The results of our competition were so good Alimrose decided to award two winners- and both their designs are going to be launched in August 2009 for national and international sale! They will of course be stocked at Baby’s Got Style come this August as well.

Winner 1:
Melissa-Jane Harrison

Winner 2:
Sonya Sinclair and Rachel Hurford (who worked on their entry together)

Check our their designs!!!

It's time to meet the other half of our panel of Baby’s Got Style reviewers!
We handpicked 12 super fashion conscious and well versed in all things baby and kids customers (and their children!) from the masses of entries (thank you so much to all who entered). They’re from every corner of Australia, with different aged children, different writing styles and very different opinions. We’re looking forward to their honest reviews of our products and sharing the results with you here!

Jackie Biro and Amelie, 6 months old
If cutesy kittens on T-shirts aren't up your alley - then 'The Che' is for you. A good quality cotton tee in moody green and black, The Che says "I'm a citizen of the world who'll make a difference".
Just like mum and dad. Press studs at the back help avoid tears with squirmy babies. Next, they'll be postering playgroup late at night... Rock Your Baby, Che Guevara Tee, $26

Keris Macarthur and Clementine, 18months
Yes, they're a little bit Elton John, a tad Maria Venutti but when your daughter is 13 or perhaps 14 and firmly believes that she, alone is the arbiter of good taste, there is one item of pre-memory clothing that you chose that will hands down prove her wrong, that her mother is not an embarassing dag and that your sense of chic should never be doubted again. Destined to become a cult classic, Rock Your Baby's Hot Pink Leopard print leggings scream panache with the additional postscript, my mum ROCKS as well.
And therein lies the true magic of this product, merely by dressing your babe with such rockstar flair, the process of osmosis ensures that you as the parent enjoy the kudos as well, regardless of what you yourself are actually wearing. In this way, well-dressed babes in arms become the equivilant of a marc jacobs handbag & matching ballet flats that are so blinding fabulous, that no-one notices how tired the person holding the bag is! Which is not to say that children should be considered fashion accessories, far from...as we all know, kids are much more like puppies and are certainly, not just for christmas. But jokes aside, rock these leggings with a black T, a denim mini skirt and a pair of tiny pink hi-tops and you have junior's sandbox style sorted! Rock Your Baby pink leopard print leggings, $19.95

Leanne McAllister and her sons Hayden 5, Curtis 3 and Jules 12 months
Yes, there is a reason why the little man in your life can scramble over lounges and take death defying leaps off cubbies....he is actually a Super Hero in disguise. Reveal his hidden identity to the world with this cool Tee. More user friendly than a cape, less scary than a mask and able to save embarrassed Super Hero Mothers everywhere from undies on the outside shopping trips, this Tee is sure to become a fav in your little ones wardrobe. Add your hero's name and very own slogan like "I've Saved the Day" or "Watch me Space Off" to completely win over the super hero and their legion of fans.
Pictured is Curtis showing what happens when superheros go bad…he is playing dress up with dads socks and undies! Global Style custom made Superhero tee, $34.95

Jane McGennisken and Clancy, 17 months
It may be that I’m a child of the 80s (and still have a thing for legwarmers - à la Flashdance), but last winters Oobi Baby legwarmers were the fashion must-have for my 9-month-old son Clancy. Reporting the purchase to friends, some thought I was taking a childhood revival just a little too far. Yeah, well… Who’s laughing now ladies? So, so practical and yet so incredibly funky, stripy leg warmers add some serious street cred to every ensemble (for boys and girls). On cold mornings, layer up with stockings, wear under jeans and dresses, or they’re perfect for those in-between autumn/spring days - put them under cargo shorts or skirts (and just strip ‘em off later when the sun kicks in). Too cute! Wasn’t long before everyone wanted a pair… (And the girls at child care loved them too – extra padding for crawlers, easier during toddler toilet training, and just plain good-looking!)
Finally, when everyone seems to be having a baby, they’re the perfect (and easily posted) unisex item that any funky bubba is gonna love in his or her wardrobe! Oobi baby legwarmers are no longer available at Baby’s Got Style…check out their knee high socks, $8.95 a pair instead!

Hetty McKinnon and Scout 2.5yrs and Dash, 11 months
My two and a half year old daughter Scout and I are polar opposites - she is messy, I am neat; she is chaotic, I am orderly; her hair is curly, mine is straight; she loves meat, I am vegetarian. But this week, we finally agreed on one thing – the new BIG by Fiona Scanlan Crystal Satin Tutu is the most delicious piece of girly gorgeousness we have seen in a long while.
This tutu has it all and more – layer upon layer of the super soft tulle, wide satin straps which fit perfectly on Scout’s shoulders and shirring at the back for a flawless fit. But it ups the princess factor with utterly decadent crystal beading on the top, which delivers a bit of much needed bling during these bleak economic times. Now whenever Scout and I disagree on what to eat for dinner or how to style her hair, I simply suggest dressing up in her beloved BIG tutu so my sweet daughter can at least look like a princess, even if she doesn’t act like one. BIG by Fiona Scanlan crystal satin tutu, $99.95

Brook Gossen and Willow 3.5yrs, Asher 2yrs and Summer, 9months
Brook’s review was for a product that we no longer stock so unfortunately you will have to look forward to reading her first review for us in an upcoming newsletter soon!
Brook is pictured here with her son Asher and also with her daughter Summer

Pictured is Anna and Wynona from Ivy Designs from when they were little!


What's the story behind Ivy Designs (i.e. history)?
My sister Anna and I grew up watching and learning from the talented women in our family so our interest in craft and dressmaking started with our own childhood. Textiles class in high school led me to a few short courses in Fashion at Central St Martins in London. Anna completed a diploma at the Fashion Business Institute, but neither of us pursued work in the industry. Working on leading children’s magazines meant that I was exposed to some of the most gorgeous children’s products and I found inspiration there. Then my daughter, Ivy, was born and I started making little dresses for her. A captive audience at a friend’s baby shower encouraged me to pursue it further. So Anna and I got together, experimented with lots of different things and came up with our first range for summer 08/09. We made everything ourselves for the first few months and things have really blossomed from here.

What makes Ivy Designs different from other kids fashion labels?
Ivy Designs is all about “handcrafted style for the modern child”. Our items have a retro look about them, often incorporating unique handcrafted touches but they are made for children of today. Cut, fit, durability and original designs are important to us. Our range is a little bit dressy but always easy to wash and wear. We make all of our garments in Australia, in limited runs using premium materials.

What inspires your designs?
Our biggest inspiration comes from our own kids, particularly the girls. Everyday things that kids are into, such as animals, nature, animations and storybooks also inspire us. Often our ideas come from experimenting with different fabrics, buttons, ribbons and drawings.

Any hints for us as to what we can expect from Ivy for Summer 10?
We’re really excited about summer! We will stay true to our style, with gorgeous designer fabrics and handcrafted details but you can expect to see a few of our original illustrations included in the range.

What's been your most exciting/fulfilling/wonderful moment since launching Ivy Designs?
To be honest, stocking in Baby’s Got Style! We aimed for this when we first started the business last year, we are thrilled to be here. We get a buzz seeing our products in retail shops and whenever we send a parcel overseas. The regular feedback we get from customers is fulfilling. We’ve also met lots of interesting and like-minded crafty types, which is a lot of fun! Our family and friends have all been very supportive.

Are Ivy Designs products available elsewhere in the world?
Since we sell online, we have customers from all around the world. We also have an exclusive stockist in Singapore.

Do you have a favourite Ivy product?
We both love the hair candy, it adds a bit of fun to any outfit. From last season we loved the crochet sleeve tops. This season it just has to be the Owl dress.

How would you describe your own personal style?
Our styles have changed a lot since having kids and starting the business. Simple & timeless pieces rule. Once in a while we might throw in a key trend item but our wardrobe is generally made up of casual clothing. For me, embroidered cotton kaftans are a favourite and Anna loves her maxi dresses.

What can't you live without?
Our supportive partners and the kids... and the Dustbuster gets a good workout everyday.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a fashion designer but university steered me into a career in advertising. Anna wanted to be a flight attendant, like a lot of girls her age back then. We both had a desire to sell our own creations though. When we were around 10, we made a whole bunch of hair ‘scrunchies’ and door knocked around the neighbourhood. We sold them for $1 each and pocketed about $20, which at the time was a lot of money! We now feel privileged to combine all the things we have learnt along the way.

What movie have you recently seen and loved, what book have you recently read and enjoyed and what food can you not get enough of right now?
The Secret Life of Bees was a great movie. I have been reading ‘Craft Inc’ by Meg Mateo Ilasco. Anna’s been focused on baby books since having her son this year. In terms of food, mum’s traditional cooking is always a winner.

You’ve been patiently waiting… now it's time to meet our panel of Baby’s Got Style reviewers! We handpicked 12 super fashion conscious and well versed in all things baby and kids customers (and their children!) from the masses of entries (thank you so much to all who entered). They’re from every corner of Australia, with different aged children, different writing styles and very different opinions. We’re looking forward to their honest reviews of our products and sharing the results with you here! Meet the first 6 right now and read their winning entry reviews…the other 6 will be added here shortly! Leisa Bromley and children Elliot, 4yrs and Abbey, 2yrs Finding the perfect ‘non-gender specific’ baby shower gift used to induce heavy breathing worthy of the maternity ward. But my hyperventilating days are over thanks to the Alimrose monkey rattle in its dashing red & white stripes. You see, the monkey is baby-lingual; squeaking “cheeky” to boys and “cuddly” to girls. The appeal, however, lies in its delicious candy striped fabric. I have come to think of The Stripe as the saviour of all panicked gift givers. It is at home wherever it goes and The Stripe speaks all manner of styles. This raspberries- and- cream monkey rattle is as at home in a chic Parisian nursery as a rock’n’roll crib! When it comes to shaking things up baby-style…Stripes are stars! Alimrose stripe monkey rattle, $26.95 Cherie Hardingham-Braid and children Angus, 4yrs and Edie, 5 months I love giving (and receiving!) presents that are well-designed, multi-purpose and just a bit different, which is why I adore the Lark and Friends knitted doughnut rattle. Designed in Australia and knitted by women artisans in Bangladesh, this toy stimulates baby’s senses. It’s tactile, the knitted sprinkles are colourful, the rattle is loud and it’s the perfect size for little fingers. My baby girl loves shaking the doughnut to make it rattle (when it’s not in her mouth!) and hitting it when I hang it from her baby gym. Her four year old brother serves it for morning tea, sells it in his “shop” and uses it as a tambourine. So many ways to play! I love that it looks like it was made with love by a favourite relative or friend. Babies will love its softness. Mums will love that it is completely safe, ethically made and can even go in the washing machine and dryer. Lark and friends knitted rattles, $14.95 Amanda Whitley and children Olivia, 2.5yrs and Sophia, 6 months Two-and-a-half year old Olivia has recently become her own stylist (“I do it MYSELF, Mummy!”)…and so every outfit needs to satisfy two criteria: it must be pink and she must be able to dance in it. So when her pink BIG by Fiona Scanlan stripe tutu dress arrived from Baby’s Got Style I nearly had to hose her down, such was her excitement. This absolutely divine dress teams a cute soft cotton striped singlet with a frothy confection of tulle and sequins. Perfect for dancing or dress ups all year round - pop a long sleeved top underneath and team with coordinating BIG tights for a truly transeasonal piece. “Mum, I put on. It’s booyutiful!” she said, peeling off her clothes. So she put it on…and kept it on during a trip to the shops; her midday nap; a playdate with friends; and a run to Bunnings with Daddy. Finally, when it was time for her bath, she was persuaded to take it off…but only if she was allowed to wear it again the next day. Her first words when she woke the next morning? “Mum, I put my tutu on?” BIG by Fiona Scanlan tutu dresses, from $79.95 Millie Trewin and daughter Zooey, 2.5yrs Baby’s Got Style original cat canary flute, $7.95: This product I bought almost on a lark. I never imagined my little 2 year old would prove to conquer the tongue acrobatics required to master all the fancy trills and bird calls. Needless to say, I was right (for now), but oh what a marvelous time we're having just trying! It’s got the loveliest and most quaint simplicity about it - a little cat watching a small bird in it's cage. My daughter was fascinated just watching the bird bob up and down in its cage after each blow on the whistle! The packaging is sweet, minimal and so worth keeping and not recycling! Oh so retro and stylin', with excellent straight forward tips on achieving the sounds you want from your whistle. And it's really a product with more longevity than you'd assume after only paying $7.95 for it! There are lots of different kinds of whistles to make and techniques to try... Being an educator of small children, I wish I could get these into my classroom from time to time...the noise would be terrific and the aforementioned "acrobatics" is instrumental (mind the pun) in getting small children to move their mouths to achieve different sounds - just like talking. Brilliant. Original cat canary flute $7.95 Jackie Beard+children Hannah 4yrs, Matthew(almost 3!), +Charlotte 4wks old When it comes to style – kids certainly know best. Our 4 year old daughter Hannah always wants to wear her beautiful Rock Your Baby ruffle bib dress in bright pink with white trim – whether it be to a birthday party or just to kindy! The dress is 100% cotton and has two poppers at the back and is very easy to put on. Hannah always gets lots of comments about the dress when she wears it and it proves that sometimes simplicity is the key! At only $20 this dress is not only extremely well priced but is versatile, easy to care for and hard wearing. The colours have not run despite extensive washing, all stains have been removed easily and the dress has kept its A-line shape. The dress also comes in black, grey and red and there is a long sleeved version for winter. I think the red version would look great with the white trim as well. It’s just a shame the Rock Your Baby dress size’s stop at 4 (and it is a fairly small 4) because this dress introduces some serious rock attitude into any little girl’s wardrobe with the minimum amount of fuss for the parent. You can’t ask for more than that! Rock Your Baby ruffle bib dress, $20 Jane Pelham and children George, 3.5yrs and Rosie, 13 months old My children are NEVER allowed to eat icecream in our house. I dread and fear the finger marks and drip stains that I would find for days from one end of the house to the other if I dared to let a single cone or icypole stick inside. It is one of those treats that is saved only for special visits to Grandma's house. When it is on the menu there we still have to eat and run as I can't wait to get them both in the bath to clean it from their faces, hair and bodies. Enter the Icecream Dripstik. It is a wonderful invention that catches all the drips whilst allowing children to lick, bite and chew every last bit of the forbidden fruit! Its design is such, that it securely holds either the icecream cone or the icypole stick whilst giving the children a solid handle to grasp as they eat away. No more mess! My children think it's the best invention ever as they now can eat paddlepops and cones with sprinkles....well at least outside on the deck! Dripstik in assorted colours, $7.95