Ciao to Dinner at Mangiamo!

Lola called me on Thursday afternoon going on and on about how we needed to check out this highly recommended Italian restaurant that her friend Becky told her about. I couldn't say no! Italian is my weakness and I can always go for a glass of red wine. Mangiamo! is a fantastic restaurant; Not just because of the food, but the atmosphere and décor is to die for. It bleeds a rustic vibe and feels very nostalgic. You are left wondering if you are actually eating Italian food in 1910 Florence.
 


It was a very comfortable place to eat and converse with friends because there are so many different rooms! The staff separates big parties so the rooms are quieter and it is much more pleasant than eating in one loud open dining room. My very favorite room in the restaurant was the room on the side of the building. It is full of these beautiful and large French windows which make the room very bright and cheerful.
 

Lola and I, as you know, love to dress up for even the smallest of occasions! Who doesn't like a night of delicious cuisine in the finest of wear?



Low and behold, Lola and I ended up wearing the exact same designer! I wore my favorite striped dress by Stella McCartney. It hangs low below my hips and is incredibly comfortable and stretchy. To add some color I carried my bright salmon pink handbag by Rebecca Minkoff. Lola wore a classic black dress by McCartney. She was feeling a little sexy and wanted to show off some of her porcelain through the lace that is displayed on the sides and top of the dress.

It was an amazing night of food, drinks, and fashion. The restaurant is so charming and honestly might be my new favorite! If you have never been then you must schedule an outing to this tasty venue. I promise you won't regret it. If you love Lola and I's choice of outfit as much as we do, you should go try them out at Leigh's. Word has it that they are both on sale right now! So hurry in and grab these gorgeous dresses before someone else does! Happy Friday friends!

A Sweet Trip to Kilwins

Father's Day is approaching and Eloise called me in a panic about what to get her husband. Well, you know what they say: "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.". I suggested we go to one of my favorite sweet treat spots: Kilwin's.

It was the perfect place for Eloise to grab a yummy Father's Day present. Of course, we wanted to dress fabulous since we were going to the mall. You never know who you might run into!



I wore my favorite bright pattern shorts by Trina Turk and her gorgeous flowing blue top to keep cool. I had to complete my outfit with one of my most versatile necklaces by Pono.

Eloise wore these darling shorts by Z+L with the matching shirt. Bohemian is in right now and I just loved the relaxed but stylish vibe Eloise's outfit radiated. Who doesn't like cute fringe?

I grabbed the tastiest treats Kilwin's has to offer. I cannot resist the caramel apples and salt water taffies. Eloise was so stiff and stressed when trying to make a decision. In the end, I think she made an excellent choice for her hubby's gift. She bought a bag of caramel cashew corn and a block of salted caramel fudge.



All in all, I'd say it was one successful shopping trip. We got exactly what we came for and all the while looked stylish. We did stop in a couple stores in the mall, but they just don't compare to Leigh's. So what should your next girls day out entail? Make a trip to Kilwin's and then head to Leigh's of course!

JUMP, JUMP, JUMP AROUND!

As you all know, Lola and I are very fun individuals. We love to bring the party wherever we go! Well, last week we over heard the intern, Lauren, say that she was going to Sky Zone, this trampoline bounce house, with her sorority and another fraternity. So, being our wild and crazy self’s, we decided to crash the event! I am for sure the cool mom so I need to make sure I keep living up to the title!

 

 I wore a great Comfy jacket, tunic, and pant with a Dana Stein scarf. Lola wore an adorable Dana Stein vest over a Barbra Lesser sweater, a Shawlsmith scarf and a Comfy legging.

 
 
 

When we got to the event, Lauren was very surprised! But she was so excited to see us and to introduce everyone to us that we felt like we were part of the group! Of course, Lola prowled around like the cougar she is with the guys…things will never change with that girl. Can’t blame her though…they were pretty cute!  

 

We are so loved!

While we were there, we ran into some cool moms (while we rested from all the bouncing around...we are getting stiffer by the day…) and had a wonderful conversation about our clothes! It was right up our ally! We told them about Leigh’s and all the fun and very stylish clothes they have in right now…I think we sold them!

 

We had an absolute blast at Sky Zone and cannot wait to take the kids one day! Again, we loved hanging out with Lauren and all of her friends. Although now I am ready to go home, soak in a hot bath, and drink a glass of wine while my stiff body relaxes after that great workout!

Let's Go Exsplore!

As you all know, we love Leigh’s! We cannot get enough of the store and their amazing team. So, we decided to take a little trip over to the store to hang out with some of our friends at Leigh’s. When we arrived we bumped into Patrick the creative director for the store. Just a couple weeks ago Leigh’s hosted the Couture for a Cure fashion show. The event is absolutely wonderful and we enjoy going every year! Lola has some idea in her head that she wants to be in next years show…girl, keep eating your salads and cut down on your wine consumption if that’s your “dream.”

I must say, I am looking quite sophisticated!

Rock those maroon pants Lola! 

We wanted to look casual but still stylish! Lola wore a Vince sweater and cardigan with maroon Not Your Daughter Jeans along with a statement piece to, of course, add some bling! I went with a more sophisticated look with a Foxcroft green and white button down with a Belford sweater for overtop the shirt. For pants, I joined copied Lola and wore my dark wash Not Your Daughter Jeans. To top everything off I took my Vivante scarf and created a little afghan! 

 

Don't we look superb! 

While talking to Patrick, he asked if we wanted to go up into the warehouse to check out some of his ideas for the store and just hang out for a bit. We, of course were up to it! While up in his creative space, we ran into a few of our long time friends! Sarah and Paul were looking great as always but I swear they thought they were on a nude beach. (I told Lola to try to get Paul to ask her on a date but she is so stubborn sometimes! She thinks he is too old…whatever. I think he is hot, single, and ready to mingle!)

Sarah is back there striking a pose! 

 We had the chance to try on some fun back stock from the past seasons. Patrick’s office is so much fun! We loved the time chit chatting with him and getting to talk fashion with such a fashionable guy!

My hat didn't quite fit...

Lola built up the courage to ask Patrick if she could be in the Couture for a Cure fashion show next year and he said that he would LOVE to have her! He took some measurements for future reference and told her that they would let her know information when the time comes. I have to give it to the girl, she knows how to work a look! I’m excited to possibly cheer my best friend on in the next show!

 

Patrick showing us some pieces in the last issue of Vogue he loves! 

We had such a fabulous afternoon with Patrick and a few old friends. I think I am going to message Paul on Facebook and give him Lola’s number…hard times call for drastic measures. I need to get this girl a husband!

Golf Outing

The other day, Eloise and I decided to once again visit our friends at Leigh’s. While we were there, we ran into their intern Lauren who told us about this charity golf outing her sorority, Sigma Kappa, was hosting. We learned that she is in the same sorority as Megan (One of the previous interns who we of course adore!).  We attended one of their events a couple of years ago and had a blast! Needless to say we accepted Lauren’s offer and I was secretly hoping to meet some hunky guy golfers in conjunction with attending a fabulous event!

 

Since we were already hanging out with Lauren in the store, she selected some darling outfits for us to wear to the golf outing. We had it in our minds we would have to be all dressed up in plaid (thinking of Caddy Shack) and knickers, but Lauren had a more updated look in mind. She choose for Eloise a comfy Rachel Zoe sweater and popped it with a rockin’ red Magaschoni cashmere scarf and then paired them with a black French Connection contemporary pant. Then for me, she picked a black Rachel Zoe pant with leather accents and a Central Park West sweater with a Barbara Lesser vest. I think we need to hire her as our professional stylist and have her dress us every day…makes our lives so much easier!
 

 

Unfortunately, the weather was not the nicest on Sunday. Since it was so rainy, we hung out and chit chatted with the lovely girls at the check-in table and in the club house and flirted with as many single guys as I could bump into. Lauren was so busy driving the beverage cart we hardly saw her, but when she came in, she was soaking wet! Fortunately, we had declined her offer to assist because Eloise and I worked out the other day and we were feeling a little stiff….and we saw the forecast!  She was so funny telling us all the goofy things people were doing on the golf course. Even though it is a more serious sport, because of the rain, it seemed that most of the participants were just trying to have fun with it! One of the guys wore bright green plaid pants and a bright pink polo… not my favorite ensemble, but darn was he hot! I think I could get past his bad dressing. 

 

Anyways, we had a blast, once again, at one of the Sigma Kappa’s fundraising events. It always feels great to give back and have a wonderful time doing so. We can’t wait for the next event we can attend!

 

 

It's Trend Party Time!

We have been hearing such great things about the Trend parties Leigh’s has been hosting every Thursday this September, so Eloise and I decided to go check it out! We need a little retail therapy and Leigh’s is just the place to go. This week hosted the latest shoe trends for the season and of course as shoes are a girl’s best friend, we thought this would be a good Thursday to attend!

       We are in desperate need of some new shoes!  

 We had to show up stylish as always to Leigh’s because there really is no other way. I went for a more sassy flare as I wore some of my favorite Rachel Zoe pieces from her fall collection. Eloise went a little simpler with her outfit, but added a nice pop with her Love Zoey Blazer.

                      Eloise looking so sophisticated                 Me, looking great...as always :]


All the boots we saw there for this season were to die for! I was in love with some edgy UGG leather boots. Eloise couldn’t resist the Bed Stu boots and ended up buying two styles! Naturally, we couldn’t just keep our focus on just the shoes, so we ventured out into the store to take a look at some great close that just came in for the fall season. We checked out some DL 1961 jeans and, of course, fell in love with a few washes and had to take a couple pairs home.

As always, it was a great little shopping spree at Leigh’s and we can’t wait for more events this year to go check out!

Our Birthday Month!

Like most best friends, Eloise and I had an instant bond. In fact, one of the first things we ever bonded over was the fact that our birthdays were merely two days apart! Can you believe that?! My birthday happens to fall on the thirteenth, while Eloise's is on the fifteenth! So naturally, ever since we met we decided that the month of August would be our birthday month, which would be filled with much pampering and even more best friend bonding. Each year we share a birthday party together, and contrary to our love for all things extravagant, we usually have a small get together at one or another's house where we drink a good glass of red wine and reminisce about the ghost of birthdays past. This year, however, word got out to our Leigh's family after a wonderful day of shopping, and the Leigh's intern and our great friend Casey thought that she would throw us a surprise party! She told us to put on our party pants and to get our butts over to her house, so unknowingly, off we went to a night filled with great friends and great fun!

Unlike Lola, I am a little bit more skeptical about people not telling me exactly where I'm going and why. So with a good pep talk from Lola, I put on my 7 For All Mankind kaki jeans (aka my party pants) paired with the most perfect Love Zoey dress, and a My Tribe coat to combat this chilly summer weather. I also decided to dress it up with some gorgeous Thela gold earrings. Lola, being as over the top as ever, she wore a stunning black and tan lace Nanette Lepore dress. She took after me and decided to pair it with a black My Tribe jacket and a pair of black and gold earrings by Thela. Like always, Leigh's always has the perfect thing to wear, no matter the occasion!

When we first arrived we walked into the most beautifully decorated sunroom complete with cupcakes and even a Shark Week inspired cake! We couldn't believe it, it was such a wonderful surprise! Casey really wanted an outdoor party but the weather just wouldn't allow it! But you know us, we still had a ball! She worked hard to personalize every aspect of our birthday extravaganza. From the bow party hats that matched our outfits, to the wine glasses that had our names on them! She even had some beautiful birthday presents from Leigh's waiting for the both of us. I swear that before we were even able to sit down Lola was begging to cut into the blue Coldstone Creamery cake, while I was dying to get my hands on some of the beautiful and delicious cupcakes that Casey had picked up from a local bakery called Sarah's Sweets!

Our cake is adorned with a lovely candle that says "Its all about me!"

Before we could dig in, Casey wanted us to open our gifts! She got me a pair of the most stunning Thela earrings, I instantly had to try them on! They were so perfect, she knows me so well! As for Eloise, Casey decided that a beautiful and practical cuff bracelet by Zenzii would be perfect, and indeed it was! Eloise loved it! I could just see it on her face.

 

 

After gift opening, it was time to dig into the cake and cupcakes, and let me tell you, that Sarah knows how to make a good cupcake! Casey put some beautiful gold candles into each of our cupcakes and sang us a very interesting rendition of Happy Birthday (she shouldn't quit her day job, that's for sure.) Even though she might not be the next Celine Dion, Eloise and I both had a wonderful time at the party, and are incredibly thankful for all of the wonderful people at Leigh's who always provide us with beautiful clothing and even more beautiful memories. Without them our lives would be nothing short of black and white, so thank you to all of those who are always on our sides giving us love and the best fashion advice I've personally ever experienced.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,
Lola & Eloise

Like always, all of our wonderful clothes and accessories are from Leigh's.
Visit us at 1942 Breton Rd SE  Grand Rapids, MI 49506.
And of course, don't forget to like us on Facebook!

Grand Rapids Ballet Company, Spring Gala

Lola and I were so excited to attend the Grand Rapids Ballet Spring Gala, An Evening in Verona. And was it ever an evening in Verona! The minute we arrived on the red carpet I felt like I had landed in Italy. This gala was the Grand Rapids Ballet’s annual fundraiser and we were honored to support such a fabulous company. It was an incredible evening of mingling, dinner, performance, and dancing!

Eloise's Kay Unger gown

When I saw that the gala was set to a Verona theme I immediately knew Leigh’s would have the perfect gown for the evening. So Lola and I headed to Leigh’s where we found marvelous Kay Unger dresses. Since this was a special evening, and I knew I had a few spring and summer weddings around the corner, I found an eye-catching statement necklace that would not only match beautifully with my dress, but also would compliment other pieces in my closet. My dress was a wonderful Kay Unger pink-multi colored gown; it matched the coral Verona theme wonderfully!

Lola's Kay Unger gown

Lola also wore a Kay Unger gown that matched the tablecloths perfectly! Of course she wasn’t really fazed by that because she only noticed the open bar and assortment of men in lovely black tie tuxedo's. Lola had a good time talking to the ballerinas that were mingling with us for a majority of the night, they were so sweet! Made me miss my kids at home.

Dancers at the Grand Rapids School of Ballet

After mingling we saw a special performance that showcased excerpts of the Company’s highly acclaimed, commissioned work, “Romeo & Juliet.” It was amazing to see the girls dance! After the performance we joined the dancers in the beautifully decorated studios for an authentic Italian dinner catered by Amore Trattoria Italiana.

Beautiful decorations that made us feel like we had entered Verona!

 

Following the wonderful meal, Lola and I enjoyed the rest of the evening with dancing and some desserts, although we were careful not to ruin our gowns! Of course, Lola enjoyed the cocktails while she did her best to dance the night away. Her ballerina skills really started to shine through as the night went on.

Our friend, Kim Waltman was dressed in Leigh's from head to toe! Love the Magaschoni wrap.

Laura Mercier Event

I don't know about you, but this cold weather is not my skin's best friend. The cold, dry air and the strong wind do not do much good for my sensitive skin and I know Lola is does not appreciate the snow and cold either. It was pretty cold outside so I wore my favorite sweater dress by Diane von Furstenberg which is a perfect color to brighten up winter, some comfy leggings by Helios & Luna, clinched the waist of my sweater with a black Ralph Lauren belt, added a little touch with a fab What's-in-Store collar necklace, and stayed warm in my Tracy Reese black and white coat!

 Lola and I were super excited for the Laura Mercier event at Leigh's on Friday, so excited that I took a spill down the stairs on my way out of the house and hit my head!



Just a little bonk to the head, nothing some makeup can't fix!

After I got myself together, Lola and I headed over to Leigh's. When we first walked in I got a little distracted by all of the sale items out so I did some browsing while Lola headed over for her hand dip. When I walked over to get my make-up done by the lovely Leigh's make-up, Lola looked like she was going to fall asleep from how relaxing the parrafin hand dip was!

Tammi enjoying the relaxing hand dip with Eloise

Later we got our makeup done by the amazing ladies at Leigh's and got some new products to help us have flawless skin these next few months. Laura Mercier has some amazing products that transforms skin to be healthy, glowing, and flawless.

 

 

Carol even was able to do some work out my head wound, guess I won't have to hide myself until it heals! The make-up artists were busy treating ladies to the Laura Mercier products all afternoon and there were some fabulous, flawless faces all throughout the store. 

 

Lola was wearing some bold Elie Tahari pink skinny jeans, a creative Clover Canyon designed shirt, with a leather vest from My Tribe for a little bit of warmth because she left her coat at home, and she was wearing a super cute Fabiana Filippi statement necklace to add a little bit of Lola flair per usual.

 

While relaxing a little bit before we got back to shopping around Leigh's, we ran into some of our friends. Fortunately this time I didn't literally run into anything. Our favorite, Rebecca, was out of town picking out some new goodies for the store we didn't get to see her, but we did find Lesley and the new intern Abi!

Lesley gossiping with us, always lots of laughs with her.



New girl, Abi!

While we were gossiping at the store we found out about a few events going on in the area for the next few weeks, sounds like we are going to be busy with our new friends Kelly and Abi! Keep your eye open for where we'll be next.