Today’s Retailer Spotlight features Wendy Rossiter Estes and Tiffany Grayce Harris, the ultra-stylish founders of online boutique LaylaGrayce.  In addition to owning and operating the ultimate shopper’s delight, both ladies are busy working moms. 

Little Giraffe Retailer Spotlight Questions

Please tell us a bit about Layla Grayce and what influenced you to start your own business? 

Wendy:  Layla Grayce is an online furnishings boutique for home and child. We carefully selecting every product, artisan and manufacturer to ensure their business philosophies and craftsmanship are worthy of our customers’ home and lifestyle. Tiffany and I were at a crossroads in both life and career when we started Layla Grayce. Like many stay-at-home moms, we wanted to have a small little business on the side, work from home and be with our kids. With an office, customer service and interior designers on staff we obviously failed at that concept. We underestimated what Layla Grayce would be or could be but both of us were dedicated to make it a success and we’re so incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from family and friends over the years.

Describe your personal style and how it affects your buying decisions? 

Tiffany:  My personal style is modern traditional and I appreciate value and quality.  As buyers, our motto is; “If it isn’t good enough for our home, it isn’t good enough for our customers.”  Our goal is to narrow down the unlimited options available in the marketplace and only offer the best pieces.  Our selections must meet our high personal standards including great design, quality and value.  

What current trends are you the most excited about? 

Wendy:  The new Pantone color of the year, Tangerine Tango! I haven’t been emotionally charged by orange but I think we’re going to see some wonderful color combinations coming soon by way of products, and it’s growing on me. I’m also excited for environmentally friendly furnishings. Admittedly, I’m not as “green” as some; however, with a multitude of sustainable, strong design options it can now be a conscious decision.

What can we expect from your company in the future? 

Tiffany:  Layla Grayce is always striving to be on the cutting edge of technology and give the best customer experience possible.  We hope to add more features to make shopping more enjoyable and interactive on our website in the future.  Staying up with social media will continue to be a big part of our business.  Who knows, perhaps a store, a catalog, maybe manufacturing our own products?

What are your favorite picks from the Little Giraffe and Giraffe at Home collections? 

Tiffany:  There are so many that it is difficult to narrow down! My twin’s favorite blanket is the Bella Blanket.  The newly introduced gift sets are my new go to gifts for expectant mothers.  Personally, I love to cozy up with the Luxe throw each night.

Wendy:  From Little Giraffe, I’m especially enjoying the Bella collection.  Some of my favorite Little Giraffe items right now are Bella Brocade Blanket, Dream Sack, Luxe Duo Geometric Circle Hooded Towel, Muslin Swaddle Blankets, Little G Plush Giraffe, and the signature Luxe double throw from Giraffe At Home.       

Seven Secrets about Wendy & Tiffany:

Our favorite thing to give as a gift is: 

Tiffany: The actual item depends on the recipient  

Wendy:  Anything personalized. This year I’m giving personalized iPad and laptop covers.

Our guilty pleasure: 

Tiffany: Spa treatments

Wendy:  Salted dark chocolate

Websites that inspire us: 

Tiffany: Anthropologie, InStyle, Ladies Who Launch

Wendy: Pinterest, ElleDecor, Ted.com

Favorite city in the world: 

Tiffany: Paris

Wendy: Seaside, FL

How we celebrated my most recent birthday: 

Tiffany: Beach vacation getaway

Wendy: Cyber Tuesday fell on my birthday this year so I spent the day at the office in Pasadena helping our order fulfillment dept wrap gifts. The girls brought in Pinkberry frozen yogurt topped with candles.

We cannot live without our: 

Tiffany: High-speed internet access!!!

Wendy:  Humor & chocolate chip cookies

Money is no object when it comes to: 

Tiffany: Quality

Wendy:  A good foot massage or day at the spa.

One thing you don’t know about us is: 

Tiffany:  we backpacked through Europe together at age 19

Wendy:  I’m prohibited from inviting anyone in to play Words with Friends because I have too many games active (think 20 is the max).

This week, we have Jessica Hartschorn, Senior Lifestyle Editor of American Baby Magazine sharing her secrets on how to keep your new nursery both safe and stylish.  This guest guru has been holding on to her kids’ Little Giraffe blankets for almost ten years!

Have you noticed any trends in nursery color or décor?

Modern is still big, and bright colors like orange, red, green, brilliant blue and also a lighter blue (just so many blues, even in girls’ rooms). We’re also seeing a mix of modern and vintage. People get really creative! And we’re seeing a lot of wall decals that are easy to stick on and peel off.

What are your top products found in a new nursery, and a bit about why?

Mostly a place for the baby to sleep, for obvious reasons—crib or bassinet. We often show a light or lamp since that helps set a mood. We like to suggest paint colors (usually low-VOC paint) for the same reason, mood. When we show a blanket, it’s usually draped over a rocker or glider.



Have you seen any upcoming holiday trends?

“Gifts that give back” to charities. 

What would you consider must-have newborn gear?

Car seat, stroller, somewhere for baby to sleep, bouncer seat, infant carrier, diapers, wipes, nursing pillow. Those are must-haves. If you can afford more, then infant swing, activity mat, electric breast pump, pacifiers, bottles, changing table and changing pad...you can really go on and on and on. Most stuff out there is useful, that’s why it’s out there!

What would you say make the best baby shower gifts, & why?

Clothing and blankets are definitely star items because they have that “ooooo!” factor. I’ll admit to most often giving clothes to my pregnant friends. :) And yummy blankets are always such a treat to receive. I’m still hanging on to the Little Giraffe blankets my kids had, and they’re 6 and 9 now!

This week, we have guest guru Lauren Brockman, Executive Editor of Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine sharing some of her favorite musings on today’s top baby trends, best new products, and of course, the snuggliest blankets around, Little Giraffe.

Have you noticed any trends in nursery color or décor?

I love all the nurseries I’m seeing that are both baby- and parent-friendly. They fit right in with mom’s eye for design but don’t ignore baby’s need for softness and fun. The best takeaways from these nurseries, in my opinion, are to avoid anything too matchy-matchy and instead pick pieces that look great together and will work long-term as baby grows. Choose a changing table that will function as a dresser later, artwork that you’ll love for a lifetime, and a rocking chair that will look good in your living room when the nursery no longer needs it.

What are your top products found in a new nursery, and a bit about why?

Two of my favorite elements to choose for a nursery are the mobile and the rug, probably because of the significant impact I think they have on the room. The right rug and mobile and can really take baby’s abode to the next level and give it that “finished” look.

There are some seriously gorgeous mobiles on the market, so there’s no reason to deprive baby of something beautiful to gaze at. In fact, don’t hesitate to buy (or make!) two mobiles: one to hang over the crib and one to hang over the changing table to distract your tot during diaper changes.

If you have hard-surfaced floors or short-pile carpeting, adding a rug can increase the coziness factor exponentially. A colorful design can pull together the various elements of the room or a so-soft shag can be a nice luxury for bare feet during middle-of-the-night trips to the crib.

What is your favorite baby gear (for bedtime, for bathtime, etc.)?

For bedtime, sound machines are fantastic. Not only are the sounds soothing to most babies, but they also serve to mask the noise from the rest of the house (i.e., rambunctious older siblings, the washing machine, the television, etc.). Plus, most are super portable, so you can create a familiar sleep environment for baby even when you’re on the road. Of course, sleep sacks are also essential for cozy snoozing, ensuring baby rests comfortably and mom rests easy.

For bathtime, I am a huge fan the Puj Tub for the first six months or so. It slides into a bathroom or kitchen sink to cradle baby beautifully and make bathtime a thousand times less terrifying. Plus, it stores flat and takes up virtually zero space. Once baby is clean and fresh, wrap her is an absorbent hooded towel for some impossibly cute photo ops and heart-melting snuggle sessions.

What would you consider must-have newborn gear?

Five items that top my must-have list include muslin swaddle blankets (seriously, these are a must!), plenty of burp cloths, cotton or bamboo bodysuits and sleepers, an easy-to-use baby carrier, and a stroller that’s car seat compatible.

What would you say make the best baby shower gifts, & why?

Again, swaddle blankets rank high on my list. First-time moms often don’t know what a godsend they can be and might not think to have any on hand, so it’s nice to help them out and ensure their arsenal of soothing solutions is properly outfitted. (And veteran moms are sure to appreciate brand-new blankets too, since chances are the ones they already own have been used and abused by their previous kiddos.) Other go-to gifts I love to give include heirloom-quality wooden blocks by Uncle Goose (they come in a variety of styles and languages—and even Braille!—so you can tailor your choice to the family you’re buying for), the Puj Tub (see above!), and monthly milestone stickers from Sticky Bellies (which allow for adorable documentation of baby’s first year).

For more insider scoop on nursery design and must-have products, visit Pregnancy & Newborn’s Stuff We Love blog

Little Giraffe's new Bella Brocade blankets were featured in the latest issue of The Bump Magazine!

"Baby Soft: Celeb kids like Sparrow Madden and Suri Cruise have been spotted with blankets from Little Giraffe"

We are so excited to announce that Little Giraffe is a finalist in the Most Awesome Kids Accessory category in Red Tricycle's Totally Awesome Awards. Woo Hoo! The voting ends on October 31 and the finalist with the most votes will be the winner.

If you love Little Giraffe, we need your votes! To thank you in advance for your support, we would like to offer a giveaway to two lucky voters, each a $50 Gift Code to spend on our website!

Here’s how to enter, it’s simple! CLICK HERE: Vote for Little Giraffe on Red Tricycle to go to the voting page.
Vote for Little Giraffe and leave a comment below saying "I voted for Little Giraffe."

Want to get two extra entries? Once you’ve voted, simply tweet the following message on Twitter " I voted for @Little_Giraffe at Red Tricycle's @Totally_Awesome Awards (http://bit.ly/qNFeu6)."
You can also ask your friends & family to vote by "Liking" Little Giraffe's fanpage and tagging us in a post. www.facebook.com/littlegiraffe

Votes will be limited to one vote per user for this award, so be sure to tell your friends! You can earn up to 3 entries in our giveaway, based on the entry methods detailed above.

Good luck and thanks for voting for Little Giraffe!

We wanted to share some fun, inspiring ideas for hosting your child's next birthday party. So, we asked the best in the business, Jennifer Sbranti, Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Hostess with the Mostess and Hostess Blog to share her tips & tricks for hosting a hassle-free, and FUN celebration for your little one.

Take it away, Jenn!

It’s time to celebrate your kid’s birthday! Take a deep breath and don’t stress. There are so many cool new trends that you can easily incorporate into your child’s next birthday celebration, and they just might be a bit easier than you think!

*All images courtesy of HWTM LLC www.hwtm.com*

1. Pick a theme, and then create your own hip version the guests will love. Whether it’s a very specific idea like a circus parade or a character theme, or something as general as a color palette or favorite pattern, having a theme to reference always makes your planning and decision-making processes for all aspects of the party so much easier.

2. Display framed photo collages or arrangements featuring your child—the guest of honor—at different stages throughout the last year. Simple frames are very inexpensive these days—you can find great frames at target, IKEA or craft stores for about $5 or less each. To tie the frames to your party décor, use craft paint or spray paint to add color, mat the photos using gift wrap or patterned paper that coordinates with your theme, or embellish the outside of the frames with fun 3-D details like candy, gumballs, mini animal figurines, and faux butterflies.

3. Creating custom paper confetti and cupcakes toppers is an easy & inexpensive way to tie your theme together. Use craft punches to punch out circles or shapes from scrapbook paper or downloadable party prints found online, then sprinkle the confetti throughout the party area or attach them to toothpicks to create easy, festive cupcake toppers.

4. Keep the ages of your guests in mind. If you’ll be hosting many young children, set up a special area for them to play so parents get a chance to enjoy some adult conversation too.

5. Play up the theme with decor that can also double as a favor. For example, set up a candy bar or desert table using clear glass containers filled with bulk candy and treats. Label each candy so guests know what they are getting, and set up bags or “to go” containers for the kids to fill up on their favorites. Cake pops are a fun new trend that can tie into the party theme and double as a favor. Plus, they’re delicious!

Don’t stress, keep your budget in check, take advantage of inexpensive paper elements to dress up the party, and – most importantly – have fun with it!

For more information & inspiration for hosting parties, please visit www.hwtm.com.

We are so excited to share our latest Retailer Spotlight with you. Meet Cathy & Raul, the married couple and creative duo behind the fabulous retail and web stores, "What She Buys!"

Please tell us a bit about WhatSheBuys and what influenced you to start your own business.
Cathy is the Chief Buyer and the “She” in WhatSheBuys. The name WhatSheBuys refers to the high quality brands and unique products that she buys for family and friends and that she has been identifying for our customers since 2003. Over her 25 year retail career, she’s earned a reputation for researching products and identifying the best.

At WhatSheBuys, we research, select and usually offer only one brand per product category – our selection of the best. We train our Customer Service Representatives regularly and thoroughly on each brand that we offer to help and give customers confidence when they make their purchase.

WhatSheBuys is only one of three retailers that are 5 star rated by Yahoo! Shopping with over 5,000 written customer reviews and the only one of those three that is A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau. Customers also get great value with Free Shipping and Free Gift Wrap (no minimum is required).

WhatSheBuys launched in April 2003 selling several cosmetic brands that Cathy already represented. Raul and Cathy used their guest house for the business. They had a couple of computers, used a closet to store the cosmetics and sent out their daily shipments. Raul’s trading would get interrupted by the periodic customer calls. With those initial high quality brands in hand, Cathy was able to go after more brands. Since she had recently been spending lots of time researching baby products, they decided that category would be next. They started to use their garage for store products. Then in November 2003, they got an unexpected surprise. Oprah selected one of their brand's robes and throws for her Holiday Favorites show. The orders and the phones went nuts. The delivery trucks began to drop off large shipments at their house. They began to fill their dining room, living room and bedrooms with product.

When a delivery truck broke a major branch of a neighbor’s tree, they decided it was time to lease space. They liked a space in the Mission District of San Gabriel which had been available for two years. Raul used his real estate expertise to strike a deal and they moved in December 2003. That space served both as the store and warehouse. Raul abandoned his stock trading to focus exclusively on the business. Eventually, the WhatSheBuys business consumed all of Cathy’s time and she shut down the manufacturer’s rep business.

Today, WhatSheBuys has its headquarters in San Gabriel, CA where the company processes and ships all its internet and phone orders from an office and warehouse facility. The company’s physical store is located in nearby San Marino, CA.

To this day, Cathy jokes about Raul’s promise that all she would have to do is shop.

Describe your personal style and how it affects your buying decisions?
[Cathy] I am a classic type of girl with a fun twist. I love the classics, but I also like to mix in some funky and fun. I actually look for products that I like and I would use. I don’t fall in love with much….. so when I do fall in love with something I have to offer it in my store.

What Current trends are you the most excited about?
[Cathy] As far as color I am thrilled about teal coming back into fashion. I think teal looks good on almost all skin tones. I am finding it on everything this year - from classic handbag company Longchamp to hip and fun boots like UGG. I also think that in the U.S. we’ve had a few tough years. It’s been bleak and everyone’s been saving and living a careful lifestyle. I am excited about newness and a little luxury.

What can we expect from your company in the future?
[Raul] We will continue to grow sales by adding more high quality brands like Little Giraffe, UGG and Longchamp. We will remain true to our concept as a boutique retailer, identifying the best brands and products for our customers. We have no designs on becoming a large retailer.

What are your favorite picks from the Little Giraffe and Giraffe at Home collections?
[Cathy] I love, love, love the Chenille Blankets and toddler towels. When my twins were smaller and I would pick them up with their blankets. It was so reassuring to know something so soft and cuddly was keeping them wrapped in love and warmth. Also, when I gave the babies their baths it made me happy to dry them off with the cute towel with ears. It helps giving them a bath a little more fun.

Regarding the Home collection there are so many things I love. In our son’s room we have the Chenille extra large throw (is being used as my son’s twin blanket), a queen sham (my son loves it because it has the satin which is cool against the skin on one side for the warm summer months and the soft cuddly warm chenille on the other side for the cold winter months). We also have a beautiful Luxe throw (silver fox pattern) in our living room. We’ve also gifted the extra large throw to the grand parents in our lives. They are always cold and it seems to be the blanket that keeps them the warmest.

Seven Secrets About Cathy & Raul:

Our favorite thing to give as a gift is:
For the little ones: Little Giraffe blankets
For Adults: Cozy throw blankets
For our immediate family: Little Giraffe Extra Large Throw

Our guilty pleasure:
Ruth’s Chris steaks or a piece of dark chocolate with a glass of red wine

Websites that inspire us:
The Web overall and its convenience for purchases and interaction inspire us.

Favorite City in the world:
New York (favorite Village is Les Baux de Provence)

We cannot live without our:
Honda Odyssey (now that we have twins!). It’s the only vehicle that can fit two twin baby seats in the center row and still fold down one chair to get to the back. Also, the trunk can lay flat and be used as a diaper changing station.

Money is no object when it comes to:
Our 3 boys

One thing you don’t know about us is:
We were high school sweethearts.

Thanks Cathy & Raul for sharing with us...

We're delighted to start the first of our "Retailer Spotlight" series with Joely Beck, the fabulous Founder of Dream a Little Dream With Me. This great online shop carries a huge selection of Little Giraffe products, as well as other goodies including furniture, bedding, clothing, robes and gifts for the children you love. They also offer Free Shipping! We love Dream a Little Dream with Me, and we know you will too.

We chatted with Joely to learn more about her...

Please tell us a bit about Dream a Little Dream With Me and what influenced you to start your own business?
I've always been an entrepreneur, even as a young child selling things door to door in our neighborhood. My boys and their love for Little Giraffe blankets influenced me to start working in the boutique retail industry. Dream a Little Dream started on a very small scale and I quickly learned that I couldn't compete with the larger retailers unless I stayed small and specialized in the products that I carried. The larger retailers aren't familiar with the products like I am... and many customer service reps aren't moms with children that are very attached to a blanket or blankie, so I have the knowledge and understanding that keeps my customers loyal to my shop. Many of my customers have shopped with Dream for almost 7 years now, and they know that they can call me directly whenever they need to!

Describe your personal style and how it affects your buying decisions?
My personal style is no-nonsense and practical with purpose. I believe that quality costs, and I tend to like products that are well-made and have an average to high price tag, because I know it will last.

What current trends are you the most excited about?
The only trend I can think of is the "Save the Boobies" wristbands and those Silly Bands that are shaped into sports shapes and numbers, but Silly Bands don't really excite me... they're like Legos - all over the house.

What can we expect from your company in the future?
You can expect for us to stay the same... I never want to be the huge company without the personal touch. You can expect to find ANYTHING Little Giraffe on our site and if it's not on our site, we can get it for you. You'll always find the best accessories to coordinate with the latest Little Giraffe Collections. And, as an authorized retailer, you will always find the best prices and free shipping in the 48 states.

What are your favorite picks from the Little Giraffe and Giraffe at Home collections? I'll let my 2 year old daughter pick my favorite Little Giraffe picks - it's satin, anything satin! Luxe and Satin Receiving Blankets, Satin Pillowcases and Satin Nap Pillows... From Giraffe at Home, I have to say the Luxe Coverlet, Satin Back - I can't sleep without it - it's my adult blankie!

Seven Secrets about Joely Beck:

My favorite thing to give as a gift is: Little Giraffe Luxe, my no brainer or Starbucks gift cards.

My guilty pleasure: Diet Dr Pepper with a splash of vanilla from Sonic. Yum!

Websites that inspire me: www.debsphotographs.com/photoblog/ - I can spend hours reading Deb's blog. A true friend and an amazing photographer and inspiration.

Favorite city in the world: I'm really not a city girl. I'd have to say that my favorite city is more like a spot on the map. Mal Pais in Costa Rica. Before my family life, I camped there with a few friends about 10 years ago and I'll never forget it.

How I celebrated my most recent birthday: Which day? I use the term birthweek! Celebrate life and another year - lunches with friends, family dinners. It's always a great week.

One thing you don’t know about me is: Complete Reality TV junkie! Big Brother, Survivor, Amazing Race, Apprentice - I DVR them all and watch them at the end of the night.

Thanks for chatting Joely... Really fun to learn more about your business and what makes Dream a LIttle Dream with Me unique!

We're so thrilled that one of our favorite style icons and trendsetters, Rachel Zoe, loves Little Giraffe! Zoe fell in love with our white Luxe blanket and ordered several more. We recently got a very lovely note from her team regarding our blankets telling us, "They are everything!"

On her very first Mother's Day, she was spotted with husband Rodger with a white Luxe Little Giraffe blanket nestled under their adorable son Skyler Morrison! We die!

Skyler looks so peaceful sleeping on his cozy Little Giraffe Luxe blanket!

We're so thrilled to be selected by The Ellen Degeneres Show for the HUGE Mother's Day Giveaway! Ellen's audience received a blanket & blanky from our confetti chenille collection in denim, silver & raspberry.

Ellen describes the blankets as "soft, cozy & gorgeous!" We love how she mentions that they "have become a favorite of celebrity moms like Gwen Stefani & Angelina Jolie"

Ellen couldn't resist rubbing her cheek against the blanket and exclaiming "very soft!" while simultaneously petting our chenille confetti blankets.

Ellen's audience loves their new Little Giraffe Confetti Chenille Blankets & Blankys, and you will too!!

{Be sure to watch us on the Ellen Show on the video below around at the 5:30 mark.}

The internet is a wonderful place... While doing some browsing online, we stumbled upon this fabulous picture of Suri Cruise with Tom & Katie ready to take flight while holding a Little Giraffe pink Luxe blanket for comfort. Now, if only we could rack up some frequent flier miles for all of the trip around the world our blankets have taken with the Cruise Clan!

We were backstage at the Official Presenter's Gift Lounge for the Independent Spirit Awards, 2011. Here, our Publicist Jen Berson from Jeneration PR shares details about Trevor Donovan falling in love with our Luxe Throw Blankets.

Other Celebs who stopped by were Nicole Kidman, Mark & Sunrise Ruffalo, Presenter Joel McHale, Craig Robinson, Jesse Eisenberg, Vanessa Hudgens, Jane Lynch, and more!

Suri & Katie were spotted today in New York City carrying our pink Luxe Giraffe at Home throw blanket. We couldn't have asked for a better shot of our logo. Thanks Katie & Suri!

Little Giraffe recently donated several of our cozy and soft blankets to the amazing organization "Acres of Love." Acres of Love is proactively involved in the process of rescuing abandoned infants and children in South Africa.

Our blankets were shipped to South Africa to provide comfort and love to beautiful orphans in the Acres of Love Forever Homes. We just received this heartfelt thanks from the kind folks at this wonderful organization:

"We just wanted to thank you again for your precious gift. Our kids are absolutely loving the blankets you donated! They are such a treasure and we are so thankful for your generosity!"

To learn more about the amazing work done by Acres of Love, please visit www.acresoflove.org.