Who's Inside Our Christmas Attic?

Collating the designers for our Christmas market was so much fun, there's so many hidden gems out there who create such beautiful things!

We can't give too much away but here's a sneak peak into our December market. I say this but I am the one that buys birthday presents and tells the recipient what the present is before their birthday! Yep, I get sooooooooo excited that I have to tell!

Love these handmade ones piece creatians by Madi & Me and handmade tags by Central Coast designer Heidi Dizon!

A Devine Day At Allies

We couldn't have asked for better weather on Saturday for our launch market. A gorgeous venue, an array of talented designers and lots of beautiful things to look at and yes take home.. I thought I was very wise in leaving the cards at home until I decided to borrow thy husbands and buy a treat or two for little Izac...

Devine and delightful were our designers who supported our launch, and many a whisper did I hear amongst our customers eagerly browsing and saying how pretty it all looked...Just look at these beautiful items pictured here by Karimu

And this is just a taste of what's yet to come at our Christmas market just around the corner.. don't miss our exciting Paddington Market Sat 12 December at Paddington Town Hall.

Handmade Heaven Comes To Hunters Hill

Finally months of preparation is here and we CAN'T wait for Saturday to come. I feel almost like a little girl about to open her presents Christmas morning.. all that excitement awaiting!

All is set for a fantastic day this Saturday. Lovely Sarah Daphne Foo will be performing throughout the day and wait until you hear how sweet her voice is. I recently spotted her at Handmade Market down in Canberra and just had to tell her all about Allies! Wonderful she is that she agreed to perform at ours. We're booked to capacity with a talented array of Australian designers ready to showcase what's hot this season.

We know you'll love items like this pair of Lelli Kelly shoes pictured here and wait until you see our other designers.

See you there on Saturday!

10am-3pm
Hunters Hill Community Church
Cnr Ferdinand & Alexandra St Hunters Hill NSW 2110

Moo Bear For Mummies

Can't tell you enough how amazing Moo Bear Designs are! Based in Sydney's suburb of Summer Hill, Moo Bear are a house of creative genius. Originally I found their website surfing the net sourcing creative designers and never did I imagine just how much they would be apart of the creation of Allies Attic.

Creative they are, just look at these funky little Aprons with our logo's that our Helpers will be wearing at our markets. And of course they don't stop there. As well as creating our Banners Moo Bear do so much more.

Inspired by their children, Moo Bear Designs create funky stylish clothing for baby and kids each one using recycled fabrics making them original and unique. Their range is 100% cotten and free of harmful chemicals. Love their very cool new summer range with funky new designs.

Stand Out From The Crowd

Must be the week for the inner Rock Star in me bursting to come out... On Sat Allies Attic is off to Baby Loves Disco to sponsor the Magical Massage Chamber.. really looking forward to the amazing vibe it promises to be. Madi & Me have also kindly donated a $50 Voucher to give away to the Best Dancer on the day.. we might just find the next "So You Think You Can Dance" star yet... Sat's excursion must be guiding me to all things funky just like the Cheeky Chickies clothing range (also pictured here).. suits the occasion yes?

We love all things bright and Cheeky Chickies, an ultra modern Australian clothing line is 100% certified by organic cotton not to mention the fact that bright colors is always a good way to spot your little Miss or Mr in a crowd! Their stylish 09/10 for children aged 0-4 reads like a choose your own adventure novel as their designs and color palette suit the bright and individual personalities of every little chickie.

Cheeky Chickies don't do subtle, they do loud and stand out from the crowd. Perfect for summer!

Does Your Baby Love To Boogie?

Imagine a place where parents could go with kids into a hip dance space? Something like you've never experienced, Baby Loves Disco is slowly but surely transforming the hippest night clubs into child-proof discos as toddlers, pre-schoolers and parents looking for a break from the routine playground circuit let loose for some post-naptime, pre-dinner fun. Make no mistake, this is not the Mickey Mouse club, and The Wiggles are banned. Baby Loves Disco is an afternoon dance party featuring real music, spun and mixed by real DJs, blending classic disco tunes from the 70s, & 80s - guaranteed to get those little booties moving and grooving.

The fun spills out from all corners of the club: bubble machines, baskets of scarves and egg-shakers, a chill-out room (with tents, books and puzzles), nappy changing stations, a full spread of healthy snacks. Oh and dancing. Lots of dancing. But at its core, Baby Loves Disco is a community event that brings kids together with kids and parents together with parents.

Allies Attic loves Baby Loves Disco so much that we are sponsoring a Magical Massage Chamber at this weekend Baby Loves Disco Halloween event. http://www.moshtix.com.au/event.aspx?id=29946

Sweet Little Swaddle

As a new mum I found Izac was a little worm and could never seem to stay still long enough. I invested in the Sounds of Silence CD which talked about wrapping and swaddling children to promote a snuggly feeling of warmth and security. It also prevents 'jerky baby movements' which can startle baby awake and stops little one's arms from wriggling free and getting cold or from scratching themself!

No wonder I've really gone out of my way to source fantastic Baby Swaddles for my markets that do just this and I love Australian designer Lila & May who handmake each Swaddle individually.

The Lila & May Snuggle Pods are lined with bamboo which is perfect for sensitive baby skin! It's incredibly soft, breathable - so warm in winter and cool in summer, naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic. It's also practical, being naturally stain and odour resistant and machine washable.

All this and they're stylish too!

http://www.lilaandmay.com.au/

Funky Kix For Kids

Who agrees that finding quality funky wear for little boys is just sooooooooooo hard????.. I always pictured myself with a little girl.. one i could dress in beautiful little clothes with hair clips to go... might have something to do with the fact why I established Allies Attic. Yes, there you have it my secret motive.. finding that there was certainly a lack of funky little boys wear.. and maybe if the baby stork comes to visit again and brings me a little girl I'll know some pretty special designers in funky little girls wear too.. but ohhh how I love little girls clips... (just like the ones pictured here by Please Eloise).

I do also really like Kix Clothing summer range of pants and coordinates for boys.. they also do some great reversible girls dresses. In the meantime I have I'm looking forward to seeing Kix at the first Alllies Attic in Nov. Might even buy some of these pants pictured here for Izac..

http://pleaseeloise.blogspot.com/

http://kixclothing.blogspot.com/

Fit For A King!

Just the perfect present for a little King are these cute creations from "Gifts Created"...

Much better than the supermarket party hat paper version and ohhh so special are these Crowns!

Check out the Gifts Created Blog http://www.giftscreated.blogspot.com/

Beauty Within Competition To Win A $200 Voucher To Spend At Our Next Market

With such cute photos I know we're going to have such a hard time picking the finalists for our "Beauty Within Comp" to spend a $200 Voucher at our next Market at Hunters Hill Saturday 14 November, 09 .

So hard will our decision be that we've decided to increase the number of finalists from 3 to 6.. (we'd like to share the hard work in picking the best ones).. We've also decided to extend the closing date on entries to 30th October. Finalists to be announced on the 31st and one full week allocated for VOTING! Check out the other entries via our Facebook FanPage "Beauty Within Comp" Album..

Happy Snapping!

Funky Footwear From Yunginz

We're always looking for fresh new styles and love Yunginz, Australian designer of funky footwear.

Created by two mums in 2007 after feeling frustrated at not being able to find unique stylish shoes, Yunginz is spot on in the style stakes.

Best of all their shoes are created whilst obtaining crucial advice from a podiatrist to cater for a child’s growing foot with extras including arch /heel support, cushioned inner soles and toe reinforcement where applicable..

Yunginz are now running a SPECIAL offer giving you two for the price of one! Purchase any pair of Yunginz footwear from the Spring/Summer 09/10 collection and recieve a FREE pair! You can purchase this from YUNGINZ directly or from any Yunginz stockist.

This offer runs from 14 September, 09 to Feburary 2010 or until stock runs out!

Does Your Little Girl Dare To Be Different?

Perfect for a summers day are these cute as a button summer bonnets for little girls. Created by Sydney Designer, Andrea Marriette from Karimu also designs and makes breast feeding covers amongst other wonders specific to babies and kids.

And why do we love Karimu so much? Inspired by color, style and classic lines Karimu dares to be different.

You can check out Karimu at our next market at Hunters Hill on 14 Nov. In the meantime click onto their website...

http://www.karimu.com.au/

Love Forever Bliss Photograghy

So proud was I to walk past the Forever Bliss stand at the Baby Expo in Sydney on Friday, doesn't it look just stunning! Yes, I think I've mentioned that Forever Bliss is responsible for our wonderful photographs on our website, so beautiful that we've received so many comments!

Now that Izac can sit up and not tumble over every few moments we'll be booking in for a family shot.. can't wait!

We've Landed On Facebook!

I must have skipped Computer Science because I'm so not computer tech savvy... Who knew 100+members on Facebook means one can have their own URL.. now this is Japanese to little old me who would rather play with pac man than playstation.. that's why I love Amanda Coffey from Wonderlandia.. she's brillant with all this stuff and knows exactly what to do ..

but yes, Allies Attic has now too gone GA GA for Facebook and we have our own little web address to be directed right to our page.

You can now find us at

http://www.facebook.com/AlliesAtticBoutiqueMarket

Don't forget to tell your friends about our New Competition to win a $200 Voucher to spend at our next market.. stay tuned for some very cute baby and kids photos.. All you have to do is join our Blog and or/ Facebook page and send in your baby pics.. Its as simple as that.. Pics will be posted and Blog Members will vote who the winner is.

Happy Snapping!

Beauty Starts Within Comp - Win a $200 Voucher To Spend At Our Next Market

Even at a young age our kids display different personalities, whether it be timid, cheeky or playful? To celebrate individuality we're holding a "Beauty Within" Competition where you have the chance to Win a $200 Voucher to spend at our next MARKET! All you have to do is enter your fave Baby or Kids family pic. We're looking for pic's that display your child’s personality and best of all they don't have to be typical glamour shots... Need inspiration? Check out this great photo by Designer Miss Haidee!

First round of entries close Friday Oct 9th at 5pm. 5 Finalists will then be picked and Allies Attic Blog and FaceBook Fan Members will be allowed to vote for the winner. Voting will close a week later and the winner announced Sat 16th October. It’s as simple as that.. you decide the winner of our fantastic prize up for grabs.

Happy Snapping & don’t forget to tell your friends & family to vote for you! Please send your online pic’s to allie@alliesattic.com.au and include your name contact number and suburb.

Boring Rules

1. I cannot enter my own son.. Besides I want to see all your cute babies and kids… yep there are rules for a reason.. ha!

2. One entry per child, multiple entries are allowed per family if your have more than one child.

3. To enter or vote you must be either be following the Allies Attic Blog or Facebook FanPage.

4. Final Decision will be based on member votes and not be entered into. Simply put, majority rules.

Sneak Peak New Summer Clothing Line - Retro Mummy

Handmade was fantastic! The new venue at the Woolshed was just the right spot for such lavish handmade items.. Well done Julie on such a fantastic event. I was delighted to find little treasures and wanted to buy them all.

And what a surprise to come home and find my inbox flooded with so many applications from talented designers. Pictured here is a sneak peak into this seasons clothing line from Retro Mummy. We just love her little summer dresses made from Cath Kidston fabric, they're so cute!!

Just the thing for this seasons little girls wardrobe!

http://www.retromummy.com/

We're Packing Our Bags & Visiting Handmade In Canberra...

Now normally one would no actively advertise a fellow competitor but here at Allie's Attic we believe in collaborative power and we're packing our bags and heading to Canberra to visit Handmade Market this weekend. For those of you who haven't heard of Handmade Market, they bring together talented artists, designers, stylists, craftspeople and gourmets all under one destination. All in all - its a lovely day out and I'm sure to find something special there.

Now I'm a little nervous and alot excited about this weekends adventure out... My mother has offered to look after Little Izac and whilst she couldn't be happier I'm sad he won't be with us. Of course I'd like my parents to spend the extended time with him and am sure he'll be fine, I think its more me who won't cope..

The excited part of me says it will be fine and give me time to focus on all things lovely at Handmade.. ohhh and of course get to have a sleep in (oohhh how I miss this).. I've also organised for my husband to have a massage on Sat morning whilst I'm at Handmade and have booked in to hire bikes and ride around the lake on Sunday morning.. very adventure bound of me considering I haven't been on a bike since I was a wee little girl.. LOL.. stay tuned for the post about this one saying I rode into a tree!

Handmade here we come.. and in the meantime checkout Handmade's site

http://www.handmademarket.com.au/

Allies Attic Goes Live

Finally after months of preparation we have launched the Allies Attic website. I'm just in awe of how amazing it looks!

I can laugh about it now but it was 1% inspiration and the rest perspiration.. many thanks to the wonderful Amanda Coffey from Wonderlandia who's amazing skill created this website design.. You simply have to check out her work - talk about multi-tasking this girl is phenomenal.. she's a Marketing Manager by day for some very lucky Insurance folk and also manages to run her own graphic design company whilst whizzing up children's artwork on the side.. ohhh and did I mention she's also a young mum to Baby Jet.. funny story this but Jet and my little Izac are only 4 days apart.. (Jet's older).. I can so see them both in twenty years chasing all the pretty girls..

check out Amanda's Blog page at

http://tales-from-wonderlandia.blogspot.com/

I also spoke to the local papers today out towards Hunters Hill and organised some editorial coverage in the local news.. its all looking very positive with lots of community support.

Allie

http://www.alliesattic.com.au/

Allie's Attic Hunters Hill Market on 14 Nov

Isn't this such a stunning venue for our first Boutique Market on November 14 at Hunters Hill Community Church? I've been speaking with so many amazing creative talents that are just fantastic and I can't wait to see the locals discover our creative force.

Its an stunning indoor and outdoor venue on the Church grounds right across the road from Hunters Hill Public School. I must admit I am abit nostalgic about the area as my husband proposed to me in Henley (about ten minutes away from the tree lined streets of Hunters Hill) in our then house.

I'm also really excited about our Christmas Market at Paddington Town Hall on the 12th Dec and I'm confident it will attract lots of Xmas trade. Ok, I admit I'm also excited about finding little Izac cute little booties and clothes for his first christmas with us.. I just know I'll need to leave the credit card at home.

Opps! Almost forgot to tell you, website will also be launching this week . All interested stallholders should contact myself via mobile 0414 601 057 or via email allie@alliesattic.com.au

Meet Our Makers

Welcome to our "Meet our Makers" section where we'll get to know some of our amazingly talented stall holders and find out what makes them tick...

If you like the photos on our website you'll love Award Winning photographer, Chantelle Bliss who specialises in pregnancy, newborn baby photography and also children’s family photos. With photos like these it’s no wonder Chantelle’s creative style has seen her fast become one of the most sought after photographers in Sydney. Kudos to Chantelle for taking this amazing shot pictured.

Enjoy the interview...

Talk us through the Forever Bliss story and what inspired you to create it?

I have many years experience working in the advertising and commercial photography industry, and after the birth of my first child Jack, I was taking hundred of photos of him, as you can imagine! Then my friends started asking me to photograph their children, and their friends, and friends of their friends etc wanted me to photograph their babies, so Forever Bliss Photography was born!

Working with children can be rewarding and challenging at the same time, what’s the formula to capturing those precious moments on camera?

Yes, what's that old saying? never work with children and animals! It is very very rewarding to me, to be able to capture a child's personality, a beautiful sleepy baby and the relationship and love happening in those first few weeks with a new baby. Honestly it has a lot to do with patience, and practice, I have some clients call me the baby whisperer!

What are you working on at the moment?

I have a very very busy few weeks coming up with lots of new babies to photograph, and with this gorgeous spring weather now here, lots of bigger kids at the beach, I love spring sessions!
WE are also exhibiting at The Baby Show at Royal Hall of Industries Fox Studios on 18, 19, 20th September, so we are busy preparing everything for our stand there, working on some great promotions and special offers for the show!

When a child hates having there photograph taken you....

I take the time to get the know the child, it can be quite overwhelming for them, so I quite often will put the camera down and just chat with them, tell them some silly stories, tickle them, play with them, make then feel comfortable with me. If I can get them laughing at me for being silly that usually works!

Your most memorable photography moment?

Gosh, that's a hard one. It would have to be capturing the exact image I had in my mind of my boys at the beach at sunset. I now have that image printed on canvas 30x40" on my lounge room wall. I love it so much!

When you’re not photographing you are…

At the beach with my boys, relaxing with friends and have a nice glass of wine with great company.

www.foreverblissphotograghy.com.au

What's Allie's Attic?

It’s no secret that when it comes to shopping Sydney mums are shop smart and savvy. We’ve gone ga ga for baby markets and buying and selling everything from quality pre-loved, handmade and retail baby and kids clothing and accessories.

And why with so many markets and quality ones at that has Allie’s Attic decided to launch?

Sydney is such a source for talented creators and artisans who produce gorgeous products that I wanted to create handmade heaven and really showcase and support our Australian designers and economy. Allie’s Attic talent is predominantly all Australian designers. I think after becoming a mum there’s a certain level of invincibility that hits you like a brick. Suddenly you can function with limited sleep, juggle even more tasks and for me it was about being driven enough to inspire others to achieve. Allie’s Attic is my dream to support other mums and their creativity whilst challenging generic mass produced childrens clothing. I think its time we recognised small business owners and supported home grown talent via our markets.

Recently I asked one of my designers & stallholders Sarah Peak of Madi & Me why she valued attending markets and her response was invaluable, “Consumers are now also searching for designer one off pieces of clothing for their child at a comparable price to buying something mass produced from a department store. Often handmade means limited production or one off designs as only make one or two is made in each item. Being handmade extra attention is paid to quality control to make sure everything is perfect before it goes out to the consumer". In fact, Sarah values the opportunity so much because she gets to meet her consumers at markets one on one as the principal designer and gain direct feedback regarding her product, an opportunity which she would not have selling her items through larger retail stores.

The buzz is about, handmade heaven has arrived.

Inside The Attic

Inside the Attic is my new blog page for the Allie's Attic community, the place to come for all the latest news, articles, interviews and anything else we think you might like...if you have any suggestions for what you'd like to see here or you'd like to contribute - please let us know!