Le Top Takes: Out of the Mouths of Babes!

No, I did not say that!

Daughter: Mommy, since tomorrow is your special day, I want to take you shopping.

Mommy: Okay, Baby. Where are we going?

Daughter: You have to drive me to the mall.

Mommy: No problem! What should I buy?

You can buy ANYTHING you want, but you have to pay because I’m broke.

–Kayla, age 6

Editor’s Note:
Please spread the giggles by sharing your funny quotes with us!

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Le Top Takes: Out of the Mouths of Babes!

When you buy stuff from the TV you should wait until the end. They always DOUBLE it!”

– Ben, age 5

Editor’s Note:
Please spread the giggles by sharing your funny quotes with us!

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STORE SPOTLIGHT – HEAR ALL ABOUT IT!

Today is the second in our new “Store Spotlight” series, where we feature a premiere le•top specialty retail store each week. Read more for an exclusive Q&A and “sneak peak” images of our featured store of the week!

Wickford - RI

This week we had the chance to interview one of Rhode Island and Connecticut’s finest boutiques, Teddy Bearskins. Meet the proud owners, Bob and Debra Semple and read about their 3 boutiques!

We want to give you the inside scoop on Teddy Bearskins’ latest and greatest news, and what YOU don’t know about a few of the East Coast’s cutest childrenswear stores.

1.     How did you get started with Teddy Bearskins?
Bob:  Debra made all the clothes in our first store. I remember it was a very small store, but within 2 years, we had 2 bigger stores, and 3 stores after 5 years.

2.     What was your and Bob’s background prior to this business?
Debra:  Bob was in advertising and sales management prior to entering the childrenswear business
Bob:  Deb was a home economics teacher, and also had a business degree. She [Deb] is by nature a fashion designer!

3.     Teddy Bearskins is a distinctive store name – does it have any special history?
Bob & Debra:  The name Teddy Bearskins just had a great ring to it, and our favorite place was Bearskin Neck in Rockport, Massachusetts.

4.     Why Rhode Island and Connecticut? How did you pick these unique locations?
Debra:  Bob moved to Rhode Island in 1983 for business, and unfortunately there were no teaching jobs. Our twins at the time were 3-years-old so we opted to start our own business.

5.     Describe the neighborhood your stores are in.

Mystic Village - CT

Bob & Debra:  Of our three stores, we would describe each as:

1. Wickford Location ~ “Historic seaport village, and very quaint.”
2. Mystic Location ~ “ A historic seaport and tourist area.” 
3. Barrington Location ~ “A high-end village bedroom community of Providence.”

6.     Who is your target customer? Do you specialize in any certain types of product?
Debra:  I would say our target customers are Grandparents, Parents, and Relatives of a newborn. We have a wide range of pricing.

7.     What products do your clientele like the most?

Bob:  Toys, shoes, and clothing from newborn to teenage.

8.     Any Celebrity customers over the years or do you have any celebs buying right now?
Bob & Debra:  Jane Pauley, Montel Williams, several soap opera stars, and many professional sports athletes. Other clients include many of the Rhode Island TV personalities!

9.     What’s coming up for Teddy Bearskins? You have 3 stores and an online store – will there be a 4th store in the near future?
Bob & Debra:  We are always considering some moves!

10.     You have a remarkable history having founded the first Teddy Bearskins store in 1983 – what makes Teddy Bearskins unique after all of these successful years?
Bob & Debra:  We have everything you might need or want for your child or grandchild – from birth to size 20. We have customers from all over the country who stop in, call or even email us since they know we will have what they need or want.

Barrington - RI

 

11.     What do both you and Bob feel are the three biggest keys to your success?
Bob & Debra:

1. Location
2. Customer Service
3. Hard Work, Hard Work, Hard Work!

12.     How do you select your products for the store?
Debra:  I listen to my customers and also use my instinct and gut feelings.

13.     What is one trend you’re currently seeing with customers?
Debra:  Simplicity.

14.     If you had one piece of advice for someone entering children’s retail today, what would it be?
Bob & Debra:  Make sure you know you will love retail. It’s 24/7, and if you do not want to put in 110%, do not open a store.

15.     What are your top 3 fashionista tips for dressing a child? And your #1 kid fashion “no-no”?
Bob & Debra:  Keep it simple, give your child 3 choices, when asking their advice. And keep their personality in mind when making a selection. Do not give in to tantrums.

16.     You probably have seen thousands of parents and their children come in-and-out of all 3 of your store doors – what is one of the funniest things you have heard come out of parent or child’s mouth?
Bob & Debra:  Nothing stands out at the moment. We have wonderful relationships with our customers, many laughs, great customers. It’s a big family and great fun. The kids always enjoy coming to our Teddy Bearskins locations.

17.     What is your best or most memorable moment in your store?
Debra:  One of My favorite customers passed away and she requested in her eulogy that they mention how she loved Teddy Bearskins.

18.     What collection or piece from le•top and/or rabbitmoon do you love right now from the Spring 2010 collection?
Bob & Debra:  Our favorite is the le•top boys Sail Away collection!

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Lily Pads, Lullabies and Love!

Jackie and her Family inside Lily Pads & Lullabies

Jackie Frazier and her husband live in an area that is a virtual paradise for families – Centerville Utah, nestled up to the Wasatch foothills and a stone’s throw from the beautiful Great Salt Lake.  Skiing is heavenly during the winter, and summer brings recreation from water sports to hiking.  Jackie couldn’t wait to add a baby to her family!  After waiting far too long for the blessed event Jackie turned to every expectant mom’s favorite ‘sport’ – shopping!  Jackie was disappointed that she couldn’t find a children’s store in her area that provided the special experience she craved for her long awaited baby.  Once her beautiful daughter Alexa was born she couldn’t bear leaving her in day care – so she put 2 + 2 together and a very special children’s store was born – Lily Pads and Lullabies!

Alexa, Jackie's Inspiration, Wearing Butterfly Wishes from Spring 2009

Jackie’s daughter Alexa spends her days with mommy, very fitting since the name of the store was inspired by one of her cute baby poses.  Jackie told us that “she always slept with her little bum in the air, sucking on her pink binky.”  The store logo was inspired by this sweet and innocent vision.  Jackie has created the atmosphere she herself dreamed of finding – the store is beautiful, warm and inviting.  Her customers love the exceptional customer service, the inviting ambiance and the large play area for children.

Jackie loves watching the reaction of new mothers who come into the store – “Aw!” –  their expression of excitement when they realize they have found that ‘special place’ that has everything to welcome their precious newcomer!  Jackie feels that her store is the perfect place for “everyone” – and through her website anyone can enjoy all the warmth that she has poured into this wonderful boutique.  One customer writes:

“I love it! Warm, happy environment. Great play area for kids. Knowledgeable and friendly staff. Finally, a baby store that makes me feel special! ‎”

If you are fortunate enough to visit this beautiful area stop in and pay Jackie a visit!  Otherwise pay a ‘virtual’ visit at www.lilypadsandlullabies.com.

Lily Pads & Lullabies  
380 N. Main Street
Centerville, UT 84014
801-397-0305

 

 

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Get Sassy!

Rylee & Reece Store Front

Krista Hunt is a savvy and sassy mom!  After welcoming her first child, a daughter Rylee – and while expecting a second just 1 year later, her son Reece – she had a fabulous idea…to open a chic little boutique that would specialize in unique and trendy childrens’ fashion, au courant nursery décor and the coolest in baby gear!  Quite a year we would say!  Her mother Phyllis, obviously a grandmother with plenty of joi de vivé jumped right in with her fashion loving daughter and their store rylee & reece was born.

Pedicures all around!

Krista and Phyllis have a unique store – because it has something that no one else in Wichita, Kansas can boast – a Party Room!  Within rylee & reece is a special area that can host parties for up to 30 people – a really unique venue for birthday parties, baby showers and recently something even more special – their “Pamper Me Back to School” event!  Over one week’s time they had over 125 little girls between the ages of 3 to 12 years old arriving to be ‘pampered!’  The little ‘mini-spa’ treatment included a soak for their feet in a bin of bubbling water, light massage and having their toes painted. Next they received a facial with cucumbers for their eyes. In addition, they soaked their hands before their nails were polished – between Krista and her mom Phyllis, assisted by two teenage helpers Karly and Ashley they painted over a thousand fingers and toes!  The ‘pampered’ girls were served cheese, crackers and grapes along with pink lemonade.  Krista reports that smiles abounded and that everyone had tons of fun!  The moms and grandmothers enjoyed shopping the unique and extensive selection of fashions – all carefully chosen by Krista.

Getting pampered!

The comments about rylee & reese on the Grandparents.com website state:

“Sometimes you just want to indulge your grandchildren, particularly the young ones… Take your time, take your checkbook, and take your grandchildren for the coolest couture in town!”

Krista and Phyllis have some great events planned for the future, including a mother daughter tea, a fashion show and a holiday pampering event – complete with hot chocolate with peppermint sticks and a dress code of comfy P.J.’s!  Krista’s sister-in-law Heather does the marketing for the store – making this 2 year old business a real family affair. What a fun place to visit!  You can also visit them online at their cool website www.ryleeandreece.com.

rylee & reese
2939 North Rock Road
Suite 140
Wichita, Kansas 67226
316-260-1988
krista@ryleeandreece.com
phyllis@ryleeandreece.com

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Making a Choice…Family, Friends, Community

Heidi Hulse had finished up her Master’s Degree and had a momentous choice to make…the nearest job would have been an hour commute away.  Heidi choose instead to use her education within her community, and fulfill a perceived need – she knew from experience that the closest place to shop for children’s clothing was over 50 miles away – so she opened a delightful boutique that catered to the local community.  Family was an important consideration as well, and to honor this priority the boutique name is the combination of her two children’s middle names – Haylee Nicole and Hunter Jordan.

Nicole Jordan’s Children’s Clothing Boutique is located in charming and historic Mount Vernon, Ohio – founded over 200 years ago – an important stop along the railroad that connected Pittsburgh to Chicago and St. Louis.  One of Heidi’s favorite things about her decision to open Nicole Jordan is the friends she has made within the community. She is constantly running into customers and their children around town.  The children love the store (especially her toy room!) and the dad’s know her because “You’re the one that has the store where my wife spends her money!”  Heidi loves the craziness of “Sale Days” and wondering “What is going on here???”  She also loves “Grandmas with a ‘shopping problem!”  One of Heidi’s biggest ‘perks’ is having flexibility, including the ability to have her children with her at the store.  (Although Heidi does confide that “Some days I don’t always feel that way!”) 

Heidi Holding a Striped Coverall from the Walking with Dinosaurs Collection

Customer comments prove that Heidi has done a great job with her decision:

“For the best dress selection: The service is very personalized and the hand-picked selection is adorable. From the moment you walk in you know you are in a special place.”

“Great place to buy children’s clothes: I am always pleased when I shop at Nicole Jordan’s.  She carries beautiful dresses for infants.”

Nicole Jordan is known for special occasion clothing, including Communion, Easter and Christmas dresses.  Heidi’s impressive personalized service is another attractive reason to visit the store.  She also is pleased and happy to accept phone orders!  If you are visiting this pleasant area north of Columbus Ohio drop in and say hello – Heidi will be happy to make you feel like a local!

Nicole Jordan’s Children’s Clothing Boutique
23 N. Main Street
Mount Vernon, OH 43050-3203
740.397.9922

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She went shopping…and bought the Entire Store!

Hop Skip N Jump's Store Front Along the Old Underground Railroad

Heidi Strimpfel loved shopping at the local children’s store in the quaint and historic town of Springboro, Ohio. When Heidi learned the owner of Hop Skip n Jump had decided to sell the store her first thought was “Where will I shop?” Her next thought was…I would love to make a change in my life – so she entered into negotiations to buy the lovely boutique! Heidi has a background in business, and with her accounting knowledge realized that the little business would be a perfect fit for her talents.

Hop Skip n Jump had been in business for 7 years when Heidi made her decision to ‘jump’ into the children’s clothing business – that was 11 years ago! Heidi has fine tuned the boutique into a desired destination for doting grandmothers and professional mothers who love the assortment and quality of Heidi’s carefully chosen selections. One of the store’s specialties is special occasion clothing. One customer declares “if you’re looking for a christening gown or First Communion gown and everything you’re finding appears to be cookie-cutter and not special, make a trip up to Hop Skip and Jump in Springboro, you won’t be disappointed.”

Heidi and Her Wears

The charming boutique is located on a lovely, tree lined street in Springboro, Ohio – a mecca for history buffs. Springboro, established in the early 1800’s and settled predominately by Quakers, was a major stop on the Underground Railroad. The building that the store occupies was built around the time of the Civil War, is on the National Historic Register and was the town’s original Dry Goods store. Tour groups regularly make a stop to visit the notable site. Heidi loves putting together eclectic merchandise groupings, using an antique display case and the fireplaces that grace every room. Integrating the beautiful merchandise while paying homage to the significant history of the area makes Hop Skip n Jump very special.

Take a stroll through the historic area, and visit Heidi at:
Hop Skip n Jump
220 S Main St
Springboro, OH 45066
(937) 748-9000

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It’s Bikini Weather in Seattle!

Well, maybe not quite bikini weather, but perhaps MONO-kini weather? This little darling shows us how they wear it in the Pacific Northwest. You have to wear clothes UNDER your swimsuit to stay warm. 🙂

This photo was sent in by one of our loyal blog readers, Jennifer from Seattle. Her daughter, Olivia (age 2) is sporting her birthday present — a new monokini from the le•top’s 2009 Strawberry Fields collection.  Jennifer explained that she “had to have something from the Strawberry Fields line” when she saw it featured in our “Swim Classes for Fun, Exercise and Safety” entry on our blog. (She’s a huge Beatles fan and, of course, loves the song “Strawberry Fields Forever.”) When her daughter opened her present, she refused to undress and proceeded to put her swimsuit on…OVER her clothes!

Hey, Olivia! It doesn’t matter how you want to wear it. You still look fabulous in le•top, dahling!

Visit the le•top website and click on “Online Shopping Options” to purchase your own Strawberry Fields Monokini and other outfits (some pictured below) from this fruity collection! Or you can visit our store locator to find a store near you. Whether it’s our online retailers or our walk-in boutiques, you’re in for a treat! OK, so tell us, do your kids have unique ways of wearing their swimwear?

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Preschool “Grajuration” Day! (Part 2)

Wearing Popsicle Buddies from le•top's 2009 Spring Collection

I forgot to mention…as Big Sister was graduating from Preschool, Little Brother was so elated that the only way he could show his excitement was by sleeping through the entire program! Is that the sweetest? He’s the best little brother EVER! 😉

Here is Little Brother wearing the cutest shorts and shirt set from le•top’s 2009 Spring Collection: Popsicle Buddies. I absolutely adore this line! The moment I saw it, I really, really hoped I would have a boy (I didn’t know the gender of my baby while I was pregnant). I love the subtle candy color palette and the embroidered zoo animals. And the best part of this shorts set is the monkey on the tush! (There is also a matching girls line, Ice Cream Kitty, which comes in pink.)

Don’t miss out! Check our store locator to find these sweet collections at a store near you, or click on either collection to shop!

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We’re the Daily Exclusive on BabySteals!

Our limited-edition rabbitmoon plush blankets are the exclusive steal-of-the-day on BabySteals — these four beautiful, plush, double-layer blankets are soft chenille on one side and deluxe velour on the reverse. They come in colors: rose, blue, pomegranate, navy (reverses to tan). 30 x 36 crib size. Washable and snuggly! Go to BabySteals and get a steal on this exclusive — for yourself, or as a very special baby shower gift (or, an effortless replacement of a magic blanket, as we did for Nadine)!

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