blogs about children’s fashion

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Peek-a-Boo Boutique


“Our shelves are filled with high quality merchandise at a fraction of retail prices!”

080714_CRTPost_Peek-a-Boo_storefrontLocated in Coral Gables, FL, Peek-a-Boo Children’s and Maternity Preloved Boutique is an upscale consignment shop that carries lightly used, top drawer children’s and maternity clothing, kids gear, books, toys, furniture and accessories. Re-sale consignment items are offered at the fairest, market-appraised prices to ensure maximum return on investment for consignors. The store also serves as an outlet center to process overstock and past season items from fabulous boutiques.

080714_CRTPost_Peek-a-Boo_storeSome of Peek-a-Boo’s preloved brands include: Juicy Couture, Ralph Lauren, Gymboree, Gap, Mini Boden, Hartstrings,  Burberry, Janie and Jack, Anavini, Kissy Kissy, Oilily, Tommy Hilfiger, Mad sky, Baby Nay, Nike, Nautica, Guess, Tea, Disney, Zara Baby, H&M and  Mother Goose among other boutique brands. Peek-a-Boo also carries a variety of extraordinary gifts from brands like Moby Wraps, Charm It!, Zirimi Hair Accessories, Toke Shoes, Eeboo, Melissa and Doug, Gund, Pickles and more. Peek-a-Boo is known for an excellent customer service experience, too.

080714_CRTPost_Peek-a-Boo_webAs a former Architectural Project Manager on high-end airport projects, Claudia Baroni traveled the world. While working in Los Angeles, she got inspired by the many consignment boutiques for maternity and children’s clothing, opening the doors of Peek-a-Boo Boutique in the summer of 2010. Now she brings great bargains and quality items to the residents of the Miami area and to the world, through the boutique’s new website,  http://peekaboobtq.com/.

 

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The Beez Kneez Designs


073014_CRTPost_TheBeezKneezDesigns_LogoCustom orders, international shipping.

You can find The Beez Kneez Designs on Facebook – the folks there create a wide variety of custom baby items and infinity scarves, lovingly handmade in Maple Ridge, British Columbia Canada.

Unique, trendy gifts for baby and mom. They are always adding new items to their photo albums, so check back often. If you don’t see what you want, message them with a picture and details – and they’ll make it for you.

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Right now they’ve got FROZEN fabric! Contact for custom orders or questions, message on Facebook or send an e-mail to contactbeezkneez@gmail.com.

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Go Gently Baby


080514_CRTPost_GoGentlyBaby_rompersMade in California with a left coast vibe to match.

Sweet, simple style with a little edge, Go Gently Baby creates Earth-friendly apparel for children made from organic cotton and sustainable fabrics as well as water based inks and low impact dyes. A hit with babies and children, all of Go Gently Baby’s soft jersey clothing is constructed in Los Angeles, CA.

The company’s vision on how to make a difference:

  • Teach your children to love others
  • Be kind to the Earth
  • Go Gently on your journey through life

080514_CRTPost_GoGentlyBaby_sweatshirtsGo Gently Baby uses as many sustainable business practices as possible, including using left-over fabric remnants each season, recycled paper hang tags and bio-degradable garments bags. The company sources the finest organic fabrics, uses certified eco-friendly dyes and water based inks.

View the entire collection at www.gogentlybaby.com.

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The Spunky Stork


072914_CRTPost_SpunkyStork_04Certified organic baby one-pieces and toddler tees that’ll make you smile.

The Spunky Stork is a Florida-based,100% GOTS certified organic clothing company that cleverly designs products and packaging to stand out from the rest.

Charming. Ever-changing designs. Single one-pieces and tees, hand silk-screened to order. Every print differs slightly with its own variations in texture and form.

The folks at The Spunky Stork only use eco-friendly, organic clothing pieces made from 100% GOTS Certified Fair Trade Organic cotton = super soft, environmentally-conscious clothing that makes moms and babies happy. Affordable, too.

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From personalized rompers to gift sets of rompers as well as tees for the parent, sibling and newborn to offering a romper of the month club (where you receive a different romper every month for a year!), The Spunky Stork also has the most creative gift wrapping options – packaging in an adorable white crib or a film reel canister or a fun little box – additions that make your gift extra special and unique.

072914_CRTPost_SpunkyStork_01The creative mind and owner behind The Spunky Stork, Aliya Jiwa quit her job as a hospitality executive and now operates her online organic clothing business in a proper studio. Why kids clothing? Aliya found a niche in the market after shopping for baby shower gifts for all of her friends. She simply couldn’t find adorable unisex items that aren’t covered in pastel-colored teddy bears or that add a little ‘spunk’ to the fashionable kid – so The Spunky Stork was born! Wholesale available, too.

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Eighth Annual Women In Industry Luncheon


K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers, Inc. honors Celeste Gudas, 24 Seven Inc.; Deidre Quinn, Lafayette 148 New York and Patti Buckner, Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers, Inc. is committed to being a change agent in our communities. Working closely with businesses and community organizations is essential to our goal of making a difference in the lives of people in need. We are proud to recognize our honorees who share that vision and congratulate them all on this well-deserved award.

– K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers co-chairman Gary Simmons

K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers, Inc., the newly merged non-profit organization that has provided more than $1 billion in new product donations to individuals and families affected by poverty and tragedy, recognized three top leaders from fashion, real estate and entertainment at the Eighth Annual Women In Industry Luncheon (WIIL) June 3 at The Pierre Hotel in New York.

New York television personality Jessica Abo again served as mistress of ceremonies at the fundraiser event to honor Celeste Gudas, CEO and founder of 24 Seven Inc., a prominent executive search firm; Deidre Quinn, president and co-founder of Lafayette 148 New York, a leading fashion design company; and Patti Buckner, a vice president in the Apparel & Accessories, Licensing Division at Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

As our first major event post-merger, we are very happy to share this historic moment with these three inspirational women who are undeniably leaders in their field,” said “Their stories prove that real success is founded on not only excellence in business or breaking glass ceilings, but also on the kindness and generosity of helping others.”

 -K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers co-chairman Allan Ellinger

 

Photo caption: Honorees Deirdre Quinn, Patti Buckner and Celeste Gudas

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Konfidence


Europe’s leading designer/manufacturer of award-winning premium protective swimwear makes its American début in more than 94 buybuy BABY stores nationwide and online at www.buybuybaby.com.

Now available in America. Founded in 1998 by Andrew Regan, a UK-based doctor and dad of five, Konfidence is designed for healthy, happy, confident kids. The company makes a complete range of award-winning, color-coordinated protective swimwear and accessories for youngsters from birth to seven years. The Konfidence™ collection also extends to UVPF sun protection clothing and wetsuits for children up to the age of 14 years.

Working with experts in the swimming industry, we have created the most comprehensive, dedicated baby and children’s swimwear range available on the market. When dealing with the safety of babies and children in water, it is important that we continue developing our established and much loved products and bring new items to market that parents and caregivers will want to use.”

– International Sales Director Dan Allen

052814_Konfidence_BabywarmaLook for the Babywarma™ Neoprene Swimsuit, specially designed to keep baby warm while in the water while providing 100% UV protection on covered parts. The One-Size Aquanappy Swim Diaper provides superior protection at the beach or pool. Paddler™ Socks are the perfect solution for protecting little feet from hot or cold surfaces, sharp items and more. The Aquaband with Earplugs keeps water out of baby’s ears. The soft, neoprene band acts like a splash guard while the silicone ear plugs provide an extra level of protection. For busy parents, the lightweight Roll & Go™ Babychanger by Konfidence™ makes diaper changes anywhere a breeze. The Warma™ Neoprene Wetsuit is the perfect learn-to-swim gear made from flexible neoprene, providing warmth in and out of the water, while also allowing freedom of movement. Adjustable shoulder straps allow for growth and ensure a snug fit.

052814_Konfidence_USA logo“Whether it’s for baby’s first swimming lesson, a splash around the pool with mom and dad, a beach holiday or children of any age learning to swim, we have the products to make it all an enjoyable experience,” Dan says.

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Bombas Kids Indiegogo Campaign


Bombas are engineered and designed to look better and feel better, with a mission to help those in need.

052114_CRTPost_BombasSocks_LogoBombas men’s/women’s sock collection launched on crowdfunding site Indiegogo in August 2013 and remains the #1 most funded apparel brand in Indigogo history. After listening to feedback from supporters, Bombas once again turns to Indiegogo to bring these amazing socks to the feet of kids everywhere, helping to further their mission –and with just 10 days left, Bomba Socks’ new kid’s collection campaign* is definitely making a run at outperforming the original campaign!

052114_CRTPost_BombasSocks_01The Bombas line of bold athletic-leisure socks are great for kids, with bright color, a comfortable design and promise of a Bombas Growth Guarantee – if kids wear through the socks or they outgrow them within a year, Bombas will send another pair for free!

With the knowledge that socks are the #1 most requested item in homeless shelters, for every pair purchased, Bombas donates a pair to someone in need … that’s 70,000+ pairs to date!

Watch the kid’s campaign video and see how the company set out to rethink an everyday product in a totally advanced way, building them with purpose for athletic performance and designed for extreme leisure.

052114_CRTPost_BombasSocks_BeeBee Better. The word bombas is derived from the Latin word for bumblebee. “Bee Better” is the company’s mantra, stitched inside every pair as a reminder to push harder and be better at your athletic pursuits; that you helped someone in need with your purchase; that we’re all connected and little improvements can add up to make a big difference.

*campaign closes May 30, 2014

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Children’s Retail Today is Five Years Old!


????????????????????????????????????????????????????CRT is the one online publication for anyone with a passion for children’s fashion.

A Decade of Street Cred. As the one & only managing editor of beloved trade publication HUDSON’S Childrenswear Review –on board for its creation in 2005 until the final issue in 2011- I’ve been covering the great children’s fashion stories for 10 years, interviewing dozens of specialty retailers, mass merchandisers, family business owners, manufacturers, designers and decision makers who are leading the way to success in every aspect of the children’s business today.

??????????????????????????????????????????????????????For anyone with a passion for children’s fashion. Launched in 2009 to compliment HUDSON’S editorial, and re-branded as Children’s Retail Today in 2012, I’m celebrating five years of getting the word out about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children to love. I write about fun and functional products, key companies, inspiring designers and important issues affecting not only industry professionals, but consumers as well.

Store owners, manufacturers, designers … mompreneurs & inventors …

Get inspired! Read fresh posts about apparel and footwear collections, product launches, nifty services and best practices to take your business to the next level.

Parents, grandparents … gift-giving aunties, coaches, teachers & friends …

Find the best stuff! Learn about new products and where to buy … better yet, convince your favorite shop to carry your picks!

Children’s Retail Today –CRT for short- showcases what I like to call “adorables” –the most desirable children’s apparel, footwear, accessories, gifts, books, toys, products for parents – and more.

????????The New Look of CRT

Big images, bold color, bright white space –the new look of CRT puts emphasis on what everyone is here to discover: innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. And their parents, too. Simply click the dot icons at the top right for a few plusses like the page menu, secret messages, social links and site search!

Enjoy the moment with me! I’m always looking for cool stuff to tell you about, so contact me about your great idea.

K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers, Inc.


Kids In Distressed Situations and Fashion Delivers merge to better serve people in need.

043014_CRTPost_KIDSFashionDelivers_LogoKids In Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.) and Fashion Delivers Charitable Foundation, Inc., both U.S.-based nonprofits with a global reach, were founded to secure donations of excess new product from manufacturers and retailers to provide relief for people in need. Now, these two organizations have joined forces to create K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers, Inc., with a new website named as a call to action that emphasizes the mission, www.DonateProduct.com.

We are very pleased that the merger is completed, maximizing the benefits of our consolidation with strengthened resources and, most importantly, our ability to serve families, kids and adults in need.

-Co-Chairmen Allan Ellinger and Gary Simmons

K.I.D.S. was founded in 1985 by children’s industry executives, and in 2005 Fashion Delivers was created by adult apparel and home fashions professionals to serve similar purposes.

Moving donations of new apparel, home fashions, toys, books and other items is a huge effort. Cash donations and other financial support help pay for programs, logistics, coordination and transportation costs so that new product reaches the people who need it most. While the organizations’ work in natural disasters has attracted the most attention, fighting poverty is a daily mission. Together, they have delivered over $1 billion of new product and efficiently operate with less than 3% overhead.

Confronting poverty that robs an individual of their dignity. “Roughly 50 million people in the U.S. live in poverty, including seven million families,” Mr. Simmons says. “K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers brings together a diverse network of more than 1,000 community partners and 390 donors throughout the 50 states and the world to distribute donated product. Connecting these local, on-the-ground agencies with donated product given by some of the most recognizable brands in fashion, footwear, toys, home and juvenile product allows us to provide hope and dignity to families and individuals facing these challenges.”

K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers also introduce Joel Newman, former COO of Kenneth Cole and Tommy Hilfiger, as president for an interim period. “Joel has extensive senior management experience in the retail and wholesale industry as well as experience with non-profit organizations,” Mr. Ellinger says. “He will initially concentrate on fine tuning strategy and organizational development and will also participate in the search for a permanent president.”

With the merger of K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers complete, Denise Durham Williams, former Executive Director of K.I.D.S., has resigned to pursue other opportunities in direct-service nonprofit work. “We want to thank Denise for her efforts, particularly her work on the merger. We wish her every success in her future endeavors,” says Mr. Ellinger.

KidStyleSource.com


Two websites in one, for savvy kids fashion shoppers of all kinds!

Kindred Spirit. Whether you’re a style-minded shopping parent or a fashion-forward retail buyer, KidStyleSource.com is a fabulous online find – one after my own heart. The entire site features the latest news in apparel, accessories and furnishings for infants through tweens, organized for the shopping public as well as for professionals in the children’s product industry.

041614_CRTPost_KidStyleSource_webpageThe brainchild of editorial director Tracy Mitchell, who has covered the children’s market in various editorial roles at Fairchild Publication’s Children’s Business magazine for almost 20 years, KidStyleSource.com features breaking collections, undiscovered designers, emerging labels and familiar brands –for both parents and professionals- presented in a grown-up, insider-type way.

As an industry insider, KidStyleSource surveys the market and tracks down the trends as they develop. And more importantly, we’re known for presenting those trends in a meaningful way that we believe enhances the retailers’ shopping experience. Translating this curated approach from online to the show floor is designed to take the retail buying experience to the next level.”

-Tracy Mitchell

Comprehensive Coverage. The site also features merchandise by trends and by categories in easy-to-navigate sections. The style showcase ranges in price “from mass to class,” which makes visiting a great shopping experience.

Fashion director Lynda M. Johnson is a fashion journalist and stylist with 28 years of experience working for both trade and consumer publications and leads the fashion resourcing efforts for the KidStyleSource, among other things.

A division of Style Source media LLC, the six-year-old KidStyleSource.com is a unique destination for both parents and industry executives to find great fashion stories.