Babble Australia » shopping

Super Cute Suri Alert! (PHOTOS)

SunnyChanel — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:06:06 +0000

Suri totally dressed up for a girls day out – and the paparazzi took some amazingly cute pics to prove it. Katie Holmes took Suri and her stepdaughter Isabella out on the town. And what a day it was. What did the trio do?

First they indulged in one of their favourite pastimes…shopping. Then they hit the Manhattan hot-spot Balthazaar to pull out some ladies who lunch action. Then they leaped on over to check out a ballet performance. And they topped off their day with some lollies from Serendipity 3. Yum. Yeah, not a shabby day out at all. More cute pix after the jump

Photos: Splash News

Katie Holmes And Tom Cruise Spent Over $3M On Suri’s Clothes

Sweatpantsmom — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:00:04 +0000

Here’s Katie Holmes out with little Suri yesterday in Boston. Isn’t Suri a fashion plate? And no wonder — it’s being reported that Holmes and hubby Tom Cruise have spent over $US3 million on keeping the three-year-old on the best-dressed list. And here I felt guilty for buying my teenager a pair of $60 jeans.

According to a source Suri’s practically got the fashion world at her tiny little feet. “Katie and Tom really splurge on Suri, and as they’re so famous, they always get the top fashion designers to custom-make her clothes,” the source said. “Suri may only be three, but she’s very vocal when it comes to her outfits and she’s rarely seen in anything twice.”

And as for gifts—don’t think you can show up with a pair of Baby Gap overalls for the little fashionista—Victoria Beckham has supposedly had a dress commissioned by designer Roberto Cavalli for Suri.

Ever the proud papa, Cruise recently revealed that he’s “flattered” by Suri’s style icon status. “It’s very flattering that people want to copy Suri’s clothes and the way she dresses,” he said. Can’t wait to see their clothing bill when Suri’s a teenager.

Source | Source

Did Tom And Katie Spend $US3 Million On Suri’s Clothes?

SunnyChanel — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:14 +0000

How much do you spend on your child’s wardrobe? The average family spends about $US624 dollars a year on a kid’s clothes. How much do Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes spend on Suri’s threads?

In her three years of life, they have reportedly spent about three million. Yes, I said three million dollars. American.

Now, I find this figure pretty unbelievable. $US300,000 seems outrageous but yet doable but $US3,000,000? Doubtful.

“Katie and Tom really splurge on Suri, and as they’re so famous, they always get the top fashion designers to custom-make her clothes,” a source said. “Suri may only be three, but she’s very vocal when it comes to her outfits and she’s rarely seen in anything twice.”

And they’re not the only ones splurging on the little fashionista. Victoria Beckham reportedly had high end designer Roberto Cavalli make a commissioned dress for the tot.

Do you think that the $US3,000,000 is at all believable?

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Katie Holmes Teaches Suri How To Shop

Trix — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 20:12:55 +0000

Katie Holmes is partying hard here in Australia. Only it’s not the kind of partying we’re used to hearing about. We all know Katie loves shopping and she’s very hardcore about it, but now that Suri is older, she’s passing on the know-how.

A source in Australia said she goes everywhere, high-end to low-end, it makes no difference. If it’s a store she’s going to be in it. The actress seems to be giving her stay in New York a run for its money. But, having reportedly spent $US14 million during her six months in the Big Apple, Katie may have a ways to go in Australia.

Source

This Just In: Rich People Decide It’s Chic To Act Like The Rest Of Us

Shannon LC Cate — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:26 +0000

The New York Times has done it again and hit the pulsing vein of a new trend among the wealthiest 10% of the population. What’s the scoop this time? It’s no longer cool to buy the $US1200 Oeuf crib for your new arrival. All the most fashionable people are buying the $US500 Oeuf crib nowadays. People who used to buy $US900 strollers new are now buying them for less, used on Craig’s List. What’s next? People buying $US90 strollers used for less on Craig’s List?

According to today’s Times, the high-end baby products industry has taken the same hit other luxury retail industries have taken in the recession, with many companies claiming 15-17% declines in sales over the last year. Apparently, parents who spent limitless amounts on their first born are thinking better of doing the same for babies two or three, and turning instead to relatives, friends, the Internet and other sources of hand-me-downs.

Basically, the article describes what everyone I know in my face-to-face life has been doing since we were children ourselves–shopping smart, as if money did not grow on trees.

My mother raised me to figure out where the rich people’s clothing donations went and to shop for designer duds a season or two old. When I became a mum, I checked out the local kids’ consignment shops and discovered I could do even better on Ebay.

Now that I’ve got two daughters, I rarely buy new for the baby sister. But I do make sure what I’m getting for the first child will wear well and pass down in good condition. Once my younger daughter has outgrown items, the nicest ones go into a box for my best friend’s yet-to-arrive daughter.

Is this not how The Rest of Us have always lived, recession or not?

Actually, the rest of us may benefit a bit from this downturn of conspicuous consumption. The demise–and liquidation–of a local high-end boutique full of designer European clothes for knee biters recently allowed me to stock my older daughter with scrumptious outfits for her first year of school at vulture-like prices. And when her little sister’s turn comes along, she’ll be wearing them too. I don’t think many folks in my neighborhood will notice they’re two or three seasons out of date.

To Market, To Market

Amber Robinson — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:43:50 +0000

It’s fair to say that the last few years have seen a resurgence in the popularity of hand-made and boutique items. Perhaps it’s a willingness to be more eco-friendly in our clothing and toy choices, or a desire to stand out from the crowd with unique accessories, but the runaway success of Etsy proves that handmade is here to stay.

While the internet has been a boon for small manufacturers, there is another trend appearing – the old-fashioned market stall, where customers can experience a designer’s product up close.

We have featured two such markets – Mathilda’s Market and Magnolia Square in Droolicious over the last few weeks, and last Friday I managed to head down to Magnolia Square to meet some exhibitors and see what it’s all about.

Here are a few of my discoveries.

Kindergallery

Looking for unique art for kid’s rooms? The Kindergallery collection offers original paintings, limited edition works, prints, stretched canvases, box art and wall decals. Based in Sydney and with a second home in Berlin, Kindergallery source artwork from around the world. Prints start at about $AU65.

Maiike is a range of adorable soft toys, cushions, quilts and scarves hand made by Aly Peel. All Soft Things are made from 100% wool jumpers gleaned from second hand and vintage stores. The jumpers are felted and then cut into patterns for toys, squares for cushions, scarves, quilts, and buttons are used for the toys’ eyes and noses. Items are made to order, so contact Ally via her blog for more details.

Little nest

We’ve long been fans of Little Nest’s pint-sized versions of iconic furniture pieces, so it was very exciting to see them up close and give them a toddler test drive. The mini-e Eames lounger and the Giddy Up mini Pony chair were huge hits! Little Nest founder Samantha Firestone gave us the heads up on some community programs the company hopes to develop in the near future. Watch this space.

Cloth poppy

Leesa from Cloth Poppy scours second hand shops in country Victoria for bed linen and table cloths for her line of girlswear for ages 2-6. The collection features dresses and skirts made from recycled vintage and new fabrics, as well as adorable t-shirts (see “Love” above) and necklaces made of beads and felt.

Motley Monkeys
Kylie Jewell was having trouble finding classic, hard-wearing and sophisticated clothing for her boys – so she created her own! Motley Monkeys is an Australian boyswear clothing company which produces cotton-knit jumpers and other items for kids aged 2-8. View the collection at motleymonkeys.com.au.

Little Bubble and Tree

Little bubble and tree are a Victorian label specialising in fresh, bright and sun-smart clothes and accessories. Their signature embrioidered cotton kaftans are handmade by fair trade artisans and come in a range of beautiful designs, perfect for the summer months. Find out more at littlebubbleandtree.com.au.

We Heart Books

Katie and Lou, the Melbourne mums behind We Heart Books had a fantastic stall displaying, quite simply, just the most awesome kid’s books around! Think Albert Lamorisse’s The Red Balloon and Japanese artists Yoshimoto Nara’s first picture book, The Lonesome Puppy. Visit weheartbooks.com for more unique books, puzzles, games and gifts.

Magnolia Square will be at Malvern Town Hall, Melbourne, 6 — 8 August, 2009

Bargain Alert: 40% Off Winter Stock at Little Pinwheel

Amber Robinson — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:16:35 +0000

We love a good sale, and this one at Little Pinwheel is pretty hard to beat.

The store is offering 40% off winter clothing to make room for spring stock. Brands include Sudo, Itch and Nature Baby.

The gorgeous Apple jumper by Itch, above, is made from cotton knit with a great smiling apple on the chest. Officially it’s girlswear, but I’m calling unisex!

Reduced from $AU49.95 to $AU34.95.

[Via KidStyleFile]

Mathilda’s Market Returns to Sydney and Perth this Month

Amber Robinson — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:19:28 +0000

Mathilda’s Market is a niche travelling market that offers unique, stylish and affordable baby and kids ware – focusing on that which is lovingly handmade, from limited production or just really cute.

Products vary from state to state. Expect to find a vast variety products including unique clothing, wooden letters, canvasses, soft & wooden toys, soft leather shoes, travel activity packs, room decor, bags, paintings, fun & personalised accessories, vintage-inspired products, musical instruments, handcrafted jewellery, fairy & dress up costumes & accessories, hair accessories, doll houses & accessories, linen, sleepwear, scooters and so much more!

Click to find out the dates and location details:

Sydney
5 July 2009 – St Ignatius College Riverview, Lane Cove
9am to 1pm, plenty of free parking on the College grounds.

Perth
19 July 2009 – Oasis Leisure Centre, Progress Way, Belmont
9am to 1pm, parking available around the Leisure Centre.

The Market will be heading to Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and back to Sydney and Perth again in November – visit the Mathilda’s Market website for more details.

Tiny & Small in Sydney and Melbourne

Amber Robinson — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 22:45:23 +0000

‘Pop-up shopping’ concept Magnolia Square is heading to Sydney and Melbourne, this time incorporating a boutique market for little folk, Tiny & Small.

The events, sponsored by online magazine LMNOP, will feature gorgeous brands like Maggie & Sparrow quilts (above) and modern kid’s furniture company Little Nest.

Magnolia Square will be in Melbourne and Sydney on the following dates:

The Tea House at Royal Randwick, Sydney
2 — 4 July, 2009

Malvern Town Hall, Melbourne
6 — 8 August, 2009
26 — 28 November, 2009

At the Sydney event, there is an $8 cover charge for adults (includes parking), children are free.

Babble Guide to Mother’s Day

Babble Editors — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:37:59 +0000

Make a note in your diary – mother’s day is on May 10, less than two weeks away.

The origins of the modern mother’s day lie not with Hallmark but with one woman’s wish to honour her own mother who had recently passed away. American woman Anna Jarvis made it he mission to crate a day of national celebration in honour of mothers back in 1907. One hundred years later, mother’s day is celebrated internationally at various times of the year.

Whether you’re shopping for your mother, your partner or dropping hints for yourself, here are eight gift ideas to cherish and inspire.

‘Mia’ pendant necklace

The MIA pendant is a stunning circular silver pendant by Koolaman Designs which can be stamped with names of your choice to make a unique and personalised gift.

The pendant measures 3.9cm and up to 35 characters including spaces can be stamped around the pendant. It comes complete with 40 or 45cm large ball, twist or fine ball necklace. Hand stamping of characters is included.

Buy it for $AU140 at Koolaman.

Isoki Reversible Saddle Tote – Urban Print

This gorgeous canvas ‘mummy bag’ by Isoki is well camoflaged for use beyond the baby years. The set includes the following a reversible baby bag with coordinating inner components, a double sided storage satchel (removable), an insulated cooler bag (removable) and large padded change mat for your baby’s comfort (also removable).

It’s $AU199.95 at Queen Bee.

One hour massage

Being a mother can be literally back-breaking work. This one hour massage voucher is for an in-home relaxation or remedial massage. The masseuse will being all equipment so mum can just relax and enjoy. Bliss!

Pick one up at redballoondays for $AU99.95

Wishbone bangle set

Dinosaur Designs are famous for their quirky, handmade resin jewellery pieces. This three-bangle set comes in four colours to suit any age or taste. They’ll even gift wrap them for free.

Buy the set at Dinosaur Designs for $AU165

Mumm champagne treasure box

What woman doesn’t love French champagne? This bottle of non-vintage cordon rouge brut by G.H Mumm comes packaged in a gorgeous and authentic insulated aluminum treasure case.

Pick it up for $AU89.00 at the Champagne Gallery

Memory book:Mum

Cult Swedish stationary chain Kikki.K have created a beautiful cloth-bound ‘memory book’ for this mother’s day. Fill it out on your own, or with siblings and other family members to create a unique keepsake for Mum as you relive the past and record it for the future.

Purchase for $AU24.95 at Kikki.K.

Chantelle Tie Front Dress

This sexy, versatile dress by Maternal America features a V neckline, and soft draping fabric with a unique wrap feature in front to ensure a flattering fit throughout pregnancy and beyond. The raspberry sorbet colour will look wonderful paired with winter coats and boots.

It’s $AU219.95 at Queen Bee.

Personalised silhouette print

This print is a special keepsake for any mum or grandma and will add a fun splash of colour a child’s bedroom or playroom. Sarah & Abraham will personalise the 8″ x 10″ print (printed on 8.5″ x 11″ paper, ready for framing). Simply choose the silhouettes and names of your choice.

Order one on etsy for $US20.