The Biz

It’s what every fashion-conscious person craves. It speaks every language known to man. It becomes screamingly obvious by its absence, enticingly difficult to name when encountered. “Sprezzatura” — even the word is romantic and invitingly chic. It’s that careless grace that gives the impression that even the most difficult task comes effortlessly. Sprezzatura is what defines high quality clothing, too. Effortless, beautiful, something that defies the complex motions that went into its production. Think of natural fabrics that drape over the form without clinging, allowing for movement. Sew Lati Couture focuses on creating this perfect fusion of children’s clothing and style.

An educated populace is better prepared to make decisions. Who better to help than businesses that promote a fun way to understand the electoral process? And how about creating a product that adds in a healthy dose of fun that sidesteps any partisan bickering and goes right to the heart of the process? Companies like Regina Glocker’s are bringing engaging activities like the Presidential Game to homes, classrooms, libraries and store shelves, creating a brand new generation of informed future voters.

Upon retirement from military careers, Susan and David Rabern were looking for a way to bring something of value to their community. Susan had a strong family heritage of knitting, and pairing that with their social conscience, they purchased Oak Tree Farm in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and started raising alpacas. One of their businesses, Shenandoah Fiber, brings the finest fibers to the spinning and knitting community. Their sister business, Provenance Mill Clothiers, allows them to witness these fibers being transformed into the softest, most luxurious garments for children.

Here’s a little-known bit of trivia about me: I started my college career as a Biology major. Who knows where the idea came from, but I do know when I decided it wasn’t for me. After only a few afternoons spent in the lab, I realized that only interacting with beakers and Bunsen burners all day was a deal breaker. While all the other scientists seemed content to quietly putter away at their solitary tasks, my brain was screaming for more human interaction. Even though my days in the lab were brief, I do remember a few things from those mostly-forgotten science lectures. And surprisingly, a few of those lessons can be applied to the fashion industry.

For a very young man’s look that is both stylish and slightly retro, check out sweaters from Loop Collection. The company was founded by two knit designers from Brooklyn who adore vintage looks combined with top-quality workmanship. Styles are reminiscent of days gone by, but the materials and fabrication are strictly of the present time. Many of the items offered by Loop are knit with recycled cotton, eliminating harsh chemical dyeing processes and greatly reducing land use which, in turn, cuts way back on the need for fertilizers and pesticides.

Long before backpacks, students in early America often shared books so the need of a way to tote them was not part of the picture. Fast forward to today when, despite the electronic revolution, most kids carry masses of books not to mention phones, game players and personal treasures to and from school each day. Hence the popularity of the student backpack. At first, backpacks were simply functional, but now style is critical. Kids like packs that make them stand out, are easy to get into and can take the wear and tear they are subject to on the bus, in lockers or just sitting on the floor. Some of our favorites are from Uanyi, Herschel Supply, MadPax and Apple Park.

Nursing smocks and covers are a great way to preserve privacy while breastfeeding. These covers provide a way to take care of business without everyone seeing your business. The problem with many nursing covers — in addition to being one more baby item to carry — is that they are often unattractive and some fabrics can overheat both mother and infant. L’ovedbaby is a company that offers useful and stylish products for new moms and their babies. The 4-in-1 Nursing Shawl is their most popular product, as well as the company’s flagship creation. L’ovedbaby has expanded its product line to include baby gift baskets as well a line of 100% cotton clothing.

The age-old question every parent hears is, “What’s for dinner?” It seems as soon as baby starts on solids, things get much more complicated and parents find themselves questioning if baby is getting the right mix of fruits, vegetables, grains, essential nutrients and more. This is an area where guidance and great options are such a lifesaver. All these companies were founded by moms interested in nutrition, value and convenience: Sage Spoonfuls, Wean Green, BooginHead and Happy Family help families make mealtimes easier and nutritious.

With electronic games and toys topping the list of must-haves nearly every season, it’s easy to lose sight of the traditional pastimes like board games. But family game night isn’t ready to be buried just yet; a new generation of kids is taking advantage of this time-honored tradition, which is helping renew the board game industry. McNeill Designs for Brighter Minds is the company that produces You’ve Been Sentenced!, a language-based board game for ages 8 and up. McNeill is on a mission to promote smart, fast-paced educational games to today’s kids.

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