AFTER TWO YEARS away from Middleburg, longtime customers are pleased to see the return of a store that has dressed Middleburg children for 15 years. The Magic Wardrobe's new owners and close friends, Sharman Dudley and Bridget Wilson, have re-opened a lovely, airy, totally renovated space at 108 W. Washington Street.

The Magic Wardrobe's new owners value the expert guidance of Patty Warrender, the store's original founder, who says, "I'm thrilled to help Bridget and Sharman carry on the tradition of The Magic Wardrobe for another generation of children."

Sharman says, "Bridget and I are here in the store every day, to cultivate relationships with our customers and respond to all their requests. And, if we don't have exactly what they're looking for, we are dedicated to help find a solution for them."

The shop is bright and open, and of course children are welcome - there's plenty of room for strollers to navigate. "We have something for everyone, from affordable pajamas to exclusive formal outfits for special occasions like weddings and first communions," Bridget continues. "Many of our clothes are European and exclusive and can't be found anywhere else." Sharman pipes in, "We carry white gloves!"

The store's "One Stop Shopping" includes shoes, clothing from birth to size 18, hair accessories, outer wear, everything for outfitting the nursery, blankets, swimwear and stuffed animals.

Thrilled to be "living their dream" and working together, the two women are mothers of young children and married to men who grew up in Middleburg. "Our husbands are good friends with each other and have been incredibly supportive. They pitched in as the four of us worked around the clock to meet the store's opening deadline."

"We're having a ball, and are always laughing," says Bridget. "We're a great team, we don't know why it works; it just does."

The Magic Wardrobe, 108 W. Washington Street, Middleburg, Va. 20117, 540-687-3363

Open Monday - Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-5, Sundays By Appointment