A Happy Place – Just for “Connie’s Kids!”

Almost 25 years ago Connie Todd was working as an X-Ray technician at Chesapeake General Hospital.  Leaving work one day she noticed a sign announcing that a shopping center would be coming soon, directly across from the hospital.  Connie was also teaching Lamaze classes at the time, and knew the hospital was getting ready to open a new birthing center.  Suddenly all the pieces came together in her mind…she realized that there was a perfect opportunity to do something creative and positive – to open a needed children’s specialty store!  Connie had done some home parties, selling samples and was now ready to make her dream a reality.  Connie’s Kids recently celebrated its 23rd anniversary – a successful realization of a vision!

Connie’s Kids, a bright and happy store, specializes in something dear to everyone here at le•top’s heart – dressing children as children!  As Connie observes “They are only little once, and I encourage my customers to keep them “babies” as long as possible, because when it’s over, it’s OVER!” Connie has 2 children, but because of the unique environment at her store she has a huge ‘extended’ family – she is now working with ‘2^nd generation’ customers!  Specializing in special occasion clothing including Christening, Communion Wear and Flower Girl and Ring Bearer attire makes it possible for Connie to share in the joy of these momentous events in her customer’s lives.  At Connie’s Kids things are kept very real, yet very special – everything is still handmade, including the store gift bags.  Connie offers gift wrap and does everything to fulfill her customer’s special order needs.  There are exquisite choices for gift giving – including crocheted shawls and sweater sets hand made by Connie’s mom.

Connie Todd

Not only do we think Connie’s Kids is special, but her beautiful boutique has been recognized in Chesapeake, Virginia as Retailer of the Year and the best of Hampton Roads.  Connie regularly gives back to her community by hosting book readings by local author Sheila Kilpatrick and sponsoring fashion shows to benefit underprivileged children.  Connie’s Kids also has a beautiful website that offers all the special clothing and fabulous customer service that this unique boutique is known to offer local customers. Visit Connie’s website or drop in and become ‘one of the family!’

Connie’s Kids
701 Battlefield Blvd N
Chesapeake, VA 23320
www.connieskids.com

Tel: (757) 547-5437
Toll Free: (800) 547-6933

Monday – Friday – 10am – 8pm (EST)
Saturday – 10am – 6pm (EST)

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Making a Choice…Family, Friends, Community

Heidi Hulse had finished up her Master’s Degree and had a momentous choice to make…the nearest job would have been an hour commute away.  Heidi choose instead to use her education within her community, and fulfill a perceived need – she knew from experience that the closest place to shop for children’s clothing was over 50 miles away – so she opened a delightful boutique that catered to the local community.  Family was an important consideration as well, and to honor this priority the boutique name is the combination of her two children’s middle names – Haylee Nicole and Hunter Jordan.

Nicole Jordan’s Children’s Clothing Boutique is located in charming and historic Mount Vernon, Ohio – founded over 200 years ago – an important stop along the railroad that connected Pittsburgh to Chicago and St. Louis.  One of Heidi’s favorite things about her decision to open Nicole Jordan is the friends she has made within the community. She is constantly running into customers and their children around town.  The children love the store (especially her toy room!) and the dad’s know her because “You’re the one that has the store where my wife spends her money!”  Heidi loves the craziness of “Sale Days” and wondering “What is going on here???”  She also loves “Grandmas with a ‘shopping problem!”  One of Heidi’s biggest ‘perks’ is having flexibility, including the ability to have her children with her at the store.  (Although Heidi does confide that “Some days I don’t always feel that way!”) 

Heidi Holding a Striped Coverall from the Walking with Dinosaurs Collection

Customer comments prove that Heidi has done a great job with her decision:

“For the best dress selection: The service is very personalized and the hand-picked selection is adorable. From the moment you walk in you know you are in a special place.”

“Great place to buy children’s clothes: I am always pleased when I shop at Nicole Jordan’s.  She carries beautiful dresses for infants.”

Nicole Jordan is known for special occasion clothing, including Communion, Easter and Christmas dresses.  Heidi’s impressive personalized service is another attractive reason to visit the store.  She also is pleased and happy to accept phone orders!  If you are visiting this pleasant area north of Columbus Ohio drop in and say hello – Heidi will be happy to make you feel like a local!

Nicole Jordan’s Children’s Clothing Boutique
23 N. Main Street
Mount Vernon, OH 43050-3203
740.397.9922

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Kimora Lee Simmons – ‘Fabulous’ New Baby Photo!

source: okmagazine.com

Baby Phat CEO and Style Network star Kimora Lee Simmons and the love of her life, Oscar nominated Blood Diamond actor Djimon Hounsou, proudly show off their new baby boy Kenzo Lee Hounsou.  Kenzo, born May 30th weighed in at 8 pounds and was 20 inches long.

source: okmagazine.com

“I just never thought it could be this good,” Kimora, 34 told OK magazine.  She said that Kenzo is a “good, calm baby,” a nice thing with her busy life.  Kimora also has two daughters Ming, 9 and Aoki, 7 from her previous marriage to Russell Simmons.

le•top wishes Kimora congratulations on her beautiful family!

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Snug as a Bug!

Butterfly Kisses and ladybug hugs…sleep tight little one like a bug in a rug” – author unknown

Judy Novininger has a passion for all things beautiful.  She shared her vision by opening an upscale gift boutique in the Camp Hill area of Pennsylvania named for Pennsylvania’s state bug – Lightning Bug.  In September of 2003, inspired by new grandchildren and the continuing quest to fill the need for wonderful gifts with a personal touch, a new entity ‘flickered’ to life – Baby Bug and Me. Six years later Baby Bug and Me is thriving in its new location on Market street just below the West Shore Farmers Market in downtown Lemoyne, Pennsylvania.

Baby Bug and Me has achieved Judy’s desired goal of excellence, recognized for four consecutive years as the winner of Harrisburg Magazine Reader’s Choice Award in the children’s clothing category.  First honored in 2005, Judy tells us that these awards have brought her wonderful and memorable moments.  The superb and extensive merchandise selection has propelled Baby Bug to the top of the accolades list.  Featuring shoes (Judy’s new favorite,) clothing (le•top is a best-seller in both girls and boys!) books, toys and more.  Judy enjoys selecting the Christening and Dedication outfits she offers for both boy’s and girl’s special day.  Phone orders are gladly accepted at this first-class boutique, as well as offering the ability to easily order basics for a child’s wardrobe at www.babybugandme.com.

All photos compliments of Annekatherinephotography.com

Judy is an involved member of the community as well, choosing a special charity to partner with each year, ranging from the Cerebral Palsy Foundation to the YWCA. This fall the leading collections at the store will be featured in the YWCA Power of Style Fashion Show, benefiting the Women’s and Children’s Crisis Center in Harrisburg.

Judy and her staff are accommodating and attentive to all their customers “little” needs. Take a short jaunt to the Lemoyne area, or just peruse their website, to be greeted by a friendly face, a caring staff and the best selection of baby and children’s items in the area.

Cute as a bug in a rug!

Baby Bug and Me
900 Market Street
(Inside the West Shore Farmers Market building – lower level)
Lemoyne, PA 17043
717.763.1780
www.babybugandme.com

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A Neighborhood Boutique at Your Fingertips!

Daisies are like sunshine to the ground.” – Drew Barrymore

Jason and Julie's Daughters

Stop and smell the daisies???  Although daisies really don’t have a fragrance, the idea of saving some time is sweet!  When you need to find some really special children’s clothing for your little one, or a great children’s gift, save some time and visit our friends at www.Green-Daisies.com.  Jason and Julia Pugh, busy parents of two little girls ages 2 and 4, started their online store to give other on-the-go parents the opportunity to access all the amenities of a neighborhood boutique in the serenity of their own home.

Julia was sitting in her garden watching her daughters pick daisy after daisy and it occurred to her that daisies bring simple happiness to life.  The name Green Daisies seemed unique, and it reflected their goal of creating a store that offered an exceptional, high quality and pleasant shopping experience.  She understands that busy parents want outstanding customer service and high quality clothing, but browsing through stores is not always a simple task with little ones!

Julia and Jason love the location they have chosen to plant their family – a little town with a big name – Boulder, Colorado.  They encourage other outdoor-minded families to come and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Rocky Mountains, the wonderful hiking trails, or to participate in the largest annual 10K run in the country.

Although Green-Daisies.com is only 7 months young – there seems to be a following that has developed, including some ‘anonymous’  and ‘not-so-anonymous’ celebrities – including Campbell Brown! I am sure Campbell would agree that time is of the essence when you are a working mother – and signing on to Green-Daisies.com is like having your neighborhood children’s store right in your own home!  Julia and Jason are attentive to the needs of your children, your privacy (including all those anonymous celeb’s out there!) and your time.

You can keep up with their daily happenings, newest items, and much more on their “neighborhood” social networking sites.  So come, Tweet, Facebook & Blog with Green-Daisies.com today!  Julia and Jason love the satisfaction of listening to suggestions from their customers, and to make Green Daisies a satisfying and rewarding shopping destination for busy parents.  Drop in for a “chat over the neighborhood fence” – and see the great le top styles featured on Green-Daisies.com!

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Daytime Drama…Another Guilty Pleasure!

Raise your hand if you think we are all “drama queens!”  Is this blog becoming a place for ‘true confessions’ or what?!  Not only have we admitted that we are hooked on reality television, but yes, (GASP!!!) we love our soaps as well! Although there are those at le•top who love GH (General Hospital) and One Life to Live, the classic Day’s of Our Lives stole our hearts a couple weeks ago!  Why? Well, it is NOT the convoluted details of the relationships – but…after E.J. married Nicole – they had a baby – Sydney – who had the panache to appear dressed in le•top Strawberry Fields – petal top and bloomer set!
 

The short version of this complicated storyline is that someone at DOL has a great sense of style! If you want all the juicy details, and to see what le•top outfit Sydney will be featured in next, catch Day’s on your local NBC channel!

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To Thine Own Self Be True!

We are very excited to introduce a ‘new look’ to our website – a look that is a delightful reflection of all the innocence, fun and whimsy that makes le•top innovative and nostalgic – upscale and hip!  This bright and happy site will showcase all the looks that we loved as children, mixed in with incredible new styles you won’t see anywhere else!  We are launching this new site to present our fabulous fall 2009 collections – appearing at discerning retailers across the United States.  Don’t miss Dog’s, Dinos and Varsity Blues! Check out the Kaleidoscope and Cute as a Button dresses and get a dose of Enchantment!

But this is just the beginning!  Become a part of the le•top community as we introduce new features – join the conversations on our blog for smiles and information – and follow our Twitter feed to be the first to hear about contests and give-a-ways.

Come and experience le•top: “Zero to Five – The Happy Years!”

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Le Top Doggie Couture Update!

It’s no secret that we LOVE clothes at Le Top! We are the invariable audience that goos and gushes over the sweetness of the le•top baby collection and laughs with delight at whimsical Le Top styles.  But we have a little secret here, behind the scenes…it’s the wildly creative fashions that our employees dream up for their four-legged friends (and sometimes office mates!)

Cengx (our wonderful “style supporter” and A+ girl-Friday’s) incredibly energetic Pomeranian Charemie is always prancing in with the newest le•top outfit – an ‘original’ design that Cengx has customized in a truly unique kind of haute couture.  (We always know when Charemie is in the house – his little voice carries through walls!)  Karen loves to dress Olive (the wonder dog) in her New York Yankees outfit – whether to flaunt her loyalties at her sons’ baseball games, or make a simple fashion stroll around the office, aimed towards torturing loyal Giants and A’s fans!  Riley, Marilyn’s rambunctious rescued German Sheppard mix has long made his mark – he loves playing in his le•top namesake costume (Halloween will be a big day for Riley!) We would be amiss if we did not mention our more contemporary collection…Rolando, the head designer of rabbitmoon, is always pushing the trends! He loves creating fashion-forward garments for his Chihuahua Rooye. Why copy another rabbitmoon style – he creates chic styles for this fashion forward pup that we just had to share!

We know you adore clothes as much as we do – and we are betting that you dress your pets… just like this critter and fashion focused group!  Share with us! Send us a photo of your four-legged friend wearing a fashionable favorite!

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Colorado Rocky Mountain High

 

 

 

 

The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullaby… Rocky Mountain high” – John Denver

Since 1983 Tracey Owens, owner of Mountain Moppets, has had a beautiful store, located in gorgeous Colorado Springs, Colorado. Mountain Moppets appropriately derived its name from the majestic Rocky Mountains that line the entire western skyline of Colorado Springs. Tracey enjoys meeting the needs of the local ‘Moppets’ – and carving out a place within the community.

Happy Triplets

Fun with glasses

Tracey’s favorite days revolve around communication and interaction with customers in her darling little store – a haven in this beautiful region.  She loves showing off the new styles that arrive for the season and thrives on the wonderful feedback from her loyal customers.  Tracey caters to devoted customers by offering pre-sales; and creates exciting special events in her store, including drawings and contests to reward and give back.  Attractive gift wrapping is available upon request for both Mountain Moppets’ online and in-store customers. So ‘come on home’ to Mountain Moppets for a great selection of le●top’s Fall 2009 collection…and don’t forget to tell Tracey “hello!” from this side of the mountain!

Mountain Moppets Gang

Mountain Moppets is located at:
2532 W. Colorado Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
(719) 633-3473

M-Sat:  10:00am – 5:30pm
Sunday:  12:00pm – 4:00pm

If you can’t make a trip to the beautiful Rocky Mountains visit Tracey at www.mountainmoppets.com

Tracey loves to chat with customers; you can reach her by calling the store or by emailing mountainmoppets@gmail.com

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Only the Best for Your Little Lamb

Little Lambs Children's Boutique in Pell City, AL

Heather Adams loves children…so she became a teacher!  When her daughter Anna Beth was born she made the decision to fulfill another dream, also in the children’s arena – she became the owner of a wonderful children’s boutique in town that she heard was closing.  Little Lambs Children’s Boutique in Pell City, Alabama was perfect!  Heather’s dream as a new mother was to spend as much time as possible with her darling daughter – and two years later Little Lambs has become Anna Beth’s second home with mommy.

Little Lambs Children’s Boutique, now open for a total of 14 years, is a fun and happy place.  Heather loved the name of the boutique, and decided not to change it because as she says,

“Children are God’s Little Lambs.”

One of the benefits that Heather loves the most about owning her store, other than spending most days there with her daughter, is the interaction with her customers and the community.  It is exciting to help choose new outfits for special babies or birthday gifts for grandchildren.  She loves being involved with that momentous decision by a new mom-to-be, when they choose their baby’s “coming home” outfit – a truly special day!

Heather’s involvement extends beyond just selling clothing to her customers – she delights in creating special events in the store that brings her community closer.  She hosts pottery parties twice per year – creating ‘priceless’ art – like the impressions of tiny hands and feet that will be cherished for years to come.  During the Christmas and Easter holiday seasons a photographer is in the store to capture wonderful moments with Santa and the Easter Bunny.

Anna Beth and Kaylie wearing le●top Flower Power courduroy print dresses from Fall 2008

Heather makes shopping for the special items at Little Lambs even easier – she has created an online store as well!  You can visit the website at www.shoplittlelambs.com .When visiting this charming website you might want to sign up for the email list; the recipients receive emails regarding preview sales and special events.  Tech savvy customers also receive special offers on Facebook!  Complimentary gift wrapping is just one of the many perks when buying that special gift from Little Lambs – and makes gifting so much easier!

“We feel very blessed to be able to have this business and are so thankful for our customers.  I have been able to make my dream a reality” – Heather Adams

Little Lambs Children’s Boutique
2247 Martin Street South
Pell City, AL 35128

Tuesday – Friday: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Saturday:  10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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