Yes, it’s true!  Maia from The Maia Chronicles stopped by Leigh’s today to see the Pamella Roland spring 2010 collection.  There she is in the middle with Deb Meijer and Kenneth Marks.  She is just as tiny in person as she is in her pictures!  For those of you who aren’t familiar with Maia, she has her own blog  http://www.themaiachronicles.blogspot.com   where she details her fashion adventures with her fashionable doggie family. You must check it out!  It was so fun to have her in the store.  Of course the Leigh’s team adored having her visit!!!  We hope to see her again soon!

Pic 1: On the runway…our models in Ruffian Spring 2010 Pic 2: Brian Wolk & Claude Morais, the designers behind Ruffian Pic 3: Amanda and her cosmetic team get the models runway ready Pic 4: Guests enjoying cocktails Pic 5: Jessica Renee on the runway Pic 6: Rachael Ruiz, Claude Morais, Carol Van Andel, Brian Wolk, Rebecca Wierda, David Van Andel
Wow! What a night we had at the Van Andel Institute on Wednesday. Couture for a Cure was a huge success! We had the best attendance ever and why wouldn’t we?….all of the proceeds from ticket sales went directly to VAI to help fund important research and science education. It was a fabulous runway show featuring fall trends from Leigh’s and a sneak peak at spring 2010 with Ruffian’s spring collection. Brian and Claude flew in from NYC to be a part of the event. Rachael Ruiz from WOOD TV’s eightWest emceed the event and did a great job! Hoffman Jewelers donated a gorgeous broach that was raffeled off to a lucky winner. Everyone was festive and enjoying themselves. I have to thank my team for putting together such a great show…the fall fashions were so good…and all from our store! The logistics of the runway show went off without a glitch. Great job everyone! And thanks to everyone who attended and supported the event!!!

We can’t wait for Grand Rapids Fashion Week! Leigh’s will be a part of all of the fun and excitement this weekend at DeVos Place. Grand Rapids Fashion Week is a series of fashion exhibitors and fashion shows over a two day period dedicated to celebrate fashion and everything that goes along with it! It is being promoted and styled in a hip, chic New York style to give the audience a taste of the big apple right in our backyard. The twist: instead of brining in NY desingers, area fashoin exhibitors will grace the stage with their unique and hip fall/winter collections. There are 4 fashion shows scheduled for Saturday: 12:30pm, 3pm, 5:30pm & 7:30pm. Sunday’s show will be at 2pm. Patrick is setting up our booth…very cool..and we’ll have fun merchandise that you can purchase right on sight. We also have special little surprises for those who stop by our booth…so make sure we see you! Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door.  It’s going to be good!

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!!

Are you so ready for new make-up??!! Just as fashion trends change from season to season, so do make-up trends. And it’s time for you to update your goodies in the cosmetic bag! I’d like to invite you to our Laura Mercier “Face to Face” make-up event on October 7 & 8. This two day event with Laura’s team of premier make-up artists will feature the new Scarlett Passion collection. Let them assist you in keeping your fall look updated and fresh! Schedule appointments with 3 of your friends and you’ll receive a $25 gift certificate. Appointments are limited: Call or e-mail Amanda or Carol today to reserve your spot 616.942.6300 or areminga@leighsfashions.com.

Our buyers had a great market trip last week in New York. The top picture is from the Ports 1961 showroom. Their deck overlooks the Hudson River. We (Deb W, Judy S, Patrick & Rebecca) couldn’t help ourselves and take just a moment for a beautiful photo opt! The middle picture is Nina Garcia, one of the judges from Project Runway. We ran into her at the Calvin Klein showroom. The last picture is of Patrick looking at collection sketches in the Isaac Mizrahi showroom. We will be having a trunk show with Isaac Mizrahi on October 7 & 8 with the ability for you to order from the Spring 2010 collection. Also, a little restaurant note if you are going into the city…check out Pescatore Spuntino at 957 Second Ave between 50th and 51st. Yummy Italian…www.pescatorerestaurant.com.

Our favorite thing to do at Leigh’s is to make our customer’s look their absolute best! Whether it’s a casual everyday look or for a special event, we love assisting you with your personal style. We had this wonderful picture e-mailed to us by our customer, Michelle Bassett.  It was her daughter’s wedding day and we not only helped her with her dress, but also her make-up – including make-up application the day of the event!  She put her trust in our team for this very special day and we were happy to help.   Doesn’t she look amazing!

Oh, do we have a fun Trish McEvoy event for you!   This is big, Big, BIG!  Six of  Trish’s top artist all at Leigh’s on September 16 to pamper and beautify you.  You’ll learn about the latest fall make-up trends and techniques to keep your look updated and fresh.  We have three sessions:  10am, 1:30pm and 4pm.  We are also giving you a $25 gift card when you reserve a table with 3 of your girlfriends!!!  For more information, check out our website, www.leighsfashions.com.  Appointments are limited and you won’t want to miss out, so call or e-mail Amanda to reserve your spot 616.942.6300 or areminga@leighsfashions.com.  We look forward to seeing you!

You know and I know….a woman can never have enough shoes….especially fabulous shoes! I wanted to give you a sneak peak at some of the shoes that we have for you. We brought in the best from Aquatalia, Cole Haan, Stuart Weitzman, La Canadienne, BCBG & Donald Pliner. There isn’t a shoe in our store that I haven’t fallen in love with! I’m sure you will feel the same way!

Doesn’t it just look scrumptious? Our new delivery of Vince has just arrived and it is everything that I had hoped it would be…and more! Easy silhouettes, cozy fabrics, right on trend and ready for its new home – in your closet!