Monday, March 22, 2010

itsy bitsy

Long ago, I illustrated this wee shop. I have always been attracted to small shops. On Saturday, my youngest needed a flesh colored leotard for an upcoming dance performance.
I immediately remembered a small shop nearby. We went on our mission with a list in hand.
The sales clerk was itsy bitsy, full of smiles and so thrilled to help us procure 2 leotards and 2 pair of footless tights.

At the check-out, I made a remark of how much I loved small, wee shops and we each made a quip that in the large shops, the only people who seem to work there are the cashiers. Is it me, or do you have a wee thing for small shops too? I just love the service small shops offer.

What is your favorite eensy weensy shop?

24 comments:

style chronicle said...

There is nothing more charming or personal! I especially love shops that are located in old homes like the one in your illustration. I always love seeing your work!!

JMW said...

I love small shops. Lots of charm and great customer service. Our neighbor has a great stationery and gift store that I love to frequent, Celebrations. I always love to see what she has on the shelves. :)

Holly said...

On weekends in the Fall when I was in high school, I worked in a tiny women's shop outside Hartford called 'The Four Seasons.' Racks of Lilly, bookshelves piled high with Leon Levin golf shirts, Aigner leathergoods, patchwork shetland sweaters... On Main Street, in a guest house next to the main house, a faded white 1700's colonial. I think back to the attention we gave to each 'visitor'-- friends who stopped by often, sometimes to shop but sometimes just to chat. It was a lovely time - hardly a 'job' for me, or a 'store' for the many women who came through our doors. I miss every aspect of that experience.

Karena said...

I do, it as if the super box sores have taken over. Here in Kansas city the boutiques in Fairway, Brookside, Crestwood, and out here at the 4 Corners 119th & Roe are the best. You do feel special when you walk inside.

Karena
Art by Karena

Kwana said...

I think I know the wee shop you went to. It's so sweet and packed full of goodness. I love it. They are so rare now.

ashlina {the decorista} said...

why am i so in love with your work??? maybe its the fact that in each work of art that you do, there is so alive-ness to the scene. like i have actually been there and remember it. aren't little shops the best???

xoxo

Purple Flowers said...

I am so glad many of the wee shops have managed to stay alive in today's economy. I for one, support them. There is a semi-wee shop called "Season" that I love. You get 100% service if you choose to have it, or else they allow you to mosey around their fabulous French Country decor and yummy stationery. We have a wee McLaughlin outside my town that looks just like your illustration!

Southern Lady said...

There is a small florist/gift shop in our town. When I need a gift for an occasion, I often visit there first. I love the owner and his sister who work there. You can't beat small town, small shop service. Carla

Debra said...

We're both on the same page today with our teenie-tiny buildings.
Your's is especially adorable. I want to shop there!

Catherine said...

I love small shops too. My favorite small shop will always be this little antique/vintage store in little New Vineyard, Maine. It was located right across from the lake and although it only had one small room to operate in, it always had the biggest and best treasures. And of course, the shop owner was always smiling and ready to chat! Trina

LindsB said...

My favorite small shop is the tree house that my Dad built for my brother and me in the middle of our woods oh so many years ago. We used to play country store in there for hours! Oh the memories :)

Sandra said...

I love them, too! Such a good feeling when you walk in the door. Love your paintings as much :-) xoxo

Leciawp said...

I love them, too...and your charming illustration.

Summer is a Verb said...

Oh I loved G'town Cupcake's teenie shop but now they've moved. There's something so Hansel and Gretel about the small places...XXOO

annechovie said...

I love small shops too! Adorable illustration, as always! xx

North of 25A said...

Everytime I shop at an independent shop in town I feel like I am doing my little part to keep something important going...

Unknown said...

I love small shops. I love the enthusiasm of the shop keepers, the charm...
It's personal and your business is always appreciated!
I have made great contacts with small shop owners, for my business and otherwise!
Lovely post!
PS: I think I know the shop...and such a lovely illustration!

XX
V.

Joyce said...

I love everything about wee shops. The special personal touch is hard to find in bigger shops. I would enjoy shopping in the wee shop of your beautiful illustration. xo

Angie Muresan said...

When I was a child my father used to take me with him to the hat shop which was lined with shelves up to the ceiling and outfitted with persian carpets and leather wing back chairs. It was a man's place, really, and quite serious, but the milliner always let me try on the hats, even getting up on his ladder to bring them down for me.

www.angiemuresan.com

traci zeller designs said...

I especially love wee shops located in old buildings, although my favorite little shop in Charlotte right now might just be the Polka Dot Bake Shop ... which is right next to another wonderful wee shop, a mom-owned children's shoe store.

Hamptontoes said...

How was your birthday celebration? Yes, I love little spots for dining or shopping...I have a few that I frequent.

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

I enjoy Barneche. :-)

There is a shop in Asbury Park called Bodega that is my wee store crush du jour.

Michelle said...

I love this Patricia! Your homes and storefronts are my favorites! This one puts me in the mood for spring.

Love small shops and beleive in staying away from the mall as much as possible. They are just so much more charming.

Best,
Michelle

pve design said...

My star pupil will be so thrilled with your applause!
Many thanks for your kind comments.
I shall share them, next class.
pve