Bari J. acts as Boutique Cafe’s Official Correspondent again at Spring Quilt Market (2010). Bari speaks with designer Kay Whitt from Sew Serendipity about her new book and clothing patterns – they look SCRUMPTIOUS!!

Special thanks to Bari J Ackerman for her incredible coverage of Spring Market! We love you Bari! More Market video coverage is on the way, keep tuning in.

**Interested in sponsoring an upcoming episode of Boutique Cafe? contact us at info@boutiquecafe.com for more details

** Click button below to view video coverage, or view it on our YouTube channel right here>>

The first think you notice about Hank & JoJo’s box of tube socks, besides the fact that “box of tube socks” is a sweet little rhyme, is the packaging. This miniature tin lunchbox with it’s peek-a-boo window has the cutest, most whimsical characters on it. Made from lead-free tin and plastic (and exceeding CPSIA regulations for lead), this little box is recyclable, but I can guarantee you’ll be recycling it in-house as a piggy bank, display case for those little treasures toddlers collect or the perfect storage for tiny hair clips.

But enough about the lunchbox. Hank & JoJo’s set included four pairs of tube socks: Strawberry, Banana, Pear and Blueberry. The socks are made using 80% bamboo, which is grown without the use of chemicals and has natural UV protection. Dyed with toxin-free dyes, these little socks were designed for babies ages 0 to 12 months. The socks actually go up over the knee protecting legs and knees during tummy time and crawling. You can also use them like you would leg warmers—in warmer weather pair a pair with a onesie for quick and easy diaper changes.

When the pairs first arrived I was a bit sad because my youngest just turned two. I figured we would get very little use out of our Hank & JoJos until I realized these socks with their tube design means even older babies can wear them! Livi has already sported the Pear and the Strawberry. You can check out the Pear in the photo below. Trust me, I tried to get her to look at the camera and smile but what can you do when Yo Gabba Gabba! is on? Though they don’t go over her knee the do get close to it. Once washed the heel ends up about mid sole but because they’re so soft she doesn’t even notice. And I love that they’re the perfect socks for wearing with nightgowns—they keep her legs warm when her nighties ride up. Plus they’re great under jeans in cold weather!

I love anything that works for multiple ages and is stylish and eco-friendly and makes a great gift and has super cute packaging. Perhaps that’s why I love Hank & JoJo so much. But one more reason comes to mind: each purchase of Hank & JoJo Retro Baby Tube Socks “ensures that The Tiny Miracles Foundation, Tiny Treasures Program, is able to include on pair of Hank & JoJo socks in each Homecare Starter Kit for parents and premature infants release from Stamford, Norwalk and Bridgeport Connecticut NICUs.” Now THAT’S cool.

Priced at around $30 for the box set, Hank & JoJo Retro Baby Tube Socks make a wonderful gift for the holidays and post-holiday showers. ‘Tis the season for giving, and with these babies you’ll be giving two gifts at once. Totally tubular, baby! (Forgive me, I couldn’t resist…)—Emily

*** Giveaway! Hank & JoJo is giving away one box set of their Retro Baby Tube Socks! 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 each one you do:

•   Visit HankandJoJo.com and leave a comment telling us you did (we trust you to be honest).
•   Become a fan of Hank & JoJo on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you’re their newest fan.
•   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 15, 2009 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

• Congratulations to Kari, the winner of the Hank & JoJo 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!

Last year I reviewed Bearpaw shoes and am already a fan of Uggs, but this year there’s a new fave in my closet and I have a feeling it will be worn a lot more than the others because it combines comfort, warmth and some serious style. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on—and toes in—a pair of Sorel boots so the company sent me the Shila from their newest line. (Oh, the sacrifices I make for our readers…) Though I think the Shila is one of their cutest styles I have to admit I can count at least five others that come close. I’m thinking it’s the combination of 45+ years of experience and some pretty talented product designers that make their line so irresistible!

So the Shila arrived, tie-up laces, wedge heel and all. My first thought was something like, “Dang! These boots are even cuter in person!” It was then followed by, “How did I not notice ‘SOREL’ written along the outside of the heel?” At first that was a bit off-putting, but that’s probably because I don’t love brand names printed noticeably on clothing. I think I would’ve preferred it to be the exact same color as the background (it is in the black) just so it blended in a bit more, but as it was the boot had enough chic style to compensate for this one little “flaw.”

Of course being cold-weather boots meant I had to wait for a nice wintry day to test them out, and fortunately for this review—but unfortunately for me because I hate snow—we actually had some snow fall yesterday, enough to warrant a thorough test drive. I pulled on Sorel’s Shila boots and opted for some straight-leg jeans so I could show off the super cute laces. I wore those shoes from about noon until about 6pm, even keeping them on while in the house, they were THAT comfortable. I swear the sole of the shoe had some serious cushioning but I had added spring in my step, something I’ve lost these past few crazy weeks. Though I love my Uggs and Bearpaws they don’t have near the comfort when it comes to the insole. My feet were toasty and looked fabulous, if I do say so myself. I did notice the SOREL printed on the boot wasn’t nearly as noticeable once the boots were on my feet, and no, that’s not just because they were harder to see. It really blended in well to the overall look, so I guess first impressions can be deceiving sometimes! (Gotta love my expression; it’s like I’m trying to pretend I really and truly do love snow. A for effort!)

Sorel has a wonderful line of boots for men and children as well so you can make sure everyone’s tootsies are warm this winter. If you happen to live someplace like Phoenix, I say buy a pair and then come up and visit me just so you can wear them! I already have my eyes on the Hoonah and Maribel in black…merry Christmas to me!—Emily

*** Giveaway! Sorel is giving away one pair of children’s boots, 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 Sorel.com and leave a comment telling us your favorite shoe style.
•   Follow Sorel on Twitter and leave a comment telling us 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: November 5, 2009 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

• Congratulations to Chris S., the winner of the Sorel 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!

Rebel Green’s product line includes apparel for men, women and children, reusable shopping and produce bags, reusable lunch bags, zipper totes and even a fruit and veggie wash. They offer a variety of designs that make becoming a “green” rebel a heck of a lot of fun! The company sent us a sampling of their tees and though the ones for George and Livi were a bit too big for them to wear, my girls and I have totally loved ours! I feel super cool going for runs while sporting my Peace Girl tank and Lauren’s Bubble Girl short-sleeve tee is now her favorite shirt. Even at her age I have to remind her to wash it once in a while—she wears it as often as she can!

For some of you school has already started and your school shopping is done, but is it ever really done? Did you check off “eco-friendly lunch bag” off the list? Waste-free lunch kits are the newest, greenest trend for school. It’s all about learning your letters and everyone should know about the three “R’s” (reduce, reuse, recycle). Rebel Green has taken the boring organic cotton lunch bag and made it super cool with designs that appeal to both kids and adults.

Did you know the average school age child generates more than 70 pounds of trash a year when he packs a disposable lunch? Each Rebel Green reusable lunch bag comes with a reusable, organic cotton napkin with a coordinating design that can be tucked into the bag’s outer pocket and the bag rolls up easily to fit in your child’s backpack when he’s done with lunch. And get this: all the designs are numbered so if you have a child who’s as into collecting as my daughter, you’ve just taken the cool factor up a notch! Throw in a couple Rebel Green organic cotton, small produce bags and you now have sustainable sandwich and snack bags.

Style has power and our goal is to get people to become fashionably eco-conscious. ... Let’s start with the simple reusable shopping bag. We are not convinced the whole world wants cutsie bags with polka dots, hempy looking sacks with preachy green slogans, or worse, the dreaded polypropylene bag shouting ‘Buy Local’ though the inner tag says it’s made across the ocean. We wouldn’t carry any of those and we think we’re not alone. ~Ali Ruvin and Melina Marcus, Co-creators of Rebel Green

** Giveaway! Rebel Green is giving away one lunch tote and one tee, 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 RebelGreen.com and leave a comment telling us your favorite product.


• Join the I Love Rebel Green group on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you joined.


• 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: August 28, 2009 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

• Congratulations to Kristen C., the winner of the Rebel Green 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!

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.

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

I contacted Hip on Sunset to review some happening clothing for my little rockers. What I discovered was superior quality, along with the funky vibe I was looking for. You’ll treasure these tattoo inspired designs, as well as the cozy softness of each 100% cotton piece. Each item is hand screen printed, and has an original rock design, with a related message on the back such as: “i will float with butterflies” and “someday i’ll have my own rock show”

An additional plus of dealing with Hip on Sunset is the option for gift wrapping. And you can rest easy knowing that Hip On Sunset clothing is Certified CPSIA Compliant as well.

Your little darlings will be Hip On Sunset, or any street they walk down! Rock on Little Babies, Rock On! – Daria
GIVEAWAY!! – Hip on Sunset is generously giving away a pair of pajamas (winners choice!) to one lucky Daily Dish reader! Simply comment on this post in order to qualify. Winner will be drawn on May 12, 2009 at midnight. We will contact the winner via email. The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

After years of not being able to find stylish dresses that covered enough skin to make you really feel comfortable (without wearing a tank top, cardigan or long slip), owners Emily and CK decided to do something about it. They visited trade shows, marketplaces and designer studios only to discover the problem was not that department stores weren’t buying the right dresses, but that designers weren’t designing them.

Shabby Apple is proud to offer you fantastic dresses that allow you to look fabulous, without having to compromise anything else. A return to what dresses were always meant to be — a one-piece outfit. No need to add anything…no tank tops, no cardigans, nothing (except accessories, of course!).

I received the Daisy dress, which can be found under Flirty. (Sounds like my kind of dress!) This crisp, white, hail-the-sunshine eyelet dress has one of my favorite features of all time: puff sleeves. And for my shorter torso the dress’ empire waist and A-line skirt is perfect! As pleasant a surprise as the puff sleeves is its length—it actually hits my knees! (What I lose in torso I make up for in inseam…) The Daisy is fully lined so no impromptu—and embarrassing—bra sightings, plus its rayon/cotton blend fabric means it travels well. The yellow grosgrain ribbon isn’t attached so you can change up the dress simply by changing the ribbon! Traveling well is a really, really good thing since I have yet to wear this dress outside our home so I’ll be making up for lost time by packing it for our cruise in September. (It’s almost May and we’re still experiencing 30-degree weather at night and the rare 60-degree day. Are you kidding me?)

Others can vouch for Shabby Apple’s drool-worthy design. I know for a fact Daria is all over the Lois Lane and envisions herself wearing it at the BlogHer conference in July. I’m debating whether to don A Sunday Afternoon or Tender is the Night. Perhaps I should get both just to be safe!

In true Shabby Apple style you can’t forget the accessories, the little fashionista or the mama-to-be. Along with the delectable dresses you’ll find scrumptious jewelry, handbags and shoes for you, the sweetest dresses for little girls and belly-flattering maternity dresses. Shabby Apple leaves nothing to chance, especially style!—Emily

* Promotion! Shabby Apple is offering Daily Dish readers 15% off their purchase! Simply enter code SABoutique when checking out. Offer expires May 28th, 2009. (Think of it as a Mother’s Day present to yourself—you totally deserve it!)

The collection is made from 100% Peruvian Pima cotton and uses organic colors derived from natural, ecological dyes offering your little one first-class comfort. With onesie designs like “Precious Cargo,” “First Class” and “Jet Setter,” plus coordinating pants, caps and booties, your “carry on” will be stylin’ whether her feet are on or off the ground. I loved having our little Livi strut her stuff in her Precious Cargo onesie and she always had someone commenting on her cute tee. The fit was great and the cotton was super soft. I’m just sad she outgrew it already. (Good thing there’s no extra fee for her being over the recommended weight limit!)

Planewear also offers toddler tees with embellished graphics and phrases like “Runway Model” and “I’d Rather Be Flying.” For preemies you can choose from “Early Arrival” and “Little Angel” (I have my own wings). I think my favorites is the bib asking the all-important question, “Chicken or beef?” Planewear’s designs are a great gift for anyone in the aviation business but their lighthearted and comfortable designs are perfect for anyone who wants to add a little high-flyin’ style to their little one’s wardrobe.—Emily

* Promotion! Planewear is offering Daily Dish readers 20% off their purchase! To receive the discount place your order via their 800 number and mention Boutique Cafe. To order call 1-866-759-2358.

I’ll be at the park next Tues, Wed, Thursday. If you’re going to be there with your kids, dress them in Boutique, we’ll be watching for you – I’d love to get them into the segment! If you’re a designer this would be a great way to showcase your designs in the happiest place on earth!

We hope to meet several of our Boutique Moms there, and your Disney-kids too!! If you’re going to be in the area, please leave me a comment below and I’ll email you my cell number so we can hook up at the Disneyland park.

See you there! – Daria

***Shhh Don’t tell my kids, they don’t know we’re going there yet!! hee hee

To search a full range of hundreds Back to School offerings, simply click here and stroll through the beautiful listings >>

The gorgeous BTS outfit pictured here is designed by MyaBella*Designs, from the Lil Peas BTS group launch going on right now! Search their group listings on eBay using search term “lil peas BTS”. You won’t believe what you find…gorgeous stuff!

If your group is listing Back To School right now, please shoot us an email and let us know. We’d love to feature your launch on Boutique Cafe’s Finds!

Imagine the chatter this summer, if she wore this to the Magic Kingdom to meet Minnie herself! Offered in a custom size 12months – girls 10 and magically infused with adorable details. Preciousness personified – go check it out!

Click to bid and make it yours!>>

Created by a mom and child development expert Kelly Pryde, we were excited to see that Dream Kids products are “designed to celebrate and nurture each child’s unique potential for greatness”. We think that is cool and definitely something our readers want to know about! (oh and did I mention that they are a Canadian company? something near and dear to my heart)

I was sent a very special tee from Dream Kids to review, on the front the message was “Anything But Ordinary” and that is definitely how I feel about my son who has now confiscated it from me. Noah’s only three and not able to read yet, but the reaction that he received when he wore it was enough for him…he loves this shirt. The Dream Kids clothing line is 100% cotton, ultra soft and comfy to wear. Best of all it’s machine washable and came out great when we washed it, it fact it was even softer. I want the very best for my children and one of my greatest desires is for them to realize their incredible potential, how unique and wonderful they are. With sayings like “Here to Change the World” , “All I have to be is me” and “There’s a Little Hero in All of Us”, Dream Kids is well on their way to help kids discover themselves and dream big.

If the philosophy behind Dream Kids is something that inspires you, then you’ll definitely want to sign up for their monthly newsletter offering suggestions for putting the ideas into action, helping you grow your family in wonderful ways.

Empower your own little Dream Kid – a wonderful world awaits! – Daria

GIVEAWAY: Dream Kids is giving away one tee shirt of the winners choice! Simply leave a comment with a valid email address below and share with us the empowering tee shirt saying you love the most from Dream Kids. We’ll choose the winner from the comments and contact them via email. Deadline: March 26, 2008 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

WINNER ANNOUNCED Scarlett! Congratulations on being drawn as our winner from our Dream Kids Daily Dish review on Boutique Cafe. Dream Kids is awarding you a tee of your choice from their incredible website. All you need to do is supply them with the style and size you adore, along with your shipping information.

Thank you to everyone who entered this fantastic giveaway! The response was phenomenal, we love the message behind Dream Kids and hope you’ll support this great business.

Spoil your little Monkey today and bid on this one!

This particular auction is part of the Boutique En.core launch going on right now! Check out the entire group launch here >.

Easter Jacket Auction – Hop on Over and bid >>

Easter Dress set – 2pc & bunny – bid here>>

It’s time to break out the pictures and STRUT YOUR STUFF!

Designers, Crafters, Sewing Fanatics, Photographers welcome!

XO
Boutique Cafe.com

Not only can you indulge in a unique handmade creation, but you can feel spectacular knowing that you are supporting WAHM’s!

Click here to start shopping and bidding >>

Designer Quote:

“My children are my inspiration. Watching them play and interact with one another fills me with such warmth and happiness. The innocence of a child’s laughter can quickly erase the stresses of every day life. This holds especially true when I’m able to see the excitement in my daughters’ eyes, Bella & Anna, every time I create a new set. To hear the squeal of joy as they ask each time in our native language, Danish, “Mommy, is that for me?” makes what I do a passion and not a hobby.

I enjoy creating everyday garments for girls. My philosophy is quite simple – clothing should be simple in design, yet colorful, as well as wearable and comfortable. “

-Aida Pedersen

Shop Anna Bella Designs on her website. You can learn more about Aida on her eBay Me page as well as her Etsy shop. **Please allow time for the show to load. A HUGE Thank you to Lisa from iza-bella.com for producing our Fashion Show this week!