Best mates

This is a favorite photo of mine that I thought I share with you. It is of my son and his best mate in their very cool Danefae viking shirts. If they could choose they would love playing together all the time but unfortunately they live 1 and 1/2 hours drive from each other. Both boys dig this top so we had to get them one each and don't they look dashing! They usually have a chat on the phone about once a week and isn't that interesting to listen to:) What I can hear is a lot of strange noises, giggles and sound effects but for a 4 year old it probably makes all the sense in the world!

It is certainly a great privilege to have good friends and family that you can share everything with - silly stuff, fun stuff and serious stuff. We hope that you all will have the opportunity to have a fun filled and relaxing Christmas with good friends and family, taking a break and feel fresh for the new year. Although we operate as normal over the Christmas period at Baby goes Retro we will definitely take the chance to put our feet up and enjoy the Christmas spirit:)

Merry Christmas!

Christmas specials

Don't we all love a great bargain? It seems to be the trend now that a lot of retailers have pre - and post Christmas sales. For shoppers that is fab as you are nearly always guaranteed a saving on your purchases this time of the year. We are also having a special pre - Christmas sale on at Baby goes Retro of course. Browse our Xmas Specials section in our shop for some really cool stocking fillers for your little "elfs". Everything has been reduced by 10 - 50% so go for it while it lasts! This pram mobile by Snoffs Design is an excellent 'pressie' for a baby's first Christmas or why not get a whole glossy box full of goodies such as The Baby goes Retro Gift Box. Cut off date for Christmas orders is 2pm on Dec 21st so there is still time to grab a few more things for the little special ones in your life.

Fun in the sun

I can tell you that we were very excited this month when the summer issue of My Child hit the shelves at our local newsagent. All our clothes represent happiness, fun and playfulness and in the magazine that has indeed been captured beautifully. A gorgeous fashion shoot of toddlers and kids playing on the beach wearing fresh Pink bird and Striped singlets by Katvig and adorable Blue nutty skirt by Ej sikke lej. We couldn't be happier with how it turned out!
Also featured in the fashion news in the magazine is the very striking Viking shirt by Danefae. My son has it and not that I'm biased or something but hey, he looks handsome as anything wearing it.

One of our absolute favorite websites for keeping up with what's hot right now for babies and kids is Babyology which also gets a mention in My Child. We love the blog format of the site and that Mandi, the owner seem to have an incredible knack of finding the grooviest little things out there.

Aren't we the cutest?

Last week we received this adorable pic from one of our regular customers, Virginia from Brisbane. It is of her little girl Tess (hasn't she grown!) and her cousin Declan (both 27 months) posing in their Baby goes Retro tops. Tess is wearing this season Grey Valley singlet by Katvig that is already sold out (sorry). Being such a funky garment and unisex as well it has literally been flying out the door. Declan's shirt is by nanoou and we stocked it back in February, but good news on that one - we are getting it in again. Look out in March next year when it's hitting our store in the new striking colour - yellow. We are very excited about this as it is a great versatile T-shirt that all kids love due to the recognisable circle shape.

Thank you so much Virginia for sharing this very cute photo with us.

Get organised

Every year I tell myself that I'm not going to be one of those desperate people that are running around the day before Xmas with a list long as my arm trying to find those last minute gifts for family and friends. Unfortunately that has always been the case up to now but this year is going to be different (I hope)! My mission is to be done with the present buying 2 weeks before Christmas day. Here is my strategy: Online shopping. As simple as that. You do the browsing from your home, you pay from your home, the goodies get delivered to your home, you wrap them in your home. Perfect! The only time you will leave the house is when you got something fun to do.
Of course we want to help out with your present buying so check out these newly arrived gift boxes from Katvig. They are absolutely adorable and comes in an environmentally friendly box containing a onesie and a matching bib. A great idea for a bub's first Christmas. Stylish and convenient, just the way we like it.

nanoou

Last year when my sister in law and I decided to open an internet shop we thought we really wanted to get it right with what labels we were going to feature. One essential "ingredient" was that the clothes had to be designed in Scandinavia. We love the different take they have put on kids clothing design - bright, happy and comfy but above all very very cool. It was a nostalgic journey for us as we grew up wearing the same sort of clothes that now has inspired the retro wave in Europe. We found a big bonus in that "our" designers had really thought about what babies and children like and what triggers their imagination. We are very passionate about that children should dress like children (they'll grow up fast enough!) with adorable, imaginative patterns and colours.

What gravitated us towards Danish label nanoou was their gorgeous colour schemes and also that the creator had built her designs on the circle shape. So simple yet so stylish and most kids recognise the shape instantly. After their third collection it just keep getting better and better. For a sneak peak of what we are going to receive in February/March next year, check out the November issue of Junior magazine.

Practical and cool

In my last post I wrote about clever bloomers and what a great piece of clothing they are. Now another thing we love heaps at Baby goes Retro is onesies or jumpsuits if you prefer. I think it might be the most practical baby outfit there is. No bare midriffs in winter (brrrr), no tops scrunched up around baby's armpits, no pants with tricky buttons and zips that get caught. These are only a few of the reasons we love them but the main one is that they can be sooooo cute and funky. Pop a jumpsuit on bub and there you have it - an instant outfit within a minute. Busy mothers knows that instant is always good as patient children might just only exist in movies and nappy ads.

The variety is also a plus when it comes to suits. You have the short sleeve ones with little legs and the ones without, both perfect for a warm summer day. These two gorgeous pieces from nanoou and Ej sikke lej are featured in the Oct/Nov issue of Mother & Baby.

Cover that nappy!

Isn't nappy pants, bloomers, nappy covers whatever you want to call them the best invention ever when it comes to cool and practical baby wear?! We are the biggest fans as they are so perfect for the Aussie climate. They also turned out to be an instant hit with our customers. After speaking with Katvig last week, desperately trying to get a backorder organised they told me that these bloomers have also been a favourite with all the warm Mediterranean countries such as Spain and Italy. We all know that in summer it's sometimes even too hot with shorts, so pop a pair of nappy pants on and voila that not so funky nappy is covered up and it looks fab. Katvig designs some adorable girl's, boy's and unisex ones. Their new range is called Printed Essentials and has gorgeous little pieces such as Green Japan, Grey Valley and striking Retro black.

Somewhere over the rainbow...

Well, didn't we find a pot of gold today! Not exactly gold perhaps but some new "shiny" goodies from Ej sikke lej arrived today. Amongst fantastic new styles such as retro Afro and cute Strawberry we also filled up on the gorgeous little T-shirts with the very popular Rainbow print. At the moment the blue tee is featuring in the current issue of Pregnancy & Birth. We love the outfit the fashion editor has put together, so cute for a cheeky (and dreamy!) little boy.

Spring photo shoot

After an agonising wait we finally received some funky new spring/summer stock from Plastisock and Katvig. After all the usual action triggered by an arrival (unpacking, checking, photographing, editing, posting, sending newsletters etc) we were ready to head down to the park for a photo shoot with our girls. Both of them are active, cheeky toddlers and they are so much fun. You never know what direction they are going to run in or what item they decide to climb on, but if we manage to capture those spontaneous moments we know that we have a great set of shots.

This time they decided to put on their best model behaviour and we got some gorgeous pics! It was the perfect spring day with clear blue sky and the park was full of kids, enjoying the sunshine. We particularly love this photo as my daughter looks so happy and confident, just the way we want kids to feel when wearing our clothes. She is dressed in Plastisock Baggy Denim and 'Purple Circus' Tee which is a fantastic unisex outfit for spring.

The waiting game

We are grinding our teeth, pulling our hair and running around in circles....why you might wonder..well someone said once that patience is a virtue, but it's sooooo hard. We are eagerly waiting for our new spring arrivals which seem to take forever, which is actually not true, it's pretty much on schedule it just feels like it!

All the juicy, gorgeous new singlets and bloomers from Katvig, exquisite little girls wear from Ej sikke lej, more of the incredibly popular Big C Singlet (as featured below in Shop 4 Kids Mag) and the list goes on and on. We are like little kids waiting for Santa but in our case it's a matter of checking every truck that drives past to see if it's the courier or post van. This is exciting times....can't wait to check our customers reactions to all the new stuff, we definitely have a few cool surprises up our sleeve. We'll keep you posted, it wont be long now....

Shop for your life!

Shopping is so much fun! I think that it might be one of my favourite pastimes on a rainy day. I have to say that the beach wins easily on a sunny one. Anyway, one of our absolute favorite magazines in the world is out now; Shop 4 kids. A whole yummy mag, dedicated to shopping for your little boy or girl in your life. This summer issue is featuring some of the current styles from all our labels that will make the warm season very stylish indeed.

Once upon a time when I was working for a major women's fashion chain, my boss used to say to me: "just accessorise, accessorise, accessorise darlin' and any old outfit will look fab". I'm not saying that the BgR (Baby goes Retro) range needs spicing up as it's very funky and colourful already, but I have to confess that I have a soft spot for fun little extras for tiny people. In Shop 4 Kids, some of our beautiful accessories are featured. Check out the pink retro bib by Katvig and too cute to resist pram mobile by Snoffs Design. Perfect little gifts for baby girls with an attitude. A funky yellow circus hat by Plastisock propped on your baby's head will brighten up a summer day even more.

Boy or girl?

We love unisex clothes for kids! It really is the best thing because you can make it into what ever outfit you want and to suit a boy or a girl equally. There are no rules with colours that you have to follow just play around and have fun. A lot of our featured labels are thriving on the unisex theme with their colours and designs. Plastisock springs to mind as having embraced this trend whole heartidly. The brand was created by two young women from Sweden. They didn't think the huge gender divide in terms of colours and designs for girls and boys was too exciting so they decided to think outside the square. These very funky and comfy 'Red things' Baggy pants is the perfect example of a great unisex garment. The pattern has fire engines (boy), hearts (girl), tomatoes (?), ladybirds (?)..there you go, who can tell. My son is certainly happy with his shirt in the same style and paired with his denim shorts he looks very cool indeed.

Not only does it look edgy with unisex but it has a practical part to it as well, as many of our customers has pointed out. You can pass them on to younger siblings regardless of their gender! Very handy indeed. My second child was a girl and I tell you that there wasn't a lot amongst my son's outgrown baby clothes that was suitable for her. Now at least she can have the shirt when he is finished with it.

Busy times

I don't know about you but what is it with this time of the year? I (Anna) have been so incredible busy in the last couple of weeks (explains the lack of posts on the blog, sorry) and in a strange way it seems to be my own fault as I try and cram everything in at once. I have just "survived" organising and hosting my son's 4th birthday party. And I tell you that it's an achievement, no doubt. Ten sugar loaded 4 year olds running around wanting to be entertained + siblings (meaning toddlers that wonder off, including my own!) and parents (that don't know each other and need to be introduced), it's a challenge for even the toughest super mum, which I have no claim to be whatsoever. Anyway, it turned out to be a great day, the sun was shining,(thank god as the party was in a park and I had no Plan B) the kids were happy and all was good.

Amongst all these preparations for the party (buying/cooking food, balloons/decorations, organising a Spiderman cake, planning games etc) we had to run our business of course! A big Baby goes Retro sale was planned and is still running. We love to give our "old" as well as new customers some extra special offers so everybody that is signed up to receive our newsletter will get a 25% discount on our entire range! What's even better is that on already reduced items it means 50% off. Snap it up girls! As those who shop regularly with us already know, we don't stock a huge amount in each style, we like to keep certain styles limited and admit it, we all like to have something extra special for our babies that everybody desires but can't have! It's not too late to sign up, the last day of the sale is on Monday. After that it will be a fabulous Winter sale on selected styles only, and trust me they are great! What a perfect opportunity to send in some pics of your little retro bubs for world wide admiration!

Time flies...

Today we received a small but very yummy delivery from nanoou. It's always so exciting to unpack the boxes. Even if we know exactly what we ordered it still feel like Christmas every time. It's also so nice to feel the fabrics and see all the vibrant, happy colours. This time around we had ordered in more of the scrumptious Big C summersuit. It's so fabulous and it has been very popular (despite being the coldest winter one can remember!)
We really wished that our daughters still would be able to wear them but they are so "grown up" now. No babies any more... When we first set up the business they fitted in to the "baby category" well and truly and they also sat nicely on a blanket chewing on their toys so the mummies could work! Definitely not the case any more. We have to chase them all over the house whilst trying to get some time to work on our agenda for the week. It's a challenge but somehow the work gets done, even if it might take four hours instead of two! The girls are literally growing up together which is fantastic for them and us, and of course they are "earning their living" as hard working top models for Baby goes Retro as well :)

Little viking

As I have previously mentioned in Small but determined my 18 month old daughter has already developed a flair for fashion, but so has my soon-to-be 4 year old son as well! He knows what he likes and dislikes and unfortunately sometimes we don't really agree on what's a cool outfit and what's also suitable weather wise. I had big problems last summer convincing him that flannelet pyjamas in 35 degree heat is not such a great thing, while now in the middle of winter I can't get him to wear socks or that above mentioned pyjamas for that matter! It's a no win situation for mum.
Anyway, he has really taken a shine to Danefae's viking Tee collection, which I'm of course is over the moon about (see you later Spiderman etc, the cool vikings are taking over!) He got his T-shirt the other week and put it on straight away for an excursion to our local shopping centre. But he wasn't quite satisfied with his outfit and suddenly his face lit up and he said; "Mummy, I know what's missing.." and ran into his bedroom. After a few minutes he came out with this horrific plastic Viking helmet, with horns (chrissie present from last year) on his head. Great I thought, he looks like he is playing dress ups rather than making a fashion statement. But what can you do? He thought it was the perfect accessory and with a 3 year old you have to choose your battles so off we trotted, me and my little gorgeous viking.

Beach life 2

Bree from the Sunshine coast sent in this fabulous photo of her son Taj (4 1/2 months) at the beach wearing his new Ej sikke lej Airballoon suit. This is what she says in her email: "Just wanted to share this beautiful photo of my baby with you!!! He looks so cute in his new outfit!"

Please keep the photos coming of your little ones in Baby goes Retro outfits and we'll post them here for everybody to admire.

Beach life

One significant advantage with working from home is that you have no one that tells you when things has to be done by (only your conscious!) The most glorious day presented itself when I peered out from behind my curtains yesterday morning. The choice was then between spending time in front of the computer preparing tax returns or taking the kids to the beach. And you can guess which one we went for..... sand, warm winter sun on our faces, waves lapping, kids happily playing with buckets and spades..aahhh bliss.A perfect day for trying on my daughters new Katvig swim suit. It's so retro and funky and totally irresistible. I love it and I couldn't resist taking this fab photo of my happy beach girl.After all that sand and sun the kids were ready for their afternoon nap and voila, my work got done as well!

Small but determined

My 18 month old daughter is a little fashionista in the making and it frightens me! She is already showing preference for certain clothes, mainly ours luckily but that might be for the fact that 90% of her wardrobe is from the Baby goes Retro range. She is actually matching up the outfits she wants to wear for the day by herself and if I try and interfere or should I suggest something different she starts stomping her feet and gives me this very loud and clear 'NO' that can't in any way be ignored.

One of her favourite outfits are the yummy 'Cloud tee from Ej sikke lej'. She loves to wear it with a dark denim pinafore I found in Target and her blue leggings to match. Looking very funky she strutts around repeating 'loud, loud, nice' which I assume means cloud, cloud, I look nice.
It's all very cute and charming now but I suspect that my feelings might be slightly different when she's 18 and want that $500 designer tee!

Bright and fun

Fluoro is back in fashion! Yes, you heard me and doesn't that bring back memories from the happy and for me anyway, fashion faux paux decade of the 80s! I cringe in despair recalling those highwaisted stonewashed denims, cleverly matched with a neon pink fake leather belt. Also not forgetting my to die for neon yellow scrunchie! It all seem to look a bit better now or perhaps it is just nostalgic thoughts that gets me thinking it's not that bad with super bright. These very cute bow clips are cheerful and fun, a great way to put a bit of colour to an outfit.

A couple of weeks ago we unpacked these Plastisock 'Fairytale' Tees and our thoughts instantly connected with the fluoro revival. It is the brightest happiest tee we've ever seen, absolutely gorgeous. A quick look at the fabric pattern gives you an illusion of a funky retro 70s wall paper but look a little bit closer and you'll see the most exquisite little fairies, knights, witches, dragons and many more well known characters. Your little munchkin will have a field day in "Fairytale land".

Look at me!

This two adorable photos was sent to us a little while ago by Virginia from Brisbane. Her little girl Tess (22 months) absolutely loves wearing her 'Brown circus' dress by Plastisock. Doesn't she look like she's having a great time playing at her local Gymbaroo? Mum Virginia says that every time her daughter wears this outfit she always gets compliments from other mum's for it's funky pattern and great design. We totally agree but it's all due to the cute little model of course!

New venture

Welcome to Baby goes Retro blog! Who would have thought back in November last year when we opened up our web shop that in 7 months time we can present our very own blog. We are so excited and very curious about your response. What is this blog going to be about then? Well, fashion for kiddies and babies of course, because we love it. New ideas and funny cool things that we find or hear about, things that will interest us and you. We'll also throw in bits and bobs about our lives as 'working - from - home mums' with all it's challenges and sometimes hilarious escapades.

Now, it's not just going to be us sitting here and waffling on about stuff, we would love for you to be part of it as well. Comments, suggestions, ideas, praise (love it), criticism (we can only get better) or anything else that comes to mind (which is certainly a busy place if you are a mother!). One large and hopefully popular part of this blog will be photos of your little angles (or devils) in Baby goes Retro outfits. Email them to us and we'll post them here for everybody to admire! We like cute ones, funny ones, cheeky ones and all in between.