The Tabby Cat Boutique: PREMIER STORE SPOTLIGHT Q&A

Definition of a tabby cat? Not just a striped or dotted cat, but also one of the cutest darn boutiques in Oakton, Virginia – The Tabby Cat! We had the chance to interview storeowner, Alexandra Craige, about her boutique that she opened almost 2 years ago and how it’s still going strong after 3 natural disasters in the local area. She definitely knows kids style and what’s on the radar for spring 2012 for boys and girls and gives us the scoop on what she loves for next season! Alex also gives us her ideas on fun snow day activities, things she swore she would never do now being a mom, and the best family hangouts in the area. Read more to find out the inside scoop about Tabby Cat and stop by for great shopping if you are in the local area!

Hunter Mill Plaza
2946-F Chain Bridge Road
Oakton, VA
703.255.0812

www.tabbycatkids.com

Mon – Fri: 9am-6pm
Fri – Sat: 9am-5pm
Sun: closed

CHECK-IN and JOIN The Tabby Cat’s Facebook page and click HERE

1.    Tell us the inspiration the name The Tabby Cat? How long has your store been around?
I did some online research on store names and realized that I really wanted something that was gender neutral and still cute and remember able! We have four Tabby Cats at home and although we’d love to bring them to work with us – we don’t. We opened last fall (2010) and it’s been a crazy and exciting time with 3 natural disasters during our first year while trying to build a customer base!

2.    It’s (almost) 2012 and resort and spring 2012 styles are coming into stores. What are your top 3 items (clothes, toys, giftables, etc.) for any parent shopping for warm weather items for a nice holiday vacation this winter?
For resort and spring 2012 NOTHING is cuter than the Le Top swimsuits for babies and infants! The bright colors and fun graphics makes the swimsuits pop out when you’re at the pool or beach. Then you can accessorize them with matching hats and cover-ups! So CUTE!

3.    Any special events that you have planned at your store for the New Year or even Valentine’s Day next month? Tell us the inside scoop about any special events and especially the fun deals we can expect!
Writing this 10 days before Christmas, I haven’t a clue what I’m doing after December 25th – hopefully my brain will reboot that day and I can focus on Valentine’s Day!

4.    Surviving yet another winter day this winter can be brutal for kids, what would be your snow day recommended activity – inside or out?
I love board games. The time that I get with my daughter when we play a board game makes for interesting conversation and competiveness between us. Outside in Northern Virginia can mean 60-25 degrees during the ‘winter’. Any time I can spend wandering in a park and checking out nature and teaching my daughter about our local fauna.

5. Although spring 2012 styles are coming soon, 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?
I had a winter baby and I’m a huge fan of baby bundlers and anything fleece for babies (mits, hats, pullovers…).

6.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?”
Be like my mom…Just kidding. Maybe a better question for me would be what I swore I ‘would do’. And the big one for that was spend lots of time with her, make sure she had a good support system around her, instill in her the value of working for something, and not to take things or friends for granted.

7.    Describe the neighborhood of your store location in Oakton, VA? Did you grow up in the local area?
I grew up in the South East part of Washington, D.C. so nothing like Oakton, Virginia! Oakton is a small pocket inside Fairfax County (most populated county in VA) that’s not a town or a City. Oakton has a great community of residents and a really strong public and private schools in walking distance to the store. We have a great mix of residents who have raised their kids here and continue to stay after retirement, to young families moving in for good schools, access to lots of kid activities, and local shopping!

8.    What is the hottest trend for kids clothes and toys right now?
I think shoppers want quality products at a good price range, and that’s one of the reasons that Le Top sells so well for us. People love the feel, look and price!

9.    Where are the best/essential family hangouts and places to go around your store location?
We are lucky that we are in a shopping center that offers a good selection of kid-friendly restaurants that you can pick from. So coming to visit us you can make it more than a one-stop trip. There are so many places to go and things to do in Northern Virginia that there are several websites that help track all that information for you. We’ve have had a relationship with www.dullesmoms.com for almost a year now and really like this free website that lists kids’ activities in our area.

10.What Le Top or rabbitmoon Winter 2011 or Spring 2012 collection is your store’s favorite and why?
I really liked 2 dresses that were for Winter 2011 – Le Top’s “Starry Night” and“Candy Cane Cutie”.  Both were huge sellers and they looked so cute on the little girls!

Le Top "Starry Night" collection

The Tabby Cat

Hunter Mill Plaza
2946-F Chain Bridge Road
Oakton, VA
703.255.0812

www.tabbycatkids.com

 Mon – Fri: 9am-6pm
Sat: 9am-5pm
Sun: closed

CHECK-IN and JOIN The Tabby Cat’s Facebook page and click HERE

 

 

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The Corduroy Button Boutique: PREMIER STORE SPOTLIGHT Q&A

We interviewed one of the most festive and cute boutiques in Baltimore, Maryland this week – The Corduroy Button. Owner, Alison Schuch, is cute as a button and definitely knows the ins-and-outs of child fashion style. She gives us tips on the best items for last minute Christmas shopping for kids, fun holiday traditions at their store and winter essentials (and must-haves) for boys and girls this chilly season! Read more for the best hangouts in Baltimore and her favorite holiday book as a child (hint, hint – pick this book up for your kiddo too!). Enjoy!

 

The Corduroy Button

1625 Thames Street
Baltimore, MD 21231
410.276.5437

Mon – Thu: 11am-7pm
Fri – Sat: 11am-8pm
Sun: 11am-7-m

CHECK-IN and JOIN The Corduroy Button’s Facebook page and click HERE

1.    Tell us the inspiration the name The Corduroy Button? How long has your store been around?
The inspiration for the name” The Corduroy Button” came to me one day while I was driving. I think a lot when I drive. I was trying to come up with a name that embodied everything that the store would be about. I went through several ideas before I settled on The Corduroy Button. We opened in October 2005.

2.    The holidays are only 2 weeks away and only 1 weekend left 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?
Our top 3 items for the holidays would be Ambajam blankets, Skip Hop Stroller Toys, and holiday outfits from Tea Collection and of course Le Top. 

3.    Any special events or fun holiday traditions that you have planned at your store for Christmas or the New Year? Tell us the inside scoop about any special events and especially the fun deals we can expect!
We are currently wrapping up a toy drive that we have been working with a foundation on to give toys to Kennedy Krieger. We announce most of our events and deals through our store email list and Facebook page. We can’t wait for all of the great things that will be happening in 2012. Our biggest excitement is the launch of our shiny new website!

4.    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….
My favorite holiday or nostalgic moment would have to be when my father would read The Night Before Christmas to my sister, brother and I on Christmas Eve. We would all gather on the couch near the fireplace and listen to the story before leaving milk and cookies for Santa and of course carrots for the reindeer. 

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 – especially for the east coast kiddies?
The top 3 essentials that I would suggest to brighten up a Childs’ wardrobe would be a 7am Enfant igloo sac. Not only will it keep your child warm, but it is a super stylish stroller accessory. Babylegs, which are super cute and colorful and can be worn as tights or even on arms under S/S shirts to pop some color. You can mix or match them to any outfit that you own. Zutano fleece hats and aviator hats. They come in a bunch of fun colors, are perfect for the playground and your child will want to wear their hat.

6.    What is your favorite holiday film past or present for kids/family?
As far as holiday films, I have 3 favorites: Elf, The Santa Clause and Love Actually. 

7.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?”
Haha. I don’t have any kids yet. 

8.    Describe the neighborhood of your store location in Baltimore, MD? Did you grow up in the local area?
The Corduroy Button is located in an area of Baltimore known as Fells Point. The neighborhood runs right along the water, a little bit east of the Inner Harbor. Fells Point is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Baltimore filled with quaint locally owned shops, hip restaurants and bars and cobblestone streets. I grew up in the suburbs of Baltimore, specifically Timonium.

9.    Where are the best/essential family hangouts and places to go around your store location?
There are many great family friendly things to do near The Corduroy Button. There is Urban Pirates, a family friendly pirate ship that sets sail on the harbor with stories and adventure, The National Aquarium, The Science Center, Port Discovery and of course a nice playground right down the street from the store.

10.    What Le Top or rabbitmoon Winter 2011 collection is your store’s favorite and why?
We are obsessed with the Le Top baby holiday collection. Especially the candy stripe dot dress from “Candy Cane Cutie” Collection. 

 

 The Corduroy Button

1625 Thames Street
Baltimore, MD 21231
410.276.5437 

Mon – Thu: 11am-7pm
Fri – Sat: 11am-8pm
Sun: 11am-7-m

CHECK-IN and JOIN 
The Corduroy Button’s
Facebook page and click HERE

 

 

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Southern Belles Boutique: PREMIER STORE SPOTLIGHT Q&A

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 19^th, 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 3^rd 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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Quackles Boutique: PREMIER STORE SPOTLIGHT Q&A

This week we interviewed a fun boutique in Poughkeepsie, New York for our Premier Store Spotlight called – Quackles! Mother-Daughter Duo and co-owners, Kathy Lorenz and mother Phyllis Lorenz, gave us the scoop on their upcoming Friends & Family event (don’t miss out on it) along with their favorite holiday movies and Le Top and rabbitmoon “must-have” winter essentials for your kiddo’s wardrobe. Read more on the best family hangouts and the inspiration behind their store Quackles and more!

Quackles

44 Raymond Avenue
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
845.471.2250
store.quackles.com

CHECK-IN and JOIN Quackles’ Facebook page and click HERE

Interior of Quackles

1.    Tell us the inspiration behind opening your own boutique? How did you come up with the name?
My mom and I had always shopped in boutiques when my 1st daughter was born and the more we shopped the more we thought that we could do the same thing. As for the name, my 2 daughters called the plural of ducks “quackles”.

Quackles participated in the Silhouette of a Woman Fashion Show to benefit the Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation featuring Le Top's "Seeing Spots" outfit

2.    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?
As of Saturday, November 19th we will post on Facebook our Quackles Friends and Family discount through Thanksgiving. For Hanukkah and Christmas, we have a special day hosting a Holiday Bazaar at the store and at my daughter’s dance academy. We are also hosting a Holiday Cookie Swap!

3.    Please tell us 1 fun Thanksgiving tradition you had with your family as a child that you can share with our readers.
We always went to my godmother’s house for Thanksgiving and she lived on a golf course. My brothers and cousins would venture out with bags and collect golf balls and then we would compare how many we each collected. Then we all sat down to a wonderful traditional Thanksgiving meal. A good time had by all.

4.    What would you suggest as the top 3 essentials in the winter that any parent should buy to brighten up their child’s wardrobe?
Fun hat, playful mittens and versatile boots.

Scene from "A Christmas Story"

5.    What is your favorite holiday film past or present for kids/family?
“A Christmas Story” and “Polar Express.”

6.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?”
As a grandmother I vowed I would never break the rules regarding “spoiling” them, but that’s the best part!!!

7.    Where are the best/essential family hangouts and places to go around your store location?
Diamond gymnastics, Poughkeepsie Children’s Museum, Debra T’s, and family ice skating at Mid Hudson Civic Center.

8.    What Le Top or rabbitmoon Fall 2011 collection is your store’s favorite and why?
Le Top’s “Candy Cane Cutie” Collection for the holidays and the Rabbitmoon “Soho” Collection for boys.

Le Top "Candy Cane Cutie" Sweater Dress and Red Dot Tights

Quackles

44 Raymond Avenue
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
845.471.2250
store.quackles.com

CHECK-IN and JOIN Quackles’ Facebook page and click HERE

 

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