fashion

HEAD TO TOE | PLAYING IT GREY

We hope you guys had a fabulous weekend! Mine was packed full of birthday celebrations. Unlike last weekend, we enjoyed some Spring-like weather this weekend. I decided to break out my grey suede heels with a simple sheer button up. The wind was cray cray hence me holding my hair in every. single. pic. Also, I am SO obsessed with this crossbody bag that I scored at none other than Target. I just couldn’t resist the nude color and the tassels…. gets me every time. 

suede heels – sold out, but almost identical here | denim | shirt – sold out, but love this one | bag | rings – no longer available. 

HEAD TO TOE | ALL ABOUT THE FUR

Happy Monday friends! Tennessee weather really showed off over the weekend. We got several inches of snow, which is such a big deal for us. Considering that it felt like Spring during Christmas this past year, we gladly welcomed all of the beautiful white stuff that kept us snowed in for a couple of days. I purchased this extremely warm faux fur vest just before Christmas, but it just has not been cold enough to wear it without looking ridiculous. However, a snow day makes for the perfect day to do so.
We are girls on a budget over here at L&L. We shop sales, so the items that are currently sold out are linked to similar or even better options :). 
Leah and I both have these earrings, and LOVE them!
We are huge fans of Just Black denim. They hug our donut eating bodies just right. Seriously, they are so comfy!!

Hat | Earrings | Button Up sold out, but loving this similar one. | Vest sold out, same length here | Denim | Backpack- Target last year, but wanting to purchase this one also… hello tassels! | Sneakers

NEW YEAR’S EVE LOOKS| ALL UNDER $100

Who is going out on NYE? Raise your hand if you wish you were…(I am totally raising my hand right now). There is something so fun, comfortable and sweet about staying in and sipping mocktails with your kiddos in your pjs while garnished in all of the tacky New Year’s $1 bin items. However, it has been quite a while (basically since our baby boy was born, which was 7 months ago) since my husband and I have been out on an actual date. You can imagine how much I am fantasizing about the one night where wearing sequins head to toe is acceptable. Here are a few looks that I would definitely feel comfortable wearing out. Somewhat sexy, but something that my “mom bod” would feel comfortable in.
ASOS
 This beauty of a playsuit would look stunning with a sleek black (or navy) blazer. I think it would class up a piece that is on the short side and shows a little more cleavage than normal. 😉
I have been DYING for an ostrich feather skirt, or even a fringe skirt (loving this one), and this one seems to fit the bill. Can’t get enough white, ya’ll!  đŸ˜‰
If you have a little girl, this is just too cute to pass up!
Happy New Year everyone! We hope it is a fun and safe one for you!! We are definitely looking forward to 2016!
BTW, have you purchased your NYE tats from our shop yet? Hurry!!

HOLIDAY PHOTOSHOOT – OUTFITS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

I think we all sort of cringe a little when we think about dressing up our resistant kids (and husband!) in fancier clothes and convince them to smile like they love taking photos. Just me? But honestly, it’s totally worth it in the end. I don’t always appreciate this stage in my life. The messy, whiney, poopy, busy days that just fly by without noticing any of the details. I’m too tired or stressed or frustrated to really take it all in. Seeing these photos (captured by the BRILLIANT and talented Kate Davis) will always be a fierce reminder of the beauty of our little family in this moment. 
With each photo we saw, we ooooh-ed and aaaahhh-ed and laughed, and omg-ed! Kate knocked it out. of. the. park. She made us feel right at ease, especially the boys! Max nicknamed her Katesadilla. I’m obsessed with her fashion blogger photos and love that casual feel more than the stiff posed look. I also loved taking pics around town instead of in nature like we normally do. Gotta love a good white background! This was shot all behind and to the side of Draper James and at Las Paletas. Ending the photoshoot with popsicles was basically the only way we got the kids through it!
Aside from finding the best photographer in Nashville (duh: Kate Davis) the next step is figuring out what to wear! Coordinating NOT matching is my personal preference. My best tip is to go into one store and use their color palette for the season. I guarantee they have similar colors in different patterns and textures that will be perfect for the whole fam. Start with yourself first. Find what YOU look best and feel comfortable in, then you can plan around everyone else. Selfish? Maybe. But kids and dudes look good in pretty much anything right? 
I’ve linked everyone’s outfits at the bottom of the post in case you want to go with our red, tan, and blue color palette!

 OUTFIT LINKS
Leah: poncho / dress (H&M in-store only) / boots or similar
Jeffrey: shirt (H&M in-store only) / jeans / shoes
Ari: shirt and sweater (H&M in-store only)  / jeans / shoes
Max: shirt and sweater (H&M in-store only) / jeans and suspenders / shoes
Goooood luck, Mamas!
-L

ROCKSBOX: ONE MONTH FREE

 Hey ladies!! Please tell me you have heard of Rocksbox!! Leah and I are newbies to the club, but man, oh man…. what have we been missing? We signed up, and Leah and I got our first month of FREE  jewelry. Such gorgeous pieces too!! I don’t know about you, but Leah and I trade jewelry and clutches like nobody’s biz. We just get tired of what we have, so whenever we have an event we call each other first for a closet raid. It just allows you to try something new without breaking the bank. Consider Rocksbox your personal GF that you borrow things from. If only she offered us chocolate also… hmmm.
We are so happy to bring you all a code for ONE FREE MONTH OF ROCKBOX!!! Trust me, it will have you hooked and begging for more. I am already like a 5 year old waiting on Christmas morning to receive her next box. You simply set up your account, add pieces that you love to your wishlist and wait to receive them in the mail. Can we say “Happy Mail!”? These pieces are so great for a date night, a girl’s night out, or just a day running errands with your kiddos and you want to wear something to make you just feel good. My daughter loved opening the box up with me and drooling over each piece. Code at the end of post…

It is impossible to see the jewelry in this pic above, but can we talk about these sandals?? Leah and I are both obsessed and own a pair. Purchase them here! I am considering going back for the black pair aaaaand maybe this pair. Thank you Target.
Be sure and sign up for your FREE ONE MONTH today friends!!
Use code loveandlionxoxo

XO!

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

These are some of my favorite things for summer! I am pretty low maintenance and ease is my #1 requirement for most things. Cuteness is my #2 🙂
Click item names for links:
I loooove this Loreal tinted lip balm in Rose Elixer. It is the prettiest pink, sheer, and slightly shiny. Just enough color for day and even a casual date night! 
I wear tinted moisturizer daily, and I love Laura Mercier’s because it has SPF in it! I’m bad about putting on sunscreen just to run out of the house for an errand, and when I put this on at least I know my face is covered. It also gives me just the right amount of coverage while looking completely natural. 
I wandered into American Eagle a couple weeks ago and was blown away by all the cute not-so-teen stuff! I got this fun swingy dress that works well as a swimsuit coverup or dress up for a date night! You guys seriously need to venture in. Just ask for the “non-booty shorts” like I did, and be pleasantly surprised. They have some pretty earring sets for $12 too. I walked out of there with a good haul!
Jenni and I are coveting these Let’s Playground mats HARD CORE. I have a fold up picnic blanket tote from Target, but I can’t find it online anywhere! So you can just drool all over this one. You’ve gotta check out their site- soooo cute! Easy clean up and cute patterns. 
These are my daily sandals. Cute, comfy and they zip up on the sides so they’re super easy to get on and off when you’re holding 50 things in your hands including a squirmy toddler! I’ve gotten so many compliments on these and everyone is surprised when I tell them they’re from Target! 
Spray, people. Spray. I don’t care so much that it’s all natural (which it is) or smells good (which it does). I care that it’s ridiculously easy to apply on the go and doesn’t drip off my kiddos’ hands onto their shirts. 
If you know me, you know I love me some backpacks. You’ve gotta have your arms free, ladies! I constantly have a child and tons of stuff in my arms while pushing a stroller, etc. Target has a million different colors, they’re all light (faux leather y’all), and they’re all around $30! So you wont care if sippy cups spill and make the mashed up crackers in the bottom of your bag congeal into a mystery substance. This served me so well in Disney and traveling for week in San Diego. 
I have super sensitive skin and this is the only shaving cream that doesn’t irritate my skin! Love it.
This turns my winter feet into summer feet if ya know what I’m sayin’. It makes my feet super soft and has aloe that feels so good on tired feet. Necessary for summer sandals! 
Again, spray is the easiest for squirmy kiddos! They actually don’t mind the spray and giggle when it “tickles” them! My kids and I all have sensitive skin, so CeraVe products are best for us, or so my dermatologist tells me! 
Any summer time favs we need to know about?
xo
-L

HOLIDAY LOOKS / HIS & HERS

Got a holiday party coming up? Do you know what you are wearing yet? You might be last minute fashionistas like Leah and I, but these looks will have you dressing like you picked your outfit waaaaay in advance. 
Meet Damien and Lisa Wong-Ken! These are dear friends of mine who happen to be professional stylists. Lucky me, right? They have styled for big events such as the Dove Awards, AMAs, Grammys and Billboard Awards. They have been faithful texters when my husband or I are having a fashion crisis. Bless them!
We asked each of them to put together a look for you and the special guy in your life so that when you hit the holiday parties, you will do it in style and with confidence.
Lisa says…. 
I went for a matching top and bottom. It’s the look of a dress without being one. This 
gives you the opportunity to get different sizes to fit your unique body shape. You can 
also wear each piece as a separate later on. Pair the top with your favorite denim and the bottom 
with a white T-shirt!
Booties are a must have! These are sleek and have a great texture. I’m all about pieces
being able to transition into different looks. I love statement jewelry!! This ring has such an interesting look and unconventional shape! Being that it’s winter, opaque tights add the right amount of warmth. These tights go the extra mile by slimming you down. It’s the perfect companion to a pencil skirt.
The front and back look of these studs are perfect for any hair do. With the top and bottom of the outfit
being all over lace, this is just the right amount of subtlety.

Statement coats are really big this year, and I love it. If you are going to cover up your 
amazing outfit do it with a great topper. This amazing burgundy wrapper the perfect 
contrast with the gold. Last, but not least….. the clutch. When I’m going dancing I like to carry a cross body bag. I hate leaving my purse, and a strapless clutch becomes cumbersome. I love the 3D effect of 
the sequins and that it’s multi-colored.
MEN!!!! Take note. I know for my husband,  dressing up is an intimidating thing because when it comes to hems, layers, accessories, etc., there are “rules” that he is just unaware of, and it can be overwhelming. Damien gives such great tips on every little detail you need to pull off your look with style.
Damien says….
Slim cuts, layers, patterns, and colors are the go-to looks for the season, and are always the
most versatile during the cooler (and sometimes colder) weather – no matter where you 
are in the country.
Unless it is a formal event that you are attending (in which case a dark suit is always 
appropriate), go with a dark blue denim that is tailored and slimming.  Even if you’re a 
“big boy”, don’t shy away from slim cut jeans!  If they are hemmed correctly, they will 
make anyone look a few pounds lighter. A good tailor will know exactly how to give you the 
perfect amount of “break in the leg”.
Next, go for a mid-to-dark grey or black unconstructed sport jacket that fits right.  This 
simply means that there is little to no padding in the shoulders, and sometimes no lining.  
The seam should land at the top of the ball of your shoulder.  This will make it 
look slimmer and more flattering. The sleeves should be 
shortened to about a half of an inch just above your first thumb knuckle (the bump by your 
wrist).  It may seem short, but it’s right, and will add a touch of style to the end image as 
you show a little shirt cuff.

Shirts, ties, and pocket squares are preferences.  Patterns are always great so don’t be 
afraid of mixing them with colors.  A good rule of thumb as you start off is to have a 
printed shirt (let’s say a fine check) paired with a solid tie of a contrasting color 
(example: a blue and white fine check, with lighter/darker blue, a red, or yellow tie).  The 
tie should be about 2-3 inches at its widest point, tied in a 4-in-hand knot. When tied, 
the tip should land at the very top of your belt (Please! Wear a belt!!)  Cotton pocket 
squares are not for everyone, but they do break up a huge piece of blank canvas, and are a 
great accessory that doesn’t over do it.  If anything, just use a plain white cotton 
handkerchief and fold it into a square, exposing only a sliver.  No matter the 
shirt and tie, it’s a perfect compliment.
Socks and shoes are very personal items.  Socks can be as unique as you are, and shoes 
should always be clean.  For this particular look, I would go for a basic oxford. 
  Brown or black would look great. Matching a belt is not necessary either, as long as it’s “close enough”.
This look may not be your forte, but believe me, when people compliment you on how
you look, you’ll feel more comfortable and confident than ever!
EXTRA: Damien & Lisa’s roster of clients includes:

TobyMac, Newsboys, Chris Tomlin, Brandon Heath, Capital Kings, Ryan Stevenson, Run Kid Run
Finding Favor, B. Reith, Brit Nicole, Nicole C. Mullen, Mandisa, Journey’s Group (Journeys, SHI)

FASHION FRIDAY!

It’s Friday!!! Totally throwing my hands up in the air like I just don’t care…. and spilling my cocktail while doing so. Leah and I are wrapping up party details, and helping a sweet mama set up for her son’s special day on this lovely Friday evening. We can’t wait to share details on za bloog next week! We worked hard this week, and I think we are both ready for a little relaxation.
Anyway, I had my lovely husband shoot one of my favorite looks right now! He was able to come off of the road today for a couple of hours, so I showered, and did my hair (btw, when it is 95 degrees out, creating a bun is considered “doing your hair”)….. ya know… stuff you maybe DON’T do when your man is gone. No? Must be just Leah and I. I wanted to look nice for a lunch out with him and the little, so I went for the super comfy boyfriend jeans ($20 bucks!) and a new top I also picked up at Forever 21. I personally loved the idea of a black cami underneath the white. If you are bold, and want to go there….rock the black bra. Not this girl! I don’t want all of the old southern women staring me down at the local mexican restaurant.

I paired it with an old clutch and strappy wedges from last summer, but I am really loving this pair right now… drool! Also, I have been rocking my gold hoops almost everyday! They are super lightweight, and go with everything. I can’t find them online, but any pair would do. My go to Michael Kors watch is on repeat as well. I know everyone has these watches it seems, but I sure do love them! They don’t break the bank, and they are practical and stylish. Mine is not available anymore, but this one is stunning.
Still love love loving my bright pink lip (NARS in Schiap). I only do a super thin liner and mascara when I do the bold lip. I hate feeling too “overdone”
SIDENOTE: I read an article the other day about things you should give up at 27. It made me laugh, which I loved, but among those things was Forever21 and Urban Outfitters. I am sorry, but I just can’t. I seriously think you can shop ANYWHERE as long as you are picking out the right things for your body and lifestyle. 
Enjoy your weekend ladies!! We are so grateful for your readership and support…. can’t say it enough.
XO!

FAV SUMMER SUNNIES: WARBY PARKER

Every summer, we obsess over finding the PERFECT sunglasses- that’s our go-to accessory for summer! Even if we’re wearing basic shorts and a t, our sunnies can totally glam up the look and make us feel put together. This year, we have our eye on Warby Parker’s new collab with Karlie Kloss. Feminine, flirty, understated glam, and we’re pretty sure we’ll look a lot more like Karlie Kloss too, right?
Here’s the best part: with every shade purchased, a pair is donated to someone in need. Karlie has partnered up with her fav charity, Edible Schoolyard NYC. They provide low-income public schools with kitchens and gardens, and students, through a hands-on curriculum led by Edible Schoolyard staff, learn the tools to develop lifelong healthy habits. The donation will benefit two community farm stands in Brooklyn and East Harlem, where kids learn about food preparation in their own neighborhoods. 
 Here’s our fav: The Clara in heirloom gold and copper fade lenses. DROOL. You guys know we’re suckers for gold. We love that The Clara will go from the pool to late afternoon cocktails with it’s elegant color and silhouette. The Clara would look gorgeous on any skin tone!

If you can’t decide on which one will be your summer staple, did you know you can actually have five styles shipped to you for free to try on? I know, right?! So smart. Learn more HERE
We styled our favorite pair (The Clara in gold). This is what we would be wearing with the effortlessly stylish design. We are SO in love!!! Anybody else have these on their summer shopping list?
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 
See all of Warby Parker’s stylish sunnies right HERE! Which one is your fav?

WHAT I WORE – STYLE ME PERFECT

Have you entered our personal styling GIVEAWAY with Style Me Perfect? It ends tonight!!
Here are a few more outfits styled for me right out of my closet (and a few purchase suggestions). 
It’s soooo easy to get dressed these days! All the work is done for me by my amazing stylists at 
Girls Night outfit HERE
Casual/Lunch with Friends outfit HERE. I wore this for Mother’s Day brunch!

Date Look outfit HERE
Weekend Wear outfit HERE
Okay ladies, get on this GIVEAWAY– it’s super fun and easy!!
-L

PERSONAL STYLING GIVEAWAY: STYLE ME PERFECT

I don’t know if any of you mamas out there feel the same way, but after I had Max, I was in a fashion rut. My body wasn’t (and still isn’t) back to normal. It’s been seven months, and I still have the last few pounds to shed. Maternity clothes are too big, my old clothes are a little too small, and scarily enough after having a baby, your body shape just changes! It’s frustrating! I mean…it’s all worth it blah blah blah but seriously, I can’t keep wearing leggings and tunics every day, ya know? 
I needed help! Get me out of this frumpy mom rut! Enter: STYLE ME PERFECT. The genius personal stylists got me out of my mom uniform by opening my eyes to the possibilities that already existed in my closet and suggesting some super smart additions that I could easily buy online! The result is I actually look forward to getting dressed in the morning. Picking out what to wear is fun again, and I have some amazing new pieces to add to my existing wardrobe. The package that was perfect for my personal needs was the Stiletto Style Concierge Service. I requested certain types of outfits (running errands, girls lunches, date nights, etc.) and my personal stylist sent me looks with purchase suggestions and pulled from my own closet. It was actually so satisfying to fill out their easy-to-use closet form. Not only do my stylists know exactly what’s in my closet, but now I know what’s in there – oh that’s where my favorite sweater went!
My favorite part of the Style Me Perfect experience was being able to text and video chat with my stylist! I sort of felt like a big deal. Here’s what happened… I was going to a concert that night and wanted to look cool but not like I was trying too hard 🙂 My stylist pulled from what I already owned in my closet plus the new leather jacket bought for a previous outfit they suggested, and voila! It is now my go-to “night out” outfit! 
Leah's Concert Look
Closet Look – Concert outfit HERE
Now for the BEST news ever….
We are THRILLED to be partnering up with Style Me Perfect for an incredible giveaway! 
What you get:
10 minute closet edit (FaceTime/Skype)
Unlimited style advice (texting/selfies)
2-3 closet looks
Light supplemental shopping suggestions
Whether you need outfits for date nights, job interviews, special events, or trips to the park with your kiddos, you will absolutely benefit from Style Me Perfect!
TO ENTER:
It’s easy! Enter below by completing any one of the options provided.
Leave a comment on what kind of outfit you might want styled for you.
To rack up more entries, feel free to check off as many as you like. Plus it’ll make us feel super popular.

Oh, and for ONE MORE chance to win, tag two friends on our Instagram post!

Giveaway ends Thursday and the winner will be announced on our blogs Friday, May 23. 

I’ll be posting a few more outfits and board links in the next week. So obsessed.
Check out Style Me Perfect’s BLOG for tons of outfit ideas!
Good luck, ladies!

SPRING FASHION WEEK: GRAPHIC T’S FOR LITTLES

Kiddos need to be as stylish as their mamas! All we want for our littles this spring are these crazy cool graphic t’s. Sorry husbands, these ARE happening. We love that most of these are unisex! And your kids probably won’t know what their own shirt says… but you will! Every time Ari wears his “keep it rad” shirt, people always smile and comment. Pretty sure he loves the attention 🙂
Scroll down for the links.
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11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20