Asparagi Verdi: Part of a Well Balanced Wardrobe

Ohhhh Asparagi Verdi how I love thee! Short and sweet tonight, guys! You have to try this quick and easy recipe for Asparagi Verdi. I had it at a lovely little Italian bottega in NYC on 59th between 5th and Madison on the upper east side (Bottega del Vino). Pure delight! I figured that this must be quick and easy to throw together, so tonight I did just that! I had already hard boiled some eggs on Monday night in preparation for the week, so this literally took all of 2 minutes to put on a plate and get in my belly! My husband truly enjoyed it too, although he added some balsamic vinegar about mid-way through....which is fine! I encourage you to take this to great heights and use what I have done as a basis of a clean, simple, beautiful salad. Also, tomatoes are at the peak of ripeness, so take advantage of this time.....and use them as much as possible!

kiki's Asparagi Verdi:

(serves 2, easy enough to adapt to more)

Asparagus (one bundle)

2 Tomatoes (preferably yummy heirloom ones cut in 4 wedges per plate, but as seen above I only had grape - I am a big believer in using what you have in your kitchen!)

2 hard boiled eggs

Olive Oil (don't skimp here! This is one of the most important staples in your kitchen, so spend the $$ and buy a good one!)

Sea Salt crushed

Cracked Pepper

Directions: Flash steam your asparagus and I really mean just that. You want these guys crisp and fresh with full gorgeous natural flavor. When done, run immediately under cold water to stop the cooking process. Put aside. Cut your tomatoes (whatever kind you are using). Put aside. Drizzle olive oil on your individual plate. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper. Put your tomatoes on the side of the plate. Add your asparagus in a "fiber" pattern across from your tomatoes. Carefully slice your egg width wise and lay over the top of your veggies. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle (to your liking) with sea salt and pepper. Just remember, get one piece of each in every bite - you will notice the balance and life that they give one another. Serve w/ a hearty baguette and your fave bottle of wine!!! Eat and enjoy a well balanced wardrobe.

YUM.

xoxo,

kiki

Current Obsession: Accessories

18k rose gold over sized Nixon watch accessorized with my grandmother's link bracelet and leather twisties....

My Bostonian three-stone diamond engagement ring, Hearts On Fire Five-Stone band, separated by a fun 18k rose gold diamond studded band.... switching it up from the normal routine by adding a whimsical pop of color....no one ever said you can't play with your symbol of love - Make it your own!
Mixing Metal types.....love it!

Julia Collection Monogram pendant with my grandmother's turtle pendant.....worn two ways: long and short with layers....

Indian Summer - yes please! This scarf will transition me into fall.... gorgeous Aztec print with vibrant red and blues, toned down with neutrals....

I scored this Mili Designs pareo/scarf from Swirl....I love how gauzy and soft it is!

Fish tailing my way through the hot months.....what a great comeback this little diddy made! It's a look that makes me happy, and, as an added bonus, it keeps me cool from the humid Boston days....

xoxo,

kiki

A Stolen Idea: Monogram Pendant

My birthday was at the beginning of July and my parents and in-laws were kind enough to give me gifts of the paper kind (thank you parents!). Some of it I did practical things with....and some of it, well, some of it I spent on the "K" Monogram pendant from a fabulous little company called the Julie Collection. I did not arrive at this idea myself....it was absolutely stolen from a New Yorker.Last week I was at a product presentation for Hearst Company in Manhattan. Hearst owns all of the big books: Esquire, Harper's Bazaare, Cosmo, and the list goes on. One of the editors had this unreal pendant on and of course I had to comment! After walking her through our product line and marveling at her pendant, I realized I could not let her leave without finding out where she got it. First let me set the scene: she was super cute with a fantastic navy top on, skinny cargo pants, and fantastic wedges. Her pendant (a "J" for Jessica) was sitting just below her bust line in yellow gold on that perfect navy backdrop. So I asked her where it came from.....and she told me that she stole the idea from a friend. I knew that the "pay it forward" theme would continue after I purchased the pendant and posted it on here.

So, let me tell you about the Julie Collection Monogram pendant. This company is very special and really shows you how happy they are that you purchased an item from their line. When I opened the package today I was pleasantly greeted by this sweet orange and green Asian inspired pouch. Enclosed was a thank you note showing their deep appreciation as well as a care card explaining the genetic makeup of the pendant. Hanging from a 28 inch chain was the simple, yet chic 24kt gold plated "K". Listen, I know that the monogram look has taken its trip around the block, but I still think it is relevant and when the look takes a trendy twist on a long chain it truly is a step toward cool! I can't wait to wear this as a stand alone piece or stacked with other pendants/chains! Check back later this week to see the necklace in action!!

xoxo

kiki

Trends and Style: Join Me for a LIVE CHAT!!

Don't quit your day job, right? Haha! I would never! My role on the Merchandising team at Hearts On Fire Company has evolved over the years, but one thing has remained, my love of diamonds and jewelry in general! Please join me tomorrow from 3-4pm on Facebook to talk fashion or ask any questions about bridal engagement rings, brilliant HOF diamonds, or the love of your life! Whatever is on your mind....I want to hear it! And.....as a special gift, I will happily be showing you some chic new designs that will make your life (both literally and figuratively) brighter!!! See you tomorrow at www.facebook.com/heartsonfire from 3-4pm!

On the train headed northbound from NYC,

kiki

Mint Milanos: Part of a Well Balanced Wardrobe

What started as a case of S.A.D. gone terribly wrong this past winter has since turned into an absolute obsession. What you ask is S.A.D. and for that matter what is the absolute obsession? Although I shouldn't joke about a serious illness (seasonal affective disorder), I truly think that in my deep winter slump I turned to the kitchen for some tender, love, and care. One cold evening after I had just eaten an entire sleeve of Pepperidge Farms Mint Milanos I suddenly needed more! But, alas, it was late and stores were closed. Well, you know I love a good recipe and I often think it adds balance and heart to your overall style, so I decided to tackle my own MINT MILANOS! I had never had a homemade one, but that didn't mean it couldn't be done. What came next I never expected....but has now become a staple in my recipe repertoire!

A hybrid of several recipes, Kiki's Mint Milanos are easy, yummy, and will make your entire audience crave more and more! I recently made them for a baby shower at work and for my brother and his wife who are expecting their first baby in February! Yeaay I am going to be an auntie....a celebration where cookies are a fabulous idea.....enjoy and feel free to let me know if you have any questions about this one!

Kiki's Mint Milanos

1 1/4 cups of all purpose flour

1/2 tsp of coarse salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), room temperature (this is important to the baking process)

2/3 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 large egg

4 oz of semisweet chocolate (I use Bakers, but you can use whatever is easily accessible)

3/4 cup confectioners sugar

1/4 tsp pure peppermint extract (seen above as McCormicks)

Parchment lined baking sheets

Directions: In a small bowl, whisk the flour and salt. In a medium bowl (or kitchen aid) beat together butter and granulated sugar on high. Scrape bowl to make sure it's all included, beat until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and egg - beat to combine. Flip your mixer to low and add the flour/salt mixture until just combined. Form little "logs" with your dough that are about 3/4 of an inch width by 2 inches long (approx, mine always vary and I think that makes them look fun and organic) and put on parchment lined baking sheets. Makes about 54 cookies. Place in fridge and chill until firm - approx 15-20 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Bake the cookies until they are lightly golden on the edges - depending on the heat of your oven it should take approx 15 min, rotate sheets halfway through. Transfer to racks and cool thru. While the cookies are cooling, melt the chocolate on your stove top or in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. In another bowl whisk together confectioners sugar, peppermint extract and enough water to make the consistency a little looser then paste. With a knife, spread chocolate on one side and your mint glaze on the other side. Sandwich together! Careful - they will slide a bit, so do them fast and pop them in the fridge to set for 10 minutes! Result? Cookie HEAVEN and the perfect Mint Milano.....as seen below (this one lasted just long enough to snap a picture...soon it was in my belly!)......

I always stack my cookies (separated by wax paper) in a Tupperware container. If these don't fly out of your kitchen the day you make them than they will last up to 7 days when stored in an airtight environment. The key to these cookies is making sure each bite, each morsel, each tiny little delectable piece of mint/chocolate has a hint (just a hint) of sea salt! It will give you a rich, savory, sweet combination that will leave you wanting for more....and more....and more......

xxx,

a mouth-watering kiki

30 Year-Old Dress Up Session

My very good friend Will Mann (http://www.wmannphotography.com/) is a photographer, a magician, as I have deemed him. He takes ordinary and turns it into extraordinary. So, when he asked me several months ago to help him with a project he was doing for a photography class, how could I say no? And then when he asked me to wear a wedding dress as part of the shoot - whoa! I was thrown back into my life 6 years ago when I walked down the aisle toward my husband.....I never thought I would put on a white dress again! I think the Vera Wang I wore on that beautiful October night is still sitting in my childhood closet in Connecticut.....with all of its dirt, wine, and other proof that it was one of the most amazing moments to date.

But, Will didn't want to see me in a standard white dress with boring old basics to accompany it. He wanted pops of color, daring tights (you can see this in the fishnets or bright smurfette blue tights and fuscia Seychelle pumps), and unusual postures. We spent an entire day in his studio playing with makeup (or in some cases, to my horror, NO MAKEUP!), wardrobe, and more importantly wedding dresses!!!!!

Will borrowed all of his dresses from a good friend who owns her own Bridal and Evening dress boutique called Sabella Couture (http://www.sabellacouture.com/) in downtown Boston. She has an interesting mix of handmade (with her own two little hands - so impressive) and deeply thought out purchases from uniquely branded manufactureres.

Will not only shot creatively and to get the beauty of the fabric and contrast of the color, but also to capture the very essense of who his subject was.....his eye for detail and for seeing one shot ahead of the person he is working with is quite....well......magical! There's that word again.

My best friend, Tiffany, is getting married in March and has chosen Will to take her photos for the special night. She has been a blogging fool for the past year and she recently had Will down to Florida (where she lives) to do her engagement session and posted a bunch of the shots. Her blog is a comprehensive, engaging journey through her entire experience where she shares everything with her followers. Check out http://www.bride-onicles.blogspot.com/ for more details and to see Will's dreamy photo session with her and her future hubby!

Look at all those layers of tulle and silk dupioni! It's like being on a cloud.....at what age are you too old for dress up??

Obviously you are never too old because I had WAY too much fun doing this! Again, I love the pops of color, the lighting, and most of all the direction from the man behind the cam - I am his biggest fan (clearly I am also a poet and didn't know it)!!! Yep - that's me in a wig below....got to love it!

Have a great weekend!

xxx,

kiki

(all photos are taken by William Mann. Check out his facebook at: www.facebook.com/wmannphotography and "LIKE" him or swing by his site and take a look at his portfolio: http://www.wmannphotography.com/)

From One Fashionista to a Future Fashionista........

On Saturday I had the distinct pleasure of watching my best friend's 2 year-old daughter, Adelyn Rose! It's amazing how much energy she has and luckily I had my Wheaties so I was ready for her! We started the day off at the pool - the picture above encompasses everything good - the smiles on our face, the bathing suited bodies wrapped in a towel, and the sun shining behind us like a halo.... I simply love it. After a long 2.5 hour snooze, Addy was up and running again, specifically in the direction of my jewelry! If you know me, which most of you do by now, you know that I have a true obsession with all things accessory (scarves are a downfall). Perhaps it's the 2 year-old in me, but I can't get enough and neither can my partner in crime, Adelyn!

With a mixture of old and new, all of my costume jewelry has a story and most importantly meaning. A big chunk of it was handed down to me from my true inspiration, my grandmother, Alice. The beauty of fashion is that it can transcend three different generations and still be relevant.....how many things can you say that about in your life?

Three new cloth bangles from Jewel Mint. These have so much texture and wear ability. The fabric is lightweight and the different patterns add an element of bohemian chic....I will be rocking these all summer!

As modeled by Addy above (and her little piggys on the right :o), wooden accessories are perfect for summer time. The bangles look heavenly with a sweet sundress and Grecian sandals to match! The wooden beaded necklace was a gift from my mother-in-law when she was in Greece a couple years ago.....

The perfect necklace or bracelet can take a simple outfit and turn it into a story! The story of your journeys, your history, your inner child! They can also represent your favorite people - past, present, and in my case, on my Saturday with Addy, the future.......

xoxo

kiki

The First Cut Goes Retro

My friend Whitney and I have been watching our husbands restore a 1965 Boston Whaler for the past year and today, officially, we went on the maiden voyage. The boys did everything from the electrical to a complete aesthetic overhaul of the interior/exterior. Deemed "The First Cut" for reasons I won't get into, we took her out on the Charles and even got daring and ventured into the Boston harbor! It was a beautiful day - the waters were smooth, the sun was shining, and the city was gleaming against a gorgeous blue sky backdrop. We dropped anchor to munch and after eating sandwiches and chips (argh - healthy eating begins TOMORROW), Whit and I both felt bloated in the mid section. In an effort to cover up the uncomfortable stomach situation, I threw on a long sleeved tunic, but Whitney didn't have anything and as a result she pulled her skirt up past her belly button. Instantly we all proclaimed how 50's retro she looked without even trying! With a J.Crew halter sweetheart bikini top in the perfectly classic navy blue and the kelly green terry cloth skirt ("Old Navy special, told in Whit's words) she fully channels Marilyn Monroe circa 1950's......

....or Leann Rimes in a recent performance. The high waist accentuates the tiny "real" waistline and the halter helps larger chested women maintain their shape in an appropriately flattering way. To hop on this trend check this out this sweet J.Crew number at www.jcrew.com/womens_category/swim/patternsandprints/PRDOVR~41914/41914.jsp

xoxo,

a very sun drenched and tired kiki

A Day with the In-Laws....

Today was a day spent with my husband's parents who are in town from PA for a quick visit. We had a nice low-key lunch followed (hours later thankfully) by a yummy dinner of grilled salmon at our house. I wasn't entirely sure what to wear this morning given the heat index and the "company" I was about to be keeping, so instead of doing the usual quick sundress, I put a little more thought into it and went with a combo deal.....
...and some well worn flip flops that I picked up at Target. I love the tribal feel the beads add to the basic flat sandals.
The skirt is from Anthropologie - a bright palette of corals, blues, pinks, and purples paired with a basic white tank top. When wearing such a loud pattern it's very important to go simple on all accompanying pieces....otherwise the look can be too "busy" and can be overkill.
As for accessories, I really do enjoy a good ol' fashioned STACK ATTACK.... Mixing textures is key to making a very sweet look into something that is stylized and fun. Here I took a rose gold link bracelet from J. Crew, two leather (braided and plain) wraps from H&M, and a preppy navy/yellow gold bangle from Sequin. Stacking these unexpected pieces together creates a unique and edgy look, while maintaining the feminine and flirty design of the Anthropologie skirt and crisp white tank. What are your favorite kinds of bracelets and would you attempt to wear a bunch of different ones together for a new, interesting look? xoxo kiki

Perfect Summer Waves and a Nude Lip....Plus $10 off $50 at Ulta Beauty!

This morning I had to meet a friend to do a quick photo shoot for a project she is working on and her only requirement was for me to wear my hair down. Yesterday was the 4th of July and having spent the day at the beach I got home last night to ocean sprayed, sandy hair! Hosting about 7 people (and a baby) at my house for a BBQ didn't allow me much time to prep how I normally would after getting out of the shower, so I quickly sprayed the "3 Day Straightener" in my hair and threw it back into a high braid. After the last drink had been drunk and the last hot dog inhaled, all of the guests went home and I was left standing in the mirror trying to decide how to deal with my damp hair. I decided to throw it in pig tail braids and go to sleep.

This morning I woke up, took the braids out, and I had these great beachy waves! Already a stifling 80 degrees outside at 8:00AM, I wanted to make sure that these beauties would stay put! First I applied Fekkai Luscious Curls. I have very thick, coarse hair so I apply a healthy quarter size dollop. I work it softly through with my hands and scrunch....softly through and scrunch. Repeat! This cream is amazing and super light. The smell is also very summery and delicious. Next I generously used a nice dose of Matrix Vavoom Freezing Spray for extra hold, but without the hair getting stiff and crunchy....it's a very loose hairspray. The result is a natural body of waves.....perfect for a summer photo session!

I knew this shoot was going to be very Au natural, so I went light on the makeup - a quick brush of bronzer, mascara and a nude lip. I love the nude lip - incredibly sexy and understated.

First apply a chap stick...I use Burt's Bees w/ clove oil. Next apply something very subtle, I used Stila Convertible Color in Camelia (staple that every woman should have in their closet). You can also use this on your cheeks for a creamy and translucent look. Last step is MAC Cremesheen Glass in "Fashion Whim". Apply on the center of lips and then use the tip of your finger to dab along the rest.....

And the best part.....you can get most of this at Ulta Beauty with the following coupons - $10 off $50 ( Coupon Code 10199) - just visit http://www.ulta.com/ to peruse their selection of makeup and hair care products!

xoxo

kiki

Food - It's Part of a Well Balanced Wardrobe!

Photo courtesy of wmannphotography

I know you are probably thinking - wait, what? Food as part of your wardrobe? It's odd, but I always think of personal style as a well-rounded execution on all things that you enjoy doing in your life. For me, one piece of the pie (literally and figuratively) just happens to be cooking/baking. I love being in the kitchen and when I have a dinner party to go to, there is nothing better than arriving with a perfect dish that represents your taste and style! To kick off this beautiful 4th of July holiday weekend, a friend of mine threw a roof deck party at her place in South Boston. The sunset over the city, the drinks, the food, and the company were all equally wonderful. For this soiree I made a modified version of the Giada De Laurentiis recipe called Pea Pesto. It is so easy breezy to make and gets rave reviews time and time again! The best part is that it's fairly healthy and requires ingredients that you usually have in your house! The above photo is of my friend Andrea and me on the roof and she has one of my creations in her mouth....very delicious and also an attractive shot of the two of us (oh and PS...yes those are Foster Grants I am wearing!).

Pea Pesto by Giada De Laurentiis, modified by Kiki
Ingredients:
For the pesto -

One 10 oz bag of frozen peas defrosted

One garlic clove

1/2 cup Parmesan/Pecorino Romano cheese, grated

One teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/3 cup olive oil

for the crostini:

One day old baguette (whole grain or regular)* if you don't have day old than put your fresh one in the oven on 300 for 10 min or so until crust is crispy

olive oil for brushing

carton of cherry tomatoes, diced

pinenuts toasted (eyeball the amount, I like a lot so I am generous)

One lemon

Pesto Directions:
Pulse together the peas, garlic, cheese, salt, and pepper in the food processor. With the machine running, slowly add in the olive oil until it is well combined which takes a couple minutes. Set aside.


Crostini Directions:
Preheat your grill (you can also use a stovetop griddle pan) on medium-high heat.
Slice your baguette into 1/2 inch pieces.
Brush both sides with olive oil.
Grill until golden on both sides which takes 1-2 minutes. I like mine with little dark grill marks, but it's all personal preference!


Spread pea puree on top of each piece (to your discretion, probably about 1 tablespoon if I had to guess).
Add tomatoes and pinenuts, again to your liking.
When ready to serve, squeeze fresh lemon liberally over each one.
Yields approx 30-40 pieces.

ENJOY your 4th of July!!
XOXO,
Kiki

Meeting Christine Cameron and Sarah Silver.....

For the past two days I have been on a photo shoot in NYC for work and I met some really amazing people and truly appreciate and admire just how many talented people there are in this world.......

Sarah Silver:

An incredibly talented, dynamic and FAST photographer. She has an eye for the beautiful and has a ridiculous portfolio boasting gigs like Vogue and Sephora. Sarah is also high energy and fun! With music pumping in the studio she was fast and furious - nailing shots in minutes. She is getting married soon and hopefully we will get to dress her....it would be an honor! She is pictured above working her magic.... Her personal website is: http://www.sarahsilver.com/.

Christine Cameron:

A young fashion blogger that was so fun to talk to! She was very accessible and down to earth, but also had a real opinion about her passion. A similar philosophy to mine, she likes to pair high/low together - a Kooba bag w/ an H&M dress, etc. Her blog is a pleasure to view.....her photographs are vibrant, metropolitan, yet they have a "girl next door" vibe. Love love love!!!

Check it --- http://www.mystylepill.com/

What a great way to start off the holiday wknd!!!

XOXO

Kiki

Frizzy Hair and Foster Grants

My busy schedule has not been conducive to blogging, but I am BACK!!! Between traveling and a crazy work life, things are finally getting back into a routine and I am going to attempt to do daily (if not weekly) entries to get myself back on track - so for my very few followers, thank you for being patient! There are several topics I would like to cover. It's officially summer and that means a couple of things...frizzy, big hair and strained eyes. Well I have two solutions!

1.) 3 DAY STRAIGHTEN by John Frieda. Truly dreamy hair. For three to four days depending on how long you can go without getting it wet. I have unruly hair that often takes a solid hour to blow dry and straighten (or curl). Usually the summer humidity leaves me frizzy and with hair in a pony tail within one day, but alas, this spray saves! Quick directions: Wash hair. Apply to wet or damp hair (spray anywhere from 7-15 spritzes depending on how thick your hair is), brush through, and style as usual. I promise you will be happy with the results.......DREAMY HAIR! Until I am willing to pony up the dough for a Keratin treatment this will do just fine!

2.) Now, for those eyes! Foster Grants have been around since 1919 when Sam Foster introduced them on the boardwalk in Atlantic City. Before that sunglasses were primarily used for pilots and by actors on the set of brightly lit movies. Mr. Foster was the first person to venture into the inexpensive, mass produced sunglass world.....however, the brand didn't catipulte to great heights until the 1960's when an ad campaign called "Who's Behind those Foster Grants" was launched. It featured the eternally stylish Raquel Welch wearing them and soon Hollywood followed and supported Foster Grants! Well recently they relaunched their campaign of "Who's Behind those...." and it has caught a lot of attention. Starting at just $20.00 these sunglasses are on trend and fabulous without spending a ton of money!! My husband just rehabbed a boat all winter and we are soon to be cruising down the Charles in it and I know one thing that will be at my side -- my Foster Grants! This way I can save my Ray Bans from being tossed overboard! So.......FYI: it's Kiki behind those Fosters! Check out the pair I am wearing at www.fostergrant.com - Deputy Black is the style.....

XOXO, Kiki

Celebrity Influence and the Power of the Internet

I have a guilty pleasure. It's called "schmut" magazines. When I hit up CVS for my monthly beauty care I usually throw one of those magazines into my basket at the last second. Just for good measure. Just for my ability to relate to those that enjoy "pop" culture.......alright, I am just saying! Sometimes it's good for the soul to chill out w/ a glass of wine and Hollywood gossip and even more importantly fashion trends!! As I was perusing US Weekly back in January, I saw this beautiful bohemian style dress that Jessica Alba was sporting. It's very rare that I impulse shop - it's typically a very calculated decision making process. One indication is how long I think about a piece.....in this case it was almost two months.

The internet is a powerful tool. Two months after I originally spotted the Tolani Ginger Tunic on Alba I googled the following words: "December Jessica Alba's dress on beach with daughter Honor" and the image popped up. From there I was able to track down the dress.....only to find out it was on backorder until the end of March! Now the second part of my decision making: is it worth the wait? I sat on it for two more days and eventually pulled the trigger - I couldn't get it out of my head! Hopefully the anticipation will prove fruitful! It gives me something to get through the last dark days of winter at least!

http://www.blacklabelboutique.cm/ for more details.

How do you guys decide to make purchases? Are you impulse shoppers or well-thought out shoppers?

xoxo,

kiki

Mango, mi amor, no son sólo una fruta!

One scarf I bought...Tori Burch-esque


TRANSLATION: Mango, my love, you are not just a fruit!! The fabulously affordable Spanish retail store MANGO featuring "off the runway" looks for peanuts has been rediscovered! First time I went to Spain I enjoyed learning about this store, but little did I know until now that I can order online and have it delivered to my very own American front door! This company does it right - from their printed scarves (starting at $20) to their basic tees, they will not fail with fit and style. I call their line: office chic because they show you how to work outfits together that are conservative yet on trend. Just note that European sizes don't always translate perfectly to US sizes....so although it might take a couple tries to get your order perfect, once you do it will be LOVE! Check out http://www.mango.com/ for an indepth look at clothing that will differenciate you from the next girl.....

I love this shift! For $139 in the hottest neutral.

Ingenious: Candy and Shopping in One?

I don't even need to write an entry for this one. The website says it all....where else can you shop for clothes and candy at the same time? This is a perfect "drop the hint" kind of website to send to your loved ones just in time for Valentine's Day! For all you candy lovers, check out A Sweet!!!!!

http://asweetonline.com/index.php.

XOXO,

Kiki

Swirl me Up, Scottie! Earnest Sewn Sale TODAY!!

Earnest Sewn jeans on sale on http://www.swirl.com/! Get on and order your pair for $79! Regularly around the $200 mark - which means you are getting them for 60% off! No bells and whistles, just good, honest, well-made jeans!

Too Trendy to Latch onto? Look for Less or More?

If you read my blog frequently then you know how I feel about trends.....they come and go, so don't sink too much money into pieces that won't last you more then one season. This morning I opened up my email to find Neiman Marcus promoting a bouncy, girly, soft floral skirt (seen above). At the register this Taylor skirt would ring in at $325! Don't get me wrong - it's very sweet and Taylor Swift pulls this look off so elegantly, but if I have over three hundred to spend it is going toward a handbag and not a floral skirt that will end up in the back of my closet or the Salvation Army in 2012! I found some great alternatives at http://www.forever21.com/ for under $20! Now there is a price I can get behind.....spring will be here soon and this trend will most likely only last until Fall 2011 at the very latest. I particularly like the one that has a mix of patterns and the floral is simply a piece of the design instead of the full focus! Enjoy these steals.....

XOXO,
KIKI

The Beginning of the End

I started 2011 thinking that this would be the year to really cut back and watch the spending so Lily and Alice could become the reality that's been haunting me for 7 years. So far I have been really wise with my choices....bought some new running gear......a piece of jewelry here and there....but mostly I have been very conservative. That is........until I found the Savasana Wrap. Phonetically said, sha-vas-anna, is the conclusion of yoga - a place you work hard to get to after a long practice - to lay on the mat. It's a stress reliever, tension reducer, and relaxation enhancer. Ahhhh just writing about it makes me feel serene. If you haven't tried the penetrating 98 degree lovely heat followed by 5 glorious minutes of meditation, otherwise none as savasana, then you don't know what you have been missing. While you are at it - pick up one of these fabulous wraps from Lululemon. A splurge at $118, make it one of your first purchases of 2011 and perhaps it will be a metaphor of the year to come - peaceful, tranquil, and centered.

http://shop.lululemon.com/Savasana_Wrap/pd/c/550/np/550/p/1107.html

XOXO,

KIKI

Finding Sanctuary in a Militant World.....

I am on a serious quest for amazing and affordable brands to carry at Lily and Alice. One that I have always been drawn to is a company called Sanctuary. With their perfect price points and style that is unwaveringly cool, calm, and collected, sign me up!! These pants, for example, are probably the most essential piece for your wardrobe going into spring.....they sit low on the waist and break at exactly the right place. As much as I love my skinny jeans, cords, and colored denim I am really excited to see the cut on these cargos go back to the old school straight leg. $98.00 RETAIL!!!!!! Check them out at http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=49815&vid=1&pid=841311&scid=841311002