LaLa Red makes the belt without the bulge

After Tyler, Dylan, and Cade (ages 7, 5 and 3), plus one on the way, Leah Huxtable’s fifth baby is LaLa Red, an up-and-coming accessories brand conceived at a local play date. “I was talking with my friend about needing a belt that would lay flat and didn’t bunch,” says Huxtable, the founder and designer of LaLa Red. “I have always loved to sew, so I found what worked.”And so the “belt without the bulge” was born. It’s thin enough to lay flat on the pant, yet retains substance and support to pull in the tummy for a flattering silhouette. LaLa Red belts are made of cotton fabrics in trendy prints, such as yellow and white chevron, and are reversible. The small d-ring buckle vanishes under a t-shirt. “I need to wear a belt,” says Britta Ferrell, Woodbury mom and LaLa Red customer, “and it’s so nice to not have a bulky leather belt. There are so many cute patterns; I don’t wear other belts anymore.” Other LaLa Red products include headbands, infinity scarves, little girl headbands and little boy ties. The accessories are sold in retail shops, such as local A Whimsical Place and Salon Bambino, at in-home trunk shows and on the web, lalared.com. All the LaLa Red accessories are made in the Twin Cities. Currently the showroom and distribution center is Huxtable’s guest room in her Woodbury home.LaLa Red also has a line of purple belts to raise money for the Alzheimer Association in honor of Huxtable’s mother, who at 62, has the early onset form of the disease. “I’m truly lucky to be able to take something that is a passion and turn it into a successful business,” Huxtable says. “The sky is the limit.”Abigail BeltA girl can never have too much chevron in her closet: Bold chevron print in gray; reverse is a purple leaf pattern. $39, lalared.com.Chris and Carol cardigan in gray, $28; Buttons navy ikat blouse, $34; Harper boyfriend jean in vintage blue, $44. Calista BeltLaLa Red’s most popular belt in bold yellow chevron. The reverse side is a charcoal and navy damask print that contrasts beautifully with the bright graphic pattern. $39, lalared.com. Black Rainn blue button-down blouse with tie, $38; Harper blue black skinny jean, $44; Restricted Maiya brown laser-cut peep-toe wedge, $58. Clothing by Francesca’s at Woodbury Lakes, 9020 Hudson Road; francescascollection.comPlum Knit Cowl Neck ScarfThis deep jewel-tone scarf is hand-knit with extremely soft cotton so it won’t be itchy. These scarves work great as outer wear, but are cool enough to wear as an all-day accessory, too. LaLa Red’s cowl neck scarves also come in navy, gray, aquamarine, cream and bone. $38, lalared.com.Annabella black and white houndstooth blouse, $34; Fiancée black cardigan, $28; Harper washed black skinny jean, $44.I Love Lucy BeltThis purple belt was made specifically in honor of Huxtable’s mother, Lucy. Net proceeds from the sale of this belt will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association to aid in research and support of patients and caregivers. The belt is a two-toned purple geometric pattern, backed with purple chevron on white. $39, lalared.com.Functional FashionHOUNDSTOOTH, PAISLEY AND CHEVRON, OH MY! LaLa Red’s signature style is bold, playful patterns that mix and match with any look. The key is that the belt worn under clothing doesn’t have to be seen, but if it is, the fun trendy patterns just add a little extra oomph to your style. “Don’t be afraid to mix patterns,” Huxtable adds. And LaLa Red’s headbands for women and girls have the same signature style with fun and playful patterns that are as functional as they are fashionable.