To market

It's hard to believe but Christmas is just over 2 months away. The festive season will come a'caroling before you know it. Give yourself a break and (shock) maybe even enjoy some gift shopping by starting early and shopping uniquely.

Try these Sydney markets for some inspiration and a top day out. I will be!

Kirribilli Art and Design Market - on this Sunday 11th October. Great handmade and second hand items, let's hope it's a nice day!

Matilda's Market - Sunday 1st November, at St Ignatius College, Riverview. Really gorgeous pieces from all different suppliers, mainly for bubs and kids. http://www.matildasmarket.com.au/ (check website for Australia-wide dates and locations.

Allie's Attic - A boutique market of fabulous buys for "yummy mummies with style". It's kicking off its first ever market on Saturday 14th November at Hunters Hill Community Church, followed by Paddington Town Hall on Saturday 12th December. http://www.alliesattic.com.au/

Feeling crafty #2

While you're at it...

If you find a great pattern for a bag or cushion or toy to sew - you will need some gorgeous fabric that will do your design justice!

I highly recommend visiting online fabric store Duckcloth. They have the most beautiful printed fabrics at reasonable prices. Visit http://www.duckcloth.com.au/

I'm obsessed with their new range of Japanese fabrics, especially (from top) 'French Village Tea;', $26.50 per metre, 'Apples on Canvas', $28 per metre and 'Atelier Akiko', $24.50 per metre.

And if you're not a sewer, don't worry, why not simply stretch over a canvas and hang on the wall?

Feeling crafty

About once a year something ticks inside me and I feel the need to make stuff. I don't know what it is, and there is no particular pattern (pardon the pun) to it. Last year I was into framing all sorts of pictures and textures, the year before if there was fabric near me I would sew it, and the year before that I took 2 garment-pattern making courses, just because.

This year I can't decide what it will be. I feel the hum of the sewing machine calling, but I have also dusted off my old art easel and promptly set up a blank canvas on it. Perhaps my hobby-side will be in overdrive this year.

Or perhaps I can now blame my craft store/art store/fabric store obsessions on all the fabulous and inspiring blogs just bursting with creative ideas. I'm particularly into http://www.livingcreatively.com.au/ which has free pattern downloads for heaps of projects, things to buy and great reads. Check it out!

Lightly does it!

This new eco-friendly Giraffe from the ever-clever Melbourne design house, Lightly, is so gorgeous, and perfect for a modern style nursery.

It clips together, and would make for such a cute decor feature. One bub will love too - to see, but not touch!

Approx $150, visit http://www.lightly.com.au/ for stockists

The Baby Show! Giveaway!

The essential event for expecting parents, new mums and dads and for babies and toddlers, The Baby Show is shaping up to be a fabulous and practical day out.

At the Royal Hall of Industries, Moore Park in Sydney from 18-20th September, it will include experts' advice, products on show to try, things to test and buy and interesting seminars (including one on Pregnancy Style by yours truly)!

For more information, visit www.thebabyshow.com.au or call Ticketek 132 849.

GIVEAWAY!!! I have 10 double passes to The Baby Show, on Sunday 20th September, to giveaway. Be one of the first 10 people to email me at athomas@acpmagazines.com.au to win!

Instant update

Mums, Spring is here and really nothing excites me more than the thought of some fresh wardrobe additions!

Just received the latest from Witchery - a perfect one-stop-shop for a fashion fix. Great advantage if you are with-pram!

Love the blazer ('Slouch Boyfriend' $189.95)/dress ('Frill' $169.95)/heels ('Belinda' $169.95) look, especially for untrustworthy Spring weather changes... All available online at www.witchery.com.au

Country style

If you haven't seen this adorable brand yet, check it out now!

Vintage-inspired, but original pieces, for baby and toddler, Olive's friend Pop is a range of bonnets, aprons, smocks, capelets and more that are English-Country-cute.

Mums, Julia and Lea are the clever creators, with their inspiration being 'nostalgic play-wear'.

Visit www.olivesfriendpop.com to view the full range.

Fair's Fair

Lovingly crafted and ethically produced in the foothills of the Indian Himalayas, Eternal Creation is range of gorgeous baby and kids clothing that is completely fair trade.

All labour conditions, in the factory where the garments are made, is fair and ethical and its increased production has meant more jobs for the local people.

The boys' Bahama playsuit (pictured, $36.95) is a guilt-free - and very cute! - purchase. Visit www.eternalcreation.com.

Oh boy!

Dedicated to the youngest (and possibly cutest) man in your life, online store Mad About the Boy is the place to find a gorgeous little piece for your gorgeous little boy.

I love the Baobab blue racer hoodie, (pictured) $45.95. It has a funky, retro print and is made from a cotton knit fabric that's perfect all year round.

Plus there's lots more clothing, shoes, toys and accessories to choose from, all designed to make Mister's wardrobe cool from the get go!

Visit www.madabouttheboy.com.au

Neat!

Just stumbled on this little cutie this morning. 100% Organic cotton onesie by US company 'Winter Water Factory'. Love their sweet, illustrated prints, perfect for baby boy or girl.

Available (along with loads of other fabulous pieces) at My Messy Room, for $36, visit www.mymessyroom.com.au

New issue of Pregnancy & Birth on sale now

The September/October 2009 issue of Pregnancy & Birth magazine is on sale now. Read more at Mother and Baby.

Visit www.magshop.com.au or your local newsagent.

Packed full of essential information, real-life stories, and pretty fashions for Spring.

In the Mudd

Those eco warriers at Mudd Kids are constantly outdoing themselves on the vegetarian, organic and fair-trade front.

Their latest pieces are called 'Baby Soy', and are a range of super-soft, super-durable onesies, hats and bibs made from soy milk-pulp, tofu and other soy-based products. Also, the factory that produces them is green, using limited water and power.

It's so soft and guilt-free, it's being nicknamed 'vegetable cashmere'. Go Mudd!

Visit www.muddkids.com.au

My deer

I love the new season! Not only is the sun starting to show itself, but ranges of pretty pastels and blooming brights are beginning to hit my desk. One of my latest favourites is Bluebird & Honey. Its handmade-feel, felt appliques and vintage styling is just so cute.

Their new baby gift packs are a great idea too. The Fawn set is divine. For more information go to www.bluebirdandhoney.com - they also have a fabulous blog you can follow.

Divine inspiration

The Princess and the Pea online store feels like you are stepping straight into a story book. The selection of clothing for toddler, handmade toys, one-off homewares, and specially crafted furniture makes it a special place to shop.

I love their unique pieces, especially their books and vintage style stationery. 'Babies Rooms, from zero to three' by Judith Wilson (Ryland Peters & Small), $44.90 will make for fabulous inspiration for bub's nursery, or just as a pretty coffee table accessory. www.theprincessandthepea.com.au.

Give Grandma a tip off for this one!

Have your Cake

I can vouch for this one! Well, actually one of my best girl friends can. She gave birth to her beautiful daughter a few months ago and wore Cake Lingerie through pregnancy and has kept wearing it since her birth.

She said it's the mix of the bras being super comfy, super practical, and, well, very pretty that made them worth the recommendation.

Plus I have photographed them many times, and their fabric, design and construction are top quality.

The Choc Chip bra (pictured) is $64.95, visit www.cakelingerie.com.au

Making Memories

You probably have a million photos of your bub on your digital camera, but it's so tricky to get that wall-worthy snap you want to stick to the fridge, print on the Christmas card and set as your Facebook profile shot.

So I highly recommend employing the help of photographer extraordanaire, Kylie Rae. Her company Little Me specialises in baby, toddler, kids and 'bump' photography. She will work with you to find a location and look that suits you and your family. Check out www.littleme.com.au and book in for a very fun, very natural session with results you will love and keep forever.

Friday Favourite!

Check out these gorgeous new leg huggers from Huggalugs! The Legruffles are stretchy and rouched, come in gorgeous pastel colours and are perfect for keeping bub's and toddler's leggies warmies as toasties. Cute!

Plus they're super fashionable...and kind of a baby version of Sass & Bide 'Rats' leggings don't you think? Love!!! $17.95 per pair from www.huggalugs.com.au

Wall Flowers

Don't laugh, but I seriously want one of these for my wall! I miss my days of paper dolls and dressing Barbie! And I would have had an early love of interior design if I'd had one of these when I was little.

Mix & match and dress up these fabric 'Love Mae' wall-sticker, decal-dollies! The full set is $159.95 but smaller sets (pictured above) are just $39.95.

Available from The Hip Infant www.thehipinfant.com.au

For a little Prints...or Printscess!

I'm in a decorative mood this afternoon and these works by Printspace in Melbourne have given me an inspirational boost! Loving their layered colour, childlike lines and modern designs.

Inspired by their two little boys, Mara and Nicholas Girling turned their background of graphic design into an art collection perfect for any little-one's room. Prints are 8"x10" and $30 each.

What a gorgeous gift! Visit www.printspace.com.au Oh, and they also do gorgeous stationery!

Wondertime Aug/Sept issue

The August/September issue of Wondertime is on sale now!

Such a cute issue, with lots of fun stories, ideas, fashion, books and more. Perfect for parents of children aged 1-10 years.

On sale in newsagents and on www.magshop.com.au now.

Felt with Feeling

Aussie design extraordinaire Jodie Fried combines her love of interiors and soft furnishings with an impressive conscience towards fair trade with her brand Bholu.

Her divine pieces are crafted by traditional Indian artisans; occasioning patterns drawn by the children of communities Jodie frequents.

Bholu is climate neutral, funds educational facilities in India, donates back to the communities, and in 2008 won the NSW Telstra Business Award for Social Responsibilty. Phew! Oh and they were named in TIME magazine's Green Design 100 issue this year...

Did I mention I'm obsessed with their products? I own quite a few of their throw cushions and completely covet one of their new rugs! The Mavis the Monkey handtufted felted 100% NZ wool children's rug, $1850, would look so gorgeous in any nursery. Check out their range at www.bholushop.com

Merci Manon!

I visited the store manon et gwenaelle yesterday (Shop 2, 246 Palmer St, Darlinghurst, Sydney). It is a truly inspirational space. Virgine, it's brilliantly creative owner, imports baby clothing, toys and decor pieces from France, designs her own range of baby and children's wear called mamapapa and sources the best of Australian design too. Then she styles it all back with precious collectables and antique furniture.

It's all just divine - a perfect place to buy some pieces for your own bub or gifts for a very lucky friend. A little bit of Paris chic in the middle of Sydney - I walked out with a spring in my step.

And the best news - some of their winter pieces will be on sale in a couple of weeks. But mention my name (Alissa), and this blog, and you will receive the sale price right away! Magnifique!

Kinder Garden

Arrrghh! There are so many talented people out there! And there is quite the concentrate at Kindergallery.

Stocking gorgeous, original pieces of art for the nursery, kids rooms...or your own. My absolute faves are the works by Meredith Gaston.

A young, Australian artist with some of the most beautiful pieces I have seen. Her childlike lines blend with intricate watercolours and acrylics to form captivating, subtle stories. 'Floating with Feather' (watercolour, 14.85 x 21cm) is $315, from www.kindergallery.com.au (but be quick, they sell like hotcakes!!)

SHOPPING FOR BABY ON SALE NOW!

The 2009/2010 issue of Shopping for Baby is hot off the press and has hit the shelves! Hooray!

Pick up your copy from newsagents or at www.magshop.com.au for $9.95. It's packed full of everything you need for bub, plus loads of ideas, reads, advice and buys for yourself...

Baby's Got Style!

Today was freeeeeeezing! I wish I'd had a funky little padded vest like this one while I was out.

SOOKIbaby has seriously cute prints combined with really soft, quality cotton. The 'What A Hoot' zip-up jacket is $34.95 from Baby's Got Style.

Visit www.babysgotstyle.com.au to stock up on the best of baby fashion and more.

Drool Worthy

A cozy, knitted wool, elephant applique, machine-washable bib...I can't, personally, think of anything cuter.

I think bub should wear it as a fashion accessory though, rather than a bib. Kind of like a baby cravat. Hmm, perhaps the Masterchef judges would like one...they could do with a bib sometimes.

Elephant bib, $29.50, by And Me Too, www.andmetoo.com.au

A Chic Chic Bump

I was kind of disappointed when Nicole Ritchie had baby Harlow a year ago. Not because I don’t like her or because I find Good Charlotte’s songs irritating (actually I do), but because Nicole made pregnancy style so fabulous, chic and cool that I wished she could stay pregnant forever.

Her paparazzi shots in maxi, halter and strapless dresses, turned her baby bump into the fashion accessory of the season. And now, hurrah, she’s be-bumped again! I love this latest hippy-chic style, it looks like we’re in for months more matern-spiration. Get her look from Gypsy 05 at www.laila.com.au

Over the Moon

A week at home with the flu will do it to you, and I can bet months of carrying around a baby bump will as well. The lure of a relaxing getaway - it gnaws and scratches until finally you dash into a Flight Centre picking up brochures on the Maldives, Bali and the Whitsundays. Then, like me, you probably end up booking a weekend up the coast…but nevertheless.

If you are going to venture somewhere exciting I highly recommend taking along a LUXE City Guide. I took one with me to Phuket last year and discovered some of the most fabulous restaurants, bars and experiences, that I have since passed on to many friends. They have a guide to just about every holiday destination and are available at most major bookstores for about $17 each. www.luxecityguides.com

Tulle-flu

If you are blessed with a little girl, you may find that once she is old enough to dress herself, or have an opinion (whichever comes first), that she begins a fascination with tutus. Call it a deep-set psychological princess-fascination, or just the love of ‘twirling’, cases of toddlers-in-tutus is on the rise.

So, as fashion doctor, I diagnose the best treatment for tulle-flu is with one of these absolutely gorgeous Princess Ratbag Pettiskirts. I have photographed them many times, and, the designer tells me they literally fly out the door. Just be careful, because they are addictive and grown-ups have been known fall victim to the medium/large, which easily fits most adults. $80 at www.princessratbag.com

Catch of the Day

Two myths busted: baby shower games can be fun and beautiful baby shower stationery does exist.

Recently, my office threw a lunchtime baby shower for our art director who was due in a months time. We decided to play the "guess the baby photo" game, whereby each staff member brings in a baby picture of themselves and everyone has to guess who's who. On the morning, having realised I forgot to bring in my photo, I thought it would be funny to print out a celebrity baby pic and include it instead.

I did a search on Isla Fisher since we share a similar hair colour and printed a cute pic of her and baby Olive. As the guessing game heated up, I kept cracking up as I saw the printed out image of Isla. To my disbelief no one seemed to notice it was a paparazzi pic and instead I kept hearing, "ooh, who's mum looks just like Isla Fisher?". Bewildered, I ended up blurting "that is Isla Fisher"! to gasps and rolls of laughter from the room. Funnily enough, most people guessed it was me - though my Dad doesn't look anything like Borat.

To make your baby shower just as much fun start with these beautiful, painterly invitations from Poppies for Grace. The Baby Shower pack of 15 is $26.95. www.poppiesforgrace.com.au

Pram Spotting

One of my (slightly insane) obsessions is guessing the brands of prams being pushed by people around me. I guess it's kind of a niche version of 'how to judge a man by his shoes'. You can tell a lot by a person's choice in pram. Are they sporty, do they have twins, are they practical, are they design-lovers?

Anyway, I have noticed one recurring trend - mums and dads are happy to spend a fair bit of dosh on their bub-mobile. I have seen so many high-end, high-price-range strollers of late - perhaps we can thank our rudd-monies for that.

Sitting at number one for design, style and popularity must be the Mountain Buggy Urban Elite. I saw 2 today. In the same cafe. In the space of 10 minutes. The additional carrycot (pictured) is perfect for newborns, and comes with a fully enclosed wet-weather cover ($69.95). Stroller is $859.95 and Carrycot is $299.95 www.mountainbuggy.com

A Girl's Breast Friend

I visited my good friend and her brand new baby yesterday. After finally coming to terms with just how gorgeous she is and stopping obsessively saying, "but she is just so beautiful and tiny!", my friend and I started, naturally, chatting about shopping for baby - and new mums.

My friend admitted that finding decent threads to wear while nursing is even trickier than finding maternity wear. "There is hardly anything out there", she said, "and I still want to look nice!" Nursing a new bub is tricky enough without hating what you're wearing.

Anyway, after hunting around, 2 of my favourites are the Quack Maternity Hoodie (really soft jersey fabric, chic and practical design) and the 1 in the Oven Henley (flattering style, beautiful cotton, with in-built nursing bra). Perfect with jeans and a cute jacket or trench for this time of year. They are $99.95 each and both available from Queen Bee. Visit www.queenbee.com.au

Packed to the Giraffe-ters

I don't know what it is, but I'm mad for a giraffe print. Everyone in my office knows how much I love our tall, leaf-eating African friends. And I guess, seeing how babies and toddlers react to their long necks and caramel colouring makes them the perfect motif for all types of baby wares.

The Giraffe and Elephant Blanket by David Fussenegger is soft and cuddly with traditional blanket stitching. And since the elephant is my close second-favourite, this one is twice the fun! 100cm x 140cm, $84.95 from The Hip Infant. This site is packed with some of the best pieces you can find www.thehipinfant.com.au

Trunk to trunk

Ooh I love this fitted cot sheet by Q Collection Jr, New York! The pastel elephant print draws me in and then finding out it's 100% certified organic cotton gets me asking where I sign up. They are available exclusively from one of my favourite websites minieco. $49.95, check out www.minieco.com.au

pea in a POD

A cradle is a beautiful nursery piece for a newborn, especially since you can easily move it from room to room. The Seed Organic POD is divine. Apart from being completely organic, it's light and has a 100% breathable latex mattress - making it more comfortable and safer for bub. Once she grows out of it, The POD is a perfect place to keep fresh towels, baby products and soft toys. $349.95, visit www.babybaby.com.au 

Snug-as-a-bug-in-a-hug-a-bub

I recently shot a slings and carriers story for Shopping for Baby magazine (out June 29th!). For it, I tried on 7 different carriers to 'road-test' their benefits. Not being a mum myself, it was surreal to try them all on. I thought they were all good, however the Hug-A-Bub really, er, grabbed me. It felt so secure, so comfortable and is really easy to tie. Baby snuggles right in, with total head and neck support and it leaves your hands free. They are priced from $85 and come in various colours, visit www.hugabub.com 

Luna Luxe

Luna Gallery's blankets are among my favourite homewares in the whole world. I bought my Mum the large Tree blanket for her birthday and have bought numerous Tree cot blankets for baby showers and newborns. Their cotton blankets (pictured is the Cotton Spot Blanket, $139) are made in Australia using the finest natural fibres and are completely dream-worthy to touch because they . Visit www.lunagallery.com.au

Babushka Baby

Happy Mothers Day everyone! I just had to add Miss adorable handmade Babushka Doll by Meemoh. I have cuddled this one myself! Her blinking eyes, Amy Butler wallpaper-print fabric and felt details made me want one for myself. $49.95 from rudy and the dodo. Visit www.rudyandthedodo.com.au for lots of pretty and unique toys.

Vroom vroom

Wall decals are taking over the world, and good thing. The more homes we rent, the less permanent we can be with home-decorating. ferm LIVING have a beautiful range of interesting, unique and fun wall-stickers. I think little boys and girls will love the Rush Hour sticker $77. It has a mod, London feel, don't you think? www.fermliving.com.au

PureCute

One of my favourite baby wear brands is Purebaby. Their designs, colours and fabrics are gorgeous, and all their cotton is completely organic. I love the design of the Tree Onesie $29.95; and it's very hard to go past the too-cute red Swing Jacket $69.95. 'Red Riding Hood Chic' is the look for the season! www.purebaby.com.au

In Print

Welcome to the Shopping for Baby Australia blog! This is my very first blog entry ever, so please bare with me as I work out what to do! In addition to the 2009/2010 Shopping for Baby magazine we now have our very own Shopping for Baby blog! And what better way to begin than with the beautiful and sentimental designs from Lovestamp. Designers and creators of gorgeous personalised pendants so your cherished little ones can always be near your heart. The Heartling is $59 at www.madeit/lovestamp.com.au