Inspiration: Alexa Chung
Love it all - the blouse, sweater, hair....
alexa chung.
alexa chung.
Fave Things: Winter Accessories
| Flowy soft sheer fabrics for layering......whether it's splatter print, leopard, or polka dot. |
| bracelets are a must have accessory...."B" bracelet from loulou boutique in D.C. and Astrology bracelet from Gorjana - the others are a collection over time, mixing high/low, real pearls, Sequin bracelet, and 4-Eva 21. |
| cloche hat - courtesy of my mom - polka dots are a girl's best friend. Similar here |
| Missoni inspired scarf from loulou boutique with bright neon colors |
| ridiculous 5 and 3/4 inch block heel on these Mia Uptown Girl pumps in black patent - buy them here on Zappos for under $75 |
Have a great week!
xoxo
kiki
GIVEAWAY: Feather Your New Year!
| Quick scoop about the Gorjana "Feather" Pendant: Charm is 1" long. Chain is 16" long.18k gold plating |
So......yeah......talk about radio silence. I know, I know! A whole month has gone by, but I am ready to start the new year off with a bang. The first GIVEAWAY for Lillian Alice! I couldn't be more excited. The Gorjana small Feather Pendant is out of stock on their site and retails for $60.00 - BUT L&A has it for one lucky gal (or guy)!
To win this whimsical, fabulous pendant please leave a comment below and on the Lillian Alice Facebook page. If you do both by Sunday, January 8th at Midnight EST you will be entered in the giveaway. The winner will be chosen randomly and announced here on Monday morning.
Was it worth the wait? I think so!
Happy 2012! I hope everyone had a nice holiday season and I look forward to dazzling you all year long....
xoxo
kiki
Lily & Alice Give: Holiday Gift Ideas
know! each charm is $15 and the chain is around $18
pretty....
hostess - I am in love with these simple designs! around $15 for a set
#2: Bottle of Wine -easy, but always perfect! Raymond Cab Sav made Epicurious's list of great
typically shop at Bath and Body Works unless it's for candles....fresh balsam is one of my
faves, but there are so many scents that make a delicious gift. $19.99 for one
you this will go over well because it smells like heaven (or in this case Basil). promise this
will be a gift not soon forgotten. $25 for above set
everything about this one is yummy - the brass button, the feather, the color, and the price -
Zappos for $54
#2: Stylemint Shirts - you have heard me talk about JewelMint, well this is of the same ilk,
$29.99 for a tee per month and they seriously have the softest shirts with the best cuts -
bought my first last month and can't wait for December selections to become available this
week!
#3: Anthro Scarf - Anthropologie does it again! this scarf is so special. bohemian chic with soft
colors and texture the fashionista in your life will not be disappointed, $68
building? creative and interesting ideas for men that want things to look cool without
spending a lot of dough. Amazon for $16
#2: Whiskey Shot Glasses - made of soap stone, these will keep his drink cold without watering
them down, $38
#3: Vintage Poker and Domino Set - Restoration Hardware makes gift giving easy this year
with kitchy vintage games perfect for guy's night! $35 for Dominos and $89 for Poker
#4: Hungoevr Coobkook - hilarious book for a whopping $8 - it has tests to prove how much
whiskey he actually did drink last night and what recipes will cure it!
#5: Tom's Wayfarer Sunglasses - famous for shoes, Tom has now launched a sunglass portion
of his business. it's a one for one - buy these for the man in your life and Tom's will give
better sight to one person in need.
you can get them in aviator style or the wayfarer for $135
#6: Lululemon Sweatshirt - what man wouldn't want to put this on after a rough workout
Lululemon has a knack for hitting the mark on fit and lifestyle, $108
#7: Beer Bottle Hooks - decorating in a "guy kinda way" - made by an artist who melts beer
bottles - available in green, clear, or brown for $27
#8: Panoramic Video Attachment for iPhone - for the techy in your life, an attachment for the
iPhone that allows for panoramic video and instant sharing via Facebook - $79
accoutrement that you want - flip it over and use it as a cutting board, $24-$49
#2: Wood Salt Dishes - also from West Elm, these are definitely on my wish list! I use sea salt
and pepper everyday when I cook, so it's helpful to have them right at the finger tips for a
dash here and there - $9 each
stockings might be the best part about Christmas morning - all the little stuff is just so much fun! here are some of the girly things I hope Santa leaves for me this year....
the sun. for the bargain price of 99 cents I am pretty sure that Santa can afford to leave
couple of these!
season! this nail polish goes on creamy and smooth - simply the best! $48 for the set,
Zappos
$14.99
season. these bags can be used for everything - from travel to makeup to a sweet clutch.
$7-12, plus a tad more for monogram
#5: Goody Doublewear PonyTail Holders - these double as a bracelet when on your wrist!
gift giving is such a small part of the holiday spirit - I know my most cherished gift is getting to spend a whole weekend with my mom, dad, aunt, uncle, and husband baking Christmas cookies, listening to Christmas music, and drinking wine! hopefully you have your "holiday moment" too and perhaps all I have done with this post is to spark some ideas and got your creative juices flowing for that perfect gift to give. I truly do believe it's better to give than to receive. so....do it!
happy start to the season...
xoxo,
kiki
Turtlenecks and Tights
| Emerson Made carries a "Bag o Turtlenecks" for $58 |
turtlenecks have officially made a comeback. layer them, wear them as a stand alone statement piece, with an unexpected pair of pants, or try them under your favorite blazer or suit jacket.
J. Crew shows the t-necks layered with a cami for $36.50. also love it under a big bulky drapey sweater.
a bohemian approach on the left - a simple cream turtleneck with a long pendant and fabulously printed flowy skirt. or in a preppy way, showing bright colors and a puffy vest...perfect for those warm fall days... I also wear mine under a fun flannel button down....
and what about those nude tights? how do you guys feel about them? are they going to make a comeback like the turtleneck? above seen on Kate Middleton, Hayden Panettiere, and Pippa Middleton, does it look dated or fresh and new?
popular site likes ShopBop, J. Crew and Asos all carry styles that are simple and don't interfere with the overall aesthetic of the outfit....I am still not sold though - I do own a pair of nude fishnets similar to above....but are they old lady or on their way back? help me decide!
xoxo
kiki
The Next Generation: A Party Fit for a Future Niece
my sister-in-law is having a little girl! last weekend my mom and I threw her a shower in CT....
Tera (my sister-in-law) and our friend Diana...
details...sparkling lemonade and yummy chocolate covered sunflower seeds dressed up in autumnal colors...
tons of tiny gourds in different shaped vases, a carved Baby Dacek pumpkin, and candles...ahhh a fall shower!
cabbage plant in the center pieces by my mom's best friend, Barb. so beautiful....
the menu: fresh fruit, three different quiches, a big salad, yummy potato casserole, sweet and savory french toast casserole (thanks Cindy!) and croissants
diaper cake a la Vermont.....
in case you are wondering what it takes to make a VT baby.....
little Addy (Diana's daughter) enjoying the food and baby fun! she's getting so big!
the take away.....kiki's mint milanos (and the recipe). yum!
it was a gorgeous day and turned out to be a shower filled with loving family and friends - the details may have added to the event, but the people sharing in the enjoyment and anticipation of a new little one are what made it all perfect. thanks to everyone.
to follow Tera's pregnancy check out her blog (it's super cute) called Glowing Me.
xoxo,
kiki
Monogram Mayhem
monograms have been around since the days of Grecian coins and also decorated great kings/queens as a symbol of their monarchies. we may not be in Greece and we may not have royalty running through our veins, but that doesn't mean that we can't show love for our family pride.... jewelry company Sarah Chloe provides the perfect opportunity to highlight your pride in mixed metal types (which I love, especially the rose gold)... this isn't the first time you have seen monogrammed jewelry - the Julie Collection also has beautiful pieces and you first saw it here.
Lia Engraved Pendant - $79.00
Lana Ring - $108.00
Ella Bangles - $98.00 (my personal fave)
for you doggie lovers....
wishbones with a little hint of sparkle for $59.00
it's the holidays, so drop your hints now! these pendants will look lovely layered with special pieces in your jewelry box...
xoxo,
kiki
Sequin Jacket: Build an Outfit
sequin jackets are where it's at for fall into winter....and this isn't your holiday outfit anymore! welcome a little jazz and spice into your everyday life...each selection completes this look for under $100!
clockwise from top left:
1. Hive and Honey wedge booties - a must have in this tan color for $79.00, piperlime
2. Oliver sequin jacket - the center piece of the whole look for $88,00, nordstrom
3. Gorjana Chloe studs - an absolutely perfect yellow gold basic earring for $35.00, gorjana
4. Braided chain bracelet - love the Nantucket feel of the rope + the polished feel of the gold for $4.80 from 4-eva 21
5. Levis Modern Bold Curve skinny jeans - finally a skinny jean for the woman with curves in a classic wash and fit for $47.90, levis
6. Basic white tee you can't live without and at this price you don't have to, $6.80 from 4-eva
7. Pastel Polka Dot Scarf - in my book no outfit is complete without a scarf - the contrast between the sequin jacket and soft polka dot pastels leave me with a warm feeling, outfit complete for $28.75, asos
xoxo
kiki
Everyone Loves a Mod 60's Block Party!
color block h&m dress (similar here) - what makes this mod 60's? for starters: the color blocking, the length (above the knee), the darting in the chest, and the sleeve length....
the 60's feel is in the details: exposed back zipper is gold... black wedge booties...so comfortable and elongate the legs when worn with black tights (similar here)
black diamond patterned tights add a hint of modesty (similar here)
paired with a killer handbag, yellow gold jewelry (esp. a long medallion pendant like my "K" monogram from Julie Collection which screams mod 60's), and....
....let's face it - a big, wavy, high pony tail!
the inspiration....stolen from InStyle Mag! a special thanks to my boss - Ms. Debbie Riley for being so into the photo shoot, for supporting my blog, and for exuding palpable excitement over this post idea! thanks DR!!
xoxo,
kiki
A Madewell Moment
I am having a Madewell moment. their beautifully edited line is boho chic, casual, and somehow remains consistently relevant from season to season. take these boyfriend jeans: the wash is old school, but the fit gives the feel of a woman stepping off the Jitney after a fabulously glamorous fall weekend in the Hamptons.
bracelets are my favorite when they add texture. this "golden nest" is that and more. a trilogy of metal types, this bracelet will add an element of fun to your everyday wardrobe.....and at $14.99 it's a must have!
I am literally getting bored with stripes. yesterday I put on one of my usual fave striped tops and felt so ho hum all day that I considered throwing it in my growing good will pile when I got home. but -- alas -- this abstract take on a basic trend is exactly what the doctor ordered! I love how this top slouches, takes liberties on the semi-scoop neckline and uses zig zags to contour the body. check it out here in three different colors
this is not your mother's skirt from the early 80's! it looks vintage, but also has a fresh and clean appeal when paired with a tucked in plaid button down shirt or a flowy silk one....and of course topped off with a pair of high heeled loafers.
things that make you go mmmmm..... understated and sexy this sheer top leaves people talking (in a good way this time...hehe!) $19.99 and three different colors
have you had your Madewell moment today?
xoxo
kiki
Fave Things: Collages and Color Boards
a day of boating in 80 degree October weather... partying, swimming, dancing, and drinking dark and stormies - summer never end, please!
my new moss green Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hobo that I scored at Bloomies friends and family event and thanks to friends for giving me a gift card.....yeay! Essie nail colors bring me from summer to fall perfectly....a faux, cropped leather moto jacket from h&m that channels Back to the Future, but is also deliciously functional for the 50-60 degree weather (similar here)...and belts! oh belts add such texture and compliment all those lbd's hanging in the closet...(similar here) and lastly my sweet patent leather purple Jessica Simpson flats are so comfy and add an element of preppiness with the sharp bow - check this pair from Asos out - so cute and affordable!
I have a slight obsession with harper's bazaar - their collages really speak to me (which is why I made my own!) this deep red is the hit of the season...it's luxurious and screams warmth as the cold months approach (see this top, this jacket, and this scarf - all bluefly where you can shop by color...but also Ruche with this cargo dress)...
this grayish-purple that harper's bazaar features is so subtle, yet sophisticated.....these lilac pumps by Pour la Victoire are gorgeous and I want them! same with these hot numbers.....yes please!
honestly - my Marc by Marc Jacobs is the best way to incorporate this color into your wardrobe....
how can you go wrong with neutrals? check this cape out from Ruche - love the price point of $89.00......this unique knit sweater is also ridiculously fabulous...as is this bow tie flowy blouse.
xoxo,
kiki
This for That: Brown and Grey All Over - Anniversary Dinner Outift
6 year anniversary with the hubby, grey and brown all over. brown sheer shirt with cami underneath. Urban Outfitters, similar here at Piperlime
added my Nixon Sniper Bomber faux leather jacket in grey and a grey knit beret from h&m, similar here at modcloth....
brown suede booties from ann taylor, a gift from my mom for xmas. these Seychelles from DSW are similar and so stinking cute - tuck your skinny jeans right in!
inside the Nixon bomber jacket - stripes!
love brown and grey together....perfect for the fall, perfect for an anniversary dinner w/ the hubby on a cool night. we enjoyed oysters at the Island Creek Oyster Bar and it was.....what's the word I am looking for? oh yeah - perfect. :)
xoxo
kiki
Giving Back Makes You Feel Good!
I am having a 31-year-old crisis. I need a change. I need to give back. and it needs to happen now. when I was at Hearts On Fire University a couple weeks ago I had the pleasure of learning about a company called Hands Up Not Hand Outs. a friend of the Rothmans (owners of HOF) started this company with his family. Rwanda and Palestine women hand make bracelets, clutches, and earrings to sell and in turn get income to build their lives and create opportunities. I received this beautiful orange/cream/green knit bracelet to add to my growing collection.....
these bracelets and earrings range anywhere from $35-$45 and go toward an amazing cause. Check out the website for additional information: http://handsupnothandouts.org/. it's also worth giving a shout out to our friends at Pura Vida as I have clearly taken my original stacking of the bracelets from last spring and added over the months. they are a special company that offers fabulous resources to Costa Rican artisans! if you didn't check them out the first time I posted, now is the time - they only cost around $5!!!
these earrings are made of sea grass and can be purchased at Hands Up Not Hands Out
obsessed with this clutch for $45 also made by a beautiful Rwanda woman.
lastly is a grass roots organization called krochet kids. three best friends started the company and I love their motto: Buy a Hat. Change a Life. so cool....so honest....so raw. they use their hats as a vehicle to inspire social change and give women in Uganda the power to rise above poverty. hats are approximately $30 and each woman signs the inside - as a consumer you can THANK her on their site! love this.
anyway as I struggle with what I want to do with the rest of my life I hope this gives y'all the incentive to open your hearts (and wallets) to improve this planet we live on.
xoxo
kiki
Uncommon Phone Covers in a Common Phone World
yes, we all are obsessed with technology...our iphones, our droids, blackberries, ipod, ipad, and the list goes on.....but how do we make our common old phone into something uniquely our own? how do you tell it apart from that of your co-worker or your best friend? in comes Uncommon. this is no ordinary website, no it's not common at all. over the summer our cousin Brooke introduced me to this website and ever since I have been playing around with options.....and for $39.95 if I don't forever love the one that I pick at least it's not breaking the bank for future changes!
there are plenty of fun artists to pick from, but if you so choose you can upload a high res image from your own picture library. you can stretch it, crop it, zoom it....make it your own! there are also several types of cases you can pick from to fit your life style and comfort level....
so help a kiki out - which of the designs that I have put together do you like? I am thinking more toward the blue/orange poppy cover, but would LOVE input!
get Uncommon today! so fun!
xoxo,
kiki
My Second Home: Viva Las Vegas!
"get nailed" salon off the strip in vegas. marissa and I got a mani/pedi that we will be able to tell stories about for the rest of our lives.
| photo courtesy of Will Mann Photography |
first day of hofu at a new venue - Aria. 7th hofu for kiki. dvf dress made an appearance.
| Photo courtesy of Will Mann Photography |
hofu day 2. with marissa, andrea. big hair and lots of black outfits.
meeting the Tuohy family....the movie Blind Side was based on their lives....we dripped them in diamonds for their appearance on our hofu stage
| Photo courtesy of Will Mann Photography |
| Photo courtesy of Will Mann Photography |
trisha and marissa.....and red bull/vodka (of course)
| Photo courtesy of Will Mann Photography |
day after. having to be on in front of 1000 retail partners after a long night of partying. the only way to get through is by having fun....
what a way to end an unbelievable hofu, meeting Magic Johnson. charming, kind, smart, and lovely.
all in all, although a very long 8 days, coming back to boston with "vegas voice" (aka scratchy and barely there), and great memories makes it all worth it.....
missed you all and glad to be blogging! Yeay...
xoxo
kiki
THE ALVIN: Sam Edelman, Mission Impossible
mission impossible. the alvin in leopard by sam edelman.
this all started with my great quest to replace a pair of fabulous gold Sam Edelman flats that I literally wore until I could see the pavement thru the holes in the bottom.....but they were perfectly comfortable and went with a base outfit of black, brown, or navy. well unfortunately it was not an easy task to find perfect gold flats. so I gave up. I know - I am a quitter.
until the Alvin . or so I thought. when I couldn't find gold shoes I jumped on the animal print train and found the above leopard smoking flats. yes, smoking flats? what do you ask makes these "smoking flats"? think hugh hefner meets east coast chic. this type of flat means an easy transition from silk robe, silk pjs, and a pipe to a dark pair of cropped or cuffed jeans (in my case old Hudsons with holes in the knees). characteristics include the little cutouts, the round toe, the quilted comfy inside, and the small heel that goes "clack, clack, clack". for me it equals love....but finding them was another story.
it started w/ Zappos where I ordered these beauties expecting them to arrive early this week. at work I diligently checked the tracking on the precious package and on Monday when it said "delivered, left at front door" I could not have been happier!
got home. searched the porch. no Alvins to be found. I called UPS. they were no help - said to call Zappos. when I hung up w/ them my doorbell rang. a policeman standing there. he says, "package was stolen off your porch along w/ three of your neighbor's. woman across the street watched the whole thing go down....ups dropped package, car pulled up and grabbed it, squeeled off to next house and did the same thing. police were called." okay, so that explains that. leaving for Vegas, need the shoes, not happy, but at least it explains the mystery - I did feel violated though. called Zappos they immediately refunded me. WOW. amazing customer service.
determined to get these shoes I ordered them from another site. yeay! they can still get here before I depart. next day: email in my inbox....shoes are on backorder! really??? luckily this story ends well - I was able to order these IMPOSSIBLE to find smoking flats from a fantastic little site called Eve's Apple. they overnighted them and provided perfect customer service.
definitely my new obsession and I will be wearing them w/ everything. Mission: accomplished.
off to Vegas in the morning for a week and guess who is coming w/ me? Alvin....
xoxo,
kiki
Fave Things: Dreaming of the Weekend Past....
BFF trip to FL.....love you two.....
4-Eva 31 (similar) cat eye sunglasses in tortoise.
tiff's (of Brideonicles) dog jack attack...always chillin' and so scrumptious....
a beautifully delicious roobios chai tea latte found at the best little sandwich shop - stay tuned for a recipe using ingredients found.....
zero security lines on the 10th anniversary of september 11th? thank you country for protecting us so well.....
coming home to boston and finding gorgeous heirloom tomatoes fresh from the garden...yum!
packing for my next adventure - las vegas on friday.
xoxo
kiki
Love Anthropologie? You will Looooooove Ruche!
The philosophy is the same, the flirty feminine style is the same, but the prices are extremely more friendly....see some of my fave picks on their website right now.....
how cute is this shirt? Find it here for $28.99
this is a fabulous tribal looking long maxi skirt that converts into a dress....find it here for $36.99
WOW. in love with this dress. it really reminds me of a cute little Marc Jacobs print/color scheme. here for $36.99
how cute is this shirt? Find it here for $28.99
this is a fabulous tribal looking long maxi skirt that converts into a dress....find it here for $36.99
WOW. in love with this dress. it really reminds me of a cute little Marc Jacobs print/color scheme. here for $36.99
happy shopping and have a great weekend! I am off to visit my bff in FL!
xoxo
kiki
One Skirt, Two Ways
Ikat Swing Skirt from J.Crew - on sale for $29.99
Mixed bead/bauble silk sleeveless blouse from Bloomies (similar one at Banana)
Love the way these contrasting designs just kind of work....in an unexpected and girly way.
Layer with a cardigan for warmth on these cooler September mornings.
Layer with a cardigan for warmth on these cooler September mornings.
Silver STEVEN by Steve Madden flats with peep toe and accompanying bow (similar @ Macys)
Add a classic white button down and twist in a knot at the waist. Look for one that's longer in the front so when you tie your stomach is not exposed.... Isabella Oliver has the perfect one! I am also a true believer in the "popped" color on a button down - it's a classy finishing touch! So pop it, baby!
Finally wear it with your hair down with soft curls or pulled back in a tight bun to really accentuate your accessories.... play with your season transition colors and integrate oranges, creams, neutrals, and mixed metals (including shoes)...
xoxo,
kiki
ADVICE NEEDED: To BCBG or Not to?
Help ladies! One of the bigger events my company puts on every year in Vegas is coming up and I am scrambling to get my outfits ready. I have two weeks, but they are jammed with commitments and a FL trip, so my process of packing (will come in a post soon) needs to start now. Two of the evenings events are a little on the "Vegas Chic" side which has a fun and slightly dressy flair. Now let me get to the point.....I NEED ADVICE.
I received this BCBG dress in the mail from Bloomies yesterday and I am not sure what to think. It is completely out of the norm in terms of the pattern which happens to resemble a Jackson Pollock painting. I love the fit - it has a drop waist with kind of a high neckline and flowy in the mid-section, but short and tight in the lower region with fab pockets and pleating in all of the right places.
To keep or not to keep? That is the question. Tags are still on....could send this one packing!
Kind of loving the black/white splatter flowing into color in the lower region and tied at the drop waist with a same fabric belt.......
So, how do you guys make these decisions? Do you think that being outside of your element every once in awhile is really important?
Desperately Seeking BCBG advice....
xoxo kiki