Celebrating 10 Years of Tea

Inspired by the beauty of all the world surrounding us, is a company that believes their people are its soul, the heart of the brand.

We’re Tea. We go there. Across the globe. And across the street. Turning our experiences into original children’s clothing of unique beauty, modern style and easy comfort. Come along with us. And definitely bring your kids.

It’s hard to believe it’s been just 10 years since two world travelers started Tea in San Francisco, CA USA with three pima cotton baby sweaters and a global aesthetic for designing distinctive fashion for children, ages 0-12. The women’s collection of “easy-going, culturally-connected styles designed to fit your life” was launched in the fall of 2010.

The brand name is inspired by the tradition of drinking tea, shared throughout the world in nearly every culture. Taking it even further, Tea employees receive an annual allowance to use toward international travel; thus, each season’s destination inspiration. “We immerse ourselves in the culture to learn about local textiles, colors, architecture, aesthetics and design practices,” they say on their website. “We explore, we discover, we sketch, we take tons of pictures (video too). We come home – enlivened by the experience, ideas flowing, and ready to jump into the journey of creation.”

The Spring/Summer 2012 destination inspiration is Bali –a world full of happiness.

Co-founders, Emily Meyer, chief creative officer, and CEO Leigh Rawdon bring together Emily’s extensive background in fashion and Leigh’s entrepreneurial spirit in a company ranked on the Inc Magazine list of fastest growing private companies five years in a row. Tea not only gives us remarkably beautiful fashion, but gives back to the world through its work with The Global Fund for Children.

Very Tea, indeed.

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!

Casual, Comfortable Native Shoes

Footwear for the future – designed for anybody, anywhere, anytime.

Vancouver, BC-based Native Shoes hit the streets three years ago with a good-looking, trendy line of footwear that molds to feet, is lightweight, washable and odor resistant –a fantastic combination, especially for kids.

The company launched the Native Kids collection in Fall 2010, modeled after popular adult silhouettes Miller, Jefferson and Corrado. Made from the same unique foam-injection molded EVA, the kids collection is also free of animal by-products, waterproof, washable, shock absorbent and odor resistant –using the company’s low energy emissions manufacturing process and zero waste injected molds. Cool.

For the Spring 2012 season, Native Shoes collaborated with The Jim Henson Company on the kids collection look book, which features two stars from Fraggle Rock. Company reps tell me, “Fraggle Rock characters have a special place in the hearts of many young, stylish parents who grew up watching the show. Red Fraggle and Travelling Matt, not only target both parents and kids this season, but also fits into Native’s brand ideology of ‘Futuristic Nostalgia’ perfectly: designs for the future, connected with the past.”

Inspired by classic, casual silhouettes and everything we’ve ever loved about shoe design, the Native aesthetic results in shoes that are easy to wear and great to look at.

Sold everywhere from North America to the Middle East, you can also get your Natives online at Zappos.com, among other e-tailers. I’m thinking about getting myself a pair, actually -they look sooo comfortable.

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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!

Subscription Programs Transform into Fashionable Trend

Monthly subscription programs are a popular way for members to shop products and services at a significant savings.

Everyone loves to be part of something exclusive, which is another way subscription programs have become so popular. From diaper services to high-end shopping clubs, who doesn’t enjoy a customized experience?

Naomi Catalina found this out when she was six months pregnant. While preparing for the birth, she quickly became an expert on not only the best of baby essentials, but what makes a great shower gift, too. Her own baby showers were so special to her that she simply had to act on the special-ness. “I was left with an overwhelming feeling of wanting to make my own contribution to this special time in a woman’s life,” she says.

Wordsation strives to curate artwork from artists who share in our excitement for creating designer baby fashion for your tiny treasure.

Naomi co-founded Wordsation, a recently launched and totally inspired way of offering baby fashion. “We find artists from around the world to create original artwork for our decorated baby apparel,” she says. “We feature new designs every month, available individually or as a year-long subscription as baby grows.”

The exclusive designs adorn one-piece rompers made from 100% cotton rib knit with three reinforced snap closures. Artists with an eye for child-friendly design are selected to take these ordinary clothes and make them extraordinary.

The Wordsation Subscription. Perfect as baby gifts, the Wordsation subscription delivers their exclusive apparel over the course of the first year of baby’s life, decorated with original designs from talented artists Katherine Streeter, Annie Wilkinson, Joel Nakamura and others – how’s that for ooh’s and aah’s? Thank you, Rachel Florio PR, for introducing me to Wordsation.

Members of subscription programs not only enjoy exclusive products, they can do so at huge savings, too. This past March 1, I introduced you to popular children’s accessories brand Itzy Bitzy Designs’ Klippie Klub, a kit-of-the-month subscription program where members receive a themed kit containing exclusive, newly released hair clips- and enjoy a 70% savings off retail.

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!

Jefferies Socks Loved by Children’s Retailers Everywhere

Jefferies Socks has been a leading manufacturer of socks and tights for 75 years.

The Burlington, NC-based company expanded their product line to include the children’s market in 1962, and now offer everything from basics to fashion for children of all ages.

Our crochet baby bootie collection for baby girls and baby boys are all hand crocheted. They are one of our great sellers.

–Sandra Sullivan, marketing executive for Jefferies Socks

Jefferies is the kind of company that children’s retailers and specialty stores love to do business with. “We bring selection, product expertise, in-store service, quality and prompt delivery to the retailer,” they say. “In addition to our brands, we also offer private label program.” The company also makes socks and tights to wear with school and military uniforms as well as selections for men and women, too.

If you own a children’s store, the Jefferies team makes it easy and fun to buy wholesale, offering online catalogs, a list of showrooms where shop owners can see product, as well as trade show information and online specials. Follow Jefferies Socks on Facebook and Twitter; keep up with company news on Jefferies’ blog, too.

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!

Poofy Pansy Pie Tutus

Introducing The World’s Poofiest Tutus for babies & toddlers.

Celebrity parents like Sarah Michelle Gellar –and her daughter- are loving Pansy Pie tutus …

Our latest Easter collection brings on the bunny like never before. Give your special little one a holiday they will never forget, and photos that you will cherish over and over again.

Danielle Carr is the designer behind Pansy Pie, a St. Louis, MO-based company where she creates not only The World’s Poofiest Tutus, but tutu outfits, custom orders, leg warmers, and tutu tutorials to make your own boutique-quality fashions. “My tutus and tutu outfits are designed and created with lots of love,” she says. “I use only the highest quality products in my creations and strive to make the best product for customers.”

Handmade in the USA. Pansy Pie tutus are hand-tied in a special way which makes them fantastically full. They’re made from high quality tulle sourced in the United States, too.

Danielle and her company also like to find really unique and fun ways to celebrate any special event, whether it’s a holiday like Easter, or a birthday. Read on for some of them:

Continue reading →

Mermaid Magic

Finally, the first full day of spring is here! What better way to celebrate than to shop for unique finds?

I’ve recently discovered The Spirit of Mermaids, a beautiful accessory line created by Virginia Beach, VA designer Ashley Gillies. The unique starfish barrettes and Bohemian style leather headbands with beads are inspired by the mysteries of the deep blue ocean.

Natural is beautiful, and there is nothing more natural than real starfish.

“The accessories I make embody girls who live for sunny days and salt on their skin,” Ashley says. “My leather beaded headbands can be worn as headbands or necklaces. I wear them both ways. My line of jewelry is laid back and carefree.” Pinned directly to clothing or hats, her creations can be worn year round to truly show off a beachy personality.

Right now, folks who live in the Virginia Beach, VA area can purchase The Spirit of Mermaids merchandise directly from Ashley (email her at thespiritofmermaids@yahoo.com), who plans to offer the line online as well as in stores. Stay tuned!

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!

Special Offer for Children’s Retail Today Readers

As a thank you for following Children’s Retail Today, find out the details of a very special offer.

Now, Children’s Retail Today readers enjoy special savings when shopping AnnieWear, a unique online store offering the best selection of animal-themed baby and toddler clothing and gifts.

What makes AnnieWear so special is that portions of all AnnieWear sales are donated to animal rescue programs around the country. It’s our way of giving back to animals that so desperately need help. And the more we sell, the more we can give.

A portion of the proceeds from every Children’s Retail Today sale will be donated to The Gentle Barn! Located in Santa Clarita, CA, The Gentle Barn rescues, rehabilitates and gives sanctuary to severely abused animals. It’s a place where kids interact with the animals to learn kindness, compassion and confidence.

In addition, you receive a 10% discount at the AnnieWear checkout on your purchase (excludes shipping). Click here for this special promo code – it’s the thank you that gives back!

Shop for unique Easter gifts!

With Easter Sunday fast approaching on April 8 – shop AnnieWear’s Easter gifts section for a fun, animal-themed selection of products perfect enough to make any Easter basket special!

Thanks again. For the 10% discount code PLUS a way to give back to animals in need, click here. And my heartfelt thanks to Pamela Pinta and Laurene Parletore of AnnieWear for making it all happen!

Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (this is a special post!). If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

pediped® footwear Kicking It Up A Notch!

The pediped® Spring/Summer 2012 collection includes more than 75 new styles and color combinations across the Nevada-based footwear company’s three signature lines.

What’s exciting about pediped‘s newest collection? How about a new sole for the Originals® line and an expanded Adventure Line that lets kids enjoy the outdoors in style with footwear featuring a trendsetting color palette of metallic, jewel tones and bright accent colors. With styles ranging from water-safe shoes, gladiator sandals, athletic styles, boat shoes, Mary Janes and more, pediped’s expansive collection includes a shoe for every need and occasion. Here’s a rundown:

Originals®

The Originals® line of soft-soled infant shoes mimics barefoot walking and features a new sole, created based on customer feedback. The sole features a slip resistant diamond tread and is made of all natural high quality leather, just like before. Find out what pediped® parent reviewers had to say about their experience with the improved Originals® sole design by reading real reviews and watching videos here.

Grip ‘n’ Go™

Grip ‘n’ Go™ footwear is made with all the benefits of Originals®, adding special G2 Technology for active toddlers that are transitioning to walking with a more confident stride. With over 15 new styles, the line features metallic sandals, classic Mary Janes and several new athletic styles.

Flex®

pediped Flex® is the ultimate shoe for confident walkers who have developed a solid, natural stride. The Flex line offers more than 60 styles in jewel tones, metallics and bright colors.

The popular Adventure Line of rugged, water-safe, eco-friendly footwear has also expanded with over 15 styles. The Minnie and Amazon for girls both come in pediped’s new summer color pool. Fin, Delmar and Sahara are three new boys’ styles making their début, all with bright pops of color.

pediped® footwear is sold in over 3,000 stores in the United States, 40 countries worldwide and online at pediped.com.

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!

Mixed Up Clothing Really Puts It Together

Billed as Multicultural Clothing for the 21st Century Child, Mixed Up Clothing is inspired by the textiles, cultures and people of the world.

The collection of peasant tops, capris, jumpsuits, rompers, sundresses, tank tops, flouncy skirts, shorts, camp shirts and more for girls and boys from infants to toddlers to “big” kids feature ethnically diverse styles with cultural twists, blending materials and designs for a trendy, global look.

Join our journey as we build friendships through fabrics.

Creative executive Sonia M. Kang founded Mixed Up Clothing five years ago, and since then her designs have been showcased at cultural events across Southern California and shared with Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng, author of children’s book Ladder to the Moon, the forward to Mixed: Portraits of Multiracial Kids by Kip Fulbeck … oh yes, and she’s also President Obama’s sister!

Born to an African-American father and a Mexican-American mother –and married to a Korean-American husband- Sonia has been mixing it up culturally all her life. With four children of her own, “I knew that I wanted to make something for my children that they could celebrate their cultures by finding fun prints and pairing them with cool styles. Mixed Up Clothing was born,” she recently tells Honeysmoke.

I first discovered Sonia’s line as editor of HUDSON’S Childrenswear Review, and fell in love with the fun and kitschy fabrics she uses in her designs. Zulily curated a Mixed Up Clothing event last year, too. Since we last communicated Sonia tells me, “Our line has gotten into four more boutiques, mostly in the Los Angeles area.” Recently, she’s also pitched the line at Macy’s New York headquarters.

Mixed Up Clothing is a real find … so ask for it at your favorite shop! Or buy it online. And shopkeepers – it’s available wholesale.

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!

TANE organics introduces T2

Three-year-old TANE organics launches T2, a beautiful organic line for preemies.

TANE organics, a children’s luxury brand known for beautifully designed pieces made from the purest materials, is launching a capsule collection of essentials for preemies. The T2 collection is a natural extension of TANE’s dedication to providing clothing that is pesticide free, hence limiting newborns and toddlers exposure to toxins. It’s being débuted for wholesale partners at ENK Children’s Club, going on in New York right now, and will soon be available in stores.

Designer Sheree Lee uses 100% certified organic cotton to create the TANE organics collection for newborns up to two years. Signature silhouettes, colors, fabrics, stitches and the easily coordinated designs are what distinguish this modern collection.

The health benefits of offering organic cotton clothing for preemies is tremendous. After spending time with twin nephews, born as preemies, my natural instinct was wanting to envelope and dress them in the purest materials.

-Sheree Lee

The new T2 collection is available in two sizes: 0, fitting 3-5 lbs, and size 1, fitting 5-8 lbs, in just four simple shapes, and modern neutral colors.

TANE, which means seed in Japanese, takes inspiration from the kimono shape. The emphasis on design with thoughtful construction and details provide comfortable fit while maintaining performance through time and play.

Company folks blog that they can’t wait to share the new inspiration, colors, textures and shapes of the Fall/Winter TANE collection. “The new collection is already getting a lot of buzz, especially with the launch of T2, using the purest organic cotton.”

Sheree and her New York City-based company believe the customers are as important as those who crafted the garments. The connection with Peruvian artisans supported by fair trade practices echoes TANE organics’ commitment to the planet and its people. Every purchase supports the vision of a cleaner, kinder earth with positive production footprints.

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!