Lillian & Alice has moved!!!!

Check out the new location for Lillian & Alice - www.lillianandalice.com! To start the new site off right there will be a giveway, so don't miss out!!! 

I appreciate all of the support over the years and look forward to this new adventure at an even better platform! 

Thanks everyone!

-kiki

Wedding Guest: Build an Outfit

I don't know about you guys, but the wedding "save the dates" have already started rolling in! Bryce and I are up to 4 at this point. In this situation, I typically look for one dress that can work for most (if not all) of them. This is also why I don't mind spending a little more... And, it's nice to have a good closet of dresses for your friends to choose from as well! Why not borrow from one another if you can?

1. Milly Grace Dress: Milly makes a beautiful, timeless dress. I love the fit and fabric of her clothing and the few pieces I own will be handed down to my daughter or niece. This particular one has unique draping in the front and then a serendipitous racer back exposed zipper to finish it off. Not to mention the emerald green - representing the pantone color of the year! Worth the price for all of that dancing you are going to do this summer!

2. Sam Edelman Ankle Strap Sandals: loving the high ankle strap this season. It elongates the legs and gives good calf definition at the same time. The two-tone look compliments the emerald dress. Metallics are the best neutral out there.

3. Marc by Marc Jacobs Studs: So simple, yet the perfect, elegant stud for a special event or everyday!

4. Zara Caviar Box Clutch: pop of neon! Such a cool clutch to spice up the wardrobe!

5. Braided Updo: this is one of my all time fave hairdos and it's super easy! Perfect for a wedding or a day at work. It's my go-to! Click on the link for a quick tutorial. I do recommend buying Goody Spin Pins for ease and comfort of making this hair a reality!

6. + 7. Stacked Kenneth Jay Lane Bracelets: I am a less is more girl with jewelry - my rule is if I wear earrings I don't wear a necklace. If I wear a necklace I don't wear earrings. But, there is always room to stack bracelets and bangles!

Do you guys have weddings on the calendar yet?

Cheers to happy couples,

kiki

Soundbites: Week 2

March seems to be a stressful month, so I am glad that I had the foresight to go for comfort. I have an affinity for jackets, blazers, and cardis because they are easy to layer and add texture to almost any outfit. Keep in mind fabric as you pair things together. As a rule of thumb, I never go with two heavy fabrics or two light fabrics - I much prefer contrast and minimal "bulk". Repeat this mantra: mix and match, mix and match. When it feels wrong, it's probably wrong and when it feels right, you probably nailed it! 

The nail polish I am rocking is Clementine by Crabtree and Evelyn. Buy it here. Goes on smoothly and stays on all week long!

Day 1: Black and White is where it's at for the spring. Even though the temperature may not indicate that spring is upon us, you can at least get the look going....Black and White is always chic. 

Zara jacket, Citizens of Humanity Black Pants, H&M peach colored tank, C.Wonder Bangle, Hearts On Fire stack of rings, My Grandmother Alice's peach button earrings from the 80's.

Day 2: Dresses are always the easy way to do it. Throw it on and go...no fuss, no muss. If you keep up with my blog then you know I also appreciate nude tights and these are no exception. They have a subtle diamond pattern that goes with everything. 

Rhyme and Echo Dress from Piperlime, Zara Maroon Booties, Modcloth Nude Tights, Bracelets from J.Crew, Antique pearls, Etsy"K" bracelet.

Day 3: I love my maroon Zara pants. They go with everything and couldn't be more easy. Especially grey and gold. 

Theory jacket, Anthropologie Blouse with gold accents, Anthropologie grey booties, Nixon Watch merched with a bunch of fun bracelets, and Barley, the dog.

Day 4: One of my fave outfits because of it's fluidity, comfort, and chicness. Great transition piece for every season! Starting to realize as I lay these days out that I have a true addiction to Zara. Guess it could be worse? 

Zara tunic, Zara navy leggings, C.Wonder stacked bangles, Cream Round Toe Pumps, and Julie Collection  "K" Monogram Pendant

Day 5: No casual Friday this week. The big guns are in the office. This outfit wasn't planned and was truly a "sub in". Currently loving a pop of neon. I don't like to go overboard with trends and tend to infuse in an extremely subtle way. Hey - some people can pull off a head to toe neon jumpsuit, I'm just not one of them!

Zara striped jacket and tank, J. Crew black wool cropped pants, Dolce Vita patent pumps (Last Call), Neon - Chain necklace (local Belmont, MA shop), Jewelmint tri-color neon bracelets, and grey 4-Eva 21 bracelets stacked together.

Week 3 will be complete before we know it! Remember - outfits should be FUN. Watch trends, enjoy trends, but don't overdue trends. It's a challenge, but that's what makes it worth it!

Have a fun, fashionable week,

kiki

This for That: Silver, Grey, and Polka Dots for A Night Out

I knew last night would be rowdy and I had every intention of drinking and letting loose. When you go out of the gate with that attitude, you know it's going to be wild. With that in mind, I knew my outfit had to be simple, comfortable and able to withstand some serious dancing....

Top from TOBI (old, but a "basic" so they always have it on the site), Tobi Polka Dot Jeans (no longer available), similar pair at ASOS (although these look to be high-waisted which mine aren't).

Fave pair of suede, Italian booties scored super on sale last year from Anthropologie (similar here)

All things silver, grey, and platinum: claw bracelet and cross bangle from Jewel Links here. Braided grey and bauble bracelets from 4-Eva 21 here. Necklace is a vintage collectable, similar here. Oldie but goodie Essie Nail Polish in Ballet Slippers.

Fun night out in a super comfy, chic outfit! 

Have a great week,

kiki

Peruvian Baked Quinoa: Part of a Well Balanced Wardrobe

We are officially in the season of Spring, but yet it's snowing. And has been for the better half of the day. I went for a cold, wet, snowy run after work and the whole time I was dreaming of my warm clothes and a warm meal. One of my besties, Karen, gave me this recipe back in February, but with a husband that dislikes quinoa, I kept putting it off. I am alone for the weekend so it's perfect timing - no husband to complain (although after making this I think he would actually eat it)!  So now I present you with......Peruvian Baked Quinoa!

I definitely modified the recipe because I worked with what I had in my pantry and refrigerator, but most of what the recipe contains are kitchen staples, unless you don't eat quinoa. For those unfamiliar, it is considered a "superfood". Protein content is really high, as is the dietary fiber, magnesium, iron, and calcium! All from a grain? Who would have thought. It's considered a "Complete Protein" which means it contains all 9 of the essential amino acids necessary! I like the organic white quinoa from Trader Joes - quick and easy!

Peruvian Baked Quinoa and Cheese a la Karen

Think of this recipe as a protein-packed alternative to mac ’n’ cheese.

Ingredients

Serves 8

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 medium leek, white and pale green parts halved and sliced (1 cup) (I USED 2 small yellow onions because I didn't have leeks)

1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed and drained

2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)

2 large eggs

1 cup nonfat milk

1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar cheese, plus more for sprinkling (I used a mix of shredded parm and cheddar for the top)

OPTIONAL (I didn't have tonight and it was still really yummy): 

1/2 cup diced red bell pepper 

1/2 cup diced green bell pepper

Directions

1. Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add leek and bell peppers; cover, and

cook 5 minutes, or until tender. Stir in quinoa and garlic, and cook, uncovered, until quinoa grains turn opaque.

2. Add 3 cups water, and season with salt. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer

 until most liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat, and let

stand 5 minutes.

3. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 13- x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Whisk together

eggs and milk in large bowl. Fold in quinoa mixture and cheese. Transfer to prepared

baking dish, and bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until browned around the edges and on top.

Nutritional Information

Per SERVING: Calories: 241, Protein: 12g, Total fat: 10g, Saturated fat: 4.5g, Carbs: 27g,

Cholesterol: 72mg, Sodium: 295mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugars: 3g

I scarfed it down with a simple side of greens with olive oil, balsamic and a dash of seasoning. Trust me - I went back for seconds. YUM.

I feel satiated, but it wasn't heavy so I might have room for a sweet treat! 

If you are looking for more recipes and tips on healthy living, put Fun. Fit. Flavor. on your blog roll. My gal pal, Sherri, is super knowledgeable about all this fun stuff! Check it out.

Eat and enjoy a well balanced wardrobe,

kiki

Soundbites: Week 1

Typically I plan my outfits out a week in advance, but last week I took a challenge and planned out 4 weeks worth of outfits! There are a couple of reasons why I did this: 1.) It was fun! 2.) It is ridiculously time-saving 3.) It helps organize my life by setting outfits aside because this is also an opportunity to weed through the forgotten clothes in the back of my closet (as well as those that can go in the "good-will" pile).

If you want to attempt this, (and I recommend you do) try it for at least a week (time-saving alone is worth it). Here is what you will need:

- a separate place to put your outfits outside of your closet and preferably outside of your main bedroom. You need the space! (I use a rolling rack and put it in the spare bedroom)

- sticky notes and a pen to jot down "accessory notes" (see below)

- your creativity!

You will have to excuse my photography, it's done with a point and click and although the sophistication level of a beautiful camera isn't there, I think it still gets the message across for now.....

DAY 1: I get more use out of this skirt then I ever thought I would! It's a pleated faux leather skater skirt (similar  here).This is also a serious risk vs. reward outfit. I didn't know how to feel about a tucked in sweater until now. I officially love it. Chic and simple, but really makes you think differently about the boring old sweaters sitting on your closet shelf. The one I am wearing is from J.Crew, a gift from my mom a couple years ago (similar here).
I layered three necklaces (my gram's long pearls, Jewelmint chain necklace, and a porcupine necklace from H&M. As you can see above - the note I wrote for this hanger was "tucked in" to remind myself of the inspiration I had when putting the outfit together. If you do these far enough in advance the notes will come in handy! If you are anything like me you won't remember your intention after the first week!

DAY 2: A J.Crew maxi skirt in a flowing, soft material (similar here) paired with a "tough" leather moto jacket (similar here). Hair done in a bohemian braid. Jewelry collected over the years (similar bracelet here and pendant here).

DAY 3: Zara sweater dress paired with Splendid layering tee. I have one in a bunch of colors because they are so versatile and are built to last (buy at Shopbop). Faux leather leggings (similar here). Belt is J.Crew (similar here). Bangles from C. Wonder (similar here). Oxfords are a new find from ShoeMint. Foley and Corina handbag in nude (here).

Pink Joie top that I scored for an amazing 65% off on a Cusp mid-day dash. Zara leopard inlay pants (similar here). Jennifer Zeuner Rose Gold Wishbone Pendant was a gift from my in-laws and it's a staple - I wear it all the time layered with other pendants. Stacked bracelets from Etsy (similar here), Rebecca Taylor Rose Gold Nail Bangle (no longer available), and Love bracelet (similar here). Jessica Simpson Black + Gold shoes (similar here) and J.Crew gold belt (a great staple for the wardrobe, similar here).

Ahhh Casual Friday...gotta love it. Canadian Tuxedo Shirt (here from J.Crew), Cargo pants (similar here), J. Crew sweater (similar here), Nixon Rose Gold Watch (here), Rebecca Taylor nail bracelet, and Vintage Pearl bracelet made by my lovely cousin-in-law, Brooke (see her Etsy page here for other fun treats). My dog is not for sale, but he's awfully cute, isn't he?

Week 2 will be complete before we know. Always be thrifty - my motto is that outfits should be a mix of high/low - it can be a challenge, but that's what makes it worth it! 

Have a fun, fashionable Monday,

kiki

Lemon Poppy Seed Squares: Part of a Well Balanced Wardrobe

(thanks to the amazing Will Mann for the above photo)

One of my besties, Joanna, celebrated her b-day on Saturday night and her husband Will threw a wonderful little soiree in her honor . The food was amazing - everything from sushi to stuffed peppers. So yummy!

Will tasked me with bringing a dessert. Originally supposed to be a "bundt" (insert My Big Fat Greek Wedding joke) cake, I realized halfway through the recipe that I had left my bundt pan somewhere in my travels.... Oops. I dug around in my "pan cabinet" and found a recent purchase that looks like a cupcake pan, but is actually a "square" pan (see here). It's kind of a genius invention that I will use for brownies and other yummy bars at some point in the future. It creates the most perfect squares! 

 This recipes comes to us by way of my fave foodie blogger Smitten Kitchen. Pure heaven! I added a lemon glaze to the top because I didn't think it was quite lemony enough....

Poppy Seed Lemon Cake (or squares as seen above)

2/3 cup sugar

8 large egg yolks

1 large whole egg

1 1/2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest (from 2 lemons)

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

Pinch of salt

2 sticks (1/2 pound) unsalted butter, melted and cooled a bit

1/2 cup poppy seeds (I got this from one 3-ounce spice bottle)

FOR THE GLAZE: 2 cups confectioner's sugar and 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice (or more depending on how much lemon you like)

• Preheat the oven to 325°F Butter and flour an 8-inch* fluted Bundt or square bar pan.
• Butter the dull side of a 10-inch piece of foil.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk, beat the sugar with the egg yolks and whole egg at medium-high speed until the mixture is pale yellow and very fluffy, about 8 minutes. 
• Beat in the lemon zest. Sift the flour and cornstarch over the egg mixture and fold in along with the pinch of salt with a rubber spatula. 
• At medium speed, beat in the butter, then beat in the poppy seeds.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and cover tightly with the buttered foil. 
• Bake for 15-20 minutes if you do the squares (checking periodically) and 45 minutes for the bundt cake, or until the cake pulls away from the side of the pan and a cake tester inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. 
• Remove the foil and let the cake cool in the pan on a rack for 15 minutes. Invert the cake/squares onto the rack and let cool completely before serving, at least 30 minutes.
• GLAZE: when cakes are cooled, mix the confectioners sugar and lemon juice together until it creates a thick glaze - drizzle over the top so it creates fingers down the side of each bar (or the cake). Place on plate and sift confectioner's sugar gently and lightly over the top!

Do ahead: The cake can be wrapped in plastic and foil and left at room temperature for up to 3 days

The result is a nutty, savory, lemony treat! Now pour yourself a big glass of milk or a nice cup of hot tea and enjoy a delish bar!

-kiki

Canadian Tuxedo No More!

I know what you are thinking. Quite the hiatus, lady. You are correct. Life has thrown me some very positive curve balls in the last 6 months and has hindered me from doing something I love - BLOGGING! So, Lillian and Alice is back, although it will be a slow go seeing as life is still running pretty fast, but I can promise that at least once a week I will give you a little slice of my faves....

This week it's all about the Chambray/Denim shirt, formerly known as the top portion of a Canadian Tuxedo... think of it as your new white t-shirt. A basic, that when worn correctly, is simple and easy as well as timeless and classic!

 In honor of Jenna Lyons, J.Crew Denim Shirt is the perfect pick to achieve this look.

Here is an Affordable Chambray Shirt that will look so sweet with the sleeves rolled up to your elbows!

Love this one!

Best men's picks here and here

Just a couple of tips (come on...it's me! You knew they were coming!):

• Denim vs. Chambray: Denim is a coarse, twill cloth, heavier than chambray, which is a light weight fabric with colored warp and white filling yarns (essentially a lightweight, lighter colored denim).
• Picking the right denim wash can be tough, weigh out your options by looking at your jean wardrobe. What color jeans do you gravitate toward? If it's dark, go with a lighter chambray so you can wear them together and have the necessary contrast to make the outfit work. 
• For fun, go ultra fem on the bottom, perhaps even throw on a sequin skirt for the ultimate juxtaposition!
• Color jeans or printed pants are naturally complimentary
• Wear it like a cardigan, open over a dress or pants. Wear it as a light jacket on chilly spring nights paired with a scarf!
• Remember think of this as your new white tee and wear it to the office! It will "work" hard for you and add depth to your everyday wardrobe.

If there is one piece you are considering adding to your spring wardrobe, let this be it!

-kiki