Big Ideas at Small Concept

Launched in 2011, Atlanta, GA-based Small Concept caters to new moms as well as fashionista kids.

Small Concept is an online children’s boutique offering a wonderful array of brand name kids clothing, including Daily Tea, Wonderboy, Appaman and more. Small Concept also caters to new moms, offering maternity clothing for expecting mothers, baby clothing, diapers, baby gear and other accessories.

If you’re a parent who can appreciate fashion and enjoy the quality and luxury of designer clothing, then you’re going to want the same for your little ones.

Designer kids clothes is Small Concept’s specialty. Be sure to check out the New Arrivals section, and the Sale section features the latest in children’s clothing at a discounted price.

“Small Concept was created out of not only the absolute love of babies and children, but the fascination for their style as well,” they say. “All of our designer kids clothes, baby clothing and other items are made with the highest in standards for you and your tiny tot.”

Organized Mom Awards Supporter. Small Concept recently gave away a $200 voucher, in support of the Organized Mom Awards. Cecilia Charm told them how shopping online at Small Concept helped her to be an organized mom –and she won the prize! She gets to chose from top quality clothing labels to create new wardrobes for her kids! Have you entered the Organized Mom Awards yet? Enter here. Contest ends August 19.

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!

The All-New Bitty Birdie Boutique

A smart way to shop for brands you love, this new e-commerce site works with both children’s specialty stores and “Fashionista Moms” all over the world to bring you favorite designers for a fraction of retail.

Tiffany Cornelius is founder of the all-new Bitty Birdie Boutique, a place where you can shop for top-of-the-line American and European boutique children’s clothing brands. Tiffany has curated a wonderful assortment of both brand new and gently used designer favorites, some offered at up of 60% off.

Retail therapy without the guilt. In the past, Tiffany has spent hard earned dollars on a boutique wardrobe for her two children, and after they outgrew their clothes, she struggled to find a way to earn back money for boutique items. “I’ll never forget collecting a $19 check for a basket of high-end children’s items,” she says. “That’s when I realized there was definitely a need to create a marketplace to buy/sell high-end children’s clothing.”

With over eight years of experience running franchised stores, Tiffany also had friends in the boutique retail market that were struggling financially. Sometimes forced to sell high-end merchandise at significantly marked down prices, they were not earning the highest profit on these new items.

Ninety-five percent of boutiques across America do not have an e-commerce store. Fashionista Mommies earn 50% of the sale on pre-loved items and boutiques and vendors earn 60% on new with tags items at Bitty Birdie Boutique.

Bitty Birdie Boutique accepts new and gently used clothing from all seasons everyday, because they ship around the world. And we’re talking brands like Brands Catimini, Lilly Pulitzer, Burberry, Mini Boden, Matilda Jane, Deux Par Deux, Lili Gaufrette, Livie & Luca, Papo d’ Anjo and so much more. Tiffany says, “Buy the brands you love, but on the flip side, sell the boutique brands you no longer need.”

Very great idea!

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!

The Début of ARTIFACT

“I don’t know when ‘re-purposing’ became a word,”

says Molly Gaddy-Walters, self proclaimed glue gun expert, geek-of-anything-crafty, and freak of anything vintage. “I always thought it was cool to find hidden beauty in someone else’s treasure.”

Molly is also the owner/shopkeeper of ARTIFACT –a unique boutique, consignment shop and event space-featuring one-of-a-kind re-purposed and up-cycled home furnishings, clothing, gifts and more. “We specialize in helping people find beauty in the worn, torn and discarded,” Molly says, “or we give their personal artifacts a needed artistic touch.” The Las Vegas-based retailer is scheduled to open to the public on Saturday, June 30 in Tivoli Village with eco-conscious merchandise that’s Handmade in the USA by talented artisans found locally and across the United States. “This is one of the most talented, artistic and inspirational groups ever assembled; a true ensemble of creative genius, and I know together we are going to take the world by storm.”

ARTIFACT looks at retail differently. It has a story and purpose. Each unique object in ARTIFACT is like a lost treasure only to be found. Any kind of work that touches us on an emotional level -that brings us joy or happiness, tears or laughter- is art. Molly Gaddy-Walters has created an artful masterpiece in ARTIFACT. It is gift for all of us, to not only shop, but enjoy.

– Gina Gavan, founder and CEO of marketing development firm Tribal Minds

Making the ordinary art. The store is organized with several departments, including Scribble, the place where kids, babies and their parents can shop for fun, cool, trendy and classic finds that are re-purposed and up-cycled. There’s an organic market with handmade baby items including cribs, blankets, nursery décor, books and toys that have been re-purposed or are green. Scribble also features a crayon bar as well as The Trading Post, named for the historic North American place where folks exchanged goods, met, discussed current events and shared ideas. The Trading Post at ARTIFACT is for kids to meet and exchange toys in a safe environment.

Other ARTIFACT departments include Purpose, featuring vendors and artisans who create special custom orders; Masterpiece, furniture and decorative accessories; Portrait, clothing and jewelry for men and women; and Landscape, full of rare and unique found objects such as books, signage, outdoor/indoor fixtures and large art pieces.

Classes, events and more. Molly and her team plan to hold classes that focus on “the Art of ARTIFACTS,” as well as special ones that celebrate a birthday, birth of a baby or wedding. ARTIFACT also offers Green Chic Party Planning that works with a customer’s ideas and makes them green, including kids parties.

The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.

-Pablo Picasso

As one of her favorite quotes, Molly takes the words of Pablo Picasso to heart every day. After years of working in the high-end retail world, Molly stopped to stay at home with her kids –and started living with re-purpose. The family motto was “use it up, make it last, or do without,” she says. It didn’t take long for her to realize that re-purposing is not only a way of life, but a freedom –to express ourselves and define our personal style. “Trips to the thrift store seemed to unfold like a story book. I looked around and saw all the beautiful potential many of the items had. I felt the need to repurpose them in a way others would treasure.”

So it’s not hard to image that the début of ARTIFACT will bring back that very best of shopping experiences –finding something super special at an affordable price.

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!

Haute Mommies and Bella Babies

Let me introduce you to Haute Mommies & Bella Babies, a fabulous online store and Houston-based boutique servicing the Clear Lake area of Texas.

When owner Darcy Santala contacted me through Facebook, I was thrilled to peruse her lovely online store and sing its praises. “We’re always looking for the coolest new baby stuff,” she tells me. She’s also looking for the coolest, new baby stuff that’s true to the “go-local” philosophy – such as Houston-born Infantissima (just featured on CRT recently!) – and others Made in the USA.

We cater to stylish moms-to-be, new moms as well as friends and family members of expecting women who are looking for the perfect gift for their loved one and impending new addition.

Staff Recommendations. Mother of two girls, Darcy knows what to look for when sourcing for her store. She’s dedicated to finding high-quality, adorable and durable, unique and versatile products at an affordable price.

You’ll find things for moms and maternity; girls, boys and parent-friendly gear; nursery; gifts as well as gift certificates and wrapping service. Plus, don’t hesitate to find out what the staff recommends. It’s all here!

Hand-selected and Haute Mommie Approved. Darcy selects all of the products herself –and she’s also used them all with her own children. “The majority of our maternity clothes are designed to be worn during and after pregnancy,” Darcy says, “and trust me, this stuff is so cute you’ll want to wear it after baby arrives.” In fact, many shop employees actually wear maternity outfits all the time, and no one would know it, unless they ask!

Cool Partners. The Haute Mommies & Bella Babies shop is located at 477 Bay Area Blvd in Houston, TX 77058. I’m especially impressed with Darcy’s partners list, which includes a pregnancy spa and ultrasound clinic, a maternity leave coach –and Seattle, WA based Dabble Wine (“For after baby arrives or for a little fun before getting pregnant.”). A girl after my own heart!

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!

One-of-a-Kind Finds at CandiCheeks.com

Why are super-cute styles perfect for babies and small children found overseas so hard to find in the U.S.?

This is the question John and Sue Lee set out to alleviate with CandiCheeks, a unique online baby boutique. Created by parents for parents, CandiCheeks carries those absolutely adorable baby accessories made by international manufacturers that are nearly impossible to find here in the States. Booties, bibs, socks, hats, leggings – even stationary – all impossible to find in regular retail markets.

100% Cotton and Machine Washable. These adorable baby socks features a multi-colored pattern with a plush decorative sunflower character sewed to the front. The best part of these socks is the non-skid rubber bottom, which helps to prevent your little one from falling, especially at the stages of walking.

This two-year-old Virginia-based company was once just a dream for Sue, who began selling items through an online marketplace in 2004.

Now, the Lees ask a different question …

Fresh and one-of-a-kind … isn’t that what your baby needs?

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!

The Magic of Pippen Lane

Over a decade ago, Anna Beth Goodman envisioned a child’s emporium inspired by what she calls “the whimsy of youth,” right in her hometown on New Orleans, LA.

Today, as one of the premiere shopping destinations in this unique city’s Garden District, Pippen Lane offers cosmopolitan and traditional Southern styles -including Lylian heirloom dresses- as well as exquisitely selected European fashion, gifts, toys and nursery décor for little boys, girls and babies.

Earlier this year, Anna Beth introduced her own signature clothing label featuring fashion-forward, bold designs. The Pippen Lane Collection débuted in January and pays homage to the Big Easy with fresh and whimsical prints intertwined with classic, wearable styles available in sizes newborn to size 10.

All of my collections may not always have a direct New Orleans reference, but you can always count on the city giving me the ultimate inspiration.

-Anna Beth Goodman, wife of actor John Goodman and mom of Molly Evangeline

The Spring/Summer collection features styles inspired by unique New Orleans neighborhoods, streets and wildlife- including Garden District Floral, Arabella, Peacock Feather and Fancy Bird. Signature layettes feature the iconic fleur-de-lis, as well as bee, crown and bear embroidery on footies, polo shortalls, skirted one-pieces and blankets. For older children, Pippen Lane features rompers, capris, shorts, tunics and ruffled tees in lively patterns including carnival beads and vibrant florals.

The Pippen Lane Collection is available at the retail store, located at 2929 Magazine Street, and online. Wholesale is also available.

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!

BargainChildrensClothing.com – What a Deal! ITS A BARGAIN!

If you’re a fan of Children’s Retail Today, you may be liking my links to the fabulous deals found on BargainChildrensClothing.com.

This site is a treasure trove of incredible bargains on brand name children’s clothing and accessories. I’ve had the pleasure of working with the site’s masterminds –Manny & Joe– for about two years, and I know that they do everything in their power to earn their customers’ business.

You can be assured of price, quality, fast shipping, extensive selection and ease of site navigation when shopping at BargainChildensClothing.com.

Manny & Joe really stepped up, serving an under-recognized market for value-priced children’s clothing by leaving their top executive positions in the New York City garment district and starting a business that caters to savvy shoppers.

That was then, This is now. With a mission to save their customers time and money when shopping for children’s clothing, Manny & Joe began with 1,500 deeply discounted products, shipping from their warehouse in New Jersey. By adding 75-100 products per week, the company has grown to feature over 8,000 items at a 20 to 85 percent discount – every day. And if that’s not enough, you can enjoy even more deals:

Only $3.95 Flat Rate Shipping on All Ground Orders
Deal of Day
Discount Boutique
Extreme Sales
Fantastic Customer Service

And their customers love it.

BargainChildrensClothing.com is awesome. What I love is the ability to get unique, creative, non-mass-produced clothes without having to pay small boutique/European prices. You have helped me keep my daughter adorably dressed. Thank you!

– Ricki, Brooklyn NY

No Membership Required. BargainChildrensClothing.com’s Facebook page has 13,746 likes – and counting. The company recently gave away an iPad to contest winner Debralee Hasson Landry from Turnersville, NJ.

Shopping at BargainChildrensClothing.com is a pleasure thanks to Manny & Joe. Pajamas, jeans, designer duds, dresses, swimwear, footwear – you name it. It’s all there. Experience it for yourself!

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!

London’s Award‐Winning Children’s Lifestyle Store

Across the pond, Olive Loves Alfie is known as “the most inspiring children’s independent in the country.”

Hand-picked style. London-based Olive Loves Alfie was established in 2006, offering childrenswear, housewares, women’s wear, toys and games, quickly becoming THE destination family lifestyle store not only for discerning parents, but also for designers seeking the “Olive Loves Alfie” seal of approval.

Without exception, all of the products at Olive Loves Alfie must qualify by their quality and design to have hand-me-down potential, or to become modern heirlooms.

Olive Says. Here are some of the things you will find at the store, in London and online: Contemporary and iconic children’s books including a selection from Charley Harper; children’s clothing from Bakker Made With Love, Bonnie Baby, Dandy Star, Ej Sikke Lej, Katvig, Kidscase, Louie Louis, Marimekko, Monkee Genes, Mini Numph and Mini Rodini; creative kits, games and toys from Button Bag, Djeco, Mibo and Sparrow Kids; heirlooms from an inspired portfolio of collaborations with artists and illustrators. In addition, the company launched design consultancy Olive Says in 2010.

From London to Tokyo. Founder Ashlyn Gibson has parlayed her rich background in fashion into a whirlwind of adventure, traveling the world in search of design inspiration, which has all come together with Olive and Alfie. In 2011 alone, style icon was honored with a Best Independent Fashion Retailer runner up award at the Junior Design Awards and was shortlisted in the Best Children’s Shop category for the Telegraph Shop Awards.

Recently, Ashlyn launched a contemporary paint collection at Bubble London. Soya‐based Olive Loves Alfie Colour is an extension of the store’s visionary style and concept, designed to bridge the gap between child and adult spaces in the home. Produced in collaboration with The Nursery Paint Company, the colors are blended using a secret recipe to ensure the paint is free from harmful toxins and chemicals. At the trade show, which took place in January, Ashlyn and her team created an installation for the entrance.

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!

Special Offer for Children’s Retail Today Readers

As a thank you for following Children’s Retail Today, find out the details of a very special offer.

Now, Children’s Retail Today readers enjoy special savings when shopping AnnieWear, a unique online store offering the best selection of animal-themed baby and toddler clothing and gifts.

What makes AnnieWear so special is that portions of all AnnieWear sales are donated to animal rescue programs around the country. It’s our way of giving back to animals that so desperately need help. And the more we sell, the more we can give.

A portion of the proceeds from every Children’s Retail Today sale will be donated to The Gentle Barn! Located in Santa Clarita, CA, The Gentle Barn rescues, rehabilitates and gives sanctuary to severely abused animals. It’s a place where kids interact with the animals to learn kindness, compassion and confidence.

In addition, you receive a 10% discount at the AnnieWear checkout on your purchase (excludes shipping). Click here for this special promo code – it’s the thank you that gives back!

Shop for unique Easter gifts!

With Easter Sunday fast approaching on April 8 – shop AnnieWear’s Easter gifts section for a fun, animal-themed selection of products perfect enough to make any Easter basket special!

Thanks again. For the 10% discount code PLUS a way to give back to animals in need, click here. And my heartfelt thanks to Pamela Pinta and Laurene Parletore of AnnieWear for making it all happen!

Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (this is a special post!). If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!