Eco-Friendly Nohi Kids

It’s a Zoo! Nohi Kids shows off animal-themed adorables for Spring/Summer.

One Cute Package. Nohi Kids designs high-quality, eco-friendly children’s apparel –the kind of clothes kids never want to take off and durable enough to pass down to the next.

Janel Andersen’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection features brand new animal prints typical of Nohi’s trademark style and color story, made in sizes newborn to 7/8. Mix and match pieces, including bodysuits, tees, leggings, dresses and cardigans, are reasonably priced, too.

What’s a Nohi Kid, anyway? In the Maori language, nohi nohi means, “to be small.” In Japan, Kodomo Nohi -one of the most popular national holidays- is a day to celebrate children. And, in Hawaiian, Nohi means brightly colored and vivid. So, I suppose a Nohi Kid is a bright, vivacious little thing just oozing with personality!

Nohi uses a combination of certified organic cotton and bamboo fiber, with “a touch of spandex,” and low-impact, water based inks to create comfortable clothes kids love and parents can keep looking great wash after wash.

Nohi Kids’ new zoo print is a whimsical menagerie of elephants, birds, bunnies and giraffes. The zoo print is featured on new reversible jackets and top-selling footless rompers for babies sizes 0-3 months to 12-18 months as well as a short-sleeve tee for boys in kids sizes 2 to 7/8.

The new collection uses rich purple, persimmon and sky blue hues to complement the artful graphic designs- including a wraparound octopus tee, new horse print dress (available in sash and flutter sleeve styles), and a new “Love” print flutter sleeve dress.

Spring Bounty. A portion of sales is donated to the Caine’s Arcade Imagination Foundation, dedicated to finding and fostering creativity and entrepreneurship in kids.

Another Magnolia PR 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!

Introducing Brian James – for Mom!

Ever wished the makers of popular children’s shoe brand pediped® made footwear for moms? Wishes do come true, because –they are!

Introducing Brian James™ New Essential Women’s Footwear Collection from Angela Edgeworth, founder of the award-winning pediped brand. The début collection launches for Spring/Summer 2013.

Angela was inspired to develop a women’s line after years of countless requests from moms, celebrities and fans looking for the same quality, comfort and style as their kids’ pediped shoes.

After two years in the making, I’m thrilled to see this line come full surface. Sketch after sketch, our focus remained the same – to create a line that was stylish and timeless while providing an extreme level of comfort.”

The Brian James collection highlights seasonal designs essential to any women’s wardrobe. Angela says, “Brian James reflects a sense of timelessness and relaxed elegance, focusing on luxurious fabrics and a perfect fit.” With soft, flexible soles, all-leather uppers and linings, “this line meets the needs of every trendsetter’s desire for style and every shopper who puts comfort first.

Also based in Nevada, the Brian James™ Spring/Summer 2013 collection features four different styles: the Katherine Sandal, Chantal Sandal, Angelle Sandal and Angie Ballet Flat available in EU sizes 36-41 (US 5.5-11).

Purchase online at www.brianjamesfootwear.com and in select retail stores.

Another Hilary Abbott 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!

Spring Summer 2013: TANE Organics

Inspired by the goodness of the Earth…

TANE organics’ Spring Summer 2013 collection is full of freshness, sweet shapes and delicious softness.

TANE organics makes wonderful baby things from the purest, most luxurious natural fibers ever. The comfortable construction and design details are inspired by the shape of the beautiful kimono. “Tane” is a Japanese word that means “seed,” and the color tones in the collection help make the clothing look good enough to eat! The clothes are soft, with simple lines and neat playful details.

Soft ripe oval shapes provide the ease and freedom of movement while the pocket detail reflects the functionality in farming attire. The playful racer back cutout reminds us of warm summer days and the relief in a timeless worker’s tank. Sweet apron-influenced ruffles and shapes echo the humble, authentic delivery of great design.

Nicely said.

This season’s pieces have simple silhouettes that create a perfect mix of detailing, color and elegance, made from 100% certified organic cotton grown without the use of pesticides, GOTS certified low impact dyes, Azo dioxide free, and finished in a nontoxic process.

TANE’s Kayla Bird tells me in addition to minimizing toxic exposure, eco-fabrics last longer. Who knew?

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!

RUUM American Kid’s Wear

The founders of popular retailer The Children’s Place introduce a new shopping destination for kids.

There’s RUUM for everyone!

That’s what the minds behind the brand have to say about their recently-launched RUUM American Kid’s Wear, a new children’s place full of clothing, footwear and accessories.

Pronounced “room,” RUUM opened its 21-store doors and online shop, offering what they call head-to-toe outfitting, exceptional quality and great value.

“I am thrilled to be back in the kids business,” says CEO Ezra Dabah, former CEO and founder of The Children’s Place. “Our latest brand offers a fresh, new approach to kids wear, making kids look good and feel good. We are driven to growing RUUM into a major brand.”

Celebrate with Special Deals. The grand opening festivities kicked off March 22, including a month-long sweepstakes with daily winners and a grand prize of a $2000 RUUM gift card. Surprise promotions include deals for online and in-store purchases, including Instant Win savings cards and bonus points on RUUM’s new loyalty program.

According to the new company, RUUM collections are designed to coordinate easily in sizes ranging from newborn to age 14, all at a great price, offering great selection in accessories including shoes for girls and boys.

Kid-Friendly Shopping Experience. RUUM stores are made for kids to have a great time, complete with interactive kiosks and photo booths for entertainment while moms shop. Creative, constructive workshops like origami and Plasticine figure creation are also planned.

New line RUUM American Kid’s Wear, catering to the kid with personality to spare, is only adding to our kid’s clothing envy… We love RUUM’s playful use of color: bright striped cardigans, snappy plaid cargo shorts and vibrant floral sundresses make the new collection pop.

-Lucky Magazine

RUUM already has fans among celebrity kids, including Oscar-nominated actress Quvenzhane Wallis.

Shop now at 21 locations or online at www.RUUM.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!

Samantha Conner Designs

From Stay-at-Home Mom to Work-from-Home Mompreneur, this spunky Texas-based designer is making it in the USA.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Samantha Conner has always had a passion for creating beautiful things. So after her first child was born prematurely and she needed to stay home, her passion took an unexpected turn.

Six years after selling her first hair bow at local craft fair -a hobby she started during her children’s nap time that blossomed into a successful home business- she’s taking her love of fun fabric combinations and bright style to the next level, and launching her own girls clothing line.

Made in the USA. Beautiful clothing and hair accessories for girls size 2T-6, Samantha Conner Designs (SCD) is a fresh take on girl’s fashion, featuring bold pattern, rich colors and lots of playful details. Created with what Samantha describes as “the busy girl” in mind, her first collections embody the idea that style and comfort go hand-in-hand. Her two daughters inspire her designs -and now, she’s noticed even they have an eye for fabric, and are learning to sew!

Manufactured locally in Garland, TX, SCD recently launched wholesale at the Dallas Market Center and is available in children’s boutiques all over the US and online. She continues to maintain a custom handmade shop at Etsy.com. Future plans for SMD include growing the business through online sales and local trunk shows.

If I can do it, then anyone can. I feel lucky that I have had the opportunity to pursue my passion. I hope that I can help others do the same by sharing my story.

Crafty Texas Girls. Want to know more about how you can live an inspired, creative life? Follow Samantha’s blog, Crafty Texas Girls, where she documents her journey of balancing motherhood, creativity and running a small business, following her dreams and turning a hobby into a thriving business.

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! SCD Photography by Erin Morman of Splendor Photography and Kristis Mills Photography.

the be{tween} collection

Clothing and jewelry made especially for tween girls.

Ashley Eiler was raised with southern style and classic taste, growing up wearing handmade clothing smocked and sewn by her mother, grandmother –and later on, herself. She has used this knowledge to create three successful children’s clothing businesses.

For 10 years now, Ashley has run her full-scale custom clothing and trunk show company, Blessed Be the Name, sells own brand, Favorite Laundry, at the wholesale market and currently owns a retail store also called Favorite Laundry in Alabama. Last year, she launched her latest brand, the be{tween} collection, a whimsical pima cotton line designed for girls sizes 7-14 to meet the needs of her loyal customers and their tween-aged girls.

I would love for each child to be well-dressed, feel beautiful, and together with their parents, take steps toward becoming a young lady.

From each original garment to the fabric it’s made from, Ashley and her team designed them to compliment another piece or be worn on its own. “The clothes are the result of an outpouring of our hearts towards an age group that we feel is not offered enough options in the retail market today,” Ashley recently posted to her blog. “I have the most wonderful team who has offered their thoughts and ideas selflessly to help bring this clothing line to you. Our efforts have resulted in an incredibly soft and original line of clothing for girls that deserve to feel great in their clothes and about themselves.”

The first collection includes nine pieces and jewelry, to which the team has added two more long sleeve options as transitional pieces. Future collections are meant to work with previous seasons “in an effort to help build a functional wardrobe that is comfortable and flattering to a sometimes awkward age, and appropriate for the formative years.”

Calling All Tween-Age Models! be{tween} is available as part of Ashley’s Blessed Be the Name trunk shows, in store and online. The team is currently working on the Fall 2013 collection and they’ve got a modeling contest going on! The company is giving two girls the chance to model the latest clothing from the be{tween} fall collection. Winners receive the chance to participate in a real fashion photo shoot, receive copies of all photographs, the clothing and complimentary jewelry. Enter here.

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!

Shop Small with Me Giant

With Small Business Saturday® just four days away, here’s a business that’s perfect for the cause.

small things, big style. Me Giant is a team of illustrators, cartoonists, and graphic artists, order takers, shippers, floor sweepers and joke makers who specialize in making funny t-shirts and accessories for kids, designed for their playful personalities and bubbling imaginations.

I love small business, funny jokes, good people, being a mommy and living giant.

Shelia Butler is the company’s “chief keeper upper.” After spending seven years co-owning Aidan Gray Home, Inc., a successful wholesale décor and furniture business, she switched to children’s design after adopting two children within an 11-month period. “Talk about a change of lifestyle,” she says.

Sheila and her team at Me Giant are committed to exceptional customer service, safe products and pursuit of happy little giants, and they do this by offering products that are fun, simple, quirky, different and sometime old (she loves vintage finds) -high-quality design that’s also safe. Recently featured on zulily, parents can find stylish bibs and one-pieces; blankets and picture frames are now launching. And although the business doesn’t appear to be part of Small Business Saturday this year –it’s something to plan for in 2013. Wholesale available.

We believe that even the smallest of things can encompass giant style and that children are no exception when it comes to great design, sophisticated decor and chic apparel.

Sheila writes a blog to share her experiences with building a small business, offering the tips and tools she uses to do it, as well as interviews with other successful entrepreneurs filled with how-to ideas.

Small Business Saturday®, sponsored by American Express, is a day between Black Friday and Cyber Monday that’s dedicated to supporting small businesses nationwide. Learn more at ShopSmall.com.

Another Rachel Florio PR 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!

Cuddle Smart Antimicrobial Baby Products

100% antimicrobial baby bedding, hooded towels, changing pad covers and more.

Newly Branded. The Cuddle Smart baby line is designed to provide comfort and convenience to both you and your baby all day long. It’s made from textiles that are engineered to be safe, soft and gentle on baby’s skin … and because the fabric “washes itself,” mom can spend more of her time with her little one, instead of doing laundry.

“In 2011, I founded Bye Bye Bacteria Corp., and launched our line of baby products shortly after my granddaughter was born,” says founder and CEO Jeffrey C. Tauber. “The parent company was already making antimicrobial silver textile products for the healthcare markets, so we modified the fabric to have the softest ‘plushy-plush’ feel possible, designed ‘smart’ baby products and backed all of the products with an Unconditional Satisfaction Guarantee.”

Made in the USA. Headquartered in New Jersey, the line’s fitted sheets, changing pads, hooded towels and others are made from a patented Argent 47™ antimicrobial silver yarn (yes, silver!) to eliminate bacteria and prevent mildew, mold and fungi. Cuddle Smart products contain no chemicals or dyes and require fewer washings because the silver keeps bacterial odors away.

The Jersey Knit Plush and 100% organic cotton fabrics are super soft and gentle on baby’s skin, plus silver’s natural thermal properties cool baby when hot and keep warm when cold.

We know how important comfort and protection is to your newborn baby. Try our antimicrobial baby products and I guarantee you will agree that Cuddle Smart is ‘smart textiles for smart parents.’

This month, Bye Bye Bacteria Corp. introduces the newly branded baby line as Cuddle Smart. Learn more about antimicrobial products and the use of silver here. It’s fascinating!

Another Rachel Florio PR 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!

Bluebird Blanket

This new line of American-made blankets and throws for style-conscious moms delights with eco-friendly sophistication.

Bluebird Blanket is a line of super soft, eco-friendly baby blankets that feature kid-friendly themes children can grow with and sophisticated colors that easily complement any family’s décor -in the nursery and throughout the rest of the home.

The Bluebird Blanket collection includes three styles, with additional introductions planned throughout the year. The Animal blanket wrangles a menagerie of creatures big and small, including rhinos, giraffes, turtles, elephants and owls. The inviting color combinations include beige and cream, pink and gray, and dark linen and orange spice. The Transportation blanket is every boy’s dream with trucks, cars, bikes, scooters and road signs in gold on navy. Bold chevron stripes in linen and milk and navy and milk combinations promise a smooth transition from the nursery to the big kid room and beyond.

Made in the USA. “Bluebird Blanket is proudly manufactured in the U.S. We’re thrilled to support the American textile industry and keep Americans working,” says owner Brenda Anderson. “Plus, manufacturing here allows us to have greater control over quality and deliveries. It also allows us to have superior speed to market with new products that reflect current market trends.”

The blankets are made from 74% pre-consumer recycled cotton fibers. Each is generously sized, measuring 31″ by 42″ They are mid weight and washer and dryer safe.

Débuts at ABC Kids Expo. Children’s shop owners and retailers get a chance to see the Bluebird Blanket line up close and personal by visiting booth #2746 at the ABC Kids Expo October 14-17. You may recognize the name Brenda Anderson – her company, Bluebird Sales & Distribution, represents the Mum 2 Mum brand, selling and marketing its whole juvenile products range. Bluebrid Blanket is her own brand.

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!

Sneak Peek at New Collection from Mixed Up Clothing

Mixed Up Clothing débuts Global Citizens collection at ENK Children’s Club.

Sonia Kang is exhibiting at her first children’s trade show October 21-23 in New York City! The owner and creative executive of Mixed Up Clothing –a wonderfully colorful and trendy line of clothes for kids- is introducing her brand at ENK Children’s Club at booth #1825 with a Spring/Summer 2013 collection called Global Citizens. Here’s a sneak peek!

Friendship Through Fabrics. Founded in 2007, the multi-ethnic children’s clothing line based in California is inspired by the textiles, cultures and people of the world, to develop friendships through fabrics. Sonia infuses diverse styles with cultural twists, blending materials and designs from all corners of the world.

My inspiration for this collection continues to be the mission of Mixed Up Clothing: to showcase and celebrate different cultures utilizing fabrics from all over the world. Not everyone gets to travel outside the country so each garment includes a little story to teach kids where the fabric is from. When we learn about the diversity around us, we can begin to accept one another and find unity in our differences.

For those interested, ENK Children’s Club is one of today’s premiere trade shows covering the entire market in children’s clothing, infant and fashion accessories, including layette items and footwear for newborn to pre-teen. Held four times a year in New York City in January, March, August and October, buyers and boutique owners can make appointments to view Mixed Up Clothing’s collection by make emailing zenia@mixedupclothing.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!