Deal with Stress in Style

the week before I left for Palm Beach was stressful and I had several large presentations and lots to get done before I left for a full 5 days....I had no option but to dress up for one of the presentations as we were pitching an outside client.....but in the thick Boston August heat, what was a girl to do? I would be running around like crazy, so I knew I had to be comfortable, but I also knew I couldn't sacrifice style in this situation. who has perfected the art of comfortable fashion? Miss Diane Von Furstenberg!! I scored this DVF silk dress at Cusp (a Neiman Marcus branch) on super duper sale (for $113, marked down from $325).....it's sexy, but understated, beautiful, but easy, and a bright plum color, yet has potential to be a "little black dress" given its versatility. Hugs the body just so and hangs in all the right places.....

The yellow gold of my "K" monogram necklace made the dress look rich and royal.....

The hair is also easy.....side parted, I took two thick strands and twisted together, combined into a low side bun and voila - instantly chic and effortless hair. Props to my Hearts On Fire Transcend double halo earrings too - they truly completed my outfit.

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

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

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

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.

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

OutNet is What's IN......

Last night at dinner with a couple of friends, we got to talking about fabulous websites where you can find amazing deals on designer clothes and one of them brought up http://www.outnet.com/. If any of you have ever been to the famed http://www.blogger.com/www.net-a-porter.com website then you will understand the obsession. OutNet is the OUTLET for Net-A-Porter.....

There are certain websites you go to for basics and you buy in bulk....Target, J.Crew, Banana, etc, but this is the type of website you go to when to purchase something you didn't know you needed. It gives you the ability to afford clothes that you never thought would hang in your closet. Alexander Wang, Diane Von Furstenberg, See by Chloe, Burberry, Antik Batik and the list goes on.......unique pieces at a fraction of the retail price. Also jeans at great prices - Citizens of Humanity and James! I know what I will be putting on my weekly list of sites to peruse!

Making Treasure out of ALPINE in the New Year

Bring in the NEW YEAR by making treasure out of the interesting Christmas gifts that you received! "Kiki - what do I do with this alpine teacher's sweater that I got????" This is the question that has stuck with me since last weekend when one of my best friend's revealed what she thought was the worst gift ever! Immediately I reacted and said, "D - trust me you CAN WORK THIS". I proceeded to lend some merchandising tips.....

The "Alpine" look is very popular right now, but as I always say, with most trends it is important to do things in moderation.......I found a couple looks that I think are well-suited for this particular "gift conundrum". Pair this type of sweater w/ a flowing tunic, leggings, a big accessory (long necklace OR big earrings, not both though) and cute knee-high boots. Or wear it with a graphic tee underneath to downplay the look w/ skinny jeans and a pair of Uggs. Either way - DON'T GIVE AWAY that gift!!!! Just use a little creativity and make it work for YOU! Have fun -that's what fashion is all about.

XO,

KIKI

Kate Bosworth and Her New Mint: Jewelry

Kate Bosworth is beautiful and a trendsetter. She is known for her minimalist, yet impeccable taste. When I was reading through the November issue of InStyle a two page article with Kate's name in it caught my eye. She has teamed up with her best friend/stylist to the stars, Cher Coulter, to create a website that is unique and interesting. Called JewelMint, the basic gist of the site is that you enroll and for $29.99 a month you get to pick a piece of jewelry from their collection. Any piece - because everything is the same price. Got your attention? After you sign up you have to answer a series of questions so JewelMint understands your personal style.....examples are: Which fashionista would you love to trade closets with or which look would you choose to hit the red carpet with? What color nail polish do you tend to lean toward, etc.....Based on your answers the system can predict what pieces will catch your eye. There is a lot to offer too, from bracelets to cocktail rings to big funky earrings....all unique stand alone pieces and all designed by Kate and Cher. Each time you order something the system builds your profile and gets to know your likes and dislikes, creating the ability to better understand you. With all of this said, the question is ----- is it worth it to do this for $29.99 a month? Check out http://www.jewelmint.com/ and tell me what you think. I would be lying if I said I wasn't terribly curious about this new concept, but is it worth the money and what is the commitment? What do you guys think?

Layers Upon Layers

Layers are essential for fall weather. Often when you are outside around these late October, early November days it's tough to figure out what to wear. Therefore, my #1 suggestion is to layer. Your layers give you the ability to peel off as your body temperature rises. Some quick tips on the best way to achieve this look without results being "bag lady-esque" are as follows:

- Cardigans: always a great place to start. I am a big fan of long ones with a long t-shirt underneath, leggings tucked into any height boots, with a big scarf draped however you wear it best. Add a puffy vest if it's really cold!

- Blazers: an easy fix to any outfit! Throw on a 3/4 length sleeve one with a long sleeve tee, jeans (black or dark wash denim), big earrings, and of course A SCARF!

- Tights: Dresses and tights with long socks sticking out of the boots! Love this look. Shockingly warm-ups work equally as well. H&M usually carry these for super affordable prices. Also work well around the house on a chilly night.

- Long Gloves: I am such a fan of long cashmere or leather gloves - kickin' it old school, Mad Men style. These are perfect for working those 3/4 length swing coats you have in your closet that you wish you could wear all year 'round. Also work as an extra layer of warmth under your full length coat. You can find these pretty much anywhere and everywhere. The ones pictured are Michael Kors for $48.00 at www.bloomingdales.com

- Jewelry: I am a less is more gal usually and with jewelry I still follow this rule somewhat. I never wear a big pair of earrings w/ a big necklace. It's usually a big neck with a fun chunky bracelet or big earrings and a big ring.....I don't like my jewelry to fight each other, however, with that said, I do like layering different bracelets together

or attaching one long necklace to another and wrapping it many times. It adds a lot of dimension to any outfit.

-Preppy: Take a cue from the preppiest Ivy Leaguers! Last weekend I watched "Love Story" - a classic movie from the 70's with Ryan O'Neil and Ali MacGraw. Ali's style is amazing in this movie and she layers all of the best - cable sweaters, puffy vests, button down shirts peeking out from underneath....and GREAT hats. And a fur hand muff as seen in the pic at the top! My mom still has one of those!! Might have to snag it the next time I am at her house!

Rules of layering:

- keep similar color families together

- add different texture, keeping in mind not to put chunky w/ chunky (thick sweater should be paired with a cute blouse)

- make sure your layers are visible, meaning vary them

- SCARVES! I never ever leave the house without one (even in the summer)

RACHEL

I don't envy many celebrities, what with being in the spotlight all the time and the paparazzi following them everywhere, but there is one gal that I would love to emulate. RACHEL BILSON..... many of you may remember her as the spunky character, Summer, from the OC. I think she always looks chic and natural. Nothing over the top, but always on the cutting edge and has an innate sense of what works for her. The website http://www.thebudgetbabe.com is an interesting blog to peruse for current deals and ideas on how to dress for less. To find out how to get Rachel's look on a budget check out: http://www.thebudgetbabe.com/categories/50-Rachel-Bilson

Gwyneth.....Actress, Singer, Mom, Blogger? Who knew?

My friend Parker, who always has her finger on the pulse of what's current, reminded me today of a fantastic blog that's written by a very famous woman. Known for her many roles in movies and in the spotlight as a fashionista, Gwyneth Paltrow launched a blog called GOOP (http://www.goop.com/). It's an insightful look at all of her thoughts and ideas, from fashion and food to travel and spirit. No pretense, just a unique glimpse into her all encompassing world! Sign up for her newsletters and have a serendipitous moment when you receive a new email from your bff, Gwen. For one brief second it's like you're friends....well.....maybe not, but close enough.

MOD = HEART

I know that I posted a couple days ago about the coat that I just ordered off www.modcloth.com, but I want to again express my deep love for this website. If my last post didn't prompt you to dig for gold and really, truly search this site with all your heart, then you don't know what you missed. From the witty blog entries to the whimsical dresses to the well priced shoes, and the romantic descriptions of each piece, it's a dream come true. They sell you on every item because you can tell they believe in their final product. How reassuring! The gentle wooing of customers has been long gone for decades with the introduction of mass market stores like Macys.....so seriously, do yourself a favor and go to that website and find your favorite piece and POST IT ON MY BLOG! Do the homework, it's totally 100% worth it. You might just discover that there is a little Mod hiding somewhere inside you! I heart you ModCloth. XO.

IN MY FUTURE: 2 NEW OBSESSIONS

#1. Shorties! I walk 1/2 a mile to the bus every day and then spend most of the time running around my office for 8 hours. These booties work perfectly with anything from jeans to a skirt...they are rough looking without being too brutish.....sweet looking without being too adorable. These are surprisingly Nine West from Piperlime. See http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=61309&vid=1&pid=794275&scid=794275002

#2. Military! A couple years ago my fave cream coat was scarred for life by a glass of red wine. In denial, I had it dry cleaned, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best....unfortunately it was never the same! After much coaxing by my husband, I finally gave it to Good Will last winter. I just placed the order for this military inspired white coat that has the perfect name, "First Snow of the Season". It's very structured with brass buttons and a stand up collar. SCORE. ModCloth is a cool little website with completely affordable and unique dresses and shoes - I promise that your pocket

will thank you! This little gem is only going to set me back $69.00 and ranks a 3 out of 5 on ModCloth's "warm-o-meter" which means it will get me through the blustery Boston winter months! http://www.modcloth.com/store/ModCloth/Womens/First+Snow+of+the+Season+Coat

From the Hills to Kohls....

Doncha know I'm LOCO?? Loco for Loca that is....Lauren Conrad, aka LC, aka made a career out of thin air, aka annoying, aka The Hills star. Putting aside my personal feelings about her as a person and the success that she has pulled out of her ass, I do like her line of clothing at Kohls. Recently, while traveling, I picked up a gossip magazine and there was a tiny article about how much people love her designs. Out of complete curiosity I got on the Kohls website (never been on the site or in the store before) to check it out. I am very critical of Lauren because I think she has only gotten to this point in her young life by an extremely superficial route, but regardless, the clothes are pretty darn cute and soooooo affordable. The black and purple flower tunic is a whopping $23.00 and can easily be paired with skinny jeans, leggings, or jeggings. The turquoise blouse at $29.99 will look lovely with big, fun earrings or underneath a blazer. I just love the detailing on the collar and how it stands up. Check out: http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/landingpages/lclaurenconrad.jsp for more ideas!