Alium Boutique  opened in Garzon (Uruguay) in 2008 by Carolyn Prevett (textile designer) and Mariano Piñeyrúa (industrial designer), founders of  Alium Design Studio. Both students of the Centro de Diseño Industrial (CDI) Montevideo, Carolyn and Mariano play with the aesthetics of the peaceful village. Respecting the materials and techniques of craftsmen, Alium develops unique and original products

Deborah Beau started her blog Kickan & Conkers in 2009. Since then, she’s been posting everyday (at least) about wonderful finds of all sorts : wooden toys, vintage dolls, paper design, books, illustrations and much more. Besides her prodigious blogging, Deborah Beau has also been an incredibly active networker, bringing together the best bloggers, creating links and building a nice community around her.

Little Fashion Gallery is celebrating its 5 years anniversary. The iconic children’s wear e-store started with 19 brands (they have +200 today), and found a financial partner a year after its creation. Four years later, a third party joins the company to help the company grow, more on the operational side.

Boucle d’or

The store recently grew in size, adding a basement full of gifts, books, furniture and boy’s stuff. A must in Brussels.

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Gorgeous northern light

A view on the streets near Place Brugman

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The store (Em72), featuring jewelry, accessories, books as well as clothing by brands carries Forte Forte and Inamorato, two labels that I really like.

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 If you are looking hip, colorful clothes, Claude Hontoir is the right spot for you, especially for 6-10 years old children. Amazing choice.

This store has been around for a long time – it’s an institution in Belgium.

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Alexis Vanhove, 61 Rue Bouillot, showing Jesco Von Puttkamer’s handmade cars.

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I have a weakness for Little Circus. Lovely, charming, full of surprises and very creative displays.

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Other spots not to be missed : Caramel, Mercredi, Kat en Muis, We were small  (children’s stores); Maison particuliere and the Wiels Museum (art).

Sol is  an online store dedicated to teenagers and young teens, created by Salomé Galib and operating from the US (Dumbo in Brooklyn, NYC). A great concept when you think how difficult it is to find a place that combines fashion content, reasonable prices and expectations of both parents and children. Now, let’s Salome talk about her business and about things she cares for…

2011 reviewed by insiders Anne-Charlotte Vermynck –  Chief Editor, Doolitlle Magazine (Paris), Jean Polsky, Owner of children’s store Estella – New York, USA, Julia Koorn – Cherry Pick for Kids – Wholesale agency and distributor, UK, Ashlyn Gibson, Owner of London store Olive loves Alfie, Matthew Holroyd / Fashion Editor, Junior Magazine, Samantha Adam, Consultant & Journalist – New York, USA

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mc&co, Brooklyn store (established in 2006) and online store www.mcandco.us

Finally…an online store dedicated to boy’s clothing and accessories. I know a few moms who will be delighted with the info. Hayley and Cameron Barker are telling us a bit more about Culdesac from in Alpine, Utah where they are based.

How long have you been in the children’s industry?
Unofficially it has felt like we’ve been in it since our baby was born. But it wasn’t till February of this year that Cameron and I worked together to make our own childrens iphone app “Valentine Zoo”.  And it was shortly after that when we started thinking about making boys clothing.

When did you start your business?
Culdesac was launched on October 31st 2011

Tell us more about how it all started and what makes Culdesac different
When shopping online in the past we noticed a lot of sites that are poorly designed and have a bit of a jumbled buying system. So we knew when we started we wanted to create something clean, simple, and easy to use. I think we were successful at that goal, also we include free shipping and easy returns to make our shopping experience even more friendly and carefree.
And we knew from the beginning that we only wanted to start with boys clothing. Having one little boy ourselves we know from experience how lopsided the selection boys have compared to girls in clothing and we wanted to help change that. We love designing unique pieces within the restrains of boys wear and plan to stick to the boys department for good while.

What children’s trade shows do you visit?
We have not been to any trade shows yet but are looking into participating in Playtime New York this coming March. We love how intimate it seems to feel and have seen that a lot of brands we love go to it which is a good sign.

How is the business doing compared to what you expected before the launch?
I would say our expectations were definitely exceeded.  The traffic numbers and great feedback so quickly has been more than what we thought which was a great suprise.  It’s nice to get that kind of positive affirmation on something you’ve worked really hard on and really believe in.

What is your favorite children’s store in your own city? and favorite stores anywhere in the world?
My old favorite that is sadly not around anymore was a toy store in Salt Lake called Gregorys, it was located in a basement and had a slide going down into it for kids that was so fun.
Currently I love a little store called Childrens Hour. And as for favorite stores in general thats a tough question. But I would say at the top of my list is the MOMA store, Muji, and Pearl River Market in NYC.  But really I could go on and on, I love window shopping at all kinds of stores.

Your favorite e-stores for kids?
I love www.littlefashiongallery.com and also the hunt of finding special, hand made things on etsy.

A movie you recently saw and that stayed with you?
I’m a little late on this but just recently watch Bill Cunninghams New York and loved it.  Not only was it a great story about this amazingly kind and geniune man.  But how influencial and important his documentation of the fashion industry is undeniable.  I loved listening to his view on it all.

Your favorite movie to watch with the whole family?
Ender just started watching full length movies and has been obsessed with Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, he calls it funny movie. We are glad about the selection because it’s one that Cameron and I enjoy watching too.

The book on your bedside table; what you like about it?
Right now I am reading Catching Fire, the second book in the Hunger Games trilogy. I am enjoying it but so far not as much as I liked the first book.  I am excited for the movies to come out, the trailers are looking great.

What inspires or motivates you at the moment, and what is striking you/shocking you? Anything about the world that you want to react on?
Ever since being young I have been inspired by making things with your hands.  And that is still continuing.  Doing this line I have loved learning about different tailoring techniques, how to knit sweaters, how you make a tie.  I enjoy being in a constant state of learning, whether it’s a brand new craft or just a better way of doing something I already now.  It really is motivating, keeps me growing and my ideas turning.

It’s been a decade since the first Pop-up Stores opened in Paris, London and Berlin. The clever concept has spread all over the world and flourished over the years, giving brands the occasion to meet new customers without huge investments and giving customers a chance to shop in a more interactive and fun way.

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If you are in New York this month, visit the “Goat Milk Kidware Organic Pop-up Store“ (photo above), 524 Hudson Street (open till December 4, 10am-7pm).

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If you are in Berlin, visit PlayLOVEPop, “the first traveling Pop-up boutique” featuring Atsuyo et Akiko, Esp no.1, Kicokids, Wovenplay, an exhibit by Anna Palma and much more. Until December 23, Rykestrasse 50, Prenzlauer Berg – Berlin.