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Our fourth annual West End Weekend was a huge success!

We want to say thank you to all our customers for coming out and donating canned goods for the Ithaca Rescue Mission. We also want to say thank you to all the neighboring businesses that donated prizes for our raffle. What a wonderful place we live in.

Can’t wait to do it again next year!

Stop by and…

1. Enjoy 10% off everything

2. Donate to our food drive

3. Enter our West End Raffle!

 

Anytime throughout the 3-day weekend (this Friday, Saturday or Sunday), we invite you to bring canned goods or other non-perishable food items to either Mama Goose or Mimi’s Attic and contribute to our Rescue Mission Food Drive. You will receive a raffle ticket for each item you bring AND you can choose which prizes you would like to try to win. The more food items you bring in, the better your chances are of winning a prize!

 

Below is a list of our fabulous West End neighbors who have donated exciting gift certificates and prizes to our raffle!

But, wait… there’s MORE!

Meet John and Oscar, our November “Look of the Month” models.

Five-year-old John is looking dapper in a Tomkid corduroy jacket (size 5, $14.50) over Lafaute Voltaire denim overalls (size 6, $12.95) and an Old Navy long-sleeve tee (size 6, $2.95.) His stylish hat (one size fits most, $8.50) and Tamarack duck boots (size 13, $9.95) complete the outfit.

Three-year-old Oscar’s outfit started with an Oshkosh t-shirt (size 4, $2.95) and Harajuku mini jeans (size 4, $7.50.) He keeps it warm and cozy with a MeJane vest (size 5, $7.95), black sheepskin boots (size 10, $23.95) and new Alpaca mittens ($14.50.)

November is all about layers. Our lovely city experiences its fair share of seasonal change- and there’s nothing quite like an Ithaca autumn. One day we’re waking up to frost on the ground and frozen minivan doors (thanks, Monday morning!) …and the next our kids are coming home having abandoned their coats at recess when it hit 70 degrees.

Layers are the only answer – and the Goose has got them in spades. Come on by to check out our collection of cardigans, vests, fall jackets and great accessories.

Oscar and John are loving their layers – and your littles will too!

Meet Theresia, this month’s Look of the Month model.

Hot dog! Is she cute or what?

(Hot dog costume, size 3-6 months, $7.95)

Halloween inspires a wide variety of reactions throughout the parenting community.  Some mamas rejoice in hand-making costumes; lovingly stitching felt and attaching feathers using organic, locally-sourced hot glue. Others take a simpler approach- recognizing that money can buy happiness when it comes to bypassing the potential “my Spiderman costume doesn’t look like the real one” argument.

Halloween shopping at Mama Goose has the best of both worlds. Our costumes can go straight to the street for trick-or-treating or lay the foundation for a more complex, homemade ensemble. We have a great selection of outfits in sizes ranging from teeny to tweeny.

Plus- all costumes are on sale this month!

20% off October 10-16

30% off October 17-23

50% off October 24-31 (That’s right. We reward you procrastinators.)

Not only does our model make a delicious dog of the edible variety- she can also pull off a zebra (Old Navy costume, 6-12 months, $7.95) and a giraffe (Miniwear, 12 months, $9.95)

She’s even the cutest little purple dragon (Old Navy, 6-12 months, $9.95) you’ve ever seen.

Come on down to the Goose to see which of our spooky costumes belongs on your little monster.

If you missed the sale, don’t despair! We have tons of great outerwear left and are continuing to buy and restock daily.

We still have lots of Halloween costumes …

boots and more boots …

and snow pants & snowsuits…

and tons of great coats!

Ah, the optimism of September!  We can envision the whole month now: our darling goslings will be dressed head-to-to in adorableness every day. They will skip off to their schools fresh and clean, hair and teeth brushed, socks matching, shoes tied, and return home tired, but relaxed and brimming with new-found knowledge. And how does this fantasy begin? BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOPPING at Mama Goose of course! After all, with enough cute outfits, anything is possible.

Check out, for example,  Annie and Charlotte, this month’s LOTM models. Annie and Charlotte, incoming BJM third and first graders respectively, are ready to take September by storm dressed head-to-toe in Mama Goose autumn fashion. Look at those ladies!

Annie’s look above starts with a Crewcuts corduroy skirt (size 6, $6.95) and a floral tunic by Kate Quinn Organics (size 6, $6.95.)   She’s topping off her look with a Gap Kids blazer (size 6/7, $10.95), like-new sequined Sperry loafers (Size 13, $12.95) and a Pottery Barn Kids rolling backpack ($24.95.)   Little sister Charlotte’s look is just as on point:   she’s got on a Lands End kilt (size 6, $6.50) and a Lands’ End tee (size 5, $1.95) topped by a Ralph Lauren denim blazer (size 8, $8.95.)  Her Old Navy black glitter high-tops (size 12, $6.95) pair perfectly with her gently-used black glitter backpack ($7.95.) These girls are definitely headed to the top of the class, fashion-wise.

They’re even ready to dress-to-impress on Day 2:

This time, Charlotte’s packing her school supplies in a new Wildkins backpack ($15.00, several patterns available.)   She’s got a Crewcuts quilted skirt in size 6 ($6.95) paired with a basic tank (size 6, $1.95 ) and floral Guess denim vest (size 6, $6.95)  Annie’s rocking a Mini Boden long-sleeved fox tee (size 6, $4.95) with a Gymboree corduroy skirt  (size 6, $6.50) and the ultimate fall jacket, a Gymboree velour toggle coat in size 5/6 ($17.95.)  These girls have got back to school down.

Are you feeling September shopping too? If you need a little something to get you in the spirit, check out our back-to-school photo contest! The winner of this annual contest will win two VIP passes to our Annual Coat Sale Extravaganza on September 24th.  Just post your best back-to-school pic on the contest post, and you’ll have a chance at premium access to our annual sale, which is basically the ultimate September shopping experience.  So, get shopping, get snapping, and enter here!

I wish you all a very merry back to school season.

-Meryl at the Goose

Don’t miss our 12th Annual Mama Goose Coat Sale Extravaganza!

Saturday, September 24th 10am-6pm

430 W. State Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
In the Seneca street parking lot just behind Mimi’s Attic.
Just look for the big tents!

We buy quality children’s winter coats, snow pants, snow boots, winter accessories & Halloween costumes all year long, and stow them away for this fun-filled, annual event. We will continue to have winter outerwear for purchase throughout the winter, but this is always our best selection of the year. So save the date and plan to attend!

FUN FACT! 5% of all Coat Sale Extravaganza 2016 sales will be donated to the Southside Community Center Youth Programs. One of the Youth Programs upcoming goals is to beautify and maintain their new Pride Van which they use for the kids’ field trips.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the sale (Coat Sale veterans, note the answers marked NEW):

Q: Why have a Coat Sale Extravaganza in the first place?
A: The Coat Sale tradition began when we had a tiny, ginger-bread house-like store at the corner of Seneca St. and Plain St. (2004). It was impossible to fit all of our winter outerwear on the sales floor, and our customers needed to stop in daily to find the right size snow gear for each of their kids. We realized that if we put all of our winter outerwear in our parking lot on one day, our customers would know what day to come to have the best chance at finding what they needed. And so the Extravaganza was born! The coat sale also allows us to buy great winter outerwear year-round, regardless of sales floor space, which means a better selection for you

Q:How much will the outerwear be discounted?
A:When you get to the register, you will be asked to draw a lucky marble for 10, 15 or 20% OFF your total purchase of winter outerwear and Halloween costumes. You’ve heard the song “Luck be a lady” … we say “Luck be a Mama at the Extravaganza!”

Q:Will there be other savings on the day of the event?
NEW A:Why, yes – great question! Everything inside Mama Goose will be 10% off on the day of the Extravaganza! And, yes, that includes new products such as our Ergo Carriers, Ring Slings, Cloth Diapers and Shoes. If something is already marked down, like our clearance shoes, you will receive an additional 10% off on the day of the Extravaganza. Plus, after you make your Coat Sale purchases, you will be given a couple of coupons including a 10% off coupon to our sister store, Mimi’s Attic.

Q: How long are the checkout lines going to be?
NEW A: We’re changing it up completely this year, with only ONE line! All shoppers will enter the same line, just off the parking lot, into the Mimi’s Attic loading area, where we will have four registers with eager cashiers waiting to check you out with lightning speed. When the line is long it will zig zag through the loading area. Note to mamas and papas – this may be the hard part for kiddos who don’t like to wait and stand still. We will have a coloring station set up nearby.

Q: What forms of payment will you accept?
A: All four registers will accept Mama Goose Store Credit, VISA, Mastercard , Discover and of course, CASH! Cash is definitely the swiftest form of payment, so if possible, stop at an ATM!

Q: Is it worth coming if I can’t get there until the afternoon?
A: Definitely! The sale lasts all day, from 10am-6pm and there is plenty to choose from all day long. Just come and have fun whenever you can make it!

Q: Can I use my frequent customer stamp card?
NEW A: In order to keep the lines moving, we do not stamp frequent customer cards at the Coat Sale registers. However, this year we will be giving stamps for regular, non-coat sale purchases made inside Mama Goose. You are also welcome to redeem full stamp cards at any register.

Q: What if I want to shop inside Mama Goose for non-Coat Sale items like school clothes, books, shoes, toys, diapering supplies, etc.?
NEW A: It will be business as usual for shoppers inside Mama Goose, except we will have an extra register, light refreshments and 10% off everything inside the store! We think our 2016 plan to checkout all Coat Sale purchases in the Mimi’s Loading area, will make your shopping experience inside Mama Goose easier and more fun. You might choose to shop inside Mama Goose after your Coat Sale purchases or “divide and conquer” with one person from your party shopping inside and the other person shopping outside at the same time. You choose your strategy!  Note: We will NOT be buying on the day of the Extravaganza.

Q: What if I want to shop or browse in Mimi’s Attic?
NEW A: We suggest making your Coat Sale purchases first and then go shop at Mimi’s. You will be receiving a Mimi’s coupon for 10% off your total purchase that you can use any time before October 31st.

Q: What if it rains?
A: We have three twenty-foot tents, and several 10×10 foot tents in addition to our shipping and receiving area. We will also direct and manage the checkout lines to keep you sheltered and dry. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! If you have any unanswered questions, feel free call us at 607-269-0600.

Q: Can I bring used items to sell on the day of the Coat Sale?
A: We apologize for any inconvenience, but we will not be buying on the day of the Coat Sale.
Normal buying will resume on Monday the 26^th

Q: I’m not familiar with the area, where can I park?
A: Mama Goose Ithaca is located in Ithaca’s West End, which is easy to get to  from route 13. Here is a handy MAP for your convenience. If you are coming from the north, simply take a left off of route 13 South onto Buffalo Street and proceed two blocks, and look for parking on Buffalo Street. Then simply walk down Corn St (across from the park) and you will be right next to the sale. Parking is free on weekends. Parking can also be found on Corn, State or Seneca Street. Note: Though our address is 430 West State Street, the coat sale takes place around the back of the building on Seneca Street in our parking lot.

We hope to see you at the Extravaganza! Don’t forget to bring a friend and making a day of it! You are sure not to walk away empty handed.

Join our Coat Sale Extravanganza Facebook event HERE and stay in the loop!

In case you haven’t noticed, we’re in the middle of a pretty great sale down at the Goose — all gently used clothes are buy 2 get 1 free, and so are all gently used books and toys.   I thought this would be a good time to remind you that even if your wee ones aren’t as wee as they used to be, you can still stock up at the end of summer sale.   Our big kid racks go all the way up to size 14. Check out Rayshan below for proof! Full disclosure: Ray is this writer’s son and I’ll try to be non-biased as I can. But can I just say … how handsome is he?!

Ray is rocking some Zara skinny jeans (size 14, $10.95) with a Zara jacket (size 14, $5.50) and an Abercrombie t-shirt (size XL/14, $4.95.)  The shoes pictured are his own because Ray’s feet are freakishly large and, sadly, have outgrown Mama Goose (imagine my mournful face here). If it were physically possible, I would definitely squeeze his feet into these size 4 Nikes ($14.95.)

Of course, no matter how great our selection of tween clothes, we don’t have anything in stock that will put a stop to the burgeoning pre-teen angst Ray is showing off in these pics.  My strategy for that is to just keep buying cute clothes to layer on top of the ‘tude — my kids may drive me up the wall, but at least they look good doing it.

Remember, we’re always looking for Look of the Month models!  If you know a kid who’s got what it takes (i.e. the ability to wear clothes and put up with me for an hour), sign ’em up at the front register.

Now get to the Goose!   Buy 2 get 1 free ends at 6PM on August 6th!

Mamas, meet Comfy Joey Ring Slings!

Linen ring slings are incredibly versatile, and can be used from the newborn stage through the toddler years. They also easily transition from one caregiver to the next as they are a one-size-fits all option.

We love these slings because linen is a natural and strong, yet super lightweight, breathable fabric. Perfect for these humid Ithaca summers and beyond! These slings are easy to care for; hand wash or machine delicate cold; hang dry. Priced at $87.50. Come by Mama Goose to try one out!

This is Emilyn. Like any woman of a certain (very young) age, she enjoys the finer things in life: a well-timed nap, a snuggly bunny, and a summer sale! Mama Goose is celebrating summer with a series of exciting sales throughout the month. Check out the deets and Emilyn’s looks below:

July 5th – July 17th:   All Shorts are BOGO 50%   

You could pick up two pair (or more!) of shorts like the ones Emilyn is rocking below.

Chartreuse Gap shorts (size 12 months, $2.95); Old Navy tank top (size 12 months, $1.50); Old Navy vest (size 12 months, $2.50); Huggalugs leg warmers ($2.95)

Gymboree collared onesie (size 12 months, $3.95), Gymboree shorts (size 12 months, $4.50), Tom’s canvas mary janes (size 5, $6.95)

July 18-24:  All Dresses* BOGO 50% off!

Day dresses! Night dresses!  Party dresses!  Sun dresses!  Emilyn is so excited she can barely stand it.

Muneca party dress and bloomers, new with tags (size 18 months, $9.95), sandals and barrette (model’s own)

Gap dress (size 12 months, $10.25), See Kai Run mary janes, like-new condition (size 4, $24.95), bunny and barrette (models own)

And that’s not all!  July 25-31, all books and toys (like the wooden shape-sorter pictured above, $5.95) are BOGO 50%  All month long, baby clothes (sizes newborn -6 months) are BOGO 50%, and then, August 1-6, it’s Emilyn’s favorite sale of all:  the storewide Buy 2, Get the 3rd free!

It’s a series of summer sales to make anyone swoon — and if you don’t believe me, ask Emilyn!

Don’t Forget: Models and their families get 10% OFF all purchases on the day of the photo shoot. Email, Facebook message, or sign up at the register to be our next Look of the Month!