s learned to help Wee Ones grow.” A product development executive with an impressive track record, Sana is an expert at developing stylish and innovative brands for many major retailers across the country. And she’s excited to be looking at the world of fashion through the eyes of -well- a wee one. “It’s all about creating designs that the Wee Ones girl and all of her friends want to wear,” Sana says.

We believe we have something for every little girl, and moms have looked to us for our selection for almost 40 years.

The Wee Ones Girl Defined. Found in stores all over the U.S., and select retailers in Canada, Mexico, the UK and Korea (as well as the company website), Wee Ones is known for the classic, premium hair bow. The company also designs a line for tweens called Deidra & Kiki, and recently launched a new line for girls ages 10 thru 18 called Apres les Petites, which features sophisticated accessories that move beyond the Wee Ones bow. In addition, Wee Ones distributes Knot Genie, an amazing detangling hair brush for kids.

Big, Bright and Fashionable. Sana and founder Barb Agatstein –who still holds the title of chief design officer- work together closely on all aspects of design and product development. Wee Ones designers spend months studying the seasonal nuances and materials, to offer on-trend designs of the highest quality.

Glitter is our favorite color.

Last year, Wee Ones introduced an exclusive glitter ribbon featured in the WeeSparkle collection, hand-crafted from a unique grosgrain ribbon with a glitter-infused coating that does not rub off. Great for dressing up, dressing down, playgrounds and pools, the WeeSparkle collection comes in show-stopping colors perfect for girls of any age.

For the Fall/ Holiday 2012 season, be on the lookout for glam, glitz and glitter to complement every style, from bows to Banditz -the new fashion craze sweeping the nation.

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!