Baby Bundles: STORE SPOTLIGHT PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

Gear up, because back-to-school is around the corner, and if there is one store you can use as your “one-stop shop”…it’s Baby Bundles! They have two fabulous locations in Knoxville, Tennessee and Lexington, Kentucky – double the fashion, and double the fun. We spoke with co-owners and kids fashion gurus: Sherri, Margaret and Marie to get the low-down on children’s warm-weather fashion, upcoming deals at their stores and the “do’s” and “don’ts” in dressing the most fashionable baby and kiddo.

 Store Locations:
7600 Kingston Pike, #1460
Knoxville, TN 37919
865.690.4454

161 Lexington Green, Suite B3
Lexington, KY 40503
859.309.0459

 or go to shopbabybundles.com for more information

CHECK-IN and JOIN Baby Bundles Lexington’s Facebook page and click HERE

Baby Bundles in Knoxville

1.    What was your inspiration behind opening your two children’s clothing stores – how long have each been open and do they cater to different clientele?
Baby Bundles:  Baby Bundles was started in Knoxville, Tennessee ten years ago by Sherri. Sherri wanted a store that would offer a comprehensive one-stop shopping experience for parents looking for specialty items. In 2010, Sherri partnered with Baby Bundles Manager, Margaret and her sister Marie to open Baby Bundles in Lexington, Kentucky. Both stores offer traditional and trendy children’s apparel. While the stores are in different locations, the spirit of the clientele remains essentially the same. Our customers range from new parents to grandparents looking for a local shopping experience from a knowledgeable sales staff, whose primary goal is to assist them in selecting merchandise that reflects their child’s unique style and spirit.

2.    Tell us the inside scoop about any special events that you have planned at your two stores and e-boutique this coming summer and fun deals we can expect.
Baby Bundles:  As we wind down summer, Baby Bundles Lexington will be hosting our “One is Fun” First Birthday Party. The event will feature an Alex’s Lemonade Stand hosted by local pre-school students, a petting zoo and visit from local horse hero, Lash, who has recently been made into a plush doll. We will follow that event with a visit with silhouette artist Clay Rice in October.

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

Do’s…

1. Accessorize…a great hair bow, headband or cute tights can make the outfit. 
2. Invest in a pair of Monkey Bar Buddies to go with your Le Top dress. The underwear covers come in great colors and are perfect for back to school. 
3. Let your child have voice in which outfits to purchase…you are never too young to take pride in how you look. 

Don’ts…

1. Don’t dress your child above their age. As we tell our customers, “Children are only small for a short period time.” Celebrate childhood by selecting age appropriate clothing.
2. Don’t be afraid to purchase brother and sister matching outfits. Le Top has cute designs that our customers with siblings love.
3. Don’t forget to purchase a white sweater. This simple purchase can help your child’s wardrobe transition into different seasons.

Baby Bundles in Lexington

4.    Why did you pick the name Baby Bundles for your stores?
Baby Bundles:  The original concept was to offer a one-stop shop where parents could buy a variety of specialty store items for their children. The word bundles seemed to work with the original mission and then baby seemed to be a natural fit. 

5.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?” Please share!
Baby Bundles:  We can’t really think of anything. I guess all three of us just gave up hope of controlling every situation and just decided to enjoy the ride.

6.    Describe the neighborhoods of each of your store locations. Did you grow up in any of the 2 local areas?
Baby Bundles:  The Knoxville store is located in the West Town Mall, Knoxville’s premier shopping center. The Lexington store is located in the Mall at Lexington Green, which primarily caters to locally owned boutiques and businesses. Sherri grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee and Margaret and Marie grew up just outside of Lexington. Marie still resides in Kentucky. 

7.    What would you say are the top 3 requested clothing and/or accessory items requested from your store this summer?
Baby Bundles:

• Texture was a primary concern of customers this summer. Soft knits from Le Top were great sellers because of they feel great and are easy to care for. 
• Le Top bathing suits with matching cover-ups
• Big Sister and Little Sister outfits that compliment without matching exactly. 

8.    Tell us about a “special” moment that made your day working at your store.
Baby Bundles:  Having to name just one is hard. Perhaps the most memorable was when a Knoxville customer who traveled regularly from Eastern Kentucky to shop learned that we were opening a store in Lexington. She was so excited that she starting jumping up and down and waving her hands like the head cheerleader on game day!

Le Top "Ship Ahoy!" swim trunk, shirt and anchor cover-up

9.    Where are the best/essential family hangouts and places to go around your store locations?
Baby Bundles:  When in Knoxville, stop by and ride the train that travels around the West Town Mall. When in Lexington, a stop by Fro Joes for fresh frozen yogurt, feed the ducks at our big pond, or visit Shilito Park that is just down the street.

10.    What Le Top or rabbitmoon Spring/Summer 2011 collection is your store’s favorite and why?
Baby Bundles: Our favorite was the Ship Ahoy! Collection. It was ideal for boys and girls from newborn through size 6. Whether land locked or beach bound just looking at it made us think of the perfect summer day!

Baby Bundles Store Locations:
7600 Kingston Pike, #1460
Knoxville, TN 37919
865.690.4454

161 Lexington Green, Suite B3
Lexington, KY 40503
859.309.0459

 or go to shopbabybundles.com for more information

 CHECK-IN and JOIN Baby Bundles Lexington’s Facebook page and click HERE

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A Day Made for a Kid!

This past Sunday, my daughter (4 1/2-years-old) and I went to visit with my parents. There was an Art and Wine festival in town that we were told was very kid-friendly. They weren’t kidding (no pun intended). There was a large area with slides (where you ride down on a burlap bag), carnival games, rides for kids of all sizes, and a rock climbing wall.

After playing a few games (we won a stuffed bear), catching air on the slide, and enjoying a few rides, my daughter spotted the rock climbing wall! We left the front of the helicopter ride line to run over to the wall. I wasn’t sure if she would actually climb it once we got close to the wall, but she was fearless. They harnessed her into the pulley and off she went! It was a stretch for her, since I think it was really intended for a slightly taller crowd, but she made it about half-way up the wall before she looked down. Never look down! Once she did she just shook her head “no” when given the option of going higher. All she had to do was let go of the rock and the rope brought her gently down to the ground. I couldn’t be more proud. Hopefully next year she’ll make it to the top!

Lilah wears the Le Top "Ship Ahoy!" Hooded Terry Zip Cover-Up Dress while enjoying a tasty treat!

There are always fun fairs and local festivals in an area near you. Get on the Internet and search for the kid-friendly options. There is something for everyone and you don’t have to commit to an entire day. Who knows, your child might even try something new if they see other kids their age enjoying it. Enjoy your summer!

Check out our sale on summer clothing HERE!

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Happy Birthday Levi McConaughey!

Photo by: Pedro Andrade/Kevin Perkins/Pacific Coast News

Feliz Cumpleanos to Levi McConaughey, son of actor Matthew McConaughey, 41, and model mommy Camilla Alves! He turns the big 3 today and is probably hitting the beach with sister Vida (almost 1-year-old) to make a sand castle birthday cake while mom and dad snap shots of the fun!

How cute would Levi and his sister look in our Le Top brothers/sister “Ship Ahoy!” matching swimwear (plus it is on sale at  40% OFF!)

For Vida

For Levi

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SwimOutlet.com: STORE SPOTLIGHT PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

We interviewed our favorite online swim retailer that carries everything from the top beach gear to the best family and children’s swimwear! They know the “do’s” and “don’ts” in warm-weather swim style – read below for the latest and greatest tips from the fabulous buying team from the SwimOutlet.com.

SwimOutlet.com
www.swimoutlet.com

Join SwimOutlet.com’s Facebook page and click HERE
Become a Twitter fan of SwimOutlet.com HERE

 

1. What was the inspiration/ behind starting e-store – swimoutlet.com?
SwimOutlet.com started as a website called SwimLessions.com. Our CEO had the idea to create a website where swim students could connect to instructors. The site grew to include locators for public pools, directories for swim schools and an aquatic job board.

Selling swim products was the next step in its natural progression. Today, SwimOutlet.com is the largest online specialty shop for swimming, water polo, fashion, beach, and surf products in the US.

2.  Tell us about any special online promotions that you have planned this summer and fun deals we can expect!
Our e-store has promotions and deals throughout the year! Sign up for our newsletter or check out our ‘clearance corner’ to get the lowest prices on swimwear. 

3. Summer break is here and families are travelling and in need of fabulous swimwear and swim products. What are 3 family swimwear must-have items that are available at your online store for summer?

Our top 3 must-have items for the summer:

• Sun protection: Protect you and your family from sunburn this summer! Here are our suggestions: Sun blocks, sunscreens, sun suits, UV protective swimwear, cover ups, sunglasses, and hats!
• Swim aids: Help your child gain confidence in the water! Arm bands, swim vests, flotation suits and USCG approved life jackets are great options!
• Goggles: SwimOutlet carries a variety of swim goggles including: Competitive, prescription,
  snorkel, and kids goggles!

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

This season’s hottest trends in kids’ swimwear are ruffles, bright colors, and floral.

The 3 “do’s” in kids’ swimwear style are:

• UV protective materials: Rashguards, sun suits, cover-ups, and hats.
• Comfortable fit: The more comfortable the swimwear, the more your kids will enjoy wearing it. Choose a swimsuit not too tight or loose; if your child is between sizes, pick the larger size for them to grow into.
• Popular styles include: One pieces, tankinis, bikinis, and monkinis for girls and boardshorts, volley shorts, and surf styles for boys.

The 3 “don’ts” in kids’ swimwear are:

• String tops and bottoms: These are sure to fall off active children!
• White swimwear: Dirt is more likely to show up on lighter suits.
• Complicated: Buy swimwear that is easy to put on / take off!

5.  What are qualities parents should look for in children’s swimwear? Wearability? Comfort? UV protection? Please tell us your 3 rules to buying perfect children’s swimwear!

• Definitely comfort
• Easy to put on / take off
• Fun for your child

6.  What are your top 3 best selling beach gear items that you would suggest as the perfect “go-to” items for a family on vacation? 

• Beach umbrellas
• Towables
• Beach games and toys

Le Top "Beachy Keen Monokini"

7.  What swimwear or cover-up piece from Le Top do you love from the Spring/Summer 2011 collection?
We love Le Top’s Monokinis—they are absolutely adorable! The entire Ship Ahoy! collection is a close second!

SwimOutlet.com
www.SwimOutlet.com 

Join SwimOutlet.com’s Facebook
page  by clicking HERE

Become a Twitter fan of
SwimOutlet.com HERE

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Sun Exposure and Kids

Le Top "Sunny Ducky" Flower Print Sundress and Sunhat

We all need some sun exposure; it’s our primary source of vitamin D, which helps us absorb calcium for stronger, healthier bones. But it doesn’t take much time in the sun for most people to get the vitamin D they need, and repeated unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can have serious effects.

Most kids rack up between 50% and 80% of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18, so it’s important that parents teach their children how to enjoy fun in the sun safely. With the right precautions, you can greatly reduce your child’s chance of developing skin cancer.

Facts About Sun Exposure
The sun radiates light to the earth, and part of that light consists of invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays. When these rays reach the skin, they cause tanning, burning, and other skin damage.

Sunlight contains three types of ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC.

1.  UVA rays cause skin aging and wrinkling and contribute to skin cancer, such as melanoma. Because UVA rays pass effortlessly through the ozone layer (the protective layer of atmosphere, or shield, surrounding the earth), they make up the majority of our sun exposure. Beware of tanning beds because they use UVA rays as well as UVB rays. A UVA tan does nothelp protect the skin from further sun damage; it merely produces color and a false sense of protection from the sun. 

Le Top "Ship Ahoy!" Nautical Bucket Hat

2.  UVB rays are also dangerous, causing sunburns, cataracts (clouding of the eye lens), and effects on the immune system. They also contribute to skin cancer. Melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, is thought to be associated with severe UVB sunburns that occur before the age of 20. Most UVB rays are absorbed by the ozone layer, but enough of these rays pass through to cause serious damage.

3.  UVC rays are the most dangerous, but fortunately, these rays are blocked by the ozone layer and don’t reach the earth.

What’s important is to protect your family from exposure to UVA and UVB, the rays that cause skin damage.

Avoid the Strongest Rays of the Day
First, seek shade when the sun is at its highest overhead (usually 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the northern hemisphere). If kids must be in the sun between these hours, be sure to apply and reapply protective sunscreen — even if they’re just playing in the backyard. Most sun damage occurs as a result of incidental exposure during day-to-day activities, not at the beach.

Even on cloudy, cool, or overcast days, UV rays travel through the clouds and reflect off sand, water, and even concrete.

Use Protective Eyewear for Kids
Sun exposure damages the eyes as well as the skin. Even 1 day in the sun can result in a burned cornea (the outermost, clear membrane layer of the eye). Cumulative exposure can lead to cataracts (clouding of the eye lens, which leads to blurred vision) later in life. The best way to protect eyes is to wear sunglasses.

Not all sunglasses provide the same level of ultraviolet protection; darkened plastic or glass lenses without special UV filters just trick the eyes into a false sense of safety. Purchase sunglasses with labels ensuring that they provide 100% UV protection.

 

Not all kids enjoy wearing sunglasses, especially the first few times. To encourage them to wear them, let kids select a style they like — many manufacturers make fun, multicolored frames or ones embossed with cartoon characters. And don’t forget that kids want to be like grown-ups. If you wear sunglasses regularly, your kids may be willing to follow your example. Providing sunglasses early in childhood will encourage the habit of wearing them in the future.

 

Le Top "Beechy Keen" Waves and Bubble Print Beech Dress and Sunhat

Put on a Hat
Covering up your child’s arms and legs with light clothing can provide some protection against UV sun radiation. Having her wear a hat with a brim that shades her face can also increase your child’s protection against the sun. 

Use Sunscreen Consistently
Lots of good sunscreens are available for kids, including types for sensitive skin, brands with fun scents like watermelon, long-lasting waterproof and sweat-proof versions, and easy-application varieties in spray bottles. I even saw a sunscreen at the store the other day that you can spray on kids while they are wet!

Common Mistake…
Completely ignore sunscreen claims of waterproof and/or sweat-proof. According to Carol Schuler of Coolibar, “The term ‘waterproof’ has undergone inadequate testing and the term ‘sweat-proof’ has had no testing to substantiate the label. The FDA has asked sunscreen manufacturers to voluntarily remove this marketing term from their labels.”

What matters most in a sunscreen is the degree of protection from UV rays it provides. For kids age 6 months and older, select an SPF of 30 or higher to prevent both sunburn and tanning. Choose a sunscreen that states on the label that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays (referred to as “broad-spectrum” sunscreen). For sunscreen to do its job, it must be applied correctly. Be sure to:

1. Apply sunscreen whenever kids will be in the sun.
2. Apply sunscreen about 15 to 30 minutes before kids go outside so that a good layer of protection can form. Don’t forget about lips, hands, ears, feet, shoulders, and behind the neck. Lift up bathing suit straps and apply sunscreen underneath them (in case the straps shift as a child moves).
3. Don’t try to stretch out a bottle of sunscreen; apply it generously.
4. Reapply sunscreen often, approximately every 2 hours, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology. Reapply after a child has been sweating or swimming.
5. Apply a waterproof sunscreen if kids will be around water or swimming. Water reflects and intensifies the sun’s rays, so kids need protection that lasts. Waterproof sunscreens may last up to 80 minutes in the water, and some are also sweat- and rub-proof. But regardless of the waterproof label, be sure to reapply sunscreen when kids come out of the water.

Le Top "School of Fun" Tee, Shorts, and Bucket Hat

Keep in mind that every child needs extra sun protection. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that all kids — regardless of their skin tone — wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Although dark skin has more protective melanin and tans more easily than it burns, remember that tanning is also a sign of sun damage. Dark-skinned kids also can develop painful sunburns too – so be safe and have fun in the sun this summer!

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Happy Birthday Shiloh Jolie-Pitt!

Photo: Jackson Lee/Splash News Online

Cheers to Shiloh, daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, who turns 5-years-old today! We hope she has plenty of sweets, cupcakes and balloons for today’s special day! We think she would look adorable on the beach sporting this Le Top unisex beach cover-up jacket from our Ship Ahoy! Collection. Happy Birthday Shiloh!

“Ship Ahoy!” Hooded Terry Cover-Up Jacket – For perfect seaside style, dress your little one in this super soft white terry zip up cover-up jacket with fully lined hood in ultra soft nautical striped cotton for supreme comfort. Embroidered anchor appliqué, contrast navy trims and white grommet accents for sailing style. Layer up for a cozy look at the beach and pool.

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Le Top Darlings of the Day: Sydney, Caroline, Luke and John William

From left to right: Sydney, Caroline, Luke and John William

All hands on deck! These gorgeous children come to us from The Monkey Barrel in Amelia Island, Florida. Sydney, Caroline, Luke and John William are modeling the Le Top “Ship Ahoy” collection for boys and girls. They look ready to celebrate Memorial Day in style! Congratulations to you all for being our Le Top Darlings of the Day!  

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Mariah Carey welcomed twins on her wedding anniversary!

Photo: WENN

Not only did Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon welcome newborn twins on Saturday, April 30 in Los Angeles but the couple also celebrated their third wedding anniversary by renewing their vows.

Carey’s representative, Cindi Berger, confirmed the birth of the twins to The Associated Press, saying the baby girl was born first, weighing 5 lbs., 3 oz. and is 18 inches long; her brother was next at 5 lbs., 6 oz. and is 19 inches long.

Proud papa Cannon Tweeted shortly after their birth, “My wife just gave me the most incredible anniversary gift ever in life! I won’t ever be able to top this!”

The couple have renewed their wedding vows every year. This year Cannon predicted that it would happen in the hospital. It looks like he was right. The Rev. Al Sharpton conducted their renewal ceremony from Carey’s hospital room and blessed the babies, whose names have not been released yet.

Wouldn’t their twins look cute as can be wearing outfits from the brother and sister matching Le Top “Ship Ahoy!” Collection? What a fabulous way to begin this spring.

Le Top "Ship Ahoy!" gingham dress & panty and the matching check sunsuit & sailor tee

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Feliz Cumpleanos Shaya Charvet!

Photo by: Coral von Zumwalt

One of the most handsome little boys in tinsel town turns 3-years-old this Saturday – Shaya Charvet! The son of Dancing with the Stars host Brooke Burke and actor David Charvet will be celebrating along with the rest of his family – including sisters Rain, 3 1/2, Sierra, 8 1/2, and Neriah, 10 1/2. We think he will look adorable on the beach celebrating in our Le Top “Ship Ahoy!” Collection sailboat tee and roll-up pants (perfect for playing in the waves!). Cheers!

Le Top "Ship Ahoy!" Collection sailboat tee and roll-up pants

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Warning: Limit Children’s Sun Exposure

Today the American Academy of Pediatrics issued an alarming statement and policy urging parents across America to limit their children’s sun exposure. The AAP policy released “Ultraviolet Radiation: a Hazard to Children and Adolescents,” published in the March 2011 print issue of Pediatrics (published online Feb. 28), offering guidance to parents and pediatricians on skin cancer prevention and safe sun exposure practices. It stated, “Lifelong sun protection is recommended starting at an early age. Education about UVR exposure is important for all children, especially those at high risk for developing skin cancer: children with light skin and eyes, who freckle or sunburn easily, or have a family history of melanoma. Pediatricians should advise children, parents and teens about the dangers of UVR exposure.” It is important as parents that we teach our children to be responsible about the sun – it goes a long way in preventing signs of skin cancer!

Their recommendations for children were to:

1. wear proper clothing and hats, timing outdoor activities to minimize peak midday sun (10 am-4 pm) when possible
2. apply sunscreen
3. wear sunglasses
4. Infants younger than 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight and protected with clothing and hats.

The policy also urges support of a new legislation that will prohibit children under 18 from using tanning devices or going to tanning salons.

According to Thomas Rohrer, M.D., Secretary of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, “melanoma is the most common skin cancer in children. In addition, only six severe sunburns in a lifetime increase risk of melanoma by 50 percent. It is important that parents, teachers and physicians encourage sun avoidance and protection by monitoring their children’s moles and freckles for the ABCDEs—asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, diameter, and evolving; encourage children to wear at least 30 SPF sunscreen and reapply it every 2 to 3 hours spent outdoors…One study estimated a 78% drop in skin cancer risk if parents protect their children from significant sun exposure in the first 18 years of life.”

Scarily the AAP’s report also discusses that people of all ages continue to overexpose themselves to harmful ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun, especially in tanning salons. According to the AAP’s report, “The use of tanning salons is a common practice among teenagers, especially females. In a national survey, 24 percent of non-Hispanic white teenagers 13 to 19 years of age used a tanning facility at least once. The intensity of UVR radiation produced by some tanning units can be 10 to 15 times higher than the midday sun. Along with the World Health Organization, the American Medical Association, and the American Academy of Dermatology, the AAP supports legislation prohibiting access to tanning salons or use of artificial tanning devices by children under the age of 18.”

Do you think that minors tanning in tanning salons should be illegal and banned? If it is illegal to smoke before the age of 18 due to cancer and other health risks, shouldn’t tanning salons for minors be illegal too?

Take the proper steps and protect your children! Le Top offers swimwear (note: with no UV protection), but also cover-ups and hats to help protect your children’s delicate skin from the sun. Be safe and enjoy your vacations this spring!

(clockwise for top left) Le Top "Ship Ahoy-boys" terry hooded cover-up, "Beach Keen Monokinis" hibiscus beach dress and sunhat, "Sunny Duck-boys" cover-up shirt, swim trunks and hat, "Beachy Keen Monokinis" waves and bubbles beach dress and sunhat.

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