Children’s Retail Today

Shine On with Little Trendstar


In one of my other lives, I produced marketing campaigns for Xena: Warrior Princess, creating the much-loved, often-repeated tagline, Battle On!

And if you know anything about Xena and her passion, you know that’s exactly what she does.

That’s the thing about taglines – the good ones are shorthand for the true essence of a brand, capturing the heart as well as the imagination.

So it is with Little Trendstar®, the much-loved (especially celebrity-love!), often-talked-about children’s brand of designer clothing, created for kids and babies to Shine on!

My two little boys inspired me to start Little Trendstar® since they love the spotlight. I wanted to create tees that were worthy of their ‘look at me’ personalities!

-Nicole Worth

Demand a Second Look. Owner Nicole Worth and her team are creating t-shirts and baby one-pieces made from 100% cotton, and the look-at-me graphic designs are printed with non-toxic, water-based inks that contain no phthalates or PVC. Part style icon, part rock n’ roll and all trendy, the designs let kids capture the spotlight –as they so love to do- with fun and fashionable clothes that are as “stage-worthy as their one-of-a-kind personalities.”

What kids will do with all this attention is up to them, but making them shine while wearing our tees is us saying be a Little Trendstar®!

Made in the USA. Not only is Little Trendstar Made in the USA, so is the creative inspiration. In addition to being a mom of two boys, Nicole is co-owner of Michigan-based Formcode Design Group, which creates graphic and website design.

In April, photographer AJ Mueller and his team at Streetview Productions hand-built a stage backdrop for the Little Trendstar Spring/Summer collection photo shoot. “We added just enough star quality to really give off a rock concert vibe,” Nicole writes on her blog. The models did a fantastic job performing and letting their inner rock star shine.”

See what Gwen Stefani, Tori Spelling, Kate Hudson -their celebrity kids- and a gaggle of hip mommy bloggers are talking about! Thank you, Rachel Florio PR, for introducing me to Little Trendstar.

  • 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!

Super Shopping Experience for Children’s Shop Owners


Children’s wear companies looking for a prime go-to destination for doing business are heading to 34 West 33rd Street in New York City.

Roseann Yarusi, president of The Rose Garden, moved into Suite 1224 in 2009. She’s thrilled with her showroom – and her customers love it, too.

This building already has a strong group of reps as well as children’s wear manufacturers. The convenience of not having to run all over the city is very important to our buyers. So now, more than ever, it’s a huge benefit to have as many reps and manufactures under one roof.

The Rose Garden Look. Roseann started The Rose Garden “to celebrate her love for all things fabulous,” offering children’s brands seen in Saks, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Barney’s, Neiman Marcus, Lester’s and many high-end specialty boutiques. She calls it “The Rose Garden look” – and a children’s shop or department gets it by carrying the kind of merchandise that kids love, such as Bows With Bling, Cach Cach, Hollyword, Kid CuteTure, MonCheri By Joan Calabrese, Signorelli, Twirls and Twigs, Warrior Poet and more.

Convenient and Comfortable. Located in the heart of New York’s Garment District, 34 West 33rd Street has been marketed specifically to the children’s wear companies for about four years now by owner-manager Adams & Company Real Estate LLC. Currently the third, ninth and twelfth floors, all with multiple showrooms, house children’s wear companies exclusively. Of the 30 or so Adams & Co. properties in Manhattan, 16 are niche locations like 34 West 33rd. The building spans the block, through to West 32nd Street, so many of the showrooms take advantage of the natural light shining in from the large windows, making it a pleasant experience for both the showroom personnel and their clients, too.

So if you are a children’s shop owner heading into the city on a shopping spree, why not visit Roseann Yarusi and other children’s wear companies at 34 West 33rd Street? You’ll be glad you did!

  • 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!

Wearable Memories of Lemon Loves Lime


Known for innovative appliqués, sophisticated color combinations and ruff-fully goodness, Lemon Loves Lime is inspired by love!

Lemon Loves Lime is a wonderfully whimsical girls collection from Joy Cha (even her name is lovely), created for every mother to express her unconditional love and devotion for their daughters. “Each piece from the Lemon Loves Lime collection is wonderfully unique and resembles cherished memories of our daughters’ childhood that we hold dear in our hearts,” Joy says, “their exuberant smiles and laughs of happiness, their tears of sadness and fright, their innocent curiosity and wonder of the world before them, as well as their playful mischief.”

Joy’s designs come to life thanks to women who are masters of their craft, and share her passion for the story behind each piece.

Joy recently launched GNU Brand, a unique clothing line for boys inspired by quality and comfort. Creative designs for t-shirts, shorts, and infant one-pieces are constructed from durable fabrics and color combinations with the same sensibility as Lemon Loves Lime.

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!

Mutsy’s Newest Rubber Baby Buggy Bumper


Big News! Check out Mutsy’s all new website!

Netherlands-based stroller company introduces its latest innovation for “baby transport.”

The lightweight and stylish EVO is a combi-buggy with an ingenious baby mobility choice. From Mutsy, recognized for its modernistic stroller designs and distinctive modular construction, EVO offers parents and caregivers outstanding ease of operation at an affordable price.

First a maker of traditional style prams, Mutsy moved into aesthetically beautiful and technologically advanced stroller designs featuring a distinctive modular system, from birth to early childhood products that include strollers, high chairs, booster seats, a baby rocker, baby essentials and accessories.

Mutsy’s signature style shines in the compact and simply designed EVO. The very versatile stroller seat can face front or back, and is easily reclined with a one hand to a full lay down flat position. A uniquely designed footrest with fabric can be attached to the front bumper bar to create a safe and completely cosseted enclosure for younger babies when the backrest is fully reclined.

Designed to be exceptionally easy to push as well as maneuver, EVO is easy to fold without the need to remove the seat, and extremely compact when closed.  Other features include a height adjustable leatherette handle, swivel/lock system on front wheels, extendable hood with mesh panel, easily accessible and very large shopping basket, a carrying handle and flip down sun shade.

Mutsy USA offices are located in Chester, NJ. View an animated piece featuring the story of EVO here http://on.fb.me/L2Ue6j.

  • 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!

Livie & Luca – Spreading Joy!


Popular footwear brand stays true to a mission to “tread lightly” on the environment and to give back whenever possible.

Those who dreamed up the Livie & Luca footwear line like to say if one of their shoes could whisper in your ear it would say, “Spread Joy!” This company responsibly sources and ensures their factories offer ideal working conditions and fair wages. Each month, they donate 10% of their online profits to a worthy charity and regularly donate shoes to local children’s hospitals and overseas relief efforts.

Watch a fun video featuring the Spring/Summer collection here!

Fresh New Designs. The current Spring/Summer collection draws inspiration from the moon and stars. Co-founder and designer Mitzi Rivas was inspired by the open sky, the planets and the feeling of floating. New designs include the cloud-accented Dawn, starry Nova and rocket ship Juno styles. At the suggestion of customers and after numerous fittings, Livie & Luca’s shoes have a new custom tailored fit, and this includes the expanded baby shoe collection.

Additional new styles include the Flutter butterfly sandals, Boa sandals with a subtle snake detail and the scallop-edged Ivy sandals. Classic styles are given a new twist with bold colors, including the light blue Pio Pios with red bird accents, the shimmery red Celestinas and the teal Barcelonas.

For Big Girls, Too. The Nola ballet flats for women are available in an earthy, sustainable jute -a great neutral- and a rich red for added intrigue. Designed to complement the Fun Dots in jute and the Ruche in red styles for children, the Nolas are a hip alternative to traditional mommy-and-me styles.

For customers seeking an animal product-free alternative, the striped Ferris shoes are 100% vegan and come in nature-inspired colors and playful prints- bark, bamboo and navy for boys, and flora and kiku for girls. Made of breathable fabric and featuring a flexible sole, these comfortable, lightweight shoes are perfect for playtime.

 

  • 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!

UV 50+ Ultra-hip SwimZip


Swim shirts with SPF 50+ and a full length zipper make sun protection so easy for parents and kids.

The beauty of SwimZip, the new sun protection brand from founder and president Betsy Johnson, is that this cute and fashionable swimwear is so easy to get on and off, it’s no longer a hassle to get the very best in sun protection for your child. And this beauty battles a beast: those super-harmful UV rays.

SwimZip is an easy-on, easy-off UV 50+ protective swim shirt for children, featuring a full front zipper, no-pinch zipper flap, sewn-in protective collar, tagless neck and flat seams for comfort. Oh, and did I forget to mention that SwimZip’s material is chlorine resistant? It is.

My #1 goal is to keep children safe from the sun by getting a SwimZip into every child’s household around the world!

The new 2012 collection is inspired by Betsy’s honeymoon last summer. “My husband and I vacationed on the island Moorea, right off Tahiti,” she tells me. “We spent hours on the beach, snorkeling and kayaking around the lagoon. I fell in love with the rich colors of the green trees and mountains, the multicolored blues of water, the reds and purples of the coral reef. I knew that the new SwimZip colors would have to be as rich and powerful as the colors I saw on our honeymoon.” And indeed, they are.

Swimwear All Day Long. Betsy also decided to include matching bottoms for 2012. “I knew parents loved having matching bottoms and tops for swimsuits, so I’ve made SwimZip a swimwear outfit kids can wear all day long.”

When Betsy was 26, she was diagnosed with skin cancer, after years of playing outdoors while growing up in Kansas. “Just one significant sunburn as a child can have long term effects,” she says. “I wish I would have listened to my Mom back then and lathered up with sunscreen.” Now, Betsy has made it a priority to educate children and parents about the dangers of UV rays.  She offers information about UV awareness on the SwimZip website, too.

Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah. The original idea for SwimZip swimwear came with a complaint. Yep – Betsy’s brother was always complaining his daughter Maryella hated taking on and off her swim shirt just as much as she hated having sunscreen applied to her body. So … “With a pair of scissors, I cut Maryella’s swim shirt down the front and fastened it back together with safety pins,” she says. “All of a sudden, the shirt was a breeze to take on and off.  In fact, Maryella could do it herself.” (Cool name, don’t you think?) Thanks, bro – for inspiring Betsy to turn those safety pins into easy-peasie zippers.

SwimZip perfectly blends my loves of fashion, function, health, and kids.

  • 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!

Charming, Vintage Maisonnette Children’s Clothing


People are talking about the delightful Maisonnette clothing line, thanks in part to Rachel Florio PR. And with good reason!

The three-year-old Maisonnette brand began as a boutique by Ava, Natalie and Madeline Warr. It quickly transformed into charming clothing collection for girls and boys, size 6M- 7. Designed by Madeline and Ava, the vintage-classic, modern pieces made with inspired fabric combinations burst with color and uniqueness –and a little European style. The girls recently débuted the Fall 2012 line at ENK Children’s Club to rave reviews.

Children love Maisonnette clothing for the look and comfort. Parents love the clothing because it can be worn from the park to the party!

Made in the USA. Maisonnette clothing is designed and made in Oceanside, CA with what they call “an edgy twist to each piece.” Madeline and Ava personally choose the finest fabrics for their unique designs, transforming each into a work of art.

French Flair. “Maisonnette” is a French word meaning a small house or self-contained apartment in a larger house. The same is true of the Warr’s lovely studio. Located in a black and white 1924 cottage, Maisonnette shares space with Natalie, who is the company’s photographer. Natalie owns and operates Natalie Jennette Photography, specializing in infant, family, wedding as well as commercial photography.

  • 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!

Alphabetown USA Launches New Line of Children’s Books


These books engage young readers to read with fun characters, lively illustrations and worthy life lessons.

North Carolina-based Alphabetown USA creates educational books that help children ages two through eight make sense of the letters in the alphabet and the magical words they create. The books are developed by husband and wife team Ryan and Nicole Mayer and illustrated by artist and family friend Russ Simmons.

With its bright and beautiful illustrations, Alphabetown books are a perfect way to introduce language skills to young children.  We are excited about using these books as part of our curriculum.

-Nancy Whisonart, Trinity Episcopal Preschool, Moorestown, NJ

Titles included in the series from Beaner Books are Where is Ziggy?, Hannah’s Homework and Catena Goes Camping, followed this summer by the introduction of Madison’s Magical Adventure.

The story ideas come from the Mayers’ own children – Ryan and Nicole then write the books. Nicole’s background in psychology and education along with Ryan’s experience as a former law enforcement officer contribute to the couple’s added educational twists.

Reading, and the ability to read, is such a critical part of a child’s development that we wanted to create books that were not only fun for young children, but served as an educational tool for parents and teachers as well.

Prior to its official publication, Where is Ziggy?, the story that kicks off the Alphabetown USA series was made available for use in local elementary schools and eventually was awarded an Honorable Mention at the 2008 NYC Book Festival for Best New Children’s Book.

 The illustrations are eye catching and will attract young learners with their bold colors and interesting adventures.

-Frederick Johnson, Ed.D., principal, Mary E. Roberts Elementary School, Moorestown, NJ

The authors’ children have also influenced Alphabetown USA beyond just story ideas. Socially conscious daughter Hannah inspired her parents to donate a portion of proceeds from each title to charity. Proceeds from the sale of  Where is Ziggy?  help Alex’s Lemonade Stand fight childhood cancer victims,  from Hannah’s Homework benefit McDonald House of Southern New Jersey, and Catena Goes Camping aids Miracle Flights for Kids.

  • 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!