Getting to know and love Quirky Collective

Quirky Collective is an amazing online store I discovered while hunting for cool and edgy kids brands for the blog. The name caught my eye straight away, as anything quirky is alright in my book. It stocks all the kids brands I am crazy about under one roof: from Bobo Choses to Wovenplay. The layout of the store is very clean and simple, I love the shop by wardrobe section. I managed to track down the creator of this great store Michelle and was able to ask her a few questions: 

1-wwka: When did you start Quirky Collective?
I started thinking about the store back in 2008/2009 and launched the concept in 2010. 
2-wwka: What inspired you to do it?
 I guess that I came to the point in my no-longer-single-and-fancy-free life where I had rethink my options. so after plenty of consideration I settled on creating a business that would complement my new status as a mother, be flexible around my children whilst still allowing me to have a creative outlet.
3-wwka: In your opinion,what makes Quirky Collective different from other online stores?
There are plenty of online stores out there, each different, each with their unique direction.  quirky collective is small and very personal affair with a very organic approach to retail.  I am pleased and proud to grow the brand on my own terms.
4- wwka: Have you ever considered starting your own clothing label?
 I have plenty of ideas in mind for the store and the brand as a whole but because quirky collective is still in its infancy I do not feel that I can get too distracted just yet and first must master that walk before I can run. 
5- wwka: You mention your daughters on your website, do they share your love for quirky clothes?
 Oh yes, this is coming along quite nicely but perhaps not for the same reasons!  Their outlook is still very naive and beautifully childish.  a simple grey a-line dress in their mind might indicate to others that they are princesses, purely because it twirls the right way or it is the perfect dress to do a curtsy in!  So fashion for them still belongs to the realms of their crazy little world.

www.quirkycollective.com 

The world of Maria Elina

Some really lovely illustrations by Maria Elina Mendez!

http://www.maria-elina.blogspot.com/ 

There's a new kid in town: Modeerska Huset.

It is always very exciting for me to discover new kids label. Modeerska Huset was created in January 2011 by Swedish designer Jenny Modeer. So this is a brand new label, full of fun illustrated prints and  bright colours. Scandinavian labels have really mastered the art of creating mad prints, and mix matching colours and patterns in a really fun way. Jenny has also placed a huge emphasis on being a environmentally friendly company and all the fabric she uses are 100% certified organic cotton.
www.modeerskahuset.com

Exclusive interview with Chizuko Takai, designer and creator of Franky Grow

I remember when I first discovered this amazing brand, all I could think about is how much fun the designer must have creating clothes like these. I managed to find Chizuko and with the help of Yoshiko, agent for Franky Grow and translator extraordinaire, I was lucky enough to ask her a few questions: ( And hopefully nothing got lost in translation)
1-wwka:When did you start Franky Grow? And what inspired you to do it?
Chizuko: I started the label in 2004. I have 3 children and I really wanted to create clothes that were more comfortable for the kids and for the parents.
2- Do you have a favourite season to design for?
Chizuko: Any season apart for Summer. In Japan, summers are so hot that you only wear one light piece of clothing. So as a designer you don't get to play with layers and combinations of garments.
3-wwka: What is the best thing about being the designer for Franky Grow?
Chizuko: I love being able to be in contact with people from around the world through my work.
4- what's your favourite animal and your favourite colour?
Chizuko: I love dogs. As far as colours, I love bright colours but also monochrome colours like black, grey and white.
5- wwka: Would you ever consider coming to South Africa?
Chizuko: I am very interested in the difference in cultures between South Africa and Japan. I would love to come visit one day and meet the local children.
Well if you ever do come here, I will happily show you around Cape Town!
www.frankygrow.com

too beautiful for words

Elly MacKay is one truly talented artist. I LOVE  her work! She creates these amazing images by inking yupo paper, cuts it into layers and then sets it up in a miniature theater. She plays around with lights and takes pictures of them. How super creative! And what a beautiful result!
www.ellymackay.com
You can also buy some of her work on Etsy:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/theaterclouds

Babiekins issue 7 out and it's wonderful!

While my cupcakes are in the oven and as my little boy is keeping a very close eye on them, I have just enough time to tell you about Babiekin's new issue 7 which has just come out. It is full of wonderful and lovely things from decor ideas for your kids rooms to great editorials to be inspired by. They also have an interview with one of my favourite designer : the woman behind Mini Rodini. I have chosen a few of my favourite pages above to give you a little taste of what there is to discover in this great kids magazine!
http://babiekinsmag.com
Ps; the cupcakes are ready :)

my shop on Etsy is open

I have finally opened my shop on Etsy : 'The world of Petit pois", it is still a work in progress but above are some of the garments you will be able to find. I have chosen some of my favourite onesies from my baby range like my Ellie with the cutest heart, the hot pink bambi onesie and also some cool kids tshirts like the Koi tshirt which was inspired by my little boy Noah. Being a Pisces Noah really wanted a tshirt with a fish on!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Theworldofpetitpois?ref=ss_profile

Issue 6 of La Petite is out and we have an editorial in it!!!!

So happy and excited to see our editorial on page 8 of La Petite magazine. The photographer Justin Badenhorst from Pedro's Picture Factory is so talented! We had so much fun shooting this story, in the streets of Cape Town with our 2 super professional models Anna ( our beautiful red head girl ) and Hannah who made me laugh so much with their cute personalities!
Thank you so much Sam for hair & make up and Candice for styling.
And the biggest thank you to Rachelle Francey from La Petite for having us in your beautiful magazine!!
www.lapetitemag.com
http://pedrospicturefactory.blogspot.com

just because they are a little quirky

I'm busy sorting out my own shop on Etsy and while I was browsing, I found these super sweet little wooden brooches .... I love the little characters created by this Spanish artist, her shop is called Pizpireta and it is definitely worth a visit:
http://www.etsy.com/people/Pizpireta

La Miniatura unveils Fall 2:

La Miniatura has added a few more rocking designs to their Fall collection. I am just head over heels over this brand! They have the most amazing collection of skinny jeans and trousers, an item so hard for me to find here in South Africa to the point I end up looking for them in the girl's section for my dude ( but please don't let him find out :)
www.laminiaturakids.com