The Biz: The Grapevine

It’s not unusual for a child to become attached to a favorite plush pal, taking it everywhere as comforting, secure companion. Plush Pals, Inc. knows that feeling, and has taken its plush collection to a multi-tasking level, with adorable plush creations that do double-duty as rolling travel bags, backpacks, purses and even iPod holders! Keeping children’s love for stuffed animals in mind, Plush Pals, Inc. produces versatile bags that can hold school supplies, overnight items, or special trinkets. Plush Pals bags are available in a wide range of snuggly animals and colors.

Since 2008, Binksy & Bobo’s creator, Katrina Poole, has focused her considerable talent in graphics design on creating fashionable clothing and accessories for babies and children. Binksy & Bobo specializes in soft, reversible clothing and stylish accessories, including customizable blankets and padded shopping cart covers. Each piece is designed and produced in Toronto, Canada by just one person from start to finish, making it a true work of art.

Baby bodysuits, or one-pieces, have become a staple in layette and infant collections. One-pieces are ever-popular because they make it a snap to dress and diaper little ones, and they stay put on even the wiggliest of babies. Most romper basics with snap closure convenience can be quite plain, so design becomes a major selling point for retailers and customers who appreciate apparel with an aesthetic appeal. A singular sensation in the one-piece biz is Simple Syrup, a baby clothing company who offers artsy bodysuits inspired by the sketchbook of Danielle Duer.

Football players aren’t the only ones with fumbling problems! Anyone that throws a mobile phone in a purse, backpack or pocket knows the frustration of fumbling around to catch a call. Now, this problem can be easily tackled with the Phubby™, a new way to carry a cell phone that eliminates “phumbling” (phone fumbling). Inspired by the hidden pouch characteristic of marsupials, South Mill Design, LLC has created a fashionable, practical collection of cell carriers that make it easy to catch every call.

Who are the girls that will become the future’s Donatella Versace, Donna Karan, Stella McCartney or Vera Wang? They could be among the young designers that are crafting their sense of style with Paper Fashions from Klutz. Without the need of a sewing machine, bolts of fabric, or even a needle and thread, girls ages 8 and up can develop their fashion sense using paper and scissors and an array of embellishments from glitter and ribbons to decorative doodads. The spiral-bound Paper Fashions includes everything wannabe fashion designers need to create their own paper-clothing couture!

Faster than a speeding scooter, more powerful than the Powderpuff Girls, and able to leap over tall teeter-totters in a single bound, today’s girls play harder than ever! Unfortunately, all the tumbling and tree-climbing can be rough on clothing and tender knees. Enter Züpers to the rescue! Züpers padded, ultra strong, stylish leggings do double duty, protecting legs while looking super hip and fashionable to boot.

Innovation and convenience are vital components to consider, especially when launching a new product. Both components were top priority to Audra Coldiron, successful creator of the Hip Klip. At the turn of the century, Audra realized that she desired a hands-free product that could carry her necessities while out for a night on the town. She, like many women, didn’t always wear clothing with pockets, and didn’t like the inconvenience of holding a purse while dancing. Surely there was some other option.

Charm bracelets have long been a popular accessory for teenage girls and women alike; they offer a terrific way to exchange memories and convey messages to friends and family. With this in mind, MOGO has created a modern and innovative interpretation of the classic charm bracelet that tweens, teens and moms love. Their adjustable magnetic charm bands are amazingly versatile, offering unlimited, stylish fashion options.

Bot Tots was founded by Erin Saelens, an impassioned mother and former case manager for Child Protective Services. Hoping to brighten children’s wardrobes around the world, Erin has also gone on to create fun, educational, environmentally-conscious books to help brighten children’s lives. Through Bot Tots, she has found a way to release her creative spirit while continuing to support the foster youth she cares so much about.

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