children’s retail blogs

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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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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.

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TrailHoppers by Cozey7


Introducing the first performance blanket for your little explorer.

090214_CRTPost_TrailHopper_08Perfect for an Errand or Adventure. In a world of multitasking, everyone could use an extra hand – especially parents. TrailHoppers are a hands-free way to keep your little ones bundled up, cozy-warm, while you walk the dog, carry the diaper bag or push a sibling on a swing. Made from warm, breathable, recycled Polartec,® TrailHoppers are an extra layer to keep the chill away, but they don’t blow away or get run over by the stroller! TrailHoppers integrate with all baby gear and fit between the buckles of car seats, strollers, backpacks, front packs and swaddlers, plus kids can wear them over a diaper or snowsuit.

090214_CRTPost_TrailHopper_05Jill Winckler, a mom from Colorado and founder of Cozey7®, found that a regular blanket requires both hands free to keep little ones’ legs and toes covered while out running errands or enjoying a hike in nature. It’s easy to keep them cozy with a sweater, hoodie or jacket, but legs and toes stay cold. So Jill invented this functional blanket that’s easy for parents to use and even easier for kids to wear.

“TrailHoppers are made for life with the wee set. Whether you’re running errands, bopping around the zoo or kickin’ it on a new trail, this blanket keeps your hands free and gives you peace of mind that your little explorer will be ‘cozey’ and stay tucked all day, down to their toes.”

090214_CRTPost_TrailHopper_02Super Convenient. TrailHoppers’ Polartec® fabric is produced in the U.S. and is the highest quality fleece. The Denier spandex trim has an unbelievable feel and is quick drying, keeping little explorers’ chins from getting chaffed and soggy. The zipper’s anti-jam system makes it easy to zip’em up and off you go. The easy open-toe flap saves you from back-tracking to find a lost sock or shoe or opens to let kids explore.

Made in the USA. “Bringing apparel manufacturing back to the U.S. is a big issue,” Jill says. “A few years back our designers left the U.S. for cheap labor. Young and old were exploited in the factories overseas and at the end of the day, it’s not the best practice. At Cozey7, we have sourced our materials in the U.S. and are manufacturing the TrailHoppers right in Colorado. This has given us the opportunity to build a strong relationship with our manufacturer and see that the production crew is compensated fairly and has a safe work environment.”

Available in a modern array of colors, TrailHoppers are suited for newborns and children up to two years of age. To see the blankets on active toddlers, look through Cozey7’s online picture gallery or Facebook page. Buy on the website or select specialty stores.

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Sniffie Clippies from Sweet Julep’s


082814_CRTPost_SniffieClippies_03Innovative hair confections, each with a fun fragrance.

From popular couture hair accessories brand Sweet Julep’s come Sniffie Clippies, scented hair clips, bands and bows, plus bracelets and necklaces with a unique, fun fragrance that will last up to 12 months, then slowly dissipate. Each Sniffie is individually packaged in cello wrap and given a fragrance name. Recent additions are mango, passion fruit and kiwi.

082814_CRTPost_SniffieClippies_04Made in the USA. Creator/designer Alice Hardin, a former Hollywood nanny, originally opened for business as Ruby’s Closet, before changing the name to Sweet Julep’s in 2012. Alice’s hair accessories have a “no-slip” interior called Silly Grip, made from the same material as baby bottle nipples and proven to out-perform all other types of grip. Each design is made with components that are held to high safety standards and are environmentally friendly. Wholesale available.

082814_CRTPost_SniffieClippies_05Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

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Shirts That Go


082614_CRTPost_ShirtsThatGo_05Vehicle & transportation inspired t-shirts for kids and toddlers.

Bold. Graphic. Realistic. Shirts That Go are designed for kids in motion! A huge hit with toddler boys who love anything transportation or construction related, Shirts That Go can also inspire little girls who have a need for speed!

From the airport to the highway, the construction site to the farm, the railway and even into space – Shirts That Go has ’em. Recent additions are military vehicles and a line of emergency / fire & rescue vehicles, too.

082614_CRTPost_ShirtsThatGo_03Made in the USA. Shirts That Go come in short or long sleeves (from American Apparel) and are made from soft, comfortable cotton. Owner Nick is a Dad who was challenged to find cool vehicle themed t-shirts for his kids, so he decides to create his own line of tees almost four years ago. He currently has over 32 designs, with new ones added on a regular basis. “You will see in our line that the vehicles are illustrated with careful eye for every detail,” Nick says. “As a boy what I liked (obsessed over) was the fine detail on various machines -from the pistons and hydraulics on construction type equipment to the tracks and small wheels on a tank, it was the details that captured my interest. I see that same interest in my own kids and others that really like the vehicles.”

082614_CRTPost_ShirtsThatGo_packaging_02Custom Packaging Options. Shirts That Go knows how to package up a birthday surprise, too. In addition to great shirts they have available Included on all orders of 3+ tees are full-color shipping boxes that really wow kids and toddlers. These beautiful boxes not only serve to deliver the gift with style but they often live on as a place for kids to keep collectibles. Even the standard packaging included in the price includes a personalized gift note  that makes it special.

082614_CRTPost_ShirtsThatGo_packagingEven big kids will be impressed!

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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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PishPoshBaby


20130513 Keeping Track of Baby Habits BInfographic brought to you by PishPoshBaby, one of the most popular online baby shops for baby gear, offering not only high-quality merchandise, but facts and advice, along with the right choice, to parents everywhere. PishPoshBaby utilizes Mom Reps – Moms, just like many of you- who help the retailer assist with this special stage of life. Along with personal, live experience comes professional service, immediate shipping, up-to-date inventory and the security of knowing that your purchase is backed by PishPoshBaby’s Satisfaction Guarantee.

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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.

Uglydoll Makes Headlines


Thirteen is a lucky number for Uglydoll and 2014 is a very good year!

As Comic-Con opens in San Diego, CA today – be sure to visit Uglydoll … because there’s a whole lot of exciting things going on in their world these days.

072314_CRTPost_Uglydoll_GraphicNovelAs David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim announced earlier this year that they were heading to their new Asia headquarters in South Korea, home of their flagship Uglydoll retail store in Seoul, the company has been making headlines for itself ever since. In addition to expanding its retail presence and licensing program throughout Korea, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, the Philippines and beyond, Pretty Ugly™, LLC, parent company of the award-winning Uglydoll® brand based in Green Brook, New Jersey, granted license to Howard Keys to produce keys, key chains and lanyards in North America, Canada and selected International Territories, announced a partnership with Fetch…for pets!, a leading manufacturer of pet products in North America, and débuted the latest original graphic novel release from San Francisco, CA-based VIZ Media’s Perfect Square imprint, Uglydoll: My Hero? The novel features 10 full-color stories by  veteran Uuglydoll writer and artists Travis Nichols, Ian McGinty and Phillip Jacobson, with help from Sun-Min Kim, Theo Ellsworth, renowned pop culture artist/writer Junko Mizuno, and two talented design teams from Japan -Mad Barbarians and Devilrobots.

And there’s more … as I say, Uglydoll’s 13th year is a very lucky one!

072314_CRTPost_Uglydoll_StarTrekIn June 2014 alone, David and Sun-Min’s company strikes these fabulous deals:

  • caseable is now licensee for the latest global line of fun and collectible soft and hard cases designed for tablets, smartphones and laptops, distributed through caseable channels and its partner Hewlett-Packard
  • A collaboration with CBS Consumer Products on the iconic Star Trek™ characters, set to launch in 2015. Products include Wage™ as Captain James T. Kirk, Ox™ as first officer Spock™, Ice-Bat™ as chief engineer Scotty, Babo™ as Doctor McCoy and Tray™ as communications officer Uhura
  • A new partnership with Chasing Fireflies to create an exclusive line of costumes for release in 2015
  • 072314_CRTPost_Uglydoll_WizardOfOzA co-branded collaboration with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to create plus based on The Wizard of Oz™ and fan-favorite Uglydoll characters, Moxy™, Wage™, Jeero™, Babo™ and OX™ to follow along the Yellow Brick Road.

Being different and unique is what Uglydoll™ is all about!

Just this month, Uglydoll announces a groundbreaking partnership with 3D Printing innovator MakerBot on collectibles featuring four of the most popular characters, Babo™, Wage™, Ice-Bat™ and Ox™, which can now be 3D printed on MakerBot® Replicator® Desktop 3D Printers. “Taking Uglydoll into the world of 3D printing seems like a natural extension for our Uglydoll characters,” David says. “Sun-Min and I have been fans of 3D printing for a while and we are excited to be working with MakerBot on bringing our characters to life in a whole different 3D world.”

072314_CRTPost_Uglydoll_3DPrintingThe first wave of characters are in T-pose format, designed to be 3D printed and fully poseable; the second wave are Uglydoll characters in a dynamic stance, posed to enjoy the real world of their owner. A third wave include a 3D printable Uglydoll bus that takes miniature Uglydoll characters on a fun-filled summer vacation; and a fourth wave are 3D printable environments for the 3D printed Uglydoll characters to live in. Jenny Lawton, president of MakerBot and a huge Uglydoll fan, says, “The story behind the creation of the Uglydoll characters by David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim showcase how creativity can positively impact lives. We love the fun, light-hearted stories behind the Uglydoll characters and hope that they will help inspire a whole new generation of makers with their 3D printed adventures.”

How cool is that?