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Archive for the "Designs & Brands" Category

Album di famiglia Kid’s Hat


With winter just around the corner, it’s that time of year again, time to bundle up.  This handsome kid’s hat by Album di Famiglia will make the hassle seem more worthwhile.  It always looks perfect on kids.
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Kids Toys: Jess Brown’s Dollmaking Process

ARTISTS & FARMERS: *the SHEPHERD & the DOLLMAKER* (teaser) from TINBIKE on Vimeo.

Do you know how your toys are made?

This beautiful video, shot by Beau Bouverat at TINBIKE captures a glimpse into the dollmaking process of Jess Brown, as well as the shepherd, Molly Best. The short clip showcases wool from opposite ends, from the process of shearing a sheep’s fleece to sewing the eyes of an heirloom-quality Jess Brown Doll.

Read more about the painstaking details that go into her sustainable dolls here.

Posted 06.7.11 by admin
Tags: Category: Designs & Brands Toys
Comments: 3

Beyond Pink: Amelia Baby & Girls Spring Line

amelia spring line estella: baby girl seersucker dress in gray, pink, floral dress

The Amelia baby and girls spring clothing line is making us fall in love with pink all over again — yes, pink. If you have a toddler girl, you will know why this is such a surprise. Our little three-year-old can’t get enough of it — from Pinkalicious to Foofa to Barbie. And since the marketers at Disney, Mattel, and such realized about a decade ago that little girls like princesses, they have made pink synonymous with little girls — although in the new book “Cinderella Ate My Daughter” by Peggy Orenstein, the author writes about how as late as the 1930s, pink was actually a traditional baby boys’ color, while blue — a sign of tranquility — was the color girls’ nurseries were painted. Pink is only “girly” because of marketing, it turns out.

So now, anything we offer our little girl, she wants in pink: dresses, shoes, candy, toys, even breakfast! Having gone through this phase with our now eight-year-old girl, we’ve come to quietly hate that bright-pink shade. And I say quietly because we’ve learned not to openly protest, since that just prolongs the phase.

The problem is clearly not with pink itself, but with the bright commercial pinks that all marketers know is immediately attractive. And it always works on our innocent little girls: As soon as they see that hot pink anything, they must have it. The problem is that after 30 seconds, the brightness becomes blinding. When I come home to my daughter, looking at all of her pink things collectively freaks me out. It’s like bringing a pink Times Square into your house, and you can’t complain, or the pink never leaves!

So at Estella, we deal with this problem democratically by offering pinks, but only ones we can live with.  This is why the baby and little girls spring line from Italian design company Amelia, designed by German-born dressmaker Katrin Arens, is such a welcome surprise. Not only can we live with these pinks, but they are soft, delicate, and soothing. The Amelia Seersucker Dress, above, is sophisticated, playful, and a joy to look at, just like our little girl.

Spring is looking good in PINK!

Weekly Deal: 25% Off Jellycat Stuffed Animals

baby with jellycat stuffed animal toy

Jellycat stuffed animals were all the rage last holiday season, and with Valentine’s Day coming up, the plush toys’ popularity hasn’t slowed down. So show your baby how much you love them! Save 25% off these soft, cuddly lions, monkeys, and zebras (oh my!) at Estella just by “liking” us on Facebook (come on, we know you haven’t lost your youthful craving for social networking!) On the Facebook page, you will be able to find a special code under the “Deal of the Week” tab. Simply enter this code upon checkout, and you’re good to go! But hurry, the special offer expires next Monday, January 31.

And don’t worry, the plush creatures also come in less threatening, non-jungle versions, like Striped Kitty and Bashful Bunny. Designed in England, they’ve been causing quite the Jellycat Mania on this side of the pond (what is it about us and cute Brits? Even the kids are into them!)

Choose your favorite Jellycat.

Pick out more soft, fun toys.

Photographic Inspiration; Monika Elena Photography

We’re often lucky enough to get to know the photographers behind the wonderful lookbooks we get from all the brands we carry.

Monika Elena Kost of Monika Elena Photography is one of these kids photographers. She has worked extensively with brands like Dagmar Daley and MorMor, capturing the whimsical qualities of each brand and the personalities of the kids she works with. See her website for more information. More photos after the jump!

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Posted 01.20.11 by admin
Tags: Category: Designs & Brands Girl Dresses Girls Kids Clothing Kids Clothes Outfit Ideas
Comments: 7

We’re Having A Sale!

suitAnd it’s not just any sale, it’s our annual clearance sale. So for those of you who love a good bargain, and who doesn’t these days, it’s time to shop!

We have discount baby clothes at prices that will let you stock up on one of everything. We all know how fast little ones outgrow their baby clothes, so it makes sense to stock up when you are getting a good deal. So, since I’m always here to help; let me give you some ideas to help you along with your shopping.

I know that spring feels far away, but it’s really right around the corner. And there are plenty of sale items you’ll be able to use when the weather warms up. We have lovely little dresses for girls, which of course you can put on your little ones right away, you just have to layer until the weather warms up. And we have cute shorts and cargo pants for boys.

But, don’t neglect the basics that you need right now, for cool spring days and in the ac during the summer. You’ll find great boys’ long sleeve t-shirts at prices that will make you want to buy a couple for right now and buy a couple more in next year’s size, too.

Finally, I always like to stock up on gifts during great sales. Think about baby showers you’ll be attending in the coming months, as well as birthdays that are coming round soon. I’m certain that our latest sale will help you save the baby gifts you need.

Enjoy shopping our clearance sale, it seems like great prices on kids’ clothes are the topic of the moment. I noticed that my friends over at Cool Mom Picks were just helping a reader find great discount kids clothes for an upcoming cruise.

Posted 01.25.10 by admin
Tags: , ,
Category: Baby Clothes Sale Children's Clothing Sale
Comments: 6

Boys Outfit Ideas; A Trip to the Zoo

Today’s featured toddler boy outfit is inspired by trips to the zoo and Springtime walks in the park. Breezy cotton plaids are teamed with light knits to keep you little guy cool and comfy throughout his busy day.

  1. Navy Kids Knit Contrast Cuff Knit Cardigan by Max and Lola. The perfect “any time” cardigan with contrast cuff detailing.
  2. Crochet T-Rex Stuffed Animal. You won’t likely see this guy at the zoo, but your little one will want this stuffed T-rex by his side to share the fun.
  3. Giraffe Print Kids T-Shirt by Okkies. This cool kids t-shirt is a quintessential piece of any zoo outing outfit.
  4. Kids Vans Double Velcro Sneakers. Because he’ll be too busy having fun to lace his sneakers.
  5. Plaid Boys Pants by Okkies. Plaid, preppy and low maintenance… what more could you want?

Think Pink for Spring; Baby Girl Outfit Ideas

This Spring, think Pink, luxe layers, gorgeous textures, feminine silhouettes and flirty prints. This baby girls outfit is sure to make her look sweeter than she already is!

  1. Cream Cashmere Baby Cardigan by Lotus Springs. The perfect coverup to any outfit, you’ll find this eco-friendly Cashmere cardigan indispensable in your infant’s wardrobe.
  2. Pink Cashmere Hand- Knit Baby Hat by Estella. This chic hand-knit cap is made of 100% Cashmere and is a fair-trade product. Great for those not-so-warm-yet days or to cover up a bad hair day.
  3. Floral Print Baby Girls Dress by Estella. Floral, pink and fun without being twee – this adorable cotton dress is perfect for your sophisticated little tot and breezy enough for the Spring and Summer days ahead.
  4. Velcro Baby Girl Mary Janes by Siaomimi. A shoe addict is born. No outfit is complete without the perfect shoe and this comfortable and fiercely stylish shoe works every time.
  5. Hand Crocheted Heart Rattle. Send a little love with this cotton hand-crocheted heart baby rattle.
  6. Pink Cotton Baby Leggings by Estella. Keep their chubby lil legs warm with these versatile cotton leggings.

Be My Valentine

Haven’t picked out a gift yet for your Valentine this year? With Valentine’s day only a day away, here are some last minute gift ideas to show your sweetie that they’re on your mind.

Check out these adorable e-cards on Kate Spade’s website – perfect for last minute sending (and a green alternative to those paper cards!)

You were never the kind to give something as expected as a box of chocolates. Besides, this cuddly corduroy cat stuffed animal by Jellycat is just as satisfying (without all the calories). All Jellycat stuffed animals are an additional 10% off thru V-Day, so hurry!

Posted 02.13.09 by admin
Tags: , ,
Category: Designs & Brands Toys
Comments: 2

Spring has Sprung with Kit+Lili’s New Spring Arrivals!

Ok, so maybe the title is a little premature, or maybe it’s the unseasonably warm weather we’ve had over the weekend that inspired it – whatever the case, we sure do hope that Spring is upon us because we need an excuse to wear this gorgeous scoop-neck floral girls dress by Kit+Lili. The sleeveless dress is perfect for layering; wear with a wool knit cardigan for breezy days or over an Estella t-shirt for a little more coverage. The 100% cotton fabric is perfect for balmier days (note the swoon-worthy floral print!)

If florals aren’t your cup of tea, no need to fret, this beautiful pink eyelet girls dress by Kit+Lili offers a delicate and girly spin with a cotton eyelet fabric. Adjustable spaghetti tie straps and a peek-a-boo eyelet lace trim along the hem sweeten the deal.

View all of the new Spring Kit+Lili Arrivals here.