current obsession --- laken&lila --- giveaway too!

laken & lila - for the love of children & clothing

Heather of laken&lila is brilliant when it comes to creating a whimisical & fun look that your little will be obsessed with wearing. But also she is brilliant for keeping moms in mind when designing something we want to put our fashionistas in yet they want to wear - its a win win situation making us obsessed with laken&lila.

It is a totally bummer when your child comes home to tell you someone else had the same shirt on as them -- well thanks to large retail chains, this happens frequently. When shopping HANDmade with laken&lila you won't have that problem - the unique designs are truly one of a kind with so chic fabric choices and beyond better than retail quality.

How did you get started?
I began lakenandlila on Christmas Day 2008. I had been creating clothing for my son and children's friends for a while prior to that but that was the day I decided to launch my line. I had always been a stay at home mom and really needed something for myself. I was a wife and a mother but needed something just for me! At that time our family was going through some rough times and I used lakenandlila as an outlet for me to deal with that time frame. I have consistently been introducing new designs, ideas, and themes and lakenandlila has been growing leaps and bounds ever since.

What is behind the name - Laken & Lila?
Laken is my beautiful, sweet, talented, funny, 4 year old boy. Lila is the name of the little girl I wish to have someday... but for right now our West Higland Terrier is named Lila.

Where does your inspiration come from?
My inspiration comes from so many places... I live on a lake so the outdoors and nature really inspire me... but most of all children inspire me. I love to see the smile children get when they put on lakenandlila clothing. I get coutless emails from parents who buy my designs telling me once their package has arrived their child has not taken off the clothing or they twirl around singing about how great they feel in their new clothes! That is what lakenandlila is all about! Comfort and Joy. I want each child to feel like they could do anything or be anything when they are wearing my clothing. Their smile is what inspires me. That smile also inspires me to keep my prices afforable for quality, handmade clothing. Each child deserves to feel special. I take pride in each piece I make because although each piece is unique and handmade by me... I want the result to be the same..... a smile on the childs face.

Paisley and Stripe Peasant Dress, $36.50
the perfect any season dress

Callie Apron Outfit, $44.50

a unique design you won't find elsewhere

Love by Amy Butler Callie Outfit with Initial Top $34.50

the perfect fresh combo showcasing your little one

Thanks to laken&lila we are giving away a skirt of choice from their Etsy Shop. So head on over and take a look at the many different fabrics and styles. Let us know which one you just LOVE. We know, it's hard to pick one. This comment is mandatory. You also MUST be a follower of cupcakeMAG and Sprinkles. We absolutely adore this sweet juicy lemon skirt!

For extra entries you can do the following below and leave us a separate comment for each letting us know. The more you comment the better chance you have to win!

1. Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter

2. Follow laken&lila on Twitter

3. Make sure you "Like" us on our Facebook page

4. Make sure you "Like" laken&lila on Facebook

4. Subscribe to our updates (top right corner above) - just sign up with your email!

5. Vote for us on Top Mommy Blogs here -- just select "click to vote" -- you don't have to register -- just a simple click!

6. Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakemag -- you must tweet, not just follow.

7. Tweet about this giveaway and include @lakenandlila -- you must tweet, not just follow.

8. Write a blog post about this giveaway on your blog and send us the link.

Until then make sure you check out all the great things over at laken&lila!