The first time I saw Madpax I think my eyeballs popped out of my head, cartoon style.

Wowza!

Cartoon style is a good description of these fabulous backpacks. They look straight out of an animated adventure and that is just the start of what makes them so cool.

These spiky backpacks are sturdy and well constructed. Tough enough for a 7 year old boy to toss around. Fab enough for his teenaged sister to want to steal. Multiple compartments, a padded back and well padded shoulder straps (plus chest strap reinforcements) means they are comfortable to wear.

The spikes on these packs are soft and not at all dangerous. They just look bad. Bad in the good way.

MadPax make an awesome and thoughtful holiday gift for almost any kid on your list. They come in a variety of sizes and styles (choose from lunch box, toddler and big kid sizes).

Note: It’s not often I say this about my 7 year old son’s gear, but I’d nip this pack from him and wear it myself in a second if I thought he’d let me. My mac notebook fits inside his backpack perfectly. Not that I checked, while secretly hoping he’d reject this bag (no chance of that – he’s the envy of the entire 2nd grade).

No fair! I want one too!

Which brings me to another suggestion…. These bags would make awesome diaper bags.

If you’re ready for some eye popping style and ready to move beyond boring bags, check out Madpax. You won’t be sorry!

Disclosure: MadPax supplied a backpack for review. Now I have to buy three more!

ELLE Childrenswear takes us for a troll through Paris for fall and winter. Their 2011 collection brings forth a bit of fantasy mixed into winter essentials.

You’ll find plenty of artistic looks, tailored cuts and charming graphic prints in this collection. Must haves include shirt dresses worn over leggings adorned with little flowers or highlighted by water drop prints in shades of blue. Studded hearts decorate the back pockets of trousers and mini skirts. Dresses in flannel are highlighted by delicate sequins which can also be found on a cute black and white striped vest creating a trompe-l’œil effect.

This season’s chromatic palette goes through the range of indispensable blues, highlighted in glossy red and is dominated by ecru, black, blueberry and grey.

Source & Photos: ELLE

Known for their quirky and unusual designs, Marithé+François Girbaud has designed their fall kidswear collection with asymmetrical cuts, polka dots and bright colours, taking inspiration from “world fashion” and offering a very playful mix of materials and textures.

You may notice a bit of an army influence. Army and navy style items match up to create the perfect uniform, while stripes and polka dots clash. Femininity lies in the details: mylar, lurex and beads embellish tops, while lace trims decorate blouses. Asymmetrical knit cardigans replace coats, to be worn over an ultra patterned knit dress. Printed polka dots twirl on a jacquard dress with shoulder straps, skirts lace up…

The palette: midnight blue, verdigris, nude and purple, accented by lively bursts of bright cobalt.

Latino flavors and folklore are seen in pieces like their multicoloured down coat, in shimmering nylon with large checks. Embroidery is in style: on the flared hems of skirts, on collars or on dress trims. Trompe l’œil effects, appliqué work, detailing, as well as laces, ribbons and ties accent amethyst and fig hues contrasted with tones of fuchsia, chilli red and storm grey.

Grey, black and white outerwear can be found in variations like long or very short down coats in pearly grey highlighted with rhinestones bring a sparkle to the season, “cocooning” knits brightened by touches of lurex or dressed up by pom-poms and caps trimmed with fur.

Yes as in Jazzy tap shoes! The latest shoe trend to hit the children’s industry are those classic jazz oxfords for kids! According to WWD, they will be taking center stage this Fall 2011, and contrary to what you might believe, jazz shoes are anything but boring.

Mia adds an all-over leopard print, Paris Blues mixes bright and shiny silver with black, UnionBay creates theirs with an all-over plaid and Nina, jazzes (pun intended) them up with all-over gold glitter.

Finally, a different, original and fun trend to look forward to this Fall!

Photo Credit: George Chinsee and Robert Mitra

The most well-known name in the world of children’s fashions, Burberry, has a knack of getting every season just right. Their smart Autumn/Winter 2010 Childrenswear Collection is followed with a magical, fun and lighthearted campaign video, and visual still imagery that captures the innocence and magic of childhood.

The collection is quite similar to their Spring/Summer 2010 line, although the purples and pinks that were used for Spring have deepened turning to magentas and royal purples and the spring green has turned a delicate mossy shade. Sunshine peeks through with a few bright yellow pieces, tying everything together.

Coats, jackets, trenches, vests and outerwear can be found in abundance. I am loving every, single one of these pieces! Just take a look at that mini trench with it’s pleated bottom – chicness! Lambskin, shearling, nylon, warm wool, it’s all here. Burberry makes THE perfect coat period.

Of course as can be expected from Burberry, their classic Nova Check takes on many different variations. One of the most genius accessories for children this season, has to be the belt pictured above. The Nova Check is still used on the silver buckle, but in a very discreet manner, making it almost unrecognizable. Burberry makes the backpack classy with the navy blue piece above and just take a look at the heart purse!

The galoshes are toned down a notch compared to the brighter numbers earlier this season, and come in a softer more subdued tone. Infants and babies are taken care of as well with soft, cuddly hats, booties, jeans and cute one-piece outfits.

Sarah Michelle Gellar’s little girl, Charlotte Grace, looked as cute as can be in a wildlife inspired giraffe print shirt earlier this year. The tiny tot is about to turn one year old, but she already looks ready to party in her too cute outfit. The giraffe print is becoming a popular look this fall, replacing the wild cat prints that everyone wore over the summer. Dressing your little one in this look is almost too simple to do.

Giraffe print works on almost anything. Sweaters, jackets, baby hats, and even pants are all places where this fun animal print can show up. This Fall and Winter, there will be a dozen ways to wear giraffe.Go wild with an inspired jacket, or play it tame with a simple hair bow or headband.

One of the best things about the giraffe print is how versatile it is. Giraffe prints are neutral colors, so they work well with almost anything. You can pair, mix and match your baby clothes with touches of giraffe and she will almost always look great. And because giraffe print is not considered as sexy as some of the wild cat prints, parents can feel more comfortable going in this direction.

Of course, giraffes are not just for little girls! Boys can also get in on this fun print and look just as cute. While most boy clothes tends to shy away from wild animal prints, the simple giraffe is a look that crosses both genders. Whether you have a boy or a girl, or both, you can grab a few great baby clothes items featuring the giraffe print and put together a great outfit for your child.

Giraffe is the perfect look for autumn months. The deep browns just scream autumn, and the look is very toned down from the cheetah and leopard prints of the summer. Boys and girls can wear this look mixed with nearly anything and look great. If it’s good enough for Charlotte Grace Prinze, it has to be good enough for your little one as well!

By Summer Minor, mom and child fashionista for My Baby Clothes Boutique.

As a child, all of my best bribes came from my parents trying to coax me into getting dressed up.  In my dressed-down book, Mary-Janes and tights were only for annual holidays and I could never wait to shed them in favor of jeans or jammies.  The fashion-forward kids of 2010’s Fall Season, on the other hand, know that frills and faux fur are fabulous and are leading the charge in classing up back-to-school shopping.

A Colorful Twist on Plaid

Plaids are in this season.  Classics like Burberry and Tartan are being worn 21st century style—in vibrant color combinations such as lavender and fuchsia.  Colors are big all around this season—pinkalicious shades of raspberry and rose reign for girls this Fall.  Even boy’s clothing is featured in deeps reds and hunter greens.

Is This a Dance Store?

Walking through our familiar, local department store, my four-year old experienced a moment of confusion when first entering the Girl’s section.  “Are we in a dance store?” she asked.  Tutu’s are not just for ballet anymore!  Paired with trendy leggings, these top-performers rule the racks this season.

Faux Furs

Animals prints have made their way to the 10 and under crowd, with styles such as zebra boots and snakeskin-print pants becoming bestsellers.  Leopard prints are another favorite, along with cow print patterns and western motifs.  Animal patterns are fun for kids and just-subtle-enough when featured on accessory items like mini-handbags, headbands, hair clips, and belts.

Preschoolers haven’t been left out either.  Toddler clothes are featuring the animal prints, bright colors, and even western motifs.  Starting your little dudes and divas out right for the school year.

Goodbye to the T-shirt-and-jeans school uniform of seasons past. 2010 is all about dressing it up and hitting the books in style.  I would have made a fortune in bribes if I was still in school!

By Signe Whitson, as a mom of two little girls she knows the latest trends in children’s fashion.  She contributes her advice to My Baby Clothes Boutique.

Photo Credit: Petit Bateau

One of the hottest trends for fall this year is plaid. No longer the must-have look for lumber jacks and early 90s grunge rock, plaid is a fun style that kids of all ages can wear. If you would like to add a touch of plaid your children’s clothes, here are three simple ways to integrate this popular print into your kids’ back to school look.

1. Plaid shirt with solid pants

Plaid looks great on it’s own and does not need to be mixed up to make it pop. Choose a simple plaid shirt in fun and bold colors, then mix it with a pair of simple jeans or leggings. Try a bright orange and green plaid tunic over dark grey leggings, or a basic red and blue plaid button up shirt over dark wash jeans. It is just a fun print that you don’t need much else.

2. Use plaid with layers

Plaid shirts can be a great final piece in a layered outfit. Use bold, contrasting colors to create an eye catching look. Toss a purple and blue plaid shirt over a forest green tank top for a layered look that stands out and looks great. Or choose a softer neutral color tee under a bright plaid to tone down the look some. No matter how chilly it gets, a good plaid shirt can make a perfect extra warm layer.

3. Put plaid in unusual places

Everyone is going to be wearing plaid shirts this year. Help your kids stand out with touches of plaid where they are least expected. Sew or iron on plaid patches to jeans and jean skirts to give clothes an interesting touch that gets noticed. Try a plaid children’s hat or purse for your child to carry.  You can even let your kids’ funky sides out with plaid kid shoes.

Plaid is everywhere this fall, and school children are going to be enjoying the look a lot as the weather cools off. If your kids are begging for plaid go ahead and give in. The next fashion trend to sweep through might not be so simple and fun.

By: Summer Minor a fashion writer for My Baby Clothes Boutique.

Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott‘s son Liam, was recently seen heading out with an adorable t-shirt that sported a tie design printed on it. Ties, once a staple of stuffy old men in suits, are now making a come back in cool designs and funky prints. It may just be cool to wear ties. At least, for little boys.

Ties are no longer found in dark and plain shades. Even grown men can now find ties in every color and pattern under the sun. Wild colors that stand out, and even rebellious looks such as skulls and animal prints makes the basic tie even cooler.

Necktie shirts are great for little boy clothes because rather than featuring a real tie, that can become tangled and knotted around a child’s throat, they have a much safer, and often much cuter option – a  screen printed image of  the classic accessory on the front. Like Liam’s fun shirt that featured a tie half undone and skewed, screen printed tie designs can come in an assortment of looks.  Baby onesies are now featuring hand sewn fabric ties, you are never to young to be dapper.

A cute tie shirt can work for a little boy of any age, and any occasion. Add a fun tie shirt on the way to church for an nontraditional look that still feels classic. Or match a wild tie design with jeans and sneakers before heading out to the park. Many boys will be sporting this look as school begins again. Being dressed for success never looked so fun!

Kids have the ability to take ordinarily stuffy fashions and bring them to life with fresh patterns and styles. The necktie is just one more great example of a new take on an old look. Thank goodness for kids and their bubbling over personalities giving the formal look a wild twist to children’s clothes.

By Summer Minor, a mom who knows children’s fashion.  She writes and consults for My Baby Clothes Boutique..

Photos courtesy of My Baby Clothes Boutique

Mooooove over leopard and cheetah, the newest animal print love is the humble cow! Sure, they’re big and bulky and not very exotic, but kids adore these sweet creatures more than the jungle cats that the adults are hunting. Want to make your toddler smile? Skip the wild and go straight for the cow.

Cow print seems to be covering everything this year. Baby girl dresses, baby hats, and even baby shoes are mimicking the black and white spots of the typical Holstein. There is just no escaping that cows are getting a lot of attention this fall. Luckily, it is a cute that looks adorable on practically any child.

Maybe it is the nostalgia of fall. Apple harvests and pumpkin patches take us back to the farm. At least in or minds. There is no better image of laid back farm life than the beloved cow, giver of milk, cheese, and cream. as the weather turns cooler, more and more cow inspired children’s clothing are sure to show up.

Of course, if you thought the humble cow look would be simple and sweet, think again. Cow print baby clothes are not going to be outdone by their wilder animal kingdom competition. Ruffles, stripes, and splashes of the bold two-tone print can add a funky look to clothes and hair bows. Your toddler does not have to give up style to wear the cow print this fall.

The best thing about cow print is that any child can wear it, boys and girls. You can find cow inspired fashion for both your son and daughter this fall that will make them both look adorable. There is no reason not to add a few fun cow print accessories to your shopping cart this fall. Even baby will love a new cow print accessory to cart around.

This fall, forget the typical jungle animal prints and go for something closer to home. Snuggle up with some cow themed toddler clothes and enjoy just how sweet and fun this animal can be.

By Summer Minor, fashion consultant for My Baby Clothes Boutique.