Online Shopping with Itsy Bitsy Me (And a giveaway!)

J and Little E are growing up so fast! In fact, I just got round to decluttering their wardrobes last week and cleared out all the clothes that they have outgrown. Which left their cupboards looking woefully bare. This can only mean one thing…

It’s time for some retail therapy! Yay!

I was really excited when Mei, the Mumpreneur behind the online kids clothes store, Itsy Bitsy Me, got in touch with me. I have been stalking Itsy Bitsy Me since Little E was born, way back in 2008 and it always seems to stock the most beautiful things.

What I find particularly impressive about Itsy Bitsy Me is Mei’s commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of her store as well as seeking out eco-friendly and socially responsible brands. Most of the clothes are made from sustainable materials such as organic or bamboo cotton, or printed with non-toxic water-based dyes which are environmentally friendly.

During our email conversation, Mei told me that when she first started out bringing children’s products into Singapore, she was shocked to learn of the unethical manufacturing practices that exist today, which not only have a negative impact on the environment but also exploit vulnerable groups. To her horror, she realised that the clothes our children wear are made from the sweat and tears of other children working under terrible conditions. Since then, she has taken great care to source only for sweatshop-free brands in her store that are committed to fair-trade practices and focus on worker’s welfare throughout their manufacturing process.

A graphic designer by trade, Mei describes herself as a very visual person, which is why the lovingly curated collection sold at Itsy Bitsy Me features unusual, innovative uses of colours and prints, with cleverly designed, eye-catching details seldom seen elsewhere. All the clothes carried instore are produced in very limited quantities based on the orders of each brand’s official retailers. This not only ensures each design’s exclusivity, but also prevents wastage of materials through overstocks.

Needless to say, I am so thankful for the opportunity to pick a few new togs for J and Little E from Itsy Bitsy Me’s gorgeous selection of kidswear! Here’s what we chose in the end:

On Little E: Elizabeth top in cream lace (SGD$29.34) and Kensington Skirt in Turquoise (SGD$25.96)

I just love Little E in this cream lace top and multilayered skirt from Mustard Pie! They are just so much fun. The minute she put the skirt on, she just started swishing and dancing around. The material of the cotton top is thick and soft, and will definitely hold its shape even after many washes, whilst the skirt, with it’s unique colour scheme is not only striking but is lined with comfortable cotton-jersey. I really like the ruffles at the back of the lace top, which is a pretty touch.

Mei was thoughtful enough to throw in a matching headband as well, just for ‘the fun of it’, which Little E absolutely loves. Thanks, Mei!

On J: CEO Tee (SGD$31.20) and Herringbone Pants (SGD$33.60)

For J, I picked out this supercool tee and 3/4 trousers from Mini-Shatsu. J really liked the tee, with it’s tie appliqué, pocket and vest (which really buttons up in front!), and I think the cargo-style trousers give him a cute Hobbit look! I appreciate the fact that the trousers are lined with cotton-terry which wicks away sweat from active little legs.

I actually find it quite difficult to buy trousers for J from online stores, because he has such a slim, tall frame that he can only wear trousers that come with a specific type of belted, adjustable elastic waistband and most online web stores fail to fully describe their clothes. Not so with Itsy Bitsy Me – Mei takes the trouble to write loads of very helpful descriptive detail including advice on the cut and fit of the clothes, so I was absolutely confident in what I was buying! In fact, the quality of the clothes really exceeded my expectations.

I couldn’t resist picking out a new dress for Little E, also from the Mustard Pie collection on Itsy Bitsy Me. It was the combination of pink and grey as well as the unusual mix of fabrics and patterns that attracted me to this deceptively simple dress. I think the detachable rosette belt might double up as a cute headband as well! Once Little E put it on, she was so reluctant to take it off that I let her wear it for the rest of the day – and she stayed cool and fresh in it, despite running around in it all over the place!

On Little E: Adelaide Dress in Pink/Grey (SGD$53.94)

I also chose this Stella Industries Starlet dress for Little E which I am saving for a very special occasion later this year. It is so gorgeous in real life – a deep midnight blue with silvery sparkles all over it – and reminds me of the night sky. The reason why I don’t have a picture of Little E in it is because I’ve hidden it away for now (otherwise she will be begging to wear it ALL THE TIME).

I normally avoid “ballerina princess”-type dresses because they tend to be polyester-lined and the tons of fluffy tulle can become rather hot and scratchy to wear, especially in Singapore weather. However, this dress features a seamless, super-soft 100% cotton-jersey lining and will be utterly comfortable. Plus at the bargain price of a mere SGD$42.50, it’s a real steal!

(By the way, you will notice that all the clothes I chose are from the Itsy Bitsy Me sale section! This is because I find it very difficult to pass up an awesome bargain. Heehee.)

Right now, Itsy Bitsy Me is running a special New Year’s Promotion from now until the 19th February 2015 with 20% off regular priced apparel (with the discount code MC20) and an extra 10% off the purchase of any 2 items instore (including the sale section – with the discount code FB10). So, if you are looking for some very special party outfits for Chinese New Year for a special little person, you should definitely check it out,

A bonus for Owls Well Readers: Itsy Bitsy Me is very kindly sponsoring a giveaway of one SGD$10 shopping voucher for TWO lucky Owls Well Readers!

To take part in this giveaway:

Be a fan of the Owls Well Facebook page
Like and share this Facebook Photo and tag a friend – make sure your post is public!
Visit Itsy Bitsy Me and leave a comment below telling me your favourite outfit from the store, as well the name of your Facebook account that you used to like and share the page. Don’t forget to include your email address! (If you would like to send me the email address privately, leave a comment for the other answers, then email me at 4owlswell [at] gmail [dot] com)

(Giveaway is open worldwide and will end on 22nd January 2015. Winners will be picked via Random.org – just make sure you complete all 3 easy steps!)

Good Luck!

P.S. Check out this post about shopping at Itsy Bitsy Me over at Life’s Tiny Miracles – and do join in the giveaway there too!

(update: This giveaway is now closed and the winners have been contacted via email – thanks for playing!)