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