Love Anthropologie? You will Looooooove Ruche!

do you love anthropologie? yes? you will love 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

scarves, sunglasses, shoes....oh my! loving the color of these sunglasses for $12.99, polka dot scarf in soft colors for $13.99, sweet grey mary janes with bow detail and small platform sole for $38.99, and last (but certainly not least) the gorgeous $16.99 long watch pendant

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.

Beautiful floral button earrings from Sequin in Palm Beach (similar found here for only $9 at Kohls, Lauren Conrad)


Similar to tie dye, "ikat" is a dyeing technique used to pattern clothing or textiles....this process warps the fabric in a way that produces an uneven and interesting look...

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.

I think I can work it with heels or flats - added bonus - but will I wear it again? One place to wear a sassy dress is definitely VEGAS!

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

Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese and a Citrus Vinaigrette: Part of a Well Balanced Wardrobe

This salad really should be part of one of my "Stolen Idea" posts because I stole the idea! Duh. Well, at least it's my modified version, so perhaps it's a partial steal! Regardless it's delish and a great accompaniment to any meal. My friend DJ and his wife Angela had me over last week to meet their beautiful daughter, Lila (3 months old) and also cooked for me! A treat on both accounts. Which is why I will dedicate this post to my friend and his magic salad......

DJ's Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese and a Citrus Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

Arugula (I buy Olivia's Organic from Whole Foods)

Goat Cheese - a mild variety in log form

Walnut pieces

Beets (LOVE BEETS brand from Whole Foods, they are pre-made and so easy)

For the Dressing:

1/2 cup orange juice (or 2 oranges squeezed)

2-3 small shallots, peeled and diced

1 tablespoon EVOO, plus 1/4 cup EVOO

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1/8 teaspoon of sea salt

Directions:

For the dressing:
Dice your shallots. Saute until transparent in the 1 tablespoon of EVOO over medium-high heat. Set aside off of the heat. In another saucepan, bring the orange juice to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the juice by about half, or until it thickens. Set aside to cool. Once cooled, combine in the Cuisinart with OJ, red wine vinegar, and salt. Mix until well-blended. With the Cuisinart running, slowly add the olive oil and emulsify! Set aside.

For the salad:

Ahhh the goat cheese! Roll the goat cheese into balls about the size of a large truffle. Place your nuts onto a plate. Take your goat cheese balls and press down until a little "patty" forms and the nuts get stuck into the cheese. Do this to all sides and don't skimp. Set aside. Take your pre-packaged beets and slice them. WARNING: they will turn your fingers pink, so be prepared with a good hand-soap to do a little scrubbing afterward! Assemble your arugula on a plate, add the beets and put the goat cheese bites of heaven on the side. Drizzle (don't douse!) with the Citrus Vinaigrette. Serve it up!

I have eaten this salad with a chicken dish and also as a compliment to homemade pizza. It's versatile and for those people who love goat cheese the nuts really kick it up a notch. Additionally, the light citrus flavor of the dressing cuts the bitterness of the arugula and enhances the taste of the beets. As usual it's all about the components marrying together and complimenting each other!

This will be a perfect and quick salad to bring to that special Labor Day BBQ!

xoxo,

kiki

Stolen Idea: Pura Vida

Bryce (my husband) and I took our honeymoon in beautiful Costa Rica where the locals all greet and say good bye with the same words.....Pura Vida or "Pure Life" or "Life is Pure". It's such a romantic, simple way of looking at the day to day. Recently I was reminded of this when looking at Lucky Magazine. It mentioned these fantastic (and super affordable at $5 a pop) bracelets called Pura Vida Bracelets. Not only do these look ridiculously cute, but your purchase is also going toward a truly philanthropic cause.....every single one of these woven beauties that is sold 1% goes toward the Surfrider Foundation. These guys are helping to clean up the ocean one piece of trash at a time. Additionally, Pura Vida Bracelets helps support local Costa Rican artisans by supplying a job, food, clothing, and shelter for as many as they can! The more we help this great organization grow the more our oceans will be pristine and we will be able to provide Costa Ricans with a better future!

Stacked w/ leather bracelets, I have two Pura Vida bracelets on. One has cool little beads, and the other is just crazy fun colors intertwined and held together with a little "P" charm. They come in one size and adjust accordingly.....

I ordered a couple extras as giveaways - these two helped support a breast cancer foundation.

We spent the last couple days before the hurricane on the boat - the calm before the storm as they say - and it was lovely. As you wear the PV bracelets in the ocean, the pool, or the shower, they just look better and conform nicer to the wrist......

I even got Bryce to wear one! I love it!

Good luck to all those riding out IRENE....

xoxo and Pura Vida,

kiki

Fave Things: My Weekend

Salt island, CT. Our friend Chet's beautiful old wooden Chris Craft that his dad and brother built by hand. GORGEOUS.....as was the Long Island Sound - refreshing and the perfect cure for a hang over.......
Taking an antique ladder and converting it into my own little scarf paradise. Not only does it look pretty, but now I can easily see/sift through my most prized accessory......

my new kelly green bangle - it channels a mod sort of retro vibe, but also has a cool, calm Palm Beach feel. it's from my fave little costume jewelry spot called Sequin.


An unexpected pop of color....my pedicure on Friday was speedy because it was on my lunch break and I picked a color in haste.....luckily, although completely out of my norm I kinda love the color.....bright hot pink - very 80's of me! The name is Essie Bermuda Shorts....

The view from our boat of Saybrook Point, CT, near my hometown of Old Lyme, CT. I could get so used to this life.....don't end summer!!

Hope y'all had a great weekend!

xoxo

kiki

Panzanella: Part of a Well Balanced Wardrobe

I ran home from work tonight. I do it a couple times a week....it's approximately 9-10 miles and by the time I reach the front door I am exhausted and STARVING. I figured that tonight my husband would have started dinner. Unfortunately I was wrong and given the fact that I haven't grocery shopped this week (I know...gasp!) I knew that our fridge was spotty. I am decent at improvising on the quick (even though I was suffering from runner's brain = cloudy, incoherent thoughts). After looking thru the pantry and fridge and gaining an understanding of our low inventory, I knew what needed to be done.....

...tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, cucumbers, green bell pepper and a hearty baguette (in the freezer) were all waiting for me to create. I knew we had fresh basil in the garden and of course plenty of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. All ingredients for.......PANZANELLA!!! I love the way this salad is quick, easy, and covers all things "recovery" to re-energize my body after a long run - protein, carbs, and yummy fresh veggies that will help with muscle repair. Also this is a great last minute dinner or side to your dinner that you can use as a spring board for much more - add shrimp or canned tuna in oil....olives...different herbs.....other veggies! It's truly a "kitchen sink" kind of dish! So as I always say - MAKE IT YOUR OWN!




Kiki's Quick Panzanella:


(serves two)


1 large cucumber (or a couple small ones)


Grape Tomatoes or cherry ones (we pulled a couple out of our garden tonight, yum!)


1 Green Bell Pepper


Basil - a healthy handful


Mozzarella balls, quartered


1/2 a baguette, baked in the oven until nice and crispy ( I always buy these, cut them in half and freeze it - so quick to thaw and its accessible in a pinch)


Sea Salt/Pepper to taste


EVOO/Balsamic Vinegar


Directions: slice and quarter the cucumber, same with the tomatoes (enough so you equal parts of each). Cut the green bell pepper and throw that in the mix too. Chop the basil, toss in. Add the mozzarella balls. Pull the bread out of the oven and cube it. Don't forget the crumbs too - they add texture and who doesn't like them?? A couple nice turns on the ground sea salt and pepper. Mix all of the ingredients until you have a well rounded assortment. Pour olive oil all over, probably about 2 tablespoons (?) and same with Balsamic (except a little less). Mix again. Add a little more salt/pepper. Taste. Add a little more of the EVOO and Balsamic until the bread has soaked up all the goodness and is a little soft on the inside, but still crusty on the outside. YUM. Serve in a bowl with a BIG TALL GLASS OF WATER (or wine if you didn't' run 10 miles like I did - haha).




I had to include pictures of my two sous-chefs (Milly on the left and Barley on the right)....well let's face it the only reason they were right by my side is because they love tomatoes more than I do!!! Don't worry - they didn't go hungry!

xoxo,

kiki

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

A Few of My Favorite Things: Palm Beach Vacation

Waking up early with my husband to watch the sunrise over the warm aqua colored Atlantic ocean.......

Eating my way through vacation....particularly in love with the Cool and Creamy Macaroni salad from Cooks Country.......


Putting on a bathing suit every morning instead of real clothes.........

Loving these Mexican faceless women..... they have a 60's bohemian flare that I want NOW.....

Tinto de Verano - the drink of the summer and the equivalent of my "water" for the past week...take a glass of ice, Cab Sav, splash of 7Up, lemons and limes, stir and enjoy..........

how can you not love star fish? the shelf above our Palm Beach bed......

the house my in-laws rented was Palm Beach chic and beautiful....a mix of elegant and casual with unlikely combinations of tropical and preppy...........monkeys everywhere!

my niece Katie and I bonded the whole trip....she lives in LA and I am already having withdrawal...I miss her giggles.....

Just being goofy.....that's what vacation is all about......

I heart you, vaca. Come back soon and xoxo,

kiki

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

Practical PERFECT Purchases: Stephanie Johnson

Stephanie Johnson is a doll......a beautiful, bright, warm woman that is also fashionable and fun! On top of that she makes gorgeous, practical organizers specifically designed for women. I met her on the set of the Sarah Silver shoot I did the first week in July, so when I received a huge box at my desk one day last week I was giddy with excitement! Inside were 4 of the special bags that Stephanie makes! It was serendipitous to say the least and I could not be more grateful. The fabric is luxurious, but durable and the pattern has an Indian flavor which is reflected in the collection name: Mumbai Buff.

For years I have considered purchasing a carryall for my toiletries, but never did because I grew comfortable and familiar with my standard packing techniques. Well I was long overdue for an upgrade! Of the four bags she sent me one is for toiletries and makeup, one is for an IPad, one is a brush bag, and one is a trapezoid bag that can be whatever I want it to be (I will be using it as a clutch with jeans and a cute top)!I am in NYC for a work trip this week and it's my first time using the toiletries bag. VERDICT: this bag has truly revolutionized my life. Stephanie thinks of everything - for ease of going through airport security lines she made every compartment removable, for example the clear portion is attached to the rest of the bag by Velcro so it pulls out in a jiff. Check out http://www.stephaniejohnson.com/ to see all of the amazing bags and different fabrics she uses. She will not disappoint! I think these would even make fabulous bridesmaids gifts or b-day gifts for your besties!

You can also find Stephanie Johnson bags at small boutiques as well as Saks 5th Avenue. Lastly, this ridiculously talented and busy woman manages a really cool blog..... http://www.blog.stephaniejohnson.com/. She gabs about shopping, eating, traveling and basically all things cool.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU, Ms. Stephanie Johnson - your gifts are super special and I love it all!!!

xxxx

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