Vanilla. Chocolate. Pirate. DogboneArt T-shirt Giveaway!

Those of you following Unboring Boys may remember my "Yo Ho Yawn" post back in September 09 where I basically wrote "enough of the pirate stuff already!" Then I saw this "vanilla chocolate pirate" tee by DogboneArt (2T-7T, $12) and what can I say? It's so darn cute!

It takes imagination and talent to create something brand new out of a done-to-death theme like pirates. But Laura from DogboneArt has done it, and her original illustration is catching on. Her adult-sized Pirate Cupcake tee was recently worn by Mary Alice on The Food Network's Ace of Cakes show.

We're giving away a child's pirate cupcake tee! Just visit DogboneArt's Etsy shop then e-mail unboringboys@yahoo.com with the word "pirate" in the subject line and give us the name of another cute, original DogboneArt character you found. We'll choose a winner at random August 10th and that person will be able to choose the size. U.S. residents only, please. Good luck!

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No clippers, no hair gunk -- Rock and Rattle's Mohawk Hoodzie

If you're a punk rocker from way back and have toyed with giving your little guy a mohawk (but can't quite work up the nerve to pick up the clippers) you'll love Rock and Rattle's Mohawk Hoodzie. It's a great signature piece for your unboring boy this fall, and is virtually guaranteed to evoke a chorus of that-is-the-cutest-thing-EVER-where-did-you-get-it.

The "mohawk" part of the jacket attaches with velcro, and you can purchase more colors to change the look. Best of all, this fauxhawk doesn't require heaps of sticky hair product.

Canadian-based Rock and Rattle--owned by Greg Taylor, of the award-winning band Saint Alvia, and his wife Shasta--is really making a name for itself among celebrities and musicians, like Tom Delonge of Blink 182, who outfits his kids in Rock and Rattle's edgy designs. We adore everything in their shop--from tees to beanies to matching daddy and son tie shirts. Rock and Rattle promises even more cool designs for Spring 2010! We can't wait!

Tell us! What do you like from their shop?

Old-World Meets Offbeat: Right Bank Babies

I've been drooling over Right Bank Babies's fall collection for boys since I got a sneak peek back in March. I love the sumptuous fabrics and surprising details that give their Old-World European-inspired pieces, like the jacket, above, a modern, irreverent twist (did you notice the orange elbow patches?). It's easy to see why owner and designer, Ellen Uzarowicz, and Lydia Dorsey, have been named best children’s designer by LA Magazine, which hits stands in July.

Right Bank Babies's Fall 09 line for boys, including trousers and hoodies (like the one layered under the jacket above) and the most adorable little knickers, will be available in the coming days at www.rightbankbabies.com Fans can follow Right Bank Babies through the company's blog, Twitter and Facebook.

Just for Unboring Boys readers, Right Bank Babies is offering a 15 percent discount on orders totalling $150 or more through August 1st! Use code unboringrbb at check-out.

Don't miss it! Vincent Shoes Sale

Vincent Shoes is having a clearance sale on many of our favorite summer styles, including the Rolf slip-on, left, now $14.95.

You'll find a great selection of hip, unboring shoes for baby and big boys at savings up to 75 percent!

Is it too early to start thinking about back-to-school? We love the Staffan shoe for everyday wear. And Vincent Shoes are coming out with even more cool styles for boys this fall so keep checking back.

Featured Designer: Bobinette

Sure. You could buy another polo for your boy this summer, but WHY, when Bobinette's shirts are more versatile and way cuter?! There's nothing boring or uniform-ish about the Buckaroo shirt, above, an offbeat blend of western style and madras summer-ness. We love, love, love Bobinette's gingham pieces as well as the Oscar Blue Swirls shirt. Each piece is full of spunk and personality, yet equally at home on the playground, at Sunday school, or at your cousin's backyard wedding.

Recently we spoke to Bobinette's owner Lorraine Le Tac about her designs.

Unboring Boys: What inspired you to mostly focus on boys' clothing?

Lorraine Le Tac: My son, Spencer, was born 7 years ago. We lived in New York City at the time and even though New York is a fashion mecca, all the baby boys' clothes I found were fairly conservative and unoriginal. I would ask my mom, who lives in Paris, to send me fun and colorful clothing for Spencer. He was the best dressed baby on the block! That is when it all started. I have a 2-year-old boy, Matisse, also, so I have twice the reason to keep designing boys' clothing.

Unboring Boys: What inspires your designs?

Lorraine: Everything and anything. I have found inspiration in fashion, home decor, architecture, photography and simply in the nature that surrounds us. I am particularly fond of anything from India, Asia, Africa and North Africa--colors, patterns, culture and food.

Unboring Boys: How do you go about choosing certain fabrics and prints?

Lorraine: Color and patterns guide me. I love stripes, checks, polka dots and plaids, so I always try and incorporate them in a creative way in my designs. I like to create unexpected combinations, mixing checks and polka dots, for example. And of course, I am always attracted to "exotic" prints from India or African batiks, madras, woodblock prints, and the like.

Unboring Boys: What are the unique challenges you have faced and continue to face as a designer of primarily boys' clothes and accessories?

Lorraine: Designing for boys is challenging because there is so much you can create around shirts, t-shirts, pants and shorts. Boys' clothing should first be comfortable and easy to wear. Additionally, I want them to be stylish. For me, everything is in the details--a button or a snap, a small pocket, a trim. Quality is also essential. That is why I choose mainly natural fibers like cotton and linen.

Thanks Lorraine, for taking the time to answer our questions! Get a peek at Bobinette's amazing fall/winter 2009 line on their website. Also the new spring/summer 2010 collection will be introduced at trade shows starting in August. Lorraine promises "more eye-catching prints, as well as a few surprises!" See Bobinette's list of retailers here.

And the lucky winner is...

Congratulations to Suzanne who won the free Invisibility Shirt from Crazy Dog t-shirts! Thanks to all our readers who participated and to Crazy Dog for being a sponsor.

More fabulous features, giveaways and exclusive savings from the hottest boys' clothing designers and boutiques are coming this summer. Sign up for e-mail updates, or follow us through Blogger, to catch up with what's happening on Unboring Boys. It's easy to subscribe and you'll get the latest post(s) sent right to your in-box.

Edgy Yet Sweet Styles from Schatzi, plus an Exclusive Offer

Schatzi in German means "small treasure" and the t-shirt designs by this Canadian company are just that. Inspired by American edgy style, the two moms behind Schatzi have come up with a hip collection of boys' tees and tanks (in sizes 3-6 months to 12 years) that draw from fantasy, rock and roll, and mod 70s elements.

What boy wouldn't love to wear Schatzi's wicked Hot Schatz dragon tee, left? And how groovy is this Peace and Thank You tee, below? Though based in Canada, Schatzi ships to the U.S. for very reasonable rates.


Just for Unboring Boys readers, Schatzi is offering a fabulous deal to introduce their tees. Buy a tee at regular price and receive a FREE tank. You can choose from the World Tour tank or the Fairy Magic tank (for unboring girls!). Just enter the phrase "unboring boys" in the message box at the time of purchase along with your choice of design and size. Hurry! Offer ends June 29th.