Lamar Park Blog

Mamamia!  Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at Corpus’ hottest mommy and baby boutique?  Read on to hear what Sarah Graf and Stephanie Graf-Harrison have to say about owning a store and being a sassy, stylin’ Mom with a cutie patootie tot.

How did you two meet?
We are sisters, and we are the older two of four girls.

How did you decide to become business partners?
Stephanie: I opened the store selling maternity clothing in 2006. Sarah: I was helping her out in the store while she was on maternity leave and kept hearing people ask if we were ever planning on carrying children’s clothing. So we came up with the idea of partnering and moving to a larger location to carry maternity, infant and children’s clothing.

What are your daily duties?
We spend our days looking for new brands and products and trying to find as many choices as we can for our customers.

Why maternity/children’s clothing?
There was a real need for both in Corpus. Stephanie: I opened the store when I was 6 weeks pregnant with my daughter, who is now 3. Corpus had a real need for a maternity boutique that carried chic clothing with the mom-to-be in mind. Children’s clothing was an additional need we discovered over time.

Are y’all originally from Corpus?
Sarah: Our family moved to Corpus when I was 18 months old and Stephanie was 4.

What do you love about Lamar Park?
We love that the shopping center feels like a neighborhood. All of the shop owners really work together and support each other. We love how excited everyone in the Center gets before a big event like Lighting of the Park and Le Garage Sale. Plus, all of our favorite stores to shop at are in the Center.

Do you have children of your own?
Stephanie: I have 2 little redheads of my own. James is 6, and Hannah is 3. They are the main reason we started carrying children’s clothing.

Already mini fashionistas in 1985!

What’s the best thing about owning the store?
Our favorite thing has to be when we have a customer who shops for herself during pregnancy and then for her child when they are born. We have a few customers who are now on their second, third and even fourth babies and have shopped with us through each pregnancy. We love seeing those babies grow up and become big brothers and sisters themselves!

What are your favorite mommy/baby trends (current and all time)?
Stephanie: I love how maternity clothes don’t look like they used to. Moms today don’t have to lose their sense of style just because they are pregnant. Also, the diaper bags are amazing! Brands like Petunia Picklebottom and Timi & Leslie have everything you could possible need, from bottle warmers and changing pads to dirty clothing pouches all inside a stylish bag. Sarah: Right now we are loving coordinating outfits for siblings like those from Zutano and Lilly Pulitzer.

What are your favorite things in stock right now?
Stephanie: Belly Bandit, Hooter Hiders and the During & After nursing wear from Japanese Weekend. Sarah: All the new colors of tutus from Oopsy Daisy Baby are so much fun! The Michael Stars MaterniTees looks great on everyone, and I really love all the new patterns from Swankie Blankie.

Best advice for new mothers?
You really can get by with just a few key quality pieces of maternity clothing. But, you can never have enough burp cloths! Also, be sure you make time for yourself, nap while the baby naps and realize that load of laundry can wait.

Worst pregnant fashion faux pas you’ve ever witnessed?
Women who spend those entire 9 months living in their husbands sweat pants and t-shirts. You can and should feel beautiful the whole time!

Anything else you’d like to add?
We love hearing from our customers. If you come across an unique brand or item elsewhere you would like us to carry, please let us know. We love your feedback!

I know, I know – we all say it every year…new resolutions made only to be broken right about now if I’m not mistaken, but what if this were the year for a new you!? Lamar Park has all the tools you need for that makeover you’ve been itching for to really ring in 2010 properly.

Between Julian Gold, Francesca’s and Francisco’s, you will be the most stylin’ gal in Corpus Christi. Who doesn’t love a great makeover? Or even a new lip-gloss? From Lancôme and Estee Lauder to Paula Dorf and La Prairie, Julian Gold has the best cosmetics selection; it’s the perfect place to pick up all your basics from primer to the perfect eyelash curler to that lipstick that will brighten your whole look. Not exactly sure what you’re doing? Ask one of Julian Gold’s supremely knowledgeable makeup artists to show you how to apply just about anything. Or, prepping for a big night? Make an appointment to have your makeup done and you will look picture perfect all evening long (not that you don’t already, but everyone could use a little somethin’ somethin’ every once in awhile).

We all know Francisco’s is the place in the city to get your hair styled – their friendly and skilled stylists will help you discover and create your perfect look. The salon exclusively uses Redken and Pureology products, so you know your strands are in good hands, and Pureology, in case you haven’t heard, is totally organic and vegan, so you’re not just doing something wonderful for you, you’re also helping the environment!

Once you have your makeup all set, head down to Francesca’s to pick up the perfect nail polish. The best part? Right now you can get one bottle for $1.50 or two for $2 – for that price you could get a color for every finger! (Though I probably wouldn’t advise it.) Get ready for Spring and pick up some new shades, taupe and grey are particularly hot right now, but if you’re not in to the nudes, go for a sassy neon to brighten your look. And, while you’re in the spirit, don’t forget that any day of the year is always the perfect time to not only go green, but also give back! This year, through its new Give and Receive program, Francesca’s wants to honor those customers who also believe in the store’s philosophy of doing good for others. When you donate to any organization in 2010, simply show your receipt of donation at the register the next time you’re shopping, and you’ll receive 30% off all regularly priced merchandise for your $100 or more purchase! It’s that simple – Give and you shall receive!

Say it with me – 2010 is the New Year for a new you…and with Lamar Park by your side it couldn’t be truer!

Name: Tiffany Foster

Title: Co-Owner, Goosefeathers

Why Lamar Park?
Well this is obvious – because it is THE shopping destination in Corpus Christi!

Are you originally from Corpus?
I was born in Abilene, TX, but I moved to Corpus Christi with my family when I was 5. I have been here since!

How did you get in to the fashion business?
Like many other teenagers, I began working various retail jobs at 15, and I just fell in love with merchandising and selling clothes. There is no better feeling than sending a happy customer on his or her way with the perfect outfit. After my husband, Ben, and I got married, we decided to open a store together…15 years later, here we are!

Top 3 style icons:
I adore the styles of Rachel Zoe, Trina Turk and Audrey Hepburn. Rachel Zoe has the most amazing ability to make any outfit look to die for (or, “totally bananas”, as she might say)…her knack for pairing items together is inspiring. I can always count on Trina Turk to provide the perfect Spring and Summer dresses – her vibrant prints and textures create the perfect outfit for any occasion. Last, but not least, who couldn’t love Audrey Hepburn’s classic style? She had an air of elegance about her that every girl strives to embody, and no one (and I mean no one) has ever made the Little Black Dress look cooler.

Favorite celebrity style:
I love Eva Mendez’s effortless style. She’s got curves, and she’s not afraid to show them off – who wouldn’t love that? When she wore that white silk Dior dress to the Golden Globes last year, I almost died. And with the vintage Van Cleef turquoise? Oh my! From the red carpet to a night on the town, she always looks flawless, and when Rachel Zoe styles her, no one could look better!

Best fashion advice you’ve ever received or heard:
I live by these words spoken by her fashion majesty, Coco Chanel, “A girl should be two things…classy and fabulous!” Never were truer words spoken!

Favorite trend of all time:
I am completely obsessed with skinny jeans! So many women are terrified to try them, but they really are the most flattering cut on everyone. They completely change the look of an outfit and give you so much versatility. And – Everyone gets to see your adorable shoes! (Insert plug from Cassie: I was terrified to try skinny jeans, but since I bought my first pair 6 months ago, I haven’t even worn my flared jeans!)

Your very own fashion faux pas:
I’m so mortified to admit this, but I wore an electric blue dress to prom circa 1989. But in my defense…it was prom, and it was the 80s!

Worst fashion faux pas you’ve ever witnessed:
Pajamas in public. Come on people, I’m all about comfort, but no one needs to see what you sleep in out on the street!

Top 2 favorite pieces at Goosefeathers right now:
I am just in love with the True Religion boyfriend jeans and our Johnny Was Mexican embroidered shirts. Together they create the perfect laid-back, ready for anything outfit!

Describe the perfect party outfit:
While I love a good cocktail dress, I think a great and very sassy spin on party attire is black sequined leggings and jewel tone silk tops – so pretty, so flattering and best of all, so versatile! You’ll surprise everyone with the unexpected legging sparkle and jewel tones look fabulous on every skin tone. It’s a win-win for sure!

Happy New Year Lamar Park shoppers!!! And what a new year it will be! With the arctic chill headed for your coastal city (it’s been here for days, yuck), I hope you’re all managing to keep warm, but don’t forget to swing by your favorite shopping center to see what everyone has in store for 2010!

     If you still haven’t found that coat to keep your teeth from chattering, I know exactly where you can find something wonderfully warm – not to mention other Winter accessories aplenty! Market, Julian Gold, Four Chicks and Francesca’s all have the perfect Winter wardrobe additions for you girls, and Jos. A. Banks always has the best winter-wear for the guys. Jos. A. Bank also happens to be having a sale (60% off!) on all outerwear including hats, gloves and scarves – perfect timing!

     Stop by Belly & Baby and Hopscotch to drop off your old (gently used) Winter coats to donate to charity, and receive 25% off of an item of your choice. What a perfect way to start out the New Year giving!

     Nothing’s better than a little soup to warm you up during this icy weather – and Small Planet has the tastiest ones all ready to take home – try today’s selections of Tomato Basil and Chili and Beans. If you’re in the mood to whip up a little something special (why not, it’s not like you can play outside!), stop by Gourmet and Gadgets to pick up some yummy warmer-uppers! Their Texas: Taste of the Southwest chili mix from Tyler is a top-seller, not to mention a wide-variety of Mexican Tortilla soup mixes, always a fave! All are just $5.95 – $8.95 and are super simple to make! Plus, G&G has all of the cookware you would ever need to be a top chef.  If you’re like me and just like to cuddle up on the couch in front of fire, G&G also has to die for hot chocolate mixes and tasty Republic of Tea teas…you’ll be all set to get snug as a bug in a rug for the rest of Winter. And even better? Join their Tea Club, and receive your 11^th can of tea free – oh yeah, and did I mention that while you’re there, you can stock up on all of your next year’s holiday goodness at blow-out 50% off prices!

     In other news, Goosefeathers will be having “The Big One”, their bi-annual sale! Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m enjoy amazing sale prices, and from 10 a.m. – noon, take an additional 20% off all sale items, yippee! I don’t know about you, but some of my favorite Christmas presents were from Goosefeathers, so I am very jealous that I won’t be in attendance. Better for all you though; more to go around!

     Keep your eyes and ears open for all latest and greatest in 2010, but until then, get the earmuffs out and the hand-warmers goin’! Happy New Year!

(And p.s. HOOK’EM HORNS!!!! …couldn’t help myself!)

Pictures

(1)    Gloves, Julian Gold

(2)    Sweater, Market

(3)   Coat, Four Chicks in the Park

(4)    Gourmet and Gadgets

(5)    Coat, Goosefeathers