Quality and value have always been the two things I wanted most when creating an apparel line and the two things I would not sacrifice. I have purchased enough cheap and chic apparel in my day to know you get what you pay for. A $10 t-shirt is going to behave like a $10 t-shirt, however I recently purchased a $48 (*gasp*) t-shirt and it had a hole before it even had time to hit the wash more than twice.



Back in September I was at a trade show in the USA and the show was slightly painful. The once busy show was quiet and sombre. There were more vendors than buyers; aisles were empty and the mood was a bit negative. On the last day I met a factory owner from India. I liked what he had to say, his prices sounded great and he really got me wondering if “Made in Canada” really is that important. I had done some importing from India and the collection sold well.



After the depressing trade show, I came back to Canada with a new perspective. I was no longer going to deal with driving all over the GTA, I was going to India!



On January 1st my bags were packed and my patterns were ready to experience Indian manufacturing. For 17 days I would explore parts of India and familiarize myself with the culture that I was going to start stamping on my content labels.



The experience was an amazing one but did it change my life – No! It did provide me with a clearer vision and a great appreciation for our awesome country. I do have to say in all fairness, the craftsmanship of the factory that produced samples for me were very good but at the end of it all the only thing in my head was there is no place like home.
I returned to Canada and instantly started organizing my collection to be manufactured in Canada and this was one of the best decisions I could have made.



By manufacturing in Canada I am helping employ at least 20 people; from the people at the knitting mill, to the print house that produces my hang-tags. From start to finish there are a lot of Canadians who are employed because people like me keep my business in Canada.



About a month ago I came across an article about President Obama’s mission to bring manufacturing back to the USA. I think this is incredible. I know the unemployment rate in Canada isn’t even close to the situation being experienced in the USA, but I can’t but agree strongly with this mission and hope that one day our country will push for something similar.
I must say that recently I have noticed a lot of apparel companies are bringing back their business. When I walk through the factories that produce my small clothing line there are some very big apparel companies sitting right next to mine and stamping their content label Made in Canada!!!




For the love of being Made in Canada,



xoxo ali

Here is a link to our new Fall Winter 2012 Collection.



Hope to see you there.



xo



ali

The Julia Dress received rave reviews at the ABC Kids Show last fall. It is part of our Spring/ Summer 2012 Collection and we love it! The cotton spandex blend makes this sexy LBD super comfy.

The Julia Dress can be paired with anything from flip flops to flats and even heels for the mommies-to-be who just can’t give them up.

For any of you lucky ladies taking off on a Babymoon this dress would be perfect!

Until March 30, 2012 promo code SPRING12 will get you 20% off all product purchased online

xoxoali

For more information visit www.babytimeshows.ca