The Biz: The Grapevine

Melanie Anderson is first an artist; she began the koochi ku line to create wearable pieces of art. With an eye toward European style, her pieces are well crafted, beautiful, and affordable. Inspired by the birth of her son, she followed her passion for vibrant colors and began making high-style wool jackets and accessories for children. Melanie individually designs and creates each item, and takes great personal pride in each article carrying the koochi ku label.

We have all experienced firsthand that “fashion is fickle.” However, unlike most fleeting fads and trends, Victorian style has influenced fashion design for centuries, as the classic lines and exquisite details never grow old. Powell Craft emulates the style of the Victorian Era and provides a “time machine” in which retailers can import goods reminiscent of a bygone age of English cottages in the rose-scented countryside. Offering timeless elegance and beauty, Powell Craft’s Old World designs are here to stay!

Remember the beautifully painted tea sets and porcelain candy boxes lovingly displayed at Grandma’s house? Such family antiques were treasures passed tenderly down from generation to generation. As pieces became lost or damaged through accidents of use and time, however, the tradition of passing down such family heirlooms has waned. Fortunately, the wholesale distributor and importer Hand and Heart is helping to renew the tradition with its distinctive selection of over 4,000 high-quality ceramics, collectibles and fashion accessories.

About three years ago, a trio of talented moms, Dina Kutinsky, Samanta Lieberman and Amy Multack, gave “peace” a chance by using the universally-recognized symbol as inspiration for their Peace-of brand. Offering one-pieces and tees for babies through tweens, the mod and punny pieces sport a twist on the ‘60s anti-war icon, in which the peace sign means both “piece” and “peace.” The symbol, first designed by the British nuclear disarmament movement, is now disarming kids’ wear with cute graphic statements, including “Master Peace”, “Peace of Work”, “Peace-ful”, “Peace of Cake” and “Inner Peace.”

Sibling rivalry is not necessarily a bad thing, especially when it’s celebrated with affirming, terrific tees from BB’s Tees. The Texas-based brand was established by two friends and mothers, Patti Muller and Marty Harper, who were inspired to celebrate both families and fashion with their clothing creations. Renowned on the Big Brother/Sister fashion block for funky graphics and hip designs, BB’s Tees include specialty glittery inks and 3D puffy prints that add dimension and texture. Plus, each shirt comes with a sweet keepsake, The Sibling Pledge!

Pregnancy is one of the most joyful and exciting events in a woman’s life! Unfortunately, pregnancy often brings on intense nausea, which can strike quickly and unexpectedly. Expectant moms suffering from morning sickness, and anyone prone to motion sickness, should keep a new “friend” close at hand…Chuck the Yuck! When a pregnant mom or carsick kid gets the urge to upchuck, this disposable bag saves the day! This durable, designer sickness bag is built tough, to easily contain the mess and trap offensive odors until one can “chuck the yuck” in the trash.

Mélange Collection, a gift and home accessories company, offers an eclectic mixture of fabulous handmade Fair Trade products from around the world, including exotic plushies, handcrafted by artisans in Peru and Guatemala. Made from soft-as-cashmere alpaca wool, these quirky creatures abound with personality, and are sure to captivate and delight kids of all ages. Mélange Collection has cultivated excellent working relationships with its artisans through community-based organizations, ensuring that all workers are provided with a safe environment and living wages while creating Mélange products.

Reading bedtime books to children has been a parental routine for generations. However, in today’s media rich world, children are more likely to spend their evening hours camped out in front of a TV, video game, or computer. Help hibernating parents and kids re-awaken to the wonderful world of reading! Stock up on engaging books that entertain children, while keeping parents’ yawns at bay. The Giggle Guide® periodically recommends outstanding children’s books worthy of addition to retail bookshelves. This month’s selection, Bears! Bears! Bears!, is sure to generate some big family bear hugs!

Watching baby take those first teetering steps is an unforgettable moment for parents. For this special milestone, it is only right for little ones to be geared up in the best footwear. Like many mothers, Johanna Parker was frustrated that most socks quickly slipped off her baby daughter’s feet. Johanna then came up with the brilliant idea to make shoes for her daughter, Kaya, using soft cotton fabric and non-skid soles. Kaya loved her comfy, custom-made shoes so much, that Johanna was inspired to start up her business, Kaya’s Kloset, offering fantastically fun shoes that have kids steppin’ out in style!

Login:

Username:
Password: