t-shirts for kids

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Little & Mighty


Hand drawn designs and homemade touches add a distinctive look to this colorful children’s clothing collection.

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American made in Austin, Texas. “We are Little & Mighty and we make apparel for little explorers,” says Rachel Bucher, one of the fierce moms who founded this brand along with fellow fierce moms Amanda Jigmond and Komal Patel. “All of our designs are drawn by us, printed in our local print shop and American made.”

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The onezies and tees for babies and little kids are created to inspire adventure. “We want to encourage little ones to explore and marvel at the great big world around them, and by doing so, to discover their own ‘Mighty’ abilities,” they say.

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The trio began their adventure in the children’s clothing trade last fall. Most of their moderately-priced, original designs are screen printed locally using water based inks on 100% fine ring-spun, combed cotton. They chose water based inks because they sink into the fibers to become part of the fabric, producing a vintage, worn-in look while staying breathable – with that ultra-soft feel.

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“We put a lot of care and effort into our items, from handpicking our shirts to drawing all of our designs in house. We go through a few rounds of picture and color selection in order to find the perfect combinations to enhance the designs.”

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Little & Mighty has come to the attention of a few fierce mommy bloggers as well as local press, including the Austin American-Statesman – and now CRT. Very nice, Moms! So … could the next drawing on your list be … a smiling goat face?!

 

The Matching Dots & KNOCKOUT Tees


Be cool. Be glamorous. Be spotted! Our motto has this fun double meaning: wear spots and be spotted. Our customers are unique and original, and we make them noticeable!

090413_TheMatchingDots_02Made in the USA. Polka dots have made a royal comeback, thanks to Princess Kate being “spotted” leaving the hospital with newborn Prince George. And dots are being done in a fun, modern way right here in the US by The Matching Dots, a company that specializes in polka dot prints, featured in designs for girls and their dolls, as well as their moms and their little dogs, too!

090413_TheMatchingDots_04Fe Read and Augusta Justen have made their childhood dream of owning a business come true with their socially responsible clothing line that’s not only Made in the USA, but making a difference in the world.

“Our unique and exclusive coordinating designs are proven to strengthen family relationships,” Fe tells me, who bonds with her own little girl wearing their coordinating Matching Dots dresses. Fe, who lives with her family in North Carolina and serves as managing director of The Matching Dots, has a background in business management working for non-profits, and has a soft spot in her heart for helping kids in need. “Philanthropy is a big part of our organization,” she says. “For every dress we sell we feed one hungry child in partnership with Stop Hunger Now.”

090413_TheMatchingDots_03Augusta also studied business management, but she decided to follow her passion to fashion early on, studying in Italy, London and Brazil before moving to the Portland, OR area and becoming the creative director of The Matching Dots.

“Behind each one of our designs is the desire to help strengthen family relationships,” they say. “We are very passionate about what we do and we feel delighted with the possibility of being part of your special moments.”

I’m tickled by the team’s explanation of why “dots” are so special –especially the notion that many believe something intrinsically “divine” or “perfect” can be found in circles.

090413_TheMatchingDots_KnockOutTees_01TEE Parties. Fe and Augusta are also the minds behind KNOCKOUT Tees, a line born soon after The Matching Dots with the goal is to help “knock out” hunger, child abuse and neglect, malnourishment, poverty and violence.

A percentage of profits automatically goes to address the needs of children, so by supporting both The Matching Dots and Knockout Tees, you are helping children in need. The company puts together events called TEE PARTIES every year to raise funds for specific non-profit agencies throughout the US.