Earth Baby Outfitters

“We believe in our brand, our employees, our customers and our family and hope you will find this reflected in the Earth Baby Outfitters line.”

Vancouver, Canada-based EarthBabyOutfitters ® (EBO) is a children’s clothing brand designed with eco-conscious parents in mind, using only the best certified organic fabrics available.

“The designs are simple, adorable, fun and creative,” says CEO and lead designer Sharon Thomson, who started the line last July after she and her husband Brian become parents for the second time. Wanting only the best in quality and design for her own baby Jaxon, Sharon used her years of fashion industry experience to source and manufacture an all-natural and organic line of clothes for babies that fits the bill.

“We know your baby will love our silky soft materials, whilst parents can rest assured with the multiple benefits for their own little bundles of joy.”

Members of the Canadian Organic Association, EBO uses only GOTS and Oeko Tek100 certified organic fabrics such as bamboo and organic cotton. Features and benefits include:

Superior softness and durable design
Breathability and excellent body temperature regulation
Reduced carbon footprint
Easy care and machine washable
Safe, heathy and hypo-allergenic materials
Eco-friendly and sustainable manufacturing practices

After working in the fashion industry for 20 years, for some of the world’s most recognized brands and labels, the new parents are inspired to pour their energy and creativity into the new EBO. They say, “Our commitment to social responsibility is reflected in all of our products and mission statement, ‘to provide quality, cute and eco-friendly apparel and accessories while being socially and ecologically responsible.’”

The collection includes, one-pieces, tees, pants, coveralls, pajamas, rompers, hoodies, newborn knit essentials, hats, soft toys, bibs, burp cloths, blankets, scarfs, sweaters, jeans and swaddling presented in creative packaging and made from certified organic bamboo and cotton, and naturally colored cotton. Very nice!

Ships worldwide unless otherwise specified by Canada.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Cricket’s Circle

A baby registry with interactive, hand-holding features for new parents.

In less than a year since its launch, Rachel Blumenthal, founder and CEO of Cricket’s Circle, is living up to her promise of simplifying the baby registry process for parents-to-be by combining a holistic, interactive registry with personalized content.

“We created Cricket’s Circle to give every expectant and new parent their own ‘Cricket,’ a one-stop shoppable resource for trusted product recommendations and helpful advice.”

In January, Cricket’s Circle expanded to eCommerce, launching its baby registry service. The company researches and tests products, and then –along with parent-knowledge-narrows down the vast array of baby products to three recommendations per category, all in an effort to make shopping easier for parents. They even partner with retailers to get the top baby and toddler items into one registry and shopping cart. What’s more, Cricket’s Circle’s blog is fully shop-able, too.

Earlier in her career, Rachel worked for Yves Saint Laurent, jeweler brand Rachel Leigh and eyewear company Warby Parker, which is cofounded by her husband Neil –as well as having her their son, Griffin, before creating Cricket’s Circle. As a new mom and entrepreneur, Rachel is in the business of giving and receiving advice – she welcomes yours, too, at rachel@cricketscircle.com or share your comments on social.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Itsy Bitsy Knots

New children’s label wraps up classy special occasionwear with a bow.

Nosh Khurram (aka Nosh Kay) recently launched a new –and fun- fashion label for kids called Itsy Bitsy Knots – gorgeous little bow ties especially for boys, but girls will love ‘em, too, I bet.

Perfect for the Holidays. Like so many Moms out there, Nosh got tired of the slim pickins when it comes to boy’s dress-up, so she did something about it. Each one of her bow tie designs uses colorful fabrics in 100% cotton, silk or wool. Nosh tells me her inspiration for the designs “comes from an era when dressing up was an essential part of everyday life,” she says. They’re classy and traditional with a modern twist. Nice!

As she gives parents everywhere a wonderful option to dress up their kids, Nosh also wants to support causes that are close to her heart. A percentage of every bow tie sold will be given to a children’s charity. Bravo!

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Wee Rascals

New line celebrates real heroes.

Wee Rascals is a new children’s brand of casual cool clothing with a little history: From Joan of Arc to Johnny Appleseed, the fun tees and stuff feature the true legends of times gone by, heroes and heroines that can match step for step with any of today’s superheroes or cartoon characters. The rock stars of Wee Rascals’ world are history-making men and women of substance, including Susan B. Anthony, Abraham Lincoln, Isaac Newton and Davy Crockett.

Made in the USA. Austin, TX-based Wee Rascals is a labor of love for moms Kylie Clayborne and Elizabeth Rich, who launched brand in March 2014. Inspired by an image of Johnny Appleseed in her son’s folktale book, Kylie set out to share real heroes with boys and girls nationwide while consciously manufacturing in the United States. All Wee Rascals designs are printed direct to garment or screen-printed in Austin to assure high quality and ethical labor practices.

Wee Rascals is redefining the meaning of heroes with printed tees, tanks, and bodysuits for kids from 3-6 months up to size 12. Select tees are made from organic cotton, and all styles are unisex. Available online at http://www.wee-rascals.com.

Look for baby raglan tees plus new hero and heroine prints coming soon.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

ShoSho Bella

Couture collection launches in the United States.

Dreamy, dramatic and demure, UAE-based ShoSho Bella is designed by founder Sarah Khamis, mother of two, who seamlessly blends couture touches with timeless silhouettes for girls ages two to 14 years. Her designs use twisting, tucking, draping and other techniques, rendering the high quality, soft textured, imported fabrics, feathers and materials into dresses that tell a story whenever they are worn.

ShoSho Bella is a high-end luxury couture brand for children and one of UAE’s most sought-after fashion labels. Sarah oversees all aspects of sourcing, design and production in the cosmopolitan city of Dubai. Now, these heirloom-quality dresses are available at www.shoshobella.com and select boutiques in the United States.

From pageants to princess parties, ShoSho Bella’s designs are ideal for special occasions. The spring/summer collection is a delightful mix of garden florals, a show-stopping ’20s Great Gatsby-inspired style complete with a feathered skirt, chic Parisian-influenced frocks and classic gowns with unexpected details. The autumn/winter collection features dreamy winter whites, understated silver and golds, tiered tulle, ruffles and classic babydoll silhouettes.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

PacaPod

Award-winning 3-in-1 baby bag line makes U.S. début.

U.K.-based PacaPod Ltd. manufactures stylish, high quality diaper bags with a unique and award-winning 3-in-1 baby organization system. The one-of-a-kind PacaPod is now available in the U.S., online and in select buybuy BABY stores nationwide.

PacaPod’s ingenious “three bags for the price of one” concept – a stylish outer bag containing two detachable “Pods,” one for feeding and one for changing- is super versatile. The pods can be quickly removed from the main bag and clipped to a stroller/luggage cart/car seat, used as mini cool bags and even function as a backpack for older children. All features and compartments are picture-labeled for simplicity.

The Changer Pod and Feeder Pod keeps baby’s food and bottles separate, hygienically and cleverly packed away from diapers and wipes in their own individual pods. The Feeder Pod contains an insulated bottle cover and space for four bottles and the Changer Pod neatly stores diapering essentials and includes a change mat to enable convenient one-hand changing. PacaPod allows parents freedom, versatility and a stress free solution for time away from home, whether it’s a stroll in the city or a hike up a mountain. For use beyond the baby years, all Pacapod bags can also function as laptop bags.

“As a mom when I needed something, I wanted to reach it quickly and easily,” founder/designer Jacqueline Waggett says. “Life is hectic enough with kids and knowing that I’m organized is one less thing to worry about. I design each and every PacaPod bag to help make the experience of being out and about as a parent a little easier. For me, PacaPod is about a sense of liberation. When I’m organized, I’m happy.”

Jacqueline founded PacaPod in 2008. Before launching her own brand, she was a designer for the Animal and Ellesse outdoor clothing brands. An experienced world traveler, she adapted her bicycle panniers while cycling in New Zealand into separate compartments to make travel gear easy to pack and retrieve. Her eye for design, combined with the tips she learned for travelling light and being organized, came in handy when she realized that there was a gap in the market for great-looking and practical baby bags. She found that most of the available baby bags were lacking in space and features and styles too were not appealing to dads.

PacaPod has received numerous international industry accolades and awards from media and organizations including Practical Parenting & Pregnancy, Junior Design, Mumpreneur and Loved by Parents. PacaPod bags can be found in Europe at major retailers including John Lewis, Mothercare, El Corte inglés and Jojo Maman Bebe.

In the U.S., PacaPod débuts a total of 13 shoulder bags, satchels and unisex design style bags offered in three collections -Luxury, Classic and Pattern.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

eden & zoe

Beautiful cotton and cashmere knitwear for children.

When new lifestyle children’s brand eden & zoe launched its Fall/Winter 2014 collection in early September, fans were treated to an Art Deco-inspired array of comfortable knits in modern designs using classic art deco design elements, including a striking intarsia chevron pattern and delicate floral pointelle and lace knits. Founder/designer Melissa Wang presents her designs in shades of gray, blue, brown and light pink –ideal for mix, match and layering. Each piece in this collection is named after a prominent art deco artist or designer.

My aim is to design cashmere knitwear for children that is sophisticated and understated. I believe in classic styling with a modern twist. I like to think about the details that make a garment unique yet timeless. Most importantly, it is about your child feeling comfortable and confident in what she/he is wearing.

In addition to a cool, collected boys collection, eden & zoe also introduces gorgeous new cashmere and cotton baby blankets to the entire line of accessories, cardigans, dresses, outerwear, hats, hand and leg warmers.

Melissa explains why cashmere is ideal for children’s clothing, because it’s breathable form allows the clothes made from it to be worn in all climates. Cashmere also gets softer with age and more comfortable – perfect for hand-me-downs. It’s also a renewable resource from goats native to the Mongolian highlands (and we all know how much I like goats!). The goats produce long fibers that are harvested by hand, then washed before being spun into yarn. Timeless, ageless and luxurious!

View the entire F/W 2014 collection here: edenandzoe.com/pages/collection. eden & zoe is currently available for purchase at www.edenandzoe.com. Worldwide shipping available.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Salvage Maria Clothing

Up-cycled, reclaimed children’s clothing label débuts in Pop-In@Nordstrom nationwide.

Salvage Maria, considered a “tragically hip” collection that launched earlier this year in Los Angeles, uses a mix of salvaged and new fabrics to create ready-to-wear looks for style-savvy kids. The clothing line’s mission is to breathe new life into old favorites – every Salvage Maria piece is proudly Made in the USA from salvaged, upcycled, reclaimed and new fabrics carefully chosen by designer Janeesa Joseph, a native of Dallas, TX with Mexican heritage, and her mother, Maria -who occasionally travels to Mexico to source unique fabrics. Salvage Maria works closely with local vendors to ensure keepsake-quality designs and they also take custom orders, reinventing customers’ personal pieces for their kids.

A few years ago, Janeesa gets inspired by a friend who makes her sons’ play pants out of her husband’s old t-shirts and decides to try her hand at up cycling her own creations. She quickly receives custom orders and a warm reception for her reclaimed, handmade styles. Busy after the birth of her son, Janeesa puts Salvage Maria on the backburner, hoping to revisit her passion project when her son starts preschool. However, the tragic death of Janeesa’s younger brother on Christmas Eve is the catalyst for reviving Salvage Maria as a way to honor her brother’s memory.

“My mother Maria had packed some of his clothes to be donated,” Janeesa says.
“Fortunately, I was able to save some t-shirts and other pieces. With what we had, we designed tees, pants, cardigans and pajamas for my little guy. We also set aside some of my brother’s other items for my sisters whenever they have children. It was bittersweet, intimate and such a special process. It truly encompassed on a personal level the power of ‘Salvage Maria.'”

Just a few short months after the February 2014 launch, Olivia Kim, director of creative projects at Nordstrom, handpicks Salvage Maria via Instagram to sell its one-of-a-kind creations in Pop-In@Nordstrom at eight flagship locations including Seattle, San Francisco and Dallas, and online at nordstrom.com until October 12. The month-long event is part of an ongoing series of themed pop-up shops curated by Olivia, showcasing an eclectic mix of rising stars in the design world. Salvage Maria’s distinctive handmade fringe vegan leather jackets, hand-distressed jean jackets, fringed vests and reworked vintage tees are available for sale. Salvage Maria is also offering special giveaways at all eight locations.

What a fantastic way to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs through October 15, sí?

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Rum Punch

Mindfully handmade designer apparel for the entire family.

Lifestyle brand Rum Punch is a delightfully colorful and vibrant apparel line made from super soft, luxurious, organic and sustainable fabrics like hemp and bamboo and features a modern fit. Kids and baby collection Petit Punch recently launches with more to come for the rest of the family.

Our lifestyle brand is for people who think differently, who go against the grain, who say what they feel and dare to take action. People who want to make a difference in the world and who want to live the Life they Love.

Sold exclusively at RumPunch.com. The vibrant tie-dyed goods with inspirational messages are designed and made in Los Angeles, CA USA by designer Sybile Kohn-Deutschman. A wardrobe stylist in an earlier llife, Sybile believes that clothing is not only a reflection of how you feel about yourself and the world around you, but fashion can also change you from the outside in. She gets her inspiration from growing up on islands like Tahiti, St. Barths and the Dominican Republic, as well as sailing the Caribbean with her family. “You’re never too young to inspire others and you’re never too old to live the life you love,” she says. She appreciates the importance of slowing down, staying connected and keeping the colorful spirit of the islands in her everyday life.

Sybile has created an empowering, uplifting and environmentally conscious brand that encompasses a love of life, a respect for nature, the spirit of adventure, excitement for the unknown and the belief that giving is just as important as receiving -the company works with The Teen Project.

And since life is more than just bringing up kids, check out Sybile’s blog. For her, it’s a Rum Punch Life!

Incidentally, all of the Rum Punch product shots are taken by photographer (and Sybile’s husband) Robert Deutschman. View more of his work at www.robertdeutschman.com.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Skip Clothing

Inspired by tropical climes and exotic travel.

Designer and label creator Sharon Hirt has created a fun and breezy collection that appeals to young kids who love colorful, classic clothing and accessories. Skip Clothing is a collection of children’s apparel, hats, scarves, brooches and hair accessories that’s based on classic pieces, created with functionality, comfort and appeal in mind.

Designed in Birtinya, Sunshine Coast, Australia, Skip Clothing features embroidered details on cool printed cottons and cotton blends, designed in a vibrant color palette for girls ages three to 12.

What I most love to remember, about my childhood, are hot January Melbourne days, dressed in my cool cotton dresses … coming home at dusk, with containers of handpicked, wild blackberries … long drives to the beach to catch the fresh, summer breezes … Drawing inspiration from these memories, I am very excited to present our Collection, with so much more to come!

Sharon plans to release a boys collection this month, and is also working on a women’s fashion line called 45hours, inspired by short stays, warm to tropical domestic and international stopovers, business functions and exotic celebratory occasions.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!