Smart Tips for Back-to-School Shopping & Le Top’s NEW Pre-Fall Styles!

To your kids, shopping for new clothes, gear, and school supplies may be the only good thing about going back to school. Here are some back-to-school shopping tips to get you in the mood for fall clothes in the middle of summer!

Shop Le Top’s NEW pre-fall arrivals and click HERE 

• Start early. If you haven’t already, try to get your child’s school supply list from the school. Or compile your own list of items (backpack, notebooks, pencils, pens, etc.) you think your kid will need right away versus items (calculator, text book covers, Spanish dictionary, winter coat) that can wait till later in the school year.
• Shop at home first. It’s easy to forget in August that you’ve packed away extra school supplies last spring. Try to find as many items on your list around the house before you hit the aisles. Chances are, you probably have binders, colored pencils and highlighters left over from last year. Once you’ve completed your search, gather everything together to determine where you can save.
• Make a list and a budget and keep it with you at all times. You never know when you might stumble onto a sale on your way to the dentist or the grocery store.
• Buy a lunch box. You can save so much money when you send your kids to school with a homemade lunch. Added bonus: It’s likely to be a healthier choice. And you can monitor the cost of your homemade lunch purchases by using grocery store coupons, packing leftovers and reusing water bottles.

Also check out Rabbitmoon’s mix and match styles HERE

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It’s a boy for Alessandra Ambrósio

Axelle Bauer-Griffin

Brazilian supermodel Alessandra Ambrósio and her fiancé Jamie Mazur welcomed a son, Noah Phoenix, into their family on Monday in Florianopolis, Brazil just two days after her baby shower.

Today Ambrósio tweeted, “Well, the day just arrived and we couldn’t be more happy!!! Noah Phoenix was born yesterday afternoon and already stole our hearts. Anja is a proud big sister now and we are so thankful he is with us…”

We think little Noah would look so stylish in Rabbitmoon’s “Explore” collection striped footed coverall. The 100% combed cotton would be super soft against his skin.

Rabbitmoon “Explore” Striped Footed Coverall

The couple who have has been together since 2005 are already parents to daughter, 3½-year-old Anja Louise.

Congratulations to the whole family!

This comfy, soft copen blue striped
combed cotton footed coverall features
a green boyish raised felt moto-biker
graphic. Blue paneled shoulders
and footies with racing stripe
grosgrain ribbon trim add racing
hero charm. Button up front and
underneath diaper snaps for easy dressing.

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Hand Cookie Recipe for Kids! Fun!

To all of our loyal readers:

I am sorry I have been a little M.I.A. lately! I am getting ready for my wedding that is in 2 weeks (and counting), and working diligently on prepping and gearing up our Le Top and Rabbitmoon websites with our Fall 2012 collections for you shoppers and fans! I promise to be back with great daily blog posts soon, and appreciate your understanding for our minimized  blog posts the past few weeks. Keep busy with your little ones with this SUPER CUTE cookie recipe…could be a cute idea for mother’s day!! Or to even give to your grandmother’s (as long as they aren’t diabetic)!

 

THE RECIPE!
Yield: Makes 8-10 cookies

Cookies are a perfect-size snack for little hands. This recipe was designed with kids in mind!

Older children can use their hand to outline the cookies, drawing around it on the dough with a skewer and using a knife tip to cut along the line. If your child can’t cut with a knife, make a pattern from a manila folder or translucent parchment works well; it will allow you to see the shape of the cookie through it.

INGREDIENTS:

For Dough

• 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/4 teaspoon table salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, for decorating

For Decorating

• 1 large egg white
• 1 teaspoon water
• Sanding sugar

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, sift together flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter and sugar on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add egg, and beat until smooth, about 1 minute.
3. Add reserved flour mixture, and mix on low speed until thoroughly combined. Stir in vanilla. Wrap dough in plastic, and refrigerate for about 45 minutes.
4. Make cookie pattern and heart stencil while wrapped dough is chilling. For the pattern, have your child trace his or her hand on a manila file folder, and cut out the tracing. You will lay this on the dough and trace around it with the tip of a paring knife. For the heart stencil, cut a heart shape from a piece of parchment paper, discarding center.
5. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. On a well-floured work surface, roll out cold dough to 1/8 inch thick. Cut out hand shapes. Transfer cookies to prepared baking sheets. Refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes. Dough scraps may be re-rolled twice.
6. To decorate the cookies with sanding sugar hearts, lay the heart stencil over a cookie. Combine the egg white with the water in a small bowl. Brush the egg wash in the heart, and sprinkle with sanding sugar. Lift stencil and repeat with remaining cookies. Bake until edges just begin to brown lightly, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cookies cool on pans for 3 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

CHECK OUT LE TOP CHILDREN’S PLAYWEAR AT
www.letop-usa.com

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TickledPinkandBlue.com: ONLINE PREMIER STORE SPOTLIGHT Q&A

It’s all about online shopping these days. Many moms (and most that I know) are running around all day – from taking their kids to school to fitting in after school activities and sports to bedtime stories and more…what better way to relax and do a little e-shopping with one of our favorite online premier boutiques – www.TickledPinkandBlue.com. We are obsessed with this online children’s clothing boutique and their mission is to provide their customers with high quality products at affordable prices and superior customer service – Le Top can vouch for that! We were able to sit down and talk to co-owners, Katherine and Ashley, this week and get the scoop on their website, how they decide what to buy for their products on their site, their tips on online shopping, and sweet deals if you sign up as a customer on their website. Read more to find out about TickledPinkandBlue.com!

 228.697.5192

www.tickledpinkandblue.com

CHECK-IN and JOIN
TickledPinkandBlue.com’s
Facebook page and click HERE

 

1.     Tell us the inspiration behind the name Tickled Pink and Blue? How long has your online store been around and what was your inspiration behind launching the website?
Tickled Pink and Blue is owned by two friends, Katherine and Ashley. We wanted to come up with a name that was playful, fun and whimsical and expressed how we feel about children and our personalities. We’ve both always loved children and were looking forward to starting our own families and dressing our children in today’s beautiful and adorable fashions. Ashley had just become a mother to her beautiful daughter, Ava, and we were “tickled pink” to have Ava in our lives. After brainstorming and chatting, as women do, we came up with Tickled Pink. We wanted to, of course, include boys in the name of our online boutique, so Tickled Pink and Blue emerged!

Our online store has been around since the summer of 2011. Our inspiration behind launching our site was to find beautiful, well-made clothing that is affordable and share them with moms, grandmothers, aunts, and others shopping for the just the perfect outfit or dress for their special bundles of joy. We are very good friends and were teaching together at the same school; however, we were looking for something to do that we could have fun with, would be able to spend more time with our children, would be flexible, and more importantly would allow us to dress up our little ones, and all our friends’ and families’ little ones, in all the latest fashions.

Ashley's daughter, Ava, in one of her favorite outfits (Le Top Tiny Bubbles).

2.     What do you look for in clothing/accessories companies when buying for the boutique?
First and foremost, we look for affordable prices for our customers. We feel that it is important to offer quality clothing at great prices. We also look for a wide variety of styles from traditional smocked clothing to casual playwear to soft and comfortable sleepwear, with a keen eye on items that we would dress our own children in. We also try to keep a well-stocked inventory with the current seasons hottest items and our best sellers. For this reason, it is important to us to work with companies that have a flexible and easy reorder program and good turn-around times and delivery windows.

3.     What advice would you give to parents shopping for their children? Do you find that most parents take the same stylistic approach with dressing their children as they do with themselves?
The advice we would offer to parents shopping for their children would be to purchase items that are of good quality. We would also encourage parents to look for items that they love and make their children comfortable.

We find that parents’ stylistic approach to dressing their children differs considerably. Some parents dress their children in more traditional or classic clothing and feel nostalgic when their children are wearing some of the very same long-lasting brands. Others tend to dress their children in trendier styles, while other parents choose a combination of traditional styles and trendier styles when dressing their children. Whatever the parents’ stylistic approach, Tickled Pink and Blue hopes that every parent can find something at our online boutique that they would love to have and purchase for their children.

4.     Spring 2012 styles are coming into stores and brightening up any family’s winter wardrobe. What are your top 3 items (clothes, toys, giftables, etc.) for any parent online shopping for warm weather items?
Our top three clothing items would be Le Top’s Sun and Sea Ocean Print Jumpsuit, any of the ruffled bubbles by Petit Ami, and short sets for boys by Rosalina and Mud Pie featuring smocked or appliquéd designs. Any of these items would be perfect to dress your child in to enjoy the upcoming summer fun!

5.     Any special events that you have planned at your online store for spring? Tell us the inside scoop about any special events and especially the fun deals we can expect! Do you list any deals on your great Facebook page?
We often have great discounts for our valued customers. As an Easter gift to our customers, we are offering 10% off our new spring and summer clothing until the end of April. In order to take advantage of this offer, you can register as a customer on our website and use the code “EASTER10” at checkout. Yes, we do list any special promotions or sales on our Facebook page, so we would like to remind everyone to “Like” our Facebook page, so you don’t miss out on any of our great deals and fantastic promotional events!

6.     What are your top 3 children’s movies or books and why?
Ashley: For babies to younger toddlers, I love Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.  My daughter who is 19 months just loves this book. For children a little older, I think the Fancy Nancy books by Jane O’Connor are just precious. Little girls love to dress up and wear pretty, frilly things, so it is a lot of fun to read these books and look at the adorable illustrations. My favorite book for all ages is Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. I think we all remember reading this as a child. I still have memories of actually getting to eat green eggs and ham in pre-school after my teacher read us that book.  It was such a fun day! 

Katherine:  American Girl collection of books (and they come with dolls…who wouldn’t love that!) and The Polar Express (remains a favorite of mine today and reminds us all to keep the spirit of Christmas alive in our hearts:)).

7.     Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?”

Katherine and Ashley at their website Launch Party last June

Ashley:  Well, I do have one thing that I always said I would try to do and that was to have my kids sleep in their own beds. So far, my husband and I have stayed pretty true to that except for a few occasions in which she was sick or not feeling well. 

Katherine: My husband and I are expecting our first children. Yes, that’s right, children! We’re having twins, and we couldn’t be more excited. One thing that is really important to us, as parents, is to make sure we don’t lose ourselves once we have children and make time for each other as a couple.

8.     What are the hottest trends for kids’ clothes right now?
The hottest trends for kids’ clothes right now are bright colors with fun patterns and of course, polka dots! Paisley print items have been very popular with our customers this season as well. Outfits accented with appliqués, ruffles, and grosgrain ribbons are also a really big hit.

9.     What Le Top or Rabbitmoon Spring 2012 collection is your online store’s favorite and why?
We actually have three favorites from Le Top’s Spring 2012 collection.  We love the bright colors of coral, aqua, orange, and lime green featured in the Sun and Sea Collection. In Tiny Bubbles, we fell in love with the dot print sun-suit top and ruffle panty. Who doesn’t just love polka dots! The Love Bug Collection pairs our two favorite colors together, which are pink and green. The floral and striped patterns look just perfect together, and the grosgrain ribbon and embroidered flower add just the right amount of sweetness for your little girl. All of these collections have adorable, fun styles that make you look forward to all of the activities that you will get to enjoy with your children this summer. 

Le Top "Love Bug" Sunsuit Top & Striped Panty

Tickled Pink and Blue

 A Children’s Clothing Boutique
228.697.5192

www.tickledpinkandblue.com

CHECK-IN and JOIN
TickledPinkandBlue.com’s
Facebook page and click HERE

 

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Happy Birthday Billie!

Photo: FameFlynet, INFPhoto.com

Beautiful Billie Beatrice Dane, turns 2-years-old tomorrow, Saturday, March 3rd. Have fun celebrating with mom, Rebecca Gayheart, Grey’s Anatomy star Eric Dane, and new baby sister, Georgia Geraldine.We think Billie would look picture perfect in rabbitmoon’s “Summer” collection sleeveless dress and capri pant with ruffle cuff. Enjoy your big day!

Tiered rows of diagonal ruched ruffles across the bodice sit atop a playful sunlit yellow and sky blue kaleidoscope patterned sleeveless sundress.Crafted with soft stretch cotton for dreamy comfort. Super soft stretchy cotton makes this summer sky blue pant comfy while offering versatile daywear style. Contrast yellow and blue kaleidoscope print ruffle cuffs add sass and flair.

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Bellybum Boutique: PREMIER STORE SPOTLIGHT Q&A

This week we headed to the mid-west to interview one of the chicest baby and children’s boutique’s in all of Chicago Illinois – Bellybum Boutique? Never been? Trust Ellen Sternweiler, store owner, on her killer instincts and excellent taste for children’s products, clothing, accessories and toys…your kiddo is sure to be styling and dressed to impress! She gave s the inside scoop on her store’s upcoming events and sales, the best items for parents shopping for a warm-weather winter vacation, and her favorite Rabbitmoon collection for spring! Read more below! 

Bellybum Boutique

4347 North Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60618
773.868.0944

www.bellybumboutique.com

CHECK-IN and JOIN Bellybum Boutique Facebook page and click HERE

 

Owner, Ellen Sternweiler

1.    Tell us the inspiration behind the name Bellybum Boutique? How long has your store been around?
I was trying to figure out a good name for a store that would specialized in everything for pre & postnatal moms and cloth diapers…hmmm…mama bellies & baby bums! Perfect 🙂

2.    Spring 2012 styles are coming into stores and brightening up any family’s winter wardrobe. What are your top 3 items (clothes, toys, giftables, etc.) for any parent shopping for warm weather items for a nice holiday vacation this winter?
Of course we always love receiving our new Rabbitmoon Collection — and this season will not disappoint (so cute)! We also just received a gorgeous new line of organic toys, blankets & clothing from Finn & Emma. Swaddle Designs blankets make great gifts: Soft and cozy, these 3-blanket cotton/fleece sets are perfect for any cool spring day. No mama’s ensemble will be complete this season without one of our gorgeous cardigans from Splendid! Lastly, I bet any sleep deprived parent can figure out why our “On-the-Go Sleep Sheep” are a must have…

3.    Any special events that you have planned at your store for spring? Tell us the inside scoop about any special events and especially the fun deals we can expect!
We like to have fun and surprise our customers…That said, you can expect more fun, and sometimes silly, Spring/Summer sales and events in addition to our current Winter Clearance sale. We are planning a big event in the Spring to celebrate the opening of our new Sensory Kids™ Store, and we are sponsoring the Autism Speaks Walk in June. Stay tuned for more information about walking with “Team Bellybum.” And, of course, if the weather continues to astound, we will surely bring back our ever-popular “Temperature Sale.”

4.    What is your “go-to” baby shower gift in your store for boys and girls?
Padalily car seat handle pads (for moms), Apple Park Organic Plush Rattles & Toys (for Babies), and Moby Wraps (for parents) are hands down customer favorites!

5.    What are your top 3 children’s movies or books and why?

• ChittyChittyBangBang (still great after all these years!)
• Jungle Book (who wouldn’t love Baloo?)
• The Phantom Toll Booth (Read this! Then read it to your young children, then let them read it again when they can, then re-read it yourself…you’ll get something new from this every time. I promise)

6.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?”
Nurse or use cloth diapers. Now I own a store that specializes in those things. Go figure!

7.    Describe the neighborhood of your store location in Chicago, Illinois? Did you grow up in the local area?
I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. Now, after 20 years in Chicago, I finally consider myself a Chicagoan (though I’ve gotta admit I’m still an Indians and Cavs fan). I love the Lincoln Square/Northcenter neighborhood where my store is located and where I live. It’s the perfect mixture of old and new and committed to being the ‘greenest’ neighborhood in Chicago. It’s a terrific place to raise a family with beautiful parks, as well as plenty of hip stores and great restaurants.

8.    What are the hottest trends for kids clothes right now?
Cute with a twist: I think people are tired of ‘sophisticated.’ It seems people want kids to look like kids…just the modern version.

9.    Where are the best/essential family hangouts and places to go around your store location?
Jury’s (Best Burger), Julius Meinl (Best Coffeehouse), Wells Park (Sports, Concerts…), The Old Town School of Folk Music, Lincoln Square (Gift Stores, Book Stores, Restaurants…)

10.   What Le Top or Rabbitmoon Spring 2012 collection is your store’s favorite and why?
We LOVE the Rabbitmoon “Summer” sunlit yellow collection!!! The colors are so fresh and who knew yellow could look so good?! The “Pieced Top With Tie Shoulder” is ridiculously cute with the matching hat. OMG!

Rabbitmoon "Summer" Collection A-Line Dress

Bellybum Boutique

4347 North Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60618
773.868.0944

www.bellybumboutique.com

 CHECK-IN and JOIN
Bellybum Boutique
Facebook page and click HERE

 

 

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Doll House: PREMIER STORE SPOTLIGHT Q&A

This week we interviewed owner Jean Johnston from Doll House boutique in Palos Verdes Estates, California for our “Premier Store Spotlight” this week. Not only is she young and hip, she knows how to keep your child on top of the trend curve and parents in-the-know on the best new baby, children, and tween’s products on the market. Read more to find out about the latest spring trends, Doll House’s upcoming Easter event that is not to be missed, as well as sign up for Facebook to get updates on their cool mommy and me yoga classes!

2325 Palos Verdes Drive West
Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
949.439.8333

www.dollhousepv.com

 CHECK-IN and JOIN Doll House Facebook page and click HERE

1.   Tell us the inspiration behind the name Doll House? How long has your store been around?
I opened Doll House almost two years ago. While bouncing ideas around, my father suggested the name Doll House, and I thought it was perfect! Children are our little dolls, they are so much fun to dress up.

Le Top Baby "By the Sea" Romper

2.   Spring 2012 styles are coming into stores and brightening up any family’s winter wardrobe. What are your top 3 items (clothes, toys, giftables, etc.) for any parent shopping for warm weather items for a nice holiday vacation this winter?
Nautical stripes will transition a wardrobe from fall to spring, which has made Le Top’s ‘By The Sea’ collection very popular in the store.  Quicksilver rash guards have a built in SPF 50 that can be worn poolside or at the beach. Three Martha’s fold up chalkboard mat (comes with colorful chalk and a fun elephant shaped sponge) is a helpful way to keep kids occupied on long car or plane rides.

3.  Any special events that you have planned at your store for spring? Tell us the inside scoop about any special events and especially the fun deals we can expect!
You Don’t Want To Miss Spring Time At Doll House!

Doll House will be hosting a spring event on Thursday, March 29th. We will have a bunny petting zoo, a fun art project taught by a local artisan, face painting and a very special visit from the Easter Bunny!

Doll House has teamed up with Billabong and Zico Water for a great trunk show event for tweens! Doll House tweens will be the first to view and order Billabong’s 2012 fall collection while enjoying Zico Water.

Doll House is excited to start mommy and me yoga classes this spring! Check out our face book and website for updates!

Store owner, Jean, showing her display of the Le Top Tiny Bubbles collection

4.   What is your “go-to” baby shower gift in your store for boys and girls?
I have a huge demand for clothing and gifts made in the USA. Lisa Denver’s growth charts (made in Palos Verdes Estates), Scrumptious Blankets (made in Los Angeles) and Giggle Moon (made in San Diego) are popular gift items. 

Le Top Sun and Sea collection

5.   What are your top 3 children’s movies or books and why?
Doll House’s most popular books are ‘Guess How Much I Love You’, ‘Pinkalicious’ and ‘Casey At Bat’. The hardback books come as a set with matching Pajamas! These make bedtime a little more fun. ($44 set).

6.    Describe the neighborhood of your store location in Palos Verdes Estates? Did you grow up in the local area?
Doll House is located in Lunada Bay, a surf and beach community within Palos Verdes Estates, California. It is a lot like Newport Beach, where I grew up. The locals are outgoing and take pride in their local boutiques.

Store owner Jean Johnston

7.    What are the hottest trends for kids clothes right now?
Purple, pink, red and bright blue skinny jeans and shorts are going to be a hot trend this spring and summer.

8.    What Le Top or Rabbitmoon Spring 2012 collection is your store’s favorite and why?
Le Top’s ‘Tiny Bubbles’ for girls and “Whales & Sails” for boys have been very popular collections. The prints are a great way to match brothers and sisters, and perfect to wear at the beach club and the 4th of July!

(left) Le Top Whales & Sales boy's collection (right) Le Top Tiny Bubbles girl's collection

Doll House

2325 Palos Verdes Drive West
Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
949.439.8333

www.dollhousepv.com 

CHECK-IN and JOIN
Doll House Facebook page
and click HERE

 

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Paper Plate Banjo Craft for Fun!

Do I hear music?

Kids love to rock out and why not make it fun and cheap with an arts and crafts session where you make paper plate banjos with your children? Making music was never this much fun!

This post has been moved to our website and new home of the le top blog. To view this post go to http://blog.letop-usa.com/?p=23784

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Polka Dots & Patticakes PREMIER STORE SPOTLIGHT Q&A

This week we interviewed Adrian Anderson of the cutest children’s boutique in Conover, North Carolina – Polka Dots & Patticakes. She was sweeter than sweet, and definitely knows what her customers love and what’s hot for kid’s style and gear. As a mom herself, she knows exactly what must-have items any mom needs this spring, the fab town hangouts, and even admits to what she swore she would never do as a parent. She is as down to earth as it gets and the products in her store are the best of the best. Read more about one of Le Top’s favorite retailers! Check it out.

Polka Dots & Patticakes

111 1^st Avenue South, Suite A
Conover, NC 28613
828.292.9882

 www.polkadotsandpatticakes.com

 CHECK-IN and JOIN
Polka Dots & Patticakes
Facebook page and click HERE

1.    Tell us the inspiration behind the name Polka Dots & Patticakes? How long has your store been around?
Every time that I think of children, I think of Polka Dots. I knew that I wanted to do something with this name. I told my husband that I needed to come up with something to go along with Polka Dots & he said what about Patticakes? Perfect!Patty Cake is a childhood game that we all remember from our childhood. My special spelling is just to make the name unique. I started my business in October 2010.

2.    Spring 2012 styles are coming into stores and brightening up any family’s winter wardrobe. What are your top 3 items (clothes, toys, giftables, etc.) for any parent shopping for warm weather items for a nice holiday vacation this winter?
Ju Ju Be bags are always great for trips or for a mom-on-the-go. With all of their compartments and pockets, you have a place for everything you will need. They even have a Mommy pocket to keep your personal things separate! I also have Stack n’ Seals from Innobaby that make carrying a snack with you while on the go a breeze. I would also pick up some great cotton styles to keep your little one stylish yet comfortable on the trip.

3.    Any special events that you have planned at your store for Valentine’s Day? Tell us the inside scoop about any special events and especially the fun deals we can expect!
I plan on having a Grandmother’s night at the store when more of my spring product comes in. I will have tea and cookies and show my collections to them and give them the opportunity to purchase outfits for their little ones with a discount. I also plan on having a few specials throughout the spring season online and in store.

4.    What is your favorite Valentine’s Day candy and why?
Conversation Hearts—I love to pick out little messages to give my Valentine, my husband John.

5.    What are a few common baby names that you have seen trending for the new moms that come to your store?
Emma, Grace and Olivia for little girls; Aiden and Jackson for little boys.

Adrian and her beautiful daughter Logan (who is wearing an outfit from the Le Top Spring 2011 "Daisy" collection)

6.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?”
I swore that I wouldn’t talk about her all the time, but how can you help it? She is my world and I love her so much! She is our pride and joy.

7.    Describe the neighborhood of your store location in Conover, North Carolina? Did you grow up in the local area?
I grew up in a town about thirty minutes away from Conover called Lenoir.  Conover is a quaint town in the Western Piedmont area of NC. Everyone knows everyone and people are nice and friendly.

8.    What are the hottest trends for kids clothes right now?
With warmer weather on its way, tunics and capris for girls will be popular in the spring and fun skirts with tops for summer.  One-pieces are always great for infant and toddler boys during the summer.

9.    Where are the best/essential family hangouts and places to go around your store location?
If you are looking for a fun family day outing, you could visit the Catawba Science Center. They have tons of activities and fun things for the kids to do. For soft play, go-carts, putt putt, lazer tag, and arcade games you could take the kids to Hickory Dickory Dock. It is also great for birthday parties too.

10.    What Le Top or Rabbitmoon Spring 2012 collection is your store’s favorite and why?
My favorite collection from Le Top is “Sun and Sea”.  When it starts to warm up, I want to be at the beach and this collection would look so cute on my tan little girl after a fun day at the beach.  All the bright colors are so beautiful.  Makes me look forward to those long summer days filled with sunshine and sand.

Polka Dots & Patticakes

111 1^st Avenue South, Suite A
Conover, NC 28613
828.292.9882

www.polkadotsandpatticakes.com

 CHECK-IN and JOIN Polka Dots & Patticakes
Facebook page and click HERE

Tunic and stripe capri with ruffle cuff from the Le Top “Sun and Sea" collection

 

 

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The Purple Turtle Boutique: PREMIER STORE SPOTLIGHT Q&A

This week we interviewed storeowner, Karen Smith, for our 2nd Premier Store Spotlight of the New Year – The Purple Turtle – located in Gallipolis, Ohio. Not only does she have the cutest baby and kids clothes in Gallipolis, but she also throws fabulous anniversary events at her store with local photographers that take pictures of your kiddos (eh, hem, make sure to go!)! Karen’s store is sure to be your “go-to” for the best baby shower gifts in town, and she reveals in her interview her secret reading gift for any new mom, as well dishing on what she swore she would “never do as a grandparent.” Read more about the fabulous boutique, The Purple Turtle below!

 

The Purple Turtle

300 2^nd Avenue
Gallipolis, OH 45631-1163
740.446.1998
www.purpleturtlekids.com

 CHECK-IN and JOIN The Purple Turtle’s Facebook page and click HERE

Model wearing Le Top "My Best Friend" collection

1.    What a cute name for a store! Tell us the inspiration the name The Purple Turtle? How long has your store been around?
I tried to think of a name that the children would remember and maybe connect with, and The Purple Turtle came to mind.  We have purple carpet and pictures of our mascot Purple Turtle on the walls.  Who doesn’t like Purple Turtles?!  We’ve been in business since October 2000.

2.    It’s 2012 and resort and spring 2012 styles are coming into stores. What are your top 3 items (clothes, toys, giftables, etc.) for any parent shopping for warm weather items for a nice holiday vacation this winter?
We sell many baby shower gifts, so warm blankets and sleepers are very popular.  Snuggly jackets are good for the cold weather.

Wall of Fame

3.    Any special events that you have planned at your store for this New Year or Valentine’s Day next month? Tell us the inside scoop about any special events and fun deals we can expect!
The most exciting event that we do in the store is our “Gallery” opening in the spring and fall.  We work with a local children’s photographer, Melissa Echler, who takes fantastic pictures of our customers sporting outfits found in the store.  The evening before the public sees the new pictures, we have a private viewing for the families of our little models complete with special cookies and drinks.  Everyone loves to see their children/grandchildren on the wall of fame in The Purple Turtle! Check the below photos.

4.    What is your favorite children’s book that you would recommend to our readers?
On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman.  I give this book to many new moms.  They love it!

5.    Although spring 2012 styles are available soon, what would you suggest as the top 3 essentials in the winter that any parent should buy to brighten up their child’s wardrobe this winter?
I think accessories like new tights and leggings, new hair bows and headbands.  Those accessories always brighten up a winter day.

6.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?”
….talk about them all the time!!  But I just can’t help it…you know they are SO cute and I just must share all my pictures!

7.    Describe the neighborhood of your store location in Gallipolis, Ohio? Did you grow up in the local area?
No, I did not grow up here, but I raised my children here and have definitely set down roots.  Gallipolis is a beautiful historic town on the Ohio River with a beautiful city park in the center of the downtown area.  I would love for everyone to visit us anytime.

8.    What is the hottest trend for kids’ clothes right now?
Boots and cute skirts and tops.

9.    Where are the best/essential family hangouts and places to go around your store location?
Our lovely city park is the place to be in the summer. You will always see people walking, picnicking and looking at the Ohio River.

10.    What Le Top or rabbitmoon Winter 2011 or Spring 2012 collection is your store’s favorite and why?
The Le Top “Fantasia” Collection for winter was one of my favorites.  Every child who wore it looked so pretty….the colors are so vivid.  Of course, the Le Top Christmas “Candy Cane Cutie” Collection too with the striped or dotted tights that are great.

Model wearing Le Top '"Fantasia" collection

The Purple Turtle

300 2^nd Avenue
Gallipolis, OH 45631-1163
740.446.1998
www.purpleturtlekids.com

 

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**Photo Credits: Heartstrings Child Photography

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