Spring Style!

I am so excited to introduce to you one of my favorite people, and INCREDIBLE personal stylists, Lauren Hover!  Lauren and I met about 7 years ago through our hubbies (who are college bffs) and we instantly became great friends.  She is a gorgeous mama with the best style and impecable taste....thank goodness she started her own business a few years ago, b/c she is my "go to girl"!  She is basically Pad + Party for Fashion, she can come to your house (Houston, Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles and Baton Rouge ladies...call her!!!) she can help you edit your clothing and accesories, go shopping with you in your own closet, or at your favorite stores, and she also specializes in helping you pack for a trip (for the men in your life too!!) Plus, like me, she can do all this over the internet if you prefer!  

That's Lauren and her handsome hubby, Wills, before a Gala last week! 

Looking good lady!

So I decided I'd ask Lauren a few questions so that we can all be a little more stylish this spring!    

Q: I end up wearing workout clothes ALMOST everyday...(but I wish I didn't!!) What's a good outfit for busy moms/ladies to wear on a daily basis that looks a little nicer than workout wear?

A: I'm guilty of it too. I usually throw on a pair of studs and put on my face and am out the door! But ideally..my favorite look is a pair of skinny jeans or shorts, cute belt, add your favorite tee (front-tucked of course) and a pair of sneakers. Sneakers are all the rage this Spring/Summer season-- This look makes me feel put together without "trying", yet I can still chase around the kiddos, be stylish and comfortable..all things that make mamas happy!

    

I love a front tuck. It's so flattering for all body types and also "camouflages" some of our not-so-favorite parts.  

When wearing skinnies with the sneakers- I prefer a tight roll at the hem- about 2 inches.

(Depending on the length of your jeans)- you want to see your ankles!

My favorite sneakers are 'Superga'. They run $65-$85 and are best with a 'smart wool' no show sock. All can be found at Edit by LBP in Baton Rouge. So they are super affordable--you're staying on trend and you will be "dressed" but still comfortable!

                

P+P Sidenote...I bought my Supergas (see below) from Edit in Baton Rouge per Lauren, but you can get them online at  Nordstrom and 6pm too!!!

P +P: I'm hoping the Easter bunny brings me another pair...maybe the leopard!!! 

Q: Spring colors? Trends? Is neon still in?

A: As for spring colors- Everything orange is the 'it' color... 

 But you will for sure see black and white paired together, pastels, and white on white with everything in between. 

 

Most likely- you have these color options already in your closet from previous seasons. Changing up your shoes and accessories will give you a fresh look while still feeling "trendy" without breaking the bank.

Whether neon is on trend or not- I always think a bright pop of color is fun and uplifting! Pair it back to neutrals for a softer look.I look to spring and summer to explore different color options!

Oh and leather is here to stay! 

My rule for trends--BE YOU!  Dress as yourself..wear what you feel best in- and add a trend -whether it be a statement necklace, lip color, leather, sneaker, etc.You will have more fun..being yourself but having that "on trend" item as an add-on will complete YOUR look!

Q: Any new or favorite designers?

A: My favorite jean designer is Rag & Bone by far. They are a great mid-rise option and perfect for those of us who have had kiddos. 

Blank NYC- These pull on boot cut jeans are incredible! They are so so comfortable-I almost feel like I'm in pjs--and they are super flattering! And only $88. 

Equipment makes fabulous silk blouses. They are phenomenal and always a great fit.

Amanda Uprichard- great silk tops/dresses

Alice and Olivia- Make the perfect pant. The tab waist flattering for everyone. Their shorts are fabulous too and can be worn dressy or casual. But are the appropriate length--without being "mom" shorts! ha

From working retail- those are a few of my favorite designers...but I love finding "steals" at j.crew, old navy, gap...etc. 

Q: Explain what you do and who would be a good client! 

A: I do everything from editing your closet to packing and planning your outfits for trips. (husbands too).
I help you weed out what your not wearing and help create new outfits with the items you have. You'd be amazed at how many "new looks" we can create with your wardrobe. (My aunt tells me I save her money--just b/c ppl get stuck with buying a look and don't know how to make those separates work with other pieces in their wardrobe! That's what I'm here for!)

I go shopping with clients and help wardrobe them for seasons at a time- or I can help you find that perfect accessory for your event. The skies the limit...I've helped brides/ mother of brides pick out jewelry, etc. Dressed brides head to toe for their special events.
Packed clients and their husbands for trips- with dressy/casual coordinating outfits! You pull out your list and it tells you exactly what your wearing that day- whether you're tucking your shirt in or what earrings your wearing. It takes the stress out of vacationing...so you can relax!!

Really and truly- I'm happy to help in your closet with whatever you need. My job is done when I see the client's self esteem rise because they feel good in their clothing options! It's a win-win for sure!!!

her email address is lebullock@gmail.com

Thank you so much Lauren!!!! I feel like I have a GREAT idea of what to look for/how to dress this Spring, and I can't wait!  

I've got my supergas on and I'm ready to take on the front tuck! :)

 Next week we'll have a blog post on how to translate Lauren's style in your home!!!

 XO

P + P

Copy Cat Chic: Lacefield Designs

I really hate to admit this, but I'm a total copycat, a lot of what ends up in my house, is an idea that I totally "borrow" from someone else.  In fact I think most things in design are that way, (that's why they are called trends), so please don't judge me too much!  

Anyway are y'all familiar with Lacefield Designs?  If not, you should be!  They are a wide ranging home decor business that includes textiles, decorative pillows, drapery panels and art. And everything is gorgeous!!!  Especially this pillow that I've had my eye on for quite a while...it's just the punch of pinky coral that I needed to add to my living room!

Isn't it pretty? Well it's pricey too! $208 for just one pillow...and I needed 2! 

So since I have about 100 other things that I need/have/want to spend $416 on

 this is what I did...

I bought 2 of these velvet pillow from one of my favorite etsy shops, 

for only $55 each

Then I headed over to MJ Trim and bought this greek key ribbon 

(thanks for the rec House Happy Designs!!!

I bought 3 yards, and with a 15% first time buyer discount, I paid about $24.00

then I had the lovely and talented pillow lady of Shreveport, Mrs. V

 (thanks again for the rec House Happy Designs!!) sew on the ribbon.  

which cost me only $21 in labor....

so total cost of the entire pillow project was only $155 (for 2 pillows)!!!!!
I'd say that's a heck of a lot better than $416,
 and I actually like the pink of my pillows better for the room! 

Wahoo!

Here they are looking all cute...

I am so pleased with my copycat project!  I hope this proves too, that sometimes you can actually SAVE money by going the custom route.  

Especially if you are needing a very specific look.  If you want help fluffing up your couch, contact padandparty@gmail.com!  I'd love to help you get a new look with pillows!

Full Disclosure:  One thing I did have going for me was that I already owned the down pillow inserts.  I'm not sure whether or not the Lacefiled pillows came with inserts, so it would have added about $20 to the cost of the project, if I had to buy them as well.  And I always suggest going with down inserts even though they cost more.  It looks so much better (and is more comfortable) when pillows are fluffy!

Thanks for reading!  

Do you have any copy cat moments that you are proud of?  

If so, please share!!

XO

P + P

Party Pics: Toddler Valentine's Day

It's been a while since I've entertained, so instead of having a regular get together with our little play group, I decided to have a full on baby Valentine's bash!  It was so fun (and wild...14 babies from 3.5 months to 4 years old!)!! Here are some party pics (thanks Ellen, for photographing the whole thing!!)

there was a Valentine decorating station...(the teacher in me loves "stations")...

I made pink blueberry muffins using this recipe... (and red food coloring)

A friend brought these delicious incredible yummy best things ever...

and all in all, it was a great time!!! I spent less than $100 on everything so I think we will have more of these little toddler holiday parties in the future!  However I was kind of brain dead the next day, so I took an idea from Houston Mom Blog and poured our balls in the bathtub!

we had a ball! haha I highly recommend it!

Happy Monday!!!

XO

P + P