As most of you know, I photograph a lot of kids.  Babies, toddlers, tweens and I love doing it.  This month I introduced a brand new themed session - The Little Princess Session and I wanted to be able to suggest a fabulous place for my clients to shop for this special photoshoot.  Luckily for me Southie is home to a gorgeous Boutique called Bringing Up Baby!!  So it only made sense to make Bringing Up Baby my Local Biz Spotlight!!  Read on to find out about this wonderful boutique and it's super-cute owner, Sandy Sidoti!  Be sure to get in touch soon to book your Little Princess Session and stop by Bringing Up Baby for a beautiful tutu or a crown and wand!  Visit the Promotions page on my website for all the Session Details.

DMP: Where did you grow up?  Do you live in Southie now?

SS: I grew up in and around Manhattan.  I now, most happily call Southie or SOBO, coined by the New York Times, my home.  I have lived here for 5 years and will be a lifer.

DMP: Where did you go to college?

SS: I earned my degree in Child Psychology and Contemporary Dance from the Bennington College, a small artsy college in VT.

DMP: Have you always worked in retail?  Is Bringing Up Baby the first store you have owned?  What made you decide on Southie as a location for Bringing Up Baby?

After college I moved back to NYC prepared to attend Hunter College for an advanced degree in Dance Therapy.  My senior thesis specifically defended dance therapy as a viable approach in the treatment of autistic children and I was going to reach them one a time.  As life would have it, a summer job on the floor of the Community Exchange took me on a totally different path.  I discovered I had an interest in business, met my husband, adopted two wonderful children and moved to Boston.  It was here that I embarked on a retail career.  Having worked for several luxury brands in various capacities, I decided to combine my interest in children with my success in retail development and Bringing Up Baby was born.  Southie is the perfect place to open a local business.  We are a neighborhood and have a strong sense of community.  I saw a real need for a one-stop children's specialty store where parents, grandparents and friends felt comfortable and children could come and play.  In August of 2013 we opened the doors and have not looked back.  I would love to ideally have three stores butr for now we are happily enjoying seeing our little clients grow and develop.

DMP: Would you describe your style and talk a bit about how you choose the clothing and other items in Bringing Up Baby?  How do you know what the moms of South Boston are going to want to dress their children in?

SS: My style depends on the day.  I personally gravitate to slightly edgier clothing with strong design lines.  Buying is totally different and the most difficult part of my job.  It is a long process steeped in emotion alternating between joy and angst.  I am constantly researching lines and always trying to bring in something new and wonderful.  I try to balance different categories in my assortment.  Fashion forward, edgy, classic, preppie, sophisticated, etc. but most important good quality at a good value.  Then there is the fun part, finding the "Chanel" like pocketbook or the next great bow tie.  It has definitely been a learning experience and continues to evolve as fashion and tastes change.

DMP: What are some of your favorite clothing lines, toys, etc.?  What do you recommend to Moms for their kids to play with or to help make Mom's life a little easier (strollers, baby bags)?

SS: My personal favorites, that's a hard one.  If pressed I would have to say Mayoral and Fore for boys, Butterscotch, Raspberry Plum and Rachel Riley for girls.  Kissy, Lucky Jade and Kate Quinn in Layette, Chloe K and Hannah Hats for accessories and Uppa for travel systems.  Toys that make children think and create.

DMP: Could you give us a few suggestions for a fabulous baby shower gift?  Kid's birthday gift?

SS: Anything Kissy for the classic shower gift.  Tutus made in Europe with ballet flats, a "Hermes or Chanel" like pocketbook and some Jackie O sunglasses for something totally useless and fun (also featured items in our Little Princess Shoot).  A pirate's hide-away or Brio train sets.  It's all good!!

DMP: What items do you have at the shop that would be perfect for the Little Princess Photo Session?

SS: We have tutus, crowns, sparkly dress, wands, headdresses and imagination!  All fit for a princess!!!

Located at 663 East Broadway, South Boston, Bringing Up Baby is a one stop specialty shop for your infant, toddler and tween. Featuring a wonderful assortment of unique brands sure to please even the most fashion forward consumer. Whether purchasing a gift or shopping for your own little ones, you can rest assured they will be ready for any occasion. Bringing Up Baby strives to be your one stop shop offering clothing, shoes, toys, books and accessories that delight. If you're looking to ride around the town in style, they have you covered with strollers and other gear hand picked for their proven reviews, safety, functionality and style. Bringing Up Baby promotes four organic layette lines with baby and the environment in mind. Stop by and bring the family. We have a play area, staff that love to entertain and a beautiful nursing and changing room for parents on the go.

Here are some of the beautiful items available at the shop!!!

Sandy behind the counter at her fabulous boutique - Bringing Up Baby!  Thanks so much for chatting with me Sandy!!!

Sandy and J.C. (who did an amazing job choosing the fashions for our Little Princess Session - Thank You J.C.!

We were lucky enough to feature some gorgeous fashion and accessories from Bringing Up Baby on a recent Little Princess Session.

Fashion: Bringing Up Baby Boston

Hair and Make Up: Tammi McEvoy, Anchor Artists

Models: Sadie and Eva