Cardboard with a cause
Words Lee Tobin from My Style
6 September 2010
Prior to stumbling across the Swiss creation that is Foldschool, I was completely unaware that cardboard could, or should, have a philosophy. Oh, how ignorant I’d been! Let me recap: mass culture is bad; doing things for yourself (or craftsmanship, as the cultured among us might say) is good. To combat the modern state of “ecological absurdity” (just nod your head), Foldschool gives kids access to designer furniture free of charge. The catch, as you may have already realised, is that it’s cardboard. The designs, offered by architect Nicola Enrico Stäubli, can be printed from any printer and include chairs, stools and rockers. The result is a stable but lightweight piece of furniture that youngsters can be proud of. To fold your way to social change, download a free pattern at foldschool.com.
My baby’s a rebel
Words Lee Tobin from My Style
6 September 2010
Typical baby products are sweet in pale pinks and blues, but are they suitable for all tots? Tico Torres thinks not. The renowned artist and musician, better known as the drummer from rock band Bon Jovi, created Rock Star Baby after noticing a big, black hole (or cutesy pastel one rather) in the kiddie market. The label is set to empower rebel babies with a penchant for rock’n’roll. Purchase the edgy collection of dummies, dummy clips, bottles and rubber duckies at alittlebitofcheek.com.au.
Fit for a queen
Words Lee Tobin from My Style
6 September 2010
My life is burdened with a very serious dilemma at present. Am I ill? No. Am I sleepy, hungry and a little bit grumpy? Well, maybe. But these trivial complaints are of little concern to me. Rather, it is fashion, and why cuteness is attainable for every demographic except mine! First, it was the children – with their never-ending list of boutique brands – you’re adorable, we get it. Now, it’s mothers-to-be. Want proof? Check out queenbee.com.au. The online maternity store is full of gorgeous patterned maxi dresses, yummy mummy swimwear, simple tunics and plain tees. So, go on, treat yourself. With that radiant pre-baby glow, you already outshine me anyway.
Fancy feet
Words Kate Walsh from My Style
6 September 2010
With all the high-fashion designer and chain store collaborations that have flooded stores lately, it’s about time someone made something for the kids! Vivienne Westwood has worked with Australian brand Melissa to produce some gorgeous children’s shoes. Perfect for the little fashionista, the shoes are infused with a bubblegum scent and girls can choose between the sweetheart or bow designs in a whole heap of different colours. Visit melissaaustralia.com.au to see them all and check out the ladies range as well.
Quirky toys for little boys
Words Kate Walsh from My Style
6 September 2010
While teddies and dolls are great fun, there’s nothing like an offbeat kid’s toy to expand their imaginations. LuckyBoySunday is a weird and wonderful, slightly edgy Danish range of soft toys made from alpaca wool. My favourite is the big green monster – his just-ate-a-lemon face is adorable. Although you can’t purchase from their website luckyboysunday.dk just yet, the brand is available in Australia through kidostore.com.
Keep it clean
Words Kate Walsh from My Style
6 September 2010
Children are messy creatures – forever exploring and creating and wiping their hands on their clean clothes. Lots of Ladybugs provides the solution to this problem with funky aprons that can be worn when creating a work of art or helping Mum in the kitchen or garden. There are 15 colourful and retro-inspired prints to choose from. Go to lotsofladybugs.com to pick your favourite.
Woolly wonders
Words Hannah Thompson from My Style
6 September 2010
The itch of a woollen jumper can drive anyone mad! Little BonBon, from Australian mum Lucy Vollo, is a range of baby wear created from superfine Merino wool. So you get all the benefits of wool without the scratch. This natural fibre regulates your baby’s temperature, is naturally stain resistant and won’t lose its shape. I love the soft colours and modern apple design on Little BonBon’s blankets, available in lilac and blue. Have a look at more of the incredibly affordable essentials at littlebonbon.com.au.
Toasty toes
Words Lee Tobin for My Style
6 September 2010
Not quite shoes, not quite socks, Isabooties baby shoes are a US innovation designed to keep tiny feet warm. The idea, owners Libby and Laura say, was to create comfy pre-walker shoes which were ‘healthy for our babies and healthy for the Earth’. And by the looks of things, this pair succeeded fantastically. Check out these scrumptious choc-top and choc-fleur designs. Good enough to eat! Easy to put on, hard for tots to take off, machine-washable and dryer-safe, fade-resistant and made from animal-free fabrics, these adorable booties are a steal! Find them at isabooties.com.
Cute cooking
Words Lee Tobin from My Style
6 September 2010
Ok, so I admit it – cooking is not my forte, and I rarely look beyond the trusty toaster. But I probably would if cooking appliances looked as cute as these do! Designed by Hase Weiss, a Berlin company specialising in wooden toys and furniture, the vibrant toys make for a wonderfully modern “play” kitchen. How real do they look? Budding young chefs should head to kidsmodern.com.
Bring on the noise
Words Brad Aldridge from My Style
6 September 2010
Do you feel like you have too much peace and quiet? Could your home use some improvised toddle jazz blasting through your halls? Well, turn it up to eleven, put your hands in the air and salute the rock gods, as European toy maker Hamleys brings you the appropriately titled Gigantic Piano Mat. Nothing says dedication to your child’s burgeoning music career like an oversized novelty noisemaker. It also has guitar, xylophone and accordion modes so your child can explore the nuances of pitch, tone and, of course, volume. Great for kids’ parties and sleepovers, as children love every attention-seeking minute. Remember, it’s not just a piano mat: it’s a gigantic piano mat. Go to hamleys.com for more information.
Picking a winner
Words Catherine Murden from My Style
6 September 2010
It’s probably the most perfect name for a kid’s brand – Finger In The Nose – and these French threads are downright cool to boot. This range will suit a Sunday dinner at Nanna’s house without losing any rock ‘n’ roll credibility and, despite their stylish appearance, are very comfortable and made from the finest European fabrics. The only downside I can see: in this gear, your kids will definitely out-cool you. Head to fingerinthenose.com to check them out.
Look closer...
Words Catherine Murden from My Style
6 September 2010
This range of baby playsuits caused quite a stir in our office! While the babies look all dressed up in their shirts and denim jeans, a closer look will reveal that they are actually in all-in-one rompers. Despite their formal look, the suits are 100 percent cotton, and feature colour-coded press-studs along the inside of the leg for quick nappy changes. One thing is for certain – these are certainly baby clothes with a difference. To see the range, check out dijjie.com.
My child rocks
Words Lee Tobin from My Style
6 September 2010
Are you ready to rock? The designers from Amplified Kids – a collection by edgy London label Amplified Clothing – believe a generous dose of rock ‘n’ roll is pertinent to any child’s diet. From the classics (The Who, Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones) to the underground (The Stone Roses and the Ramones), its range of 100 percent cotton reverse-seam tees vary to please any young muso. And if that’s not enough, a great range of hoodies, dresses and PJs will leave tots ready to rock, regardless of the time or weather. Its available online at sugarbullets.co.uk.
If you know of something fantastic you would like to see featured in My Style, please drop us a line! You can contact me at heather@poppetgroup.com.au. I look forward to hearing from you.