Written by JOSIE SARGENT
When you’re a parent, the lure to buy cheap clothes is strong - the mess, the growth spurts, the refusal to wear anything at all. But, investing in quality pieces pays off.
You know what it’s like. Your child is given a beautiful piece of clothing for a birthday – and while you love it, you’re too scared to dress them in it. After all, kids are messy; they spill food, they are accident prone and they have a knack of finding adventure. So that gorgeous piece stays in the cupboard until they have outgrown it.
It turns out we should be dressing our kids in those ‘special’ pieces every day, because while they may cost more at the checkout, designer childrenswear is in fact, more durable and stain-resistant than the mass-produced cheap options. Plus – not only will your kids look super cute, you’ll be doing your part for the planet too, with many brands being sustainable, eco-friendly and ethically made.
There are a growing number of boutiques and bespoke labels cropping up across the Northern Rivers catering to pint-sized fashionistas, so round up your little ones and hit up our favourites.
Cool Cords
Wind back the clock and step into the joy and fun that is Korduroy Kidz – which pays homage to this much-loved retro fabric.
The brand was founded by Meg Martin and Ryan Shaw when they realised there was a hole in the market for organic, ethically made and eco-friendly corduroy kid’s clothing. “We chose corduroy specifically because it’s timeless,” says Meg. “Throughout generations leading back to the 1950s corduroy has always played such a big role in the fashion industry and our love for the ‘50, ‘60 and ‘70s is something we wanted to introduce to the young generation.”
Meg says buying quality kids clothing over mass-produced cheap pieces means parents are doing their part of the planet. “Buying organic cotton kids clothing helps preserve our planet and keeps our air and water clean,” she says. “Also, organic fabrics don’t produce harmful toxins that can cause irritation to kids with sensitive skin.”
From cute overalls to stylish sherpa jackets, the label has a focus on soft yet durable fabrics, that are lightweight and breathable. Perfect for little adventurers.
Korduroy Kidz | Byron hinterland | @korduroykidz
Oh me, Oh my!
The pieces at Mila Meli (formerly Essentially Byron) have been carefully chosen from around the world, selected for their quality, design and a sense of fun. From babies to older kids, the pieces (including a range of shoes) are organic and stylish, and sure to pass the puddle test. While the colourful and magical atmosphere of the shop itself is all part of the experience. The team have also created a ‘Calm Mama’s Space’ - with clothes, candles and diffusers so that no one goes home empty handed. Yes, please.
Mila Meli | Byron Bay | @milameli_byronbay
Dairy Good
If you need a philosophy to live by, millk is on the money; ‘play, feed, adventure, get dirty – then pass it down’. With a sense of fun firmly front of mind - and understanding that an Aussie childhood comes with adventure and rough and tumble - millk is a brand that has masterfully brought together durability with design. Their pieces are everyday essentials with practical shapes and natural, soft fabrics that kids will actually want to wear. View the collection at their flagship store in Byron, which is brimming with knits, organic cotton and hemp pieces. And, if you’re a grownup who likes to match with your mini-me, millk has you covered too.
millk | Byron Bay | @miilk.co
Grow Slow
From swimwear to sleepwear, Honeysuckle Boutique (not to be confused with its sister store, Banksia Boutique further along River Street) has collected some of the best good-quality, sustainable, local and Australian brands to deck out your little ones. At Honeysuckle though, they’re known as little gumnuts. Including Valencia Byron Bay and Salty Swimwear, Honeysuckle has a focus on fun, sustainability and style for kids (and mums too). But, it’s not just clothes. There are toys, skateboards, books and trinkets to make sure your kids aren’t just kitted out to play – they have something to play with.
Honeysuckle Boutique | Ballina
@honeysuckle.boutique.ballina
Little Loves
Offering their own pieces alongside those created by other like-minded brands, Little Love of Mine delivers comfy, durable babies and kids’ clothes with organic natural materials and sweet designs. First established in Newcastle as one of the first boutiques to specialise in organic baby clothes and neutral tones, today a retail outlet can be found in Murwillumbah, after the label was bought by Kate and Michael Caddle. Their aim? To deck kids out in clothes that can be worn over and over - and then passed along.
Little Love of Mine | Murwillumbah
@littlelove.ofmine
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