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

A Madewell Moment

 I am having a Madewell moment. their beautifully edited line is boho chic, casual, and somehow remains consistently relevant from season to season. take these boyfriend jeans: the wash is old school, but the fit gives the feel of a woman stepping off the Jitney after a fabulously glamorous fall weekend in the Hamptons.

bracelets are my favorite when they add texture. this "golden nest" is that and more. a trilogy of metal types, this bracelet will add an element of fun to your everyday wardrobe.....and at $14.99 it's a must have!

 I am literally getting bored with stripes. yesterday I put on one of my usual fave striped tops and felt so ho hum all day that I considered throwing it in my growing good will pile when I got home. but -- alas -- this abstract take on a basic trend is exactly what the doctor ordered! I love how this top slouches, takes liberties on the semi-scoop neckline and uses zig zags to contour the body. check it out here in three different colors

 this is not your mother's skirt from the early 80's! it looks vintage, but also has a fresh and clean appeal when paired with a tucked in plaid button down shirt or a flowy silk one....and of course topped off with a pair of high heeled loafers.

things that make you go mmmmm..... understated and sexy this sheer top leaves people talking (in a good way this time...hehe!) $19.99 and three different colors

have you had your Madewell moment today?

xoxo

kiki

Fave Things: Collages and Color Boards

 a day of boating in 80 degree October weather... partying, swimming, dancing, and drinking dark and stormies - summer never end, please!

 my new moss green Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hobo that I scored at Bloomies friends and family event and thanks to friends for giving me a gift card.....yeay! Essie nail colors bring me from summer to fall perfectly....a faux, cropped leather moto jacket from h&m that channels Back to the Future, but is also deliciously functional for the 50-60 degree weather (similar here)...and belts! oh belts add such texture and compliment all those lbd's hanging in the closet...(similar here) and lastly my sweet patent leather purple Jessica Simpson flats are so comfy and add an element of preppiness with the sharp bow - check this pair from Asos out - so cute and affordable!

 I have a slight obsession with harper's bazaar - their collages really speak to me (which is why I made my own!) this deep red is the hit of the season...it's luxurious and screams warmth as the cold months approach (see this top, this jacket, and this scarf - all bluefly where you can shop by color...but also Ruche with this cargo dress)...

 this grayish-purple that harper's bazaar features is so subtle, yet sophisticated.....these lilac pumps by Pour la Victoire are gorgeous and I want them! same with these hot numbers.....yes please!

 honestly - my Marc by Marc Jacobs is the best way to incorporate this color into your wardrobe....

how can you go wrong with neutrals? check this cape out from Ruche - love the price point of $89.00......this unique knit sweater is also ridiculously fabulous...as is this bow tie flowy blouse.

xoxo,

kiki

This for That: Brown and Grey All Over - Anniversary Dinner Outift

 6 year anniversary with the hubby, grey and brown all over. brown sheer shirt with cami underneath. Urban Outfitters, similar here at Piperlime

 added my Nixon Sniper Bomber faux leather jacket in grey and a grey knit beret from h&m, similar here at modcloth....

 brown suede booties from ann taylor, a gift from my mom for xmas. these Seychelles from DSW are similar and so stinking cute - tuck your skinny jeans right in!

inside the Nixon bomber jacket - stripes!

 love brown and grey together....perfect for the fall, perfect for an anniversary dinner w/ the hubby on a cool night. we enjoyed oysters at the Island Creek Oyster Bar and it was.....what's the word I am looking for? oh yeah - perfect. :)

xoxo

kiki

Giving Back Makes You Feel Good!

 I am having a 31-year-old crisis. I need a change. I need to give back. and it needs to happen now. when I was at Hearts On  Fire University a couple weeks ago I had the pleasure of learning about a company called Hands Up Not Hand Outs. a friend of the Rothmans (owners of HOF) started this company with his family. Rwanda and Palestine women hand make bracelets, clutches, and earrings to sell and in turn get income to build their lives and create opportunities. I received this beautiful orange/cream/green knit bracelet to add to my growing collection.....

these bracelets and earrings range anywhere from $35-$45 and go toward an amazing cause. Check out the website for additional information: http://handsupnothandouts.org/. it's also worth giving a shout out to our friends at Pura Vida as I have clearly taken my original stacking of the bracelets from last spring and added over the months. they are a special company that offers fabulous resources to Costa Rican artisans! if you didn't check them out the first time I posted, now is the time - they only cost around $5!!!

these earrings are made of sea grass and can be purchased at Hands Up Not Hands Out 

obsessed with this clutch for $45 also made by a beautiful Rwanda woman.

lastly is a grass roots organization called krochet kids. three best friends started the company and I love their motto: Buy a Hat. Change a Life. so cool....so honest....so raw. they use their hats as a vehicle to inspire social change and give women in Uganda the power to rise above poverty. hats are approximately $30 and each woman signs the inside - as a consumer you can THANK her on their site! love this.

anyway as I struggle with what I want to do with the rest of my life I hope this gives y'all the incentive to open your hearts (and wallets) to improve this planet we live on.

xoxo

kiki