Here’s the latest on the upcoming launch of Rinka X Barefoot Dreams.

Rinka models her new hoodie

The official launch of Barefoot Dream’s Rinka line of hoodies and women’s clothes is November 1st, but it may be weeks longer for the hoodies to be available for purchase in the continental United States.  The reason for this is because most of the new hoodies are going to Japan and Hawaii, where Rinka’s influence is the strongest.

We did some background research and discovered that Rinka loves Hawaii, and spends all her free time there.  In fact, her love for Hawaiian culture and boating in general is what gave her the idea for a new line of her favorite cozy hoodie.  And it doesn’t hurt that Rinka’s boyfriend, a clothing merchant, lives in Hawaii too.

So, if you really want to get the first release of Rinka’s new line of barefoot Dreams, better find some time to spend on the Big Island.

We also found out that the most popular Barefoot Dreams hoodie in Japan and Hawaii is pink.  Well, that explains some things!  Sleepytime Store has been selling more pink hoodies this year than ever before - and then we ran out completely.  So this craze for Barefoot Dreams hoodies has been influenced by Japanese culture for a lot longer than we previously realized.

The world is connected more than ever before.  And this trend is especially unique because Japanese culture is influencing the West, rather than the other way around.  I don’t think there has been a bigger Japanese trend in the United States since Hello Kitty, or maybe bubble tea!

Rinka's trademark stripes will soon be seen everywhere!

Barefoot Dreams hoodies are about to go supernova. Launching November 1, 2008, Barefoot Dreams’ new line of hoodies and women’s apparel will hit the streets. If you thought it was hard to find a Barefoot Dreams hoodie before, just wait! Japanese supermodel and TV personality Rinka is personally endorsing this new line of Cozychic women’s tops, so this launch is sure to be an international hit.

In fact, Rinka has helped design the new Barefoot Dreams line. Inspired by active yachting wear and Japanese culture,this colorful and dynamic line includes two new styles of women’s hoodies, a warm new luxury bath robe, and also some stylish short pants.

All feature new color combinations and, of course, they have that superb coziness that all Barefoot Dreams products are famous for.

Who is Rinka?

Many Americans don’t know Rinka yet, but she is the reason why it’s been so hard to find Barefoot Dreams hoodies in the last year. Almost all of the hoodies made by Barefoot Dreams are sent to Japan each month, where Rinka is a household name. Rinka got her start in the 1990s as a fashion model for JJ and CanCamm and went on to produce several pop singles. Her most famous song is “Millions of Kisses.”

Rinka went on to become one of Japan’s favorite regular on all of the most popular TV shows. Last year, she released a fashion photo album titled “Rinka not now!” Last month, she was on the cover of fashion magazine Sweet, securing her title as the most popular model for young Japanese women.

Rinka is famous for her multi-ethnic beauty and her quick wit. Her antics on Japanese daytime TV have entertained millions, and helped launch dozens of new careers in show business. While Rinka has personally endorsed dozens of fashionable items in the last few years, this partnership with Barefoot Dreams is her first foray into “celebrity-designed” apparel.

Celebrities Love Barefoot Dreams

Followers of Barefoot Dreams know that Rinka is not the first celebrity to sing its praises as the softest and coziest clothing on the planet. Barefoot Dreams has stayed in the limelight for its heavenly baby blankets for the last six years, with celebrity moms like Angelina Jolie, Courtney Cox, and Britney Spears popularizing these darling security blankets.

As on of the top sellers of Barefoot Dreams in the US, Sleepytime Store is excited about this new line of women’s hoodies and can’t wait to join in the fun. We don’t carry Rinka’s hoodies yet, but subscribe to our email newsletter (on the hompage, click “Sign up for coupons”) and you will be the first to know when they are available for purchase, as well as receive valuable coupons from Sleepytime Store.

While kids can sometimes be reluctant to go out in the rain, it won’t take much persuasion with this Ladybug Raincoat from Kidorable. It will not only protect your little one from the weather, but is also sure to get them plenty of attention! The coat, bright red with a cute-as-can-be ladybug theme, is made from high-quality PVC with a polyester liner on the inside.

These raincoats are also available in themes including fireman, butterfly, frog, and dinosaur, all off which are sure to delight any child’s imagination. Best of all, you can complete your child’s collection with matching rain boots, backpack, towel, sun hat, and even hangers! Check out the full line of Kidorable ladybug gear here.