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Apparel and Accessories at ABC Kids Expo: Biker Chic to Classic and Everything in Between - Part III
ZOONI Homebase: San Francisco, CA I don't know what I love more, designers Melissa and Michelle Jeong's new 3-D ConFEETi Sock Collection or the fabulous "circus theatre" they're packed in. 3-D animal creatures are knit into the socks so their ears and paws puff over the ankle and just above the heel. They're adorable with or without shoes; a textured design on the soles keep children from slipping. Available in soft pastels and deeper tones, the items will have children cooing with pleasure. If you're looking for something truly new in your legwear department, this is it. And the red, white a pale blue box with the animal heads peeping out will make a charming store display (Fits NB to 2T; $3.95 each, $11.45 for a set of 3).
Tel: 800 401-1274 E-mail: Info@zooniwear.com
SHOES/SLIPPERS/BOOTIES: LITTLE SOLES Homebase: Calgary, Alberta, Canada "A major goal of Little Soles, Inc. is to raise awareness by manufacturing with the consumer's comfort, and safety in mind," says Jessica Jacobs, the company's founder. To that end, all Little Soles footwear is subjected to rigorous testing so that each item is free of harmful dyes and toxins. With styles like the Beautifully Retro Mary Jane that's ultra soft yet sturdy, you'd buy it even if it were made from toxic waste. (Fits sizes 3-8; $15-$18)
Tel: 403 270-0123 E-mail: Info@littlesoles.ca
SEE KAI RUN Homebase: Woodinville, WA See Kai Run is growing smaller as in their recent and highly successful Smaller collection of shoes for the littlest trendsetters (fits sizes NB to 24 months). Cause Haun and Gang Chen take the beautifully designed footwear - a wide opening accommodates chubby feet and the flexible rubber sole is so soft it can be folded - and make magic with gorgeous leathers, metallics, unusual color combinations, and simple motifs. Smaller boys' designs for spring feature styles such as the Cameron, Evan, and Alec ($16), all classic yet playful. For Fall 2009, is the irresistible Brenna, a brown and cream wingtip with a ladylike T-strap (fits sizes 3 to 9; $20).
Tel: 888 524-7463 E-mail: Brenna@seekairun.com
PEDIPED Homebase: Henderson, NV Pediped designers Angela and Brian Edgeworth have been busy sourcing new materials for their collection of soft, slip resistant-soled leather infant shoes. The Grace ($14.50) features a flower printed cork upper that has the textured surface of cork and a velvety hand. The Roman inspired metallic Aurelia ($18.50), with its ankle straps and fringed front, is ready for the runway. (Both styles fit NB to 24 months)
Tel: 800 880-1245 E-mail: Customerservice@pediped.com
SCOOTERBEES (Organic) Homebase: Milpitas, CA "ScooterBees, The Storytelling Shoe" is something different. Each ultra-light leather shoe has an organic shape that follows the natural curve of the foot. They're hand-made by artisans in Peru who choose organically raised cattle for leather and even pick the vegetables and fruits used for the non-toxic dyes. A recycled fleece lining means the shoe can be worn with or without socks. Each shoe sports a different yet related motif designed by founder Sandy Eng. Her delicate illustrations - a ship at sea on the left shoe; an octopus on the right - keep children engaged from the ground up (Fits NB to 12 years; $17-$29).
Tel: 408 203-3195 E-mail: Sandy@scooterbees.com
STONZ WEAR* Homebase: Vancouver, BC Canada Canadian Lisa Will searched for a lightweight bootie that could keep feet warm on the coldest winter day. Nothing seemed quite right, so she dreamed up Stonz, a lightweight water and wind resistant bootie. A wide opening makes the footwear easy to slip on, a fleece lining means little feet stay warm and dry, and two adjustable toggles at the calf and ankle allows the bootie to be tightened around a child's foot for a custom, no-slip fit. (The booties fit NB to 4 years; approximately $23.50 )
Tel: 604 568-6364 E-mail: Lisa@stonzwear.com
HATS, GLOVES, SCARVES: BEARHANDS & BUDDIES Homebase: Little Ferry, NJ Bearhands & Buddies has gone larger - and smaller. Designer Julie Harris has taken her popular hats embellished with cuddly animal toys and shrunk them into Buddy Infant Hats (one size fits most infants up to six months; $6). Older sisters won't feel lonely with the cozy fleece hoodie that keeps the little pets close to a child's chin. (Fits 6+ years; $9.75)
Tel: 201 807-9898 E-mail: info@bearhands.net
UB2 THE URBAN BABY BONNET* (organic option) Homebase: Yellow Springs, OH Newcomer Colette Palamar's UB2 Urban Baby Bonnet (sizes range from preemie to adult; $17-$23) blends clean lines with modern, vintage inspired reversible prints. The wide brim offers sun protection while the adjustable straps keep the piece close to the head for warmth. The simple shape is suitable for boys too.
Tel: 937 767-2846 E-mail: Ub2@urbanbabybonnets.com
APRONS: LOLLY BY SAM & BELLIE (Organic) Homebase: Mount Pleasant, CA Lolly is designers Grace Paik and Caroline Yu's eco-friendly PVC, BPA and Phthalates-free collection of aprons, bibs, placemats, and chalkmats. Printed pieces, such as the engaging Airplane bib and apron, make terrific unisex gifts. (Bibs fit 6 months to 3 years; aprons 3 to 7 years; bibs $7, aprons $12)
Tel: 703 409-1723 E-mail: Grace.paik@gmail.com
Originally published September 30, 2009
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