If I were a pet person I’d own a dog. We actually tried the puppy thing once but it only lasted about three months. (The first trimester of a pregnancy trumps puppy ownership. Sorry, Jack.) Though we don’t have any four-footed animals pattering around our home, I’m a sucker for those “free puppy” signs and have to steer clear or quickly get sucked in. Puppies are just so dang cute…just like the clothing line from Lucky Puppy.

Lucky Puppy is an “innovative lifestyle brand with a focus on children’s fashion” designed for dog lovers and enthusiasts. But the company isn’t just about cute clothing:

While Lucky Puppy is cute and adorable, the real heart of the brand is what makes it irresistible. Created with the idea of giving back, each online purchase of Lucky Puppy helps to rescue a homeless dog. Lucky Puppy is dedicated to matching strays with loving families and they succeed by partnering with various animal foundations on a local and national level.

Currently Lucky Puppy is donating 15% of the company’s online sales to Paws and Learn Humane Education Center. Super cute clothing that also supports a cause? Pretty “dog” gone terrific!

Lucky Puppy sent George their blue burnout tee with crest design and Livi their aqua heart paw tank dress. As you know I love to snap photos of the kids as they “review” products for the Daily Dish, but since we don’t live in Phoenix, it was a little chilly for Livi to try out the tank dress. And due to a laundry situation here at home (i.e., my avoidance of said laundry), I didn’t have a layering tee for George to throw on with his Lucky Puppy tee.

I will say, the tank is super cute and will be great for summer, especially as a fun swimsuit cover-up to and from the pool. And the burnout tee is seriously so dang cute! Even though it’s blue I’m looking forward to handing it down to Livi after George is done sporting it around town.

Lucky Puppy also offers hoodies, hats, onesies and a line for puppy-lovin’ adults. They even have a “Darling Doggie Contest” happening right now. Submit your photo of your super cute puppy or vote on your favorite canine.

Lucky Puppy clothing is about as hard to resist as those heart-stopping puppy dog eyes!—Emily

* Promotion! Lucky Puppy is offering Daily Dish readers 10% off their purchase! Simply enter code bcafe10 when checking out. Offer expires March 20, 2010; don’t wait! *

It wasn’t too long ago organic children’s clothing had very little to offer when it came to super stylish clothing. Though you could easily find onesies, tees and caps in muted colors, it was a bit more of a challenge to find a party-worthy dress or playdate-ready outfit. But times have changed and thanks to companies like Postively Organic, you can find eco-friendly children’s wear that sports serious style while managing to look good even after playgroup, park visits and everyday antics.

Positively Organic’s children’s clothes (sizes up to 4T with seasonal sizes up to 6) are made using certified organic cotton. The company combines earth-friendly materials and sweatshop-free/fair-trade manufacturing with “bold graphics, bright colors and hip yet simple designs.” From henley and raglan tees to kimono one-pieces and yoga pants, Positively Organic is not your typical organic children’s wear line. When they say “bright colors and hip yet simple designs,” they mean it! I’m lovin’ the Earthgirl raglan tee, long-sleeve Cowboy tee and printed blankets.

Positively Organic sent Livi a cute long-sleeve tee and pants set. Though a size smaller than she usually wears, the outfit was designed well enough so she is still able to wear it…and wear it she has! We’ve already worn and washed this outfit two or three times, and each time it seems to get softer. The colors have held up well to both play and laundry detergent and this has become one of our favorite go-to outfits. (Trust me, she likes the outfit. What she doesn’t like is my taking her picture.) Though the pants are now a bit short I still love putting this outfit on her for slow, comfy days around the house.

Positively Organic’s collection is reasonably priced, which makes it even sweeter, and they have a pretty awesome clearance going on right now too. The fall line has some yummy colors like the bright raspberry in Livi’s outfit and some great styles like the corduroy cuff-up jeans for boys. And don’t forget those adorable kimono rompers! Along with offering customers stylish organic clothing for kids, Positively Organic also works with several causes supporting children’s welfare and environmental responsibility. Your children will look good and you’ll feel good when dressing your kids in the chic styles from Positively Organic.—Emily

* Promotion! Positively Organic is offering Daily Dish readers 15% off any regularly priced item! Simply enter code “cafe09” at checkout. Offer expires December 23, 2009.

It wasn’t too long ago I reviewed ScooterBees for the first time on Boutique Cafe’s Daily Dish. I am still just as in love with their foot-friendly design (i.e., chunky feet, small feet, long toes included) and unique storytelling powers as I was when I first laid eyes on them—and Livi laid feet in them—in July. Unfortunately her feet were just about bursting at the seams of her pink Growing Bird ScooterBees, so those will be passed down to a little friend of hers…and we will have to do the same with the latest pair. Trust me, I’m crying silent tears as I write this review.

ScooterBees just launched it’s new 2010 collection, which features a line of supple leather shoes handmade in Peru. The company sent us the Bloom story (“a flower story from bud to bloom”) in a beautiful gray and you can believe I tried to make them fit Livi’s not-so-size-6.5 feet. The leather is super soft and dyed using vegetables and fruits grown at the tannery, so each color reflects the crop of the season. How cool is that? And the company doesn’t use the chemicals traditionally used in tanning leather so you can be sure each component of ScooterBees is made from sustainable and safe materials. As with their 2009 line, the company is all about being eco-friendly. The new collection features a midsole made from recycled carton and lined with recycled fleece fibers and an outsole made using natural and recycled rubber (PVC and phthalate free).

Here’s a really great little video I found on their site that shows how the ScooterBees StoryTelling Shoe works. (It would’ve taken me hours to try and put something like this together for you, and I was too busy trying to get Livi’s feet in those dang cute Bloom shoes!)

Do any of the shoes in your little one’s closet tell a story? I’m not talking the “I was worn while jumping in mud puddles” or “I’m her favorite pair of sparkly princess shoes.” I’m talking endangered animals or dinosaurs or egg in a nest to tweeting bird in just two flaps. If you want a unique gift this holiday that is as good for your child’s feet as it is for the environment then choose a story from either the bamboo or leather collections offered by ScooterBees.

So Livi’s feet never did fit into her ScooterBees shoes from the new 2010 collection. Can you tell I’m seriously sad about it? Fortunately she does have a BFF (yes, even at her young age) who is slightly smaller in stature and will be able to give these shoes a good test run. Guess I’ll have to settle for a review by proxy. Sigh…—Emily

*** Giveaway ScooterBees is giving away one pair of shoes, winner’s choice! Here’s how to enter. You can do as many of these as you’d like. Each one is worth one entry into our giveaway (please leave a separate comment for the ones you do):

•   Visit ScooterBees.com and leave a comment telling us your favorite product.
•   Follow ScooterBees on Twitter and leave a comment telling is you’re their newest follower.
•   Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment with the URL of your tweet.
•   Blog about this giveaway and leave a comment with the URL to your blog post.

Include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: December 14, 2009 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

• Congratulations to Heidi, the winner of the ScooterBees giveaway! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read the review and add a comment. Keep reading the Daily Dish for your chance to participate in more giveaways!

Avon recently launched a new children’s fashion line and just in time for the holidays. Though I am on Avon customer, the only products I tend to buy are from their skin care and cosmetics lines, though once in a while I venture into the jewelry. I’ve never thought “fashion” when it comes to Avon but a first-hand look at a couple items from their new children’s line has me wondering if that might change.

The winter collection offers everything from party outfits to comfy warm-weather clothing. You’ll find plaid skirts, satin vests, ribbon sweaters, leggings, pajamas and even boots. (I love the cozy boots!) Sizes vary (and not everything is available yet) from about size 4/5 on up to 10/12. The clothing is heavy on girls with only a few offerings for boys, but that’s pretty true for Avon in general.

For today’s review Avon sent me the corduroy toggle coat and velour trim skirt, both in size 4/5. Because Livi is still a solid 2T she was a bit too small to give the two a thorough testing, but I did check them out as best I could. The corduroy toggle coat, which is a yummy candy apple red (see photo above), was pretty dang cool. It has a Sherpa-style lining even through the sleeves and seems like it will definitely hold up well in frigid temps like we’re having right now. The corduroy is soft and the toggles sturdy. What I love best about this coat is the color could easily work for a boy as well as a girl. Throw in a black beanie and gloves and you’ve got a decent boy’s coat too!

The velour trim skirt was silky, shimmery and very sweet. The flower embellishments and contrasting fabric made this skirt dressy, yet you could easily dress it down for casual wear. Though its lightweight fabric means it should be comfy no matter how long you manage to keep your four-year-old in the same outfit, I didn’t like how thin the material looked and felt. I snapped a photo hoping to give you an idea of the fabric—see below. You’ll definitely want to add some sort of petticoat or slip and throw on a good pair of tights if it’s winter. Even in the summer I’d think you’d want something under it.

Overall I think the winter collection is a fun and festive one (check out those sparkle flats!), though I do wish they’d add a few more items and offer them in a wider range of sizes, from 2T on up to 14 or so. Perhaps I just need to give Avon a little time! This is their first children’s fashion line, and for a first run they’ve done a pretty good job. You can find the entire collection online at Avon.com.—Emily

Not sure what or who Primo is? Let me fill you in: Primo is a kid with “an extraordinary spirit, a huge heart, and a zeal for life. ... He’s wild, he’s fun, he’s spontaneous, he’s daring and he’s a real go-getter. ... He may struggle, battle self-doubt, and nay sayers but he will persevere and defeat. If he believes it, he will achieve it.” So I ask you again, have you found your inner Primo?

If you answered yes then count yourself among the few. For most of us we are constantly looking for that inner Primo, and even when we find it’s a daily struggle to hold on to her. Our lives are full of nay-sayers and self-doubt, so what’s a girl or guy or kid to do? How about sporting a positive message so you and others can remember how to believe in themselves.

Primo Activewear is all about spreading the positive message of hard work, perseverance and self-confidence through their line of tees for men, women and children. From their “Persevere-Believe-Win” tee to their “Find Your Primo” tee, the company celebrates trying your hardest, doing your best and most importantly, believe in yourself.

Primo Activewear sent George and I coordinating “Persevere-Believe-Win” tees, mine in pink (a very happy, confidence-boosting color) and George’s in black (a very cool, sophisticated toddler color). Though George will need to grow into his tee (just in time for kindergarten when a kid can use a good confidence boost!), I have worn mine often and for two reasons: one, it’s extremely soft and extremely comfy; two, somehow the “believe” part of the tee works its magical powers and I find myself a bit more positive about life…even when it comes to moving from one home to the other. I wore that tee a few times during our move and week of furious unpacking and I tell you what, I persevered, worked hard and definitely found my inner Primo. The house was pretty much unpacked and we were settled in within about two weeks!

These days we could all use a little inspiration and Primo Activewear is one way to be inspired while inspiring others. Use them for team shirts, a winner’s tee (“First 1 Up Wins” is a perfect one for that!) or as the perfect tee for helping your little guy or gal find his or her inner Primo. At the age of three George finds his more often than not, but who knows that 4 and 5 will bring. I’m glad we have a Primo tee just in case he needs a little confidence!—Emily

*** Giveaway Primo Activewear is giving away one t-shirt, winner’s choice! Here’s how to enter. You can do as many of these as you’d like. Each one is worth one entry into our giveaway:

•Visit PrimoActivewear.com and leave a comment telling us your favorite product.
•Become a fan of Primo Activewear on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you’re their newest fan.
•Follow Primo Activewear (@Primolady) on Twitter and leave a comment telling is you’re their newest follower.
•Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment with the URL of your tweet.
•Blog about this giveaway and leave a comment with the URL to your blog post.

Include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: September 24, 2009 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

* Promotion! Primo Activewear is offering Daily Dish readers 20% off their order! Simply enter code BOUTIQUE17 when checking out. Now go and find your inner Primo!

• Congratulations to Dee, the winner of the Primo Activewear giveaway! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read the review and add a comment. Keep reading the Daily Dish for your chance to participate in more giveaways!

Though school has started for pretty much everyone by now, summer weather is still here. For us those fall days are still a few weeks away, though the changing colors up the canyon reminds us they’ll be here soon. And that means it will soon be time for fall clothes in warm, yummy colors.

But what do you do if you have a child who isn’t big on “it itches, Mommy” sweaters or multiple children who I swear try as hard as they can to ruin their clothes? It makes me hesitant to put them in anything other than a long-sleeve tee and makes for pretty un-fancy fancy holiday wear. That’s why I was super excited when I heard about Picaflor Kids and their line of child-friendly, fair-trade-friendly children’s wear.

Reading their “about us” section taught me that Picaflor actually means “hummingbird” in Spanish. What a sweet name for some sweet clothing! The company “uses thoughtful fabrics and small-scale production to create a unique collection of knitwear that is designed for busy little wings.” Their knits are not only simple yet beautiful and stylish but are 100% rayon, which is a natural fiber (I had NO idea) made from recycled wood pulp. I knew rayon was soft but didn’t know it was environmentally friendly! It’s also hypoallergenic, absorbent and wicks moisture away (great for sweaty little bodies) and is known for fade-resistant colors. Best of all, Picaflor apparel is machine washable and dryable. What more could a mom ask for?

Picaflor Kids sent me two outfits, one for George and one for Livi, and I am totally dying for fall to hit so they can wear them. Our days are still too warm for long sleeves and pants, but this is quite possibly the first year since I’ve lived in Utah that I’m looking forward to cooler weather. True to the description above, the rayon is super soft and super forgiving and you can tell there’s been a lot of attention to detail and the colors are just as yummy as the soon-to-explode colors up the canyon. My blue-eyed boy will look fabulous in his brown sweater and pants with contrasting red stripes while Livi will be the belle of any fall ball in her perfect purple dress and leggings!

I’m keeping my fingers crossed my “I hate tags!” son will love the softness of the fabric. That will be a true test of Picaflor Kids’ wearability. I have no doubt Livi will be just fine in her outfit—fortunately for Mom she’s not picky when it comes to clothes. (Yes, I’m enjoying it while I can!) According to their site, Picaflor apparel is available in a wide range of sizes from preemie to 7/8. Te Picaflor Kids site is still fairly new so you won’t find everything online but you will find a locations page so you can hit your local store for the collection. It’s worth the trip!—Emily

When it comes to toddlers and tattoos you usually think of small squares of paper adorned with cheesy characters combined with a sopping wet sponge (and rubbing alcohol two days later). You rarely think super cool tattoos because, well, those are permanent and for a much more mature age group. While you’ll find a few infant and toddler tees with the common “MOM” tattoo theme, only one company takes the colors, artistry and awe that accompanies an awesome tattoo and turns it into super cool clothing for kids.

Ruthless & Toothless (R&T for sure) has quite possibly the most unique, artistic children’s clothing I’ve ever seen. It’s the kind of tee, dress or tank that makes you stop and ask where you too can find a snapsuit like that. How did R&T come to be? Here’s the “why” behind the designs:

People just need to look at us to know we have a particular look, one we feel strongly about. But when people see our kids, it’s hard for that look to come through. We’ve searched and searched and searched, and haven’t found much for our kids that reflect and define who we are as parents. ... We’ve put in a lot of work to make R&T a true outlet of our artistic expression, and a place where we can extend our tattooed lifestyle to our children. And you can be sure of this- the designs of Ruthless & Toothless are originals. Straight from our sketch pads to your kid’s room.

R&T sent George what I call their popsicle tee (designed by Darren Brass) and Livi their koi fish dress (designed by Darren Brass & James Hamilton). I was all over that koi dress when it arrived, pulling it out for everyone to see. The first thing out of my oldest daughter’s mouth? “That is so cool! Do they have one in my size?” And the first thing out of my son’s mouth when he saw his new tee? “That’s a cool tee! Can I wear it now?”

No, he couldn’t wear it “now” because it was bedtime but you better believe he had it on the next day…and then two days after that…and then a few days after that. (Hey, we had to take a break so Mom could wash it!) His “popsicle shirt” is still his favorite tee by far—the kind of tee you have to wash immediately so he can wear it again within the next 48 hours. And while I love that tee, the fun and edgy style of the koi dress is my favorite. It is still a little big for Livi to wear so we don’t have any photos of her in it, but here’s a great one of George in his R&T tee:

Can you tell how much he loves that shirt? R&T also has some pretty cool phone and laptop covers. I’m waiting for them to come out with a theme for the Blackberry Pearl (hint, hint). You know, sometimes it’s time to spice things up a bit when it comes to your child’s wardrobe. Ruthless & Toothless lets your child live the tattooed lifestyle, if only temporarily. There’s always time (like years) to discuss more permanent options…—Emily

Supporting South African women towards economic independence while providing quality boutique children’s clothing are the premises of Hippos Toes online children’s boutique, which announced its Grand Opening this month- (http://www.hippostoes.com).

Hippos Toes owner, Carole Lindstrom wanted to combine her plans for a children’s boutique with her desire to help South African women gain a footing towards financial independence. Having toured South Africa several times-and feeling a connection to the women there- Lindstrom saw first hand how difficult it was for women to rise above impoverishment. “I really felt for the locally disadvantaged mothers trying to raise families with limited income opportunities.” Lindstrom stated.

With it’s Grand Opening this month, Hippos Toes showcases the latest children’s boutique fashions, which are sewn by South African mother artisans. Original styles, whimsical colors and nature themes set a trendy fashion-forward tone which Lindstrom feels sets Hippos Toes children’s fashions apart. “The clothing is really unique,” Lindstrom stated. “The designers change lines every season yet everything stays mix-and-match. It makes for easy, complete wardrobes.”

Lindstrom learned of Fair Trade clothing manufacturing in South Africa while researching clothing resources for Hippos Toes. With high quality control, impeccable workmanship and attention to artistic details, Lindstrom found the resulting clothing met, and exceeded, her apparel requirements. “The women who create our clothing are being paid fair wages and have good working conditions,” Lindstrom shared. “This fulfills my goal of being able to sell clothing with a purpose.”

Hippos Toes welcomes visitors to peruse the latest children’s fashions at http://www.hippostoes.com, read the companies philosophy on Fair Trade and start shopping for the Holidays on it’s newly vamped online store.

**PROMO – Shop Hippos Toes through our Boutique Cafe Holiday Gift Guide and receive 15% off your purchase with promo code BC15 valid through Jan. 1/09.

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