Trendy Treasures eBoutique: ONLINE PREMIER STORE SPOTLIGHT Q&A

This Friday we are giving you the gift of Trendy Treasures as our “Online Premier Store Spotlight.” We know the holidays are quickly approaching and what mom has time to go out into the cold and shop ‘til they drop? We know we are busy elves over at Le Top prepping for the holidays. We would love for you to check out Trendy Treasures for all of your holiday clothing needs and a gift or two for others (‘tis the time for giving right?). We interviewed Dawn Watson and Karen Schirmer of Trendy Treasures to find out about their upcoming sales and deals for the holiday, wintery style tips, Thanksgiving traditions and of course the top gifts to buy this year from their boutique!

Trendy Treasures Online

818.263.1501
www.trendytreasuresonline.com

CHECK-IN and JOIN 
Trendy Treasures
Facebook page by clicking HERE

1.    Tell us the inspiration behind opening your own eboutique? How long has your online store been around?
My inspiration to open our Trendy Treasures Online store came from a few different things: 1) the birth of my third daughter who is now 7 years old 2) curiosity 3) and my 20 year sales background. Trendy Treasures Online was founded in 2007 and has grown tremendously since then.  Trendy Treasures Online is a family owned and operated global business.

2.    How did you come up with the name?
We originally had a cute pink treasure box (as seen at the bottom of our homepage) as part of our original logo and we knew we wanted the word Trendy as part of our name. We chose the word trendy because part of our goal is to keep up with new and old high quality clothing from all over the world.  So, we combined the word Trendy with the treasures toy box idea and magically came up with the name Trendy Treasures. Since we are currently only an online store we added the word Online at the end when we came up with our formal logo that you see today.

3.    Tell us the inside scoop about any special events that you have planned for your eboutique for this winter, especially the fun deals we can expect! Anything for Thanksgiving or Cyber Monday this month?
Although we always have some sort of a sale going on, this year we have two super special sales.  We are having two special 20% off sales on Black Friday, November 25th and Cyber Monday, November 28th from midnight to 11:59 am PST.

4.    Please tell us one fun Thanksgiving tradition you had with your family as a child that you can share with our readers?
Since most of our family lived on the East Coast in Connecticut, my parents, sister, brother and I, along with a few family members here in California, got together for a traditional Thanksgiving Feast. Part of the fun was sharing this meal while using china that was passed down from our great grandparents. What brings back my fondest memories are the times that we used our matching pewter silverware, glasses and plates because we purchased them as a family on a trip that we took together to Connecticut. We still use these today on Thanksgiving as they remind us of our father that passed away in 1990. What was also special is that we would all make phone calls back East to speak to all of our grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.      

5.    What are a few of your “go-to” staples to keep kiddos warm this winter on your website?

1. Warm and comfy brand named pajamas and robes for all ages including: Esme, PJ Salvage, B Up, Books to Bed, Petit Lem and more.
2. Socks and leggings from Country Kids and Jeffries.
3. Our top selling Pluie Pluie kids raincoats and matching kids rainboots and umbrellas.
4. And our trend setting variety of Le Top and Rabbitmoon baby and toddler winter matching sibling outfits.

6.     If you had to give 3 great kids gifts for a “jump start” on holiday shopping from your online store, what would they be and why?

1. Books to Bed matching books and pajamas because they encourage boys and girls to read and they are always kids favorite gifts.
2. Esme and PJ Salvage mom and daughter matching pajamas.
3. Zoobies character pets, which are plush toys, comfy pillows and cozy blankets all-in-one.

7.    Many families are looking for outfits for family holiday portraits for kids. What are some of the hottest trends right now?
Matching sibling outfits from Le Top and other brands and matching Christmas pajamas.

 

 
8.   Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?”
I swore I would never say, “Go ask your father.”

9.    What Le Top or rabbitmoon Fall 2011 collection is your store’s favorite and why?
For boys, the Le Top “Run Run Reindeer Collection” and the matching girls called “Little Deer” Collection outfits.

Trendy Treasures Online

818.263.1501
www.trendytreasuresonline.com

 CHECK-IN and JOIN Trendy Treasures Facebook page and click HERE

 

 

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Baby O Baby: PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

It wouldn’t be the holidays in San Antonio, Texas without the beautiful and festive window displays at premier children’s boutique, Baby O Baby. We interviewed children’s boutique owner and kiddo style guru, Becki Guillory, about the history of her store and how twins and triplets were her inspiration and other fun facts!

1. What was the inspiration behind the name Baby O Baby?
Becki: The inspiration came once the conception of our store began. It is certainly a term of endearment. I have a very close friend who began having children several years before me. Now remember, this was before high-tech ultra sounds, AVI, and before a father was even allowed in the delivery room. The first time my friend gave birth, we were all eagerly waiting at the hospital and surrounded by many friends and family. After a long wait, the doctor came out and said, “Congratulations!! Your wife is fine, and your daughter is beautiful!” Before Toni (the husband) could say a word, the doctor continued on to say,” and your son is a handsome boy.” That was a shock! My friend’s second pregnancy, was the same routine…after what seemed to be an eternity of waiting, he (the doctor) came out and said, “Well folks [looking at Toni], you have not one baby…[lingering in suspense and joking], Baby Oh Baby…” He then finished with, “Oh babies. She had triplets!” From that point on, the triplets were nicked named “baby ‘o babies…Oh baby!!!!” Now as my friend’s family grew, she had two sets of twins and two sets of triplets – their very own football team…And a beautiful children’s boutique called Baby O Baby.

2.     Describe the neighborhood where your store is located. Did you grow up in the local area? Is it the same as it was growing up?
Becki: No, I did not grow up here, but I moved here twenty-one years ago. This [Baby O Baby’s location] is the side of San Antonio that we choose. It still had that “in the country feel.” My children remember walking through the woods to and from school. We knew it was going to be a wonderful place to call “home.” I would describe the Stone Oak area to be the side of town where young posh families chose to start their families. And over the years, it has changed beyond recognition. We have a lot of international customers that come three or four times a year. We are the home to our beloved Silver Stars Basketball Team and the WNBA Silver Stars. I believe this is the area of San Antonio that will thrive and grow for many, many years to come.

3.     What would you suggest as the top 3 essentials in the winter that any parent should buy to brighten up their child’s wardrobe?
Becki: Gosh, we get to choose the best of both worlds for a winter wardrobe. For San Antonio, Texas it may be colder than usual this season, but it can be in the 70s and 80s some days! For us, sunscreen, cute little rain boots (both boy and girl), and a very colorful lightweight jacket would be my 3 picks for winter. On the other hand, we have grandparents who visit their grandkids for Christmas up North. My essentials for those travelling would be Le Top’s pink faux fur coat for girls, Le Top’s aviator jacket for boys, cozy PJ’s, beautiful bow accessories, and of course, good shoes for their feet. We are known at our store for our special bows. My daughter, Shannon, makes custom bows to match every outfit we have!

4.     What is your favorite holiday film past or present for kids/family?
Becki: Our favorite is “A Christmas Carol.” It has been a film reproduced many times. I think it reminds us to stop, look around, and remember there are families that need our help, not just at Christmas, but all year round. “God Bless You Tiny Tim.”

Photos of Becki's adorable 3-year-old grandson, Dean Aaron. His Dad is serving his country. Here is Dean at a Christmas lights outing.

5.     Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?” Please share!
Becki: Ha-Ha, there are a lot. But one of my pet peeves is makeup on little baby girls. And, I would never let my kids pick out their clothes alone.

6.     The holidays are LITERALLY around the corner and it is the last weekend to buy holiday gifts before Christmas Eve. What are your top 3 items (clothes, toys, giftables, etc.) for any parent shopping for the holidays at your store?
Becki: This is true – right around the corner! We always suggest a classic children’s book. It is so wonderful to curl up with your kids and read to them. They love it! We carry a wide selection of gifts from tricycles to mini tables and chairs. Always a favorite, we also carry doll, Baby Stella. Our customers very seldom leave our store without Le Top’s Santa hat that they love.  You would be surprised about the number of pictures we get back with the adults wearing the Santa hat on top of their heads! It’s that “cute factor” going on. We also suggest for a little baby our Le Top Red Nosed Reindeer plush toy – the kids love the music when you squeeze it. It is also super soft and their [kids] tiny hands can hold on to any part of the toy.

7.     What’s your favorite holiday tradition and or nostalgic moment and why? Whether it be decorating the Christmas tree to eating peppermint bark to lighting the menorah candles to baking in the kitchen, etc….
Becki: Going together to Mass. But our nostalgic moment now has been watching the kids and their stockings. They run into the den, snag their stockings that are hanging on the mantel and run straight to my bed. (Thankfully, these moments give us a chance to pray and reflect on Christmases past. It’s also a great way to stop for a moment before we gather in the den that becomes present central. Now, I know the peek when they get their stockings, but What Child Wouldn’t!!!

8.     Any special events or fun holiday traditions that you have planned at your store before Christmas?
Becki: Stone Oak has had a Winter Festival for five years now. It is so much fun for the whole family. There is a treasure hunt from selected stores. The kids get so excited when the run into a store to see if a listed treasure is available. We have a symbol on our door letting the kids know we are a store that is part of the treasure hunt. When the hunt ends, we bring in tons of snow late that afternoon for the kids to play in. There are so many fun activities for the whole family, and we pray it is cold that day, but even if it isn’t, the kids still build snowmen and snowwomen, have snowball fights and then the Festival ends when the snow has melted away. But most importantly, we work with Pathways. It is a branch of charitable foster care. Every Christmas, we put together new Christmas clothes and toys for the charity before their holiday party. Our store tries to give as much of a variety of clothing as we can because our store carries sizes up to 6x that can cover all of their clothing needs. Because of security for the children, this is the first Christmas that they organization has invited us to join in the festivity! “Oh what fun! It is to ride, in a one horse open sleigh!!!” And thanks to companies like Le Top and others we are able to bless the children with memories that will stay with me forever.

9.     Tell us your best parenting tip you know or would want to give to a new parent.
Becki: Of course to love them, and as they begin to talk, take a step back, inhale a few deep breaths, and LISTEN, but hear them. You have to watch out because kids are honest to a fault. As Mr. Art Linkletter once said “Kids say the darndest and do the funniest things.” Love them unconditionally. They grow up so fast.”

10.     What collection or piece from Le Top or Le Top Baby line or Rabbitmoon do you love from the Fall/Holiday 2010 collection?
Becki: Love, Love, Love the Elves Collection! Paula (our manager) does our store window. When these outfits arrive to our store, she stuffed the body and legs with the little toes dangling. Oh they are so cute! We put one in the window about every half an hour. When she gets the elves hung up in the window, people see it and it’s out the door. Love Le Top’s aviator jacket and bomber hat. My grandson, Dean Aaron, is 3-years-old.  He comes from a military family stationed in Georgia. Since I mailed him the aviator jacket and hat to him, I don’t think he’s taken it off – but maybe only to bath and sleep. He is also wearing and loves his Reindeer Games Collection green cord pants and striped shirt.  He knows this Reindeer Collection because he wears one every season made by Le Top.

Baby O Baby
1207 N Loop 1604 W # 107
San Antonio, TX 78258-4629
210.256.8687

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Jellybeans: PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

For this week’s premier “Store Spotlight,” we interview store owner and child guru, Meghan Chambers, and got the scoop on her holiday festivities, traditions, and the best-of-the-best baby and kid gifts from her store, Jellybeans located in Springfield, Missouri. Read more and find out about her super cool tips and favorite festive outfits.

Photo By: Nathalie Bearden

1.      What a sweet name, where did the name Jellybeans come from? What was the inspiration behind the name?
Meghan: 
Our name came from a close family member and it really stems from a sweet childhood memory!

2.      Describe the neighborhood where your store is located in Springfield, Missouri. Did you grow up in the local area? Is it the same as it was growing up?
Meghan: The store is located mid-town in a quaint shopping center across from the mall. The center has several unique shops in it, which makes our location a great place for us to be. We actually opened up shop here in The Brentwood Center 16 years ago. Through trials at other locations, we have now gone full circle, and are happy to be back.

3.      What would you suggest as the top 3 essentials a busy, working new mom or dad should buy to make her life easier from your store?
Meghan: That’s easy!

1. The Nap Nanny – This plush sleep lounge was created to help moms, dads, and baby sleep through the night. It is a must have for anybody with a newborn.
2. Aden & Anais Swaddle Blankets are absolutely a must. Whether you swaddle or not there are numerous uses for these lightweight blankets. The soft fabrication makes it easy to pack and go and snuggle your baby tight.
3. And last, but not least, Le Top clothing of course! The creative designers produce new and innovative pieces each season that allow us to grow with the brand.

4.      Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?” Please share!
Meghan: One thing I swore I would never do when I had kids was “count to three” in public or say “go to TIME-OUT!” There is nothing worse than hearing a parent say “one……two……three……?” and still nothing!

5.      The holidays are around the corner – what are your top 5 items (clothes, toys, giftables, etc.) for any parent shopping for the holidays at your store?
Meghan:

• Greentoys – They are various trucks, boats, tea sets, etc. made from recycled milk jugs. Thinking “green” with play time has never been so easy.
• Books to Bed – With all the rage of Fancy Nancy, you get a book and matching PJ set. A great Christmas Eve gift for the little ones!
• Football and Sports Onesies. Before we know it Superbowl will be here and every member of the family needs to cheer on their team.
• Elf on a shelf – This fun tradition creates a game for the whole family while counting down the days til Christmas!
• Sophie Giraffe – This is the best teether toy out there. The color palette and soft material used in the design make it easy for the baby to grasp and recognize. Once your baby has one, they will not let it go.

6.      What’s your favorite holiday tradition and why? Whether it be decorating the Christmas tree to eating peppermint bark to lighting the menorah candles to baking in the kitchen, etc…
Meghan: Every Christmas Eve my parents have family and friends over to their house. It is so low-key, but makes you realize how important family is. The holidays wouldn’t be the same without family, food, and holiday traditions!

Photo By: Nathalie Bearden

7.      You recently had a grand re-opening for your store – tell us what’s on your agenda for the holidays for your store? Any special events or fun holiday traditions that you have planned at your store?
Meghan:  We will be having a trunk show, a few open houses, drawings, and a Moms-Night-Out event the first week of December where the entire Brentwood Center will be involved.  This particular night gives moms a chance to shop “kid free” and allows them to enjoy fun holiday festivities with girlfriends. We have festivities planned for the entire holiday season.

8.      Tell us your best parenting tip you know or would want to give to a new parent.
Meghan: Don’t start the habit of putting your child in bed with you. You think to yourself…”I’ll just let them lay down with me for a minute and then I will put them in their bed” …Next thing you know it’s 7:00 am, the alarms going off and yep, you realize you just created a monster. All it takes is that one time of sleeping with mom and dad and they are hooked!

9.      What collection or piece from Le Top or Le Top Baby line or Rabbitmoon do you love from the Fall/Holiday 2010 collection?
Meghan: We love it all, but if we had to narrow it down, the matching Reindeer Games boy’s coverall and little girl’s dress.  Perfect for Christmas pictures. Simple and sweet!

Jellybeans
2646 South Glenstone
Springfield, MO 65804
http://www.jellybeansinc.com/

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