Darling of the Day: Andrew

Watch out for Andrew the Dragon! Although he has a handsome face and a charming smile, we’ve been told this lad has a very ferocious roar! Andrew’s mom sent us these adorable pictures of her little Londoner in our Duke the Dragon costume and we just had to share them. Seeing Andrew in his costume is certainly a Halloween treat! Congratulations on being our Darling of the Day, Andrew, and we hope your Halloween celebration is a roaring good time!

Read Full Post »

Is that P Cottontail Peeking through the Pumpkin Patch?

P Cottontail's Historic Downtown Store Front

Nestled away in the quaint ocean-side town of Half Moon Bay you can find the home of P Cottontail…yes, look… right there in the historic Main Street shopping district!  Not a bunny…but a darling children’s boutique that will soon be celebrating its 25th anniversary as part of this unique community.  Half Moon Bay, founded in the 1840’s was the first settlement in San Mateo County California, around 30 miles south of San Francisco.  The beautiful locale, a stone’s throw from the Pacific Ocean boasts postcard perfect vistas that include whale watching, acres of flowers, 2 lighthouses, redwood preserves, wineries, golf courses, luxury hotels and charming inns and a historic Main Street with unique shops.  This is where we find Peter Cottontail’s ‘home’ – not situated next to Mr. McGregor’s garden, but rather in a vacation ‘destination’ for lucky residents and tourists alike.

Sandra Murphy took over P Cottontail & Co a few years ago, but had known of the unique children’s boutique for years and “Really wanted it!”  She loves seeing the little babies that come into the store grow up and says “They are like my own little family!”  When asked what was the key to her success the answer was simple, yet succinct, “Very, Very, Very hard work!”  Sandra remembers that a friend once told her “Remember the first word in Specialty Store is ‘Special’ – and I have always tried to remember that!”  The area locals love merchandise that reflects the community – especially the horse lovers and world class surfers that frequent the store.  A local customer commented:

Stocked up on Le Top Halloween costumes

“I have always found this store to have the kind of clothing that makes shopping local a unique experience. Informative, attentive and friendly service, plus you actually get to deal with the same person the next time. The last time we went in, the sales person remembered my son’s name. He was thrilled and I was impressed.”

Sandra’s customers have even included some celebrities that stay in the beautiful Ritz Carlton nearby – including Angie Harmon and Brad Pitt!  Of course she stocks up with appealing and distinctive items at this time of year in preparation for the scores of tourists that will soon arrive…as she gears up for Half Moon Bay’s well known Art and Pumpkin Festival! (Check back on Monday to see more about this) 

Sandra’s good friends and family all pitch in to help at P Cottontail for this amazing community event – so popular that it attracts tourists from all over!  She is stocked up with lots of Halloween costumes – ready for all the festivities.  They have a costume parade, and as Sandra says, “Pumpkin Everything!” – including the weigh-in for the biggest pumpkin, pumpkin carving, pumpkin muffins, cookies and pancakes and lots of fun!

If you are a fan of the ‘Great Pumpkin’ – or just want to have a beautiful and relaxing break – make a visit to Half Moon Bay.  Stop in and say hello to Sandra, she is really fun!  After all, she’s the one that quotes “I LOVE Le Top!”

P Cottontail & Co
527 Main Street
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
650.726.0200

Read Full Post »

In Fashion Kids

One of our retailers, In Fashion Kids, was honored as an inaugural winner in the Baby Clothing category by TheFind. We are so excited to brag about In Fashion Kids’ big achievement! A compendium Website for consumers for all things shopping, TheFind lists the best stores, online retailers, sales and coupons, as well as helping to find those hard-to-come-by items…like Nadine’s rabbit moon blankie! 🙂 The Find has launched an annual list giving recognition to top 100 online specialty stores in sixteen categories. We congratulate Jacquie (owner) and In Fashion Kids for winning a top spot in the first TheFind100!

To find a great selection of baby and children’s costumes, dress wear and, of course, our fashionable le•top baby and children’s clothes, the search mission has already been done for you…just go to In Fashion Kids!

Read Full Post »