What are your plans this weekend? Memorial Day weekend is one of my favorites, not because we are traveling to some amazing destination, but because its one of those weekends that you just get so much done! Strategically, I plan a party starting late afternoon on Memorial Day. This is a self-induced deadline for all the patio furniture being out, flowers planted, spring cleaning completed, etc, etc. Plus, it’s a family affair – all hands on deck kinda deal. Don’t you just love when you can get so much done in such a small window of time? The other component to this is your family will only work so long before they say uncle….so you do need to have some incentive activities built into the calendar! I emailed my parents and reserved Sunday afternoon out at the beach with them for a fun-filled day. It’s suppose to be 90 degrees and brimming with sunshine! I would be remiss if I didn’t plan attire for that sunshine and warm weather. Hey, you’ve got to capitalize on opportunities (regardless of how small the occasion) for new fashion! Patrick must have read my mind because when I walked out into the store this morning there was this fabulous display that he had put together to meet my every need for a day at the beach! Starting with footwear! I am anticipating hot sand and our new shipment of colorful flip-flops from Havaianas is the perfect protection for not burning my toes! And, who doesn’t need a great new hat ( those harmful rays need to be blocked AND, more importantly, for stylish beach going) . My mind is racing; how will I carry my Natura Bisse’ sunscreen and Nook down to the beach? Why, with an adorable new beach tote! Just look at the pic I posted….aren’t they darling! And, a day at the beach would not be complete without grilling up a great dinner, so I need to have something cool and casual…..WALLAH….we’ve got that covered too with DL1961 denim shorts and Michael Stars striped tees. Well, that was like pushing the “easy button”! I’m all set for my day at the beach! Now, what will I wear for our party?!
Flip-Flops & Beach Totes! May 24, 2012
The WOW Dress May 7, 2012
What is a WOW dress? This is a term I have developed on my own. My definition – it identifies an after 5 dress that is over-the-top amazing, that is special, you feel fantastic when you wear it and, more than likely, it will garner you an abundance of compliments at a social gathering! I personally love to order WOW dresses from the trunk shows we have at Leigh’s. You get to see the designers whole collection and then pick your favorite, order it in your size and then next season when it arrives…it’s like Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas, Happy 4th of July all wrapped up in one…. a stunning cocktail dress or gown that takes your breath away, that you (and only you) have in your closet for the next great event here in West Michigan (Note: We never sell a trunk show gown or cocktail dress twice. Once you order it, it’s exclusively yours!) Last fall, I had been at a gala and I was wearing an amazing Pamella Roland gown. My friend, Meg Willit, complimented me on my gown and said, “I want a dress like that.” Well, Meg, your wish is my command! I invited her in for a Peggy Jennings trunk show and, of course, she fell in love with an incredible gown that was absolutely breath-taking! Last weekend we were at the Make-A-Wish Gala which Meg had chaired and she wore her very special gown. She looked stunning and I had to have our picture taken so I could share with you: I’m wearing Douglas Hannant and Meg has on Peggy Jennings. I just love both of these dresses and Meg, WOW, you look FABULOUS and that is indeed a “WOW” dress!!!
Pic: Rebecca Wierda and Meg Willit
Freshman Golf Mom Fashion Tips April 26, 2012
Have you ever had one of those days when uninitially your fashion combination didn’t come together? Yesterday was my day. My son Spencer has made his high school varsity golf team this year as a freshman (I am very proud of him!). The key to that sentence is “freshman”….which means I am a “freshman” mom this golf season. I am well versed in watching my kids play golf on the Meijer and Adams Junior Golf Tour during the summer months, however, I am very inexperienced in being a spectator during spring golf (which is when high school boys golf teams play). I know you’re saying, “Watching golf is watching golf, Rebecca. What is the difference?” The difference is temperature! In the summer, it’s warm and sunny and I can wear a cute Lilly Pulitzer skirt with a Michael Stars t-shirt, baseball cap, some flip flops and oh, don’t forget a great pair of sunglasses and the sunscreen. Yesterday, when I left for the golf match it was 64 degrees and partly sunny. My attire for the day was a fun pair of striped pants with a white blouse that could go from work to the golf course – perfect! I get to the golf course and I decide I better change into my running shoes and put on my ankle brace (given that I am still nursing a sprained ankle and that I would be doing a lot of walking). Now, I know that I do have a bit of a fashion faux pas going on with the blue striped pants and the pink and orange Asics running shoes along with my visible ankle splint. But, at least its explainable and I’m on my way to enjoying watching my son play golf. However, the weather decided not to cooperate and after the 3rd hole the wind picked up, the temperature plummeted and it began to rain. Brrrrr!!! Reminder, I am a “freshman” mom and although I do have a jacket and an umbrella in the car, they have not been selected with care and don’t necessarily coordinate with my striped pants. So I add to the current ensemble a fabulous RED Valentino spring jacket (like the one shown in the picture above), but in olive-green with black trim and an ever so cute, very colorful, floral umbrella; both great pieces on their own, but now paired back to my blue striped pants, pink/orange running shoes and ankle splint – well, you can guess – it’s a FASHION DISASTER! Even Spencer took a moment from his round to ask me, ”Hey Mom, what’s up with your gear?” Given my profession and that a 15-year-old boy would notice, it was all the more humbling. But, I have learned my lesson! I have vowed for the rest of the spring golf season to only stock my car with extra layers and umbrellas that are neutral in color that can easily coordinate with my chosen attire for the day, thus heading off future fashion calamities. So fashion police put your cameras away, this “freshman” mom will be stylishly watching the golf rounds for the rest of the season!
When Do You Develop Personal Style? June 16, 2011
Personal style. Did you ever wonder when you started developing your own style? I wanted to share a cute story about my 12-year-old daughter, Gabrielle. She plays in the Meijer Junior Golf Tour during the summer (and as a proud mother, I must say, she’s a darn good little golfer). Prior to the season starting, she had a conversation with me to outline what her look would be this season. What her look would be???? You’re 12 – you need a “look”??? Yes, she informed me, this was a must have for her golf career. She had it all figured out. She would be wearing a white skirt, white golf shirt, white golf shoes and a colored golf hat in which she wanted to have a flower placed on it. This would be her signature look. Of course, she needed my assistance (aka – credit card and chauffeur ability). First stop: Hat acquistions…..purple, pink, red, yellow and white. Second stop: Hobby Lobby for matching flowers. Next, home craft project: glue gun (the miracle be all end all crafting tool) and proper placement of flower. Ok, when she got ready for her first golf tournament, I had to admit….adorable! She had a vision and put it together! She felt great and I thought she looked great. But then, at the tournament as she waited for her tee time, another girl golfer approached her and said, “I hate flowers.” Can you believe she said that? I was worried, would this be the end of her signature look? Would she succumb to peer pressure?? I would have to wait until the next tournament. Tuesday was the day….and I am happy to report….she stayed true to her fashion statement! Here she is sporting her red hat with matching red flower….and it even matches her second place finish flag – how’s that for mindful accessorizing!
I think personal style is a reflection of who you are and how you express yourself. Not everyone may like it and some may question it, but ultimately, you need to feel good about it! I know Gabrielle felt confident in her fashion choices and I like her style! So, yes, personal style does start at a young age and evolves as we move through life. Thank you for letting Leigh’s have the pleasure of assisting you with your individual style!
Spring Break Suitcase Contents ’11 March 28, 2011
OK, can you keep a secret? I know I’m sharing this on the blog, so it is publicly accessible, but I’m alluding to….Do NOT send this link to my husband…what happens at Leigh’s stays at Leigh’s – including my shopping habits! Now that I know you will use discretion when you see Scott (just as I do when I see your husband), let’s talk about what I’m taking with me to Florida this week!!! Pictured are my picks! I just love dresses (as you can see, there are 3 of them in this picture)! I’ve said it before, but a dress is just so easy. It’s an outfit all in one. The three I have secured are from 3.1 Phillip Lim (ivory), Trina Turk (yellow and white stripe) and Lilly Pulitzer (I saw this on one of our customers and it was so cute….I had to have it! You know who you are and I promise not to wear it anytime I know I might see you.) Then I needed some shorts and tops (It’s 80+ degrees in Florida! Can I leave tomorrow??!). The cute taupe shorts (golf course approved length) are from Vince with the fun top from Erge. The white shorts are from Bella Dahl and the easy blue tee is from Majestic. All this color makes me so excited for spring break! Now I leave you with the question, “What’s in your suitcase?”
Back From LA Market! March 17, 2011
Did I tell you we were going to the LA market? I’m sorry, I think I forgot to mention it in my blogging or on Facebook. But….WE WENT TO THE LA MARKET!!! Loved it!! We have not traveled there before, but decided it was time to take a look at a new venue. Deb Clark and I scoured the showrooms to find unique apparel and jewelry from LA designers….and success….so many great things! I am beaming! Deb is pictured showing these great tops from an artist in LA who hand dyes each garment and uses the most amazing lace and eyelet – each piece is unique and special! Yes, we ordered some for you! Also, one of the showroom owners suggested we go to Manhattan Beach and check out all the little boutiques there and see what they are offering. We had conversations with several of the owners. It was fun to see some of the same brands we carry and get imput on other resources they would recommend. We call this “research” – so thanks to all the boutique owners that assisted us in our studies. Finally, our day would not have been complete without walking down to the pier to see the Pacific Ocean (Pic 2). Absolutely breathtaking. Did you know Manhattan Beach is known for its beach volleyball and the grand daddy of beach volleyball tournaments? See all those things sticking up from the sand….those are the frame work for the volleyball nets. I would have never known! Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t give you a restaurant recommendation for Manhattan Beach – Rock’N Fish www.rocknfishmb.com. Deb and I split two entrees, mahi mahi tacos and blackened halibut. I am just salivating thinking about it – total yum! You know fashion is always my favorite, but food is right up there too! I am so happy we took the journey out West. I think you will love what we found….because, as always, we want to bring the very best fashion to you right here in West Michigan!
What’s In My Suitcase March 31, 2010
I can hardly wait! Tomorrow starts my kids’ spring break and we are off to sunny Florida! But, as you all know, before you can hop on the plane…you must pack the suitcase. And…before you can pack the suitcase, you must think through what you will need while on vacation. Well, being at Leigh’s everyday does narrow down the need to ponder, “What will I wear?”. A wonderful perk is that I can walk out of my office and be surronded by things I would love to have in my suitcase!! (My husband does not always embrace this ease of shopping that I have!) So, after a brisk run through the store this morning, I now am ready to go to Florida! And, of course, as any good blogger would do, I am sharing with you my picks! I just love these shorts from Lilly Pulitzer and Trina Turk paired back to t-shirts from Michael Stars, Lilly and Malene Birger. Check out the oh so cute dresses from Sachin + Babi and See by Chloe! And I did remember to pick up a few new cosmetic items from Fresh, Trish & Laura with SPF in them to keep me safe from those strong rays of sunshine! I am all set! Have a great spring break everyone!
Be Your Best Article March 9, 2010
The Grand Rapids Press invited me to be part of their “Ask the experts” for this past Sunday’s edition of Be Your Best (an insert in the paper). Guess what the question was??? It is one that women have pondered since the beginning of time! And the question is….drum roll please…. ”I have a whole closet full of clothes, yet I have nothing to wear. Why do I have this problem?” You love it, don’t you!! I posted the article above so you can read my “expert” advise!
It’s Freezing Outside! January 29, 2010
How cold can you go? I’m driving to work today and the temperature reading is a whopping 14 degrees. “Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr,” is all I can say. I grew up in Northern Minnesota and at 18 I moved South….to Michigan. Days like these make me think I should have kept going! But, I remind myself, I have to look at the positive…the glass half full kinda thing. If we didn’t have these nice cold winters, we couldn’t have our fabulous winter fashion that we have come to adore. I love my Cole Haan puffy coat, Australia Luxe Collective boots, cute Echo gloves with a bow on the wrist…and I can’t forget my super cool suede Kooba handbag. Those Southern belles with their year round capris can only dream of our winter fashion! So bring on the cold – get your great coats & boots out – it’s time to enjoy this weather….fashionably!
ArtPrize – What a Success! October 9, 2009
Pic 1: Leigh’s customers, Julie DeLanoy & Madelon Hassberger Pic 2: ArtPrize afterglow party Pic 3: Rebecca & Scott Wierda
Last night was the big announcement everyone had been waiting for….who would win ArtPrize. Kudos to Ran Ortner’s Open Water No. 24 – our first ArtPrize winner! I personally loved all of the top 10. What a wonderful conversation for Grand Rapids!! My husband and I were downtown last night for the announcement and the afterglow party which was sassy chic attire. Everyone stepped it up and there was lots of fun fashion to see…I’m proud to say that I saw so many great looks that came from Leigh’s!!
