The Biz: The Grapevine

Quick: picture a daydreamer hard at work. Can’t do it? Daydreamers aren’t usually associated with go-getters. Typically thought of as laid-back and passive, daydreamers are actually anything but lazy. Research scientists Kalina Christoff of UBC and Jonathan Schooler of UCSB monitored subjects with wandering attention, and have drawn the same conclusion that other studies have shown: daydreaming is not for slackers. The real question has nothing to do with whether daydreaming is beneficial, but rather how this brain power can be tapped and turned into the concrete. The answer? Daydream Toys.

Fashion-forwardness in the infant and toddler set is becoming a hot trend for designers. No longer content with mass-marketed clothes, many parents want sartorial uniqueness for their mini me’s wardrobe. Enter Little Trendstar, whose name says it all. The brand is dedicated to little kids with big personalities. Creator Nicole Worth knows kids love the spotlight; she’s seen it countless times in her own two little boys. Her designs are all about capturing attention by focusing on fashionably creative graphics and plenty of style. Little Trendstar has already released seven new designs for 2012, including Beat Goes On, a guitar graphic tee that embodies the spirit of a true performer.

Amanda Boyd, the designer for Adore La Vie was born and raised in Iowa. Amanda knew since the age of five that she wanted to be a fashion designer, remained true to her childhood dream and achieved a degree in Apparel Design with a minor in Creative Design, from both Iowa State University and London College of Fashion. In 2008, Amanda decided to pursue her big dream of launching her own design company, Adore La Vie, which means “love life.” From the designer with a Midwest soul and West Coast spirit, Amanda showcases this vibe through every collection she creates

“Creativity” is a buzz word that is tossed around quite a bit. Creativity, or the ability to “think outside the box,” is vital in every aspect of life. Specialists agree that creativity is something that can be taught, but it does require some work. Children need to be able to see past what is traditional or accepted, but they can’t do it without practice, and some good examples might help in developing a more innovative mind. One company that has ingenuity on its mind is Chooze, the maker of a line of highly imaginative footwear that breaks the mold when it comes to cutting-edge design.