cupcakeMAG shops: Declaration Boutique and Events!

By Lauren Gonzalez

Recently, I’ve the true delight of chatting with Lara Kocerka, owner of Declaration Boutique and Events in St. Augustine, Florida. Whether you are a native of the North Florida area or a visiting snowbird migrating temporarily for a warm and sunny summer, you must make a detour to historic St. Augustine to visit. You’ll find various pretty things to pick out for yourself, but what I love most about Declaration Boutique and Events is its gift-giving potential.

My absolute favorite thing to do in the world is give gifts, and on top of that I’m known for giving the very best ones! With these high standards to uphold (a please, I know I’m not the only one like this!) picking our the perfect gift is made easy AND fun when shopping at Declaration. There is so much to choose from and it’s all lovely. Luckily, if you can’t make it in person, they have a fabulously kept website you can visit anytime...even past store hours!! But enough about what I have to say, let’s get the inside scoop on this new whimsical and delightful shop in the nation’s oldest city.

Lauren Gonzalez: When did you first open the store? And when did you start the online website?

Lara Kocerka: Declaration Boutique and Events opened on August 13, 2010. The shop is on a cobblestone street in historic St. Augustine, Florida. Our website launched around the same time as the doors opened. It started out very simply and has really developed over the past few months. We now have an online boutique and are always updating the portfolio section of the site as well!

LG: How do you pick the products to sell in the store?

LK: This is my favorite part! It really is a fun process searching for the next great product! I look through magazines, devour blogs, jot down inspiration from other fabulous boutiques and spend countless hours googling. Ideas can pop into my head at any time, and I get creative spirts throughout the day. Everything inspires me... so I try to come up with fresh new ideas and products all of the time!

{how cute is this shop?}

LG: How do you want the store to feel to customers who come in? What kind of experience are you hoping to create for them?

LK: I want the boutique to feel cozy, whimsical, fun and charming, all at the same time. I hope that everyone who walks in the door has to circle the shop a few times just to see everything. I love to create a cute and surprising shop, full of clever and unique items!

LG: What are some of the things you purchase for the shop and can't live without?

LK: When I buy for the store, I don't purchase anything I'm not in love with. Between my Mom and I, we normally "die" over everything in the shop! When a new shipment arrives, it's like Christmas! The store is 100% a reflection of my passion, style and favorite things! I always end up with a few new things from the shop every month :-)

LG: Do you have an local artists/designers who create things for you to sell? Tell me about them!!

LK: We carry items from all over the world!! I'm very proud of that fact and love all of the brands we sell.

LG: What do you love most about your job? What makes it feel like less of a job and more of a passion?

LK: I am passionate about all aspects of my job. I love designing, merchandising, customer service, packaging... and even the tough parts, long hours and accounting. I get to work with the most wonderful people and am truly living my dream.

LG: If you could only wear one color for the rest of your life, what would it be?

LK: All neutrals are my favorite...white, cream, grey, navy and black! I like to accessorize with color :-)

{Cotton Candy Zippy Pouch}

LG: How would you describe your personal style?

LK: I'm a girly girl at heart, but when I am dressing, I believe that less is more! I love basics, soft fabrics and great accessories.

{something for your Littles too!}



LG: There is a lot of attention to detail on the website, the store and in the products you carry. I feel like that makes you unique to other stores. What else makes the store unique? And how do you find these detailed things to sell?

LK: Not only do we have the boutique, but I am also an event and paper goods designer. I work with clients to create invitations, favors and other wedding and event details. I think having a boutique that doubles as a design studio, makes us stand out from others!

The window displays are my absolute favorite aspect of DBE. I have dreamt about having my own window for as long as I can remember and love to design fun, creative displays. I also love to to add detail to the merchandise we receive. Whether it be a bow or packaging it slightly different, I love to really make everything special!!!

{LOVE these Golden Bangles}

LG: What are your most popular items?

LK: The popular items really rotate in the shop. Our Emergency Kits, especially our new baby and wedding day, are one of our best sellers! They are a staple at DBE and I'm always coming up with new Kit ideas.

{Wedding Day Emergency Kit}

LG: What do you foresee for the future of Declaration Boutique?

LK: I've had many people ask if we have multiple locations. That is a true dream and I would love to open a few more doors ;-)

I hope to continue to grow and become a destination location for events and specialty gifts!

LG: Is there anything about Declaration Boutique that you want people to know about that hasn’t been covered?

LK: DBE is truly a family affair. I never could have imagined owning my dream business... and was able to start because of my family. I work side by side with Mom all day and the rest of my family helps out quite a bit!

{LOVE conquers ALL}

Check out more in person at their storefront on 210 St. George Street in St. Augustine, Florida or online now!

Mommaista & her mini-me!

By Lauren Gonzalez

Inspired by Super Mom Casi and her precious baby Sadie, I’v scoped out some of my favorite mother and daughter (and son!) looks. Let’s be honest, no matter what happens you only have one mom. I can only speak for myself, but I love and appreciate all the incredible things my mom has done for me over the years. Usually it was just my younger sister and I matching clothes, however, the “Mommy & Me” trend has definitely taken off and grown! 


Here are some of my favorite “Mommy and & Me” looks: 

Lilly Pulitzer is well-known as one of my favorite brands, it’s no secret. I love the bring colors, the great dresses and happy prints. It’s my go-to feel-good brand! I personally think Lilly does fabulous mother and daughter looks. As much as the brand is geared towards women, it does a wonderful job on all the children's clothing as well! That’s right, you can match with the little man in your life, too! Usually there’s some matching shorts, swim trunks and ties for the grown-up gentlemen as well! The whole family can be decked out in coordinating Lilly - I’ve seen it done in Christmas cards, and I just about melt! 


What I like most, is that there are just as many options for your minnie as there are for you! She doesn’t want a ruffles? Doesn’t like a high collar? No problem. There’s just so much to choose from. The hardest part is usually picking a favorite look! 

Antik Batik truly has me floored. I am obsessed with their stylish and trendy dresses. I fell in love after seeing Miranda Lambert, one of my favorite country singers, perform on The Ellen Degeneres Show in a gorgeous silver Anitk Batik dress. I was blown away. It looked completely and utterly fabulous. I can not tell you how hard I looked online for that dress. And then I found it. And then I found more!  


Back to the Moms and Minnies, though! These looks are timely and perfect for the increasingly warmer weather. The light material won’t weigh you down while your on the go from dance classes, the pool, or an outdoor barbeque party. I love the color combinations in both prints - again, the hard part is definitely picking just one matching pair! 

I have very fond memories of helping my mom cook in the kitchen when I was little. I remember she even got me a little apron that was just my size! Those are great memories. Well, I stumbled upon the cutest matching apron set on Etsy! It’s from the mothernaturesnursery shop. That’s all one word, no spaces!!  


Anyways, there are plenty of color options for your matching aprons. If you have little boys who like to help cook, too that’s no problem! There are little aprons without ruffles  or bows. They can also specially embroider them to say your children’s names! How precious is that? And as if these matching sets couldn’t get cuter...they do. You can also get a little chef hat that matches your little helper’s apron!  


Cooking has never been cuter! 


Lastly, I know you won’t always want to match you little ones. But that doesn’t mean you still can’t all be dressed in style!  

I simply adore J. Crew for women and Crew Cuts for kids! 

I carefully picked out some looks that coordinate well. Wether you both (or all!) are opting for stripes, a cool graphic tee, a flowing top, fun patterns or pretty dress - you will definitely find some great looks at J. Crew. 
 
So these were MY top pick for matching moms. What are some of YOUR favorites to wear?