Ellington

When TuTu Cute Bowtique owners Teri Sullivan and Kalyn Lamons Cook opened the store in June, the selection of women’s clothing sold out fast.

“It’s been good and shocking,” said Cook, adding that the store which primarily offers affordable fashion for ladies of all ages also stocks cute tutus and dresses for girls and accessories for all ages. “We thought we had stocked enough for summer. We reorder clothing every week.”

The boutique is hosting a Christmas in July sale for shoppers looking to stock up on hot deals. Even at regular prices, the store’s inventory has already gained it frequent shoppers.

“The boutique has brought affordable unique fashion to North Georgia,” said Sherrie Anderson of Chickamauga. “The quality of the merchandise is impressive to me. I come here to shop for my daughters.”

Cook said word of mouth and Facebook have both been catalysts to get traction for the boutique rapidly.

“The response has been amazing,” said Sullivan. Cook said one lady from Fort Payne, Ala., saw the store online and drove to Fort Oglethorpe just to buy children’s clothing. Mud Pie baby and Mud Pie women’s clothing brands are supplied through the store along with other fashionable brands.

The owners keep up-to-date on the latest styles by browsing Pinterest before contacting distributors to order the latest fashions.

“We want fresh outfits so that everyone wears something different,” said Cook, adding that she recently ordered ruffled racer-back tanks made of chiffon in dark purple and chiffon tunic pocket dresses. “We just reorder items twice and keep prices low.”

All women’s dresses come with a free pair of earrings and all girl’s children’s outfits come with a hairbow.

Shoppers can walk the catwalk in the changing area and snap photos of their fashion show. It could help launch a new career, as the store posts photos of its clients in its fashions on its Facebook page, with the shopper’s permission.

“I think people underestimate the power of social media,” said Cook. “I put a dress or top on Facebook and ask my clients ‘Love it or leave it?’ and they tell me whether to order it or not for the store.”

While mothers shop the store’s racks, their children can hang out in a playroom that is monitored through a TV in the store.

In the fall, Cook plans to order Mud Pie Game Day Collection with an SEC football theme. Dresses and accessories will come in orange and white for Tennessee and red and black for Georgia. The store is sponsoring the new Heritage High School Junior Varsity Dance Team this fall too. Next spring, the store will stock prom dresses and give away accessories to go with dresses.