Lily & Alice Give: Holiday Gift Ideas

#1: Giles & Brother Archer Cuff - $175, in yellow gold. love the knotted metal.

#2: West Elm Jewelry Tree - $29, the perfectly modern take on a jewelry box

#3: Gorjana Super Star Necklace - $80, this will look adorable layered

#4: DIY Charms from Anthropologie - design a necklace that represents the jewelry lover you 

      know! each charm is $15 and the chain is around $18

#5: Giles & Brother Archer Bangle - $125, Giles does it again with this knotted bangle! So

      pretty....

 #1: PaperSource - personalized notecards are always a beautiful gesture for that special party 

       hostess - I am in love with these simple designs! around $15 for a set

#2: Bottle of Wine -easy, but always perfect! Raymond Cab Sav made Epicurious's list of great

      wines by state. check it out here!

#3: Slatkin and Co. candles - I am a huge fan of these fabulous smelling candles! I don't

      typically shop at Bath and Body Works unless it's for candles....fresh balsam is one of my

      faves, but there are so many scents that make a delicious gift. $19.99 for one

#4: Mrs. Meyers Gift Set - unexpected right? I know what you are thinking - what? I am telling

      you this will go over well because it smells like heaven (or in this case Basil). promise this

      will be a gift not soon forgotten. $25 for above set

#1: Cloche Hat by Jessica Simpson - no accessory is better than a hat for the winter -

      everything about this one is yummy - the brass button, the feather, the color, and the price -

      Zappos for $54

#2: Stylemint Shirts - you have heard me talk about JewelMint, well this is of the same ilk,

      $29.99 for a tee per month and they seriously have the softest shirts with the best cuts -

      bought my first last month and can't  wait for December selections to become available this

      week!

#3: Anthro Scarf - Anthropologie does it again! this scarf is so special. bohemian chic with soft

      colors and texture the fashionista in your life will not be disappointed, $68

#1: DIY Furniture -  this book is truly cool! what guy doesn't want to dabble in home furniture

      building? creative and interesting ideas for men that want things to look cool without

      spending a lot of dough. Amazon for $16

#2: Whiskey Shot Glasses - made of soap stone, these will keep his drink cold without watering

      them down, $38

#3: Vintage Poker and Domino Set - Restoration Hardware makes gift giving easy this year

       with kitchy vintage games perfect for guy's night! $35 for Dominos and $89 for Poker

#4: Hungoevr Coobkook - hilarious book for a whopping $8 - it has tests to prove how much

      whiskey he actually did drink last night and what recipes will cure it!

#5: Tom's Wayfarer Sunglasses - famous for shoes, Tom has now launched a sunglass portion

      of his business. it's a one for one - buy these for the man in your life and Tom's will give

      better sight to one person in need.

     you can get them in aviator style or the wayfarer for $135

#6: Lululemon Sweatshirt - what man wouldn't want to put this on after a rough workout

      Lululemon has a knack for hitting the mark on fit and lifestyle, $108

#7: Beer Bottle Hooks - decorating in a "guy kinda way" - made by an artist who melts beer

      bottles - available in green, clear, or brown for $27

#8: Panoramic Video Attachment for iPhone - for the techy in your life, an attachment for the

      iPhone that allows for panoramic video and instant sharing via Facebook - $79

#1: West Elm Slate Cheese Boards - amazing for serving all the stinky (or not) cheeses and

      accoutrement that you want - flip it over and use it as a cutting board, $24-$49

#2: Wood Salt Dishes - also from West Elm, these are definitely on my wish list! I use sea salt

      and pepper everyday when I cook, so it's helpful to have them right at the finger tips for a

      dash here and there - $9 each

stockings might be the best part about Christmas morning - all the little stuff is just so much fun! here are some of the girly things I hope Santa leaves for me this year....

#1: Wet N' Wild eyeliners - these smudge amazingly well and are offered in every color under

      the sun. for the bargain price of 99 cents I am pretty sure that Santa can afford to leave

      couple of these!

#2: Essie Nail Colors - the Essie "winter" gift pack comes with 6 of the newest colors for the

      season! this nail polish goes on creamy and smooth - simply the best! $48 for the set,

      Zappos

#3: Charlotte Ronson - lipgloss is fabulous especially in "sophia" and "samantha" at Sephora

      $14.99

#4: Monogrammed Zipper Pouches - West Elm is scoring big w/ lily and alice this holiday

      season. these bags can be used for everything - from travel to makeup to a sweet clutch.

      $7-12, plus a tad more for monogram

#5: Goody Doublewear PonyTail Holders - these double as a bracelet when on your wrist!

gift giving is such a small part of the holiday spirit - I know my most cherished gift is getting to spend a whole weekend with my mom, dad, aunt, uncle, and husband baking Christmas cookies, listening to Christmas music, and drinking wine! hopefully you have your "holiday moment" too and perhaps all I have done with this post is to spark some ideas and got your creative juices flowing for that perfect gift to give. I truly do believe it's better to give than to receive. so....do it! 

happy start to the season...

xoxo,

kiki

Turtlenecks and Tights



Emerson Made carries a "Bag o Turtlenecks" for $58



turtlenecks have officially made a comeback. layer them, wear them as a stand alone statement piece, with an unexpected pair of pants, or try them under your favorite blazer or suit jacket.  

 J. Crew shows the t-necks layered with a cami for $36.50. also love it under a big bulky drapey sweater.

 a bohemian approach on the left - a simple cream turtleneck with a long pendant and fabulously printed flowy skirt. or in a preppy way, showing bright colors and a puffy vest...perfect for those warm fall days... I also wear mine under a fun flannel button down....

 and what about those nude tights? how do you guys feel about them? are they going to make a comeback like the turtleneck? above seen on Kate Middleton, Hayden Panettiere, and Pippa Middleton, does it look dated or fresh and new?

popular site likes ShopBop, J. Crew and Asos all carry styles that are simple and don't interfere with the overall aesthetic of the outfit....I am still not sold though - I do own a pair of nude fishnets similar to above....but are they old lady or on their way back? help me decide!

xoxo

kiki

The Next Generation: A Party Fit for a Future Niece

 my sister-in-law is having a little girl! last weekend my mom and I threw her a shower in CT....

 Tera (my sister-in-law) and our friend Diana...

 details...sparkling lemonade and yummy chocolate covered sunflower seeds dressed up in autumnal colors...

 tons of tiny gourds in different shaped vases, a carved Baby Dacek pumpkin, and candles...ahhh a fall shower!

 cabbage plant in the center pieces by my mom's best friend, Barb. so beautiful....

 the menu: fresh fruit, three different quiches, a big salad, yummy potato casserole, sweet and savory french toast casserole (thanks Cindy!) and croissants

 diaper cake a la Vermont.....

 in case you are wondering what it takes to make a VT baby.....

little Addy (Diana's daughter) enjoying the food and baby fun! she's getting so big!

the take away.....kiki's mint milanos (and the recipe). yum!

it was a gorgeous day and turned out to be a shower filled with loving family and friends - the details may have added to the event, but the people sharing in the enjoyment and anticipation of a new little one are what made it all perfect. thanks to everyone.

to follow Tera's pregnancy check out her blog (it's super cute) called Glowing Me.

xoxo,

kiki

Cheesy Broccoli Soup: Part of a Well-Balanced Wardrobe

 this weekend my mom and I hosted a baby shower for my expecting my sister-in-law. it was so much fun and I will post pics of the day later...I still can't believe I am going to be an auntie! by the time my husband Bryce and I got to Boston this afternoon, I had only one thing on the brain....a yummy, wholesome, warm dinner! have you guys heard of a site called Pinterest? one word: amazing. 'nough said. alas, the recipe....I adapted this from a soup that I found on Pinterest and with a couple tweaks, it executed beautifully.

 cheesy broccoli soup

serves 6-8 bowls

ingredients:

2-4 tbsp butter and a dash of e.v.o.

1 cup chopped onions

1 1/2  - 2 cups of finely chopped carrot

1 cup celery (although I wasn't exact on this) finely chopped

1 1/2 -2 tbsp minced garlic

8 cups chicken broth (low sodium if possible)

3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped

2 tbsp flour

1 cup water

several shakes of chicken bouillon powder (to your taste, but this does add a nice kick of flavor)

salt and pepper to taste

1 1/3 cup milk

3-4 cups of chopped broccoli (again I didn't measure perfectly)

3-4 cups of shredded cheddar

 directions:

melt the butter with the e.v.o in a soup pot. add the onions, carrot, and celery and saute over medium heat until soft. add garlic, cook a couple more min. give a healthy shake of the bullion powder, pepper, and salt, stir. add chicken broth and potatoes, bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender. whisk together flour and water, add into the soup mixture and stir. let simmer until the whole pot thickens. add more bouillon powder if it still needs a little love. add the milk and broccoli. simmer. when broccoli is soft, add the shredded cheese. stir until cheese is melted. if you have time, let the soup sit over low heat for awhile giving the flavors time to marry. if you are in a hurry - pour into a bowl and serve with a hearty baguette....

here is Bryce inhaling it and I did too. thankfully we have plenty of leftovers for the week ahead.

remember - a good recipe always creates a well-balanced wardrobe.

xoxo

kiki

Fave Things: Three New Ways to Tie a Scarf

if you have been following lillian alice for awhile you know the love affair I have with scarves. and the company Ruche. when I came across this video a couple months ago I immediately put it on the "to post" list! alas...here it is! I like all three scarf ties, but #1 and #3 are my faves! both are super easy and can be done with all the scarves you have in your closet - big to little, wool to silk, and everything in between.....

 I could literally buy a thousand scarves and still find more that I love. every place I travel to I bring one home as a reminder....and my friends have caught on. my friend Marissa bought me one when she traveled to Paris last. whenever I wear it part of me feels like I am window shopping on the Champs Elysee. what gives you that feeling? if not scarves, what?

 I would love to see all of these tied just like the video shows....

1. (left to right) Wild Flower Leopard for $15.99 - Ruche does it again with this soft pallet and contrast of animal print and floral. the colors are uncomplicated and lovely.

2. Tolani "feather" Silk scarf - this brand continues to amaze me, their prints are simply fabulous. who wouldn't want to feel like a peacock showing that pop of color? $85.00 retail

3.Farmer's Market scarf for $16.99 - this is another Ruche fave, love the price, love the print!

I surprised myself on this one guys! my style doesn't typically lend itself to Lilly Pulitzer (although the name Lily makes me happy), but when I saw these scarves I found myself picking my jaw up off the floor. it's not that I don't respect the brand and the mission of making every day feel like one spent on Palm Beach, but sometimes the saturation of color and print is overwhelming. not this time, folks. Lilly nailed it with the Murfee Scarves. all of the above have a price tag of $118.00, but qualify it by the soft mixture of cashmere and silk, infused with the perfect amount of Palm Beach salt air and sun!  check them out here and make one your own!

xoxo,

kiki

Monogram Mayhem

 monograms have been around since the days of Grecian coins and also decorated great kings/queens as a symbol of their monarchies. we may not be in Greece and we may not have royalty running through our veins, but that doesn't mean that we can't show love for our family pride.... jewelry company Sarah Chloe provides the perfect opportunity to highlight your pride in mixed metal types (which I love, especially the rose gold)... this isn't the first time you have seen monogrammed jewelry - the Julie Collection also has beautiful pieces and you first saw it here.

Lia Engraved Pendant - $79.00

Lana Ring - $108.00

Ella Bangles - $98.00 (my personal fave)

 for you doggie lovers....

 wishbones with a little hint of sparkle for $59.00

it's the holidays, so drop your hints now! these pendants will look lovely layered with special pieces in your jewelry box...

xoxo,

kiki

Sequin Jacket: Build an Outfit

sequin jackets are where it's at for fall into winter....and this isn't your holiday outfit anymore! welcome a little jazz and spice into your everyday life...each selection completes this look for under $100!

clockwise from top left:

1. Hive and Honey wedge booties - a must have in this tan color for $79.00, piperlime

2. Oliver sequin jacket - the center piece of the whole look for $88,00, nordstrom

3. Gorjana Chloe studs - an absolutely perfect yellow gold basic earring for $35.00, gorjana

4. Braided chain bracelet - love the Nantucket feel of the rope + the polished feel of the gold for $4.80 from 4-eva 21

5. Levis Modern Bold Curve skinny jeans - finally a skinny jean for the woman with curves in a classic wash and fit for $47.90, levis

6. Basic white tee you can't live without and at this price you don't have to, $6.80 from 4-eva

7. Pastel Polka Dot Scarf - in my book no outfit is complete without a scarf - the contrast between the sequin jacket and soft polka dot pastels leave me with a warm feeling, outfit complete for $28.75, asos 

xoxo

kiki

Everyone Loves a Mod 60's Block Party!

color block h&m dress (similar here) - what makes this mod 60's? for starters: the color blocking, the length (above the knee), the darting in the chest, and the sleeve length....

 the 60's feel is in the details: exposed back zipper is gold... black wedge booties...so comfortable and elongate the legs when worn with black tights (similar here)

 black diamond patterned tights add a hint of modesty (similar here)

 paired with a killer handbag, yellow gold jewelry (esp. a long medallion pendant like my "K" monogram from Julie Collection which screams mod 60's), and....

 ....let's face it - a big, wavy, high pony tail!

the inspiration....stolen from InStyle Mag! a special thanks to my boss - Ms. Debbie Riley for being so into the photo shoot, for supporting my blog, and for exuding palpable excitement over this post idea! thanks DR!!

xoxo,

kiki

French Onion Soup: Part of a Well Balanced Wardrobe

 mmmm....coming home after a long day and walking into a house that smells like a chef has been hanging out in my kitchen cooking French onion soup all day is so comforting! of course it would only be in my dreams that I actually had a chef, so how, you ask, did my kitchen smell so yummy?

 got to love the crock pot! this morning I threw all of the ingredients in the pot, left it on low all day and bing, bang, boom! instant deliciousness. it's so easy...so go do it!

 French Onion Soup recipe (from Make it Fast, Cook it Slow)

yields: 2 large mugs full

ingredients:

3 tablespoons butter

2 yellow onions, sliced into rings

30-32 ounces organic beef broth (you can try veg broth, but it won't give it the same flavor)

1/2 tablespoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 cup dry sherry

1 baguette, 4 -6 sliced and toasted

2-4 slices of Gruyere cheese (or other Swiss)

 directions:

heat your slow cooker to high and plop your butter in to start melting. add the onion rings. use a wooden spoon to break up the onions and run them in the melted butter. add the broth, sugar, salt, and sherry. stir. cook on low for 8-10 hours (or on high for 4-6). onions should be translucent and soft. pour soup into 2 mugs. add your toasted baguette (as many pieces as you want) and 1-2 slices of your Gruyere over the top. broil in the oven until nice and brown on top (see above pic). pull out with mitts because it will be hot!

do not forget to serve with a beautiful glass of red wine......this soup is crying out for a complimentary beverage, so don't deny it! especially after a long day hard at work in that crock pot....you and the soup deserve it!

I mean...how easy is this?

enjoy and xoxo,

kiki

Fave Things: Nothing Says Fall Like....

nothing says fall like -- getting prepared for a long run on a sunny and cool day..... hartford half marathon, saturday, october 15....

nothing says fall like -- 13.1 miles and done. brother pat, kim, whitney, me (kiki), and rob. a victory beer in hand.

 nothing says fall like --  a 100% well deserved moment by the fire at my parent's house. bryce stoking the fire and me with my feet up. yes please and thank you.

nothing says fall like -- gourds displayed on my kitchen table in my simon pearce stacked dish...

 nothing says fall like -- homemade turkey chili that's been on the stove all day simmering and topped off with all the fixings....avocado, cilantro, diced onion, fresh lime, fritos (guilty pleasure), and a side of delicious cheddar/herb poppers......

enjoy your yummy fall,

kiki