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
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!
Patrick’s Speaking Engagement March 16, 2012
So I have to brag….Patrick Plank, Leigh’s fabulous and oh so talented Creative/Visual Merchandising Director has been asked to be a guest speaker by Kendall College of Art and Design for their Window on Fashion and Jewelry Design Career Event. Patrick is one of five speakers who also include….Maria Pinto (we hosted trunk shows for this exceptional designer), Brian Weaver VP Creative Services at Kenneth Cole, Elad Barouch Original Product Designer and Alan Lugo Designer and Global Product Development at Wolverine World Wide. The event will be Wednesday, March 21. Congrats Patrick! Click here for more information! Fashion Metals Career Day 2011-2012
The Maxi Dress March 14, 2012
You know how much I love dresses – one article of clothing…one complete look….it’s so easy! Well we need to expand your dress selection… if you haven’t become acquainted with the maxi dress, let me introduce you. Maxi dresses continue to be on trend for this spring and summer. They have followed the vibrant color trend as their shorter counterparts and are vivid and fresh! We have many in store for you from some of your favorites – Three Dots, Vince, Clover Canyon, Elie Tahari, Lilly Pulitzer, Muse, Magaschoni and Michael Stars. This floor-length dress has the ability to suit all shapes and sizes, it’s universally flattering and there’s no need to have perfect legs. Also, please do not make the assumption that you’re too short to wear a maxi….because that is NOT the case! Maxi dresses do not discriminate…they look fabulous on the tall and the petite! Pair the maxi back to great sandals and some fabulous accessories…including rock star sunglasses from Tom Ford, Prada or D&G and you will look like you’ve walked out of a magazine!
Happy Goodbyes! March 5, 2012
Can you feel it? Yes, we are making the turn towards spring….more sunlight, warmer temps and a rainbow of colors for our spring fashion. I just love this display that Patrick created…a paint bucket bursting with beautiful paint color swatches and this fabulous Yigal Azrouel dress. Yes, this dress greets you like a ray of sunshine with its cheerful hue of yellow. But this is one of those dress that looks good coming AND going. Check out the fabulous color block back. You’re smiling aren’t you. Yes, that’s what happened to me when I laid eyes on this dress in Yigal’s showroom in New York. You put this dress on and you can’t wait to get up and leave the room…..so that everyone sees how incredible you look in your wow dress. I call it a “Happy Goodbye”, you can coin your own phrase, but just know, you’re going to be turning heads in this dress!
Fashion Week In New York! February 21, 2012
Pic 1 & 2: Pamella Roland runway show Pic 3: Deb Wurfel, Patrick Plank, Rebecca Wierda after Pamella Roland show. Pic 4: Patrick, Daniel Vosovic, Rebecca and Deb Pic 5: Douglas Hannant runway show Pic 6: Hey Deb, what showroom are you in?? Yes, it’s a teaser. We’ll be sharing what’s on its way for fall….at a later date! Pic 7: Supermodel Lara Stone Pic 8: Rooney Mara – Girl with the Dragon Tatoo Pic 9 & 10: Calvin Klein runway show Pic 11: Patrick at Yigal Azrouel Pic 12 & 13: Rebecca, Deb and Patrick at Havana Alma de Cuba Pic 14: Time Square with Elmo!
Sorry for the hiatus from blogging….our team has had two amazing trips to New York seeking out the best fall fashion(yes, we are looking at fall ’12 fashion already) for you next September. So, today, I just bubbled up from being submerged in follow-up paperwork. As you can tell by the number of pictures, I have had so much to share with you! Let’s get started….First, Pamella Roland runway show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center….ahhhhhhh. Pamella (Grand Rapids native Pamella DeVos) turned out an incredible collection for fall. Inspired by the beautiful Colorado outdoors, she mixed luxurious fabrics and furs for great day looks and, of course, her signature cocktail dresses and gowns – all red carpet worthy. I need one of these in my closet!!!
Next, we met New York Designer Daniel Vosovic….one of the finalist from Project Runway! I’m sure you already know, but in case some don’t….he’s from East Grand Rapids….now living in NYC. This is his fifth season with his own collection. Very refreshing! Then, we were back to Lincoln Center to view Douglas Hannant’s runway presentation. Beautiful as always!
Thursday afternoon we were waiting for Calvin Klein’s runway show and we had some great celebrity sitings….Supermodel Lara Stone….haven’t heard of her?? She’s one of the top 10 models in the world. Patrick was holding a fashion magazine and after she walked by us, we looked at the back cover…..Lara Stone…of course! After Lara…Rooney Mara….you know the lead actress from Girl with the Dragon Tatoo! Yea, saw her! These were just a couple of our brushes with VIPs at Fashion Week….the shows were lined with celebrities.
I have to admit we have a lot of fun when we are in New York….we work really hard, but we do take time for some giggles! Such as Patrick sporting the big furry hat. So, now you can imagine Patrick with hair. I think you’ll agree, we all like Patrick without the fro!
Need a new restaurant to go to when you’re in New York? We have a recommendation. Little tiny Cuban restaurant in Soho called Havana alma de Cuba. Honestly, I’ve never ventured out and had Cuban cuisine before….I have been missing out all of these years!!! What took me so long?? One word, “Yum!” And what an authentic atmosphere. This definitely feels like a local’s favorite.
Finally, I have to share our Elmo adventure in Time Square as we were walking back to our hotel after our last appointment. I see Elmo and insist to Deb and Patrick that we have to get our picture taken with him for the blog. Right? What a great blog photo! Elmo is more than accommodating to pose with us….snap, snap, snap of the camera….then Elmo shows me his little sign….”Pictures with Elmo for tips.” Seriously Elmo, I could have taken a picture of us in Time Square without my Sesame Street friend! And….Patrick is going to make me tell you….I only had a $10 bill….so Elmo was very happy. He even giggled like the Tickle Me Elmo that my kids had when they were little. My recommendation for Time Square photos….stay away from the characters!
Whew….I think I typed that all in one breath. Thanks for reading! So, that was a lot on fall….but, let’s live in the moment….we are brimming with amazing spring fashion in store for you right now. Can’t wait for you to come in and see!
What To Wear To The Hockey Games November 1, 2011
Both of my sons play hockey. Much of my fall and winter fashion revolves around, “What will I wear to the ice rink?” Can you relate? Are your kids involved in activities? You have to think about this kind of thing if you’re a mom. Here is what runs through my mind: a. It’s freezing in the ice rinks. Staying warm is #1 on my priority list. b. I want to have cute things to wear other than wearing the same coat over and over to the 55+ games that each of my boys play September – March. c. Someone has to take on the role of raising the bar on fashion in ice rinks across Michigan….why not me? (My husband might say that I have taken this calling much too seriously!) Today, I walked out in the store and spied this fabulous Tracy Reese sweater that just arrived at our store. Love the winter white (it comes in red, too), the texture, the patent closures nicely round out the look for this sweater. It’s paired back to Vince leggings (my favorite legging in the world) and some great boots from Stuart Weitzman. Now envision me walking into an ice rink with this look on…yes, I’m imaging right now as I type….a. It meets the warm factor (especially if I splurge for the fab fur hat). b. It has the cute factor….and let’s add chic to that….but still looks mom’ish….not like I’m trying too hard. c. It could assist in raising the bar. Other hockey moms might think, “Hmmm….I like the idea of a sweater versus my same old puffy coat I’ve worn for the last 4 seasons.” No, I’m not making fun of anyone…except myself….I have that puffy coat that I’ve worn for the last 4 seasons that I can’t seem to shake. (Literally….I gave it away and they brought it back to me. How does that happen?? This is a whole other blog post.) The net, net is I found a great new hockey outfit and I am very excited to sport it at Hogan’s hockey game on Friday night. I’m sure we have the perfect sporting event attire for you too….and you are sure to look fashionable!!
Shoes, Shoes, Shoes!!! September 29, 2011
I love shoes. (Pictured are some of my favorites this season that we have at Leigh’s from Stuart Weitzman, Hoss, Sam Edelman, Danni Black & Tory Burch.) I am what many might consider a shoeaholic. In our mudroom at home, I have a drawer of shoes…ok maybe 3. Yesterday, I was getting ready to take my 15-year-old son to school and I opened my drawer just as my husband was coming around the corner and with no ill-intent, my son blurts out, “Holy cow Mom, you have way too many shoes!” Which then triggered a chain-like reaction with my husband, “Rebecca, seriously look at all those shoes. I don’t think you need another pair for the next 5 years.” This is when I started to perspire. No shoes for 5 years – I’d rather starve to death…ok, maybe just give up wine. I quickly shut my drawer, hurried my son into the car and then my loving and gentle lecture started. “Spencer, we have to talk. I have something very important to share with you….. A woman can never have enough shoes. There’s no such thing as too many shoes. This is a life lesson that you need to learn now and it will serve you well for the rest of your life. Never, ever, EVER tell your girlfriend/wife that she has too many shoes. This can put you on rocky footing with you best gal. Embrace her love of shoes! You will get HUGE brownie points! And, as for me….I only buy quality shoes that last several years….thus the accumulation you saw today.” He seemed to listen. He seemed to understand. He nodded in affirmation. All you moms out there, we need to clarify these types of things for our sons. It’s a very important role we play in paving the way for the next generation of shoe loving women!
Mother Of The Bride Trunk Show January 13, 2011
I am so excited about the Mother of the Bride trunk show we are having today through Saturday. We have the most amazing selection of elegant gowns, dresses and separates that have been sent in from Marisa Baratelli, Frascara, Theia, Aiden Mattox, Model Novia & David Meister especially for this event. If you are looking for that perfect dress for the wedding or other social occasion, you need to stop by and see us! We have styles that are for immediate purchase, as well as, special order availability. Please allow up to 6 weeks for special orders. Sizes 2 -22.
Leigh’s Patrick Plank Is A Guest Blogger @ www.rapidgrowthmedia.com December 17, 2010
RapidBlog: My Locally Sourced Fashion Life, by Patrick Plank
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Patrick Plank has 25 years experience in the fashion arena, first with Jacobson’s stores, his own freelance pursuits and, currently, as Leigh’s Creative Director and Head of Visual Merchandising.
I’m a fashion guy.
I suppose I always have been. Growing up, I believe I was the only member of my peer group that looked forward to the full day of back-to-school shopping my mother planned every August, and the inevitable fashion show for my dad that same night. Once the outfit was chosen that best exemplified “the look” of the season, the show would begin. Music by Duotone Hi-fidelity, usually a sophisticated Herb Alpert number like “A Sleepin Bee,” or “Tijuana Taxi.” The finale was always a winter coat or the newest looking “ski jacket,” with a belt like Jean Claude Killy wore on Wide World of Sports.
Dad took it all in patiently, yet inquisitively. At the time, I thought he was he was admiring my groovy, red shirt with the smart, Greg Brady mini-neckerchief, paired with my sea blue baby bell corduroys (yes, these were boy’s clothes) as I walked the living room runway. Now, I realize he was more likely looking for price tags and wondering what it was going to cost him that school year to keep his son at the top of the best-dressed list at East Oakview Elementary (… I created that list in my head).
And so it went through middle school, with polyester disco shirts, into high school with Earth Shoes and Members Only jackets (not worn together). During senior year, with the ivy-covered walls of community college waiting that fall, I began to desire bright Lacoste shirts and starchy Polo oxfords and cashmere sweaters. The Preppy era was here and I was in madras plaid heaven. I added key items (now known as boring ‘basics’) to prep-up my growing wardrobe through college by working in the men’s department at Jacobson’s. A new Polo shirt was my gift to me every week. The reason? Just because! (Just because I discovered the joys of an employee discount and a house charge!)
The preppy decadence continued until I was caught blissfully unaware (and sockless) in my Bass Weejuns by an afternoon showing of “American Gigolo” that changed my sense of style and what I wanted to look like, both physically and sartorially forever. A sudden void of sleek Italian sportswear that I felt I needed in order to re-invent my fashion persona was keenly recognized. Bella Mia!
Remaining fashionably “Italiano” in a medium-sized, mid-western city, in a state not known for fashion, but for Fords, was challenging at times. But you learn how and where to find it, supplementing with Chicago road trips and phone calls to fashion friends in far away places. Not having an Armani boutique in your backyard can actually help develop your sense of style. Most fashion lovers are immediate gratification types, so you learn to be resourceful and make it work with what’s available in your city, in your neighborhood. As Grand Rapids has grown, our fashion options have grown, albeit quietly, as well, despite the loss of several Michigan-based department and specialty stores.
Grand Rapids is not yet known as a fashion city but there is a growing fashion crowd here that appreciates personal style as opposed to those preferring to feel badly about the perceived lack of fashion choices here, packing into their vehicles and taking their fashion aspirations to Somerset and Michigan Ave. Many times I have overheard, “Oh, I just bought that in Chicago. I didn’t think you would have it here!” We have more here than you may think.
In the past few years, the store I work for, LEIGH’S, has pushed forward a constantly changing roster of designers and resources in order to keep the shopping experience local and fresh for our growing city, often debuting collections of accessories and clothing lines at the same time as Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. Attention Grand Rapids Fashionistas: Calvin Klein Collection, Proenza Schouler, Isaac Mizrahi, Carolina Herrera and many more are locally accessible to you. It’s not just at the high end of the rack — the key is fashion, locally available for all. Get out there and see the many great fashion resources you have access to. You can make it work here.
Don’t get me wrong. I would sit Indian style for three hours, riding in the back seat of a Gremlin if it were headed to the nearest Barneys. What fashionisto wouldn’t? But I am proud of where I am coming from, wearing my GR fashion “cred” proudly on my locally-purchased Hugo Boss sleeve.
