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!






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.

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.


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


Fresh Design for an Old Concept




Even though my grandmother, Alice, has been gone for several years, I can still picture her handwriting as if she wrote me a letter yesterday. The art of hand writing a thank-you note has long been buried under the piles of email that we send and receive every day. To capture the spirit of the beautiful written word and keep it alive, the website www.minted.com offers simple options for personalized stationary, wedding cards, thank-you notes, save the dates, and holiday photo cards. I love the vintage feel on thick card stock with soft cut corners and a retro yet modern design element. Just think of the recipient, the lucky person who is on the other end of this gorgeous note...you will create a memory for them and have the potential to fill their scrapbook with your words!! How cool is that? It is pretty safe to say that all of those emails will inevitably and undeniably end up in the great big world of cyber junk, but cards, cards last a lifetime. Perk: 15% off almost everything on their site using the code instyle15 at www.minted.com

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.

Lions and Tigers and Bears - OH MY!




I don't know about you, but every morning when I sit down to the computer I am greeted by a flurry of emails that came through overnight. One of which is ALWAYS DailyCandy. It's a nice sampling of things that are going on in Boston and in the online world. About 6 months ago the Daily started a discounted site called Swirl. They always have offbeat interesting brands to showcase. You have to sign up to get access, but it's worth it because every now and again they have some random cool pieces. Like today for example....Swirl is featuring a scarf company called La Fiorentina for 55% off! What I really dig about their designs is the animal print....it's very neutral and not "in your face".....I am all about treading lightly with trends like this. There are some cases where people go overboard and it becomes "streetwalker-esque". Sign up and get on to check out these designs - really fun and very affordable (starting at $39)....these are two of my fave designs they are offering!


http://www.swirl.com/la-fiorentina/clafiorentina1010-p1.html?sorter=productName-asc



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