It’s Love at First Sight – Pink Pewter

Pink Pewter’s newest collection -It’s Love at First Sight- includes new stretch bands, bracelets and jewelry.

Four years ago, hair stylist Mireya Villarreal decides to start a company that makes hair accessories from her own creative point of view, to complement a variety of haircuts and personalities. “We struggled to think of a business name for weeks and weeks,” she tells me, adding that the word ‘pink’ had to be part of it. “We must have gone through 10 sheets of paper writing down ideas. During this process, my daughter -about six years old at the time- kept coming into the room asking if she could use the computer, pronouncing it ‘pewter.'” So, there it is -the aha moment that inspires the name Pink Pewter.

Today, Mireya designs beautiful hair accessories and more. The company’s newest collection -It’s Love at First Sight- includes new stretch bands, bracelets and jewelry. “We provide high style without the high price,” designing wearable things for children “without losing sight of the timelessness and innocence that makes children’s fashion unforgettable.” The new scarf collection for fall can be worn in so many ways that the wearer can personalize the look based on their own style. “It screams ‘Pink Pewter,'” Mireya says. “We only stand behind a design that we truly believe in and aligns with our consumer base perfectly.”

Celebrity Driven and Loving It. Knowing who the fans are is something the company works passionately on, staying on top of the latest fashion trends and fleshing out the Pink Pewter persona as youthful and invigorated. Pink Pewter is known as a celebrity driven brand, frequently participating in event sponsorship and charity red carpet events. “We go to the events ourselves and interact with the stars and their fans on a personal level,” Mireya explains. “People relate to celebrities and align themselves with the values of their favorite role models, which drives credibility to our brand.”

Our brand is expanding into accessories such as belts, scarves, bracelets and jewelry to complete the experience. The key is to have each item complement the other -accessorize an accessory if you will.

Coming Soon. Look for a new tween/teen apparel line that includes trendy shirts and contemporary dresses!

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!

Make Traveling with Kids Fun

This summer, there’s a TrayKit® for every kid!

Launching this year in the U.S., the award-winning TrayKit® and TrayKit® Traveller collection are fun for kids and practical for parents.

Already a smash in the UK, the TrayKit® is created by a British mom and offers parents a brilliant all-in-one solution that can make traveling a lot more enjoyable -not only for you and your kids, but for everyone else in any train, plane or automobile!

TrayKit® is a carry-on backpack that kids can pack themselves and easily carry along on any trip using the handle or shoulder straps. Once on-board, TrayKit® can be hung from the back of a seat or strapped onto train and plane tray tables. When kids open it up, they have an extendable play surface with raised sides, preventing any toys from going overboard, so no one has to crawl around looking for lost crayons and puzzle pieces. When ready to go, simply pack up the bag, so everyone -and everything- will be on time.

“Like so many parents, I have spent endless journeys packing and carrying all sorts of on-board ‘keep-them-entertained’ toys which all end up on the floor having rolled off their tray table or lap. TrayKit® is the perfect trip companion that will make your child the perfect travel companion!”

-Solvej, inventor of the TrayKit and mum of two

Available May 2012. Distributed in the U.S. through Kids Preferred and specialty retailers nationwide, the TrayKit® Traveller collection is a terrific line of coordinating travel essentials, including passport covers and holders, luggage tags, travel journal kits complete with pencils and erasers, and the very cute TravelBug™ plush toy. Cool colors and patterns to choose from, something for boys and girls ages three and older –with a durable surface that can be wiped down easily.

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!

AnnieWear Inspires Animal Lovers to Give Back

Pamela Pinta and Laurene Parletore have taken their passion and turned it into a reality.

“AnnieWear is an online gift store that gives back,” Pam tells me. “We donate part of the proceeds from every item sold to animal rescues nationwide.” AnnieWear offers animal-themed products for newborns, infants, toddlers and kids up to size 7, as well as things that appeal to moms.

Named after Laurene’s adopted dog Annie and inspired by nephew Roland, who was born around the time Annie was adopted, AnnieWear has already donated to Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue (where Annie is from), Liberty Humane Society (where Pam volunteers), Angel Acres Horse Haven Rescue, Purrs and Pooches, and The East Coast Maine Coon Rescue (where Pam was just elected to the Board of Directors).

Pam and Laurene are cousins who are both passionate animal lovers and avid shoppers with completely different styles and tastes. Pam loves all animals and adopts cats. Laurene loves all animals and adopts dogs. Neither are moms to humans, but they dearly love their nephews and try to influence their lives in a positive way.

Laurene says, “We cater to people looking for a unique gift for a special occasion, something that will make their gift stand out and their gift recipient appreciative.”

The pair began by creating their own product lines: the Life Line and the Annie Line. Both offer 100% ring-spun combed cotton one-pieces and t-shirts in traditional and contemporary colors for boys or girls. The Annie Line products features Annie’s picture, along with her trademark “So Stinkin’ Cute” graphic.

AnnieWear also includes popular brands such as Aden + Anais, Bibi & Mimi, Hatley, Kalencom, Kicky Pants, San Diego Hat Company, Vincent and many more.

AnnieWear products perform double duty for you: Unique gifts sure to be a hit that also help animals in need.

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!

Get $65 in FREE Products! Join Klippie Klub!

Popular children’s accessories brand Itzy Bitzy Designs launches a new club that makes accessorizing affordable.

Do you have a little diva darling who loves wearing the perfect hair accessory with every outfit? She can never have too many hair bows, right? Wouldn’t it be great if all that shopping didn’t break the bank?

Look no further. Michelle Ruesch, founder of Itzy Bitzy Designs, introduces the Klippie Klub, a kit-of-the-month hair accessories club, where members receive a themed kit containing exclusive, newly released hair clips each month. It’s the perfect way to build an up-to-the-minute-cute hair accessories collection that’s incredibly affordable as well.
“Monthly subscription programs are very popular and allow the customer to enjoy products at a significant savings,” Michelle tells me. “We wanted our customers to be able to enjoy a wider range of our products by being able to offer them a substantial savings – and you will not find another club that offers such an incredible value.”

Get $65 in FREE Products. You enjoy fantastic savings from the start, with a choice of two memberships. The Krazy is only $15.99 a month – a 70% savings off retail. The Kasual is only $18.99 a month – a 50% savings off retail – and requires no long term commitment. FREE Shipping is included with each membership – another bargain!

For Children’s Retail Today Followers. Join now and receive the first kit FREE plus a FREE Klippie Klub Hair Accessories & Travel Organizer (total retail value $65.00). Help get the word out about this terrific deal!

use this link to like the Klippie Klub Facebook Page;
or sign up for the Klippie Klub Newsletter (Join My List) and be the first to receive special promotions and coupon codes;
or start following the Itzy Bitzy blog;
and share my posting (this one!) about the Klippie Klub on your own Facebook page!

And sign up for the Klub, of course!

Designed in the USA. Each month, members –and their diva daughters- can look forward to a beautifully themed set of hair clips exclusively designed only for club members, made from high-quality, trendy fabrics and colors. The sturdy clips are easy to open yet stay in place, and the soft inside is gentle on a child’s lovely locks.

Every little girl deserves to feel like a princess. We hope that our unique affordable program insures little girls will always have the perfect hair accessory for any outfit.

Continue reading →

Zomsters Brings Friendly Monsters to Life

Mom-owned Zomsters sustainable children’s fashion and museum-quality art collections are invading kids closets and rooms nationwide.

Leap Year Zaniness! Zomsters is based in Snoqualmie, WA (just up the mountain from me!) and offers a full line of earth-friendly art and clothing designed for kids featuring zany characters called Zomsters. Meet Wally, Harold, Stanley and the growing family of friendly characters here!

Zomsters are designed to make kids smile and to spark their imaginations. We create characters rich with unique traits, interests and backgrounds to teach kids about far-off cultures and places, and about career choices that aren’t as common.

-founder/designer Ronda Bergman

Ronda also designs to create awareness about how making small green changes in our lives can make big differences in the world. The company is committed to sustainable business practices, choosing environmentally-conscious materials like organic cotton, recycled paper and recycled aluminum cans. Zomsters minimizes its impact by using water-based, azo-free inks for non-toxic printing and selecting local manufacturers and suppliers to reduce shipping and materials waste.

Parents choose from a plethora of adorable products including one-pieces, knot hats, toddler tees … art blocks, cards and prints, water bottles and more. Coming soon: coloring pages, wall papers and more.

This Leap Year, find your inner Zomster and spread the word! Available online and select retail locations. Also 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!

Sugar Plum NY Launches Laundry by Shelli Segal Collection

The sugar plum is a legendary symbol of everything sweet and delectable. And so it is with the delicious selection of girls dresses from Sugar Plum NY, Inc.

Ask for it by name. Sugar Plum’s three signature brand designs are Dorissa, Sugar Plum, and Little Miss, plus the recently introduced The Girls’ Collection from Laundry by Shelli Segal (pictured at right). Find Sugar Plum’s chic-traditional party dresses, Communion and junior-inspired dresses in lux fabrics like shantung, organza, chiffon, taffeta, flocked velvet, satin and sequined lace in rich colors like burgundy, teal, pewter, black and plum. Sweet and delectable, indeed.

Little girls feel special and happy in our dresses -adding joy and festivity to their celebrations. As an owner of Sugar Plum since 1985, I’ve enjoyed working with the finest team, and we hope it’s a special part of their fondest memories.

Sugar Plum president Michael Fallas recently talked to me about what makes Sugar Plum dresses so special.

Designed in the USA. Our collection is designed in-house. We find this hands-on approach much more worthwhile, especially because it involves our entire team from the very beginning.

Making Our Dresses is Extremely Unique. We make sure that each dress in every brand stands on its own, with an individual identity. The collection is based on fun fabrics and trims, intriguing embellishments and an eye-catching colors.

There’s the Perfect Dress for Any Occasion. Interestingly enough, although all of our brands are special occasion dresses, each has a distinct difference. Dorissa is contemporary and updated. Sugar Plum is traditional with our special flair and touch. Little Miss is classically traditional, with sizzle.

We Know Our Brand. We know it’s most important that the consumer be drawn to our attractive, appealing dresses; that they are very pleased with the price; and finally, that they recognize the brand for its integrity and tradition. And we always deliver.

Known for fine quality, trendy fabrics, unique and distinctive styling as well as excellent value, Sugar Plum NY is a wonderful line of chic, sophisticated looks and whimsical, flirty and fun dresses.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

Back Patch Boys from Ruby’s Closet

Former “Hollywood” nanny launches a line of hip accessories for boys.

Alice Hardin is creator/designer of Ruby’s Closet, a line of couture accessories she dreamed up for her daughter -and inspiration-Ruby. Alice’s fresh, stylish and up to date designs have graced celebrity girls’ outfits since she started the company, too.

Late last year, Alice announced her new boys line complete with a dedicated web presence. Back Patch Boys includes fedoras, driving caps, bowler hats, ties, suspenders, cool one-pieces, arm warmers, crawlers, shoes and more. Alice calls them “accessories for little dudes.”

We are designed to be a one-stop-shop with a huge variety of accessories. Our company is located within the United States and ninety-eight percent of our goodies are manufactured here too.

Very cute stuff – for girls and boys! Ask about custom designs. Click here for shopping locations. Available wholesale.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

Djäknemåla Delights!

Stunning new brand from Sweden is designing for boys, too.

Self-described as “whimsical couture from the beautiful forests of Sweden,” the first collection of Djäknemåla will be available this spring, and it’s already caught the eye of many-an-A-list celeb daughter with its bold colors, striking imagery and elegant lines. (This video really captures the brand personality. Watch here).

Djäknemåla (pronounced yīk-ne-mah´-lah) is named for a beautiful bit of Blekinge Län, Sweden. Designer Pia (who’s also involved with the swimwear line Stella Cove) tells CupcakeMag for Littles that her easy-to-wear clothes made from crisp cottons are inspired by her grandmother’s own magical, fantastical artwork. Plus she’s also included a little bit of Sweden for boys, too:

We have a little Fall line coming out at the trade fairs in early spring which includes a mini foray into boys clothing. I only have boys myself –they would rather walk on hot coal than wear anything I designed- but it was so much fun to make.

Looking forward to seeing more from Djäknemåla!

A special thanks to Rachel Florio PR.

ONIA First Collection for Boys

The matching father-son beachwear set is perfect for Father’s Day gifting.

Men’s swimwear brand ONIA recently launched its first collection for boys. Modeled on the popular Charles Trunk, designer Carl Cunow shrank down the proportions to create the Charlie style for boys six months and older.

The Charlie Trunk débuted at Barney’s and online at Barneys.com and Onia.com until this month. Fabric, materials and construction have been tested and approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

At Onia, we are creating sophisticated, functional style, surf side.

Onia [oh-nee-ah] -which means “ship” in the Hebrew language- is known for easy-to-wear, fast drying beachwear made with expert production techniques and attention to detail. The brand’s unique cotton-nylon blended fabric offers the kind of performance dads love … and now, little boys can love it, too.

Introducing ZozoBugBaby

Using bold, bright designs and mixing prints in nontraditional ways, ZozoBugBaby is all about creative freedom and mix-and-match style.

ZozoBugBaby is a vibrant, artsy brand of children’s clothing, bedding and accessories created by fine artist Julie Martin.

“Here, we live life in color, so … Dress Happy!” The Spring/Summer 2012 Imagine collection includes vintage silhouettes inspired by the innocent designs of the ’50s and ’60s paired with the signature ZozoBugBaby look -tiered dresses and skirts in funky prints, knit leggings and more structured, woven dresses.

I juxtapose girly ruffles with clean lines, as well as pairing knits with wovens. Stripes and polka dots can be found pretty much year-round in my line.

-Julie, who’s also mom to two girls

ZozoBugBaby clothing is available in 6-12 months to size 10. In addition to clothing, the line offers one-of-a-kind, colorful bedding sets for boys and girls, including optional, complimentary name appliqué on bedspread or pillow. Patchwork throw blankets may also be personalized for free and are backed in supersoft minky.

Unique! ZozoBugBaby teepees are made of sturdy cotton and available in cascading ruffles, draped styles or a more structured form. Custom-made to customer specifications.