ParentDishhttp://www.parentdish.comParentDishhttp://www.parentdish.com/media/feedlogo.gifParentDishhttp://www.parentdish.comen-usCopyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Gap Sparkle Backpackhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/29/gap-sparkle-backpack/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/29/gap-sparkle-backpack/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/29/gap-sparkle-backpack/#commentsFiled under:

Your kid is sure to sparkle at school with this backpack from Gap. Credit: gap.com

It may seem like you're just getting into the swing of summer, but back to school shopping season is already upon us. New clothes, new shoes, new supplies, and, of course, a new backpack are all on our lists.

And, knowing a very girlie girl, or two, we can't help but be drawn to this spectacularly sequined backpack from GapKids. Available in pink, light blue, black and silver, it's just perfect for your little shining star. It's never too early to add a little glam to your gear.

At gap.com, $30.

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]]>backpackgap bandgapkidssparklehorseLesley KennedyFri, 29 Jul 2011 14:00:00 ESTBoy, 12, Wins Fashion Contest, Hopes to Dress Michelle Obamahttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/25/boy-12-wins-fashion-contest-hopes-to-dress-michelle-obama/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/25/boy-12-wins-fashion-contest-hopes-to-dress-michelle-obama/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/25/boy-12-wins-fashion-contest-hopes-to-dress-michelle-obama/#commentsFiled under: ,



First lady Michelle Obama isn't afraid to wear designs by relatively unknown, young designers. But a gown by a 12-year-old boy? Now, that would be a first.

NBC reports Texas tween Grant Mower bested design students in college and high school in his home state to win a contest that could lead to Obama wearing his design during a Utah fund-raising event. He'll travel to Utah for the chance to schedule a fitting with the first lady, the network adds.

"First, I was just drawing little girls stuff, then I came up to where I am now watching Chanel shows and you know sort of a growth in fashion and maturity," Grant, who made his first dress out of newspaper, tells NBC.

Grant's mom, Moanna Mower, tells the network her son has faced bullying for designing clothes.

"He would look for validation, and not get it, so he'd come home from school and it would take him three hours for me to just get him back," Moanna Mower tells NBC. "And out of desperation I would do things like, 'Do you want to watch a Versace fashion show?' "

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]]>design contestfashionfashion designfirst ladygrant mowermichelle obamaLesley KennedyMon, 25 Jul 2011 16:00:00 ESTCeleb Clan Close-Up: Tori Spelling and Familyhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/20/tori-spelling-and-family/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/20/tori-spelling-and-family/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/20/tori-spelling-and-family/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott hit the red carpet with their kids. Credit: David Livingston, Getty

Just like the name of their reality show, Hollywood is home sweet home for actress Tori Spelling, her actor hubby Dean McDermott and their cutie pie kids Liam, 4, and Stella, 3.

The family posed on the red carpet recently at the 29th annual Gay & Lesbian Film Festival's premiere of "Hoarders: Untold sTORI," a silly spoof from the comedy site FunnyorDie, in Hollywood, Calif.

Spelling, pregnant with the couple's third baby, looked lovely in a peach gown, coordinating with McDermott's yellow shirt. And the kids? Fashion divas in the making.

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]]>celeb styledean mcdermotttori spellingLesley KennedyWed, 20 Jul 2011 13:00:00 ESTGwen Stefani Kid Collection to Launch at Targethttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/20/gwen-stefani-kid-collection-to-launch-at-target/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/20/gwen-stefani-kid-collection-to-launch-at-target/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/20/gwen-stefani-kid-collection-to-launch-at-target/#commentsFiled under:

gwen stefani

Credit: Jack-Apg/X17online.com

Gwen Stefani has conquered music. And women's fashion. And perfume. And clothes for young adults. Plus, she's mom to two of celebritydom's trendiest tots. So, it seems only natural clothing for kids should be in the works.

Women's Wear Daily reports the rocker mama is teaming up with Target to launch Harajuku Mini, a take off of her Harajuku Lovers young contemporary line that will come with a mini price tag, too.

The line, for babies, children and tweens is set to hit Target stores and Target.com in November, according to the fashion industry publication, with prices ranging from $4 to $30.

"Harajuku Mini is a dream come true," Stefani, who designs L.A.M.B., tells WWD. "I've always wanted to do a cool children's fashion line inspired by the supercute and playful kid's clothing you find in Japan. The whole idea is about being creative, expressing your own individuality and having fun getting dressed."

This is the latest designer collaboration kiddie collection for Target. Past collaborations with the store have included labels Calypso St. Barth, Petit Tresor, Appaman and Little Seed.

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]]>gwen stefanigwen stefani targetharajuku loversharajuku minitargettarget designer collaborationLesley KennedyWed, 20 Jul 2011 09:30:00 ESTOpening Ceremony for A is for Applehttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/18/opening-ceremony-for-a-is-for-apple/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/18/opening-ceremony-for-a-is-for-apple/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/18/opening-ceremony-for-a-is-for-apple/#commentsFiled under:

Opening Ceremony by A is for Apple is hipster cool. Credit: Openingceremony.us

Hipster parents who want their kids to dress as fly as they do have a new shopping destination to check out: Opening Ceremony by A is for Apple.

The fashion label, a fave of celebs like Chloe Sevigny and Spike Jonze, launched its first collection for kiddies this month, teaming up with the Hong-Kong-based brand A is for Apple.

Look for pint-sized versions of Opening Ceremony classics, including the popular Godet dress and patchwork shirt. Also find leopard cargo pants, French striped sailor shirts, school boy jackets and possibly the cutest jumpsuit we've ever seen.

Get it at openingceremony.us. Prices range from $55 to $125.

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]]>hipster fashionkids clothesopening ceremonyopening ceremony a is for appleopening ceremony kidsLesley KennedyMon, 18 Jul 2011 14:00:00 ESTItsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie: Papa and the Small Bikinihttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/13/itsy-bitsy-teenie-weenie-papa-and-the-small-bikini/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/13/itsy-bitsy-teenie-weenie-papa-and-the-small-bikini/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/13/itsy-bitsy-teenie-weenie-papa-and-the-small-bikini/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When did I become such a prude? This was the question when Diva and I opened the box of summer clothes sent by a relative -- and I saw the teenie weenie bikini. A napkin's worth of hot pink and orange fabric, its arrival sent my 6-year-old into paroxysms of delight. She squealed; I reeled.

It was just a bathing suit and not even her first two-piece, but this was the real deal -- not a tankini, not a shorts-and-top set, but a bikini with a low rise and a string tie bandeau. She immediately declared that this was a "big kid" suit, unwittingly putting her finger on the very reason her dads were not over the moon about this outfit.

As she wriggled into it, her long and lean build presented a challenge: The suit might scream "big kid" but it sure didn't say "tall girl." The top was a few inches wide at best, which meant it just barely covered her nipples. The bottom had such a narrow rise that you could see the top of her hip sockets.

According to the label, this tiny ensemble was actually a size too big for her. I had to wonder: What exactly did the smaller versions look like? Color-coordinated Band-Aids and dental floss?

The timing couldn't have been more perfect for Diva: This was was the first day hot enough to use our new blow-up pool. Not surprisingly, she wanted to wear her new bikini, and I told her she could, but I only said yes because we were staying at home.

As she splashed around in the water, the picture of exuberant near nakedness, I couldn't help but be glad that we weren't at a beach with crowds of strangers seeing, well, so much Diva.

My visceral response to the bikini prompted a little soul-searching. If I was visiting a country in Scandinavia or Europe where women swim topless, or pausing by a pond in Germany where skinny-dipping was all the rage, I wouldn't find anything particularly scandalous about nudity. And there is nothing inherently provocative about Diva's body, which is that of a child, just a long rubber band in motion. So it wasn't the flesh that bothered me -- it was the bikini itself. And what sense did that make?

When I was in eighth grade, a special meeting was called for the parents of students at the church school I attended. The subject was the dress code, which already prohibited blue jeans and miniskirts. But a new trend had caught on among the girls: sheer tops made of floral-printed gauze, worn with a camisole underneath for modesty.

Some of the men in the church found this look upsetting enough to complain to the principal. At the resulting community meeting, one burly contractor barked, "You can see right through to the bra!" Another man groused, "They're advertising something whether they know it or not."

But my friends -- and my friends were all girls -- didn't take this lying down. A pair of bold sisters turned the tables, one rebuking the adult men for revealing their dirty minds. Her sibling added sharply, "I see flowers here. You see what you want." I cheered them on from my pew, in perhaps the first "You go, girl" moment of my life.

Now, I am the one in the hot seat, the dad who can't appreciate the flowers for the flesh underneath. (Apparently the answer to my original question is that I became a prude when I became a parent.) But it's not a dirty mind that has landed me here. It's that I know too much about our culture and, specifically, the way many men see girls and women, especially ones they don't actually know. And bikinis are part of the equation.

A girl in a bikini is the media's default appeal to straight men, a come-on accepted by manufacturers and consumers alike for decades. From hot rods to razors, if a product can help a dude define his manliness, it is likely to be advertised with the aid of a bikini-clad babe. There's no better proof of this association than the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, which brings in more than $35 million a year. (And, trust me, no one buys that issue for the NHL standings.)

I try to remind myself that these associations don't have to hold. For instance, the bikinis worn by the U.S. women's beach volleyball team will never diminish the players' strengths and skills. But then you see a 5-year-old model dolled up like Jon Benet, standing in a pageant swimsuit pose -- on a parenting website, no less -- while wearing a bikini the site describes as exuding "pin-up girl glam." Talking about a kindergartner as a pin-up? Creepy.

That's the problem. Too many bikinis don't just say "big girl" -- they say "adult woman." They're designed for a woman's curves, emphasizing body parts a child doesn't yet have. Little triangles where breasts would be, deep curves outlining a booty that doesn't exist, packaging for a product meant for adults.

Not every bikini says "va-va-voom," of course, but the basic design tells a whole story about a bias in our culture: Society tells a girl that, to be modest, she must cover up certain body parts, and then steers her toward options small enough to remind guys exactly what they're missing.

Diva will own plenty of bikinis in her lifetime, and it won't be that long before she gets final say for herself. But, for now, she's only 6 and a 6-year-old girl shouldn't have to be thinking about the way grown men will respond to the placement of a few ounces of fabric. But her dads are, and we're not alone in this concern. We went to the beach yesterday, joining thousands of strangers on sun-warmed sand, and, in the span of four hours, I saw exactly two bikinis on girls younger than 12.

Actually, it was the same bikini, twice: a pink polka-dotted affair worn by twin babies not old enough to walk. They looked innocent, adorable and untroubled -- just as girls at the beach should be.

Veronica Rhodes and David Valdes Greenwood alternate weeks writing the Family Gaytriarchs. Look for them on ParentDish every Wednesday.

David Valdes Greenwood has written about marriage and parenting for the Boston Globe and in his first book "Homo Domesticus: Notes from a Same-Sex Marriage." The author of three nonfiction books and the creator of the blog "Diva Has Two Daddies," he also finds time to be a kindergarten room parent and Barbie pretend play expert. Read his blog on Red Room.

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]]>bikinigirls bikinisexualizing girlsDavid Valdes GreenwoodWed, 13 Jul 2011 11:00:00 ESTJuly 4th Crafts for Kids: Tie-Dye T-Shirts and Pinwheelshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/30/july-4th-crafts-for-kids/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/30/july-4th-crafts-for-kids/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/30/july-4th-crafts-for-kids/#commentsFiled under: , ,

july 4th crafts

A little red, white and blue style, and you're all set for a festive July 4. Credit: Gina Provenzano


Make Independence Day festivities even more of a blast with DIY patriotic paper pinwheels and tie-dye T-shirts.

Summer celebrations call for outdoor activities and star-spangled gear. Psychedelic tie-dye T-shirts are easy to make, and they're impossible to mess up. Kids will take pride in their work, no matter how they come out, and then they get to model their finished fashions for your July 4th celebration.

While they're at it, why not embellish the table as well as the tots? Twirling stars-and-stripes pinwheels add sizzle as a centerpiece when stuck in a bucket of sand. They also make a great garden decoration.

Here's how to make both projects:

tye dye tshirt

Kids will love wearing tie-dye T-shirts they make themselves. Credit: Gina Provenzano

Tie-Dye T-Shirts

What You'll Need:
o. White cotton T-shirts, tanks or other tops
o. Large plastic trash bag
o. Rubber gloves
o. Rubber bands
o. Bucket of water
o. Paper towels
o. Fabric dye, red and blue in applicator bottles (check out Tulip's single bottle applicators)
o. Measuring cup filled with water
o. Large plastic bags or plastic wrap

What to Do:
1. Prepare working surface by laying the garbage bag on a flat surface. Assemble all the needed materials.

2. Wet shirts in bucket of water, then ring out so the shirts are still damp, but not dripping.

3. For spiral design: Pinch shirt at center and turn as you keep pinching. Fabric will wrap around itself to look like a small disk. Adults can help to gather ends and secure with rubber bands. Place a band around the outer part of the disk to hold it in place. Then place two or three bands around it to look like a pie.

For stripes design: Vertically fold the shirt, accordion-style with about 1-inch folds. Then roll the folded shirt from bottom to top. Secure with bands around outside edge, then two more bands around the roll like a pie.

For heart design: Fold shirt in half vertically with the front face out. Use a light pen to draw half a heart shape along edge. Gather the fabric with fingers along the drawn line. Place a rubber band on the line and double over several times to be tight. Add additional bands like rings along the rest of the shirt. Now you are ready for dying.

4. Put on gloves. An adult should open applicator bottles and pour water a little at a time to fill. Shake well. Tip: Be careful, the dye bubbles up like soda as it reacts.

5. Squirt colors in desired areas. Squirt into the folds and gathers and also along the banded lines. Make sure not to overlap colors too much, or result will be muddy. Saturate the dye, leaving some white space, but don't saturate to the point of dripping.

6. Place dyed shirt into a plastic bag, or roll in plastic wrap and let sit for six to eight hours.

7. Put gloves on again, and remove shirt from plastic. Cut off or remove the rubber bands. Rinse shirt in bucket of water and hang dry.

8. Note: Shirts should be laundered separately in cold water for the first couple of washes.

pinwheel

Patriotic Paper Pin-Wheels

What You'll Need:
o. Small 1/4-inch dowel, cut to about 12 to 16 inches in length OR heavy cardboard, cut to same length by 3/4 inch wide
o. Thin nail with a flat head, about 1 1/2 inches long
o. Hammer
o. Block of wood for protecting surface
o. Small beads
o. Pencil
o. Scissors
o. Ruler
o. Double-sided scrapbooking paper in red, white and blue patterns

What to Do:
1. Measure and mark a 7-inch square on paper. Cut out square.

2. Use ruler to draw diagonal lines from corner to corner to form an "X" on paper. Measure and mark a point 3/4-inch from center of "X" along each line.

3. Cut along diagonal line stopping at marked point.

4. Fold one corner into center and hold with finger. Repeat for each of the four corners. Secure by poking the nail with one bead threaded on it, through all layers at the center point. Use the wood underneath to protect the surface. Twirl nail to widen hole.

5. Thread two more beads onto the nail behind the pinwheel.

6. With adult supervision, gently hammer nail into the dowel, about 1/2-inch from end. Leave some room between washers and dowel to spin freely.

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]]>craftscrafts for kidsjuly 4 craftsjuly 4 crafts kidsjuly 4ththe editors at ParentDishThu, 30 Jun 2011 11:00:00 ESTBaby Gear Brands That Give Backhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/24/baby-gear-brands-that-give-back/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/24/baby-gear-brands-that-give-back/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/24/baby-gear-brands-that-give-back/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Baby Gear Brands That Give Back

Giving has never been so easy! Credit: Getty Images

Buying baby gear? You can get a good buy and support a worthy cause with this list of caring companies. Each one of these baby gear brands offers products any mom or dad would be proud to purchase, and they put a percentage of their profits toward doing great things for kids' charities. Giving has never been so easy!

Bright Starts Pretty in Pink Collection
If you're the proud parent of a baby girl, this set of essentials is for you. Featuring a variety of baby gear favorites such as a booster seat, bouncer, activity gym and more, the collection is eye-pleasing and fun. A portion of proceeds from this sugary-sweet baby gear brand goes to supporting breast cancer research and awareness, so hopefully, your little girl can grow up to a brighter, healthier adulthood. More information on the products and the Pink Power Mom program can be found at the Bright Starts website.

Amy Michelle Go Totes
The busy mom knows how important it is to juggle all the essentials and look good, too. These super-stylish bags from Amy Michelle feature smart elements like an adjustable shoulder strap and easy to find key ring, and up to 5 percent of the profits will go to the Ronald McDonald House to help sick children and their families find a home away from home. With an assortment of bags for every lifestyle, this is one baby gear brand you can feel good about splurging on. Find the right tote for you at Amy Michelle's Go Tote product page.

Skip*Hop
One of the most innovative baby gear brands on our list, Skip*Hop has been making its mark on the world of parenting products with its popular DUO Diaper Bag. Versatile and trendy, it doubles as a traditional over-the-shoulder tote and a stroller bag. With so many colors and designs to choose from, it's no wonder this best-selling item has inspired several more bags from the creators at Skip*Hop. In addition to these must-have totes, they also sell unique toys, feeding gear and accessories. Your purchase goes to support three wonderful charities: Baby Buggy, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Find out more about Skip*Hop's love of kids' charities via the company's online store.

Baby Eggi
If dressing your little tyke is high on your to-do list, why not partner with a baby gear brand that gives back 20 percent on each purchase? The ambitious donations by baby clothier Baby Eggi go to your choice of charity, giving you an even more personal way to help children around the world. Choose from Kids Courage Foundation or Artists for a New South Africa when you pay for your tiny tee, petite pants or darling dress. It's the easiest way dress your tot and show you care! Buy gear for babies and toddlers at the Baby Eggi online store.

Feel good when you buy the essentials from baby gear brands that give back. You really can help kids, one penny at a time.

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]]>baby gearBaby Gear Brands That Give Backthe editors at ParentDishFri, 24 Jun 2011 17:00:00 ESTBaby Bags for Chic Mamashttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/16/baby-bags-for-chic-mamas/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/16/baby-bags-for-chic-mamas/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/16/baby-bags-for-chic-mamas/#commentsFiled under: ,

Baby Bags

Credit: Getty Images

What to buy for the mom to be who has everything? Splurge on a high-end baby bag that she wouldn't buy for herself -- make it a group gift with a few mutual friends. Designer baby bags generally range from $150 to $500 or more, but the new parent will get more than just a fancy label and chic style: high end bags are also very well made, and can hold up to years of toting diapers and snacks. Beware of low-quality imitation designer bags, especially when shopping on the internet. If the price on that high-end designer diaper bag seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Coach Baby Bags
Coach, known for their luxurious bags, has super-stylish baby bags for a range of tastes, and none have a slouchy diaper bag look. Choose from traditional tan or black bags, or go for a more baby-centric pink pastel or denim blue. All coach baby bags come with a changing pad. Prices for these designer baby bags range from about $360 to $500.

Petunia Picklebottom
Specializing in chic baby bags, the Petunia Picklebottom line of designer diaper bags are highly functional as well as fashion-forward. The Touring Tote is both a shoulder bag and a stroller bag that can be carried long after baby is out of diapers. These stylish baby bags have features such as a removable changing pad and a monogrammed wipes case. Bags are made of easy-to-clean PVC and come in an array of colorful patterns like Morning in Monaco, Dancing in Dublin and Frolicking in Fez. $146.

Skip Hop
Another company geared entirely towards parents, Skip Hop offers several lines of baby bags, from masculine styles to stylish baby bags like the City Chic. This roomy shoulder/stroller bag has all of the features you would expect, plus a removable matching clutch for holding mom's smaller "purse" items. Cotton fabric is laminated for easy cleaning. $99.

Bugaboo
Bugaboo's line of stylish baby bags are designed to adapt as your child grows. The Bugaboo Red is a leather self-standing designer diaper bag with removable insulated storage compartments, lots of pockets and a changing pad. And 1% of sales goes to The Global Fund, to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. $230.

Kate Spade Baby Bag
The Kate Spade New York Splodge Dot Randi Baby Bag has a black-and-cream dot pattern outside, bright red on the inside, and enough space to hold all of your baby necessities. This high end designer diaper bag has a matching changing pad and both a small handle and a longer strap for shoulder or cross-body wear. Funky and functional, this stylish baby bag retails for $425.

Prada Baby Bag
The Prada Messenger designer diaper bag has lots of compartments, a changing pad with a removable terry cover, an adjustable strap and Prada's signature silver hardware and name plate. Made of un-fussy nylon, this high fashion accessory doesn't pretend to be anything other than a high quality Italian-made diaper bag. Retails for $550.

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]]>Baby Bagsthe editors at ParentDishThu, 16 Jun 2011 12:30:00 ESTCelebrate Dad's Quirks this Father's Dayhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/15/celebrate-dads-quirks-this-fathers-day/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/15/celebrate-dads-quirks-this-fathers-day/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/15/celebrate-dads-quirks-this-fathers-day/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Still scrambling for a last minute Father's Day gift? Our friend Amy Preiser at Shelterpop appeared on ABC 7 to show off unique gift ideas that dad is sure to love. Like what you see? Click here to check out Shelterpop's full gift guide!

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]]>fathers dayfathers day gift guidefathers day giftsJessica SamakowWed, 15 Jun 2011 10:00:00 ESTCeleb Clan Close-Up: Ali Landry and Estelahttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/13/ali-landry/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/13/ali-landry/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/13/ali-landry/#commentsFiled under: , ,

ali landry

Ali Landry poses with her daughter, Estela. Credit: Michael Kovac, Getty Images for EGPAF


Ali Landry is glowing in this gorgeous summer outfit -- partly because she's expecting another child, but her model looks don't hurt, either.

We love her white dress and long colorful sweater, not to mention the great accessories. And Landry's daughter, Estela, 3, is just darling in her mismatched prints and bright hair bow.

The two were attending the 22nd annual Time for Heroes Celebrity Picnic to benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation in Los Angeles June 12.

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]]>ali landryceleb styleLesley KennedyMon, 13 Jun 2011 17:00:00 ESTVans Hello Kitty Collectionhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/13/vans-hello-kitty-collection/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/13/vans-hello-kitty-collection/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/13/vans-hello-kitty-collection/#commentsFiled under:

vans hello kitty

Hello Kitty gets the Vans treatment. Credit: Vans.com

If your kids have Hello Kitty books, T-shirts, dolls, puzzles -- even scooters, toasters or bedding sets, it's time to treat their feet.

Vans has collaborated with everyone's favorite feline, offering up a line of Hello Kitty shoes that will have young 'uns purring with delight.

We love the cute twist on the classic checkerboard slip-on and the pink lace-ups, too.

Hello Kitty Vans available for toddlers, $25, kids, $37, and adults, $50. At Vans.com.

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]]>hello kittykids shoesvansvans hello kittyLesley KennedyMon, 13 Jun 2011 14:00:00 ESTGapKids to Get the Diane von Furstenberg Touch With New Collaborationhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/09/gapkids-diane-von-furstenberg/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/09/gapkids-diane-von-furstenberg/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/09/gapkids-diane-von-furstenberg/#commentsFiled under: ,

diane von furstenberg gap

Diane von Furstenberg. Credit: Getty Images

Fashion-savvy moms everywhere rejoiced a couple years back when GapKids and babyGap joined forces with Stella McCartney to create some incredibly cute -- and pretty affordable -- children's clothes.

Now, they're kicking up their stylish heels again, as Diane von Furstenberg is lending her designing hand to the labels.

Due to hit stores in March 2012, the collections will be available at GapKids and babyGap stores and online, according to a Gap press release.

"As a proud mother and grandmother I am so excited to create a capsule collection for children with the superstar retailer, Gap," von Furstenberg says in the release.

Please let there be a mini wrap dress for girls.

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]]>babygapdiane von furstenbergdiane von furstenberg gapgapkidsLesley KennedyThu, 09 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST12 Baby Bathing Suits Making a Splash This Summerhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/07/baby-bathing-suits/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/07/baby-bathing-suits/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/07/baby-bathing-suits/#commentsFiled under: ,

An itsy-bitsy-teenie-weenie-yellow-polka-dot bikini isn't the only way to be the most stylish babe at the kiddie pool this summer. These adorable swimsuits make us wish that we could still fit more than a pinky into them. So, slap on that sunscreen, fasten those floaties and hit the waves!



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]]>baby swimsuitsswimsuitsswimwearJessica SamakowTue, 07 Jun 2011 13:00:00 ESTKeen Newport Metallic Sandalshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/02/keen-newport-metallic-sandals/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/02/keen-newport-metallic-sandals/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/02/keen-newport-metallic-sandals/#commentsFiled under:

Keen's new metallic sandals come in yellow, lilac and green. Credit: Keenfootwear.com

Flip-flops are fine for a trip to the pool, but any parent who has seen their child wipe out in the flimsy footwear on the playground knows a sturdier summer shoe is in order.

We are -- yes -- keen on Keen's new Newport Metallic Sandals. Available in yellow, lilac or green, they're cool with their shininess, but also are rugged and waterproof. So, your little one can splash, run, climb and just play his or her little heart out all day long.

Easy to clean and easy on the eyes? We're sold.

Keen Newport Metallic Sandals, $55, at Keenfootwear.com.

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]]>keenkeen sandalskids sandalskids shoessandalsLesley KennedyThu, 02 Jun 2011 14:30:00 ESTLands' End Swimwear Collections for Girls and Boyshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/01/lands-end-swimwear-collections-for-girls-and-boys/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/01/lands-end-swimwear-collections-for-girls-and-boys/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/01/lands-end-swimwear-collections-for-girls-and-boys/#commentsFiled under:

Make a splash with kids' swimsuits from Lands' End. Credit: Lands' End

June has finally arrived, which means pools are open and the splashing can begin!

Now, to suit up your kids in swimwear that's cute, affordable, sporty and age-appropriate. Seem like a tall order? It's easy if you shop the girls and boys collections at Lands' End.

Awarded the 2011 Parent Tested Parent Approved Seal of Approval, all styles feature UPF 50 sun protection and quick-dry fabrics. A tugless fit helps keep girls' straps from sliding and wedgies from forming and boys' board shorts and swim trunks come with comfy mesh liners.

As far as styles go, we're slightly obsessed with the Swim Suite for girls -- mix and match separates including three tankini styles, a bikini top, tankini bottoms and swim shorts in a host of colors and prints. Boys, meanwhile will like the rash guards that come in bright colors and graphic designs.

We're planning our pool days now.

Lands' End swimwear for girls, $7.99 to $34.50, and swimwear for boys, $12.99 to $25.50.

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]]>lands endlands end swimwearswimmingswimsuitsLesley KennedyWed, 01 Jun 2011 14:00:00 ESTAnnieWear.com Animal-Themed Children's Boutiquehttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/27/anniewear-com-animal-themed-childrens-boutique/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/27/anniewear-com-animal-themed-childrens-boutique/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/27/anniewear-com-animal-themed-childrens-boutique/#commentsFiled under:

Roar with delight over this lion robe, $46.75, at AnnieWear.com. Credit: AnnieWear.com

There's just something about animals -- especially baby animals -- that little kids love. It's no wonder so many children say they want to be veterinarians when they grow up.

If it's all cute critters all the time in your house, definitely check out AnnieWear, a new online boutique filled with animal-themed clothing, accessories and gifts for babies and toddlers.

Find T-shirts, robes, towels, pjs and blankets, not to mention puzzles, pull toys and bath buddies. You'll also want to check out the animal-themed books, bibs and belts.

Oh, and get this: With every purchase the site will make a donation to animal rescue charities nationwide.

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]]>animal-themed clothesanimalsanniewearLesley KennedyFri, 27 May 2011 14:00:00 ESTWould You Wear a Sheer Dress While Pregnant?http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/20/sheer-dress-while-pregnant/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/20/sheer-dress-while-pregnant/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/20/sheer-dress-while-pregnant/#commentsFiled under: ,

A very pregnant Charlotte Gainsbourg went sheer at Cannes. Credit: Pascal Le Segretain, Getty Images

True, maternity wear has come a long way since the days of tent dresses and muumuus. And, yes, we're all for fitted tops and dresses that show off -- and celebrate -- your ever-growing baby bump.

But wearing a sheer dress that not only basically bares your belly, but also your black lacy bra? Well, call us prudes, but we're crying tacky.

Actress Charlotte Gainsbourg wore a see-through wrap dress at the Cannes Film Festival May 18. The French actress, 39, who is eight months pregnant, was attending the premiere of her new movie, "Melancholia," co-starring Kirsten Dunst.

We think an under-pinning would have brought the look from cheap to chic. What do you think? Would you dare to bare that much bod while pregnant? Leave a comment below!


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]]>cannesCharlotte Gainsbourgmaternity clothessheer dressLesley KennedyFri, 20 May 2011 15:30:00 ESTSkechers Shape-Ups for Girls Have Parents Steamedhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/16/sketchers-shape-ups-for-girls/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/16/sketchers-shape-ups-for-girls/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/16/sketchers-shape-ups-for-girls/#commentsFiled under: ,



Hey, girls! We hate to tell you this, but your legs? They could use a little toning. And that rear? It's time to start keeping up with Kim Kardashian.

That's the message many parents and experts say Skechers is sending girls as young as 7, airing cartoon commercials for its Shape-ups shoes on Nickelodeon and the Cartoon Network.

"Heidi's got new Shape-ups, got everything a girl wants," an animated girl sings in the ad. "She's got the height, got the bounce, yes, she's looking good and having fun."

Skechers Fitness Group President Leonard Armato tells the New York Daily News in a statement that his company is just trying to send a positive fitness message.

"The whole message behind Shape-ups is to get moving, get exercise and get fit," he tells the newspaper. "This is the same messaging being used by the First Lady's Let's Move initiative, which is aimed specifically at children."

What do you think? Are Shape-Ups simple fitness fun, or should they be shipped out?

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]]>shape upssketcher shape upssketchersLesley KennedyMon, 16 May 2011 12:00:00 ESTAlmost One-Third of Girls' Clothing is Deemed Sexy, Study Findshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/11/almost-one-third-of-girls-clothing-is-deemed-sexy-study-finds/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/11/almost-one-third-of-girls-clothing-is-deemed-sexy-study-finds/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/11/almost-one-third-of-girls-clothing-is-deemed-sexy-study-finds/#commentsFiled under: , ,

girls clothing

One-third of girls' clothing is deemed sexy. Credit: Getty Images

Are stores to blame for sending sexual stereotypes being foisted on young girls?

A new study finds up to 30 percent of clothes for young girls found online in the United States is deemed either sexy or sexualizing, ScienceDaily reports.

Researchers at Kenyon College in Ohio looked at the frequency and sexualizing of clothing for preteen girls on the websites of 15 popular U.S. stores, according to ScienceDaily, defining sexualizing as clothing that "reveals or emphasizes a sexualized body part, has characteristics associated with sexiness and/or carries sexually suggestive writing."


The team studied 5,666 clothing items, ScienceDaily reports; 69 percent only possessed childlike characteristics, while 4 percent "had only sexualized characteristics, 25 percent had both sexualizing and childlike features and 1 percent had neither sexualized nor childlike elements."

The website says sexualized items included shirts and dresses cut to create the look of a bosom or pockets that were embellished to emphasis a girl's rear end. Tween-specific stores were more apt to offer sexualized clothes than children's stores, the researchers add.

"Confused parents might be persuaded to buy the leopard-print miniskirt if it's bright pink," the authors of the study to be published in the journal Sex Roles write. "Clearly, sexiness is still visible beneath the bows or tie-dye colors. We propose that dressing girls in this way could contribute to socializing them into the narrow role of the sexually objectified woman."

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]]>girls clothingLesley KennedyWed, 11 May 2011 08:00:00 EST