Le Top Darling of the Day: Bella

What a fabulous photo! Bella (22-months-old) and her pups, Bahia and Bubba, are also known in the town of Marathon, Florida as ‘Triple Trouble’ – of the cutest kind no doubt! This little beach girl and lover of all water is wearing the Le Top Heart’s Delight” skirted one-piece swimsuit from Spring 2011. Even at this young age Bella has a job. She’s the official greeter at her grandmother Joan’s store, Bayshore Clothing. This little girl knows what she likes and that is to play dress up and be silly. What a doll! It’s easy to see why Bella is the Le Top Darling of the Day!

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Sunshine Square: STORE SPOTLIGHT PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

Beat the summer heat and take a break to read about the most adorable and fun boutique in Decateur, Texas – Sunshine Square! We spoke with owner Laurie Washburn about the inside scoop on her latest summer deals at her store, warm-weather fashion, her “go-to” items from her store if she was deserted on a tropical island, as well as what she swore she’d never do before she had kids!  Enjoy and become a fan on Facebook below!

108 West Walnut Street
Decatur, TX 76234
940.627.3394
sunshinesquare@embarqmail.com

or go to www.sunshine-square.com for more information

CHECK-IN and JOIN
Sunshine Square’s Facebook page and click HERE

 

1.    What was your inspiration behind opening your children’s clothing store – Sunshine Square? Where did the name come from?
Laurie: Having three children and constantly searching for unique clothing inspired me to have a vision of a store dedicated to great quality boutique fashions. The name Sunshine Square came from a collaboration of friends and family.

2.    Tell us the inside scoop about any special events that you have planned at your store this coming summer and fun deals we can expect.
Laurie:  We are located on the Historic Downtown Square, so there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy. From special parades, family movie nights, girl’s night out, petting zoos, antique car shows, and Santa Claus, there is always something going on at the square. Of course we just started our annual summer clearance sale to make room for our new fabulous fall styles. We are also getting ready for a big back-to-school sale. I am always thinking of creative sales to offer my customers – so check out our Facebook page and website so you don’t miss out!

3.    What are this season’s latest trends for kid’s clothing? Tell us the 3 “do’s” and 3 “don’ts” in kid’s clothing style.

Sunshine Square's interior features Rabbitmoon's Fall 2011 "Magnolia" collection

Laurie:  This season’s latest trends for kid’s clothing would have to be bold and colorful, fun, ruffles, rompers and tutus.

• Dress your child in comfy clothes that feel good to move around in.
• Let your child pick out a few clothing items themselves.
• Make your child feel good about what they are wearing – make them feel like a princess or prince.
• Don’t dress your child in restrictive clothing that makes them uncomfortable and fussy.
• Don’t dress your child older than what they are – cherish every moment they grow up so fast.
• Don’t judge what your child chooses to wear – they have the right to express themselves.

4.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?” Please share!
Laurie:  Before I had kids, I swore I would never lick my thumb and wipe my kid’s face clean (also known as a “spit bath”). I did not like it when my mom did it to me and my kids do not like it when I do it to them.

5.    Decatur, Texas sounds exciting! Describe the neighborhood your store is in for us.
Laurie:  Sunshine Square is located on the Historic Downtown Square. The courthouse sits right in the middle of the square and is made of solid pink granite. It is a beautiful site to see. The square is full of antique shops, clothing stores, gift stores and restaurants. There is shopping and food for everyone.   

6.    What do you feel are the three biggest keys to your success?
Laurie:  The three biggest keys to my success would have to be:

• Longevity of the store – Sunshine Square has been in business for 27 years and we see generation after generation shop in the store.
• Loyal customer base – I always keep an open mind and am receptive to customer suggestions and cater to their needs and wants.
• Variety and selection – We have a great selection of unique and stylish clothing for our customers to choose from.

7.    If you were a new mom and got stranded on a deserted island – what 5 items could you not live without from your store?
Laurie:  If I were stranded on a deserted island I could not live without: 

• Any clothing piece by Le Top or Rabbitmoon – you just can’t beat the softness and durability.
• An incredibly soft, ultra plush blanket by Little Giraffe – all babies love to snuggle up with this blanket and take a nap.
• A pair of Mooshu squeaky sandals – the squeaky sound helps me to keep up with my little one.
• Blossom’s Buddy Blanket by Bunnies by the Bay – plush floppy eared bunny with snuggly soft pink velour security blanket.
• Kalencom diaper bag to keep all of the great baby items together. 

Their boy's section features Le Top's Fall 2011 "Ready for Takeoff" footed coverall and Rabbitmoon's Fall 2011 "City" stripe coverall

8.    Tell us about a “special” moment that made your day working at your store.
Laurie: A special moment that made my day was last Christmas when we adopted a family and the kids came into the store and picked out outfits and accessories. The sparkle in their eyes and their smiles lit up the whole store. We all shared a special moment.

9.    Where are the best/essential family hangouts and places to go around your store locations?
Laurie:  The best family hangout around our location would have to be Sweetie Pies Ribeyes. They have the best steaks around! It is a great family restaurant and the kids love their chicken fingers.

Of course we are only about 30 minutes northwest of the Dallas/Fort Worth area so we are close to everything imaginable – several zoos, water parks, Six Flags, Texas Motor Speedway and much more.

10.    What Le Top or rabbitmoon Spring/Summer 2011 collection is your store’s favorite and why?
Laurie:  Our favorite collections would have to be the Le Top “Heart’s Delight” for the girls and the Le Top “Puppy Pals” for the boys. We love the bright fun colors and the softness of the fabric. These styles started selling before we could get them unpacked! Of course any Le Top or Rabbitmoon style sells out super fast.

or click HERE for the Sunshine Square website for more information

CHECK-IN and JOIN
Sunshine Square’s Facebook page and click HERE

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Periwinkle Place: STORE SPOTLIGHT PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

We interviewed one of Le Top’s biggest supporters and cutest boutique owners in New Hope, Pennsylvania! We are featuring one of the top children’s boutiques in Pennsylvania – Periwinkle Place – this week and cannot wait to share with you! Read more about sweet summer deals, summer must-haves for boys and girls, and their favorite Le Top clothing for the warm-weather months. Drum-roll please…..

Periwinkle Place
161 Peddlers Village #161
New Hope, PA 18938
215.794.8520
www.theperiwinkleplace.com

 Join Periwinkle Place’s Facebook page and click HERE

1.    What was your inspiration behind opening your children’s clothing store – Periwinkle Place?
Rob & Elisa: We have always been in the fashion industry in various positions, but since we love kids, this seemed to be the natural place to be. No matter the age, gender, or temperament of the child – we think they are all great!

2.    Tell us about any special events that you have planned at your store this summer and fun deals we can expect.
Rob & Elisa: We are located in a small New Hope village that offers entertainment and festivals throughout the summer. Fireworks will be displayed in the Village as part as the 4th of July celebration. Our store will be also be participating in the festivities by offering awesome sales on summer merchandise. The store is also planning a special event which will feature the designers of our hair bow and jewelry, so our customers can choose from an even greater selection of these accessories.

3.    Describe the neighborhood of your store in New Hope, Pennsylvania where your store is located. Did you grow up in the local area?
Rob: New Hope is a friendly charming town featuring art galleries, specialty shops and innovative restaurants. I grew up about 45 minutes from this area, but visited it often, as it was always an enjoyable outing for my family and me.

4.    Summer break from school for kids is just around the corner. What are 3 vacation clothing must-have items that are in your store for summer?
Rob & Elisa: Bathing suits and cover ups, great summer play wear, cool looking summer hats are Periwinkle Place’s must haves for the summer! A summer vacation cannot be complete without these items.

5.    Where are your favorite family hangouts in the New Hope area?
Rob & Elisa: Peddlers Village is one of my favorite hangouts in the summer.  It is a sprawling country area with unique shops and fun activities.

6.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?” Please share!
Robert: I never thought I would actually monitor the length of my daughter’s skirt when she goes on a date!

7.    Tell us about a “special” moment that made your day working at your store.
Rob & Elisa: A baby trying on a Christening outfit is very moving. To be involved in a child’s first rite of passage is meaningful to us.

8.    If you were stuck on a tropical island this summer with your kids, what would be the 3 things you would pack to keep the looking “stylish”?
Rob & Elisa: Cool hair accessories, colorful cover-ups and stylish footwear would certainly make a fashion statement to the island’s natives.

Le Top "Heart’s Delight" Beach Dress with flower embellishment and matching bathingsuit

9.    What collection or piece from Le Top or Le Top Baby line or Rabbitmoon do you love from the Spring/Summer 2011?
Rob & Elisa: The Le Top “Poppy” Collection and Rabbitmoon’s “Reflection” and “Terrapin” Collections are our favorites for this summer.  However, I think the other collections were just as appealing as shown by our customers’ purchases! 

Periwinkle Place
161 Peddlers Village #161
New Hope, PA 18938
215.794.8520
www.theperiwinkleplace.com

 Join Periwinkle Place’s Facebook page and click HERE

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Toot Sweet: PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

We were able to interview our favorite Floridian children’s boutique this week – Toot Sweet! Owner and children’s style authority Courtney Davis gave us the inside look into the inspiration behind her store, must-have spring clothing and sunny day activities for twins in her local area. Read more to find out about the coolest (and quaintest) boutique in Fort Walton Beach!

Toot Sweet
215 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Suite 2
Ft. Walton Beach, FL
850.362.6555
http://www.tootsweetkids.com/

Join Toot Sweet’s Facebook page and click HERE

Rabbitmoon "reflection" collection

1.    What was the inspiration behind the name Toot Sweet? It reminds us of an old candy store with delectable treats!
Courtney: The idea actually came from the movie “Chitty Chitty, Bang Bang.” My mom and I had been brainstorming names for the store and one morning she called me said, “I’ve got it! Toot Sweet!” I had no idea what she was talking about, but she had a dream about that part in the movie the night before and knew it had to be the name of our store. Toot Sweet is actually a French expression (toute de suite) used to tell someone to do something quickly, with haste. Of course, that fits perfectly with our motto: …you can’t dress them forever. 
 
2.    Describe the neighborhood where your store is located. Tell us about Fort Walton Beach, Florida. What made you pick this location and what was your inspiration to start a children’s clothing store?
Courtney:  Toot Sweet is located in the quaint downtown area of Fort Walton Beach. We are surrounded by trendy bistros, bakeries, retailers, and even a pottery studio. We are right across the street from the Landing, which is a beautiful park on the Santa Rosa Sound. We have a lot of history rooted in downtown Fort Walton Beach as well.

Rabbitmoon "terrapin" collection

The twins were born on January 1, 2009 and it was really frustrating to not be able to find unique, comfortable, high quality kids clothing at reasonable prices. We also had a really hard time finding coordinating clothes for boys and girls. Mom and I began searching everywhere for brands that we loved. We looked for lines that were affordable, but trendy and fun for hip moms – and not to mention sweet enough for Yayas and Nanas to fall in love with too. So…Toot Sweet was born!

3.    Spring Break (February break) vacation is here. What are 3 vacation clothing must-have that are in your store for spring?
Courtney: The weather is warming up and you know what that means: SWIMMING! For girls we love Le Top swimsuits and cover-ups, Ruffle Butts, and embellished flip-flops. For boys: Le Top swim trunks and hats to shade cute little cheeks from the sun!

Le Top girl's beachwear

4.    Where are your favorite family hangouts in the local Fort Walton Beach, Florida area?
Courtney: I have 2 year old twins, so we are always looking for fun activities for the whole crew. A block or so from the store we have the historical Indian Temple Mound and Museum and The Focus Center (a children’s hands on science museum). And of course, the white, sugary soft beaches are our absolute favorite place to hang out and relax.

5.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?” Please share!
Courtney: Oh my…I swore I would never let my kids holler or fuss in a restaurant. They are both really good kids, so it hasn’t happened very often, but there’s been a time or two when we were “those people.” 

6.    Tell us about a “special” moment that made your day working at your store.
Courtney: We feel like everyday is special at Toot Sweet. It’s so special when you have a first time grandma walk through the door because she just found out her daughter’s having a girl. Or when the dad-to-be pops in to see if we have a polo for their alma mater. Of course, since everyone that works here is a mom – we can really relate to the moms and moms-to-be…I feel like I learn tons of great tips from our customers…everything from potty training to where to get the best birthday cakes! 

7.    If you could pick a fabulous sunny day activity (since your store is located in a great climate) – what would it be for a family with kids?
Courtney: The beaches of Northwest Florida are the most incredibly beautiful beaches there are (we’re not biased at all)! Our favorite day at the beach would have us building sandcastles, burying our feet and swimming in the waves!

8.    Tell us about any special events that you have planned at your store and fun deals we can expect.
Courtney: We are on the brink of launching our webstore! It is very exciting for us, because we will now be able to offer our customers our styles and fashions from across the country. We wanted to build a site that reflected our fun, relaxed style – and we think it’s finally here. We can’t wait for our customers to be able to shop at Toot Sweet anytime.

9.    Tell us your best parenting tip or mom advice that your mom passed on to you that you would like to share with a new parent.
Courtney: My mom always reminds me that all kids (even my twins) are different – and things won’t always work the same way. Oh – and don’t sweat the small stuff. 

10.    What collection or piece from Le Top or Le Top Baby line or Rabbitmoon do you love from the Spring 2011?
Courtney: Of course we love it all-, but I think our favorites from Spring 2011 would have to be: Heart’s Delight Collection and Ship Ahoy! Collection from Le Top and the Reflection and Terrapin collections from Rabbitmoon.  They’re all so fresh and fun, it’s hard to pick just one. And besides…you can’t dress them forever. 

Le Top "Ship Ahoy!" gingham a-line dress, "Heart's Delight" swimsuit and sunhat, and "Ship Ahoy!" hooded jacket and swim trunks.

 
Toot Sweet
215 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Suite 2
Ft. Walton Beach, FL
850.362.6555
http://www.tootsweetkids.com/ 

Join Toot Sweet’s Facebook page and click HERE

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Jessica Alba and Cash Warren Expecting Baby #2!

Photo by: Michael Buckner/Getty

Baby numero dos for Jessica Alba? The actress announced on her Facebook page yesterday that she and her husband, Cash Warren, are expecting baby #2! “I thought I’d drop by to let you all in on some exciting news — Honor is going to be a Big Sister!” Alba, 29, wrote. “Cash and I are thrilled and wanted to share the news directly with you so you didn’t hear about it somewhere else. I appreciated all of the love and support you all gave me during my first pregnancy and will definitely appreciate it again this time around. Have a great day!” she finishes, signing off, “Jess.” Alba’s first daughter delivered Honor Marie is 2 1/2-years-old. It would be so cute if both sisters dressed up in our new Le Top “Heart’s Delight” Collection (well, if the new baby is a girl!). The new baby could wear the Heart’s Delight sunsuit. Honor would look adorable in this matching sundress from the Heart’s Delight Collection.

Le Top Heart's Delight sunsuit and dress

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Doodlebugs: PREMIER STORE SPOTLIGHT

Doodle, doodle, doo! We are thrilled to have interviewed children’s boutique extraordinaire, Ginger Gray, owner of Doodlebugs in Georgetown, South Carolina this week for our “Premier Store Spotlight”. She gives us the scoop on snow on the beach in South Carolina this winter, upcoming trunk shows, the “tutu craze,” and how to transition your holiday red clothing to a very special Valentine’s Day outfit! Read more to find out about the best boutique in Georgetown, South Carolina!

Doodlebugs
721 Front Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
843.546.6858
http://www.doodlebugschild.com

Join Doodlebugs on Facebook and click HERE

1.    What was the inspiration behind the name Doodlebugs?
Ginger: Doodlebug was the nickname that I had for my daughter when she was 6-years-old, which was the same time that I purchased my store.

2.    Describe the neighborhood where your store is located. Tell us about Georgetown, South Carolina. Did you grow up in the local area? Is it the same as it was growing up?
Ginger: Our store is located on the water in the downtown Historic District of Georgetown, which was the center of the business district as I was growing up. Now, as some of the bigger businesses have moved out of this central location, it has become a quaint and charming area for tourists and locals to travel, shop and dine.

Growing up in a small town, I always longed to move away to a “big city,” but now that I am older and have children of my own, I realize just how much I love living and raising a family in a small town.

3.    Winter storms have been hitting the nation – for any new mom – what would be 3 essential wardrobe items and 3 must-haves for their new baby.
Ginger: Living on the coast we are normally not accustomed to needing the heavy coats or warm clothing that we have needed this year (Brr!).  Every year we are wishing for “just” a snow flurry, and it has snowed three times in the last year here!   

3 essential wardrobe items:

1. Le Top’s velour outfits because they are warm enough for the cold days but not too heavy for when it is just a little chilly out. 
2. Turtlenecks and tights
3. An awesome and stylish winter coat

3 must-haves for their new baby:

1. Muslin blankets for swaddling are great
2. Some type of soft lovie or blankie for them to become attached to
3. Convertible gowns are wonderful for those middle of the night diaper changes

4.    Where are your favorite family hangouts in the local Georgetown area?
Ginger: The beach, the beach and the beach! We are only a few minutes away and there is nothing more relaxing than sticking your toes in the sand with a good book and the sun shining down on your face.  Having grown up on the coast, it would be very hard for me to not live near the water.

5.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?” Please share!
Ginger: Say, “Because I said so,” to my kids, but sometimes there is just no other answer!

6.    Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Sweethearts, flowers, chocolate and all, would you dress your little girl or boy in for Valentine’s Day?
Ginger: My daughter is 14-years-old and my son is 11-years-old and what I wouldn’t give to be able to still dress them in all of the adorable clothes that we sell! But because Valentine ’s Day is normally in between seasons and Fall merchandise is usually picked over by that point, many of our customers like to purchase an extra dress or outfit for Christmas that can be converted into a Valentine’s outfit as well.  We always like to throw out suggestions on how they can change a button from green to white to transition into Valentine’s Day. We have also sold a few Spring pieces from the Heart’s Delight Collection by Le Top for Valentine’s Day.

7.    With the winter weather in the air – what would be your favorite rainy day recommended activity?
Ginger: Our family loves to rent movies or play board games on a rainy day.

8.    Any special events that you have planned at your store for the next few months?
Ginger: We have a trunk show scheduled later this month and we are participating in a local fashion show in March. We are also excited about some new items that we will be adding to our product selection in the next few months.

9.    Tell us your best parenting tip or mom advice that your mom passed on to you that you would like to share with a new parent.
Ginger: I think that the best advice I could give is to enjoy every single minute while they are young. My mom would always tell me just how fast time would fly by and I never quite understood until now. When our children are small we are so ready for them to move on to the next phase (walking, talking, potty training, etc). While it is nice not to have to worry about late night feedings and changing diapers, I would surely love to go back a few years and be able to relive and cherish it all over.

10.    What is the hottest trend for kids clothes and toys right now?
Ginger: It seems that tutus are a big hit right now, especially for more than just dress-up. They are perfect for birthday parties, holidays or to just make an outfit more fun. 

11.    What collection or piece from Le Top or Le Top Baby line or Rabbitmoon do you love from the Spring 2011 or Fall 2010 collection?
Ginger: I look forward every year to see what new inspiration Le Top has for their duck group. It is probably one of my favorites.

Doodlebugs
721 Front Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
843.546.6858
http://www.doodlebugschild.com/

Join Doodlebugs on Facebook and click HERE

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Nicole Kidman & Keith Urban Welcome Daughter Faith Margaret

Photo by: Lester Cohen/WireImage

Holy moly! Actress Nicole Kidman and singer/hubby Keith Urban welcomed a little girl this past December, 28th in Nashville. You are probably thinking…what baby? It’s a big surprise! New parents Kidman and Urban revealed on Monday their new baby girl, Faith Margaret was born via a surrogate and is the biological daughter of Kidman and Urban. Sister, Sunday Rose, 2 1/2-years-old, must be so excited for her new baby sister. These Le Top outfits from our Heart’s Delight collection would be perfect for a sister-sister matching portrait: 

For baby Faith, the sunsuit

For big sis Sunday, the tiered sundress

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