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!

To the Peir We Go!

Seeing as fall is right around the corner, Lola and I decided we should get to the Grand Haven beach one more time before the weather gets too chilly. With not a cloud in the sky, it was a beautiful day to take a nice stroll on the pier. Seeing as it was not too cold yet, I decided to break out my light and very comfortable 360 Cashmere cardigan and paired it with my amazing J Brand denim. I kept it quite casual with a Michael Stars top under the cardigan, but of course had to add a Marlyn Schniff necklace as my accessory to give my outfit a little spunk. As usual, Lola looked a little more “blinged” out for the beach but looked fantastic if I do say so myself. She brought out some of the great fall trends with her W118 by Walter Baker top, Trina Turk leather skirt, and Lordane necklace…if that’s not bling I don’t know what is!

 

We couldn't have asked for a prettier day! Although, thank goodness for

for our new fall sweaters because it got a little windy! 

 

Once we continued our stroll, we started to get a little hungry. I was in the mood for a nice Michigan salad, but Lola convinced me we had to get something a little more Grand Haven original. So, even though I was looking out for my girly figure, Lola persuaded me to go to Pronto Pup corndog stand! I want to say I regret the calories, but I do not! It was a must-have for being at the beach!

To our surprise, we bumped into Leigh’s intern Lauren and her date! We were a little nervous to go up and interrupt her, but she was thrilled to see us and introduced us to PJ (Lola of course couldn't keep her eyes off of PJ and kept whispering to me what a hottie he was....I told her she sounds like a cougar...geez he's 10 years younger Lola...find someone your own age). They just grabbed a pup themselves which was their first ones ever…she is going to be hooked after that one, let me tell you, they can be quite addicting.

 

 

It was so fun to be able to sit down and have a nice conversation at the pier with Lauren and get to know her a little better since we will be seeing her at Leigh’s (…often by how much we love to shop there)! Sadly, we had to let her get back to her date and I had to get home to take the kiddies to soccer practice. Overall, I had such a splendid afternoon walking around the Grand Haven pier gossiping and chit chatting about nothing with my best friend Lola! I’m sad to see this nice weather go, but then again I am pretty excited to switch out my sandals for a nice, new pair of Stuart Weitzman boots!

 

 

A Little More Wine than Canvas!

After taking a bit of a break from events, Eloise and I decided we needed a good old fashioned girls night out! As you all may know we're quite the adventurous duo, so we wanted to try something we hadn't done before. After briefly searching the web for events, we found Wine and Canvas! Anything has to be good if it has wine in the name, am I right? So we signed up and began choosing our outfits! I decided to go with a red and green Trina Turk top and a pair of hot pink J Brand jeans! So fab, am I right?! Lets not forget my beautiful Save the Queen necklace or Lordane bangles! Eloise decided to go with a Trina Turk top and matching J Brand jeans as well! So perfect! She paired the outfit with a Lordane necklace and Dimitradia bracelet. All of these pieces from our favorite store, of course! Leigh's!

While walking in I have to admit, I was pretty nervous, this is nothing like the finger panting I'm used to at home! However, Lola convinced me that I will do just fine. Of course as you may know, fashionably early is the new fashionably late, so we were the first ones there. As everyone shuffled in and the wine was served my nerves floated away, and before I knew it, it was time to start putting paint on that canvas! Luckily aprons were provided so I didn't have to run the risk of getting anything on my beautiful Trina Turk top, or J Brand Jeans!

Looks like we landed in Italy!

I had a right to be nervous! Look at this beautiful thing!

We began painting the background to our African Sunset and we quickly realized just how Zen painting could be! After a few drinks everyone seemed to loosen up and enjoy themselves. Everyone even started to belt out a Journey song together, even though I couldn't hear much over Eloise's off key voice. Just kidding! After completing the background of the painting we got to take a break while we let the paint dry, which meant more drinks, and even an appetizer! And honestly, ever since I stepped into Pietro's and smelled the fresh bread baking, I was pretty hungry. We decided to throw our diets out the window and order fried mozzarella, and to be honest I only have three words to describe it, TO DIE FOR! In fact, just thinking about it makes me want to hop in the car to scarf some down right now. Luckily my figure doesn't seem to grow or shrink much, it pretty much just stays the same no matter what I do, pretty lucky, huh?

After basically inhaling those fried mozzarellas it was time to get back to work! It was time to paint the tree. Step by step, the instructor worked us through the proportions. She did the measurements by fingers, so in some places it would be three fingers, and in others it would be two, although Lola and I stuck to four fingers when it came to measurements, because we have pretty stiff hands. In fact, I'm surprised we were even able to use those paint brushes! Either way, with the help of the instructor and the support of the new friends we met around us, we were able to make some pretty awesome paintings, if I do say so myself.

Our masterpieces!

Everyone rocked it out!

Us with the final product! Not too shabby, eh? The red in the painting goes perfect with my outfit! And the blue perfectly complement Eloise's Trina Turk top!
All of our beautiful clothes from Leigh's in Breton Village! http://www.leighsfashions.com/
If you want to take a painting class or just have a girls night out sign up with Wine and Canvas on their website at http://www.wineandcanvas.com/
And don't forget about that fried mozzarella! Try it for yourself at Pietro's!  http://www.rcfc.com/pietros/

Ready for the Weekend

 

I know, I know...It's only Tuesday! But that doesn't mean that a girl can't start wishing (and preparing) for the weekend. Lola and I had to head over to Leighs today on our lunch break to hunt down the perfect outfit for Lola's date this weekend (And some new hanky pankies!! Shhhh!) We of course were able to find the perfect outfit, and Lola even treated herself to new Laura Mercier products. Check out the sexy cat eye look she is planning to re-create below.

Lola is always so daring! We just love this makeup look.





 



While looking around for the perfect Tory Burch handbag to pair with Lola's awesome pair of J Brand Jeans and Trina Turk Top, we bumped into yet another intern! We, of course, just had to introduce ourselves. We found out that the second intern at Leighs is Kelly, who is a student at Grand Valley State University. We also found out that she is a Cheerleader there. Maybe she will teach Lola and I a few moves? Let's hope we don't break a leg in the process...Although, if it did end up happening, it would be a perfect excuse for me to get that plastic surgery I have been talking about. Lola would kill me though!

 

We ended up chatting with Kelly for a bit before picking out a fabulous handbag for Lola's date. Kelly invited Lola and I out to lunch with her, and we ended up calling Abi to join us. We all went out to Grove Restaurant (Which has vegetarian options, just for Kelly) and had a fantastic time. We talked about past relationships, Abi and Kelly's future plans, and of course, about Leighs. Kelly is planning on pursuing a degree in the public relations industry, just like Samantha from Sex in the City!

 

From there we ended up discussing how our lunch date reminded us of all the ladies from Sex in the City. Talking about Carrie's amazing style made us hungry for more shopping at Leighs!

 



 

(How we wish we could be just like them!)

 

All four of us returned back to Leighs. Kelly and Abi had to get back to work but Lola and I ended up (of course) shopping around and purchasing a few other goodies. We can't stand the great sale deals at Leighs and all the new spring fashions that are coming in. Before we left, Kelly and Abi rushed out to give Lola a big hug before she goes on her date with "Mystery Man" this weekend. We are all keeping our fingers crossed that she will find true love!

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!

Bengtson Center Spring Skin Care Event

This past Thursday Lola invited me to join her at the Be A Glow Getter! Spring Skin Care Event at The Bengtson Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery.  The annual event is a fun opportunity to socialize as well as check out the newest products and procedures available for achieving rejuvenated springtime skin.  We will be stepping out a lot this Spring and we want to be sure to put our best faces forward!

The Bengtson Center, which specializes in cosmetic surgery as well as skin care treatments, boasts beautiful and state-of-the-art facilities.  It recently relocated to the new Grand Rapids Women's Health Center on the Medical Mile and is apparently the place to be!  Everyone came out to see The Bengtson Center's top vendors show off their most popular products and services and take advantage of special pricing.

Lola (Right) and I photographed by Andidream Photography

We both had on pieces from our most recent Leigh's shopping spree.  I layered an Elie Tahari jacket over an orange Skinny Tees cami and completed the outfit with Vince pants and Donald Pliner cork wedges.  Lola had on a Trina Turk top and skirt, strappy Michael Kors sandals, and a Brighton necklace.

Some of my favorite vendors at the Be a Glow Getter! Event included Elina Organic Skin Care (which is made in Michigan!), Design 1 Salon Spa (whose fashion show we attended in December), and Aura cosmetics.  Our wine samples were provided by my favorite local wine shop- Martha's Vineyard- and gourmet pizzas and desserts were catered by Nantucket Baking Company. As if I wasn't already thoroughly impressed with The Bengtson Center, they had decided to use the event as an opportunity to give back.  They are partnering with local nonprofits to help local mothers in need.  Everyone was encouraged to donate a pack of diapers so I picked up a couple for Lola and I to bring.  I am a mother of two myself and think this is a great cause to support!  After learning about the latest and greatest solutions available for "getting our glow on" Lola and I determined that we both have similar skin care needs- our fair complexions make it difficult for us to maintain a healthy-looking tan.  We were suggested a self-tanner from Aura Cosmetics to achieve our desired radiant, springtime skin and we are absolutely in love with it.  (Lola had originally been set on a slightly more aggressive Spring skin care regiment of Botox, however after speaking with the representative it was determined that she really had no fine lines or wrinkles to worry about).  We can't wait for our next chance to visit The Bengtson Center!

Grand Rapids Symphony

Meg Willit trying to get Eloise to loosen up.

On the eve of Christmas Eve we were honored to join Meg Willit at the Grand Rapids Symphony to see Cirque de Noel and celebrate her birthday in style alongside the dashing Patrick Plank and the ever lovely Rebecca Wierda.

Years ago [see: in my more limber youth] I was a dance enthusiast dabbling in burlesque and later saucy salsa dancing during my first stint in Spain. I wasn't shy to remind our group that I could easily steal the show if I were so inclined.

Of course, a diva doesn't dress herself - a privilege I took to the next level by enlisting Patrick to dress Eloise and I for the evening. [Patrick said I was a little stiff...but nothing a trip to the bar couldn't fix]. I wore a 3.1 Phillip Lim top and pants with a Peter Nathan vest while Eloise wore a chic Trina Turk top tucked into a Tadashi skirt and 3.1 Phillip Lim belt under a Milly sweater.

[Left]: Lola [Right]: Eloise

Sure, we look amazing, but if it were my big day I would have gone in my original ensemble against Rebecca's advice - my mother's best Christmas sweater-dress finished with velvet cuffs, embroidered reindeer and sequined snowmen. Rebecca warned that not even my best pair of festive red Louboutins could excuse such a sight.

Andola Mathis and daughter Chamberlain Mathis

Waiting for the show to start with Rebecca and Meg

When Tchaikovsky's "Waltz of the Flowers" began, Meg and I took to the aisles for a spontaneous waltz. We had an amazing night! Now I am looking forward to New Year's Eve in Grand Rapids - the only night of the year it is socially acceptable for me to wear head-to-toe sequins...that is, until Eloise and I can hunt down tickets to see Lady Gaga in March.