You know how it’s said the shoes maketh the outfit – it’s never been more true since striking footwear gold with this latest collection from Little’s.

Babyologists will surely remember Little’s delicious sandals we featured this past summer and now both little and big kids are set to put their best (and funkiest) foot forward this winter in Little’s winter collection.

Babies and older children will love the pop of surprise Little’s Baby Tay Tay Boot ($39) gives to any outfit. Babies as young as three months can enjoy the leopard print, beautifully soft cowhide, slip on style shoe. The snazzy lace-up style Tay Tay Boot ($69) is sure to delight trend setting toddlers and older fashionistas. For something casual and easy to wear we love the fringed tan suede Molly Moccasin ($69), destined to be beautiful paired with tights and a dress or skinny jeans and a jumper!

All Little’s shoes are handmade so there is a two to three week wait for orders, but with magnificent shoes like this finishing off cute outfits, we think they’re definitely worth the wait!

If you have hard to fit kids, they Little’s will also do made to measure shoes if you trace around your children’s feet. Genius!

The post If the shoe fits – Little’s glorious winter footwear appeared first on Babyology.

Discovering these shoes has led to a bit of a lightbulb moment for me. You see, in my family, we have a problem. The problem is that a few years ago, I succumbed and bought my children a particular brand of rubber shoes which are comfortable, but very, very ugly. And now they won’t wear anything else.

This season’s range of children’s shoes from Melissa could go some way to fixing this problem for me. They’re just as comfortable but with some serious design cred, as we discovered when we first came across Mini Melissa back in 2010. At that stage, there were only two sandal styles for children, but the range has expanded, and this season’s winter collection includes six styles, representing three designers, sized to fit children from toddler to tween.

The shoes are still the same comfortable PVC that kids love to wear, and with gorgeous designs and eye-catching colours there’s sure to be something everyone will love. I can’t resist the Ultragirl Cat Mary Jane-style sandal (top left) which comes in four colours, and I love that the Polibolha range (below) is unisex and so suitable for boys too. It’s modelled off the look of bubble wrap, and I can’t think of a child who wouldn’t get a kick out of that.

Prices begin at $59.95 (although at the time of writing, Ultragirl Cherry shoes were on sale for $39.95) and you can browse the whole range and buy online at Melissa.

The post New season Mini Melissa shoes for girls and boys appeared first on Babyology.

Gone are the days of gaudy children’s gumboots. They’re now a fashion statement in their own right, and these Australian beauties are ensuring kids put their best foot forward.

These boots have plenty of kick when it comes to fashion – they’re anything but boring. Produced by Melbourne-based The Secret Door Co., Timber & Tamber Rain Boots are simply gorgeous.

Timber & Tamber Rain Boots come in three designs: the French Bow Boot, the Original Boot and the Woolly Mammoth Sock Boot.

The French Bow Boots are just divine, with a beautiful co-ordinating bow decorating the back of the boot. They cost $47 a pair.

The Original Boot has the gorgeous Timber & Tamber logo on the front and is a great unisex option. They cost $37 a pair.

My favourite are the Woolly Mammoth Sock Boots – they look so warm and inviting. These cost $45.

The boots come in four colours, burgundy, yellow, pumpkin and olive, and they also come in four sizes. Each set of boots is sold in a canvas shoe bag, which is an environmentally conscious alternative to a shoe box. It protects the boots when not being worn, and can be used to store them out of sight over the warmer months.

The boots are made from natural vulcanised rubber, with a quick drying cotton lining. Sturdy, skid-free soles ensure puddle jumping is as safe as possible, and the ribbon on the bow boots is stain and fray resistant. You can buy a pair directly from Timber & Tamber.

The post Let kids make a splash in Timber & Tamber Rain Boots appeared first on Babyology.

What tickled your fancy over Easter (apart from chocolate)?!

Top of the list was the nursery of Babyology bub, Leo. Our readers couldn’t wait to get a peek at how our production manager, Laura, fitted out a nursery for her little man. Needless to say, it’s packed with style and the cool grey and bright yellow palette was a hit.

Our fascination with the meaning of names and finding the perfect moniker continued with our review of the Nametrix app. Despite the occasional odd result, this app proved to be a whole lot of fun for parents choosing names.

Easter may be all about chocolate for big kids and grown-ups but readers looking for ways to mark the occasion for new bubs loved our Easter Gift Guide for Babies, packed with charming accessories and toys with an Easter theme.

We were excited to show you the brand new Il Tutto After Baby bag in March – just what mums need when they have to carry gear for toddlers and children, without the need for changing mats, feeding accessories and bottle holders.

You can never have too many shoes! Well that’s what I always say and it seems Babyologists agree. Rounding out our top five posts for the month was our review of toddler shoes.

The post Top five posts for March 2013 appeared first on Babyology.

That tricky transition from socks and booties to proper shoes for newly walking toddlers can be tricky – there are so many different shoes on the market. So we’ve brain stormed and straw polled, and come up with a Babyology toddler shoe go-to guide.

For a great combination of fashion and function, it’s hard to go past See Kai Run. Soft leather which is kind to little feet, and a sturdy sole make for a solid first shoe for toddlers.

The ease of which a shoe can be put onto a toddler, is directly proportional to how happy said child will be immediately following the act of putting on shoes – fact. So a slip on shoe can be a sanity saver! Mooky make some gorgeous moccasin-style shoes, and will fit the older toddler crowd (from about three years old).

Scruffy Dog is a great go-to, Australian-designed brand when you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for. They stock shoes and sandals, and a great range of unisex designs to boot.

Flora and Henri also make some stunning sandals.

If your toddler’s taste in first shoes is a little out there, get your hands on (and their feet in) a pair of Lou’s Shoes. They’re stunning to look at and are soft and supple, making them a perfect first shoe.

Old school style never goes out of fashion in my book, and Vans has it in spades. They make a rather spunky toddler range.

Likewise, Converse have plenty of street cred, and the toddler shoes are the bomb. The lace-up boots can be a little tricky to get on really small feet, but Cons also have some handy side zip, velcro and slip on versions of their classic Chucks.

These handy shoes are among the most popular on the Babyology team. Native shoes are easy to get on, sturdy and look rather dashing.

For some hand-made shoe heaven, check out the collection from Chook Leaf, which make shoes to fit early walkers (nine months).

For a toddler shoe that can take some beating and still look beautiful, browse the Gucio toddler shoe collection. These stunners are handmade in Poland.

Pediped’s range for toddler, Grip ‘n’ Go, are solid all-rounders – ergonomic and supportive.

Handmade and soft leather and two things that work beautifully for toddler shoes. Livie & Luca do this so well with their toddler collection.

If you’re trying to source something a little different for you toddler’s feet, have a look at what Creative Reaction has on offer.

Baby Bloch toddler shoes are beautifully moulded for tiny tootsies, and look adorable.

Velcro straps and leather make Hoof Shoes a no-brainer when it comes to comfortable and child-friendly toddler footwear.

Bobux shoes are a stalwart brand in the toddler and children’s shoe market, and their boots are winners for winter.

A few other brands worthy of a mention are Old Soles and Pablosky, while Tip Toey Joey and Skeanie have been my picks as first shoes for both my boys.

Finally, if you have floorboards or tiles, I can highly recommend a pair of good-soled slippers for new walkers, like these from Wooly Baby, or the Collegien Slipper Socks below.

Now that your head is brimming with possibilities for first toddler shoes, have a look at our guide to buying baby and toddler shoes, for some handy tips on getting the right fit and style of shoe for your child.

The post Kids’ first kicks – a toddler shoe round up appeared first on Babyology.

Call the hunt for stylish sandals off! We’ve found leather sandals that are big on style and bold in colour, perfect for hitting the footpaths this summer!

Little’s sandals are quality handmade leather sandals available in sizes five to one, covering the pretty toes of toddlers to those of older girls. Casual enough to be worn with shorts and a tee or paired with a beautiful party dress, Littles are sure to become your go-to sandal!

Little’s Gypsy Sandal ($50) is made from a gorgeous blue and white dyed leather and has a fun tassel and braid detail. My personal favourite is the Poppy sandal in yellow (pictured above, $50) which is also available in red and metallic silver ($40).

There will be minimal slipping about since Little’s footwear has a non-slip rubber sole and we love the velcro closure instead of a buckle – makes it extra easy for children to get their own shoes on and off, not to mention handy if a speedy exit out the door is required!

The post Little’s – summer girls’ sandals that are big on style appeared first on Babyology.

Summer footwear just got even better, with great new styles from Salt Water Sandals.

We love amazing Salt Water Sandals for their timeless style, their practicality and their comfort. Now we also love their range, with two new styles which are sure to thrill the parents of boys.

Let’s be honest, it can be hard to find a boys’ sandal style that doesn’t look, well, girly. Salt Water Sandals have just released Salt Water Sharks (above) and Salt Water Surfers (top) which look great on boys or girls. Sharks are available exclusively in brown, white and navy, while the Surfers are available in a wider range which also includes red, tan, lime, pink, silver, gold, purple, and fuchsia.

The team at Salt Water are also trying out some “mashups” in kids’ and women’s sizes – the same basic sandal style, but in two or three different tones.

Last but not least, how cool is the new turquoise sandal? I have a little redhead who looks great in turquoise, and this colour has certainly caught my eye!

Where can you get them?  Little Pinwheel have the kids’ mashups for $77 and the new turquoise colour (as well as a range of other colours) for $69. Billy Lou Kids’ Shoes have both new designs as well as the original Salt Water Sandals in child and adult sizes. Prices begin at $69.95.

The post Salt Water Sandals – new colours, new styles for boys and fun mashups! appeared first on Babyology.

With Christmas fast approaching we have picked the best and cutest for your bub from some of our favourite brands. So whether they are up and at it or still in bub-zone, here are some lovely back-to-basic toys for under your tree.

This timeless wooden rocking horse is a toy classic from Mocka, It comes in white or a very festive red, adding a great splash of colour to any room.  And just think how lovely one will look under the tree. Grab it direct from Mocka for $49.95.

This lovely shape sorting bench from QToys will keep little hands busy. At $39.95, it’s made from hardwood and big enough to be used as a little stool. As a handy extra, the names of the shapes are printed on the top (great for shape-challenged parents). Cue hours of entertainment and fine motor practice.

This cute Kid O Aeroplane is pretty enough to just sit on a shelf. But it won’t, the moving wheels and propeller are too tempting. This is a great, simple present for a boy or girl of any age. Crawlers can push it along the ground and bigger kids can swoop the furniture – and the grown-ups – to their heart’s content.  It costs $29.95 from Scallyoop.

Mocka Cruise Trike is perfect for little ones not yet ready for a balance bike (when they are you can grab one from Mocka too) Cute, simple and great for building up those leg muscles and for gross motor control development, the wooden trikes cost $59.95.

These Dwell Studio Puzzle Blocks are super funky. Basically this is playable art, featuring awesome typography, geometric patterns and stylised animal silhouettes. It’s entirely possible that hipster parents will enjoy these more than their children. Awesome design aside, good quality wooden blocks are always a hit with toddlers and these are $55 from The Baby Closet.

These gorgeous sandals from Avarcas USA are cute, come in lots of great colours and are super easy for children to get on and off thanks to the velcro fasteners. As an added bonus, the soles of these handcrafted-in-Spain sandals are made from recycled tyres so you get good karma with each pair. Buy locally from Red Nest.

In our house everyone gets to open a gift on Christmas Eve, and it’s always new pyjamas. This year I will be putting in an order for Huckleberry Lane Pyjamas from Billy Lids. They have a great selection of light cotton PJs, perfect for those warm Christmas nights. They are on sale right now, starting from $28 at Billy Lids.

We hope you are finding some Christmas inspiration with our gift guides – there’s plenty more ideas to come!

The post Babyology Christmas Gift Guide – one to two years, part two appeared first on Babyology.

While they won’t remember it themselves, the first Christmas is always a special one and the perfect opportunity to spoil them a little. Click through for ideas on how to do just that – Babyology style!

Wrapping your new baby in a Cocooi Newborn Babywrap is a fantastic way to introduce the newborn bub in your life to the super comfortable world of Merino. Available in six colours, the Cocooi wrap provides the most amazing of cocoons to help baby settle and regulate body temperature. Priced at $65 (including post) the Cocooi Newborn Wrap comes complete with a coordinating beanie and is available from You and Baby.

Grace and Favour’s Baltic Bubba Dolls are both fun and therapeutic for little ones. Designed to encourage a stress free environment and good health, these cotton character’s bellies are filled with Baltic amber while arms and legs are stuffed with organic buckwheat hulls. Choose from a rabbit, panda, kitty or monkey – all priced $72.95 from Cheese and Pickles.

Babies can put their best foot forward in the fashion stakes over the festive season wearing a pair of adorable animal print pre-walker shoes from Love Luck And Wonder. These beautiful shoes are made from the softest leather to protect perfect toes. Available at $39.95 a pair from The Little Homewares Company.

For a book that stands out on the library shelf, Mesmerised is perfect. A board book designed for children aged up to six months old, it’s filled with simple silhouette images in black and white, which we know babies love to focus on! A great stocking filler, Mesmerised is priced $13.95 from Scallyoop.

Christmas day is the perfect excuse to show off a new outfit and with summer in full swing there’s no better reason for your gorgeous bub to wear this Liberty print bonnet and booties set from French brand Eponime. This gift set in all its polka dot glory can be yours for $62 from Millie Abroad.

Babies love to mouth everything so why not be prepared with a stunning organic wooden teether from Smiling Tree Toys. It’s not often we can call a practical teething toy stunning so we love that these look just as beautiful perched upon a shelf on display until baby is ready for them! A guitar, giraffe and star are just some of the designs available. Available from $15.95 at The Online Nest.

Give the gift of organisation with this sweet Ava three piece change table set, priced $49.95 from Mor-Stor. It’s all that’s needed to keep all those change table requirements neat and organised and most importantly – right where you need them! A new wire frame construction makes the baskets super sturdy so they can house all sorts of treasures further down the track, long after the change table has been packed away.

An interesting read and the ultimate way to gain an understanding of your child’s personality traits and future potential from an astrological perspective is in their very own BabyStars Luxury Report. A full fifty page report is bound and presented in a hardcover book format, making for a unique keepsake. Priced $109 from It’s In The Stars.

The festive season is so busy it often plays havoc on a newborn’s sleep routine so any extra help will be well received we’re sure. The Sleep Kit is sleep assistance in a box and includes an ErgoCocoon, white noise and an instructional DVD with tips for settling your baby from leading sleep consultants. While you can’t put a price on sleep itself, the Sleep Kit costs $49.95 and is available from ErgoPouch.

MummaBubba Teething Jewellery is something both baby and mum can enjoy! A wide variety of perfectly-safe-to-chew-designs from tulip necklaces, pendants and bracelets, there is most definitely something for everyone – and all in bright, bold colours ready to celebrate summer and brighten up any outfit! Priced from $14.95 you can start your collection at Aussie Bubs.

Stay tuned for more of our Babyology Christmas Gift Guides!

The post Babyology Christmas Gift Guide – newborn, part one appeared first on Babyology.

Leave your mark (in an eco-friendly way, of course) on the beach this summer with personalised thongs!

Etsy’s Flip Side Flip Flops sell a range of original and personalised thongs (or flip flops) that leave imprints in the sand.

Available in nine different colours with your message limited only by the length of your foot, the thongs are a one-of-a-kind way to stamp the beach in style. They come in adult and kid sizes.

They certainly make a unique gift, but I’m going to convince our editor Mandi that the Babyology team need Babyology print thongs so that we can work hard all summer!

Flip Side Flip Flops are priced at US$19.95 a pair and can be shipped to Australia.

The post Sign your name across the sand with Flip Side Flip Flops appeared first on Babyology.

You can file this post under frivolous, but completely cute – turn shoes into shoes kids want to wear!

Like the Greek God of athletics, Hermes, your child could have winged feet. Will Shwings help them run faster? Probably not. But it will add a whole lot of swagger to their style.

These are heaven-sent for parents having trouble getting their kids to wear their kicks – who can resist a pair of shoes with a little Shwings magic? And if you need to jazz up some old shoes (make them more “fly” if you will), these will give a little more wear to a pair of soles that perhaps have been neglected by your child.

They’re available in a range of colours including green, blue, pink and silver (new colours are constantly being added), and come in one size, which should fit most shoes. Shwings are available from Perpetual Kid which does ship internationally, for US$5.99 for a pair. Want more fun sneaker accessories? Take a look at our previous Small Fly post.

(via Fashionably Geek)

The post Let kids take a flight of fancy – put Shwings on their shoes appeared first on Babyology.

Dads are always at their most awesome when you’re a child, so imagine how ecstatic the kids will be when they don the same sandals as dad!

It’s hard to find a hip sandal, it really is, so I’m positively ecstatic that the funky and very popular European Avarcas Pons sandal is a style the whole family can wear. That’s right – both the kids and dad can step out in matching footwear.

Made in Spain using premium grade materials such as buttery soft natural leather for the uppers and eco-friendly recycled rubber for the sole, Avarcas sandals are destined to become a staple for summer wardrobes. Fancier than a pair of thongs or flip-flops, the classic Avarcas Pons can see you out from the beach to dining out with ease thanks to the smart covered foot piece, while the slingback keeps this footwear on the edge of smart casual.

Available in a myriad of colours from neutrals through to gorgeous neon shades, children of all ages can enjoy classic style Avarcas Pons (priced from US$48) or the closed heel Frailera style (priced from US$42).

Mens Avarcas Pons sandals are priced US$75 from Avarcas. Delivery to Australia is available for a flat fee of US$15 or if two or more pairs are ordered, delivery is free!

Avarcas adults and kids sandals are now stocked locally in Australia at Red Nest for $68.

The post Perfect for Father’s Day – Avarcas leather sandals for dads and kids! appeared first on Babyology.

Are you keen to see some of our favourite exhibitors from Playtime New York? Click through to see who they are!

It was love at first sight at Playtime New York when I feasted my eyes upon Ode. The two to eight-year-old brigade will be loving the carefully re-imaged Indian textile prints turned into amazing dresses, shirts and blouses, as seen above and below.

First to catch my eye was the glorious Emile et Ida of France whose clothing captures the very essence of European children’s dressing. Designed for children aged three months to six years, it combines a mild level of sophistication with fun childish quirks.

Makié held my attention beautifully with their line of accessories including Italian shoes, knitted bonnets and tutus. Not to mention the simply divine knit cardigans crafted from Peruvian baby alpaca wool.

Cool as a cucumber is Mini Maximus. Streetwear has never been so funky with collections of graphic tees, sleeveless hoodies, pants and accessories. Bright print pants are aplenty, these are hip threads that kids will love to hit the playground in!

Knitting and wool enthusiasts will get a kick out of Beetroot, a company that creates high quality knitted garments full of fun and bold colour. Handmade in Switzerland, these chunky knit ponchos, jackets and hats are designed to fit children aged two to seven years.

Cute little feet need cute little shoes, yes? Zuzii shoes are just darling – these baby shoes are handmade to order using coloured suede with comfortable, natural wool felt insoles.

Eyespy Baby is a gorgeously playful clothing label specialising in all things cashmere and cotton.  A collection brimming with bold prints and bright colours, pieces appeal to both parents and children alike!

For more trade show coverage from around the globe, browse our previous trade show posts.

The post It’s all the action of The Big Apple – Playtime New York 4-6 August appeared first on Babyology.

See Kai Run is one of our hands-down favourite brands of shoes for little feet. Well, big news, people! See Kai Run are about to launch a range of runners! That’s right, everything we all love about this US brand of kid-friendly shoes is about to be transferred into a hard-wearing sneaker.

My four-year-old daughter and two-year-old son have worn almost naught but See Kai Run shoes on their feet from the time they were born. I adore the softness of the leather, the easy-on Velcro straps (even my two-year-old gets his own shoes on and off), the darling designs and the perfect fit, with never a blister or pinching-toes complaint.

While I adore the shoes, I must confess my toddler is a devil on the scooter and could propel his foot-powered motorbike fast enough to force me to jog to keep up long before he learned to walk. Great for his muscle development, yes, but all that foot-dragging was not so great for the wellbeing of the toes on his SKR sandals and shoes!

That’s one of the reasons See Kai Run have added sneakers to their leather shoe line – extra durability for play. The runners have all the healthy foot features we’ve come to expect from this shoe company – flexible soles for jumping, climbing and running, supremely comfortable leather insoles, a padded collar and tongue, and importantly, a breathable lining. Throw in a heavy-duty rubber toe to protect against scrapes and the roughest playground antics, and you’ve got what we think is pretty much the perfect casual shoe.

Smart retro styling and colour combinations are another winner, with single, double or triple Velcro closures. Check the heart-stopping purple Rayne sneaker (above), one of three options for girls. There are five styles for boys, with retro and modern options.

See Kai Run sneakers will be available locally at the end of July in sizes from US3 to US9 and will retail for $49.95. Bigger Kai sizes for preschoolers are expected soon too.

The post Babyology Exclusive – new sneakers from See Kai Run appeared first on Babyology.

One of the most anticipated events on the trade show calendar has just wrapped, and as usual we are your ticket into this exclusive event, showing the newest international children’s wear labels. Come, see!

You asked us to keep an eye out for stylish boys’ clothing at Playtime Paris, and this fabulous show didn’t disappoint. The utterly stunning That’s Not Fair London is as fresh as it gets – with this brand new label set to hit the stores in August. The collection is packed full of revised classics – like traditional gabardine trench coats and hand knitted pure wool jumpers.

I’m a fan of the edgy fashion of Milibe Copenhagen. This attention-grabbing label caught my eye with its contemporary styling, particularly for boys. And the clothing looks as comfortable as it does stylish.

The “organic movement” was front and centre at Playtime Paris. London-based Aravore has a retro feel, but is still cutting edge – and is hand crafted from organic material.

Likewise, Conscients is all about fun and funk, with organic cotton underpinning the construction of this divine collection.

Here’s an interesting concept from Blune Paris, which was showing for the first time at Playtime. It’s a new twist on the “mini-me” trend, with delicious graphic garments for mothers and babies.

While we’re on the subject of water, there was plenty of buzz for Luca Bynn, with its collection of babies, children and maternity bathing suits.

And finally, something many parents have been waiting for – stylish and comfortable prescription glasses and sunglasses for kids. I take my hat off to the innovative and fabulous Very French Gangsters.

The post Playtime Paris – fresh children’s fashion appeared first on Babyology.

Rachael takes us back inside Bubble London with more fashion finds to thrill you!

Crawlings showed off their range of gorgeous baby kneepads for crawlers at Bubble and while the brand may be new to Bubble, it’s not new to publicity. Victoria Beckham tweeted a picture of the knee pads to her followers and since then the brand has been inundated with requests. The knee pads are designed to help protect kids from the time they start crawling to when they start walking and running. Perfect for those scrapped knees when they fall off the scooter.

New fashion and illustration-led label Corby Tindersticks creates fun design and illustration for kids and grown ups. The new season is a tongue-in-cheek line inspired by the poor British weather. At least something good comes from all that rain! The label also sources ethically made garments so all those adorable things are good for us too. Now we have to buy some!

Now this is a seriously good idea. New and distinctly quirky UK brand Little Titans have designed a range of tights especially for boys. Created by a mum who was frustrated by the lack of tights for boys (it’s cold in the UK!), the range was designed to be cool, quirky and full of colour. We love the action hero designs and the range is so cool that we can see girls and boys loving these for everyday and the dressing up box!

We just loved the hand made felt slippers from Sew Heart Felt England. Created from organic Tibetan lamb’s wool and coloured with environmentally friendly pigments the slippers are all made by hand in Nepal and provide sustainable, traditional work for women in rural Nepal. The equally cute hand crocheted toys are made in Shanghai from organic cotton yarn.

Poco Nido makes modern, eco aware shoes for little people with a twist – the shoes are only available in limited runs. The range has stimulating illustrations and are packaged in a recycled cardboard tube that doubles as a postal tube. Now there’s a clever idea.

The new SS collection from P’tit chic… de Paris‘ organic line showcases its unique collaboration with autistic Italian painter Lisa Perini. Fabulous designs based on the countryside in glorious primary colours, we guarantee that kids and mums will love them.

We loved this colourful booth. The new collection from Minimyo is inspired by the Wild West with childhood memories of summer afternoons playing cowboys (or cowgirls) and Indians. Yee-haa!

There’s more to come in Part Three!

The post Bubble London June 2012 – Best of British homegrown fashion – Part Two appeared first on Babyology.

Mooky have created an awesome unisex shoe which I especially love for the lads and I’m brazen enough to predict the littlest of men are going to love it just as much as I do.

These lace-ups are saturated in urban style and bound for glory as an autumn and winter wardrobe staple. Pair them with casual denim or smart chinos, these shoes will hit the style mark every time with ease!

Reminiscent of the Ripple shoe and Desert boot that took the 1980s by storm, the Mooky Suede Kicker shoe appears to have a modern handle on these old-school legends. A camel coloured suede upper complements any outfit and will inevitably (as suede does) colour with age and take on a whole new uber cool appearance. A hardy sole in bright orange takes you by welcome surprise and I’d expect no less when it comes to Mooky’s fun signature style.

Mooky have a great eye for nitty gritty details – the top stitching details are divine, the cut of the high top boot keeps ankles warm and wide laces give a more secure feel to the fit. A fantastic shoe option for boys that like to play hard!

For more sensational shoes, check our past post on Mooky moccasin shoes.

The Suede Kicker shoe priced $84.95 is available in sizes 27 – 36 from Mooky.

The post Update – Kick style up a gear with Mooky unisex shoes appeared first on Babyology.

Sometimes the old brain doesn’t always work that well. I recently bought my older son his third pair of Scruffy Dog Buddy sandals – he’s been wearing them every summer for three years running, so how is it that Scruffy Dog shoes has never had its very own editorial here on Babyology? Forehead slap applicable here!

While clothing for boys has come along in leaps and bounds since I became a parent, I will freely say that shoes for boys, once out of baby and toddlerhood, is a niche seriously lacking. Do we really want all those outdoorsy-looking sandals for our groovy boys who rock so many adorable looks in their carefully-selected clothing? Sure, we want them to be just as comfortable, able to leap and jump and galavant just as they always have, but where are the fabulous shoes to do this in?

I had a chat to the very lovely Leila from Sydney’s Scruffy Dog and she said the Buddy sandal just flies off the shelves. Parents of boys have clued on to this truly unisex designer sandal as being something a bit different with its appealing cutouts. Kids all over Australia are getting around in these marvellous sandals, with their popularity just as high in regional Australia as in the big cities.

Get the Buddy sandal in many colours, with black, navy and red being the staples, along with some seasonal brights – we hear a tangerine colour will soon join the Buddy fold! So I guess I’ve made my enthusiasm quite clear for the delightful Buddy sandal – what else does Scruffy Dog make?

Another unisex sandal is the Joey and Bonnie (above) and Scruffy Dog have recently made a foray into comfortable and stylish school shoes – the Giselle (below).

There are also brilliant-quality socks and tights, so parents tired of the cheapies that shrink can finally get some value and longevity out of their purchase.

See the Scruffy Dog website for the full range of styles and to find a stockist near you. We found a comprehensive Scruffy Dog range online at Little Soles Gallery. See also the brief mention Scruffy Dog received in our editorial from February 2009.

The post Scruffy Dog – unique Australian-designed shoes & sandals for kids appeared first on Babyology.

If you have a penchant for all things colourful, quirky and otherwise fun, then you will adore Little Odd Forest which is now available in Australia!

We first brought Little Odd Forest to your attention way back in 2010, a showcase of virtual shelves filled to the brim with all things fun and functional, designed by Singaporean Linda Lye.

We’re only too thrilled to let Babyologists know that Little Odd Forest is now available locally through a handful of stockists. All Little Odd Forest products are handmade with love and available only in limited quantities, so you need to be fast!

One of my favourite Little Odd Forest products are their super cute and unique shoes. It’s all too easy to encourage a shoe addiction with the superb variety of Mary Jane and bootie styles designed to fit babies aged around nine months. Fantastic patterned fabrics are used for all parts of the shoe – they’ll have babies fascinated and passers by might not be able to resist commenting on your bub’s fancy feet!

Find stunning Little Odd Forest Maryjanes priced from $18.95 at Moo Woo. Delivery is available to tiny feet all over Australia.

The post Update – Little Odd Forest now available locally appeared first on Babyology.

Ah, New York – the hub of all things stylish, sophisticated and cutting-edge. Playtime New York has just wrapped up, and we have your armchair ride to the Big Apple – so buckle up as we peruse the most enticing exhibitors.

Parlez-vous français? No? Neither do I, but thankfully this sublime French sleepwear translates to gorgeous in any language. Le Merchand Détoiles (The Merchant of Stars) has me hooked with its dreamy images of children in the land of nod.

Reworked vintage childrens’ clothing connoisseurs Home Spun Vintage unveiled their first original, vintage-inspired line at Playtime. Each garment has a charm that only comes with a backstory inspired by the vintage and recycled pieces used to make them. These charming boots certainly look as though they have a story to tell. A beautiful nod to nostalgia.

Modern and cutting edge also had its place, how about this eye-catching feather skirt and playful layering from Holt And Lulu?

Decals with a difference made a splash from Chispum. Illustrators, artists and designers with a deft touch add an element of whimsy to these wall decorations, thanks to the child-like script. It makes them super suited to children’s spaces.

I love this Austrian label – Tannhaüser – for its muted pallet which is given a bolt of enlivenment through vibrant neons. Luxurious fabrics like cashmere and organic cotton are balanced with unique clogs and boots (with zips – practiciality and beauty!).

And finally, here’s a look at the fabulous stand from Babyology favourite Tribe Bags (thanks to T. Woods Photography), who had an overwhelming response to their gorgeous display at Playtime. Stay tuned for some exciting news from these baby bag mavens over the next few months.

Thus concludes our visits to the divine trio of Playtime trade shows from across the globe for the first quarter of the year. If you haven’t already – take a look at our coverage of Playtime Paris and Tokyo.

The post Playtime New York 2012 – beautiful wares from the Big Apple and beyond appeared first on Babyology.