News

Fall is just around the corner and in retail regardless of the weather outside, fall merchandise has been hitting stores for months.  What do you need to look for in Fall Trends this season?

Wild Prints-leopard, snakeskin & zebra were everything this summer.  You can except to see the same for fall.  For a simple look to bring in a small amount of this fashionable print, pair an animal print tee or cami with jeans or a midi skirt, add an oversized leather or denim jacket.

Silk-look for sleek silk satin dresses.  Expect to see puff sleeve blouses in rich jewel tones in silk prints.

Uneven Edges-frayed and uneven hems are back this season.  You will also see handkerchief hems on dresses, slit hems on jeans and trousers and lopsided shoulders.  Pair these looks with an oversized cardigan or jacket.

Oversized Outerwear-oversized coats and jackets are the go to look for the season.  

Bodysuits-remember those?  They are back along with square necklines.  Pair either one of these looks with a long oversized cardigan, your favorite jeans and a great pair of booties.

Florals-expect to see florals in midi & maxi dresses that are perfect for layering.

Stop by our shop and browse all of our new fall arrivals and pick up many of the fashion forwards trends for the upcoming Fall season.

xoxo

Sandra

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are your favorite childhood memories of dressing up for Easter?

Merriam-Webster defines changes as "the act, process, or result of changing".  Our beautiful community has been through many chances since September when Florence battered our coast.  It has been a change that we did not have a say so in.  We all react to change in different ways.  For some change is hard and for others they always see positive in it no matter if it is an uncomfortable change.  Which one are you?

If you live in our community, have a summer house here or are one of the thousands that come during the summer to spend a week of bliss here, you will or have seen lots of change.  Some businesses and homes did not weathered Florence.  Many are still in the process of rebuilding their homes and/or businesses.  Many people have worked hard to get our community back to a new normal as soon as possible.  If you rely on social media, well you can't always believe what you read.  It seems there always has to be a negative spin to what has been accomplished here over the past 6 months.

But our "new norm" is really a lot of the same.  A beautiful community where people pull together, care for each other and are resilient.  Our new bridge helps me realize how blessed and lucky I am every time I cross over it and see the view.  I hope that you've had the opportunity to see that beautiful view or will get to soon.  It truly is breathtaking.

We are so ready for Spring, warmer weather and to see all of our friends this season.  We hope you will make Sandy Toes one of the stops on your visit.  We have so many great businesses in this community and we all need your support.

xoxo

Sandra

 

 

 

This Saturday celebrates a nationwide movement known as Small Business Saturday.  Small Business Saturday was an idea created by American Express in 2010 to celebrate and show support for small businesses across the country.

When you walk through the doors of a small business you are most likely walking into the dream that someone had one day.  You are hopefully getting the personal attention that you probably don't get in a big box store.  When you support a small business you are also helping support the community.  Small business owners are an integral part of the community where they live and work.  

It is always important to support the small businesses within your community.  This year it is especially important with the impact that recent hurricanes has had within our communities.  This year I challenge you to make a list of at list 10 small businesses within your community where you can do some holiday shopping this Saturday.  

Be a part of the nationwide movement this Saturday and shop small.

 

 

 

 

It easy to think that because I'm a boutique owner that I have tons of clothes.  Well the truth is I do have a ton of clothes but I'm not very organized with them and my closet holds a lot that makes up that ton that I never wear.  Every time I try to purge my closet there is always those few items that I just can't bear to part with but never wear.  My husband will tell you that each time we get ready to go somewhere he hears "Ok now I have to find something to wear."  So I started exploring this capsule wardrobe concept tonight.  My goal is to get my closet organized with pieces that I can wear and mix and match with different outfits and spend less time with closet stress each day:)

It was a little hard to find a You Tube or blogger that the wardrobe was age appropriate for me.  But I did find some that I feel I probably already have a lot of the items in my closet I just need to organize them.  

As I was researching what you need for a capsule wardrobe I realized that we have a lot of new brands in the shop that fit what someone might be looking for to build their capsule wardrobe.

Basic Tee Shirts-Z Supply is a new brand for us this fall and everyone seems to love the fit and softness of the material.  We have both crew neck and v neck in your basic black, white and gray.  I picked up a Joy Joy white long sleeve crew neck that we had and it's my go to for a casual look.

Plaids-plaids are big this fall.  We have our tried and true Hatley button down plaids back this year.  I have one from last year and it will certainly be one of the items I include in my weekend capsule project.

Jeans-skinny and boot cut.  Boot cut is back this fall/winter and we do have one boot cut style in Articles of Society.  We also have a new brand Kut From the Cloth that everyone has fallen in love with.  We have several different styles so stop by and try a pair.  I know you will love them.  Our Articles of Society jeans have been a customer favorite since we opened.  They are the softest jeans I've ever owned and they have a great price point.

Cardigans-who doesn't love a long cardigan?  Our Kersima cardigans are back this year in grey and black.  We also have 2 very cute Hatley long cardigans that are super cute and light weight.  

Sweaters-everyone looks the Kersima brand of sweaters that we have each fall.  The most popular style is the Raven.  It is great with jeans or leggings and we currently have 3 styles.  Another popular style last year that we also restocked this year is the RYU sweater.  It is so cute on!

Jean jackets-a must have in everyone's capsule wardrobe.  We have 2 styles in the shop now and have the basic Articles of Society jean jacket that will remain a staple in your closet for years to come.

It seems that planning is a big part of building your capsule wardrobe.  If you are working on a list that you need to build your fall/winter capsule wardrobe please stop by the shop and let us help you finish up that list.  

I'll keep you posted on my progress.  It's my weekend project and I may even share my awful before picture of the current state of my closet.  It's quite the mess and I'm excited about getting it organized and being able to not have to spend a lot of time trying to decide what to wear each day!

We'd love to hear how your plan your fall/winter wardrobe and how we can assist you with some fabulous pieces that you'll use season after season.

xoxo

Sandra

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lots of emotions flooded through me as we packed up the shop this week in preparation of Florence.  As I turned to cut off the lights I thought of the dream I had as a small girl of one day owning a boutique.  I thought of the hard work we put in to open the doors.  All the nights that my loving husband was there with me getting things set up.  I thought of all the people who we have met over the last 3 years and the new friends we have made, some friendships I know will last a lifetime.  All the people we've met through the brands that we carry that we have come to know and love.

It's so much more than a boutique or shop for us now.  It is so much more than our livelihood. It's the place that we look forward to seeing friends come through the door.  It's a time to catch up on their children, to marvel over their new grandchildren, weddings, trips, illness, a new house or new business, and yes even death.  It's a place that we can also share parts of our lives with.  It has been such a blessing.  God has placed so many people through those doors at just the right time so many times!

We enjoy being a part of this wonderful community that we have come to love so much.  We know that God has all this planned out for us already.  He blessed us with being able to open and we know it will continue to bless us no matter what the outcome of this storm.  We know that you have us in your prayers and we appreciate that so much.  We hope that all of you stay safe during this storm and we will see you soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spring is my favorite time of the year both inside and outside of the shop.  Things around us are beginning to show signs of green outside and bright colors are once again in the shop.  It's that special feeling of new beginnings when spring arrives.

The season also kicks off a lot of activities for many of us.  The Azalea Festival activities, Easter, Mother's Day, graduations, wedding showers, luncheons and of course the big day.  It's the time of the year that we know those events are coming up and we have to get out there and shop for the perfect dress for all the occasions that are on your calendar for the upcoming spring & summer.

We have a great selection of dresses in the shop with more to come in the upcoming months.  We have you covered for almost any event you have on your calendar. One of the most popular style's we have in right now is the Kennedy by Tyler Boe.  It's the perfect dress for almost any occasion.  

It's a busy time for all of us so if you are short on time, give us a call and we can chat about what events you have coming up and what type of dress you have in mind.  Once you arrive at the shop we will have several options pulled for you and help you pick out the perfect dress or dresses.  Keep in mind that we do offer free alterations so if that perfect dress just needs a little tlc we have an excellent seamstress that can help with that.

It is a real honor for us when we know that you will be wearing one of our dresses or outfits at your special event.  We'd love for you to share your pics with us of you in your Sandy Toes outfit at your special event.  

We look forward to helping you with any needs you have for events coming up on your calendar.  

See you soon!

xoxo

Sandra

Do you experience decision stress each morning at the door of your closet?  No worries, there are a lot of us that do that each morning!  Instead of trying on several outfits in the morning trying to find that perfect outfit, create a small capsule wardrobe.  If you Google "capsule wardrobe" you will find several definitions.  It's a collection of clothes and accessories that include only items that are considered essential, a basic collection of coordinating clothes that can be used to create the basis of outfits for all occasions, or a set of clothing that can be mixed or matched to create a wide variety of outfits.

So let's get started!

1st things 1st-put all your clothes and shoes on your bed!  Every single bit of it.  Now let's sort.  Sort in 4 categories: Love, Maybe, Donate and Trash.  

Love-these are the things that fit you well and that you wear a lot.  You just love them.

Maybe: I love this but I'm not really sure why I do.

Donate:  Doesn't fit any more, haven't worn in at least 6 months.

Trash: These are in really poor condition but you just haven't parted with them.

Bed clear?  Well then keep going!

Once you have everything separated into the 5 piles go back through the maybe pile.  Try them on and ask yourself would you buy them in the store today.  If no then add to the donate pile.  If you are still torn between love and maybe, box them up and put them away for a few months.  When you bring them back out go through your love/maybe process again.

Now bag up the trash pile and throw them away.  Box up the donate pile and consider donating to a women's shelter or thrift store that the monies go to a domestic violence or women's shelter.

Now make a list of the items left.  Our goal is to have 30 items that are our "capsule wardrobe."

5 pairs of shoes (this one really hurt me as I'm a true shoe hog!)

3 pairs of pants, 1 skirt

2 coats, 1 rain jacket, 1 blazer, 1 cardigan

4 dresses with 1 being a LBD

5 blouses, 3 sweaters, 2 tees, 1 button down, 1 tank

These need to be pieces that you can mix and match for several different looks or occasions.  Your capsule should not include workout clothes, jewelry, accessories, pjs and underwear.

Need help with your essential pieces?  Give us a call at 910-541-2091 and stop in the shop and we would be so happy to help!

Good luck and happy purging!

xoxo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now that winter is upon us a lot of us are afraid of layering as we think it makes up look to big.  Never fear, once you master the art of layering it will compliment your curves.

Start with a basic lightweight top such as a solid or striped tee shirt.  You want your tee shirt long enough to show beneath your next layer.

As your next layer add a cardigan or sweater.  This is a great place to add a bold color to give your outfit more depth.  But if you shy away from bold colors, just stick with neutrals.

Add a jacket or coat for your next layer.  A basic color such as camel, black or navy always work.  

Next add a great scarf.  This is the perfect place to add a blanket scarf.  Don't be afraid of the size of blanket scarves.  There are tons of videos on You Tube that you can learn how to master the blanket scarf.  There are so many different ways to wear the blanket scarf and it looks great on any size.

Last but not least, add your favorite accessories such as a bracelet, watch or ring.

At this point if you are concerned about how your waistline looks add a belt.   The blanket scarf can also be belted which is a great look.

Learn to play with textures.  It's always best to use a mix of materials when styling a layered look.

The stylist at Sandy Toes Boutique are always happy to help you with any look you are trying to accomplish.  Now layer up and stay warm.

xoxo

 

 

I think we have all made that list as a child of what we wanted to be or do when we grew up. Two things on my list were teaching or own a boutique. I even considered enrolling in a local fashion college after school but life took me in a different direction. I spent over 30 years in the financial end of healthcare. All of my adult life I have been what you would call a “fashion hog.” Shopping was a big hobby of mine. I loved the feeling that a great outfit gave me. It was amazing how much confidence you could find in a great dress, suit or even a simple casual outfit. I loved shopping in smaller stores where they knew my face when I walked in and they were happy to help me pick out some killer outfits.  They knew me and my likes and dislikes when it came to clothes.  That's what I wanted my customers to feel when they walked in my store to.

In 2004 I married my soulmate. He has done everything he could do to make all my dreams come true. In 2013 we sold our rural farm and moved to the beach (another dream fulfilled). After moving to Surf City North Carolina, my childhood dream came back to me. While we have several wonderful businesses who carry women’s clothing, Surf City did not have a store dedicated to just women’s clothing and accessories. So at the age of 58 and that childhood dream still in my head again, we embarked on our journey to open Sandy Toes Boutique. I could not have made this dream come true without the love and support of my husband, family and friends. I remember asking two of my best friends what they thought of my idea and both of them immediately said they thought it was an awesome idea and that if anyone could do it, I could.

A lot of stress came with opening the shop and leaving a steady corporate job. But we have come to know and love so many of the locals and have met many new friends from many states as they come to our beautiful island to get away for vacation and to come back to Sandy Toes each year. You have made that stress so much easier.  We could not have the success we have without each and every one of you. We love helping customers pick out the perfect dress for a special occasion, the right wardrobe for a trip they might have planned or to help out with some retail therapy. The satisfaction we get when you leave happy and share with your friends the experience you had means more to us than you will ever know. When you come into Sandy Toes Boutique we want you to feel that you are among friends and it’s just a bunch of girlfriends having fun playing dress up.

As I tell my story to customers who come in, one of the things I hear over and over is “well you definitely have the eye for it.” It’s such an honor and privilege to be able to select clothes that I feel our customers will love and feel great in when they wear them. We try to appeal to all age groups as you can never be to old to want to feel beautiful and confident in what you are wearing.

I hope that bringing my dream to Surf City means bringing to the community and the surrounding areas a place that you can go to find the kind of shop you would find in the big city without the big city hassle. I want you to leave our shop with the best customer service experience you’ve ever had and that you will rave about us to your family and friends.

I always taught my sons that they could do anything they wanted to do as long as they set their minds to it. I recently had the best compliment from one of my sons when he saw a picture of me with some of my customers who had just had a blast shopping. He said “Look at my beautiful mother! You are an inspiration to those who have dreams and might think the opportunity to fulfill that dream may have passed. Makes my heart smile to see you so happy! Love you Momma!” Now that was worth climbing the mountain for.

I’m living my dream each day as I enter the doors of Sandy Toes Boutique. I love meeting each person who walks in the door. I love hearing from a customer that comes in for the first time and says that a friend told them about us. I love that look in your face when you know you have the right outfit on. I love to see how it makes you feel. It’s my love story with Sandy Toes Boutique. I hope if you haven’t visited us that you will soon and that you will fall in love also.  And most importantly, never give up on that dream!

xoxo,
Sandra

Happy Friday Fashionistas!

Halloween sure did sneak up on us this year! If costumes aren't your thing, making a decision about what to wear on Halloween can be quite scary!  We thought of a few suggestions for the gals who don't want to spend all day preparing a costume for Halloween, but still want to be festive!

Fashionistas know the power of accessorizing well, and it just so happens that accessories can be the ticket to a low key Halloween ensemble! You can stick with an all black look and add some orange accessories, like a bold statement necklace or fun Halloween themed earrings! If pumpkin shaped earrings aren't in your comfort zone grab your favorite LBD and throw on a headband/ fascinator with a spooky twist (think glitzy spider web or a tiny witches hat). We love the idea of dressing up your LBD because you will be comfortable yet still festive! No matter what your plans are for Halloween, you can tailor your all black look to fit the occasion!

Stop by and see us at Sandy Toes Boutique, we can help you find a comfy little black dress (like the super soft, organic cotton one pictured below) or some accessories to help make your Halloween a little more spooky!

 

Happy Sunday Fashionistas!

We've got another fall trend alert for you! This may come as a surprise to some, but fringe is going to be a huge trend this fall! This trend has been growing in popularity over the past few years. We have seen fringe on cardigans and dusters for the past few years, but designers are going bold this year and adding fringe to garments and accessories in unexpected ways. Since the tassel trend has been so strong for the past few seasons it only makes sense that fringe would make a come back! So far this season we have spotted fringe on cardigans and dusters, handbags, clutches, tops, and denim to name a few! 

We are loving the fringe on the front of the Joy Joy top pictured below. In this particular top adding the fringe gives this top a Western look that is perfect for fall! Stop by and see us at Sandy Toes Boutique and we will help you find the perfect fringe piece to keep you on trend this season!