We travelled down south this week to get the scoop on the best store event in South Carolina and cutest clothes for winter – Southern Belles boutique. Not only do they have fun deals for Black Friday weekend (sign up as a Facebook fan to find out!), but also in-person silhouettes from trained artists from Walt Disney World – could we not ask for more? With the holidays just around the corner, Southern Belles offers a variety of winter and holiday clothes – they even monogram them too for your little special someone. We interviewed boutique owner (and child-clothing-boutique-guru), Susie Maloney, to find out about the cutest boutique in Mt. Pleasant, her Thanksgiving traditions, and even what she swore she would never do as a parent, and her favorite Le Top holiday collections. Read more to find out about this fabulous southern gem.
Southern Belles
280 W. Coleman Blvd., Suite J
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
843.881.741
CHECK-IN and JOIN Southern Belles’ Facebook page and click HERE
1. Tell us the inside scoop about any special events that you have planned for your boutique for the holidays, especially the fun deals we can expect! Anything for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah or Christmas?
We are excited to have several events going on here at Southern Belles. This Saturday, November 19th, Silhouette Artist, Patti Rishforth will be here at our store doing in-person silhouettes. She began her career at Walt Disney World. We are booking up quickly and only have afternoon appointments left at this time, but it is well worth the $30.00 for the two silhouettes you get, and it only takes 10 minutes! There are also other items available with your child’s silhouette. Call today to schedule your appointment! 843-881-1741
On Saturday, December 3rd we also have two exciting events going on! Donna McMahon, Pastel Portrait Artist and member of Portrait Society of America, will be here doing in-person pastel portraits. This is the second and final time Donna will be here before Christmas. She also started her career at Walt Disney World in Orlando and now travels throughout the southeast working in many upscale children’s shops. Cost is $150.00 per person and you leave with your portrait in hand! Schedule your 30-minute appointment with us by calling 843-881-1741!
We’ll also be kicking off the holiday shopping season the Friday after Thanksgiving with all sorts of weekend specials! Follow us on Facebook or join our email list to be the first to know about this and all of our sales, events and promotions!
2. Tell us the inspiration behind opening your own boutique? How did you come up with the name?
I was a stay at home mom with a toddler, and my hobby of designing children’s appliqué and embroidered clothing turned into a home-based business that eventually evolved into a storefront. Originally, my sister-in-law and I were going to open a retail shop together, and we wanted a business name to reflect something “southern” that wouldn’t restrict the kind of merchandise we would carry. We eventually came up with the name Southern Belles! (She decided that with 3 small children, the commitment of a retail shop might not be in her best interest, so I ventured out on my own.)
3. We hear you have been rated “Best Children’s Shop” for 6 years running – what makes you a top boutique and a “go-to” for mom’s and families for children’s clothing, shoes and accessories?
I would like to think it’s a combination of excellent customer service and an inventory that is second-to-none. We are a full service children’s clothing store carrying girls’ and boys’ clothing in sizes preemie to 16, including shoes, accessories and gift items. Most busy moms just don’t have the time to shop all over for children’s clothing and gift items. They know when they come to Southern Belles, we can dress their little ones from head to toe, they can get the item monogrammed if needed, pick up a baby or birthday gift, get it giftwrapped, and be on their way! We are also conveniently located and accessible from anywhere in the tri-county area and beyond.
4. Please tell us 1 fun Thanksgiving tradition you had with your family as a child that you can share with our readers?
I can’t think of anything “fun” that we did, but we always had the traditional delicious Thanksgiving dinner that my mother prepared. (And you would think she was feeding an army!) She taught me how to set a beautiful table using all of the “good” china and silver, starched white linen table cloth and napkins, and we were expected to be on our best behavior! After dinner, some of us would go for a long walk. We lived in the country, and it’s beautiful in the south that time of year. Most of the men would gather around the television to spend the rest of the day watching football!
5. 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?
The first “essential” every child needs is a good winter coat. Even in the south we have days when a sweater or lightweight jacket just isn’t enough. Children’s coats are so colorful now and most of them come with matching hats and/or scarves. Secondly, colorful and patterned tights can really make a simple outfit “pop” and are an inexpensive way to accessorize. Thirdly, I would suggest a cute pair of shoes or boots…and there is no shortage of styles and colors this season!
6. What is your favorite Thanksgiving feast or appetizer item that is your “go-to” – do you have any family recipes you can share or ideas for a kid’s snack?
I still like the traditional Turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, fresh green beans, macaroni pie, cheddar herb biscuits, etc., and my mother’s awesome pecan pie for dessert. Because my mother always has so much food for the main meal, we seldom have appetizers for fear that everyone will fill up on them and not enjoy all the delicious food he prepares!
7. Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?”
Before I had kids, I swore I would never let my child run around in a business or restaurant, and I lived up to that! Being a business owner now, I wish other parents would be more aware of their children’s public behavior. I think we’ve lost a little something when it comes to being respectful.
8. Describe the neighborhood of your store location in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina? Did you grow up in the local area?
My shopping center is called Northcutt Plaza Specialty Shops and is one of the oldest “strip centers” in Mount Pleasant. It is located in what used to be the heart of “old” Mount Pleasant, and is located just about a mile from the Arthur Ravenel Bridge that connects us to Charleston. Even though Mt. Pleasant had grown significantly in the 25 years I have lived here, it still has a small town feel. Most all of the retail shopping is within a ten-mile radius and is intermingled among residential areas. Mt. Pleasant residents no longer have to “cross the bridge” for shopping, as we are now a destination shopping area. I grew up in the Charleston area about 13 miles south of Charleston.
9. Where are the best/essential family hangouts and places to go around your store location?
In our shopping center, there is a Baskin Robbins ice cream shop, which is a favorite spot for kids and adults alike for a milk shake or ice cream cone. Right around the corner is a movie theatre called Cinnabar where you can order delicious food prepared on site and an adult beverage to enjoy while you watch your movie. We’re also lucky to live on the coast, so in the summertime, the beach is the place to be for relaxing and family fun. Mt. Pleasant has a new waterfront park and pier that has endless fun things to do for kids of all ages. You can fish off the pier or just relax and swing while you enjoy the delightful breeze and scenery of the Cooper River and marshes.
Featuring Le Top Frosty Days and Santa Surprise! Collections
10. What Le Top or rabbitmoon Fall 2011 collection is your store’s favorite and why?
We always love the Holiday Collections by Le Top! The red and white stripe knit dresses (Candy Cane Cutie Collection) accessorized with the matching hat and red and white polka dot tights are one of our favorites for girls. Baby’s first Christmas footie, matching hat and blanket also gets kudos from us!
Southern Belles
280 W. Coleman Blvd., Suite J
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
843.881.741
CHECK-IN and JOIN Southern Belles’ Facebook page and click HERE
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