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

Read Full Post »

Papillon: PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

We at Le Top always get excited about another premier retailer joining our family of fabulous stores that carry our clothing. We had the privilege of interviewing store owner, Lisa Newberry, about her cool style and being a young mom with one of the hippest boutiques in Southern California. Read more about her store, her inspiration, and parenting advice.

1.    What was the inspiration behind the name Papillon?
Lisa: Papillon, means butterfly in French. This is very significant to me because when my Grandmother Lois passed away, whenever we’d see a white butterfly, we’d know that Grandmomie was there with us. When I first decided to open Papillon, I remember seeing a white butterfly floating around me for several days leading up to my signing on the dotted line. Since then, 4 years later, I still see the white butterfly and still feel her support, just as she supported me throughout my childhood.

Papillon is a wondrous insect that symbolizes new life.  They’re vibrant, brilliantly colored, carefree and very unique. This is how I would describe a child. This is how I would describe Papillon…a unique children’s boutique!

2.    Describe the neighborhood where your store is located. Did you grow up in the local area? Is it the same as it was growing up?
Lisa: Papillon is located in Marina del Rey, CA. Marina del Rey is an upscale beach city that borders on the areas of Venice, Santa Monica, Playa del Rey and Playa Vista. I grew up in Santa Clarita, California but since graduating from UCLA (a few years ago), I’ve moved around a bit, but always managed to make my way back to the Marina. It’s a beautiful community to raise a family, go for a walk, ride a bike, eat out and of course, shop.

3.    Spring break is coming up in the next few months – with Southern California always being on the warmer/sunnier side, what are 3 vacation essentials a parent should buy for their child’s wardrobe? For a boy or girl…
Lisa: Three vacation essentials a parent should buy for their child are:

• a floppy hat
• white linen or organic cotton pants or dress (with a light sweater for layering)
• and flip flops or a neutral color tennis shoe.

Oh, and of course 2 -3 swimsuits. I’ve found that when we vacation, the most important thing on Sasha’s agenda is to be in the water; whether it’s a pool or the ocean. She could careless about what she wears any other time. As much as we want our kids to look fashionable at all times, it matters more that they are comfortable, fuss free, and can spill an ice cream sundae on whatever they’re wearing without us moms stressing out about it. Did I mention I’m a stress case/Virgo sometimes when it comes to being a mom? 🙂

4.     Let’s talk Southern California…where are your favorite family hangouts?
Lisa: My family and I live in Marina del Rey, so we have the luxury of biking down to Venice Beach or the Santa Monica Pier on a whim.  What we love most though, is to do family dinners and BBQ’s at the house with all of our cousins, parents, everybody! If we do go out, we love 26 Beach (huge burgers that Sasha LOVES), Cheesecake Factory (great outdoor seating on the Marina where kids can play in the sand & on the jungle gym), or the local bowling alley, where we all, as a family, can enjoy hours of silly fun. Of course that doesn’t mean I win, but we still have a blast!

Owner of Papillon, Lisa Newberry

5.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?” Please share!
Lisa: Before I became mommy to Sasha, almost 9 years ago, I swore I’d never make her wear something she didn’t want to wear.  When I was growing up, I hated wearing dresses. But I didn’t have a choice. Of course now, I love dressing up in fancy, hip, unique clothes, including a tutu that Sasha & I both love to rock sometimes when we go out. Sasha doesn’t particularly like to wear dresses, or pink, but if she can add her own little style & flair, then all is good.

6.    Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Cupids and all, would you dress your little girl or boy in for Valentine’s Day?
Lisa: I love all holidays…Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween, birthdays, and the tooth fairy. Valentines Day is just another excuse to do something fun with my daughter (and of course my significant other). I’d dress Sasha in a red or pink tutu (well, since she hates pink, let’s go with red), leggings, converse and a rocker tee shirt. She’s a tomboy, I’m a musician, so this would be a nice compromise for both of us.

7.    With all of the celebrity pregnancies going on from Natalie Portman to Kate Hudson to Nicole Kidman’s surprise baby….which celebrity mommy would you want to meet and why?
Lisa: What’s funny is, just last weekend, I met a mommy-to-be that I’d been wanting to meet for a while – Denise Boutte. She plays Dr. Sasha Brown on “Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns.” I always enjoy Denise’s acting and she has a style that is fierce that I’m sure she’ll carry on to her daughter, who is due to arrive in April. My daughter’s name is Sasha Brown. Denise said to us, “The real Sasha Brown.” What fun it was for Sasha and I to meet her. She was so pleasant and appreciates things that are unique and fabulous. I’m sure she’ll be a regular at Papillon and she’s going to love Le Top!

8.    Any special events or fun New Year traditions that you have planned at your store for the next few months?
Lisa: Every month at Papillon, we offer special events, such as book readings & signings, jewelry making parties, trunk shows, holiday bazaars, mom’s night out events, Monday Madness days and more.  Shopping at Papillon is always a fun and unique experience!

9.    Tell us your best parenting tip you know or would want to give to a new parent.
Lisa: As a parent of an 8 year old, I still feel like I’m learning…from my parents, my friends and my twin brother and sister-in -law who are parents of 5 children – 4 under the age of 12. BUT, I will say I have learned that parents should be patient with their children and realize that no matter how young they are, they are still individuals and have their own little mind about certain things like what they want to eat, decorating their room, how to fix their hair and of course, what to wear. As a storeowner, and a fashionista since I was a young girl, it can be a challenge at times, but realizing that Sasha has her own style and flair has made me appreciate fashion even more. It just makes things more fun having Papillon, and makes it more challenging for me to find unique lines (like Le Top) that she actually enjoys wearing.

10.    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?
Lisa: Le Top Baby is a new line for Papillon.  When I first saw it in the showroom and online I just had to have it. It’s fabulous! We’re looking forward to launching it this Spring!

Papillon
4712 ½ Admiralty Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310.301.1711
papillonkids@verizon.net
http://www.papillonbaby.com/

Read Full Post »

Baby’s Perfect Gift: PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

We are happy to announce the grand opening of “Baby’s Perfect Gift” children’s boutique in Montclair, New Jersey.  Marcia and Ilene, store owners/founders/mommy gurus, give us the scoop on hot local trends, local activities for families and the top essentials for any new mom (that you can find at their new store!). Read more and enjoy!

1.      Where did the name Baby’s Perfect Gift come from? What was the inspiration behind the name?
Marcia & Ilene: The most thoughtful shoppers are always looking for the “perfect gift” for special occasions. To us, a new baby seemed like the ultimate special occasion, thus the name Baby’s Perfect Gift!

2.      How did you pick the location of your new store? Describe the neighborhood where your store is located.
Marcia & Ilene: Montclair is a very diverse town, with three major shopping areas. The uptown area, where our store is located, is predominately young urban families and therefore, seemed like a perfect location for us.

3.      What would you suggest as the top 5 essentials a new mom should by in your store?
Marcia & Ilene:  Every new mom should have a “Miracle Blanket”, a “ lovie,” burp cloths, a practical (but fashionable) diaper bag, and of course, layette essentials from Le Top Baby.

Store owners Ilene (middle left) and Marcia (middle right)

4. What are the best 3 local family activities to do in Montclair, New Jersey?
Marcia & Ilene: There are numerous parks with awesome climbing equipment, kids programs at the Montclair Art Museum, and town sports activities.

5.      Tell us about the school lunches your mom or dad made for you when you were a kid? What would someone find inside your brown paper bag?
Marcia:  My mom hated making school lunches and it showed. I always made it a point to sit next to my friend whose parents owned a deli and always had delicious lunches. When I became “the mom,” I understood why she hated it so much, so I assigned the responsibility to my husband who is never tired of coming up with a variety of healthy and delicious lunches.

6.      What tip would you give to a parent dressing a child for fall and holiday? Any hot trends?
Marcia & Ilene: Always pick outerwear that children will like to wear, and are able to take on and off on their own. A good fit allows a child room to move around, and the ability to layer underneath is also essential. A hot trend for both girls and boys appears to be leg warmers for the legs and arms. Also tutus of every size and color seem to be very much in demand!

7.      Do you plan on doing anything special for Halloween at your store?
Marcia & Ilene: We do have a Halloween display in the store featuring baby’s “first Halloween” costumes bibs, etc., but unfortunately this year, Halloween falls on a day that the store is closed.

8.      What is your favorite memory of a costume you wore as a child?
Marcia: As a child, the memory of the accumulating Halloween treats rivals any memory of actual costumes.

9.      What’s next on your agenda since the store is now open?
Marcia & Ilene: We have a few! First, establishing ourselves as the “go to” store for the “perfect” gift or for all baby needs. Secondly, working to maintain an enticing inventory selection at various affordable price points. Lastly, to remain sensitive to our customers needs and purchase their shopping requests in order to continue to grow into a premier shopping location.

10.      What collection or piece from Le Top or Le Top Baby line or Rabbitmoon do you love from the Fall/Holiday 2010 collection?
Marcia & Ilene: We love the Le Top boys “Take Flight” collection and the girls rabbitmoon “Savanna” collection for fall. 

Featured are rabbitmoon's shirt and pants from the "jet" collection. Le Top's "Take Flight" aviator jacket and cap. As well as a body suit and bib canvas overalls from the Le Top "guitar" collection.

 

 

Baby’s Perfect Gift
195 Bellevue Avenue
Upper Montclair, NJ 07043
973.744.6999
www.babysperfectgift.com

Read Full Post »