Janet Gray Muniz

Initial Reaction


060413_InitalReaction_02Fun, personalized jewelry for summer! 

Summer is all about bold, vibrant colors and fun laid back style. So why not have a blast with your jewelry selections, too?!

Connecticut-based Initial Reaction has taken the popularity of their monogrammed jewelry and added a fun twist for the summer – the a fully customizable version of the acrylic, cut-out monogram and nameplate collection.

Tastefully trendy accessories for tweens, teens and ladies.

Choose from a variety of bright colors –like turquoise or purple, and even lime swirl. It may be difficult to choose between the whimsical script monogram, funky block monogram or simple nameplate because each style is so unique and fun to wear.

060413_InitalReaction_01Made in the USA. Since 2002, Initial Reaction has earned a reputation for classic designs and quality craftsmanship. The stylish line of accessories includes engraved pendants and discs,  necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets that are handmade right in the United States, featuring metal, acrylic and enamel cut-out monograms.

Initial Reaction offers uniquely personal gift options for weddings and bridesmaids, birthdays, graduation –any special occasion, or simply a day at the beach.

Recently featured in O, The Oprah Magazine, Initial Reaction jewels are sure to enliven  any summer look.

Baby K’tan


060413_BabyKtan_manThe awarding-winning baby carrier that slips on like a shirt and fits like a wrap.

Florida-based Baby K’tan is best known for its innovative newborn carriers. Since 2005, the company has grown to include clothing and accessories – and will soon be débuting  a new and improved K’tanCloth to the market.

060413_BabyKtan_clothThe Baby K’tan Baby Carrier is an innovative soft cotton baby carrier that blends the benefits of a sling, wrap and carrier. It is a ready-to-wear wrap that enables parents and caregivers to comfortably carry children from birth to three years) in a variety of positions.

Our goal is to help parents feel comfortable in their busy babywearing lives!

060413_BabyKtan_clothesThe idea for Baby K’tan grew from a desire to achieve just the right kind of parent-child bonding. The Chesal and the Wernick families each were raising a child with special needs, and they themselves bonded together. With a desire to provide their babies with the sensory nourishment they require for optimal development, while also wanting to carry their babies as much as possible, they produced their own ideal carrier, which became the basis for a wonderful business.

Personal Fit. Baby K’tan combines style, ease of use and comfort for busy parents and caregivers. Lightweight and compact like a sling, it goes over both shoulders to evenly distribute baby’s weight like a structured carrier. K’tan gives a personal fit with no wrapping, buckles, snaps, rings or hardware.

060413_BabyKtan_awardsThe Baby K’tan Baby Carrier is made entirely of soft, breathable 100% cotton knit fabric that is strong enough to hold a child from 8 to 35 lbs. The unique double-loop design, which provides added security for carrying baby and privacy for mom while nursing, also has an adjustable back support band.

A great Father’s Day gift!

Rileyroos


053013_RileyRoos_01Flexible, comfortable shoes that help little feet grow up to be big and strong.

Rileyroos footwear is named for the founders’ daughter, Riley. With a focus on style, comfort and ease, these parents have created a shoe line that helps children discover how to walk on their own two feet safely and with correct development.

The sole of a Rileyroos shoe is so flexible that it can be curled into a ball in the palm of your hand.

053013_RileyRoos_04“We designed the line to imitate barefoot walking and to protect little feet,” they say. The lightweight construction is easy on little ankles and toes; simple closures allow for easy on and off; the flexible, cushioned rubber sole lets little feet respond to different walking surfaces both indoors and out; the soles curl above toes, giving children a leg up, so to speak, when moving through  crawling, cruising and early walking; the handmade designs are made from soft, high-quality materials, using child-safe, genuine leather and non-toxic dyes.

And they’re cute!

  • 053013_RileyRoos_boxChildren’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!

Infinity for Girls


One is definitely not the loneliest number for this new fashion-forward children’s brand.

052913_InfinityForGirls_lineupSingular and Infinite. For anyone who is looking for the basics, there’s nothing basic about Infinity For Girls. The company’s signature design is one dress, available in one size that fits girls ages four through 10, that can be worn in a plethora of ways –enough to let young fashionistas flaunt their brave, beautiful style- and never be bored with the outfit.

052913_InfinityForGirls_lemonadeInfinity For Girls designs unique clothing and accessories inspired by the founders’ (three moms named Michal, Neomi and Irit) global vision and international backgrounds, which adds variety and distinctiveness.

Infinity for Girls is not only about the look, it is about the experience.

The Infinity For Girls dress can be worn strappy and full-skirted to strapless and bustled to fit any special occasion. “The one size will fit for years, with built-in ties on the skirt that allow it to grow with your child,” they say, “and a stretchy ruched bodice.” The solid color version is made from 100% polyester; the jersey and printed styles are 100% rayon.

052913_InfinityForGirls_coverupInfinity for Girls also makes Fabubands, stylish headbands with one-of-a-kind appliqués made with soft elastic that fits comfortably, in a variety of colors.

Cover Me. The Infinity for Girls cover-ups are 100% rayon and are perfect for keeping a girl trendy with a peasant-style, embroidered with coordinating thread and embellished with sequins and lacing, or a classic tunic design, with silver sequin accents. Pretty enough to skip the swimsuit and pair with shorts and sandals –and these come in sizes.

Children’s Eyeworks


This online boutique specializes in stylish eyeglasses and sunglasses for infants, kids and teens.

052813_ChildrensEyeworks_01

052813_ChildrensEyeworks_DivinaHeleneDivina Helene comes from a long line of eyecare professionals. In addition to being an optician and stylist, her family’s company, Rims & Goggles of San Francisco, CA (RGSF), has provided eyeglass wearers in the Bay Area with excellent service and stylish self-expression for almost 40 years.

When you see the smile of your baby seeing you clearly for the very first time, you will know the indescribable joy of my work.

052813_ChildrensEyeworks_02Now, Divina is introducing Children’s Eyeworks, a niche online shopping experience offering eyewear designed specifically for children and teens that is colorful and fun, durable and well-made … not to mention fashionable and very self-expressive!

“I am committed to filling your child’s prescription by highly-skilled opticians at the labs at RGSF,” says Divina, who’s also mom to one stylish little boy. “We bring you the latest and greatest in infant and children’s eyewear from all over the globe, available for purchase right here.”

Taking care of your child’s eyes is pretty important, so why not choose a pretty stylish solution? Seeing is believing!

Madpax


052313_MadPax_01‘Funk’tional backpacks that are the talk of the town.

Mike Cordovana and Tina Huber make ultra cool backpacks for creative kids … and their parents! The team experiments with ways to construct backpacks that make them stand out in a crowd.

MadPax backpacks are like no other –the cutting edge, origami-inspired designs scream individuality in a unique and wildly fun way!

Each creation conceived enters the ‘fabratory’ as a double dare of design and possibility. We add the punk, passion and purpose, dab out the drab and add the rad.

052313_MadPax_02Is it creature, myth or magic? A huge celebrity favorite –count Britney Spears, Hugh Jackman, Naomi Watts, LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian as customers- MadPax packs are available in a range of sizes, including Full Size, Half Size, Nibbler (a name I really love), a fully-insulated lunch pack and the Mighty Bite, to stash the small stuff.

052313_MadPax_03Once the creator behind custom homes, Mike Cordovana is the company’s math and manufacturing wizard; Tina Huber adds the funk as “sorceress of sales and marketing.” This duo has plans for additional Madpax -including halfpax, packs for littles under five, lunchboxes and accessories.

Pax on, I say!

Cool-it Caddy


Freeze and go portability for outdoor-enthusiast-moms and people of all ages!

The idea came to founder Deborah Vinci one steamy summer afternoon while golfing in the Arizona desert. She’s a true lover of the warm weather and sunshine … but melted lip balm, lipstick, make-up and sunscreen ruined in the heat, not so much. So Deborah created Cool-it Caddy™ cosmetics coolers through her new venture, Vinci Designs, LLC.

052213_Cool-ItCaddy_01No More Meltdown. Now, spending time on the fairway, tennis court, beach, lake or playground no longer spells *meltdown* for your take-along stuff.

The patent-pending design of Cool-It Caddy uses an integrated coolant with lightweight insulation layers to keep contents cool. That means your lip balm, sunscreen, lipstick –even heat-sensitive medicines and snacks maintain their integrity under even the hottest conditions.

The sleek, haute design makes them convenient enough to slip inside purses, briefcases, fanny packs, golf bags, backpacks and diaper bags – so you stay fresh, no matter what the score – or the temperature.

052213_Cool-ItCaddy_IcePopsJust Pop and Play. Just pop the Cool-it Caddy into a freezer until frozen. Put you stuff inside and go do your thing. On the course. On the boat. On the go. Courtside. Beachside. Poolside. Car Rides. Playtime!

Currently, Cool-it Caddy products, including Cool-it Caddy Classic, Cool-it Caddy for Men, Cool-it Caddy Contempo and Icepops-  are sold online and at retail locations across the country, as well as private golf clubs and resorts.

SoYoung


Lifestyle bags and products with a celebrity following.

052113_SoYoung_backpacks_02Canadian mom Catherine Choi is the founder of SoYoung, a line of diaper bags, lunch boxes, cooler bags and accessories designed for the modern family. The line is characterized by clean lines, elegant functionality, tough-yet-tender fabrics and lovely silkscreen graphics, which come together with great urban appeal.

In the instant we meet our child for the first time, we are transformed by the sudden expansion of our hearts in a way we never thought possible. SoYoung is about acting on this inspiration. It’s about the pursuit of possibility and watching an idea blossom into reality.

Catherine’s Aha Moment. With no previous background, Catherine simply decided to design a better diaper bag! The process took four years to bring to market, but for her, it was a profound conviction, a sign you could say.

052113_SoYoung_lunchbagscoolersThe name of Catherine’s company –SoYoung- is actually her Korean name, one she tried hard to leave behind, yet became the nature choice for a business name of her own.

“Our products strive to add beauty to the everyday moments of life with children,” she says. “We treasure the unexpected moments of joy and laughter set against the backdrop of raising a family.”

052113_SoYoung_logoThe Toronto-based company with a celebrity following –like Halle Berry and Heidi Klum- is launching a new collection of waxed canvas bags and a new diaper clutch, available this August.

Sold across Canada, the United States and internationally in Australia, New Zealand, Kuwait, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Paper Hat Press


These publishers are creating beautiful stories about the most unique characters of all – your own kids.

051613_PaperHatPress_lifestyleI remember receiving a fun holiday ornament from my niece that she hand-crafted especially for me. It’s a little replica of my personality –a sassy cowgirl, with boots and hat and scarf –and my nickname printed on her blouse. That little treasure made from play dough is definitely one of my favorite keepsakes.

051613_PaperHatPress_BookThe people behind Paper Hat Press are an award-winning team of children’s book authors, editors, illustrators and designers who are publishing personalized books destined to become keepsakes for kids. They’re also mothers and fathers and book lovers, too –who know how to make high-quality, custom-made books that feature your own children as main characters in engaging stories, illustrated with gorgeous artwork.

Our one-of-a-kind, personalized books and keepsakes are sure to surprise and delight.

051613_PaperHatPress_SketchbooksEach hardcover book is made to order and features a window in the cover that features your “little character,” aka your child. Each book is specially wrapped in kraft paper “that can be folded into a paper hat,” and arrives in as fast as five days. Notebooks, sketchbooks and sticks can also be personalized.

We make books that parents and kids can hold together, read over and over, and keep forever.

051613_PaperHatPress_Stickers“Each story can be customized with a child’s favorite things –a toy, pet, food, playground- as well as with the child’s family,” they say. “In addition, each story celebrates a child’s super qualities and the giver’s wishes.” Each character can also be customized to include to resemble your child.

Luna Leggings


051513_LunaLeggings_04Adorables for fashion-conscious, high-spirited young girls … and their legs!

Inspired by her daughters’ love for bright color combinations coupled with a mutual respect for flowers, trees and edible gardens, designer Jennie Hearing transformed their carefree and creative style into Luna Leggings, adding spice and whimsy to any girl’s wardrobe.

The line of organic cotton tights and leggings for girls ages 0-8 is made of high-quality organic cotton, in a wide range of colorful designs and graphic patterns that appeal to the most creative of fashionistas.

We’ve created versatile styles and hip designs that fit well and wear well- they are not your ordinary tights!

051513_LunaLeggings_05Durable and functional, styles feature footless or footed leggings -some with attached tutu skirts- in bright, bold nature and edible garden-inspired designs. “Using the perfect blend of high-quality organic cotton enables us to produce ultra-soft, long-lasting leggings,” Jennie says. “Nylon stitching and seams maximize stretch and strength, while a wide, reinforced waistband adds comfort and stay-ability.”

051513_LunaLeggings_SJPTwinsJennie and her team have a close relationship with the small, family-run knitting company in India, where Luna Leggings are manufactured. “Spending time with the owners, their children and grandchildren, and sharing meals at their home in India, has greatly enhanced the working relationship and helped to create a close bond across continents,” she says. “We’ve hosted the owner’s daughter in our home; she actually dressed my girls in the very first Luna Leggings!”

Available at over 60 stores nationwide as well as Liberty in London, Luna Leggings also has a huge following from celebrity moms such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Alessandra Ambrosio, Jennifer Garner and Alyson Hannigan.

051513_LunaLeggings_02The Oakland, CA-based company donates 10% of profits to the Edible Schoolyard Project (founded by chef Alice Waters of Chez Panisse fame), dedicated to getting middle school students involved in all aspects of farming organically, then preparing, serving and eating food to teach the value of nourishment, community and the land. “We make thoughtful and conscious decisions to support and respect our environment – our kids make us more aware because every decision effects more than ourselves, and we know that our actions today effect generations to come.”

  • Thanks, Teri Akahoshi of Dana Dramov PR, for introducing me to Luna Leggings! 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!