Le Top Darling of the Day: Elizabeth

Today’s Darling, 10-month-old Elizabeth, is a bathing beauty in her Le Top “Ship Ahoy” collection bathingsuit. Her favorite words are “da da” and “uh oh”. She loves to click her tongue, clap her hands, and shake her head ‘no’. Also she can’t resist “singing” along in church. Ah the joy!

Elizabeth has 7 teeth so far and dogs make her giggle with delight. We’re told she already has her sights set on becoming a sailor like mommy and daddy. Yay! She is often seen practicing her downward dog and plank poses between crawling around the house.

Elizabeth is clearly a perfect choice to be the Le Top Darling of the Day!

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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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P. Cottontail & Company: STORE SPOTLIGHT PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

We interviewed super chic boutique owner, Sandra Murphy, of P. Cottontail & Company located in Half Moon Bay, California to find out “what’s hot” and “what’s not” for kids clothes this summer. She gives also gives us the inside scoop on her store events and super sales to look out for, as well as the best hangouts in the store’s area. Read more to find out about her fashion tips and the best beach gear this summer that you can’t live without!

P. Cottontail & Company
527 Main Street
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
650.726.0200 

Check-in and join P. Cottontail & Company’s
Facebook page and click HERE 

1.    What was your inspiration/ behind opening your children’s clothing store – P. Cottontail & Company?
Sandra: I really did not have a single inspiration — being in the garment industry my entire career — and the kids business for a large part of that…it was a natural progression.  

2.    Tell us about any special events that you have planned at your store this coming summer and fun deals we can expect. Sandra: Our special events this summer?…On July 4th we have an old fashion hometown parade. We will be handing out flags to all of our kids. Also our BIG end of season sale will start in mid-July. Of course, do not forget THE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL in October. Please visit us early for all things pumpkin AND the best costumes ever.  

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

• Do go for all things comfy and soft — babies and kids both can develop sensory issues at an early age give them all the help you can.
• Do go for the accessories — it makes the outfit — boys love hats and cool shoes, girls love purses just like mom.
• Do go for lots of great dress up clothes, it’s not just for b-day parties, and not just for girls!
• Don’t ever buy any garment that even LOOKS itchy — this is especially important in dressy dresses — also tags inside the garment — many
  of the moms ask us to remove them after they purchase the outfit because they bother the kids so much.
• Don’t ever go for anything tight or restrictive — kids need to be kids.

4.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?” Please share!
Sandra: I never had anything I swore I would never do — I’m a firm believer in “never say never.” I have one daughter — one amazing daughter — and being in the apparel industry, she was exposed to all types of clothing and styles and is quite the diva.

5.    Describe the neighborhood of Half Moon Bay, California where your store is located. Did you grow up in the local area?
Sandra: Half Moon Bay is a coast side town about 20 minutes south of San Francisco — the ocean is a big attraction for families — there are also tide pools at The Fitzgereld Marine Reserve where kids get a real hands-on experience.  

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?
Sandra: Top 3 items for beach gear — SUN SCREEN – a sun hat with a large brim and sunglasses – I’m very big on sun protection — start you kids early. 

7.    Tell us about a “special” moment that made your day working at your store.
Sandra: Hands down favorite moment in the store is when one of my favorite little girls came in, sat down on the floor, opened her piggy bank–dumped out all the pennies–and asked me if she had enough money to buy the horse outfit!! 

Le Top "Flutterbye Butterfly" Hooded Zip Front Coverup and Bikini

8.    What swimwear or cover-up piece from Le Top or rabbitmoon do you love from the Spring/Summer 2011 collection?
Sandra: My summer swimwear collection favorite piece…is the pink zip front cover-up from the Le Top “Flutterbye Butterfly” Collection – I also love the bikini-don’t forget the sun hat!  

P. Cottontail & Company
527 Main Street
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
650.726.0200

Check-in and join
P. Cottontail & Company’s
Facebook page and click HERE

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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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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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Le Top Darling of the Day: Gracie

This angelic little beauty, Gracie (Grace Christine), is beach ready in our spring 2009 “Tiptoe Tulip Ducklings” dress (with her pup Magnus) and the spring 2010 “Wild About Monikinis” pink leopard print monokini and matching sunhat. Way to make us look good, Gracie! We’re told she is a spunky live wire who loves to be in the middle of it all, plus this girly girl has been known to wear 3 or 4 purses on one arm at one time. So cute. Congratulations on being picked to be our Le Top Darling of the Day!

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Milk and Honey Kids Children’s Boutique: PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

Sweet and adorable – two words to describe the Store Manager of Milk and Honey Kids children’s boutique, Barbara Ballard whom we interviewed this week for our “Premier Store Spotlight.” We couldn’t get enough of Barbara’s tips for the winter, especially with two store located in chilly Pennsylvania! From the Crayola factory to must-have winter items to her parenting tips – this store is worth visiting and worth reading about. Read below to find out more about Milk and Honey Kids stores.

This post has been moved to our website. To view the full post go to http://blog.letop-usa.com/?p=15494

TO CHECK OUT LE TOP BABY AND CHILDREN’S CLOTHING CLICK HERE

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Make Your Child’s Swimsuit Last with TLC

Emma learns to walk in her Le Top Daisy Duck swimsuit at the side of the pool!

Every kid’s swimsuit takes an awful beating during the summer from pool or beach play.  The fabric gets stretched out, water-logged, shocked by hot temperatures of a hot tub then pool, ground against sand and more! Give your child’s bathing suit some TLC and it will prolong the life and effectiveness of his or her swimwear. A little care will go a long way. Here are some quick tips:

Quick Rinse
When your child is done swimming, soak or rinse the swimsuit in tap water. This rids of sand, salt or chlorine.  Most beaches have showers or faucets for this purpose. Did you know that swimsuits with spandex turn yellow when exposed to chlorine?

Washing Machine?
Try not to put your bathing suit in the washing machine because it can be abrasive on the fabric and even causes pilling. It should only take less than 5 minutes out of your day to put it in the sink and hand wash it.  Make it a fun kids activity and teach them about how to wash their own bathing suit in the bathroom sink.  When washing, turn the bathing suit inside out to avoid damaging the outside.  Use a mild detergent and bleach is a NO-NO!

See the cute yellow bows and duck on the back of Emma’s Le Top suit while she catches up on summertime reading with daddy, Eric!.

Drying?
Wring the water out and its time to dry!  You can clip to an indoor clothesline or hang to dry outside. Try to avoid letting it dry outside all day because the UV exposure can fade colors.

Last Tip?
Tell your kids to be careful where they sit! Not only can the cement around a pool be hot on a child’s backside, but also pool edges and decks are rough on the fabric (even if it feels smooth). Try to place a towel underneath them before they sit down.

Check the links for more Le Top boy’s (ribbit, lots o’fish, and gone fishin’) and girl’s (tulip garden, lots o’fish, sweatheart butterfly) bathingsuits and monokinis. They are durable, bright and fashionable for any child at play in the pool or beach!

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New York, New York!

If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere,
It’s up to you, New York, New York.” – Kander and Ebb

le•top Booth

Every August le•top debuts the new Spring collection at the New York Children’s Club Show – one of the most exciting (and anxious) times of the year for us.  After working on designs, fabric development, go-see’s (a warm thanks to all that responded to our call for ‘Cuties!’) and photo shoots we were finally ready to present the Spring 2010 collection to buyers and owners of the fabulous stores that carry le•top.

Cute as a Button Fall 2009

Ta-Da!!!

The moment had finally arrived when we were able to see reactions to the results of all our hard work.  The verdict is in and…THE SPRING 2010 COLLECTION IS THE BEST WE HAVE EVER CREATED!

Some of the comments we heard during the show:

“It’s all so cute; I don’t know what I am not going to buy!”

“I love the bright colors!”

“This is just what I dreamed you would do!”  (really!!!)

After all the hard work we were ecstatic to hear our retailer’s enthusiasm!  What brought about the smiles and excitement?  Really great groups, including classic Ducks for boys and girls, Grasshoppers that Hip Hop, bouquets of beautiful Flowers and a whole menagerie of our famous Monokinis!  Everyone can look forward to an endless summer of fun – arriving at retailers in January of 2010.

Walking with Dinosaurs Fall 2009

But don’t wait for next summer!  Fall 2009 is here!  The new le•top and rabbitmoon fashions for fall are arriving at your local boutique every day!  The phones are ringing with re-orders as our retailers sell the cutest kid’s clothes on the planet…and beyond!  Check out some of the top sellers from Walking with Dinosaurs and Cute as a Button!

We had a terrific trip to New York!  Our booth at the Children’s Club show looked great after we put up wallpaper, assembled tables and chairs and steamed and fluffed our samples.  The excitement of hearing the praise for our new creations was our reward…and the reward of experiencing New York City life for a week!  Coming to the blog next week we’ll share our experiences at some of the fabulous restaurants we visited!

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