2026 Maggy Awards: Shopping

Cottage Baby Boutique

Best Children’s Clothing

Inspired by a shared concern for babies and toddlers dealing with skin sensitivities, eczema, and allergies, mother and daughter co-founders Lynn Warren and Bailey Warren Mayer wanted to create a space where parents could shop confidently for items that are both gentle and safe.

Cottage Baby Boutique is proud to serve families online and at locations in Raleigh, Cary, and Wilmington.

Lynn and Bailey carefully research and curate every brand Cottage Baby Boutique carries, prioritizing materials such as GOTS-certified organic cotton, hypoallergenic Pima cotton, muslin, modal, and bamboo. They also look closely at how products are made, ensuring ethical production and high-quality craftsmanship.

Just as important to Lynn and Bailey — who work closely together to oversee every aspect of the business, from product curation and brand vision to daily operation — is to select pieces that are beautifully designed because, as Lynn says, “Parents shouldn’t have to choose between health-conscious products and cute, timeless style.”

In addition to clothing, the boutique offers sustainable swimwear and plush toys made from recycled materials. Families appreciate knowing they can find thoughtfully chosen products that support their children’s health, reflect their values, and still feel fun, stylish, and special. Lynn and Bailey frequently hear from parents whose children have struggled with eczema, allergies, or sensitive skin and experienced noticeable improvement after wearing their clothing.

“This recognition reflects the trust families place in us,” says Lynn about winning the Maggy Award. “As a small, locally owned business, being recognized by Wake Living and our local community affirms the care and intention behind everything we do.”

cottagebabyboutique.com

TrenLend

Best New Business

“With growing demand for more affordable and sustainable alternatives to traditional retail, customers are turning to rental options that still allow them to enjoy ‘something new’ for every occasion,” says Amelia Zahn.

She and her friend, Emmy Weiland, recognized that demand personally as college students who wanted a fresh look for each social event but couldn’t afford the price tag of constantly buying new pieces. They tried online clothing rental but were often left disappointed by items that didn’t fit as they hoped.

Starting with their own closets, they created an in-person clothing rental service that allows customers to try on their looks before committing. The concept was so successful that they opened a Cary storefront while still in college, followed by a North Hills location a year later, offering everything from formalwear to vacation attire from brands like AMUR, De Loreta, Acker, and Significant Other.

“Hearing from customers who had a great experience or found the perfect outfit for a special event is always a reminder of why we started this in the first place,” Emmy says. “Knowing we’re creating something meaningful while having a real impact keeps me motivated every day.”

trenlend.com

LILYMAES

Best Gift Shop

LILYMAES also earned an Honorable Mention for Best Women’s Clothing.

Stylish but never intimidating. Welcoming, happy, and full of personality, LILYMAES carries all the beautiful fashion, thoughtful gifts, and little things you didn’t know you needed but can’t live without. “We want it to feel like you’re shopping with friends,” says owner Tiffany Brockmann.

The family-owned boutique showcases intentionality, hand selecting every item and frequently refreshing the Wake Forest store — and brother store AUSTIN ALANS, which offers clothing, gifts, and accessories for the modern gentleman — ensuring that there is always something new to be found.

Customers come in for everyday fashion pieces, statement jewelry, candles, bath and body items, and giftable accessories, and LILYMAES is especially known for its birthday gifts, baby gifts, hostess gifts, and their “just because” finds. While the boutique team loves being a part of life’s celebrations — from birthdays and weddings to teacher appreciation, baby showers, graduations and holidays — being included in the small “thinking of you” moments feels just as special to them.

Describing the LILYMAES team as “hands on and personally invested,” Tiffany says, “We live here, we shop here, and we truly care about the relationships we build.” This personal connection makes a difference that customers can feel, she believes, and the experience becomes one where they are helped to find the perfect gift and not just sold something.

“It’s incredibly humbling” to win the Maggy Award for Best Gift Store, Tiffany says. “We’re so grateful for our customers and our amazing team. This award really belongs to the community that supports us — and it motivates us to keep making LILYMAES a place people love to shop.”

lilymaes.com

See the rest of the Maggy winners:

Best Restaurants
Best Lifestyle
Best Services

More From Our Mar-Apr 2026 Issue

• Find Your Next Favorite Trail with Wander
• Out & About in Wake County: March/April 2026
• Pay it Forward: United Arts Wake County
• Small Business Spotlight: TrenLend
• 2026 Maggy Awards
• 2026 Maggy Awards: Restaurants
• 2026 Maggy Awards: Lifestyle
• 2026 Maggy Awards: Services
• 2026 Maggy Awards: Shopping
• Game On!
• Garden Adventurer: Voodoo Gardening