The Nutcracker Ballet

Our new holiday dresses!

We love Christmas, and even more we love celebrating it with fun and festivities! It's been quite sad with the lack of snow fall this year in Grand Rapids, but we aren't letting that affect our Christmas cheer. To enlighten our spirits, Lola and I decided to attend the Grand Rapids Ballet Company performance of the Nutcracker, at the Devos Performance Hall. We love watching the ballet dancer's sweep so elegantly across the stage. The other great thing about Christmas events is finding the perfect holiday outfit. Thankfully, Leigh's has such a great selection this year it was hard to leave with just one!

Santa's workshop and fun Christmas ornaments!

I decided to wear my new scarlet colored Tracy Reese dress. Its bow on the shoulder and cutout on the chest is fun and edgy, yet very comfortable! I chose to wear gold strappy heels from Lilly Pulitzer and a few chunky bracelets by Simon Sebbag. Lola looked very chic herself in her new holiday dress by Trina Turk. To add some sparkle she wore a bracelet from Kenneth Jay Lane and cute peep toe suede pumps by Cole Haan. It's always exciting for us to tell everyone we never have to leave Grand Rapids for our shopping. Leigh's has everything to meet our fashion needs!

 

Christmas carolers

After such a great performance, Lola and I now have cheerful Christmas hearts and spirits. The Devos Performance Hall had amazing Christmas displays, and also had personal carolers singing so merrily. The girls above asked if we were ballet dancers, and wanted to know if we would pose for a picture with them! We figured it was our slender figures and poise that gave them such an assumption, but rest assured, our grace is far from that of a ballet dancer. Of course, one thing we do love is Christmas shopping. If you have a few more things on your Christmas list to cross off, stop into Leigh's and you might just find what you are looking for!

Couture for a Cure

One event Lola and I just couldn't wait for this fall was Couture for a Cure. Why?! Well for one we get to wear some of the best cocktail dresses around, found only at Leigh's of course. Second, as much as we hate the attention being taken off of us, it's actually nice to spend time watching younger, gorgeous ladies like ourselves strut the catwalk! Oh, and lastly, who wouldn't want to spend their evening eyeing Douglas Hannant's Spring 2012 line?!

Douglas Hannant and a few pieces from his Spring line

Gorgeous!

fun and sophisticated

The VanAndel Institute did another magnificent job this year hosting Couture and what a turnout there was. With Leigh's 6th year active in Couture we expected nothing less! The runway was amazing and we felt like we were right back in New York for fashion week. They even had to extend it this year to accommodate the growing crowd. The themes this year were just as fun as the show: Paint it Black, I Was a Ye Ye Girl, Haute to Trot and Social Meaning! We cannot wait to go shopping at Leigh's again!

the new and improved catwalk

 The other great thing about fashion shows is all the preparation time an event like this takes. As we waited all day in anticipation, The Crown Jewel and Leigh's expert make-up artists were preparing the models for the big event! It's like playing dress up from when you were little all over again, except this time you get butterflies thinking about walking in front of over 300 people! Below we see all of Laura Mercier's make-up we used for the show!

how fun it would be to do your
 makeup with this everyday!

By the end of the night I was doing my best to keep up with Lola. After all it was a cocktail party and we know how Lola loves to linger toward the refreshment bar! Luckily, we were stunning yet comfortable in our RED Valentino dresses. Yes, oddly enough we picked the same designer. We couldn't help it, our tastes just coincided! Lola added a Pono black necklace to complete her look, as I completed my look with a leather jacket by Anthracite and pumps from Dani Black.

Robinette's Apple Haus & Winery

As warm as it's been, Lola and I could not help but visit the popular talked about apple haus; Robinette's. It has such a variety of things to offer and is family friendly. This worked out great for my two, adorable I might add, children. We decided to go early in the evening so we could wear some more of our fall pieces, compliments of Leigh's! 

amazing fall weather

Little to my surprise, well anyone's for that matter, Lola lingered toward the winery before we could even begin our hayride and corn maze expedition. The children took a special liking to Robinette's new jumping pillow. It's like a giant inflatable blob used as a trampoline. It's also said to be a great way of exercising. If Lola and I weren't feeling so sore after the hayride we might have thought about joining in on the fun.

Instead, we thought it would be better to satisfy our taste buds with freshly made, warm, cinnamon sugar donuts and apple cider in the apple haus. We spent some time in and out of the gift shops and couldn't help but leave with some fun new things. Good thing we still have time before Halloween to carve our large pumpkins we picked out. I also thought it might be fun to try making homemade caramel apples. We decided we love fall food as much as fall clothing!

kids enjoying the play area in front of the Apple Haus

On our visit, Lola chose to wear a long sleeve Michael Stars shirt, with a Tribal black vest and very comfortable, black high rise skinny flares by J.Brand. I comfortably wore Christopher Blue brown corduroys, with a fun shirt from Aldo Martins and cotton, oatmeal blazer by Donna Degnan. We couldn't stop talking about what a great time we had at Robinette's! The girls below loved us, of course; they were so precious we've decided to spend some extra time with them. You'll never guess where they're from. I suppose you will just have to wait and see where we're spotted next!



two beautiful young women who loved our sense of style





Fall & New York Fashion Week

Just like New York, we started off our week at Leigh's... there's no place like home, celebrating Grand Rapid's Fashion Night Out 2011! Lola quickly found the wine as I spent time at the cosmetic counters, watching all our visitors engage in the fun of getting their hair and makeup done.

We were so excited to spend time with the models Anna and Gloria (above), who look amazing I might add,  and dance to the amazing jams by D.J. Adrian Butler (below).

We loved his hair!

Fall may have just begun, but that didn’t stop Lola and me from visiting New York for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week to see what trends are coming for Spring 2012. Good thing we didn’t leave without making sure we were fully fashionable with our new fall trends from Leigh’s! They’ve got the cutest new jeans, fur vests, boots and dresses for every occasion.


One thing we cannot get enough of during weeks like this are all the celebrities we get to see and talk to! I of course, as you know, am a big fan of Olivia Palermo, so when I had the opportunity to take a snapshot with her and the young and beautiful Emmy Rossum I couldn't help myself. They even complimented me on my Adrian Mattox cold shoulder sequenced dress.

We thought we'd had all the fun we could until the last day of the fashion show. We couldn't help but strut our wonderful, new Tory Burch apparel from Leigh's! And you'll never guess what we were asked to do?! That's right, express our style on the RUNWAY! Judging by our pictures, I'd say we are naturals!

We love New York, then again, who doesn't, but we decided it was time to settle back down in our hometown, Grand Rapids and spend time with our friends and familiar faces at Leigh's! Don't worry, as the leaves continue to fall, we won't be able to stay cooped up inside for long!

Friday Night at the GRAM

After muddling through my Friday (Thursday night is Ladies Night at Bar Divani) I was looking forward to an atypical low key night at home, however, when Eloise called me at the last minute to stand in as her date for the evening I couldn’t refuse. She had been planning to catch the Diana - A Celebration exhibition at the Grand Rapids Art Museum with her husband but when both children simultaneously came down with the stomach flu he graciously offered to stay home with them while she enjoyed the well deserved night out.

I quickly threw together an outfit which included a Vince blouse, Eileen Fisher wrap, Laura Jorge necklace, and faux leather pants by A Woman. In contrast Eloise was perfectly put together in a Valentino Red jacket, Michael Stars turtleneck, Robert Rodriguez necklace, and Vince jeans.

The exhibition was amazing! I was thrilled to see Princess Di's numerous designer dresses including her famous royal wedding gown. When we meandered back into the lobby we were pleasantly surprised to discover live piano music and a stocked bar. We both enjoyed a cocktail and I immediately began to feel more like myself. I began conversing with an immaculately dressed tall, dark, and handsome and learned that a panel discussion on fashion had been planned for the evening as part of the Friday Night Conversations at the GRAM. Of course we had to attend! Eloise and I followed my new friend into the cafe where we learned what inspires local fashion designers Kirk Johnson and Benjamin Gott. Although it was at the expense of the sick kiddies (who I’ve been told are all better now) Eloise and I enjoyed an amazing, unexpected, fashion-infused evening out together!

Getting Our Game on with the Griffins

Lola [right] & myself with Griff this past Saturday

Though Lola had already spent her Friday night at the Griffins game (enjoying $1 beers and hot dogs), she was game for watching the Griffins second game against the Chicago Wolves with me this past Saturday. My family and I are hardcore Red Wings fans and while we try to see several games every season, I figured a Griffins game would be the next best thing and a smaller venue where I could ensure Lola didn't find her way down to meet the players.

This was our most laid back outing yet, and a refreshing change from slipping into evening gowns and high heels. I wore a new See by Chloe top with a Bindya splash scarf I found on sale at Leigh's and a pair of Sold Design Lab jeggings. Lola resisted the urge to wear a showstopping ensemble and stiletto boots for the sake of not tumbling down to our center ice seats. Instead she wore a Pono necklace, BCBG Max Azria top and Sold Design Lab jeggings.

At first intermission we mingled by the Monster tent for some extra energy and met some friendly faces, including Griff who literally swept Lola off her feet. He was a bit of a departure from her previous admirers, but I had a good laugh chasing after him as he carried Lola away.

Waiting for the second period with Maria and Abbi

Despite our over-the-top cheering, the Griffins unfortunately lost their second game (5-3) against the Wolves. Lola still counts the evening as a personal win for her encounter with Griff and claims to have met a couple of eligible Griffins players!

Design 1 Salon Spa Fashion Event

We found friends to complement our outfits! I [left] wore a Tory Burch dress with a 3.1 Phillip Lim belt and Lola [right] wore a Tracy Reese dress

It's no secret that we love all things fashion - especially when we can share our passion with others over a few cocktails! This past Tuesday we were invited by our friends at Leigh's to attend the Design 1 Salon Spa Fashion Event at Eve in the B.O.B.

As a mother of two I was excited to find that proceeds from the event would benefit Helen Devos Children's Hospital. Such a great cause meant guilt free shopping and, hopefully, a good excuse to give my husband when I got home!

Before the show Lola insisted we post up near the bar...insisting it was the perfect place to keep an eye on the silent auction table. (She was determined to win the wine tasting party and Porsche driving school lessons).

Leigh's runway show was impressive - Lola and I were eying the same fabulous Peter Nathan coat [shown below], especially since neither of us had really dressed for the weather (ah, the sacrifices we make for fashion).

By the time Design 1 models hit the runway we had developed some serious hair envy. From shocking red curls and Rapunzelesque locks to sky-high, crystal accented bouffants we lamented that we wished we could maintain such fantastical updos.

After the show Lola and I wrestled through the crowd and I wrestled her into my car before she could speed off in the Porsche that was on display outside the B.O.B.

That hair! So jealous!

Lola's favorite look from the show

Lola's Masha Archer necklace

We met some amazing new friends at the show!

Lola and Meg Willit enjoying a drink

Some of our friends from Leigh's pictured with the lovely models! We've decided we're going to steal Patrick Plank to be our personal stylist. Now to find hair stylists that can liven up our looks and transform us into perfectly coiffed fire hazards!

Black Friday!!!

Chatting with Marti Reamon at Leigh's on Black Friday!

I was looking forward to a Thanksgiving holiday away from the stress of work, but corralling my husband and two children to help in the kitchen (without disaster or injury) proved quite a task. My husband wrestled with trussing the turkey, my 7-year-old daughter decorated our sweet potato casserole with a bag of marshmallows and I assisted my 4-year-old son, the resident potato masher.

Lola arrived to dinner fashionably late with a tall dark and handsome…cake from Nantucket Baking Company and a visiting Spanish beau of the same description.

After everyone was lulled into food comas, I was able to wind down with a glass of wine while I perused a flood of Black Friday inserts from the Press. Lola rang to convince me that Leigh’s would be our first stop on our shop till we drop date.

Sure to be dressed for the occasion, we set out to brave the hordes of eager, early shoppers Friday morning wearing layered ensembles that were perfect for enduring our shopping marathon.

Lola and I both wore cozy cashmere sweaters.

I kept warm with a wool Milly jacket while Lola bundled up in her self-proclaimed “Wookie Fashionista” fur coat by Peter Nathan over A Woman leather pants. Not willing to sacrifice fashion for comfort, Lola stepped out in stilettos while I slipped on a cozy pair of Cole Haan shearling boots. To keep us going on our holiday shopping mission, Lola stuffed her 3.1 Phillip Lim bag full of energy bars and ad inserts so we could take advantage of the best deals in town!

Aside from my wonderful family and good health I am thankful for Lola, bottles of cabernet sauvignon and dark chocolate, cashmere throws and sweaters, continuing holiday traditions and another winter wonderland in the beautiful city of Grand Rapids. What are you thankful for this holiday season?

The Mannequins of Leigh's

Another blog for Leigh's? Yes....and you will love this blog!  I have had an idea that I have wanted to implement since last spring, but have just not had the time to bring it to fruition.  My idea was to have two mannequins who would be seen around town at various venues and events in fabulous Leigh's fashion.  These two mannequins would be named, have bios and be BFFs (best friends forever). I thought, the community might have fun with it, "Where are so and so going to be this week?"  It also would be a great opportunity to give exposure to events, places and other retailers in our beautiful city of Grand Rapids.  But, back to the time thing - where would I or any one of my team members find the time to do this...and do it well?
In late August, I had an "ah-ha" moment - wouldn't this be a great marketing internship for a college student?  I posted on our Leigh's Facebook page that I was looking for an intern....and then I waited....it would have to be just the right person....someone who understood fashion and who could really run with this idea.  Then "whaaallaaa" Diane Teall, a senior at GVSU, majoring in health communication with a minor in advertising and public relations, contacts me.  I interviewed her (definitely a fashion girl) and told her about my grand idea - she loved it!!!

 
So here we are.  Diane started mid-October.  She developed our idea and put together a PowerPoint presentation for our Leigh's management team.  In the presentation, she named our mannequins, developed personal and style bios for each of them, suggested where they could "be seen" and how we would communicate their adventures.  Thus, we have this new blog and we are also adding an additional Facebook page for you to enjoy.
So...do you want to know their names?   Lola & Eloise (totally Diane's idea - love it!)  Diane is handling all of their appearances (because they are very social and active in the community).  You'll see their bios tomorrow - which you will get a kick out of!
I think we are all going to have a lot of fun with this! Stay tuned!