last week i took you for a virtual tour around one of my favourite local stores, lulu. this week i take you next door – to little lulu! little lulu opened a couple of months back and to my delight is just as fascinating as its grown up neighbour. stocked with international brands and local designer’s its a paradise for parents and those looking for an interesting present. doesn’t it look inviting? and look below at the sweet window display.

i really love browsing in lulu+little lulu because the stock reflects the beliefs of sally, who has brought it all together. everything there is considered and beautiful and has an interesting story. while i don’t claim to be exempt from big chain store purchases i really love shopping in small boutiques because of the consideration that’s put into their contents. take a browse with me, won’t you?

another reason i love little lulu is it actually has things for boys! shock! i don’t know what its like where you live, but more often than not i’ve walked into a children’s clothing store to be met with 4 racks of pinks and dresses and half a rack of really boring boys clothes with camouflage and trucks and other cliched things. note to designers: my son is not fighting hand to hand combat in a jungle – the camouflage is not necessary. if anything i’d like my son in a fluorescent orange vest at all times so i can find him. anyway, i digress. classic colors and quirky prints are in at little lulu and lots of local labels. (i get a dollar every time i use an L word.)

but little girls aren’t forgotten, there are plenty of pretty dresses and girly treasures to be found. isn’t that screen printed cushion adorable? i love her big button pinafore! and all those pins by lark are just asking to be picked over and sorted and treasured. i used to have a special old chocolate tin to keep special little things like that in (including my impressive eraser collection)

vintage books line the tops of the shelves in the store. isn’t the wooden cuckoo clock mobile fabulous? and the wooden girl looks like she’s marched straight out of one of my mum’s girlhood picture books.

its quite fascinating how nicely everything fits together in little lulu. old fashioned style sits alongside sleeker modern designs. handmade and commercially produced items are presented together and yet everything fits and is inviting and interesting in its own way. don’t you just want to play with all those little wooly finger puppets? you be the turtle and i’ll be that toadstool.

how great is that pinafore? uh i want it! and i’ll take an outdoor explorer’s kit too please. and lots of coloured pencils…

visit little lulu if you’re in the area, and definitely pop in if you’re after an interesting present – theres even a play area for your little lulu (or lou) to play in while you shop. nice!

do you have a favourite shop near you that you think i’d love? let me know because i’d love to visit.

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