blogs about children’s fashion

Culver Cutie Tutu Bags


Tote bags with so much personality, you’ll want to get one just for the fun of it!

031814_CRTPost_CulverCutie_03Macon, GA-based Culver Cutie Boutique makes what owner/founder/designer Shelila Culver calls “Unique & Sassy” tutu bags –tote bags decorated with a darling dance-inspired look and roomy enough to fit any little ballerina’s dance shoes, a change of clothes and all her recital necessities, hair bits and pieces, water and other accessories while providing dancing divas with a show-stopping style at the studio.

Our tutu tote bags are a go-to essential for any young dancer and a favorite of celebrity ‘ballerina’ Suri Cruise, who was recently spotted with our black and hot pink tutu bag.”

031814_CRTPost_CulverCutie_02Made in the USA. Unique & Sassy Tutu Bags and Backpacks come in four different styles, all made from a durable poly/cotton blend fabric, with sturdy handles, ribbon accents, roomy pockets and Tulle tutu/reinforced bottoms. They make perfect one-of-a-kind gifts for birthdays, sleepovers, pageants or ballet/dance class. They are so unique and cute, I’d give them just for fun!

“Our multiple styles let you pick out the perfect tote that expresses her individual style,” Shelila says.

Available at retail stores across the country or directly from the Culver Cutie website at www.culvercutie.com. Boutique volume pricing is available; contact  info@culvercutie.com for details.

Kissy Kissy For Fall ’14


030514_CRTPost_kissykissy-04_resizedThe beloved baby brand launches a new line of pajamas.

Tatiana and Company is the first U.S. company to establish a Peruvian Pima cotton line for children in the U.S. kids market –Kissy Kissy, a wonderful collection of Peruvian Pima cotton layette with a traditional look, and its style and signature designs have set industry standards.

In addition to new themes, Kissy Kissy’s collection for Fall 2014 is launching a new line of pajamas, which feature a snug fit.

030514_CRTPost_kissykissy-03_resized“When you think about a child’s first two years, it’s amazing how much they develop and learn just through common daily sights and interactions. That’s why this season Kissy Kissy is offering a curated selection of prints that celebrate everyday wonders as seen through baby’s curious, impressionable eyes,” says founder and owner Roxana Castillo. “This combined with our ongoing commitment to exceeding moms’ expectations for quality and comfort makes it a very special collection indeed.”

030514_CRTPost_kissykissy-02_resizedTimeless Style, Signature Peruvian Pima Softness. From wardrobe essentials to dressy options, find sweet looks in the Kissy Kissy line; bolder statements from Kissy Kissy’s Qt-Qt; christening apparel in Besos by Kissy Kissy; and embroidered, smocked garments from Kissy Kissy Premier.

For girls, hearts inspire devotion, ballerinas exude grace, sweet treats tempt, animals thrill and delight, and flowers bloom. The line also charms with little extras like ruffle hems and tushies, smocked bodices, scalloped necklines and floral fabric accents. The boys’ prints feature bustling city streets, courageous law officers, far-off planets, frolicking puppies, classic cars and endless construction. Contrast stitching, color blocking, rolled hems, hang-down sleeves, raglan silhouettes and kangaroo pockets provide additional visual interest.

030514_CRTPost_kissykissy-01_resizedFor those looking for unisex options, the line offers neutral creams as well as bold primaries and sunny yellows with animal, toy, teddy bear and sweet pea graphics. Both fabric and pattern mixing up the sophistication level throughout while embroidery details provide a subtle bit of whimsy. Pieces with all-over stripes, dots and stars coordinate with individual groupings while a windowpane check pattern intermixes with several boys’ themes. Silhouettes include rompers, footies, playsuits, pants sets, gowns, A-line dresses, drop-waist dresses, swing tops and bishops bodies. The collection features sumptuous velours, chic knits and quilted textures on cozy hats, cardigans, blankets and buntings. Sizes run from preemie through 4T.

030514_CRTPost_kissykissy-05_resizedKissy Kissy is carried in the finest department stores and specialty boutiques around the world and has a strong celebrity fan base that includes Katie Holmes, Molly Sims, Celine Dion, Salma Hayek, Brooke Shields and Alyson Hannigan.

PoshHer PrepHim Boutique


Personalized fashion and tween accessories for girls, boys -and moms -handcrafted in Texas.

PoshHer PrepHim Boutique is the fashion passion of designer Shernetta McGhee, a mom of three boys and one girl who inspire her classic, charismatic styles. Shernetta is creating thoughtful designs made from superior quality fabric that are Made in the USA, and manufactured responsibly.

010714_PoshHerPrepHimBoutique_02TieDye with a Twist & Twirl. Bright, stylish and playful is what Shernetta had in mind when she set out to create the perfect after-school-fun-dress for her little girl. By combining color and casual, Pretty’s Mart Tie Dye Dresses are a cute, eye-popping addition to any tween girl’s style. “Classic yet charismatic, the originality of each pattern can easily make these dresses the next ‘must haves’ of tween girls fashion,” Shernetta says. Color kissed and hand dyed with a special technique, each dress is made from a comfortable 100% cotton tank top. Touches of glittery heart outlines and sparkles are added for bling. The attached novelty print skirt completes the look –great for hours of twirling! Dresses are available in sizes 2T-10. “Moms rave about how these witty dresses can be worn with leggings, which makes them hard to grow out of,” she adds. “Very versatile, and functional!” To get a fabulous trendy twist on tie dye classics and posh accessories for girls, visit The Pretty’s Mart at www.poshprepkids.com.

010714_PoshHerPoshHimBoutique_01Classy Meets Cool for Boys. Shernetta’s new line for boys, ForCHOE lets little gentlemen show off their strong muscles -and minds- with designs that promote a positive image and attitude for young males in rough cities. ForCHOE  transforms the plain cotton tank top into “stylish custom, preppy pieces with an urban flair!” Each shirt is embellished with real, one-of-a-kind necktie shoulder straps for a sophisticated, hip look. Wear with jeans, slacks, khakis or shorts, these tanks are versatile, cool and comfortable for boys sizes 2T to 10. View the entire ForCHOE boys gallery coming soon at www.poshprepkids.com.

BambiniWare


121713_BambiniWare_01Mompreneur brings new line of innovative gear for mommies + babies to star-studded pre-Golden Globes event.

Launched in October 2013 by Washington, D.C.-based attorney-turned-entrepreneur Riche Holmes Grant, BambiniWare™ is a new line of smart, stylish baby products designed to make life with baby easier and even a little more glamorous in the process.

BambiniWare is heading to Hollywood January 10-11, 2014 to exhibit at LA’s exclusive, invitation-only Boom Boom Room Pre Golden Globes gifting suite, which showcases the latest in baby and kids’ gear for celebrity moms and dads.

I am thrilled to showcase our new gear on such a grand stage. I created BambiniWare to provide functional and fashionable solutions to the everyday dilemmas that I faced as a new mom and I’m excited to share our products with celebrity mommies and babies who confront the same challenges.”

-Riche Holmes Grant

121713_BambiniWare_03The Boom Boom Room, considered “Hollywood’s Biggest Night for Famous Tots,” is the first and only all-baby and kids gifting suite during Hollywood’s awards season. Celebrity nursery designer and fashion television personality Jayneoni Moore reached out to Riche shortly after launching BambiniWare to attend this special event.

121713_BambiniWare_02Mommy Designed. Made in the USA. Designer bibs, burp cloths and unique baby gifts feature vibrant, bold colors and modern prints to soft palettes and timeless classics. Sold online and sold exclusively at Daisy Baby in Bethesda, MD, BambiniWare is mommy-designed and tested, features materials that are safe and friendly to babies and is manufactured in the United States.

“For a long time after the birth of my daughter, I felt like I was stuck in a fashion rut because I paid so much attention to her needs that I neglected my own,” Riche says. “The products in BambiniWare’s inaugural Burpa™ line reflect my effort to help other moms tackle the various spills and thrills that babies bring with tools that make sense and look great. Featuring modern prints to timeless classics, we’ve got something to fit every mommy’s style from Hollywood to Hometown, USA.”

  • 121713_BambiniWare_logoChildren’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!

Origami Owl


Have you heard about the 17-year-old entrepreneur who’s three-year-old company is on track to earn $250 million this year?

121213_OrigamiOwl_BellaWhen Isabella Weems was 14 years old, she really wanted a new car. So she spent her time hosting jewelry parties and selling lockets instead of hanging out with her friends.

Now, Bella (as she’s called) not only has a white Jeep she calls Alice, she’s also the founder of a wildly popular custom jewelry business known as Origami Owl.

Who would have thought that my dream of wanting to buy a car for my sixteenth birthday would be the inspiration behind a successful jewelry company?

Origami Owl has thousands of “Independent Designers” who host their own Jewelry Bars® – private parties where they serve up a trendy array of fun jewels directly to shoppers. According to a recent article in Forbes, there’s about 50,000 of these independent designers. That’s a lot of parties!

We tell stories with jewelry.

The company has several branded jewelry lines. The signature Living Lockets® collection gives the wearer a chance to add personality to their jewels with charms, lockets, dangles and chains. Tagged™ is Made in the USA and combines fine pewter tags sporting special words with little charms on a chain, creating a statement about who you are and what you believe in.

121213_OrigamiOwl_01Originally, Bella started her locket business with about $700, selling at house parties and boutiques before she set up a mall kiosk near her Arizona home. The company is an all-in-the-family-type affair; Bella’s mom Chrissy helped her develop the product, while her uncles and aunt help run the business, along with other employees. Origami Owl is developing a new platform to help the independent designers run their business with new tools such as training, webinars, instructional videos as well as a mobile app.

Meanwhile, Bella is still going to high school –and considering college- before taking the reins of her profitable company with both hands.

kate quinn organics


Caring for the Earth and its community without sacrificing fun and style.

121013_katequinnorganics_03Organic children’s clothing company kate quinn organics features stylish organic baby and children’s apparel and layette, bedding and accessories made from 100% certified organic cotton.

121013_katequinnorganics_04I wanted to create a line that encompassed all the wishes and dreams of new parents: the softest, most natural materials to surround your baby, the highest quality design and construction, and most importantly, the hope of a cleaner kinder earth.”

121013_katequinnorganics_06Clean Lines, Modern Styling. The Seattle, WA-based company makes a fun and fresh essentials line available year-round the complements seasonal collections, such as the meadow collection. Kate Quinn is the mind behind the eight-year-old brand, which grew from Kate’s original Earth Organics Baby Basics line. She’s inspired by nature, the world we live in and her own children, of course! “I strive to make clothing that allows movement but has a sophistication to it that these little ones deserve,” she says.

121013_katequinnorganics_02Well done, Kate!

Find kate quinn organics in boutiques across the U.S., Nordstrom, Von Maur, Back Country and online. Wholesale available.

Oh la la… y Olé!


Introducing a brand new online boutique, straight from the heart of España.

112013_OhlalayOle_adIt’s been about a month since new e-commerce site Oh la la…y Olé! (www.ohlalayole.com) opened for business, and to celebrate –the shop owners are offering a 10% discount on all orders placed by November 30! Just in time to beat the holiday shopping crowds.

112013_OhlalayOle_04Based in Valencia, Spain, Oh la la… y Olé! carries European designer baby and childrenswear for kids aged eight and younger -from some of the most popular, trendy and stylish Spanish brands.

Our commitment is to introduce to our clients unique, beautiful, practical, trendy clothes. We work only with brands that we know and buy for our own children. We believe that the kind of clothing we sell in our online boutique helps our kids look unique and express their own personality.

112013_OhlalayOle_05International Shipping. Low Rates. The folks at Oh la la… y Olé! are committed to making your shopping experience as easy and as delightful as possible, especially for all the Moms and Dads who are normally time challenged! “We believe that all our efforts will definitely help them to find and purchase for their children great quality products at a good price, enjoying online shopping from the comfort of their home.”

  • 112013_OhlalayOle_01Children’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!

Tortle


With more than a million babies each year being diagnosed with Flathead Syndrome in the USA alone, Tortle is an essential item that we hope will be on every expectant parent’s buy buy BABY registry list.

-Dr. Jane Scott, inventor and Mom

Almost 1 in Every 2 Babies. Since 1992, the incidence of Flathead Syndrome has increased to epidemic proportions. It can occur due to a baby’s lack of movement, or the amount of time infants spend on their back –the best position for a baby to rest.

If left untreated, Flathead Syndrome can cause long-standing physical issues for a child, and the expensive treatment can be somewhat uncomfortable.

100313_Tortle_02Almost 100% Preventable. Denver, CO-based Tortle Products makes a lightweight knit beanie that provides parents with a cost effective and simple solution to prevent Flathead Syndrome.

Developed by board certified Pediatrician and Neonatologist Dr. Jane Scott, the Tortle beanie is an FDA-cleared patented Class 1 medical device that promotes proper head and neck movement essential for appropriate development.

The stylish Tortle beanie helps prevent and treat early stages of Plagiocephaly (the flattening of the baby’s skull) and Torticollis (unbalanced neck muscles) –known as Flathead Syndrome- by gently repositioning a baby’s head, gently moving it from side to side.

100313_Tortle_01An expert specialist in this field, Dr. Scott has counseled and educated hundreds of  parents to help prevent and treat the many problems associated with Flathead Syndrome during her 30-year practice. Her mission is to prevent Flathead Syndrome all over the world.

The Tortle is now available in more than 16 buybuy BABY locations across the country.

  • Thanks Hilary Abbott Communications, for introducing me! 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!

Merle & Velma


Shut the front door! This is the Best. Blanket. Ever.”

– Amber, happy customer

100113_merleandvelma_02A fresh look for classic, American-made, personalized keepsakes.

Merle and Velma are two very special ladies.

They’re the kind of women who could get more done before noon, and then some … who could light up a room with just a smile, who made dolls and hearty wholesome meals by hand –and made their families feel a certain warm and fuzzy, called trademarked grandma love.

100113_merleandvelma_04These ladies inspired wife, mother, artist and entrepreneur Michelle to start a business named in their honor: Merle & Velma. Together with her mother-in-law Holly, she puts a modern twist on the traditional keepsakes her grandmothers Merle and Velma loved to create for family and friends, personalized for pleasure.

We’d like to think Merle & Velma would be proud to show off our keepsakes to the ladies in their sewing circle. We hope you will, too.

100113_merleandvelma_03Made in the USA.  Merle & Velma keepsake blankets, pillows and t-shirts that are made with 100% organic fabric, printed with non-toxic water based dyes and Made in the USA, with love.

Beautiful Birth Stories. Michelle’s graphic, modern designs tell the bold, beautiful birth stories of your own children, grandchildren or that special kid in your life. And Michelle is planning to add more birth story designs, as well as a line for weddings, engagements and housewarmings.

100113_merleandvelma_05Yep, Merle & Velma would be proud, indeed!

Measuring Up App & Book


When shopping for children’s clothes, measure twice, buy once … and leave the children at home?!

092513_MeasuringUpApp_ImageLauri Chertok has a good thing going.

The Chestnut Hill, MA native who pursued a fabulous fashion career in New York is now a consultant to Moms who want to excel in the fine art of shopping for their children’s clothing.

Call A Babysitter! Lauri is the creator of the successful Measuring Up App for Apple® iPhone and iPad, a nifty shopping app that’s portable enough to use whether you’re in a store, flipping through catalogs or browsing online.

092513_MeasuringUpApp_BookShe’s also the author of a new book, Measuring Up: Buying Clothes that Fit. In it, she puts her 25+ years of experience in the fashion industry to work for you, with a simple, three-step guide that gives you the measurements you need to bring home clothes that fit –without any dressing room temper tantrums and youthful meltdowns. Why? Because you’re kids can stay home.

I want everyone who clothes shops for kids to buy this time-saving app. It will make shopping fun, stress-less and totally doable.

Two-Fisted Ease. While the Measuring Up book includes helpful inventory pages to track your child’s wardrobe for what they’ll need each season, the Measuring Up app lets you email measurements directly to anyone who may need to know them –like grandma, who’s buying a present –or knitting a sweater- for their grandchild (There’s also an automatic conversion function, so she can shop when traveling abroad!).

Whether you use the app, the book or both, Lauri’s easy measurement instructions and accurate storage takes the stress out of shopping.

And they work for grownups, too!

That’s right! Lauri’s thought of everything. As she says, she’ll always be obsessed with fashion, art, good behavior and proper fit.

Learn more about the app and the book by visiting the Measuring Up App website. While you’re there, check out Lauri’s blog, Measuring Up Maven, for her current tips and tales about kids, their parents, children’s fashion and more.