What a glorious Autumn afternoon picnic we had to help showcase some of our gorgeous girls designer clothing online at La Torina,and in our shop in Bath Lane Bendigo.  The day was perfect; a warm day that started cooling off in the afternoon.  The glorious Autumn colours of a golden pallet and a perfect backdrop and setting at Chateau Dore Winery in Bendigo.

I loved styling this shoot and used the inspiration from many books and a few inspiring people I have been so lucky to come into contact with, including Sharnel Dollar Designs, (where this gorgoues table cloth was made)  Bubble and Sweet and “Missy Tiana”, to name a couple. 

The adorable little models  (all customers kids) were radiant and had lots of fun, thank you to Meg, Jayde, Matisse and Tiana and their mums who came along.  A huge Thank You to Chateau Dore Winery for allowing us to shoot at this amazing place and to Alison at Lollypop Photography for yet another gorgeous shoot and photo’s.

What a stunning classic photo.  The magestic Jaguar car is perfect for the setting, and brides-to-be who are looking to get married should check out Chateau Dore (and you need to book in early) have an opportunity to use one of their gorgeous cars on the day!  Chateau Dore is a wonderful place for any special occasion.

Tiana looks quite regal here playing the cello, wearing a Mini Treasure kids dress called “Hayley” $89.95, which also comes in a stately red tonings  as well.  Sweet Meg is wearing another Mini Treasure Kids dress called “Ebony flocking dress” $89.95 (also comes in chocolate), that matches in with the Mini Treasure Kids black Allira leggings $39.95 (which also come on cream).  Little Meg is wearing a Tippie Toes Couture headband $19.95. 

 Mini Teasure Kids is an Australian kids fashion clothing designer label that’s fast becoming a head spinner and noticed not only in Australia but also abroad.  The quality is simply stunning, with dresses being lined and adorned with quality materials and trims.  Girls and boys designer clothing from 000 – 12 yrs old.  Can check them out online at La Toriana.

Myrtle & Grace  make their debut at La Toriana this week, and we just love this girls designer clothing collection, that we just know you will too. Its a high end kids fashion label thats sure to make a mark in the Australian Childrens Fashon industry

Many of the Myrtle & Grace designer children’s wear are   **exclusive **    to La Toriana including the Milla dress above.  The softest  Hail Spot Cotton with silky satin trim tie and bias with hand dyed vintage style lace trim hem in white or ivory tea. So soft, quality, and definitely makes a statement in the vintage inspired girls clothing arena.  I especially love the fact Rachael, the designer from Myrtle and Grace is a ‘local” and we plan to catch up often and bring you exciting and exclusive designs we just know you are going to love, plus an interview with the designer  herself coming up to hear about what inspires her creativity.

The  “Milla Dress”  $59.95, is perfect for girls 6 months up to 10 years.  Comes in a soft white with white, elegant lace on the trim, and satin tie ribbons at the shoulder.  Also comes in a soft cream/ivory colour with a delicate ecru elegant lace trim on bottom.  Ideal as  a special occasion dress, flowergirl dresses, christening, Christmas dress, birthday and confirmation and communion dress.   The Milla dress, plus the pretty Pink “all things nice” dress and a couple special delights will be in store the start of August ready for Spring/Summer season. Watch out for new releases soon and you can pre order by sending me an email at info@latoriana.com.au telling me what colour style etc you are after.  We have already sold 3 dresses since our release photo on facebook for confirmation/communion dresses.

Must be feeling sentimental (again..!!) and penned this above piece whilst I had a day at home on my own,  looking through lots of stunning children’s designer clothing photo’s from the last couple shoots with Alison from Lollypop photography … and my own little baby!

I cannot believe my little baby is growing up so quick.  She will be 9 years old this year…. time has really flown fast. I love the fact that Tiana loves classical music, and she definitely has an ear and flair for it. 

Tiana is modelling the Esther dress by Myrtle and Grace, “A little bit of vintage” designer girls clothing label designed and MADE in Australia. 

This dress  that Tiana is modelling above is an   **exclusive**   dress to La Toriana,  the “Esther” from Myrtle & Grace, $59.95, available in size 6 mths to 10 years.   This Australian children’s clothing designer uses only quality materials, trims and laces, with many hand dyed fabrics and styles that are unique.  Many of the girls designer dresses are transeasonal that are pretty on own in the warmer weather, and pretty plus functional when  layered in the cooler weather.  Available now **LIMITED EDITION** instore and on the La Toriana website.

It’s elegant, relaxed and has a real vintage appeal.  Tiana also loves this Esther dress (though not as much as her shorts, tees and gumboots), which is great we agree.  I love the lace and ribon and of course the rose  pattern material.  We BOTH love roses !

The headband is ivory rosette from Tippie Toes Couture and was a real hit amongst all the girls on the day.  It comes in 3 colours, a rose/blush pink, an antique white and a soft latte colour.  $19.95 and comes in 3 sizes to suit girls of all ages. 

The Three Little Trees Winter kids fashion collection for 2011 is nothing short of gorgeous.  Here Matisse models the VERY popular Melbourne dress $49.95 teamed with the charcoal footless tights $19.95.  I LOVE this colour for Winter and its proven to be one of the most popular girls designer clothing for the season by Three Little Trees.  My Fav however is the pink Manhattan dress that Meg is wearing here.  Its a knit dress $54.95 and really is a transeasonal item.  Also goes brilliantly with the charcoal footless tights from Three Little Trees. 

Matisse looks amazing here, and Alison has caught a magical moment that’s just beautiful. The matching rose headband is truly a gorgeous match top this dress by Small Society.

Another debut kids fashion designer clothing label to La Toriana this season is Small Society.  I fell in love with this dress as soon as I saw it.  Its the Earth dress and available in the 2 colours, a blush dusky pink and a soft grey/green. This dress can be worn in summer and also layered for winter, and when it gets short for a dress can be worn as a longer top.  The adjustable button feature at the back allows for growth and is a clear winner this season at $59.95.  Matisse above also wears the Tippie Toes couture rosette headband in blush pink, $19.95.

I must thank “Esther” who helped sew up my buntin when I had no sewing machine and little time.  The materials are all remnants from when i was making my very first nursery exactly 10 years ago in May, it was for the twin girls room… and I had packed it all away, in a sealed box which I recently returned to.  Its also mixed in with pieces of materials left over from some of Tiana’s clothes and cushions from when she was born, so its truly a very special bunting full of love and memories.  When I was cutting it out I was wanting something that was different, special and full of meaning… this was perfect and gorgeous Esther helped make it all come together… THANK YOU gorgeous Esther!

Thank you to all the models, Alison at Lollypop Photography, Chateau Dore, the models mums and the supermarket who made the cake.  (Sorry, I really need bubble and sweet down this way! but alas can you tell what type of cake it is?)

 Also thanks to the designer kids clothing businesses listed above, as these all are gorgeous Winter collections of designer kids clothing in Australia in 2011, and I am so proud to be able to showcase them at La Toriana online and in store.  

Shop 5 Bath  Lane, Bendigo

&   Online  www.LaToriana.com.au

La Toriana are fast becoming a leader in providing stylish, affordable quality premmie baby clothing, premmie baby comforters and premature baby accessories to family and friends touched by the birth of a premmie baby. we also cater for kids up to ages 12 years in Australian nd New Zealand kids fashion and designer kids clothing online.

At La Toriana we have a dedicated category for premmie babies called“Premmie Baby” online on our website.

We have one of the largest and most stylish, affordable collection of premmie baby clothing, premature baby gifts and newborn baby keepsakes available to buy online. If you have a baby born early, or are a friend/family looking to give a premmie baby gift… contact me and I can help you to choose the right baby gift for them.  We are only a click and phone call away.

Just want to thank everyone who responded to our call out about your Christening day, and to help share some of your special day.  There is so much inspiration to other mums who may be thinking what to do for their own little baby’s christening.

Bec here shares her special moments of Leni’s special Christening.

……………………………………………………………….

~ words by Bec~

 - We had her baptised at Cathedral where we also were married

 - Used a candle from our wedding and some beading from my bouquet to make her baptism candle

  - Dressed her in a non-traditional outfit of crème/gold and blue satin ruffle dress with a fur trim cardigan – absolutely stunning outfit which I hope for her to treasure forever!!

- Robs brother and sister and my two sisters were god parents (although one of my sisters couldn’t be there as she was travelling around Australia)

- Invited immediate family and close friends who will always be in Leni’s life for the celebration

- A lunch was held afterwards where we feasted on great food, good company and yummy cake that was especially designed and made for Leni

- Some  presents she received was Bunnykins feeding sets, a charm bracelet that spells her name with the charms, swarovski crystal rocking horse, silver cutlery with her name engraved on them. We have also nicknamed her ‘diva’ and Caitlin (one of her god parents) tracked down a cabbaged patch doll with ‘diaper diva’ on it’s t-shirt and changed its birth certificate to Leni. Very cute and something she will hold onto forever!

 Thanks Bec… I have to say… the Christening gown is totally gorgeous!!  Definately an heirloom christening gown… where ever did you get it?   Thanks again for sending in your pics from the La Toriana facebook call out… and certainly lots of inspiration here for others.

Great baby Christening gift ideas above. 

 Gorgeous satin and organza clips from Princess Allure, Gorgeous High End baby fashion magazine “Little ONE baby” magazine subscription,  Little Pearls for Little girls, genuine cultured pearl jewellery made for little girls, Alimrose Design baby gifts, Tippie Toes Couture have sweet girls clothing like this Hollie Hobby singlet and the gorgeous Nanny Pickle Organic baby wear.  At La Toriana shopping online for baby clothinga nd baby gifts has never been easier.  We look forward to welcoming you today

 warmly   Elizabeth xx

 La Toriana’s FACEBOOK  Profile       

2009 saw many Australian and New Zealand designers in baby and kids fashion, release some brilliant kids clothing.  These designers are extremely talented and we are very proud to be able to showcase their work online at La Toriana.

There was a frenzy for Tea Princess with their Winter girls designer clothing collection in 2009. The designer children’s scarfs and hats especially were so popular with  Australian mums that Tea Princess had to back into manufacturing for more!  I think my favourite of the Winter Tea Princess was the pants!  I actually popped aside a couple larger sizes as I loved them so much!  So soft and easy to wear!

We saw the introduction of Princess Ratbag Pettiskirts  at La Toriana. These pettiskirts are an absolute favourite amongst all.  Looks gorgeous on babies to adults.  We have seen our customers purchase the Princess Ratbag pettiskirts for  their daughters christening dresses, birthday party outfit, Christmas dress and for dress ups too.  We have seen them in wedding parties where the little flowergirls look adorable too!  Have you seen our blog post recently where our facebook customers and fans sent in pics of their little ones in Princess Ratbag pettiskirts?

A firm favourite this year has been the ever delightful designer collection of girls wear from TikiBoo Kids.  The Antique Rose collection has been a super hit in 2009 and we have some avid followers of this Australian designer baby and kids fashion label, so watch out for more gorgeous designs. Where kids should be kids and dress like kids!

Late December we saw the the gorgeous designer kids wear from YmamaY?  hot the shores of Australia. This New Zealand designer kids label is nothing short of unique and stunning.  So classy, stylish and very affordable in designer kids clothing ranges.  A special outfit for your special little one.  This is definitely one label you will want to know more about.  The good news?  They have stylish boys wear that I am happy to put in the La Toriana boutique… and that says a lot!

The ever popular Vanchi saw a few new additions to their designer nappy bag range.  Many new mums are ditching the “baby look” nappy bags and going for stylish and, classy, practical and affordable nappy bags.  Vanchi has all this and more and mums out there have really started to notice.  This is one nappy bag that looks like a designer handbag, but still comes equipped with a co ordinating change mat, bottle thermos, dummy safe wet pack and ample pockets, zips etc.  This just has to  be THE nappy bag for classy mums on the go.  (My baby is 7 years old now, but I still use a Vanchi bag as my every day bag.  The bottle thermos tuned into a zippered pencil case and enclosed paper for outings at restaurants, the dummy safe is the BEST EVER coin purse, and I love all the compartments)

 Alimrose is always the first port of call when anyone wants to purchase a baby gift online.  This Australian business is totally gorgeous.  Here at La Toriana we have tried to keep up with the demand in the baby rattles, baby hand squeakers, booties and bibs!  This year the matching Alimrose bib, booties doll rattles and hand squeakers have been brilliantly popular!  Though still hasn’t topped the firm favourite (same as last year) the coco the cat range.  The musical cat, the hand squeaker and rattles.  This is just a classic I guess… and am off to order more…

Ahhh.. you are never too young to have your first set of pearls.  Little Pearls for LIttle Girls  have always been a very popular baby gift for a new baby girl.  Many are purchased online at La Toriana for Christening gifts, baby gifts, flowergirl presents and junior bridesmaid jewellery.  2009 saw the release of the PINK fresh ater pear bracelet and necklaces to their collection.  Mums, aunties and grandmothers (and of course everyone else) can now choose between the ever popular white fresh water pearls and now pink.  A very popular gift for newborn baby girls to 12 years.

Tabitha Emma’s designs  are whimsical. playful and nostalgic.  The perfect gift for little girls and for mums too.  The cupcake purse and chocolate cake purse have been viewed so many times at La Toriana, and are so proud to be showcasing a very talented up and coming designer at La Toriana.  This young Australian designer must be well liked also in the BIG NAME circles though was a shame what what happened by well known Alannah Hill.   Read more here.   Tabitha Emma designs have been well received throughout 2009 and many little fashionista’s received these purses for Christmas. 

Us Australians love cooking and especially love BBQ’s.  Ogilvies Designs  was introduced in 2009 and what a gorgeous Australian label!  The dad and me designer BBQ aprons for dads and their kids was a real winner… selling out a couple designs in record time.  The mums and me was also popular and who couldn’t go past the Kids Christmas aprons.  Yep… this is a very popular designer label for kids that’s sure to be a name you will be proud to tell all your friends… and buy presents for!!

They must breed a lot of talented people up in Queensland!  Wild Things Of Noosa is also another gorgeous designer who has been popular here at la Toriana.  Seeing a huge surge in popularity, we feel so proud to be one of the few stocking this Australian designer fashion label for babies and kids online. Proudly showcased through La Toriana is national glossy magazines such as Shop 4 Kids, My Child magazine and Little One Baby magazine, its highly reguarded across the nation. Wild things Of Noosa is high quality, unique and I am extreenmly impressed with their design, quality fabrics and colours.  We look forward to showcasing more in 2010.

The Premmie baby catagory online at La Toriana has definitely been a passion of mine in 2009. So much so that we even have a designated section on our BLOG as well. The Tummy Bear premmie baby keepsake dolls were a massive hit with dozens going to families all across Australia.  The Earlybirds range is a staple favourite and ever popular as baby gifts for premature baies as well as the ideal premmie baby clothing to start with.  The Early birds range also include an organic premature baby clothing collection that’s fast becoming very popular.  Teeny Weeny prem baby clothes has given families and friends of premature babies the choice away from the traditional pink, white and blue.  With their contemporary colours and patterns that many parents are looking for.  we have sold so many of these, so that sure tells us that the uniqueness and the price (VERY affordable) is what parents of premmie babies are looking for.   Lambykins collection that was released in 2009 of organic premmie baby clothing is so beautiful.  Full of quality, grace and meaning… each garment has its own poem attached, and of course all are designed with the ease of dressing in the NICU, SCBU and at home.  We cannot forget The ZAKY either.  A premmie baby and newborn positioning pillow that gives the baby comfort to rest and sleep all whilst you don’t have to be there to pat them or hold them.  Mums can hug the Zaky to your own body to give baby the scent of you to help give your baby a peaceful, and calming sleep. The best ever comforter to cuddle and keep close with mums scent though just has to be the Cuski!  This is well loved by premmie babies to toddlers.  come in a cream, red, pink, blue and green

What a year 2009 was for La Toriana.  We have had such a heartfelt and warm response from all our customers and blog readers.  A very special THANK YOU to all our beautiful and wonderful suppliers, whom many have become amazing good friends that I know we will be friends for years to come.  THANK YOU.  A very BIG thank you to the editors of magazines and the wonderful journalists of newspapers papers who have embraced La Toriana and given so much valuable advice, tips and direction.  I know I would not be where we are right now without the wonderful support of the few who have supported us.

A VERY BIG thank you to our facebook friends too… many of the gorgeous photo’s, tips and kids recipes in our BLOG, especially the KooL KidZ section comes from customers and facebook friends… so thank you, and please keep them coming!

Wishing EVERYONE a very special 2010, may it be filled with angel wishes and pooh bear hugs, be full of love and laughter and special memories.  Please be safe over the coming months and be kind to others.  I truly believe in the philosophy of karma and the amazing things that life has to offer are all good.  Embrace them.

Take time to play and be happy, to laugh and make friendships.  Its the simplest things in life that make us happy.  Look to the stars and take one step at a time…

 warmly

elizabeth xx

 La Toriana’s FACEBOOK  Profile       

Yep… this is a great project the kids can help with in the kitchen ready for Christmas!  I can almost hear their sqeals of delight and see the look of satisfaction on their faces!   Doesnt this look FANTASTIC!!

so… after you have gone shopping online at La Toriana for all your baby clothing, designer kids outfits and baby gifts for Christmas, print out this recipe and start maing your own wonderful truffle cake for when guests arrive. 

They will be so impressed.  Its something the kids and you can do together… make sure you take a photo too…. and soon you will well known in your circle of family and friends for wonderful recipes!!

I cannot take the credit for making this, though my 7 yr old and I made one and was so easy!  here is the place to get gorgeous recipes like this from.

1 large sheet of firm white cardboard
375g packet white chocolate Melts, melted
150-170 white chocolate Lindt Lindor balls, paper removed
flowers to decorate  (or any decoration you choose)

  METHOD

diameter on the cardboard and cut a large wedge out of the cardboard slightly less than 1/3 of the size of the circle. Make a cone from the cardboard. (The cone should be about 35cm high.)

Staple ends together and tape over the staples. The wider the wedge of cardboard the wider the finished cone will be. Cut a smaller wedge for a thinner cone.

Brush the cone all over with some of the melted chocolate. Secure to a board or serving plate with a little more chocolate. Dip each ball in a little of the chocolate and place around the base of the cardboard, ensuring a little of the chocolate is between each ball so they will stick together when dry.

Continue ‘glueing’ the balls to the cone in layers until you reach the top. There will be some gaps in each layer so you will need to trim the sides of some balls to fit.

Decorate with flowers. If using fresh flowers, decorate close to serving.

Great recipes like this can be found here

mmm yummy… ENJOY!

warmly

elizabeth xx

 La Toriana’s FACEBOOK  Profile       

Featured BLOG

Charlipopkids is a great website… and has some amazing clothes.  We all know you love the Australian and New Zealand kids designer clothes and thats why you come to La Toriana… but every now and again I love to find something “exotic” and ‘Unique”.    The ever so gorgeous Kathryn always has something that I am looking for.

Charlipopkids is a unique online boutique that caters for all.  The 3 concept stores are all linked in so you can buy anything you like!.

• Charlipopkids designer
• Charlipopkids preloved
• Charlipopkids treasures

My recent purchase from Charlipop kids was a few items that are adorable.  The “ME TOO” kids designer brand, from the Netherlands is bright, bold and just what we were looking for for Tiana to wear on our next holiday. The gorgeous prints and fabrics are to die for.. the price.. well I just had to buy more! Even better Tiana loved the bright floral colours…. felt like she was on holidays she said!

Kathryn, the owner was also featured recently in the ever so gorgeous magazine  Essential Child. you can jump on here and see the whole article! An excellent interview!

I also must admit the photographer Kat uses for some of her kids clothing ranges are amazing. Amanda Keeys photography … is ever so cool and talented.

I now have my eye on the Minymo kids clothes … tough decision to make here… this (below in pink) is what I am thinking of getting Tiana….  is so cute!  Minymo is a danish kids wear company for kids 0 – 12 yrs.   Stylish and great quality.  If you are looking for the latest in overseas kids fashion… let Kat show you about CharlipopKids.

I love the fact too that I can shop and wander and look at what other great overseas baby and kids clothes are like.  Its a magical, fun and colourful world at Charlipopkids…..

go on and check it out… oh  and say from me whilst you are there!  Kat is a wonderful friend… might just have to pop up to sunny Coffs and say hello myself one day soon!

warmly

Elizabeth  xx

With the recent New York Fashions on, we were amazed to be recognised as Australia’s Best Online baby and kids Boutique.  New York officials were praising La Toriana’s online baby/kids boutique globally and La Toriana’s reputation has certainly soured.

The officials quoted  “Excellent online baby and kids designer clothes showcasing Australian and New Zealand designers in baby clothing and kids designer clothing.  You really must check out www.LaToriana.com.au “

This was broadcasted nationally on TV, radio networks and the internet.   We are inundated with calls and media interviews right across the world now.

The New Yorkers loved La Toriana’s online baby boutique so much infact that we are the face of this weeks billboard in the Big Apple Square.  Wow….  amazing huh!  Can you believe it….?

hey… dont get too excited….. its only a dream….. made with the help of  photofunia .

Certainly had me amused for a little while and made me wonder …. and laugh!

warmly

elizabeth xx