Top 25 Kids' Style: 2 of 8

What inspired you to start blogging?

Julia: My little sunshine, naturally. My initial panic over having a boy had been replaced by an anticipation of the challenge. It’s amazing how dramatically the boys’ fashion landscape had changed during the last 5 years. I know, this had become an extremely overused statement but it truly was “Mission Impossible” to satisfy my style cravings for the boys’ clothes and shoes on a tight budget. I refused to settle for “boys colors”, boxy fit and sports’ appliqués. I had no choice but to set out on Boys Be Cool style crusade with an ambitious goal to change the bleak landscape of the boys’ fashion. A little over a year later the vision of unique and one of a kind style and shopping resource where the boys rule, and style conscious parents get the valuable information on what to buy, where to find unique, awesome and affordable duds for their boys and how to style the most dapper and hippest outfits had materialized. An amazing Shannon Everett – Goldberg who recently joined Boys Be Cool shares my passionate conviction that boys and style are not mutually exclusive and you don’t need to be a celebrity to dress your kid like a star.

How do you keep up with the latest kids' fashions and being a mom?

A severe lack of sleep and lots of caffeine. I do a lot of research and writing when the little tsunami is finally off to the dreamland and work until my brain goes on a strike. I steal every moment to check fashion, men’s and industry magazines and start my mornings with opening a gazillion of subscription e-mails from various stores, blogs and style and shopping resources to stay on top of the fashion news and trends. It gets really overwhelming sometimes, and I am in permanent awe of the Supermoms, like Melissa Nash of Knuckleheads, Elina Furman of A-List Moms, Nadia Carriere of Child Mode and many others (my list can go on and on) who juggle their booming businesses and kids so effortlessly and look stunning!

What are three things parents should think about when styling their kids?

I actually wrote a Style Manifesto and Rules for Boys Be Cool, where the main postulates of styling are laid out, but if I had to pick just 3, then I would definitely go for:

1. Quit the Matching Game. Loosen up! It’s the little boys we are talking about. Mix the colors, mix the patterns. Experiment!
2. Break the Rules. Create the occasions; do not follow them! The “casual dressy” trend, currently sweeping the fashion world is the perfect opportunity to utilize all the unused clothes bought for the special occasions. 
3. And the bottom line - Have Fun. If your boy does not feel like squeezing into this stunning ensemble you have concocted, do not force him. Offer him a choice (carefully orchestrated by you, naturally) or just let him experiment. Embrace his choices even if he clips neckties and bow ties on his t-shirts.

What are your three favorite posts?

1. Casual Dressy 101 a La Bonpoint – How to Style Boys’ Day to Evening Outfits
2. California Boho Style Outfits, inspired by Levi McConaughey
3. Boys’ Runway Fashion Looks for Less

What inspired you to start blogging?

Our blog is a natural extension of our business SISSY+MARLEY. We wanted to share our sense of style and what we love with our clients and readers.

How do you keep up with the latest kids' fashions and being a mom?

Easy, we don't sleep.

What are three things parents should think about when styling their kids?

1. Let your children celebrate their own sense of style
2. Functionality and practicality
3. Longevity

What are your three favorite posts?

1. Bon Point 
2. Crewcuts
3. Zara 

What inspired you to start blogging?

I was a stay-at-home mom with my twin babies, and when they slept, I hopped on the web to keep in touch with the world outside. I was a web designer in a previous incarnation, so it was a familiar environment to me. Blogging was just getting started 7 years ago, and at first I wasn't sure of the point of it, but, needless to say, I soon discovered blogs that inspired, empowered and informed me in ways that other mediums couldn't match. I love that the knowledge and experiences that individuals have can be expressed through blogging. It's personal, and that makes each blog unique and special!

How do you keep up with the latest kids' fashions and being a mom?

My blog, KidStyleFile. I'm very lucky that I know have a great team of writers and researchers to help keep me in the know (meet the team here). The different viewpoints and aesthetics of these wonderful women brings a rich diversity of discoveries to KidStyleFile and makes dressing kids effortless for our readers -- me included!

What are three things parents should think about when styling their kids?

1. Comfort -- it's got to be comfy, or it's not worth it. Kids need to be able to move; run, jump and play; without restriction.
2. Colour -- bring it on! Colour affects mood, so colour your kids happy.
3. Creativity -- let your imagination -- and your child's -- run free. Learning to dress yourself so you feel good is a life skill. Experimentation leads to satisfaction.

What are your three favorite posts?

This is a very hard question to answer - there are so many favourites! My top 3 all-time? Maybe: 

1. Paperwings - I am a huge fan of this Australian label. The styling is so strong and fun and the quality is outstanding. Designers Michelle and Jason really have vision.
2. Oobi Baby & Kids - the number 1 favourite boutique baby and kids label in Australia, Oobi punches way above its weight. Designer Alex Riggs is such a beautiful person; her personality is imbued in her designs and you can really feel it. It looks great, and makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside.
3. Baobab - another personal favourite of mine, Baobab has all the ingredients I love for kids: colour, form, quirk and comfort. I love the interviews we do on KidStyleFile - while we blog about style, it's the people behind the labels who are really important. This interview with Baobab designer, and all-round great girl, Belinda Blooman is one of my favourites.