Vancouver Mom » Fashion

Colour Me Pink: Kid-Safe Nail Polish Now Available From Hopscotch Kids

Christine — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:30:57 +0000

For those of you who don’t have girls, you might find it hard to believe that my older daughter had been pestering me to let her wear nail polish since she was three-and-a-half. Part of it was because she wanted to be just like mommy, but also because she saw the other girls in her preschool wearing nail polish. My own hesitation wasn’t just that I wondered about the age appropriateness of nail polish, but it was also the massive amount of chemicals that go into nail polish – as well as nail polish remover.

So when Hopscotch Kids Water Colors Nail Polish debuted in Canada a few weeks ago, my ears perked up. What? The same look as nail polish except without the toxic chemicals?

Hopscotch Kids Water Colors is a water-based nail polish that’s free of enough chemicals to make me consider swapping it in for my own nail polish. When I read the list of chemicals (toluene, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, acetone, heavy metals), I am horrified that I ever put conventional nail polish on my daughter.

Not only that, but the founders of Hopscotch Kids are confident that they have the most safe nail polish on the market. Their product is non-toxic, hypoallergenic, eco-friendly and 100% biodegradable.

I love the whimsical names of the colours, inspired by games played by young children: “Heads Up, Seven Up”, “Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear”, and “Red Rover, Red Rover”, to name a few. My kids especially love wearing the green on their toes.

I admit that I’ve applied the polish to my kids a couple of times and still haven’t used the recommended steps, which include using the buffing pad – I’m impatient and my kids are the same. I’d be curious to know how much better it would be. But for those of you who are short on time, Hopscotch Kids Water Colors dry exceptionally fast, especially since only one coat is required – perfect for kids who are eager to get moving and touch the polish.

I don’t really mind it if they muck up the polish. Applying the polish again is so easy and even if it looks a bit patchy – so what? They’re just kids.

Hopscotch Kids Water Colors Nail Polish sells for $12.99 at Raspberry Kids.

Overspending on your children’s clothes? Not for Long!

VancouverMom.ca — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:15:13 +0000

Guest post by Kendra Gable.

It seems like children can grow faster than biologically possible … at least to us sorrowful moms who want them to stay babies forever. In the first year of life, a child may wear that cute dress once or twice before it’s unable to fit over that ever-growing noggin. Whether you are unwilling to pay $50 for that adorable dress at Baby Gap or you just couldn’t resist that $50 dress at Baby Gap, children’s consignment stores can be a lifesaver on both fronts.

Not for Long – Children’s and Maternity Consignment Boutique sells name brand clothes (Mexx, Tea Collection, Please Mum, etc.), in new or nearly new condition, at well below retail prices. Located in White Rock, this fabulous store was created by two moms, Laura Woroniecki and Sholome Johnston, who also happen to be neighbours. They have daughters who are 6 months apart and Sholome is pregnant with her second child.

Sholome and Laura had a desire to start a consignment boutique and began talking business back in January 2009. Eight short months later, in September 2009, Not For Long had its grand opening. While still in the construction phase (thanks to their helpful husbands), Laura’s house became the meeting place for prospective consignees. With 18 consignees enlisted by the grand opening, business has grown to ten times that amount in the last 10 months. What began as 100% consignment has now expanded to include new products, some of which are made by local moms. You will find cute barrettes, headbands, bamboo hats, soother clips, bamboo maternity t-shirts, nursing covers, and handmade slings … just to name a few.

From the bright and inviting windows to the extremely organized layout, Not for Long is a store by mothers, for mothers. Each section is organized by size, helping you find that treasure without having to rummage around the whole store. The open layout makes for easy stroller access and allows us moms to see our children at all times. Not for Long also features an enclosed play area to keep the little ones occupied, so we are free to enjoy the shopping experience.

For consignment information visit www.notforlong.ca. Stop by and have a look around, you’ll be sure to find a great steal in a friendly atmosphere.

Not For Long Children’s & Maternity Consignment Boutique

1567 George St., White Rock | www.notforlong.ca

Kendra Gable is the owner of Bullfrogs & Butterflies Photography, a Surrey based photography studio that specializes in maternity, baby and children’s photography.

Breakfast Television Segment: Dressing Your Active Child for Summer!

Christine — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:44:35 +0000

Today we were on Breakfast Television talking about how to dress your active child for the summer, including how to keep them protected from the sun. The kids in this fashion segment did just great!

Watch this clip now.

Brands shown in this segment:

Agoo Apparel (Find out how you can win a $500 shopping spree from Agoo.)
Pediped Footwear
Baby Banz bucket hats
Kushies sunglasses

All products are available in-store or online at Lusso Baby.

Win a $500 Agoo Apparel Shopping Spree!

Christine — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Saw us on Breakfast Television and loved the clothes?

Here’s your chance to win a $500 shopping spree from Agoo Apparel. Adorn one child with a full wardrobe, or pick a few outfits for all your kids – and their cousins too! Scroll down for details!

10 Reasons to You’ll Want to Have Agoo In Your Life

Athlete inspired. Agoo is made with fabric and technologies fit for the most active athletes – including your kids.
Mom designed. As a busy mom of two, owner and designer JB Owen-Sacalis knows what moms need: clothes for quick diaper changes, clothes that will last and clothes that are functional.
Awesome sun protection. Agoo’s clothes have 50+ UV protection.
Stain resistant and extremely washable. You can even clean them with a wet wipe if your child spills something on them.
Fast drying. Kids can play at the beach, get soaked and be dry in about 30 minutes.
Did I say beach? Agoo can double up as swimwear! It’s also resistant chlorine and salt-water.
Four-way stretch means that the clothes will move with your kids and still retain its shape.
Wick-away fabric to keep your child cool. Even when baby falls asleep in her car seat, Agoo will help keep her from overheating.
Terrific base layer. Agoo is perfect for underneath a warmer fleece layer.
Agoo is based and designed right here in Vancouver.

Entering is Easy

Check out the clothes on AgooKids.com.
Visit VancouverMom.ca’s Facebook page and enter a comment, telling us why you like Agoo.
For extra entries:
1. Visit Agoo’s Facebook page and say that you saw this giveaway on VancouverMom.ca.
2. Tweet this message to your followers (be sure to include @vancouver_mom in your tweet to qualify):
3. Enter a comment on this article on VancouverMom.ca.

That’s it!

Open only to Canadian residents. Closes on August 2, 2010. Winner will be randomly selected using Random.org.

Kula Klips: Cute and Practical

Christine — Wed, 26 May 2010 07:00:46 +0000

In 2006, Ashley Fraser-Sexsmith got a haircut and tried to side sweep her bangs. “They just wouldn’t sweep!” Since she didn’t like the look of unadorned metal bobby pins, the former sales rep for a high-end watch company started looking for ribbons and other things to cover the clips with. “At the time, there wasn’t any Canadian companies on the market doing this,” Ashley recalls, “So I thought there was a void in the market that I could fill!” And her company Kula Klips was born.

Last month, Ashley sent me a few clips with the silicon grip, a few adjustable headbands and what she calls “Pony O’s” - hair elastics with a ribbon attached to them. I had left them unassumingly on the dining room table and my two daughters were immediately drawn to them, asking who they were for. My four-year-old deftly inserted a clip into her her hair with no assistance from me. The clip managed to stay-put in her slippery hair pretty much the whole day.

You’ll find similar hair products for kids on the market. But according to Ashley, Kula Klips is the first hair clip company on the market to brand the hair clips with its name so you’ll know you have a Kula Klip. The company also has introduced several exclusive ribbons, featuring hand-drawn images by a Calgary mom. “Our exclusive Monkeys, Cupcakes, Alligators, Skulls etc. have become a huge hit!”

But Kula Klips hasn’t stopped at hair products.

When her son was born, she couldn’t find any boy soother clips so she branched into that area as well. After some research, she opted to design the Soother Klip with a loop style on the end and using skinny ribbons so that they’d work with more styles of pacifiers. Ashley adds, “Our hip designs are great for any outfit since there is so much variety.”

Ashley also designed Buckled Belts because her son was so slim that his pants were always big in the waist. Like the exclusive designs of Kula Klips’ hair products, the designs are all hand-drawn and transfered to the belts.

Ashley created Mitten Klips when she heard that many schools won’t allow children to have mitts with strings attached. “All the moms telling me there kids were coming home with only one mitten at the end of the school day.” Shortly after introducing them, the company sold thousands in a few months. “We already have stores ordering for next winter!”

In July, Kula Klips will be launching two more products: a Kula Clips Case (“Moms on the go will never lose a hair clip again!”) and new reversible Buckled Belts.

“Being a mom myself and an avid shopper, if I can’t find something that I think is useful then I’m gonna make it!” says Ashley, who loves that most of the company’s products are made by stay-at-home moms.

Kula Klips products are available at:

Jack and Lola [Read VancouverMom.ca articles and reviews about Jack and Lola.]
Scallywags
Kiddo
Baby’s World

They are also available online at www.kulaklips.com.

Kula Klips Inc.

www.kulaklips.com | Twitter: kulaklips | Facebook

Baby and Toddler Fashion Show on Breakfast Television

Christine — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 07:00:29 +0000

Last week, VancouverMom.ca was on Breakfast Television featuring the latest Spring fashions for babies and toddlers. They say that working with kids can be a bit of a, uh, challenge. But I’m happy to report that all the kids were terrific sports and any mishap added to the charm of live television. All the moms did a fantastic job too!

Special thanks to Lusso Baby for providing all the fashions for this segment.

View the video now.

Breakfast Television Baby and Toddler Fashion Show

Christine — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 15:00:43 +0000

Who said working with kids on TV was hard? We had a blast on Breakfast Television showcasing some of the best Spring collections for baby and toddler fashions. Baby clothes have changed significantly over the past eight years. People are looking for unique quality fashions. We aren’t limited to shopping in department stores – or even in a mall chain store that mass produces its clothes. You’ll find the brands below in quality neighbourhood boutique baby shops and the best online stores.

Special thanks to Lusso Baby for supplying all the clothes for our segment.

If you missed it, here are some of the brands we featured:

Appaman

We love Appaman for its funky street-style clothes. Owner and designer Harald Husum named his company after his beloved childhood corduroy ape man doll. If you’re someone who likes a little urban edge, you’ll love Appaman.

Buy Appaman baby and kids clothing at LussoBaby.ca

Tea Collection

For Easter this year, my kids were dressed in matching Tea Collection outfits. I love Tea Collection for it’s nod to global fashions around the world. I especially love that these high quality clothes are priced reasonably.
Buy baby and kids clothing from Tea Collection at LussoBaby.ca

Egg Baby

Egg Baby just appeals to a urban mom’s senses. I love this brand for its clean and simple modern lines. Terrific clothes in natural fabrics and free of frills.

Buy baby and kids clothing by Egg Baby by Susan Lazar at LussoBaby.ca

Juicy Couture

Looking for a little bling? Juicy Couture is a more expensive brand that’s sure to deliver. Juicy Couture’s signature track suits in mini sizes are offered up alongside cute rompers, jackets and matching sets.

Buy baby and kids clothing from Juicy Couture Baby at LussoBaby.ca

Luna Luna

Want something a bit frilly for the little princess in your life? Luna Luna has an incredible collection of rompers and pants – but their dresses are really the main attraction. Luna Luna’s swim diaper cover, complete with sweet ruffle, is sure to draw at least one “how adorable” at the wading pool.

Buy Luna Luna baby clothing and dresses at LussoBaby.ca

Entrepreneur to Watch: Alexis Hinde of Chill Monkeys

Christine — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 07:00:28 +0000

If you’re a mom of a little guy, you’d know that finding clothes that don’t have monster trucks, a military theme or superheros is challenging. Alexis Hinde’s company Chill Monkeys strives to change all of that. Alexis’ vision is to produce stylish clothing for cool little boys. If you haven’t heard of Alexis, you will soon. She’s active on Twitter, has a well-read blog and, well, seems to know everyone. Plus she’s just downright nice.

We asked Alexis about Chill Monkeys and what she has in store for the cool monkeys in our lives.

What inspired you to start your company?

My son. I’d never noticed it before, but when he was born I quickly learned that a lot of kids’ clothing stores stock acres of stuff for girls but only a couple of small racks in the corner for boys. It was difficult to find really great boys’ clothing without licensed characters, trucks or trains, or giant logos on them. Last spring I made my son a little newsboy cap to wear out and about, and got so many compliments about it that I started thinking about making hats and other clothing as a side business when I went back to work after my maternity leave. Just before my mat leave ended I was laid off, so my “little side business” became much more front and center.

What is your company all about?

Great clothing for boys – stylish, hip, little man clothes, locally made. It’s really important to me to source and make as much as I can here in Vancouver. Like everyone else, becoming a parent changed everything for me. I started to be much more conscious of the everyday choices I was making – they suddenly mattered so much more. I found myself looking at clothing and toys and thinking, “Who made this? Where was it made? Is it safe?” I want moms to look at Chill Monkeys clothing and feel confident about the answers to those questions.

What’s your vision for your company?

I’d love to see Chill Monkeys in kids’ boutiques across Canada, and eventually in the US as well. I’d love to be known as an ethical company, providing really great quality cool clothes for boys. I want to give back to the greater community, sharing a percentage of profits with charities, particularly ones focused on education.

I’m also excited about the idea of partnering with other local designers and creating some kind of collective – supporting each others’ growth and sharing our experiences and knowledge with each other, as well as easing the burden of things like benefits and insurance premiums.

What excites you about what you’re doing?

I’ve never been someone to sit still, and I’ve never really looked at not knowing what I was doing as any kind of deterrent, so leaping into building my own company is not too much of a stretch. I’ve spent so many years working for other people, it’s really fantastic to be the one making the decisions! I’ve always loved clothing and textiles and fashion – the idea that I could make a living doing something I’m so passionate about is intoxicating. And I love connecting with other business owners – I’ve never met a more dynamic and inspiring group of people than the local parent-entrepreneur community. I’m thrilled to be working with and learning from some really talented people. I’m still working as many hours as I did before, but now I choose which hours. The biggest reason I’ve started my own business is to have the flexibility to take my son to swimming lessons or doctor’s appointments, or to even play hooky now and then and go to the park with him on a sunny afternoon!

What are some early examples of success?

I’ve had incredibly positive feedback from the moms of boys I’ve been connecting with, whether at the playground or at more formal networking-type events. We are desperate for great boys’ clothing! My “little side business” was accepted into a really great self-employment program last summer. I learned a tremendous amount, and it was really empowering to have business professionals believe in my ideas. And I’ve had encouraging preliminary conversations with a few local kids’ retailers – in fact Raspberry Kids has agreed to carry Chill Monkeys once we’re ready!

What about challenges?

As exhilarating as it is to take that leap into starting your own business, it can also be pretty scary. There’s self-doubt and the uncertainty of the unknown. The security of a steady income can be a very tantalizing thing on some days; having faith that I’m making the right decisions is a struggle at times. I’m also still figuring out how to balance the mom part of my life with the business part of my life, but I think that would be tricky even if I were still working for someone else.

What’s next for you?

Get production rolling, finish the online store part of the Chill Monkeys website, start lining up baby and toddler fairs and artisan markets, and expand our clothing line to include outerwear – for starters!

Chill Monkeys

www.chillmonkeys.com | Twitter: @chillmonkeys | Facebook

Buying Kidswear 101

Christine — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 22:59:46 +0000

Guest post by Grace Sanchez MacCall.

While shopping for rain gear last spring, a kind and helpful sales associate gently steered us to the next size up. I thought it was unnecessary because, clearly, that raincoat is the perfect size for my son, and besides he was getting quite impatient!

Rolling up the sleeves of the next size, she said, “If you get this one, you’ll get another season out of it.”

Well, colour me clueless! I suddenly realized I was projecting my own adult shopping needs on my child. I scratched my head wondering why I never thought of it myself. (Visions of my childhood wearing shoes and clothes a little too big came back full force!)

That was then. I’ve learned a few other things since that I’d love to share. Here goes:

Try the next size.

It is absolutely amazing how fast they grow! I’m ashamed to say there are days when my kid looks like the Incredible Hulk, with his shirt sleeves up to his elbows and his flood pants ending at the ankles.

Buy in sets.

You might think that pair of matching pants is a bit pricey, but you’ll find you’ll keep wishing you bought it every time he wears that shirt.

Buy clothes you can layer.

You’ll get extended wear out of the (big-ish) T-shirt if you wear it over a long-sleeved T during the cooler seasons.

Buy basics on sale and store it.

This might not work in terms of anticipating the kid’s shoe size, but it certainly works with clothes.

Shop online.

Save yourself the drive and the frustration of hauling kids around. But before you do, keep these in mind:

Shop domestically if you can. Be aware of fluctuating exchange rates and possible customs charges.
Shop the world. Smart mommies have discovered that when summer is over in South Africa or Australia, we’ll just be starting ours, so scoop up some great bargains.
Check the return policy. Make sure you really want it and can live with the consequences. Return shipping is your responsibility, a standard policy for online retailers. Remember too, that most sale items are non-returnable.
Stay with tried and true. If you are worried about fit, buy a known brand that you have tried on your kid. Or, if you want to try a new brand, phone or email the retailer/manufacturer for feedback first.

Have fun shopping!

Grace Sanchez MacCall is the founder of TykeThreads.com, a Canadian online source for hip and unique clothing for boys. Her son is always better dressed than she is.

RoxStar Kids: A Little Rock ‘n’ Roll

Christine — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:00:44 +0000

Nicole Leslie was interested in trying her hand at designing and creating accessories that would be unique, grown-up and downright cool for her young son and daughter and their friends – and figured rock ‘n’ roll would never go out of style. Her brainchild was RoxStar Kids, which produces rock ‘n’ roll inspired leather wristbands for children – from toddlers to teens and for both girls and boys.

Nicole was looking to leave her job in advertising and RoxStar Kids allowed her to stay home with her kids and be creative. “I have so much fun going downstairs to my workshop, turning up the music and making wristbands!”

RoxStar Kids offers high quality leather wristbands with several colours and styles to choose from. Sizes range to fit from age two to teen. Custom sizes are also available.

But her collection isn’t limited to children: it’s really meant for anyone who wants a really fun and unique accessory for their kids – or themselves. Leslie has made quite a few for moms and dads – and loves it since it represents the true brand of RoxStar Kids. “It’s cool enough that you want to wear it!”

As a mom, Leslie knows that safety and quality is very important when designing accessories for children and chooses only high quality leather and decorative materials specifically designed for use with leather.

RoxStar Kids

www.roxstarkids.com | Facebook

RoxStar Kids is available at www.roxstarkids.com or at these Metro Vancouver retailers:

Jack & Lola, North Vancouver
Monkey Business Kid’s Boutique, Maple Ridge
Baby Cheeks, Surrey
The Baby Giraffe, Abbotsford