BELLA CHILD Magazine: Summer 2012

SUMMER LOVING

at Sugar BeachHow-To:

WEAR PINK

Vancouver’s THE CROSS

inspires

A CHILDREN’S FASHION MAGAZINE

Summer 2012

This season’sTOP

SUNGLASSES

Plus!NURSERY DÉCOR

for SMALL SPACES

2 BELLA CHILD Magazine

style

SPRING 2012 3

CONTENTS - Summer 20124 Editor’s Letter7 What’s Online?8 Contributors FASHION+DECOR10 Pretty In Pink! How to be rose-coloured for any occasion.31 Shady Ladies Summer’s top sunglasses.18 Mixing Family and Luxury A look inside Vancouver’s The Cross Décor & Design.

PHOTO-EDITORIAL24 Summer Loving at Sugar Beach 38 Outside The Box44 Hide & Seek ON THE WEB77 Ban Boring Boyswear Explore this Canadian online shop dedicated to trendy boyswear. AT HOME62 Like Mother, Like Son Allie talks fashion, crafting and being mom to son Samson.72 Baby in 700sq/f Decorating tips for small spaces.

81 Directory


This past Easter I was delighted to put on my Sunday best: cherry red trousers from JCrew paired with a white blouse and a blazer in burnt sienna (just can’t get enough of bright bottoms for spring). Shortly after beginning Easter festivities at my cousin’s home in Burlington, my mother arrived wearing her bright cobalt blue trousers, white tee and a black and white floral blazer from Zara that I had recently purchased myself. No, this wasn’t planned. It made me wonder: from where do we develop our personal style? In my case, I instantly think of the stacks of fashion magazines lying around my apartment, some dating back to the turn of the century. I’ve undoubtably pieced together my style from the pages of FLARE and the words of Jeannie Becker. But I also remember being a child sitting on my mother’s lap on the subway,

riding down to the Eaton Center for a shopping trip whenever we had a day off. I remember my mother waiting pa-tiently in the fitting room, listening to me complain about this exam or that boyfriend while I tried on clothes. And I remember my mother nodding “yes” or “no” as I chose an outfit for every bat mitsvah, wedding, and graduation. My style—like yours—is a product of many different influences. Is it not inevitable that our parents be one? Like osmosis, it was absorbed into our subconscious thoughout childhood. Toronto-based mom and blogger Allie would agree - her sense of style is quite contagious. Only two years old, her son Samson already shares her flair for colour and attention to detail (Like Mother, Like Son, pg.68). It seems somewhere between learning right and wrong, we also learn what to put on. Until next time,

THE GENOME EFFECT

SUMMER 2012 5

This past Easter I was delighted to put on my Sunday best: cherry red trousers from JCrew paired with a white blouse and a blazer in burnt sienna (just can’t get enough of bright bottoms for spring). Shortly after beginning Easter festivities at my cousin’s home in Burlington, my mother arrived wearing her bright cobalt blue trousers, white tee and a black and white floral blazer from Zara that I had recently purchased myself. No, this wasn’t planned. It made me wonder: from where do we develop our personal style? In my case, I instantly think of the stacks of fashion magazines lying around my apartment, some dating back to the turn of the century. I’ve undoubtably pieced together my style from the pages of FLARE and the words of Jeannie Becker. But I also remember being a child sitting on my mother’s lap on the subway,

riding down to the Eaton Center for a shopping trip whenever we had a day off. I remember my mother waiting pa-tiently in the fitting room, listening to me complain about this exam or that boyfriend while I tried on clothes. And I remember my mother nodding “yes” or “no” as I chose an outfit for every bat mitsvah, wedding, and graduation. My style—like yours—is a product of many different influences. Is it not inevitable that our parents be one? Like osmosis, it was absorbed into our subconscious thoughout childhood. Toronto-based mom and blogger Allie would agree - her sense of style is quite contagious. Only two years old, her son Samson already shares her flair for colour and attention to detail (Like Mother, Like Son, pg.68). It seems somewhere between learning right and wrong, we also learn what to put on. Until next time,

editor's letter

THE GENOME EFFECT

From the Top: Learning about trains with Samson; at Capelli Hair Salon with Charlie and Gwen.


EDITOR-IN-CHIEFStephanie Andrews

ASSOCIATE EDITORAshley C. Van Eysinga

INTERNRebecca Luth

MARKETING DIRECTORShannon Moir

CONTRIBUTORS:Jesse Boyce, Carly Brown, Lisa Hu, Jackie Archebauld, Jo-Anne Archibauld, Jadzia Elrington, Charlie Dipietro, Gwen

Laura Kroustis, Marriksa Fernandes, Erin Woods, Kean Gastis, Leia Kossel, Calla Evans.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this issue. What you loved, what you didn’t, and what you’d like to

see in the next issue. Contact us at [email protected], or on

Twitter @bellachildmag and Facebook under Bella Child Magazine.

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WHAT'S ONLINE?www.bellachildmag.com

Stay tuned for these online features! Coming May 2012.

Functional &Formal

Discover this summer’s most stylish, yet comfy, event-

appropriate apparel!

Splish-Splash into this season’s cutest beach wear

Sun-sational Swimwear

TOP TRENDS FOR SPRING

Joe Fresh

H&M

Tom & Drew Boys

Snapping Turtle Swimwear

From bright and bold to fancy florals, discover this season’s trendiest styles.


contributors

My Name is Lisa and I’m 11 years old. I love the colour pink. My all-time favourite animal is a pig. In my spare time, I like to dance ballet and pointe as well as play acoustic guitar.

What’s your favourite flavour of ice cream?

Ashley may not have been the most stylish kid on the block, but she made up for it with attitude. She is delighted to again be working on BELLA CHILD and righting the sartorial faux pas of her past. Check out her writing contributions: “Hide & Seek” on pg.44 and “Mixing Family With Luxury” on pg.18.

ASHLEY C.VAN EYSINGA

“My favourite ice cream flavour is Dark Cherry Vanilla because it’s simple and fruity at the same time!”

LISA HU

“Strawberry. Because it’s pink.”

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What’s your favourite flavour of ice cream?

Jadzia Elrington

contributors

Jadzia is a grade 1 student at the Bishop Strachan School. She is a very talented artist and aspiring writer. She is also especially proud of her 10 month old baby sister, Ziyal.

“Seaweed and green tea ice cream.”

Charlie and Gwen have been working together at Capelli Hair Salon for over ten years. Together they enjoy the dynamic environment at the salon; interacting with clients and expressing their creativity through hair colour and styling. They were thrilled to work on “Outside the Box” (pg.38). “Working with kids we were able to think outside the box, exploring colour and texture in a fun and playful way. Instead of tip-toeing around the puddle, we were able to jump right in and not worry about getting wet!”

CHARLIE: “Pistacio. I just love it. It reminds me of Italy.”

GWEN: “Moose Tracks, simply because I love Reeces pieces.

CHARLIE DIPIETRO & GWEN LAURA KROUSTIS


style

Pretty in PINKWhether dolled up for a birthday party or relaxing on the beach, we show you how to wear pink for any occasion. By Stephanie Andrews

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Pretty in PINKWhether dolled up for a birthday party or relaxing on the beach, we show you how to wear pink for any occasion. By Stephanie Andrews


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TO A BIRTHDAY PARTY

Snakeskin Clutch Bag, at Zara

Girls’ Pearl Medley Necklace, at JCrew

Sueanne Sandals, at Ralph LaurenSammy Skirt, at LIVLY Clothing

All Pay And No Work Blazer, at A.MH.WORTH Kid Apparel.

Blouse, at H&M

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TO THE BOARDWALK

Girls’ Apple-Bobbing Cardigan, at JCrew

Print Sunglasses, at Joe Fresh

Glitter Sneakers, at Joe Fresh

Basic Suitcase, at Zara

Pants, at H&M

Blouse, at H&M


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TO A FAMILY REUNION

Ballet Flat, at Joe Fresh

Contrasting Blouse, at Zara

Cotton Tank, at Ralph Lauren

Dora’s Full Length Jersey Skirt, at A.MH.Worth Kid’s Apparel

Embossed Belt, at Zara

Flower Headband, at Ralph Lauren

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TO GO SHOPPING

Crochet Trim Cotton Cardigan, at Burberry

Very Boss Sunglasses, at Very French Gansters

Polka Dot Crossbody Purse, at Tommy Hilfiger

Dora’s Full Length Jersey Skirt, at A.MH.Worth Kid’s Apparel

Leather Gladiator Sandal, at Zara

Graphic Tee, at Joe Fresh


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TO GO CAMPING

Elephant Zoo Pack, at SkipHop

Girl’s Authentic Original Pique, at Sperry Top-Sider

Straw hat, at H&M

Favourite Flower Tank, at GAP Kids

Girl’s Little Bow Shorts, at JCrew

Neckerchief With Lace Trim, at Zara

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TO THE BEACH

Ubud Ikat Top, at Tea Collection

Print Sunglasses, at Joe Fresh

Floppy Trim Hat, at GAP Kids

Girl Bag, at Trumpette

Girl’s Rope Tank in Sailboats, at JCrew

Girl’s Little Bow Shorts, at JCrew

Top Kids, at Havaianas

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in vancouver

The Cross Décor & DesignMIXING FAMILY AND LUXURY.

By Ashley C. Van Eysinga

SUMMER 2012 21

in vancouver

n the heart of downtown Vancouver sits The Cross Décor and Design. A staple of trendy Yaletown, owners Stephanie Vogler and Darci Ilich have been providing Vancouverites with beautifully designed home décor since 2003. The mix of luxurious pieces of furniture, eye-catching décor, and beautifully made clothing is what makes The Cross unique. As Stephanie began expanding her family, the store followed suit with the addition of a baby department, something Stephanie describes as “the ultimate nesting experience.” Being a parent to Hudson, 5, and Emmie, 4, gave Stephanie a first-hand experience at living with

children. Remaining stylish and kid-friendly is a challenge for any budding interior designer. Overall, Stephanie suggests keeping the family home simple.>

I


in vancouverAvoid knickknacks and keep things tucked away. Large plastic bins are perfect for stashing the kids’ toys at the end of the day, instantly organizing a once chaotic room to a venue fit for entertaining guests. Oversized slip-covered furniture for easy cleaning, paired with sleek modern elements and rough-hewn wood tabletops. “My favourite look for the home is a relaxed, casual vibe, juxtaposed with lux, handpicked finds. I choose items that are

pleasing to the eye, and that also have a purpose or sentiment. I am drawn to items that have an heirloom or a European sensibility. I strongly believe in listening to your instincts, and buying what you really love.” Next time you are in Vancouver make sure to stop in at The Cross Décor and Design at 1198 Homer St. or visit them online at thecrossdesign.com and on Twitter @thecrossdesign.

Stephanie suggests some key pieces every family home should have:

1.

2.

3.

4.

A Moroccan Pouf. “They are so versatile, the kids love them, and they look gorgeous in any space.” Pink Moroccan Leather Pouf, $395.

A Rug. Because Stephanie prefers hardwood floors over wall-to-wall carpet, she suggest rugs to add comfort. “Cowhide rugs are the only way to go.” Zebra Black & White Cowhide Stenciled, $895.

Art. “Our kids use their easels to create their own mini-masterpieces almost daily. We display their work on a rotating corkboard ‘gallery’.” The Terrapin by Hugo Guinness, $595.

Lighting. “A fabulous crys-tal chandelier will distract from the grime lurking about the house.” Breck 12 Light Metal Chandelier, $1,995.

SUMMER 2012 23


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Summer LovingPhotography by Stephanie Andrews

Summer LovingPhotography by Stephanie Andrews The Bobby in Bone

by Sons + Daughters Eyewear; tank dress by Stella McCartney kids.


Bikini, cardigan and sunhat by DVF for GAP kids; skirt by American Apparel; shoes by Converse.

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Top and shorts by Stella McCartney kids; purse by Zara.

28 BELLA CHILD Magazine28 BELLA CHILD Magazine

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Raincoat by Stella McCartney kids;

swimsuit and shorts from American Apparel.

Shirt dress by Stella McCartney kids; purse from Zara.

SUMMER 2012 31

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SHADYLADIESThis season’s top shades will have your little ones looking stylish while protecting their eyes from harmful UV rays. A summertime must-have, whether hanging at the beach, playing at day camp or simply out on a Sunday stroll.


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Very Boss in Écaille and Very Bombe in Blush, by Very French Gangsters


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Daisy in Team GB and Super 6, by Zoobug Eyewear

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style

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The Lenny in Orange Jelly and The Ferris in Tortoise

by Sons + Daughters Eyewear


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Outside The BOX

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Outside The BOX

Nails: Sally Hans-en Salon Effects: by Ashley C. Van Eysinga


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Hair by Charlie Dipietro, extensions by Gwen Laura Kroustis

SUMMER 2012 41

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Hair by Charlie Dipietro.


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Hair by Charlie Dipietro, extensions by Gwen Laura Kroustis

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Butterfly hair clips by Paperdoll Accessories


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HIDE AND SEEKStory by Ashley C. Van Eysinga

Photography by Stephanie Andrews

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HIDE AND SEEKStory by Ashley C. Van Eysinga

Photography by Stephanie Andrews

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Kean had a big imagination. He would imagine he was a knight

battling a dragon. Or a mad scientist brewing a potion. He imagined so much that

sometimes he mistook pretend for real.

T-shirt by La Miniatura kids; shorts by Add-aboy; shoes by Sperry.

SPRING 2012 49

He thought he imagined a girl who lives with the trees, but

he was sure she was real. Dress by Kate Quinn Organics.


He searched high and low...

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Shirt and shorts by La Miniatura kids; dress by Redfish Clothing.

He looked for the girl with long blond hair. And big blue eyes.

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Whenever Kean thought he was close,

he would lose her.Shirt and shorts by Chateau de Sable.


Until one day the girl who climbed trees and sang to birds

found him. Dress by Stella McCartney kids; skirt by Chateau de Sable; jeans by Kate

Quinn Organics.

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Until one day the girl who climbed trees and sang to birds

found him. Dress by Stella McCartney kids; skirt by Chateau de Sable; jeans by Kate

Quinn Organics.


She imagined a boy who fought dragons and invented potions.

Top by Stella McCartney kids; leggings by Peek-a-Boo Beans

SPRING 2012 59

She was looking for him.


Together they imagined more and more adventures.

Items by Chateau de Sable.

SUMMER 2012 61


LIKEMOTHER,Like Sonby Marriska Fernandesphotos by Calla Evans Photography

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at home

LIKEMOTHER,Like Sonby Marriska Fernandesphotos by Calla Evans Photography

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at home

How do you juggle motherhood and yourdemanding career as a photographer? I think I was always ready for motherhood. It’s actually easy to do wedding photography because I’m able to be with Samson all week, and during the weekend I would run off and shoot some pictures. What is the one thing no one ever told you about motherhood?Well, one thing for sure is that you get to learn so much about trains! I know more about trains than I ever, ever thought I would have to. If he wants to know about something then we find out for him. I can tell you all about tenders, hopper cars and buffer cars. We even go to see model train shows for him!What is a typical day like for you?We wake up at 6am and have our breakfast. Samson loves his trains and

spends a lot of time with them—his two favourite ones being Henry and Thom-as. We then take our dog, Addie, down to Cherry Beach. You would either find us exploring Toronto or crafting away with Play-Doh at home. Samson is a little traveller and is always ready for a walk or a trip on the TTC. Since you love crafting, any favourite craftwork the two of you share?Samson really loves painting and that’s what we do most of the time. He enjoys cooking and baking with me in the kitchen and that’s why he really loves the Play-Doh. Did you move to this apartment to accommodate the baby? Why the city living instead of the suburbs?We moved here a year before he was born. I think you can make any space perfect for a child. Now that we are>

Inviting us into her cozy nursery, Aleksandra Podbereski tells us about her journey as a mother to two-year old Samson. With a background in costume design and a talented photographer, it’s no surprise her little genius is quite fashion-conscious himself. We’ve got the scoop on her fashion project ‘Natty Nino’, her life as a city dweller, and how she’s perfected railroad language.

SPRING 2012 67

expecting our second child, people ask us if we are going to move because of the small space. We love this place and I think we can make the space work for them. We did live in the suburbs for a while and the main problem was the fact that there was no community involvement or any sort of interaction. We would be quite unhappy in the suburbs. Did you make any renovations to the

house to welcome your baby boy?We actually transformed the dining room into the play area. We now have no dining room but we have different kinds of dinner parties for our guests. So, this is now my sewing space and his nursery. Do tell us about your fashion project ‘Natty Nino’.When I found out I was going to have >

at home

SUMMER 2012 69


at home

a boy, I was totally terrified about how I was going to dress him. It’s very easy to dress a girl. You go into any store and there is a whole section geared towards girls and only a tiny cave in the corner for little boys’ clothes. Coming from a theatre background

and being a costume designer, it is really important to me that my kid is well-dressed. My husband and I are both fashion-conscious people so I was stressed about tiny details like, ‘Is it okay if he wore a pinkish top?’ When I had Samson, I found it really easy to dress him, and even fun! ‘Natty Nino’ came around because everyone used to ask me, ‘Where did you get his clothes from?’, and the truth is I get them from pretty much the same stores everyone else does. It’s just you have to look carefully and pick out some really good pieces, and then mix and match with other items. For the ‘Natty Nino’ project, I dressed Samson in some stylish pieces and captured his different looks. I then revealed where I got each outfit from and how I put it together. Any of Samson’s outfits you absolutely adore?Actually, it’s the one he is wearing right now! My little guy is dressed in a baby pink shirt and coral pink trousers. My all-time favourite item that I got for him was this fabulous

pair of pants from H&M. It was slightly ballooned and stopped at the knees, and pairing it with a pair of socks, he looked like a little German guy. How do you accessorize with Samson’s outfits?I actually sew a lot of his accessories.

When he was smaller I made a few rompers and jumpers. Now, I’m working on a hat

for him. I love sewing bow ties and caps for him. What are your favourite clothing stores for Samson?H&M, Zara, Joe Fresh and I get a lot of interesting pieces on Etsy. Then I mix and match to create a cute and stylish look. Baby Fashion DO: Color! Don’t be afraid of color. I hate that everything has to be pink for girls and blue for boys. What’s wrong with orange, yellow, green and primary bright colors? I remember when I was a kid, IKEA had so many colors. And I always thought that to me, that screams childhood. One of my pet peeves is that when people don’t know the gender, they get pastel green and pastel yellow. I think you should just go all out! Baby Fashion DON’T: Sport shirts and cartoon characters on shirts. I look at a volleyball shirt and I’m like, ‘his father doesn’t play volleyball nor does Samson, so why is he wearing this shirt?’ I think graphics are a much bet-ter idea. >

“ WE HAVEN’T CONSCIOUSLY CULTIVATED A SENSE OF FASHION, BUT I GUESS BECAUSE WE CARE, SO DOES HE.”

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Is his style influenced by his father’s?Yes, for sure! I, however, take more liberty in dressing up Samson whereas my husband would definitely not wear some pieces that I would pick out. My husband is well-versed in terms of fashion and I think that has rubbed off on Samson too. We would constantly have little arguments with Samson on clothing. When you wear a vest or a blazer, the last button is supposed to remain undone. But, little genius here is like ‘no, no, no…all the buttons must be done’ and we would say ‘no, no, no…the last one stays undone.’

Samson seems to have a flair for fashion. Is he always fashion-conscious?I think so. He never leaves the house without a hat. One time, I found a scarf for myself and put another one on him. He told me that he wanted my yellow scarf and I had to find something else to wear. We haven’t consciously cultivated a sense of fashion, but I guess because we care, so does he. He is not afraid of risky fashion choices.

“Down by the station, early in the morning, see the little pufferbellies all in a row.”

at home


Baby, in 700sq/f

7 tips on how to prepare for baby in a small space.

by Erin Woods

SUMMER 2012 73

styleat home

hen I was accepted to a college program in Toronto my newlywed sister, Bethany, invited me to move in with her. She and her husband Graham, picked out a snug, two-bedroom apartment in a nice neighbourhood and we all had fun squeezing three adults, schoolbooks, and all our furniture into the 700-square-foot space. Fortunately their dog, Harley, took up little extra room; he likes his food dishes on the bed or the couch and his bed in the laundry basket. >

WBaby, in 700sq/f


at home

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at home A few months after I moved in Bethany came to me. “How would you feel about being an aunt?” she asked carefully. “Great!” I said. “I love babies! I’ll read to it and sing to it and even change its diapers.” Then I looked around the crowded living room and thought of a caveat. “My room is a baby-thing-free-zone.”

Thus began our nine-month adventure in preparing for Baby in 700 square feet. I have learned a lot along the way. I have learned that if a dog likes to sleep in laundry baskets, he will probably also want to sleep in the bassinette. I have learned that if a mother cannot “nest” by decorating a nursery she will knit a dozen dresses instead. And I have learned that most of the problems of small-space >

The Bugaboo Cameleon

Circular Bunnies Mobile, by Flensted

P’kolino Storeage Chest with Chalkboard Lid, at Raspberry Kids

Branäs Basket, at Ikea


at home

baby accommodation can be solved by following seven simple rules:

1. Only have on hand the things you need RIGHT NOW.Baby is going to start her life sleeping next to Bethany in a bassinette. Until she outgrows it, the crib is being stored at my parents’ house. Labelled boxes of different-sized clothing are sitting in the closet until they fit her. We have no toys on hand that are not infant-friendly.

2. Look for European furniture.Bethany was lucky enough to be offered a second-hand crib and change table made by the UK brand, Mothercare. The crib is a Continental

cot size, which is smaller than both North American and UK standard cribs and cots.

3. Invest in a collapsible stroller.Baby’s stroller is made by Bugaboo. It can be assembled with a bassinette while she is young and a seat when she is older. At home, the bassinette goes on a stand by the bed while the rest of the stroller collapses neatly in a corner.

4. No, Baby does not need that.There is a lot of pressure on young parents to own every baby-friendly product on the market, but often they

aren’t necessary. Bethany and Graham plan on keeping Baby’s toys to a single basket while she is very young.

5. Instead of furniture, try baskets.A newborn doesn’t absolutely need a dresser. Bethany and Graham have made space on their bookshelves for baskets of onesies, dresses and other baby needs. Since they’ll be rotating out the outgrown clothing, the baskets need never run out of space.

6. Spot-decorate.Since Baby has no nursery of her own, Bethany has devoted two corners of the master bedroom to decorations that will stimulate an infant without

detracting from the room’s current décor. A tasteful butterfly mobile hangs over the change table, and three more butterflies are mounted

on the wall above the bassinette.

7. Make every square inch count.Baby isn’t the only one who can make do with less. Bethany and Graham have downsized their book collection, moved a dresser into a closet, and made the most of the drawers under their bed. Anything that isn’t used every day—from fancy dishes to extra chairs—is packed up and put in the back of a closet, in a storage unit, or at a generous parent’s house.

“Anything that isn’t used every day is packed up and put in the back of a closet, or at a generous parent’s house.”

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on the web

Ban Boring BoyswearBy Carly Brown


on the web

Grace Sanchez MacCall

received an unexpected

surprise in 2007, when her son

Dexter was born two months

premature.

Unprepared, she discovered just how difficult it was to find clothing for her preemie baby. As a new mother with a baby attached to her nearly all day long, Grace turned to the internet as a source of hope. “I tried looking for preemie clothing online, but it was impossible. I thought there must be an easier way to do this!” But even after Dexter experienced a massive growth spurt, Grace found that it was increasingly difficult to find clothing for her ever-growing son.

Tired of sifting through endless amounts of girls clothing, and a small selection of boyswear, she felt hopeless. When she did find pieces for her son, they were ordinary colours, and stereotypically male styles. As her husband put it, “Why should our kid have to look like one of the Village People?” As Dexter began to become more active, and developed his own personality, his parents wanted to find unique clothing to suit him. “I did a little

market research and found that other parents had a similar frustration in finding cool clothes for their boys. The idea for TykeThreads was born.” In 2009, Grace officially launched the online boys boutique TykeThreads. This new website become a place where parents could search for hip, unique clothing just for little boys. The Canadian digital boutique filled a huge void in the boys clothing market, and combined all her favourite brands in one convenient location. And the Alberta-native is constantly searching for more. “I think we have some very talented designers and I’d love to see them succeed. Right now, Addaboy is doing amazing things and I love their stuff.” TykeThreads features clothing that is not only fashionable, but also functional. Her number one priority when choosing pieces for the site is to make sure that kids can still have the

freedom to be active. TykeThreads boys are lively, with tons of personality, and who love having fun in clothes that allow them to do so; whether they’re wearing a plaid button-down shirt, or a cotton tee. The freedom of having her own business, and working from home allows Grace the opportunity to be near as her biggest source of inspiration grows up. “My little guy inspires me. I love to observe his evolving personality and sense of style. He’s starting to pick out>

“MY LITTLE GUY INSPIRES ME. I LOVE TO OBSERVE HIS EVOLVING PERSONALITY AND SENSE OF STYLE.”

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on the web

This summer, Grace is eager to see some colour options for little boys. “The dirt-concealing, stain-forgiving traditional colours like blues, browns, and blacks will always be there, but I’mexcited to see vibrant colours like orange and green making an appearance.”

Grace’s Top 3 Picks for Summer

3. Addaboy Paisley Shirt $48It takes a big personality to fill this beautiful paisley shirt.

2. Appaman Seersucker Suit $140Delight everyone by dressing up your little one in this adorable, lightweight suit.

1. Fore Axel and Hudson Cardigan $65This cardigan has “Glee” written all over it: the colour and the retro feel.


on the webhis own clothes, so I pay attention to what he likes to wear and how he likes to wear it.” A typical day for the boutique owner can often be a struggle between juggling her family routine, with that of her retail business. “My business has certain demands like processing orders and getting to the post office before noon each day. I try to juggle it as best as I can and pull in help as I need it.” She also manages all her own social media, so she can maintain a good connection with her customers. “Being an online store, it’s important for me to get to know my customers and maintain a relationship with them. I can only do this if I actually talk to them, even if it’s via Facebook or Twitter.” But the best part of her job? “The shopping! I love buying season. I get to see what’s coming up and I love imagining how the pieces are going to be worn and interpreted.” Grace soon learned that although she knew how to launch a website, and how to write the content, she was unaware about how retail businesses worked. But she learned how to manage her business along the way, and has really succeeded. The hardest part was getting inventory to launch the website. Brands were not interested in selling to an online store, especially one that was Canadian. “I contacted several brands that I liked but all they would tell me was either: we don’t sell our stuff to online stores or launch your site and then contact us again. It was tough to explain that I cannot launch a site until I have stuff to sell!” Of course, she was understanding of their reluctance, because the brands were simply trying to

defend their name. “I had to explain that I would work hard to protect their reputation!” Grace was quick to explain to the vendors that she was a legitimate boutique, and would not sell their clothing on online marketplaces like Ebay. At the moment, Grace has no plans on opening a retail location, but it’s not something that she will rule out in the future. “My son is just in kindergarten now and I still want to be around for him after school—something I know I will have to give up if I had a physical store.” But if you’re eager to meet the mommy mogul, don’t fret. She does pop-up stores and exhibits at trade shows about four times a year. “I love doing pop-up shops because it gives me an opportunity to meet my customers in real life.” She’s been doing pop-up stores for the last few years, and has managed to rent a short-term space on the East side of Toronto. “I have had at least three pop-ups a year for the last two years and intend to do more.” Fans can be notified of future pop-up sales by signing up on the TykeThreads website. And although she’s not quite ready for it yet, Grace imagines one day that she might start her own TykeThreads store brand. “Manufacturing is a whole new undertaking, but who knows, I will never say no if the opportunity is there.” At the moment though, being a mommy and running the online store are quite enough to keep her busy. To learn more about TykeThreads, check out their website www.tykethreads.com.

Directory:

BRANDS

La Miniatura Kids —www.laminiaturakids.comRalph Lauren—www.ralphlauren.com

Stella McCartney —www.stellamccartneykids.netTrumpette—www.trumpette.com

Tom & Drew—www.tomanddrewboys.comZara—www.zara.com

Joe Fresh—www.joefresh.comGAP—www.gap.comH&M—www.hm.com

American Apparel—www.americanapparel.netJCrew—www.jcrew.com

LIVLY—www.livlyclothing.comBugaboo—www.bugaboo.bom

Ikea—www.ikea.comKate Quinn Organics—www.katequinnorganics.com

Chateau de Sable—www.chateaudesable.comPeek-A-Boo Beans—peekaboobeans.com

Very French Gangsters—www.veryfrenchgangsters.comZoobug Eyewear—www.zoobug.com

Tommy Hilfiger—usa.tommy.com

BOUTIQUESwww.tykethreads.com

www.raspberrykids.com

SUMMER 2012 81

Directory:

BRANDS

La Miniatura Kids —www.laminiaturakids.comRalph Lauren—www.ralphlauren.com

Stella McCartney —www.stellamccartneykids.netTrumpette—www.trumpette.com

Tom & Drew—www.tomanddrewboys.comZara—www.zara.com

Joe Fresh—www.joefresh.comGAP—www.gap.comH&M—www.hm.com

American Apparel—www.americanapparel.netJCrew—www.jcrew.com

LIVLY—www.livlyclothing.comBugaboo—www.bugaboo.bom

Ikea—www.ikea.comKate Quinn Organics—www.katequinnorganics.com

Chateau de Sable—www.chateaudesable.comPeek-A-Boo Beans—peekaboobeans.com

Very French Gangsters—www.veryfrenchgangsters.comZoobug Eyewear—www.zoobug.com

Tommy Hilfiger—usa.tommy.com

BOUTIQUESwww.tykethreads.com

www.raspberrykids.com

BELLA CHILD Magazine: Summer 2012

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Transcript of BELLA CHILD Magazine: Summer 2012