Virginian-Pilot, The (Norfolk, VA)
July 12, 2009

In the bargain-clothing hunt, these stores are worth a look

Author: IRENE BOWERS Edition: Bayside
Section: Virginia Beach Beacon
Page: B4

Beach babies and kids will stay on the best-dressed list with three area shops:

Lulu's Lads and Lassies
New to the area is Lulu's Lads and Lassies, which opened in May after moving to Bayside from Deltaville .

"This is a homecoming," said owner Louann Baker Ward, a 1973 Cox High School graduate. "I went into the business because I've always loved children's clothes, and it was time to bring it to the Beach."

Cheerful lime and purple accents on white walls provide a bright backdrop for classic children's clothing from Feltman Bros., Bailey Boys, Kissy Kissy and Hartstrings. Delicate linens and fine heirloom keepsakes include christening gowns and bonnets, carriage blankets and sweaters.

"There are no trends here, nothing but beautiful, traditional styles for children," said Ward, who enjoys outfitting her three grandchildren. "These are special-occasion as well as everyday wear." Sizes range from infant to children's 10, with soft leather Bobux shoes running to 2T.

Gift ideas include Penelope Peapod basket dolls, Belle Ame tutus and Kelly Rightsell framed wall prints. A display case holds sterling silver and silver plate cups, pacifier holders, beauty pins and bracelets. Other gifts include fine china baby dishes or Golden Rabbit enamelware for everyday use.

The shop's name is a reflection of Ward's close relationship with family. "The grandkids call me Grandma Lulu, so that's what I went with."

Additional family ties can be found in "gift wrapper extraordinaire" Shirley Baker, who is Ward's mother; Ward's sister Patty Baker Godwin; and Ward's daughter Courtney Gregory, all of whom help in the shop.

For gorgeous nurseries, Lulu's custom-orders from designer Sterling Anabella's bed and window treatments. "It covers bassinet to complete room," said Ward, whose front-window display showcases the luxurious, monogrammed bedding and a charming nursery room chandelier from the designer.

Leaping Lizards
A hop across the road is the well-established Leaping Lizard gift shop and neighboring cafe. The boutique recently won Best of Virginia Beach for children's specialty, a nice reward for owner Liz Sorrell, who carries a small but sweet selection of children's apparel and gifts.

The yellow bungalow's seond floor is devoted to her passion for beautiful things for young people. "I have two little boys, so I carry the sailor suits and durable knits, but I also work out all my baby-girl envy by carrying the most darling dresses and clothes I can find."

At the top of the stairs, a white wicker Riffany vanity holds Pixie Lily cotton onesies and gowns, each cupped in its own tiny bird's next. Window dormers and walls hold brands such as Jeanine Johnsen, Hadley, Little Threads and Bunnies By the Bay, in sizes from infant to 4T. Trumpette and Robeez soft shoes and Hadley galoshes provide footwear options for little feet.

"I shop there for my children for speacial occasions and holidays, or when I'm looking for something unique for a gift or event," said Virginia Beach resident and return customer Dana Lamade. "The clothes are so precious, the gift ideas are wonderful and Liz has made the atmosphere absolutely welcoming and relazed."

The shop holds plenty of options for fun, ranging from fossil-finding to fairies, with a thoughtful collection of educational toys, books and creative options from Alex, Melissa and Doub, and Jellycat.

Knitted backpacks in annimal designs make delightful travel companions, and delicate wings encourage flights of fancy. Bella Tunno art smocks and cooking aprons keep creative kids clean, and a hatbox of durable plates and cups by Mudpie give little cooks a stylish way to serve their masterpieces.

The Clothes Horse
Beautifully dressed babies can fit the budget by shopping at high-quality consigners, such as The Clothes Horse. Owner Deborah Yost thought she was indulging a hobby when she acquired the shop in 2005, but it has rocked into a full-time occupation for the busy mother of six.

The shop carries carefully consigned, fine children's clothing, accessories and furniture, as well as new retail toys and crafts. "It has really grown beyond our original expectations," said Yost, who moved the business to its new location on Mill Dam Road in November 2008.

She credits store Manager Judi Edenton, the sales staff and a meticulous consignment process to building trust with her customers. Items are assessed four times before sale.

Sizes run from infants to 14-16, with older children's clothing limited to popular styles such as beach and skater designs. "We look for better-known labels and try to fit every budget," Yost said.

Consigned stock rotates but typically includes strollers, car seats, cribs and linnens. All are in excellent repair and sold at considerable savings, winning the store Best of Virginia Beach for baby furniture in 2009.

Price and quality keep her returning, shopper Sue Fogarty said. "They have all the brands you find in high-end children's boutiques, consigned at bargain prices."

Her 6-year old son, Colin, said he likes the bright and colorful shop because "they have puzzles and castles I haven't seen before." To keep little shoppers content, a small play area is tucked into the consigned toys and books section.

Clever construction toys by Crazy Forts offer hours of indoor play, as do myriad educational and creative choices from North American Bear, Papo, Le Toy, Alex, and Melissa and Doug.

Copyright (c) 2009
The Virginian-Pilot