Kids Kloset: PREMIER RETAILER Q & A

Boogie monster? Nope! Check out this week’s “Store Spotlight” with Kids Kloset in Broken Bow, Nebraska. Shirley McGinn gets down to earth with Le Top and gives tips on how to update your child’s wardrobe this summer and what her “must-haves” are for a family road trip!

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1.     Are you a Nebraska native? If so, what did you do growing up as a kid in the local area? Describe the neighborhood your store is in for us. 
Shirley: I am a Nebraska native.  I graduated from Broken Bow High School.  Music was always my love and I taught elementary music for several years.  I raised my family and then entered the retail business and have owned my own store for 10 years!  My store is located on a beautiful square, which is the center of the retail area in Broken Bow.  We have a “prime” spot [on the Square].

2.     So how did you get your start in the children’s business?
Shirley: Well, I worked in a missy store for several years and opened a small department in the store that I worked in, and eventually out grew that space and opened my current store location.

3.     If you had to take a family road trip this summer – what 5 items could you not live without?
Shirley: Comfortable clothes that always look fresh, plenty of cold water, games for the kids, snacks, and plenty of patience!!

4.     What is 1 tip you would give a parent on how to update your child’s wardrobe for summer?
Shirley: Find clothes that are cool, easy to care for and feel good for a child.  Comfort is everything!

The Le Top wall features our Lot's o' Fish, Hip Hop Grasshopper, Sweatheart Butterfly, Daisy Duck, Wildflower, and Wild About Monokinis collections.

5.     Between all of the social media outlets – Facebook, Twitter, and more – what do you think about social networking and how it allows moms and dads to join cyber parenting communities where they can meet, gain knowledge, as well as get recommendations and support.
Shirley: I think the concept is very interesting and I think the parents today are more in-tune with this type of resource.  My own children, as parents, rely on others for advise in this area and probably would use social networking to reach out to their friends.

6.     What do you feel are the three biggest keys to your success?  
Shirley: Variety, a knowledgeable staff, and our location.

7.     If you had one piece of advice for someone entering children’s retail today, what would it be?
Shirley: Watch the price point and the quality. Also be sure the clothing has color and style.

8.     What is your best or most memorable moment in your store?
Shirley: We have annual style shows and getting the children ready is always fun and the kids themselves have so much fun.

 9. What collection or piece from Le Top line do you love from the Spring/Summer 2010 collection?
Shirley: The Le Top swimsuits!

Le Top Spring/Summer 2010 Daisy Duck and Zebra Monokinis

 Kids Kloset
833 D Street
Broken Bow, NE 68822
308.872.3802
http://www.fashionisourpassion.com/

 

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Learning to Ride A Bike?

We’ve all heard the phrase, “It’s just like riding a bike.” It sounds easy. But do you remember learning how to ride your first bike?  Was it easy? Did you crash? Did you cry? Did you smile with glee? Swear that you would never ride one again? Ha!

Here are some tips that may make it easier for your kids to learn to ride a bike.

Teaching Toddlers
Children can learn how to ride a bike at any age, but the younger the better. Try to start them as soon as they can walk – the hardest thing is to teach a child how to balance on a bike.

Toddlers can usually learn how to balance on a Hotwalk, a bike with no pedals, designed specifically for toddlers by Specialized. (It costs about $130 and can be bought at local bicycle shops.) This is a great first bike because it teaches kids to balance with their feet on the ground rather than on pedals.

Good Ole’ Training Wheels
Going the traditional route? There are also millions of kids who have used training wheels (also called “stabilizers”) to learn how to ride a bike successfully. Start your child on a 12-inch wheel bike with training wheels, and then slowly wean your kid from the back wheels.  It helps when you gradually raise the training wheels as your child gains confidence. The wheels should barely be touching the ground before your remove them off all together.

When the Wheels Come Off
Once the wheels come off, choose a safe site for your child’s “first ride.”  My personal favorite, which tends to be liked by many parents, is a flat, wide-open pavement area like a vacant parking lot or a school.

Here’s how you do it… hold the seat of the bike and give your child a little push. Once you give your child a little push, pedaling is KEY. Cheer your child on to keep pedaling! This is the way to continue balance. Tip: Don’t let go without telling your child. If he falls at a time that he felt he would be safe, you lose his trust. Also, it’s not safe for him to keep looking back over his shoulder to check on you.

It is natural to expect your child to fall – it’s all part of the learning experience. Make sure your child wears a helmet at all times for suitable protection. Remember – repeat, repeat, repeat! It is the key to mastering the bicycle.

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Le Top Darling of the Day: Quinn

We just had to share a photo of this beautiful princess sent to us by one of our fabulous Facebook fans.

Our Le Top Darling of the Day, Quinn, looks sweet as can be in her Le Top Botanical Garden long sleeve print knit dress (sans footless tights) from our fall 2010 collection. Thanks for sharing and keep them coming…

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Le Top Takes: Out of the Mouths of Babes!

As he delicately placed eight mini doughnuts on a plate, he proudly announced,

I made my own breakfast!

–Patrick, age 4

Editor’s Note:
Please spread the giggles by sharing your funny quotes with us!

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Le Top Tip: Play Dates – Three is a Crowd

This weekend I took my daughter on a play date with two other kids. Both of the children were from her daycare (she’s now in preschool). She had not seen one of them for 3-4 months and the other child, Lilah saw briefly a few weeks ago. They all love each other very much and couldn’t wait to play together, but what I found through this experience and by asking other parents, is that three can be a crowd. One child always seems to be more in demand. The other two may feel left out, jealous, or not have a partner. Though this is normal (especially with younger children) it may be helpful to have an even number of children on a play date. It doesn’t mean there is a guarantee of no problems, but hopefully with more friends there are more options. 🙂

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Do you trust your nanny? Mary Poppins 101

SHOP LE TOP’s FALL 2010 COLLECTION HERE
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Whenever I think about hiring or trusting a nanny today, images flash to my mind of the funny nanny cam used in the movie “Meet the Parents” to spy on Ben Stiller. Never seen the movie? Not to worry, the point is – how do you trust your caregiver with your child and do you need to be watching them? Basically the majority of my childhood, I grew up with various nannies – some GOOD and some BAD. My first piece of advice as a person who grew up with caregivers…take your time finding one!

Finding the right nanny to care for your most prized little one is one of the first – and hardest – decisions you may make as a parent.  There are many things to consider, such as – Do you want a daycare environment or a private nanny at home? Do you have family member who can help part- or full-time?  How much can you afford? What kind of coverage will you need? Try to get a clear picture of what is most convenient and fits your family’s structure, and it will help you target your search and cause you less stress during the process.

In regards to the trust issue at hand – it may be that you’re going back to work after maternity leave, or you may be taking on part-time work and need to find someone to watch your children while you are not home. Whatever the case, you can’t just snap your fingers and Mary Poppins arrives. It’s not enough to just wish for Mary Poppins or Nanny 911— you need to do your research.

Unlike other professions, there are no national standards in the United States for nanny training, and there is no state or national group in charge of regulating job performance. Therefore, it is imperative that parents thoroughly interview and screen a potential nanny before she begins caring for their children. The easiest way to verify the background of a candidate is to hire a high-quality nanny agency.

If you can, find an agency that belongs to the Alliance of Professional Nanny Agencies, a professional group that requires members to conduct rigorous background checks. Agencies usually charge 10 percent of a nanny’s first-year salary, plus a $100 to $300 application fee. If you decide you are going to do your own background checks, it’s imperative that you know what to look for and what to ask about. And even if you do use a nanny agency, you should know what makes up a good background check.

When hiring a nanny or babysitter for your family, always check references and employment history. Additionally, always TRUST your instincts. Don’t worry if you’re alone in your hesitation; if you’re not feeling completely satisfied with any single aspect of your nanny’s application or it just doesn’t feel right, move on to another candidate.

Below are some good questions to ask or create a DIY application for nanny candidates:

Experience & Training Questions:

1. How long have you been a nanny
2. How old were the other children you cared for?
3. Do you have any formal early childhood development or childcare training?
4. Would you be willing to take classes to further your education in childcare?
5. Do you have emergency training?
   CPR: yes / no  First-aid: yes / no
   If not, would you be willing to take CPR classes and first-aid training? yes / no
6. What would you do if my child was sick or had an accident?
7. Would you mind if I ran a background check on you? yes / no

Philosophy Questions:

1. Why are you a nanny? Why are you looking for a new position?
2. What do you like about the job?
3. Describe your ideal family/employer.
4. What do you like least about being a nanny? Do you have any special peeves about parents/children/pets?
5. What are your beliefs about childrearing?
6. What do children like best about you?
7. How do you comfort children?
8. How do you deal with separation anxiety?
9. How do you discipline children? Give me an example of a previous discipline problem and how you handled it.
10. What are some of the rules you’ve followed in other households that you think worked well?
11. Which rules haven’t worked for you?
12. Would you be willing to follow my rules and disciplining/comforting strategies even if they’re different from yours?

Daily Routine Questions:

1. What will my child be doing on any given day? (Click here for our daily log sheet.)
2. What are your favorite activities to do with a child the age of mine?
3. If I’m working in the house, will you be able to keep my child happily occupied without involving me?

Logistics Questions:

1. Do you have future plans (school, job, marriage, etc.) that would put a limit on how long you expect to be a nanny?
2. Do you have a well-functioning car, with appropriate safety belts and room for car seats? yes / no
3. Do you want a live-in arrangement? yes / no
4. If it’s not a live-in arrangement, where do you live and how would you get to work?
5. If it were not a live-in arrangement, would you bring your own food or expect meals to be provided?
6. Do you smoke? yes / no
7. Are you willing to do light chores while our baby is sleeping? Which ones?


8. Do you have any personal responsibilities or health issues that could interfere with a regular work schedule?
9. When would you be able to start working?

10. Would you ever be available to work evenings or weekends?
11. Would you be available to travel with our family for weekends/vacations?


12. When do you expect to take a vacation of your own?
13. What is your salary range?

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From the Crib to the Big Bed

It came up in conversation with a few parents this past weekend when it would be best to make the big switch from a crib to a “big kid bed.”  Many parents feel that a crib is great because their child has slept in one for months (sometimes years) and they are safe and contained at night (so why move right?), but at some point, it’s time to have your little one move into a “big kid bed.”

Commonly, kids make the move anywhere from 18 to 30 months, but as many parents know, every child develops differently and the adjustment can take more than one night or week. Even if your child still seems content in his crib, he or she may have outgrown it.  Generally, if your child is 35 inches tall or the railing reaches mid-chest level, he or she could scale the crib railing at any time, and probably needs more room to sleep comfortably too.  On another note – some parents make the switch to a bed impending the arrival of another baby. If this is your situation, make the switch at least six to eight weeks before you’re due. You want your toddler well settled in his new bed before he sees the baby taking over “his” crib.

I looked into some tips to make the change a little easier on you (and catching your “Zzz’s” at night!). By planning ahead and anticipating the trouble spots, you can make the transition trauma-free!

Talk about a bed while your child is still in the crib.
Start the conversation casually. Say something along the lines of, “You’re getting so big. Pretty soon, we’re going to have to get you a big-boy bed, like the one Mommy and Daddy sleep in.” By making the bed a symbol of growing up, you can turn the move into a celebration, and not a loss.

Make the decision.
Whether it be moving your child from a crib or your bedroom to a bed depends on a few variables, including determining if your child is ready to sleep alone. In many instances, the crib or co-sleeping is a nurturing, comfortable place, and you may need to sell your child on the idea.

Safety first!
Children who can pull themselves over a guardrail or shake the railings is a sure sign that the crib is no longer a secure place. Another signs of a toddler outgrowing the crib is when they wake up and wiggle around and hit the crib railings.

Choosing a bed.
During the changeover, take your child’s age into consideration when it comes to selecting a bed and determining its placement. To ease the transition, put your toddler’s new bed in the same place his crib used to be. Get your toddler excited about having a “big-kid bed” by taking your child with you to pick it out, if you’re buying it new, or by emphasizing its previous owner if that person is someone your child knows. For example: “This was Cousin Josh’s bed and now it’s yours! You’re almost as big as him now!” Let your toddler shop with you for new sheets featuring his favorite characters, and encourage him to show his “big-kid bed” to visiting friends and family. 



Moving rooms.
If your child will be sleeping in his own room, a low-to-the-ground toddler bed, which uses the child’s crib mattress and similar bedding is a good option. Adding railings to a toddler bed can also allow an extra element of safety between the bed and the floor.

Be firm about staying in bed.
When it’s bedtime, keep your nightly routine the same, but get your child accustomed to sleeping alone by sitting down or snuggling in the new bed with him or her and perhaps reading a few books as he or she drifts to sleep. If he seems anxious the first night, promise that you’ll check on him in a few minutes — and return when you said you would. If he gets out of bed to come find you, Dr. Shaw recommends saying calmly, “It’s time to go back to bed” and walking him back to his room. If you give your child lots of extra attention or cave in to his demands for a story or glass of water, you’re setting yourself up for weeks of bedtime chaos.

Reflect and celebrate.
Finally, remember that the switch from a crib to a bed is a milestone in your and your child’s life. It’s one more sign that your baby is growing up. It is nice to reflect on when you first set up the crib for your little one, and then go have a private celebration of your own (maybe a glass of vino!). However, stay patient throughout the transition process, and recognize that independent sleep might at first seem scary to your child. Be compassionate to your child’s needs and go with whatever works best for him or her.

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Happy Birthday Sasha Schreiber!

Congratulations to Sasha Schreiber, son of actor Liev Schreiber, who is turning 3-years-old this Sunday, July 25th! Warm wishes from the team at Le Top on your special day! 

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The Toggery: PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

Check out this week’s “Store Spotlight” with The Toggery in Little Rock, Arkansas. So what is the meaning of “toggery”? Phil Olinghouse, owner of The Toggery children’s store tells us about what The Toggery means to him and about his fun “Elf on the Shelf” blog type items, where he shopped as a kid, and the evolution of his store since its inception in1948.

 tog·ger·y  (tg-r, tôg-)
n. pl. tog·ger·ies
1. Clothing; togs.
2. A clothing store.

Visit Le Top’s Facebook and become a Fan to receive weekly “Store Spotlight” updates — Click HERE

The Toggery in Pleasant Ridge Town Center

1.     What is one fact about your store that a typical customer wouldn’t know?
Phil: The number of hours that Penny (my wife) and I put in trying to respond to the needs of our customers. We spend untold time on special orders and special requests.

2.     What sets you apart as a successful children’s store?
Phil: We have been able to relate to the needs of our customers, and make every effort to supply those needs in a timely manner with a fair price that provides good value. We have consistently provided service that focuses on our customer first and foremost.  

3.     You probably have seen hundreds of mommies and daddies come through your store and hear them speaking with their children – what is the funniest or sweetest thing you have heard come out of a child’s mouth recently?
Phil: No talking allowed at the Toggery, I don’t know. (wink, wink) 

4.     Are you a Little Rock native? Describe the neighborhood your store is in for us.
Phil:  Penny and I both grew up in Little Rock. Our Heights location is where  The Toggery started in 1948 and we have been in the same location since 1962. This is a wonderful old neighborhood where we know our neighbors. The shopping area has always attracted customers from all over the state of Arkansas because of its reputation for unique upscale shopping. On the other hand our Pleasant Ridge Town Center store, which we newly opened in January, has reinforced our commitment to that part of our city. This has been the center of growth for a number of years and we have been a part of west Little Rock since 1978.

4.     What type of clothing did you wear growing up as kid? What tip would you give to a parent dressing a child? Do you have a picture of you as a kid you can share with us?
Phil: My mother dressed me at JCPenny, Sears, and the Crystal Kiddie children’s shop. Pretty traditional stuff – who can remember that far back? I think mothers today should focus on unique clothes that reflect their taste and lifestyle. Remember quality clothes last longer and look better longer. 

5.     We love your blog –what is your daily inspiration for your blog entries? How many bloggers are on your team of writers? What has been your most popular blog item?
Phil: Last June we formed a web team whose mission is to enhance the presence of The Toggery on the Internet. The three young people that work on this project bring a ton of enthusiasm and energy to their job. Caroline Tyler, a creative writing graduate student writes our blog. She has had an incredible response. Our team brainstorms at our weekly meetings and she brings these ideas to life. This team also markets our store through e-mail and Facebook campaigns. My favorite promotion was last Christmas when we had a contest to name your elf, based on the “Elf On The Shelf” book. The response was incredible and the creativity of the names our customers had was incredible.

6.     You have a great selection of items to buy from your store from clothes to shoes to uniforms to books! What is your favorite children’s book and why?
Phil: My favorite book is “On The Night You Were Born” by Nancy Tillman. This book gets right to heart of what you want a child to hear early on. It is a wonderful story that should be in every library.

7.     If you had one piece of advice for someone entering children’s retail today, what would it be?
Phil: Be extremely focused on what you want your store to be. Listen to your customers and never forget you are there to serve them in an extraordinary way. Last, always have a planned buy and do not overbuy. More stores fail because of how much they buy, rather than what they buy.  

8.     What is your best or most memorable moment in your store?
Phil: I think when Penny and I had our first grandchild and got to clothe her (and the four that have followed) has been memorable and meaningful. They have certainly rejuvenated and stimulated our buying. That was 10 years ago and we are a much better store because of them.

9.     What collection or piece from Le Top or Le Top Baby line do you love from the Spring/Summer 2010 collection?
Phil: We loved the boys Choo Choo Zoo collection from Le Top Baby. It was pure Le Top, traditional and very special for our newborn boys. And the best part was it sold great!

The Toggery
5919 R Street
Little Rock, AR 72207
501.663.8662
http://www.toggerykids.com/
http://www.facebook.com/Toggery

The Toggery
Pleasant Ridge Town Center
11525 Cantrell Road Ste. 405
Little Rock, Arkansas 72212
501.227.8492
800.207.8691

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Home Sweet Home

This post is dedicated to all the parents who have children who have “flown the nest.” So I get home about a week ago to California (I live in New York City) to help my family out with the launch of our new online boutique this past Monday, July 19th (http://www.letop-usa.com/)…As a child who works for her parents, one might think I would stay at a hotel – NOPE! I STILL stay at home, in my old room, with the old 80s soccer trophies, stuffed monkeys and funny childhood pictures I painted as a child.  It made me start thinking about all of the other parents who hang on to the doo-dads, artwork and any other fun projects their children work on.  Who knew that 30 years later, my parents would have my projects to this day in the living room next to a Richard Deibenkorn painting (a very fancy-schmancy modern artist from the 90s) – ooh-la-la! Below are funny items throughout our house that might make you (yes, you the parents who hang onto your child’s strange artwork that makes you smile)….smile! Enjoy this inside look to my home life.

The first one is a plaster of Paris ice cream sundae I made as a child. I thought it was funny to “trick” parents to try and drinks “my milkshake.” The true joke was on me in the fact that any adult obviously knew it wasn’t real.

The one on the right is a wood-fired/glazed lion I created in 5^th grade where I was graded by my teacher on the anatomy of an animal and how well I could sculpt it.

This was a man I made in 6^th grade out of clay and I was graded by my teacher on how well I understand the body form. Who is this man I sculpted. No clue. Ha!

Your first question might be, what the heck is that orange thing? My mom calls him “her little man”…I always thought he was a monster with tiger stripes. Hee-hee!

This was a soap stone sculpture I chipped away to make a seal that our housekeeper always turns upside down to look like a random rock.  Here is how it is always posed when I get home…

On the right is how the “seal” should be posed.

Here is a watercolor painting I created with a train in 5^th grade where I was supposed to draw a train and I was graded on the specs of my train and straight lines. I find this picture pretty funny seeing as how I thought at that time BP oil was a “big gas company” with a pretty and happy sunset.  Who knew they would be destroying our earth now!

My final picture that will really have you laughing is this professional portrait of me as a child in the 1980s. SCCCCCARRRRY.  I was 5 years old at the time. One might call this photo “black mail.”

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