The Laughing Willow Story

When The Laughing Willow began, we hoped to create a place...an environment that was not only a business but a place that felt cozy, comfortable and welcoming. We love people! On top of meeting new people, hearing from where you have traveled, hearing your stories and more, we love to help you find just the right outfit or gift. 

Enjoy hearing more of our stories, get the low down on all the how to's and tips and gain some of the best recipes from our owner, Melody! She's a whiz in the kitchen.

Our Top Outfits For Thanksgiving

Posted by Melody Ginn on

Some families dress up and go all out and some keep it low key. Whatever your friends and family decide to do this year, don't worry! We've got you covered. Our top outfits for Thanksgiving are in. We even have a few ideas for a hostess gift too. We got you!

Dress To Impress

Dress to impress with this amazing dress, the Beth Dress! With a knit partial button down top, ruche sleeves and flowy, tiered skirt you will look and feel great even after your second helping. Dress it up with a belt and the perfect shoes and accessories or make it fun and eclectic with some little white tennis shoes or converse with a unique jacket. Never be afraid to step outside the box and always, always be comfortable. 

We had fun with this one using our own little fashion hack. Since the waist is elastic, we pulled it up and under the knit top so that it looks more like two separate pieces. Then, we added a beaded belt, a quilted jacket and layered on the bracelets along with some laced up boots. It works for any age.

Beth Dress

"Never buy what someone says is "in" or a "must have"...buy what makes you happy." -Iris Apfel

Beth Dress with Mercy Jacket

Another dress we love for a dressy Thanksgiving, the Donna Dress. This Diane Von Furstenberg-like wrap dress is a classic. With its fall tones and paisley pattern, this wrap dress will definitely impress. Plus, you can always loosen the belt for a more comfortable fit after all that turkey, right?

If you want something totally different from the above styles, we suggest the Woodley Dress. This is a staff fave! This dress is stylish and modest.

Two dress shown, a paisley wrap dress and a rust red floral dress

Above: Donna Dress (left) and the Woodley Dress (right)

Non-Top Fun...

Grab an outfit that will easily help you get picture perfect ready this year. Feel confident in a top that is stylish and comfortable: The Imka Top, is a creamy knit top with black and white floral ruffle long sleeves. It's classy and easy to throw on after cooking all day. We paired it with our Serina Jean. A strong flare jean is in right now...makes you feel taller and slimmer and who doesn't want that? Top it off with a fun hat too. We like this western style, the Ezra Hat. If you like a smaller height and brim, try our wool black hat with a brown leather band. Ezra Western Hat and Imka Top

Imka Top, Serina Jean, Ezra Hat

Wool Black Hat with Brown leather band

Deni Jean, Black Flat Brim Wool Hat

Take Pride in Peplum

Tap in to a little bit of your wild side with a little animal print top. We have two flattering peplum tops you'll love! Try our Leronda Top, a slimming zebra print top. You will surely receive a ton of compliments wearing this beautiful top.

Leronda Zebra Print Peplum Top

Our Hattie Top is another peplum top you'll receive compliments while wearing. This cheetah print smocked peplum top has ruche short sleeves for an elegant look. You'll appreciate slipping this on for a quick chic look. We love this top with a flare jean like our Serina Jean. 

Cheetah Print ruche sleeve peplum top

With any of these outfits, you'll feel confident and ready to enjoy the day. Take advantage of our Early Black Friday Sale and shop your fave outfit today!

SHOP NOW

Gifting: For The Hostest With The Mostest

Finding a unique and thoughtful hostess gift can be tough. The old candle always works, but everyone tends to have a million. We have a couple ides for a unique gift for your host. 

Try something like this round oversized wooden charcuterie board with leather handles. Cover it with some parchment paper, fill it will goodies so you can contribute to the day and then add a little note for the hostess that its theirs to keep when the day is over. When writing a note, if you like a little something punny, try something like, "pears well with...." or "I'm so grapeful for you"? Not sure, but who doesn't love a good pun?

Round oversized wood charcuterie board with leather handles

If that doesn't sound appealing, try something simple and sweet. We suggest these oven mitt gift sets. There are two styles, one that says "Enjoy" and another that says "Yum", each one containing two towels. This is a gift anyone will enjoy and find useful. 

Oven mitt gift sets

 Happy Thanksgiving, Y'all!

Read more

Our Top Outfits For Thanksgiving

Posted by Melody Ginn on

Some families dress up and go all out and some keep it low key. Whatever your friends and family decide to do this year, don't worry! We've got you covered. Our top outfits for Thanksgiving are in. We even have a few ideas for a hostess gift too. We got you!

Dress To Impress

Dress to impress with this amazing dress, the Beth Dress! With a knit partial button down top, ruche sleeves and flowy, tiered skirt you will look and feel great even after your second helping. Dress it up with a belt and the perfect shoes and accessories or make it fun and eclectic with some little white tennis shoes or converse with a unique jacket. Never be afraid to step outside the box and always, always be comfortable. 

We had fun with this one using our own little fashion hack. Since the waist is elastic, we pulled it up and under the knit top so that it looks more like two separate pieces. Then, we added a beaded belt, a quilted jacket and layered on the bracelets along with some laced up boots. It works for any age.

Beth Dress

"Never buy what someone says is "in" or a "must have"...buy what makes you happy." -Iris Apfel

Beth Dress with Mercy Jacket

Another dress we love for a dressy Thanksgiving, the Donna Dress. This Diane Von Furstenberg-like wrap dress is a classic. With its fall tones and paisley pattern, this wrap dress will definitely impress. Plus, you can always loosen the belt for a more comfortable fit after all that turkey, right?

If you want something totally different from the above styles, we suggest the Woodley Dress. This is a staff fave! This dress is stylish and modest.

Two dress shown, a paisley wrap dress and a rust red floral dress

Above: Donna Dress (left) and the Woodley Dress (right)

Non-Top Fun...

Grab an outfit that will easily help you get picture perfect ready this year. Feel confident in a top that is stylish and comfortable: The Imka Top, is a creamy knit top with black and white floral ruffle long sleeves. It's classy and easy to throw on after cooking all day. We paired it with our Serina Jean. A strong flare jean is in right now...makes you feel taller and slimmer and who doesn't want that? Top it off with a fun hat too. We like this western style, the Ezra Hat. If you like a smaller height and brim, try our wool black hat with a brown leather band. Ezra Western Hat and Imka Top

Imka Top, Serina Jean, Ezra Hat

Wool Black Hat with Brown leather band

Deni Jean, Black Flat Brim Wool Hat

Take Pride in Peplum

Tap in to a little bit of your wild side with a little animal print top. We have two flattering peplum tops you'll love! Try our Leronda Top, a slimming zebra print top. You will surely receive a ton of compliments wearing this beautiful top.

Leronda Zebra Print Peplum Top

Our Hattie Top is another peplum top you'll receive compliments while wearing. This cheetah print smocked peplum top has ruche short sleeves for an elegant look. You'll appreciate slipping this on for a quick chic look. We love this top with a flare jean like our Serina Jean. 

Cheetah Print ruche sleeve peplum top

With any of these outfits, you'll feel confident and ready to enjoy the day. Take advantage of our Early Black Friday Sale and shop your fave outfit today!

SHOP NOW

Gifting: For The Hostest With The Mostest

Finding a unique and thoughtful hostess gift can be tough. The old candle always works, but everyone tends to have a million. We have a couple ides for a unique gift for your host. 

Try something like this round oversized wooden charcuterie board with leather handles. Cover it with some parchment paper, fill it will goodies so you can contribute to the day and then add a little note for the hostess that its theirs to keep when the day is over. When writing a note, if you like a little something punny, try something like, "pears well with...." or "I'm so grapeful for you"? Not sure, but who doesn't love a good pun?

Round oversized wood charcuterie board with leather handles

If that doesn't sound appealing, try something simple and sweet. We suggest these oven mitt gift sets. There are two styles, one that says "Enjoy" and another that says "Yum", each one containing two towels. This is a gift anyone will enjoy and find useful. 

Oven mitt gift sets

 Happy Thanksgiving, Y'all!

Read more


4 Top Fall Trends We Love This Year!

Posted by Melody Ginn on

The leaves are falling, the Texas sunsets are vibrant, and the pumpkins are ripe. It's time to re-watch The Gilmore Girls...again, while I'm drinking more and more coffee. Plus, it's making me stop and re-evaluate my fall wardrobe. Anyone else?! 
Keep reading...we've got the top trends we are carrying this fall!

Cozy layers...

Who doesn't love fall because we get to wear all things cozy? Right?! 
We are loving all the basics for layering this fall and winter. From fitted tees to fitted tanks to sweater tops. With clean lines and comfortable material, you will want these for all your layering needs...especially in Texas! 
The super soft sweaters and pullovers make me want to start a campfire, grab chocolate and marshmallows, sit under the stars and enjoy a cool, crisp fall night with the best of friends.
Shop the above outfit: The Monroe Rancher, Rose Top , Deni Jean
 

You Plaid Me At Hello...

Don't play games with your wardrobe. Nothing can go wrong with the checkered or plaid look!
We have classic plaid looks for work or a night out like our Memphis Sweater Top or a checkered button up top like the Billie Top while the casual Sorel Top puts a new spin on the classic flannel. Try the Sorel Top with our Chamel Pants or a classic denim like the Jazzy Jean (by Vervet).

Get Out of The Trench...

Trench Coats are back! And we have a long knit trench coat you'll love! The Nessa Coat is a double breasted blazer coat in an oatmeal color with a notched collar and front pockets for a classic fall style
Pair with your slim suit and pumps or with your favorite basic tee and sneakers. 

Out With The Old & In With The New Old...?

Retro and vintage inspired looks are in and going fast!

Diana Von Furstenberg would possibly be drooling over our Donna Dress, a paisley wrap dress with rich fall hues and a body fitting silhouette. 

And Wilma Flintstone and Betty Rubble might fight over our Flintstone dress. I know Pebbles would be fighting for this dress! 

If you love all things retro and vintage, then shop our lovely collection of dresses here.  

SHOP FALL HERE

 
 
 
 

Read more

4 Top Fall Trends We Love This Year!

Posted by Melody Ginn on

The leaves are falling, the Texas sunsets are vibrant, and the pumpkins are ripe. It's time to re-watch The Gilmore Girls...again, while I'm drinking more and more coffee. Plus, it's making me stop and re-evaluate my fall wardrobe. Anyone else?! 
Keep reading...we've got the top trends we are carrying this fall!

Cozy layers...

Who doesn't love fall because we get to wear all things cozy? Right?! 
We are loving all the basics for layering this fall and winter. From fitted tees to fitted tanks to sweater tops. With clean lines and comfortable material, you will want these for all your layering needs...especially in Texas! 
The super soft sweaters and pullovers make me want to start a campfire, grab chocolate and marshmallows, sit under the stars and enjoy a cool, crisp fall night with the best of friends.
Shop the above outfit: The Monroe Rancher, Rose Top , Deni Jean
 

You Plaid Me At Hello...

Don't play games with your wardrobe. Nothing can go wrong with the checkered or plaid look!
We have classic plaid looks for work or a night out like our Memphis Sweater Top or a checkered button up top like the Billie Top while the casual Sorel Top puts a new spin on the classic flannel. Try the Sorel Top with our Chamel Pants or a classic denim like the Jazzy Jean (by Vervet).

Get Out of The Trench...

Trench Coats are back! And we have a long knit trench coat you'll love! The Nessa Coat is a double breasted blazer coat in an oatmeal color with a notched collar and front pockets for a classic fall style
Pair with your slim suit and pumps or with your favorite basic tee and sneakers. 

Out With The Old & In With The New Old...?

Retro and vintage inspired looks are in and going fast!

Diana Von Furstenberg would possibly be drooling over our Donna Dress, a paisley wrap dress with rich fall hues and a body fitting silhouette. 

And Wilma Flintstone and Betty Rubble might fight over our Flintstone dress. I know Pebbles would be fighting for this dress! 

If you love all things retro and vintage, then shop our lovely collection of dresses here.  

SHOP FALL HERE

 
 
 
 

Read more