Green Wool Cape- $65.00

LAST CHANCE TO ENTER TO WIN!

We’re moving into our second week of our six week Holiday Countdown Giveaway. This week, The House of Lux is sponsoring our holiday giveaway by offering one lucky reader this adorable winter wrap coat for the little girl on your list.

We think that vintage designs are not just for mom and dad anymore. The House of Lux is known for 20’s, 30’s and 40’s-inspired fashion…for your kids. So cute! We first met Angela Vickers, the designer behind The House of Lux online about a year ago and we fell in love with her idea. We’ve kept in touch and now she has so graciously offered to giveaway this Green Wool Cape in a size 4/5 valued at $65.00.

So, how do you win?

Comment below your answer to the question:

Where do you expect to find the best deals this on holiday gifts this year ? (feel free to include links)

After you’ve commented, you’ll receive extra entries for every blog post, Retweet, or facebook update that links back to us. Here’ the rundown:

-Add this post to your facebook page (1 entry)

- Tweet/retweet about it (1 entry)

- Blog about this contest (3 entries!)

- Become a fan on facebook or Already a fan? Suggest our fan page to your friends (2 entries)

- Link to this on your website, blog or any social network (1 entry)

But make sure you come back and tell us what you’ve done to get the credit! The lucky winner will be determined by randomizer.org and will be announced on Tuesday, December 1st

Good luck! …and Happy Shopping!

OOTS! Dish Set $29.95

If you’re a mom and you’ve never heard of OOTS!, you must consider these designs for your little ones this holiday season. Talk about style meets fun, meets function. I’ve said before that I have a huge appreciate for style that also serves a purpose, especially in home decor. In fact, take a look at a previous post on the same topic.  So, when I recently came across OOTS! online, we caught up with the design team to find out the full story. We submitted our questions to Dutch designer, Arian Roefs who gave us some background into their process of design, how they determine what moms need and how they make function also fun…something the Dutch do particularly well!

Here’s what she had to say:

LDB: Your pieces clearly have a modern design, but they also have a specific function. How do you determine what moms want in the items they buy for their children?

OOTS! We mainly draw from our own experience as parents. We see what’s out there, what’s NOT out there, and make what we would like to see out there. We apply our Dutch design skills to everyday products, and make them not only nice looking, but also simple and functional. A very Dutch trait.

We know from our own experience how we want to use a certain product. For example, the Lunchbox: we always used vinyl lunch boxes. But we could never get them clean, and would throw them out after a few months, because they started smelling. So we wanted a lunch box that we could clean well. We also used containers to put the different foods in for our kids’ lunches. Then put those containers in another lunch box. It was hard to find the right containers though, that fit in, and were the right size for the food portions we wanted.

And we didn’t like the pink princess and loud action figure lunch boxes…

OOTS! Lunchbox- $46.00

LDB: What most inspires new designs in your line?

OOTS! We often start with a material that we would like to use, and work with that. We learn about the limitations and possibilities. My partner then is very good with colors. Colors are essential in our product designs.

For the bbibs and dishes, for example, we wanted some “standard” boy and girl designs, but not too “pink and blue”. So we used those colors, but the applications we came up with were not run of the mill.

Sometimes you just have to let the object and color alone speak for themselves. So even though we had initially wanted to put something on the outside of the lunch box, we eventually decided to just let the material, the shapes and colors do all the talking.

LDB: What would you say is your most popular item?

OOTS! That’s the Lunchbox with containers. There really turned out to be a big need and demand for this eco-friendly product. Kids love it for the stackable containers they can put inside, and for the funky colors. And although the Lunchbox was made for kids, adults loved them as well. More and more adults take lunches to work. We heard reviews of adults whose lunch habits were changed by our Lunchbox: they were now taking more of a variation of home made foods to work, and brought leftovers. Women were particularly enthusiastic about the portion control quality of the containers.

And of course, Oprah loves it, so that helped…

I would imagine that Oprah’s endorsement sure didn’t hurt! But we can certainly see why it’s a favorite. Set the table in style this holiday for every boy/girl who needs a lunchbox, bowl, plate or fork. So fabulous!

Gebbie Cloth- $36.00

A new mommy-turned-designer has created yet another must-have baby item: The Gebbie Cloth. It’s a fashionable wrap-around burp cloth that will save a mom’s precious working wardrobe and keep baby clean.

Why didn’t I think of this?

Dr. Karen Blessey was a working mom and needed to preserve her expensive wardrobe, but she also suffered from the inconvenience of a standard burp cloth that fell off her shoulder often and onto a dirty floor. So she teamed up with landscape architect, Adrienne Thompson to produce The Gebbie Coth. This fashionable burp cloth wraps around a mom’s neck so she can avoid having to awkwardly balance it over her shoulder.

We love the Gebbie Cloth idea, but we also love the adorable designs. We’ll see much more from Gebbie Cloth on our blog soon with the launch of the Holiday Countdown Giveaway coming in just 2 weeks! Several talented designers have agreed to be a part of a 6-week countdown to the holidays with a giveaway every week! You’ll soon have the chance to win your very own Gebbie Cloth for that mommy on your list this year. Check back with us later this week for our full list of prizes and for more information on how to enter to win!

Stacy Herb, our style editor, has gotten us all excited about this new designer. We really can’t get enough of these girls’ outfits with flair! It’s like cotton candy and bubble gum at the carnival with a slight hint of a 1970’s flavor. Have you ever seen bell bottoms so cute?! Angie Seaman began her business nearly six years ago. While struggling to care for her infant daughter who had a chronic health condition, Angie found an outlet to escape to…her sewing machine! And she says that although she never imagined that she would be a seamstress, she is enjoying the process everyday.

And…I have to give it to her…these designs are scrumptous!! Sweet and super sassy! Click here for more from Angie’s collection of girls’ clothing and tell us which is your favorite. We just can’t decide!

LOVE THESE! And for only $24.99, they go on the top of our list of holiday must-buys for every child, tween or teen. We caught up with David Trotter, one of the founders of Kauzbots to get the full scoop on the genesis of this new brand and where he sees Kauzbots moving in the future.

LDB: How did the idea for these robots come about?

DT: In Sept. 2008, I saw a link on Facebook for a handmade robot made by a friend’s wife. I was intrigued by the idea and soon discussed it with my friend Keith, who had years of experience in non-profit work. We talked about the possibilities of recreating these robots and…what if they were each affiliated with a different cause? The idea moved quickly and in February 2009, we officially launched at the International Toy Fair in New York City.

LDB: You’ve come so far with your brand in such a short time. What has been the most exciting experience during the launch of Kauzbots?

DT: The emails and Facebook posts we get from people who benefit from the sales of Kauzbots has been the most exciting experience for me. Just the other day, I received a message from a mom from Idaho who told us how her child who suffers from Autism is so excited about the robot collection. He knows what each color stands for and he is in love with his robots. That is what it is all about for me.

LDB: Where do you see the company going in the future?

DT: We would love to have a full line. Toothbrushes, bed sheets, notepads…you name it. We would love to see Kauzbots become a liscensed brand.

And we certainly believe this team is on their way! Dora, Spongebob and Thomas are great…but how about Kauzbots? Robots helping to make the world a better place? Now that’s a character I can get behind. David continued to share more about this robot identity. While robots traditionally are known to be machines and heartless, they have reinvented the notion by giving these robots a heart (literally…they each have a heart attached to their body) and of course, they each love a cause! How sweet!

This is an adorable new holiday gift idea and a great lesson for kids all at the same time…all for under $25.00!!

Spaceship Betty

When I sat down with her she shared with me the inspiration for her unique robot designs and how she got started on the path toward becoming an artist.  I learned that at a very young age, Lynnda just started experimenting around her mom’s house. Soft sculptures, murals on the kitchen walls, and even a redecorated toilet seat. Clearly, she was born with a creative mind. Shows she loved watching as a kid like The Jetsons and The World of Sid & Marty Krofft sparked a love for space designs and her coveted vintage robot collection.

Now, Lynnda uses her gifts and her inspiration to create and re-create retro designs using many vintage items including purses, make-up satchels and pieces of furniture.

Lynnda’s items are fantastic for any mom looking to redecorate a child’s room with a fun, whimsical, design that is colorful and cheerful. Even though her paintings are more expensive, her prints, are beautiful and sell for as little as $15/ea.

Click here to see more from Lynnda and check back with us for updates on her collection.

Purple Sari $42.00

Re-posting an LDB Favorite:

If you have any interest in vintage looks for yourself, why not don your little ones in the same great classic styles? I’m especially excited to introduce you all to Haute Bebe by The House of Lux. Their fresh look at children’s clothing design is drawing massive attention from celebrities and fashion editors alike. Browsing through their growing catalog of amazing pieces, I feel like I’m transported to Paris in 1927. Take a look at my interview with Angela Vickers, the designer of this new line, and you’ll know just what I mean.

It seems that each of the pieces in your collection has a specific design inspiration. Tell us about that.

“I start off my design process from two different angles. I have a bunch of images from old patterns and photos of children from the 20’s-40’s that inspire me on the design. I try to keep my designs simple with a vintage flair. At the same time, I scour the fabric stores and online to find cool unique fabric remnants and reclaimed from other manufacturers. I pretty much know when I find a fabric that this will make a cool coat, this will be a rockin’ blazer, etc. Sometimes I find a piece of fabric and I will decide to make a wild new design. I rarely use traditional children’s fabrics and I use a lot of luxury fabrics like silk, satin and taffeta. So for instance, I came across a beautiful tweed and though ‘aha, cape’.”

An old classic: Knickers $52.00

What do you enjoy most about the process of creating a new piece of clothing?

“The shopping for fabric is the best part of the process. That is where I get my inspiration by touching and feeling the fabrics and digging in bins of scraps and looked-over remnants. I find joy in making something beautiful from the pieces that were left behind.”

When and how did you decide that you were a designer?

“I have always loved designing things especially clothing. I used to do this a lot as a kid with my dolls and draw out ideas on paper. When I was in high school and college I would have my mom teach me some sewing tricks and I made a few things for myself and my friends. I would also buy multiple patterns and take pieces and parts to make something unique. I didn’t really think about doing it seriously until a few years ago. A few friends at work and I decided that we would have a line together, but we just couldn’t all get our ideas to meld, so nothing became of it. When my daughter was born in 2006 I decided I would make her some clothing and that was it. I made a cute dress and though that was super easy. I bet I could sell these things. That is when I became formulating the business and coming up with ideas and started sewing them. I did a few craft fairs and got the website up and running. I now am focused on creating new designs and getting brand exposure.”

What has been the most exciting experience since beginning this business?

“The best thing so far is seeing my designs on other websites and blogs getting some really great responses from the public. It is very rewarding to me. It is very satisfying to me when what I’ve made appeals to someone as much as it does to me.”

Parisian Toile Flapper Coat $89.00

Which piece in your collection are you the most proud of?

“I am probably most proud of the flapper coat. It is my rendition of a typical coat style from the 1920’s which was sported by both women and young girls. I can create both casual and special occasion looks with my fabric choices. The style fits well with both leaving me endless possibilities.”

Where are you when you aren’t working?

“When I’m not sewing and designing for my line, I’m playing with my two wonderful children. I have a 4-year old and a 3-year old. We like to read together an dress up for make-believe. It has been difficult to juggle my time since I work a full-time job and am trying to get my clothing line off the ground, but we find special time to play together and they play in the room where I sew.”

Do you have a favorite online/boutique shop?

“I don’t really have a favorite shop online, but I do love browsing lots of sites for trends, inspiration and great deals. My current favorites are smallmagazine.net, juniorsociety.com and James Girone’s site as well. I do tend to lean toward the French sites for children, which seem light, still and have gorgeously simple photos.”

Get in on these designs now. We’ll see much more from The House of Lux. Visit the website to order one of these vintage inspired pieces for your little one.

Thanks for taking the time to talk with us, Angela! Best of luck in your new venture.

LAST CHANCE TO ENTER! GIVEAWAY ENDS MONDAY, AUG 3rd AT 10 PM PST!

I don’t know about you, but I’m so bugged at baby showers when all the clothes look the same. But still everyone lets out the obligatory “ahh” and “oh so precious”. I’m always relieved to see baby designers finally breaking the mold of baby animals, cars and trucks and pretty pink flowers to finally give us something ELSE! Boutique Stitches is baby wear and comfort items designed to bring out the little punk in your baby.

Maybe he’s a future rock star and not a zookeeper. In that case, break out something from designer Jennette’s Idaho studio. At least the skull & crossbones, tattoo inked girl or “nerds rock” print would all be a great conversation piece in a room full of other moms.

And today, Jennette is giving away one of the bib/burp cloth sets pictured below from her current collection to one lucky winner. Simply make a comment below with you favorite baby item from her site and you could win!

As always…get additional entries:

- link this post to your facebook page (1 entry)

- tweet this post (1 entry)

- blog about this post (3 entries)

- become a fan of LDB on facebook (or suggest to your friends) (1 entry)

- become an LDB follower on twitter (1 entry)

In addition to this exclusive LDB giveaway, Jennette told us that she is also offering 20% off all purchases from her website right now, as well as $5 off for logging on. So happy shopping. And thanks Boutique Stitches…

Ellen Smiler, the artist behind Lollydoodle is based in Los Angeles and got her start in corporate design. But after becoming a mom, she got back in touch with her more youthful, creative, and uninhibited side.

My favorite pieces in Ellen’s collection are her vintage designs shown here. The nostalgic images and subdued colors are the perfect final touch to any nursery. And…I’m just a sucker for anything vintage! But Lollydoodle’s most popular items are their collection of small letter graphics that can be mixed and matched to spell a child’s name or initials.

Click here to browse this fun line and imagine the new possibilities in your child’s room. See why stores all over the world are carrying Lollydoodle and why Daily Candy paid it some attention, too. You can also find Ellen’s pieces online at Wallies and Rosenberry Rooms.

Thanks, Ellen, for sharing your story with LDB. We wish you the best!

Check out this racetrack rug. I know that my boys would be on the floor with wooden trains all day! And who would’ve thought that this children’s rug could also double as a design statement in your entryway or living area? Nice!

This toy box is also an area for imaginative play. Sail the seven seas, cook up a four course meal, paint a masterpiece, or save the planet…all from one piece of furniture!

And, how about this…a highchair that actually looks stylish at your kitchen table and fits your decor. Maybe it’s just me, but teddy bears on baby blue and white plastic just isn’t the look I’m going for anymore.

In addition to furniture and items for the home, they also carry the latest in European children’s clothing, strollers, toys and even books! And now, I hear that they’ve just introduced a new line for fashion-conscious tweens called Medium Fashion Gallery with more items in these categories.

Browse their site here for great discounts. There are some fabulous, FUNCTIONAL finds!

Enjoy!