blogs about children’s fashion

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Itsy Bitsy Knots


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

112014_CRTPost_ItsyBitsyKnots_01Nosh 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!

112014_CRTPost_ItsyBitsyKnots_03As 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!

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Wee Rascals


111814_CRTPost_WeeRascalsNew 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.

111814_CRTPost_WeeRascals_02Made 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.

111814_CRTPost_WeeRascals_03Look for baby raglan tees plus new hero and heroine prints coming soon.

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House of Jamie


New apparel collection features fabulous black and white Breton stripe graphics.

HOJ-Collar Bib-Stone (21)Dutch children’s label House of Jamie is known for soft, clean and minimalist baby essentials and apparel designed with a classic touch. Launched in 2012, Amsterdam-based founder Barbara Gouka designed the line as her own timeless yet affordable nursery essentials for her daughter Jamie, now available for little ones aged 0-4 all over the world.

Just recently, Barbara launched a new clothing collection in addition to the current year-round line, which features the fresh and fun Breton stripes in bold black and white. Love it!

HOJ-Collar Bib-Stone (19)After the launch of the first clothing collection in 2013, we received more and more interest in new items and bigger sizes. The result? A new stylish color, a black and white Breton stripe and brand new timeless designs. By expanding the size range, the collection is now available for little ones aged 0-4. House of Jamie’s signature bow tie and linen details have also returned into this collection.”

-Barbara Gouka

HOJ-Collar Bib-Stone (9)Created with the utmost care and attention for the environment. From sleeping bags to duvet covers, changing mat covers to hooded baby towels, hooded jackets, dresses, sweaters, sleepwear and more – all merchandise is 100% fair trade, completely child labor free and handmade in Holland and Turkey.

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Mommy Masters


Voted Parenting Blog of the Year – Congratulations!

102114_CRTPost_MommyMasters_Headshot_2013_SmallEllie Hirsch, aka The Mommy Master® -an award-winning children’s singer/songwriter, parenting expert, published author, blogger and mom – just announced that MommyMasters.com has won first place in the Annual Parenting Blog of the Year Contest sponsored by Virginia-based uKnowKids.com, the software company that helps parents monitor their children online.

“I created Mommy Masters so moms (and dads) would have a parenting community where they could find unique tips, tricks and tools, Ellis says in her announcement. “It has allowed me to connect with amazing families all over the world who share a common theme. We all want to be the best parent we can be. Some days we are Mommy Masters and others, Mommy Disasters, and we are okay with that.”

-Ellie Hirsch

102114_CRTPost_MommyMasters_TMLogo-with-tagline-300pxFlorida-based Mommy Masters® is a go-to trusted source for Moms and Dads to share parenting experiences, ask questions and generally learn from other Moms and Dads how to be the best parents they can be. The blog site features fresh posts, content from “A Dad’s Perspective,” a place to buy children’s music and more.

102114_CRTPost_MommyMaters_CDCoverEllie founded Mommy Masters® in 2010 to help parents create flourishing family environments. She also mentors Mompreneurs and offers a platform for women to share their accomplishments through the Mommy Master of the Month initiative. She released her children’s CD, “Music is Magical, Children’s Songs with Ellie,” to rave reviews, receiving a Parents’ Choice Award.

Ellie is currently working on growing the Mommy Masters brand to include children’s and parenting guide books, television components and interactive activities. She is available for music performances, workshops, guest speaking, personal appearances, consultations, coaching, freelance writing, television appearances, interviews and more. Just drop her at note at  info@mommymasters.com  or call 917-225-0101 with your request.

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Sock It To Me


Funky, fashionable socks for the whole family.

100714_CRTPost_SockItToMe_ChatNoirPortland, OR-based Sock It to Me makes over 200 different sock designs, with something for every personality, whether you’re a man, woman or child. From punk rock to peacock,  PB&J, cats, super heroes, rainbows, lady bugs, butterflies, ninjas, unicorns, monkeys, tacos, mustaches and other things magical – retailing from $9 – $18, the socks are available at more than 2,000 stores worldwide, as well as online at  http://sockittome.com/.

100714_CRTPost_SockItToMe_01Sock It to Me has been making fun, funky sock designs since 2004, striving to make unique, quality products that provide value and top-notch “sock-ness” to sock fans everywhere.

Vote NOW! Sock It To Me’s Very Special 10th Anniversary International Design a Sock of Awesomeness Contest is underway. It’s the contest where anyone, anywhere in the world can submit a sock design for a chance to see their dream sock become a reality.

100714_CRTPost_SockItToMe_LogoThe Grand Prize Winner receives a cash prize of $5,000, their design manufactured on real socks and 15 pairs of awesome Sock It to Me socks from the current line. The second place winner receives $1,000 and 10 pairs of socks and the third place winner will get $500 and five pairs of socks.

Voting for your favorite design has already begun! VOTE NOW!

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eden & zoe


092314_CRTPost_FW LIFESTYLE_GirlBeautiful 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.

092314_CRTPost_FW LIFESTYLE_BoyIn 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!

092314_CRTPost_EDENZOEBABY_01_01View 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.

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Love, Linda


091614_CRTPost_LoveLinda_DanceFashion meets health with kids being the winners.

After working in the entertainment industry for many years, Linda Brukman Brown pursues her love of knitting, selling her own knit designs during her lunch breaks to stores on trendy Melrose and Montana Avenues in Los Angeles, California.

Later, with products in over 150 stores nationwide –and a love of books and book art- Linda decides to re-launch her line as Love, Linda – The Art of Reading, curating unique children’s illustrations by fine artists from all over “to bring their creative imagination into your homes.”

091614_CRTPost_LoveLinda_DogGlassesMade in the USA. The Oak Park, CA-based company, now in their twenty-second year, produces a full line of tees, one pieces and more designed with art from children’s book illustrators such as Mary Jane Begin, Jennifer Goldfinger, Daniel J. Mahoney, Amy Schimler and others. Her newest collection is a line of Allergy Awareness clothing.

091614_CRTPost_LoveLinda_ImDairyFreeImagine walking into a school knowing that about 5.9 million children under the age of 18 have a food allergy such as dairy, egg, peanut, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat and soy. This is the world Linda found herself in when she began to research why she was having bronchial infections and other related illnesses that have plagued her for almost 12 years.  Frustrated that doctor after doctor could not help her, she turned to an Acupuncturist who is trained in both Eastern and Western medicine. The doctor suggested giving up dairy, focusing on other types of food allergies as well, which led to not only immediate relief and subsidence of Linda’s symptoms, she began a quest for information and a passion to give children, especially those too young to advocate for themselves, a way to tell others about their allergies

091614_CRTPost_LoveLinda_Hugs“My hope is that no child or parent will have to fear going to school or a play date and worry that their allergy will turn their day upside down,” Linda says. Her Allergy Awareness collection features kid friendly designs and slogans, as well as a line of stickers to adorn lunch boxes.

 

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Salvage Maria Clothing


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

091814_CRTPost_SalvageMaria_02Salvage 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.

091814_CRTPost_SalvageMaria_01A 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.

091814_CRTPost_SalvageMaria_05“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.'”

J091814_CRTPost_SalvageMaria_04ust 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?

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Rum Punch


091114_CRTPost_RumPunchLife_03Mindfully 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.

091114_CRTPost_RumPunchLife_04Sold 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.

091114_CRTPost_RumPunchLife_05Sybile 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.

091114_CRTPost_RumPunchLife_02And 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.

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Lolly Wolly Doodle


Brandi Tysinger-Temple is sitting with her niece Lolly while setting up an account on eBay to sell her homemade clothing for kids.

090414_CRTPost_LollyWollyDoodle_03“What are you going to call it?” Lolly asks Brandi.

“Well I don’t know, Lolly Wolly Doodle,” Brandi answers using Lolly’s nickname, “what do you think I should call it?”

Right then and there, the two realize they already have a great name! Lolly Wolly Doodle is entered into the eBay form and voila – Brandi’s got herself an account.

That was about six years ago. While Brandi is selling her creations on eBay, she decides to offer them on her Facebook page on a lark – and this is when the business turns into something even more special.

090414_CRTPost_LollyWollyDoodle_01Recently featured on ABC World News, Brandi’s clothing business has grown out of the house and into its own production facility, realizing $11 million in sales a year – and Lolly Wolly Doodle (LWD) has become one of the largest employers in her town, Lexington, North Carolina. “We’ve created jobs for more than 100 people,” Brandi says on her website. “Lexington was once a thriving manufacturing and textile town but now has an unemployment rate of 10.7% (one of the highest in the country), with almost all of the manufacturing work having moved abroad. Creating meaningful work for our great LWD team of people – every one of them with an incredible and often heartbreaking story of their own – has been without a doubt one of the greatest blessings of building this company.”

090414_CRTPost_LollyWollyDoodle_04Lolly Wolly Doodle makes apparel, holiday clothes and accessories for girls, boys, babies, ladies and families – just recently, LWD launched DESIGNEDbyMe, where you have the chance to design your own clothes, made by the LWD team in North Carolina and delivered to you in three weeks.

Some folks say Lolly Wolly Doodle makes the cutest kids clothes on the planet, and I say they’re also making a lot of dreams come true.