Le Top Darlings of the Day: Grace, Lila and Addison

When Leah from N’Tended for Kids in Lynchburg, VA sent us photos of her delightful daughters, we jumped at the chance to use them as our Le Top Darlings of the Day. It just doesn’t get better than this. Not one but three beautiful little girls in our adorable summer fashions. Grace (3-years-old) and her twin sisters, Lila and Addison (8-months-old) are making the most of their summer by frequenting the beach in their Le Top “Love Bug” pinafore (top) and “Catch a Wave” (middle) bathing suits, and Le Top “Sun and Sea” cross-back jumpsuits (bottom).

We’re told that Grace loves clothes and shoes! She dresses herself in the morning and then wants her sisters’ outfits to be coordinated with hers. Aawwe!! The twins think that Grace is an amazing and absolutely hilarious big sister. They laugh at any and everything she says. Grace’s personal fave-collecting shells on the beach. Though the twins are not so thrilled with the sand they do love strolling on the beach.

Congratulations Grace, Lila and Addi on your Le Top Darling of the Day title!!!!

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Pinky Scout Boutique: STORE SPOTLIGHT PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

Back-to-school is in full swing, and we interviewed Stacy Rueckhaus, co-owner of one of the best (and most darling) children’s boutiques in Ohio – Pinky Scout – to get the inside kids-style-know-how and get you pumped up for fall fashion. Read more to learn just who exactly these mysterious “Pinky Scout” kids really are, the special “Pinky Scout” chant, what Stacy swore she would never do as a parent, great tips on fall fashion, and last but not least, parenting tips for back-to-school from the gals at Pinky Scout boutique!

 

Pinky Scout

5 East Main Street
Troy, OH 45373
937.440.1211
www.pinkyscout.com

CHECK-IN and JOIN Pinky Scout Boutique Facebook page and click HERE

1.    Pinky Scout is an fun and funky name! Tell us how you came to call your store Pinky Scout.
Stacy:  The store was created by myself and my two sisters, Julie and Sarah. When we were kids we formed our own secret club and called ourselves the “The Pinky Scouts.” It was a special club where we would tell each other our secrets and bond. Growing up we would always link pinkies and reference “Pinky Scout” when we had something to share with each other.  Now our daughters have joined the club and we all bond together over our Pinky Scout chant….it’s a bit corny, but i’ll share it with you.  (You have to link pinkies and solemnly repeat):

I love my pinky, yes I do, and NO, my pinky is not blue!”

You can’t go back on your word after saying that!

2.    Tell us the inside scoop about any special events that you have planned for fall, especially the fun deals we can expect!
Stacy:  At our store we support local designers and authors, there are so many talented individuals in our hometown! Most recently we set up a booth in our store to promote 2 local children’s authors, Hope Rethman and Meaghan Fisher, with a book signing. It was such a big success and our customers love the fact that we support local entrepreneurs. You can buy their books at: http://www.gypsypublications.com/GypsyMain/BookStore.html

3.    Please tell us 1 tip for a mom sending her child to school for the first time?
Stacy:  Get them to bed on time! Believe me, we learned from experience. A fresh and well-rested child will have a much better day at school.

Le Top "Pizzazz" collection super soft stretch cotton multi stripe hot pink dress

4.    Back-to-school is here – what are 3 trends you can tell parents to look for when buying their kids’ wardrobe?
Stacy: 

1. Accessorize! Hair bows, hair flowers, funky clips. Always add an extra special piece to make your child stand out!
2. Comfort. Kids want clothes that are comfortable (like Le Top!) For the younger set, elastic waists and knits work best.
3. Pull out the 80’s fashion. Neon, mesh and lots of rubber bracelets.  

5.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?” Please share!
Stacy:  That’s easy, my sister still teases me about this. My husband and I swore no store bought plastic toys or television for our Lily before she was born. It worked for a while, we bought her wooden toys and lots of books! When she started asking for Dora and The Wiggles it was all over. We couldn’t say No. Everything in moderation though. 

Inside Pinky Scout

6.    Describe the neighborhood of your store location in Troy, Ohio. Did you grow up in the local area?
Stacy:  We are located in a beautiful historic downtown area with lots of mom and pop shops and restaurants. Think cobblestone walk-throughs and a roundabout in the middle of town with a huge fountain! It’s a perfect fit for us. My sisters and I all grew up in the surrounding area and wanted to bring some more style to the area. 

7.    Tell us about a “special” moment that made your day working at your store.
Stacy:    There are a lot of them. One that stands out is making Christmas Eve deliveries to a few out of town customers that couldn’t make it in to the store. “Saving Christmas” for them that year made it all worth it.  

8.    Where are the best/essential family hangouts and places to go around your store location?
Stacy:  Our town’s weekly Farmers Market. Every Saturday through September, you’ll find lots of families out enjoying local food and arts. We love it! Our store occasionally sets up there to promote our business and some of the local artists we feature in our store.

Le Top "Vroom!" collection

9.    What Le Top or rabbitmoon Fall 2011 collection is your store’s favorite and why?
Stacy:  Le Top’s Vroom! My sister just had a baby boy and we love the new Fall Vroom! Collection. The motorcycle jacket and matching hat is a must! 

Pinky Scout

5 East Main Street
Troy, OH 45373
937.440.1211
www.pinkyscout.com

CHECK-IN and JOIN Pinky Scout Boutique Facebook page and click HERE

 

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Photographer Marcy Maloy Interview – Part 2

We hope you enjoyed part one of our Marcy Maloy interview on our blog from February 16th. Marcy just returned from her fabulous trip from Paris and was able to speak to us further about some of reader questions about how she found her talent for photography, getting a “D” in art class, her inspiration, and some of the rewarding factors in photographing children. Read more to find out!

www.marcymaloy.com

What is the most rewarding factor in photographing children’s fashion?
Marcy: I realized fairly quickly that I had a special rapport with kids…we seem to speak the same language. I can look into the eyes of a baby and make a wordless connection. That is very cool and rewarding. I love to play. I love making up non-sensical scenes and stories with kids and it doesn’t matter to them (or to me) if they don’t make sense. So that is fun.

I like making people happy, and when it all works and the child feels confident and empowered, the parents are proud, my client is happy, my crew feels tight and proud of a job well done, it’s really wonderful — the exhilarating euphoric sense we all have at the end of a shoot…and that is rewarding!

Tell us about yourself – how did you get into photography or what was your calling? And how many years have you been a photographer?
Marcy: It’s odd because I didn’t realize I was “artistic” or visually inclined in any way till I was almost 30! I took a required art class in high school, but got a “D” because I talked too much in class! I had no interest in painting or light…it’s strange because I have such a passion for it now. I was a stewardess with American Airlines for 5 years and then worked at the US Embassy in Paris for the DIA. It was there that a friend loaned me his camera for a whole day and told me to just go shoot and “play”…a strange concept for me because growing up, my parents would only take 1 or 2 pictures at a time on special occasions. I shot 2 rolls of film and I was hooked! I’ll never forget the moment when I went to pick up my film at the Photo Lab on Boulevard St. Germain and the French woman said in her very thick accent. “I sink you have a verrrry gooooode eye!” that was it…that was my turning point…From that moment on I decided I was now going  to be a photographer…whatever that meant…I wasn’t sure…but I definitely decided it was for me!

I spent 3 years at the Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara and came to San Francisco to begin my new life…but that is another chapter.

Give us an inside look into your studio – can you share a picture of your studio and can you describe it?
Marcy: Up until about 10 years ago I had a 2,000 square foot studio, but then because of the .com industry, my studio rent doubled overnight and I realized I didn’t really need a big studio. Now I run my business out of my office out of my home in San Francisco and I rent a large studio when I need one. I have a full time studio manager and I hire freelancers to be my photo assistants on an as needed basis.

For very small jobs I have a large room with high ceilings in my house that works fine.

This photo was taken in my living room/studio.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a professional photographer today?
Marcy: Stick to the part of photography that makes you most happy because passion for something really does give you the fuel you need to keep going…and keep a positive attitude.

When we are preparing the lighting in the studio I use a stand-in…here is my assistant Charles throwing “Bridget” up in the air. The ramp he is sitting on is to create a feeling of a hill for the little boy (top photo) to run down.

 My Dad always told me that the key to success was just to “get out of bed in the morning and get to work! Keep at it!”

www.marcymaloy.com

 

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Le Top Photo Shoot – In the Thick of Things

“So cute!” was a phrase I repeated often during the photo shoot as I hastily ushered the parents and their talented toddlers to set.  It was impossible to ignore how adorable all the little models looked! Peggy (our amazing hair and make-up stylist) had lots of tricks up her sleeve to make the little darlings even more lovable. From teeny tiny pig-tails to fresh flowers  woven into a little girl’s hair – the models looked absolutely precious!

I hurried between the waiting room (AKA the design room) and the set (AKA the warehouse) all day. Whenever we were short on time my pace turned into a gallop – something that could only be visualized with a Benny Hill show soundtrack in the background. Fortunately – apart from a couple of stranded parents I found wandering aimlessly between rows of boxes – I managed to get all participants on and off set on time. Needless to say, working with models that are bundles of joy is a lot of fun! And boy, are they cute!

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Tot Trends for Grown-Ups!

Adidas Sportswear by Jeremy Scott

Trends in adult fashion have always influenced children’s fashions.  A common sight might be a toddler boy in khaki pants and plaid shirt or a mini ‘fashionista’ in a chic little dress.  But the tables seem to be turned…

Jeremy Scott is bringing whimsy back to fashion. An American designer known for his playful and eccentric prints and pop-culture influenced designs is collaborating with Adidas sportswear line for men and women. His mini-collections include fashion-forward active wear, metallic gold sneakers accessorized

Elle Magazine Article

by a pair of soaring wings, leopard prints and sweatshirts that look like actual leopards (complete with tails!)   This “dress-like-your-toddler” trend is being shown by other designers as well. Marc Jacobs, Peter Jensen, Lu Flux, Jean-Charles Castelbajac, and many more are surfacing with the most whimsical collections imaginable this Fall.

In today’s world kids are dressed to look like little versions of their parents. But, in the world of Jeremy Scott parents can dress like a big version of their kids!  Be fashionable – dress like a kid!

Adidas Sportswear by Jeremy Scott

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Le Top Funny Fotos: Caption This!

Here’s a NEW contest to tickle your funny bone. Every now and then, we’ll post a photo with a fun challenge to come up with an entertaining and amusing caption. le•top judges will look at the submitted entries and pick the winning caption. The winner will receive a beautifully designed Le Top outfit from their favorite collection.

To Enter – Submit your caption in the comment field below. Entries will be reviewed on September 22nd. The winner will be announced on September 24th.

Here’s the first Funny Foto. Put on your thinking caps and make us laugh!  

Editor’s Note: If you’d like to submit a photo for captioning, please upload your photos here and be considered for Le Top prizes as well!

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WOW! Our Amazing Photographer is now a Celebrity!

Marcy Working Some Magic

Marcy Maloy, the very talented photographer that takes the amazing photos of our clothing, is now a true celebrity!  Marcy and her partner Ron are one of the couples selected for this season’s Amazing Race on CBS!  This is the 15^th season of The Amazing Race, with a huge audience and fan base. 

Marcy has been photographing le•top for over 10 years – our offices are filled with her fabulous photos!  It would be impossible to describe how Marcy works – her energy and connection to all the children is truly legendary!  Marcy is a very well known fashion photographer; she has national ad campaigns in her portfolio.  When we met Marcy we knew we were very lucky to have someone with her talent to capture the essence of the “le•top look!”  Every time we have a photo shoot I look forward to hearing about Marcy’s new adventures (trapeze lessons, hula-hoop lessons, traveling to exciting locales!)  Wow!  The next photo shoot should be enjoyable …just hearing about her ultimate adventure!

We are really excited that one of the le•top ‘team’ will be featured on this very entertaining and exciting show.  Knowing Marcy we are POSITIVE she will add enthusiasm and her own special vibe to the show! The Amazing Race season 15 premieres Sunday, September 27th 8/7c.

Marcy – we can’t wait to watch you – hope you do great!

Marcy Generating Excitement

Marcy with Three Little Cuties!

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Get Sassy!

Rylee & Reece Store Front

Krista Hunt is a savvy and sassy mom!  After welcoming her first child, a daughter Rylee – and while expecting a second just 1 year later, her son Reece – she had a fabulous idea…to open a chic little boutique that would specialize in unique and trendy childrens’ fashion, au courant nursery décor and the coolest in baby gear!  Quite a year we would say!  Her mother Phyllis, obviously a grandmother with plenty of joi de vivé jumped right in with her fashion loving daughter and their store rylee & reece was born.

Pedicures all around!

Krista and Phyllis have a unique store – because it has something that no one else in Wichita, Kansas can boast – a Party Room!  Within rylee & reece is a special area that can host parties for up to 30 people – a really unique venue for birthday parties, baby showers and recently something even more special – their “Pamper Me Back to School” event!  Over one week’s time they had over 125 little girls between the ages of 3 to 12 years old arriving to be ‘pampered!’  The little ‘mini-spa’ treatment included a soak for their feet in a bin of bubbling water, light massage and having their toes painted. Next they received a facial with cucumbers for their eyes. In addition, they soaked their hands before their nails were polished – between Krista and her mom Phyllis, assisted by two teenage helpers Karly and Ashley they painted over a thousand fingers and toes!  The ‘pampered’ girls were served cheese, crackers and grapes along with pink lemonade.  Krista reports that smiles abounded and that everyone had tons of fun!  The moms and grandmothers enjoyed shopping the unique and extensive selection of fashions – all carefully chosen by Krista.

Getting pampered!

The comments about rylee & reese on the Grandparents.com website state:

“Sometimes you just want to indulge your grandchildren, particularly the young ones… Take your time, take your checkbook, and take your grandchildren for the coolest couture in town!”

Krista and Phyllis have some great events planned for the future, including a mother daughter tea, a fashion show and a holiday pampering event – complete with hot chocolate with peppermint sticks and a dress code of comfy P.J.’s!  Krista’s sister-in-law Heather does the marketing for the store – making this 2 year old business a real family affair. What a fun place to visit!  You can also visit them online at their cool website www.ryleeandreece.com.

rylee & reese
2939 North Rock Road
Suite 140
Wichita, Kansas 67226
316-260-1988
krista@ryleeandreece.com
phyllis@ryleeandreece.com

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Drama Queen and Fashion Maven!

We recently sent our favorite Miranda, Jamee’s five year old daughter, some dresses from our new le•top Fall 2009 collection. Jamee just had to share with me how this little drama unfolded as Miranda opened the box containing the new clothes:

Miranda Gardening in Style Wearing her Kaleidoscope Drop Waist Dress

She had just come home from day camp and was overly dramatic when she saw the box with her name on it.  She proceeded to open it up (with my help of course) and said ‘Oh, mommy! These are all for me? Oh, I love them! I love them ALL!!!’ (You can insert eye rolling mother here.)

Her favorite is the Kaleidoscope drop waist dress. Her exact words were ‘My favorite is the green one. I’ve been wanting this one for a long time!’ Of course I was just looking at her askance, because where would she have seen this dress?

I know she must get it from her daddy! She is watching Cinderella 2 right now and probably memorizing new lines to try out on me…”

I got a laugh from visualizing this little drama unfold and could not resist sharing this with you. Do you have any little actresses in the making?  What fun they are! Clearly we have an entertainer on our hands!

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Are You Ready for Some Football???

The sun is dipping lower in the sky and the nights grow just a bit cooler…do I see the hint of color in the leaves?  Fall is in the air!  With the fall season fast approaching there is excitement brewing here at le•top!  It’s Back to School!  Well, we do get excited about Fall fashions, but there is something else that stirs the senses – FOOTBALL RIVALRIES!  Yes, this cute and cuddly children’s clothing company is home to some serious fans – so while we are busy shipping our FABULOUS Varsity Blues collection to waiting retailers our football fanatics are ‘showing their colors!’  Since le•top is available in retailers across the United States we thought we would ask a few ‘fans’ here in the office where their loyalties lie.

Sarah and Diana in Their Team Jerseys

Sarah, our le•top assistant designer loves her team!  Sarah, growing up in Montana, really had the freedom to choose any team in the country – they are not ‘next’ to anything!  She relates that her mom, a native of North Dakota has always favored their ‘neighbor’ – The Minnesota Vikings.  Her Dad went with the Chicago Bears – but Sarah had to break with the family and choose the Indianapolis Colts.  Why???  Peyton!  She fell in love with football when Peyton Manning hooked her with his ‘Hail Mary!’  Now she is here in the San Francisco Bay Area…Niners? Raiders?  She maintains “I’m a Colts fan for life!’

Diana, our customer service specialist extraordinaire, took at little different path to loyalty…She grew up in Los Angeles – a ‘city girl.’  The Raiders, based in LA during her childhood, gained Diana’s loyalty as she watched football with her older brother.  She followed football just because she idolized her brother, and football was the common bond. When Diana, a ‘Navy Brat’ moved to the Bay Area (her father was stationed at Treasure Island) found out that the Raiders were moving back to the Bay Area there was celebrating in her family!  She can’t wait until September…Go Raiders!

If you are “READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!” check out the le•top Varsity Blues collection – you fans and dads will love it!  And as for me…NINERS RULE!

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