Archive for 2010

We don't use dryer sheets on cloth diapers, and I know the irony of a post about dryer sheets and using a photo of a clothes line, but I love this picture

I recently bought some dryer sheets, I loved the fragrance, but they were VERY strong. By the time I made it to the counter in the store I was buying them from, that’s all I could smell, and the cashier must have noticed because she double bagged them! When I got home, I set them down on the desk in my bedroom while I was unpacking the rest of the things I had purchased, and forgot about them. They were still tied up in the bag the cashier had put them in, but by the time we went to bed that night, the whole bedroom smelled like fabric softener!

I decided right then that they were way too “smelly” and I was afraid that if I used them on our clothes, all of our allergies would go crazy!

I was struck with a brilliant idea when I put them in the laundry nook and saw our other box of dryer sheets, however. Our original box of dryer sheets were dye and fragrance free, the same brand as the ones I had just purchased, but the store was out of the fragrance free ones (which I prefer).

While looking at and smelling the dryer sheets, I realized that if I were to cut them all in half and use half a scented one and half a fragrance free one, that our clothes would be just as soft, and not super smelly!

I’ve done 4 or 5 loads of laundry this way and it seems to be working out really well!

I thought I’d share this tip with all of our TLB readers, I think many families, especially those with allergies, could benefit from trying this out!

Old Navy corduroy coat size 5T

We have been looking at our sales reports for the last few months since we’ve been here in Belfast, we’ve discovered that our infant and toddler section just isn’t doing as well as it could! We believe this is due to the fact that really GOOD gently used infant and toddler items are so hard to come by, and even as careful as we have been with what we’ve accepted, we could do better.

After some careful research and consideration of our options, we have decided that instead of discontinuing our infant and toddler section (as was our first thought), we will be limiting the types of things we take.

First, we would like to provide you with a list of brands that we absolutely WILL take:

• Gymboree
• TCP – The Children’s Place
• Baby Gap
• Old Navy Baby
• Ralph Lauren
• Tommy Hilfiger
• US Polo Assn.
• Rocawear
• Baby Phat
• Hanna Anderson
• Oilily
• Pumpkin Patch
• Carters

We will consider ALL brands of Holiday/Special Occasion pieces, as well as those that are new with tags.

We would also like to stress the importance of having complete outfits. We will consider individual pieces, but our customers and consignors alike will benefit from the sale of complete outfits/sets much more. Specifically for brands such as Gymboree and Baby Phat, we will only accept complete outfits (matching top and bottom at minimum… accessories are beneficial but not required).

A brief list of brands we do not want:

• Child of Mine
• Faded Glory
• Baby Connection
• Baby Sonoma
• Little Wonders
• Bright Future
• Vitamin Baby
• Gerber
• Simply Basic
• Okie-Dokie
• WonderKids
• Riders
• George

Please give us a call if you have any questions!

Some of our jewelry, made and supplied by local artisans and business owners!

I just want to take a moment to stress to each and every one of you how very important it is to shop at as many local businesses as possible! When you shop at those big box stores, the dollars you spend, rarely stay in the area you live… in comparison, when you shop locally, say, in a consignment store, you are supporting your local economy because almost 100% of the dollars you spend will stay in the pockets of people who live and work in the same communities as you!

Here at Twice Loved Boutique, when you come in and spend $20, approximately $10 of that is paid out to our consignors, who live right here in the state of Maine, most of whom are from the Belfast area! The other $10 of that $20 you spent, stays in the store and is put toward operating expenses, paying employees, buying supplies (from local businesses whenever possible!).

This may surprise you, but we feel so strongly about supporting the local economy, that if we don’t have something you are looking for, we will try to think of another local small business who might, and we will either contact them directly for you, or we will provide you with their contact information so you can contact them yourself!

We regularly refer customers to other stores in the area, such as Silkweeds in Searsport, Old Stuff in Belfast, Out On A Whimsy in Belfast, 2nd Time Around in Belfast, and many many others!

We understand the importance of keeping those dollars close to home, and how even if we don’t make a sale off that customer, that another business in the area probably will, and in the long run, be a benefit to everyone in this area that we love.

We also understand that sometimes other businesses may feel uncomfortable with trying to support other small businesses, especially if the other business has similar products. We don’t take that personally. we just keep in mind that there are enough customers to keep every small business thriving, and the important thing is to remind customers that the small businesses are there!

Thank you all for supporting this locally owned business, and all of the others that you visit! Let this serve as a reminder to visit your favorite shops and maybe stop in and explore a few new ones as the holiday season is beginning to come this way!

~Jessica

Homemade She Man Halloween Costume

Halloween is just around the corner, and that means, people will be searching for ideas for the perfect costume to wear to that costume party, or for their kids to wear out Trick or Treating.

Could you imagine a better place to find the world’s greatest costume, than in a resale/consignment store?!?! Consignment stores, like Twice Loved Boutique, have a huge selection of unique, one of a kind pieces, as well as a few versatile basics that can be used in a variety of ways.

How about something like this photo from Coolest Homemade Costumes? A He-She costume, half man, half woman… Not the type of costume you’ll find at your local “Big Box Store”, but something you can totally cook up for less than the cost of a cheap, poorly made costume you’ll find in other places!

Vintage wedding dress and funky shoes for a great Zombie Bride Costume!

How about a vintage wedding dress, similar to this one we got in last week (picture on the right)? Perfect for a DIYBride of Frankenstein costume, or a Homemade Zombie Bride costume.

How about this cute red dress that would be perfect for a sexy Devil costume… paired with some fish-net stockings and heels, get yourself a pitch fork and horns, maybe a tail… you’re good to go!

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Your Turn:

What is the BEST homemade or recycled Halloween costume you’ve ever worn or seen? Post in the comments below and be entered to win a FREE

Red Dress, perfect for a sexy Devil Costume!

Costume Consultation for you or a loved one!

What is a Costume Consultation? Well it’s simple! You or your best friend, or maybe your kid, are stuck, can’t decide what to be for Halloween, or want to improve your costume, have an idea for a costume, but aren’t sure how or IF you can pull it off…. For your free costume consultation, we will help you put together the PERFECT costume! We will take any idea you have, or try to help you come up with one if you are absolutely having no luck thinking of anything, and we will help you figure out all the bits and pieces you’ll need to complete it! You’ll also receive $5 off your purchase of $20 or more the day of your consultation!

Now time for the fine print, you knew it was coming. Entries must be posted as a blog comment in reply to this blog entry before 11:59pm on September 20th, one entry per person (post as many times as you like, but you’ll only be entered once!), and employees/volunteers can not win a prize. Winner will be chosen by Random.org.

Have fun, and get posting!