Hollywood K.I.D.S. Benefit

Ooh! La, La! Couture and Disney Star Host Tutus 4 Tots

In mid-February, Ooh! La, La! Couture and Disney star Bella Thorne invited young Hollywood to distribute over 300 new dresses to underprivileged girls, making the Second Annual Tutus 4 Tots a huge success! The Los Angeles, CA-based Ooh! La, La! coordinated with the Volunteers of America Los Angeles to invite girls from its Strengthening Families Program -which assists families that are either homeless or at risk for becoming homeless –donating about $24,000 in new merchandise to Kids In Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.).

The room was filled with poufy tutus and huge smiles as surprised families were treated to fun fashions, sparkly shoes, headbands and cupcakes. Enthusiastic young Hollywood celebs escorted little girls through racks of colorful dresses, signed autographs and posed for photos. All the guests were brought to tears when one mother thanked everyone, saying that it was her daughter’s first birthday and she couldn’t afford to give her a present, so she was grateful that a beautiful new dress given to her.

Bella Thorne was joined by fellow Shake It Up cast members Roshon Fegan, Adam Irigoyan and Davis Cleveland, as well as other hot stars Billy Unger, Morgan Lily, Jadin Gould, Kathryn Newton, Pia Mia Perez, Kaitlyn Maher, Elsie Fischer, Ashlee Keating, Daphne Blunt, Emily Grace Reaves, Avalon and Alexis and Natalia.

Co-owners Ann Dugourd and Jennifer Rotunno founded the line of fun and funky, yet sweet and girly clothes eight years ago and regularly gives back by donating clothing to children in need. Since 2007, Ooh! La, La! Couture has donated over $272,000 in new dresses to K.I.D.S.

China Doll Shoes generously donated a new pair of shoes for every girl in the room. Penelope Wildberry, Pink Pewter, Top Trenz, Gaby! Be Gorgeous, Be Happy! and Bracelets by Caley Camarillo also donated merchandise to make this event special.

-Janet Muniz

Pitti Bimbo Review

As seen in HUDSON’S March 2011:

In January, Childrenswear design students from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) traveled to Florence, Italy to attend premiere children’s fashion trade show, Pitti Bimbo, documenting the experience with these creative visual presentations they are sharing with fellow design students and manufacturers throughout the children’s wear industry. This program is part of FIT’s very active Childrenswear Advisory Committee, which has promoted interest in Childrenswear design for over 15 years.

Too School for Cool

Prep school meets the Kentucky Derby. Crisp, clean, sharp and tailored are just a few words that capture this after school riding lesson. School is back in session with silhouettes such as tailored riding jackets, sweater vests, button down shirts, blouses and shirts with pronounced, rounded shirttails, square convertible collars and refined riding pants. Classic school uniform colors like navy, red, crème, khaki and shades of gray. Details such as belt buckles, toggle closures, squared lapels, rolled cuffs, v-necks and double breasted closures, earn a grade of A+ across the board! Fabrications include tweeds, leathers, plaid wools and flannels, playful chunky heavy weight wools, felts, cottons and jerseys.

Snowed In

Winter forecast prediction: “Brrrrrrr!” Glorious cold weather means sledding, snowmen, snowball fights and warm hot cocoa. This upcoming winter season means furry warm accessories from head to toe along with soft and icy color chrome metallics, turquoise and red. Silhouettes are layer-friendly and include an assortment of ponchos, cropped jackets and luxurious knits of all different weights and textures. Frosty the Snowman himself is jealous of the gold and silver micro-studs, glitzy rhinestones, fur accents and tiers upon tiers of ruffles! The fabrications are fabulous printed jersey, fur, heavy wools, silks and chiffons.

Baby, You’re a Firework

The paparazzi’s camera flash. VIP treatment, A-list affairs and First Class all the way – just a few routines a socialite has to endure. Defined by glimmer, shimmer and shine, metallic gold and silver intimates. This season’s socialite silhouettes shine with short puffed sleeves, cropped jackets, layers of luxurious knits, micro minis paired with metallic, sequined or leather leggings, shoulder shrugs, fur vests and glamour tunics. Spotted: sequins, beading, rhinestones, fur and leather on the runway, paired with a color palette of crème, burgundy, black, taupe, gold, silver and hot pink. Rouged leggings and fur trim accents, burn out velvets, printed jersey, cheetah, leopard and zebra prints are perfect for bright, star-studded moments on the red carpet.

For Me…Formidable

Paris welcomes haute fashion with soft, delicate, sweet touches. A dainty color palette of dusty powder pink, off-white, ecru, gold, white, beige, red, gray and black. Silhouettes are the epitome of Parisian fashion with light subtle bishop sleeves; smooth, draped and ruffled jabots; cowls; flouncy and flirty skirts; shoulder shrugs; knits of all different textures and glitzy leggings. Swarovski crystals, pearls, scattered sequins, gold micro-studs, girly pink and gray chiffon bows accent each look. Parisian details of macro bows on taffeta, velvet printed polka dots, whimsy ruffles and distinguished stripes that mimic the architecture of the Eiffel Tower. Seen throughout the shows are luxurious, fine fabrications such as velvets, chiffons, embroidered tulles and wools, printed jersey, faux fur, silks and netting – capturing the French attitude.

-Images and commentary contributed by FIT students Emily Olivier, senior; Casey Lee, senior; Tara Ricci, junior and Alyssa Arcieri, junior.

Great Comeback Story!

“With great love & appreciation, we once again open the doors of LillyLu!”

Two years ago this week, after the explosion that rocked downtown Bozeman, Montana, LillyLu continues to celebrate new beginnings.

On December 1, 2009, the Lilly Lu “family” and their beloved customers celebrated the store re-opening at 424 East Main – nine months later. “We are so excited to see you again!” the children’s boutique posted to their social media group for the event. “Please join us for our ribbon cutting & be the first to see our new nest!” Lilly Lu’s new nest has been going strong ever since. For more information, join Lilly Lu’s Facebook Group.

In remembrance of what was lost and in celebration of another year of success, here’s a shout out to the staff and customers of Lilly Lu … and Bozeman, too … Congratulations!

-Janet Muniz

Kai

Big kids can have cool shoes, too.

Popular footwear manufacturer See Kai Run is débuting its new big kid line, Kai, at this season’s upcoming trade shows. Kai continues where the See Kai Run collection leaves off with sizes to fit post-toddler to school-aged kids two to six years old.

“We want kids to grow up with See Kai Run,” says founder Cause Haun. “Since 2004, our customers have told us over and over again that they want the same See Kai Run styling they love in larger sizes. We’re so thrilled that the wait is over and the new larger sizes have arrived!”

Kai features eight new styles -five for girls and three for boys in sizes 8 through 13. The debut collection takes See Kai Run designs and adapts them for bigger-sized shoes, accommodating the needs of older kids. Kai also features soft, high quality leather and flexible soles, but with the right amount of durability and sturdiness for kids on the go. Kai joins the company’s largest collection to date, which includes 31 new styles from the See Kai Run first walker line and 23 styles from the Smaller® baby bootie line. Design highlights include adult trends that translate well for little girls such as scallops and ruffles. Color focus is non-traditional, with pink taking a back seat to purple, gray and copper for girls, and bright accents for boys.

See Kai Run footwear promotes healthy development of babies’ and children’s feet with their ultra-flexible soles, soft leather and wide toe box and meets the American Podiatric Medical Association‘s rigorous standards for foot health and functionality. See Kai Run is awarded the APMA’s prestigious Seal of Acceptance.

-Janet Muniz

BEARPAW

Only in HUDSON’S & HCRSourceBook.

Now in its tenth year, Citrus Heights, CA-based footwear brand BEARPAW is known for comfort, quality and style at affordable prices. A trademark of Romeo & Juliette, Inc., founder Tom Romeo and his team have grown BEARPAW into a lifestyle, embraced by kids and adults throughout the U.S. and in 13 counties. “There’s a scientific aspect to comfort inherent in the BEARPAW culture and design,” the company explains on BEARPAWStyle.com, an online magazine-blog-site created specifically to fuel the mindset it represents. “BEARPAW has changed the game in footwear by using sheepskin, which regulates body temperature. Feet stay cooler and drier in warm weather, warmer in cold weather – it works for sheep, why not for people?”

Last year, BEARPAW began exploring new ways to use recycled and earth-friendly materials, pursuing green methods and practices from the factory to the final sale. Enter Linda Poetsch. Linda created the company’s first line of footwear for spring/summer, not only initiating its greening -the line is made from recycled materials, cork, bamboo, jute and hemp- but expanding BEARPAW into a year-round brand.

“In the past, I had worked with John Larkin at two different companies,” Linda tells us during a recent trip to China. “We share a mutual respect for each other’s abilities. He said that he felt that I could really help expand BEARPAW’s appeal to consumers.” After introducing her to Tom Romeo and his footwear team, Linda started working once more with John, now the company’s EVP, international business development. “Once you have proven yourself, Tom pretty much gives you the autonomy and freedom to run your department the way you want.”

Linda is an award winning designer and holds several patents. She started her own company, TEN80 Design, Inc. after working in-house for such companies as Avila, adidas, Nike and Fila. “I wanted to contribute more in the areas I specialize in -Color, Trend and Design forecast and analysis- to more companies,” she says. She is also an expert at guiding the entire development process, from creative use of color, innovative design and quality development, to delivering the very best product to market.

Currently, Linda is working on BEARPAW’s new children’s collection set to deliver for this year’s Back-To-School season. The company offers a range of sizes for children: youth, toddler and infant. Linda says about half of the looks for this kids collection are take downs of the women’s line and the other half are new styles just for kids. “What I love about the take downs is they are great looking styles for all ages.” For example, a fun, African print story is told with printed suede zebra and cheetah looks. “The great thing about the kid-specific styles is they can be more fun, while keeping our brand commitment to comfort and price,” Linda says. The faux vulcanized product includes a slip-on shoe, a short boot and a taller boot, both in fun colors along with the classic colors. “The kids boots are dressed up with a combination of materials, perforated accents, studded details, all used in a more youthful way, reflecting more freedom of expression,” Linda explains. “Color and fun details know no bounds, and together can create a boot or shoe that becomes a child’s favorite.”

It’s a particular joy for Linda to design children’s shoes. “I love that kids are drawn to more color and are impacted by the fun and free spirited look and feel of these designs,” she says. “They know better than anyone how a happy, fun color makes you feel good. They are not tainted by society and what is deemed proper attire.”

For BEARPAW, Linda’s kids collection is just one more way the company gives the consumer lots of natural and comfortable styles to choose from, at prices sensible enough for them to afford several items each season. “For all children as well as adults, we know that bare feet love BEARPAW,” she says. “What parent wouldn’t want their kids to have the same benefits? Who doesn’t want their kids to be comfortable, look stylish and pay a sensible price for that?”

Indeed. As they say, it’s time to relax –for kids- BEARPAW Style.

-Janet Muniz

Real Kids Shades

Real Kids Shades honored by Prevent Blindness America.

Prevent Blindness America, the nation’s oldest volunteer eye health and safety organization, honors Real Kids Shades™ (RKS) with the Star Pupils™ Inaugural Partner Award, presented in recognition of the outstanding support the company provided to launch the organization’s new children’s eye health program, Star Pupils.

“We know that many parents are not well-informed about how critical quality UV protection is relative to their children’s vision,” says VP of marketing Lisa Medora. “We are now able to help educate parents on the importance of UV protection as well as provide much-needed funds to support such an important program.”

RKS designed a pair of Star Pupils-branded infant sunglasses and pledged 20% of the proceeds from every purchase to the Star Pupils’ efforts. A main component of the program is education on eye safety, including UV protection.

Even though every parent has been warned about the harmful effects of UV rays, and 82% of parents use sunscreen to protect their children’s skin, only 32% take action to protect their children’s eyes. This is especially dangerous because children’s eyes are

more vulnerable to sun damage than those of adults. Long-term UVA/UVB exposure is linked to adverse effects such as the development of cataracts, sun burning of the eyes, known as photokeratitis and macular degeneration, which scientists now believe is a leading cause of blindness in adults.

Real Kids Shades products make it easier than ever for parents to quickly and thoroughly shield their children’s eyes from what could turn into a lifetime of disease. With a complete line of sunshades that feature 100% protection against UVA/UVB rays along with shatterproof, impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses, parents now can have the protection without the hassle. The company meets the strictest American, European and Australian standards in eye protection and are CPSIA compliant. Products are also CE Certified and FDA approved for protecting children’s eyes.

Prevent Blindness America also honors The Abbott Fund, Transitions, Healthy Sight for Life Fund and VisionDirect.com with the award as well.

-Janet Muniz

Carousel Designs

A unique interactive design tool for expectant parents to design and decorate the nursery.

From its start as a small family business in 1988, Carousel Designs has grown to become an award-winning national online retailer and trusted brand of premium baby bedding, twin bedding and home décor. Jonathan Hartley continues the family tradition of ownership as CEO with his business partner, president Allan Sicat. The two dads of young children are both graduates of the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY, are U.S. Army veterans- and take special pride that all Carousel Designs baby bedding products are Made in the USA.

In addition to offering custom baby bedding, Carousel Designs offers more than 100 pre-designed crib bedding collections, ranging from classic themes to more modern, sophisticated designs. Mini/portable crib, cradle, toddler, twin and full/queen bedding is also available along with coordinating nursery décor including lighting, furniture, rugs, musical mobiles, pillows, diaper stackers, wall art, draperies, rocking chair pads and valances.

Carousel Designs is the only baby bedding company that allows parents to design their own crib bedding, see it online, and choose other elements of the nursery to preview the room before making a purchase. The company recently launched version 3.0 of its popular Nursery Designer®, a unique interactive design tool offering expectant parents more options than ever before for designing and decorating their nursery. Customers can mix and match fabrics and component styles, change the color of the nursery walls, choose a crib finish and pick flooring to design a virtual nursery. An expanded range of crib colors and flooring options are offered with Nursery Designer® Version 3.0, allowing customers to experience a more accurate visualization of their nursery.

“For more than two decades, Carousel Designs has been committed to providing expectant parents with products that create a stylish and nurturing environment for their babies,” Allan says. “No matter what their style or skill level, Nursery Designer® will give parents endless possibilities to make their dream nursery a reality at an affordable price.”

As they anticipated fatherhood, both Jonathan and Allan were inspired by how their wives enjoyed spending time in the design studio, playing with fabrics and creating custom bedding for their nursery. They knew if they could create the same experience online- not only the ability to design the perfect bedding but also to visualize a nursery before making a purchase -they could offer real value to their customers and more importantly, make sure that every mom gets exactly what she wants. With combined experience in technology, ecommerce, business operations and finance, they set out to make sure that Carousel Designs provided expectant moms with the absolute best experience in decorating baby’s first room.

-Janet Muniz

Sweet Spud

Cute little tots.

From giraffes to dreamy clouds, Sweet Spud introduces fresh new designs to their collection of super soft organic cotton infant clothing, including long-sleeved toddler tees that feature thoughtful quotes with lush graphics, including Irish poet William Butler Yeats’ “Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.” Made in the USA using certified organic cotton and water-based, phthalate-free inks, the Sweet Spud collection includes coordinating infant bodysuits, toddler tees, yoga style pants and knot caps in sizes newborn to 6T, delivered in a gift-ready 100% recycled/recyclable box and wrapped in tissue paper that is made of 100% recycled fibers. After meeting rigorous standards, Sweet Spud recently received GreenAmericaToday.org Seal of Approval.

-Janet Muniz

PAIGE LAUREN BABY

Simple luxury, redefined.

West coast-based PAIGELAUREN BABY announces its Fall/Winter 2010 collection, inspired by cozy nights by the fire, the flush of color on autumn trees and the crisp cool of California mornings. The collection marks the season with luxurious streaky fleece, smartly striped ribs and a new snug beenie. An all-new palette includes Rosewater, Haze, Willow, Twilight and Scarlet. Designer Paige Lauren has hand-selected fabrics and colors that reflect the essence of West Coast living. The three-year-old company is known for designs where simplicity trumps excess and quality outlasts trendy in a line of signature kimonos, rompers, tees, hoodys and pants that have been called “an absolute necessity.”

-Janet Muniz

Dogwood

“Trouble is my business and business is good.”

Boys’ apparel company Dogwood updates the fit and styling of graphic t-shirts for spring 2011 with a fitted and relaxed t-shirt using 100% combed cotton. Made in the USA. For the fall 2011 season, Dogwood plans soft cotton t-shirts, hoodies and jackets with cool and updated graphics, along with plaid woven shirts and skinny jeans. Sports, trucks, dinosaurs and rock ‘n roll continue to influence the line’s designs as well as humorous word phrases, such as “Trouble is my business and business is good.”