All About Home, Holidays, Monograms

Gifts For Everyone On Your List

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It’s that time of year again. Time to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. I don’t know about you, but I think shopping for gifts is going to be a little more difficult this year. I was out shopping recently and it wasn’t very enjoyable. I enjoy searching for a gift that I know the recipient will love. A gift with meaning that shows I took the time to really think about their gift and did not just grab the first thing that I came across. I enjoy little boutiques and finding something that not everyone is going to have.

I thought I would share with you my picks for the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. These are all from my Initial Outfitters boutique. Most of these can be personalized for your unique style, and I really love that. Definitely, a gift that is unique. I would be thrilled to help you find the perfect gifts too. We can schedule an online appointment and I will have some ideas ready to go, or by text or email too. My website is always available to shop from as well. If I can be of any help, please reach out. It is my favorite part of what I do, helping you solve your gift-giving needs. Happy Shopping.

 

 

Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesigner Industry Specialist and  Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also an Independent Consultant with Initial Outfitters, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog.

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https://pineapplesandsweettea.com/

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https://initialoutfitters.net/ckelly  

Email: carrie@carriekelldesigns.com

All About Home, Everyday Life, Fashion and Style

Five Things I’m Loving This Fall

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I love finding new things and revisiting some of my favorites. Fall is here and it is time to transition from the easy, breezy summer styles to a warmer, cozier style. These are a few of my favorites for fall. Some are new finds and others are new on my radar.

Jo Malone fragrances are always a favorite of mine. Vintage Gardenia was my all-time favorite scent, and I was so sad when they discontinued it. I have never found a scent quite like it. The Tuberose Angelica is close. Well, this season Jo Malone relaunched some of their favorites from the vault. I scooped one up along with another fall favorite of theirs, Peony and Blush Suede. Very unique scents.

My favorite scents from Jo Malone

Shop their collection here:

https://www.jomalone.com/

It tends to be a mushy, wet mess here in the Midwest. Hunter boots are a must. Keep your feet dry and stylish in the many colors they offer. I can wear the kids sizes and they are so cute with the reflector tape on the back. Add in a pair of their socks and you are set for the winter.

Hunter boots to the rescue

Shop Hunter boots here:

https://www.hunterboots.com/us/en_us/

I love Pandora bracelets and have a few of them. It’s fun to tell your story in charms. I recently took a trip to Orlando with some friends. We didn’t go to Disney this time but I created my Pandora Disney charm bracelet while we were there. I was so glad to do this because I didn’t do it in January and wished I had after I got home. The bracelet says “Where dreams come true”, and I love it. A few charms are exclusive to Disney and the charm with Walt and Mickey is the sweetest. A beautiful, cherished keepsake I wear all of the time.

Create your unique story with Pandora:

https://us.pandora.net/

I love a good book, especially when it is darker earlier at night. Nothing is better than curling up in a blanket in front of the fire with a cup of tea and a good book. I decided on something fun and lighthearted this time. We read this book, Majesty, American Royals II, in the Ashley Brooke Book Club and it was such a fun read. The story is about what the United States would be like if we had a Royal Family. The story follows a group of ladies whose lives are all intertwined. I highly recommend this.

Get your copy on Amazon:

I love changing my decor each season and the new fall line from Initial Outfitters made it so easy. Our new line is full of new designs in placemats, floormats, cutting boards, and so much more. I swapped out my placemats, cutting boards, floormats, and garden flags to create a warm look for fall.

Shop Initial Outfitters here:

https://www.initialoutfitters.net/CKELLY/

 

Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesigner Industry Specialist and  Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also an Independent Consultant with Initial Outfitters, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog.

Find her at: https://carriekellydesigns.com

                   https://pineapplesandsweettea.com

                   https://www.facebook.com/carriekellydesigns

                   https://www.initialoutfitters.net/ckelly

                   carrie@carriekellyesigns.com

 

                   

Fashion and Style, Lilly Pulitzer, Monograms, My Favorites

Summer Style

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Lilly Maxi Dress

 

Summer is my favorite season to dress for. I love the bright colors and the ease of just needing a few pieces to put together a perfect look. It is perfectly fine to be a little more casual and relaxed this time of year especially in the heat. I have a few staples and pieces that are my go-to’s all summer. I tend to find a style of dress I like and buy it in different patterns.

I think I spend 99% of the summer in Lilly Pulitzer dresses. The Kristen and Margot are my favorite styles. As I said, I find a dress that I love and buy it in multiple prints and these two styles are no exception. They are lightweight, flowy, and perfect for summer.  Some of my other favorites are the Lilly Pulitzer shorts and skorts. Every piece is so fun, colorful, and just says summer. Pair those with a cute tank or tee and you are set.

Great accessories always finish the look. A monogrammed hat from Initial Outfitters is perfect for beach days, pool days, or those hot, humid summer days where you just can’t be bothered to style your hair. A great hat makes it so easy. My staple sandals are gold and rose gold Tory Burch Miller sandals. They match everything. My favorite necklaces this summer have been the monogrammed acrylic discs from Initial Outfitters. Monogrammed and personalized pieces are my favorite because of their uniqueness and these are available in so many beautiful, bright summer colors. They pair so well with all of my Lilly and I have many different ones. A great necklace and bracelets are all you need to bring an outfit together. I love a great summer handbag and these are a few of my favorites. My Lilly Pulitzer clutch was handpainted for me by one of their print artists.  The Lisi Lerch bag was also custom. It is fun that you can customize a bag on their site.

Lilly Pulitzer shorts and skorts are always in style

My absolute favorite dress is my custom Lilly Pulitzer sheath. I was lucky enough to create this at The Pink Retreat in Palm Beach last year. It was such a fun experience. This print, Palm Beach Toile is exclusive to the Worth Avenue store, and I knew this was the print I wanted. You are able to pick your lace and placement and every dress is unique. The label on the dress even says it was created especially for you. This dress is such a special keepsake and it so beautiful.

My custom Lilly Pulitzer sheath

I hope you enjoyed a look at some of my favorites. Summer is the perfect time to relax your style and just enjoy it. Before long the seasons will be changing. What are some of your favorite summer styles? Until next week remember, “Anything is possible with sunshine and a little pink”.

Carrie Kelly is Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs and specializes in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes. She is also an Independent Consultant with Initial Outfitters, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog.

Find her at: https://carriekellydesigns.com

                   https://pineapplesandsweettea.com

                   https://www.facebook.com/carriekellydesigns

                   https://www.initialoutfitters.net/ckelly

                   carrie@carriekellyesigns.com

Fashion and Style, Lilly Pulitzer, Monograms, My Favorites

Easy Summer Style

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Summertime and the living is easy. I so love summer, the long warm days, beautiful sunsets, sweet tea on the porch, and the easy relaxed style. I always feel it’s perfectly acceptable to be a little more relaxed and casual in the summer and still look polished. There are so many great options available to make summer style a breeze.

A sweet little dress is all you need for summer. My favorites are shift dresses and nice flowy dresses from Lilly Pulitzer. Nothing says summer like a Lilly Pulitzer dress. Perfect to run around town in or for a dressier occasion. I also love their skorts and athletic wear. You will always look put together in any of these pieces. I live in dresses all summer long. Grab one item out of your closet and you are done.

Of course a great pair of sandals compliments any outfit. My favorites have been the metallic Tory Burch Miller sandals. They go with everything and are especially great for travel. Bring a gold flat pair and a gold wedge and they will get you through any vacation. I did purchase a pair of pink ones this season and they are so pretty. Jack Rogers is my other go-to brand of sandals but they are not for walking all day in. A great gold pair is all you need.

My go to sandals from Tory Burch

A great accessory makes an outfit pop. I love all the bright acrylic necklaces and have them in a variety of sizes and colors. Monogrammed pieces are my favorite and these look amazing paired with a cute summer dress. Natural elements paired with shiny sparkling pieces look great together in the summer. Layer a beautiful long beaded necklace with a shorter necklace and you have a statement look. Tassel earrings are very on-trend at the moment as well. For days spent at the beach or those days where there is no time for hairstyling, a great hat is perfect. I love the Lilly Pulitzer ballcaps and a denim hat with a bright monogram is perfect.

 

The last item you need is a great summer bag. A nice big tote is great for running around and keeping everything in one place. This one from Lilly Pulitzer is my new favorite. Very structured and the hot pink interior makes it pop. Having room for my water bottle is a must in the summer and this bag holds everything. Spartina 449 has a collection of beautiful bags. The pattern on this one was my favorite this season and being a clear vinyl on the outside bag, I don’t have to worry about it getting dirty. A big plus in the summer. Sometimes an occasion calls for a smaller bag. This is my absolute favorite bag. Lilly Pulitzer held an event at the Highland Village store in Houston and offered hand-painted bags. Of course, I had to have one. I ordered by phone and just gave her the ideas I had for the design. It turned out perfect, flamingoes on one side and my little dog on the other. This piece definitely turns heads.

Enjoy your summer, try some new pieces, and remember to just have fun.

 

Carrie Kelly is an Independent Consultant with Initial Outfitters. She is available to assist you in creating a beautiful, personalized and welcoming home, bridal planning, personalized jewelry and accessories for yourself and to help you select the perfect gift for every occasion. She is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle Blog. 

Find her at: https://www.initialoutfitters.net/CKELLY/

                   https://pineapplesandsweettea.com/                                                

                   https://www.facebook.com/IObyCarrie

                   https://www.instagram.com/pineapplesandmonograms/

                   pineapplesandmonograms@gmail.com

Lilly Pulitzer, Travel, Uncategorized

Lilly Con! The Pink Retreat

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Lilly Con! The Pink Retreat was a Lilly themed weekend in Palm Beach Florida, founded by Tosha Davis Williams in 2018. I was lucky enough to secure a spot for the 2019 event. Let me tell you tickets sold out like hotcakes. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the event was canceled for 2020 but I am already registered for 2021. It can’t come soon enough. I thought I would share some of the fun from the 2019 event. I went only knowing one person and left with so many new Lilly loving friends from around the country.

The home base for the event was The Colony Hotel, a stunning boutique hotel. The Colony is what you think of when you think of old Palm Beach. It was stunning. The staff was amazing and anything you needed they were happy to help. Turn down service, chocolate, and little gifts every night made you feel special. The hotel has pink bikes available to ride around the island and car service as well. The pink golf cart was certainly a hit. Beach chairs and supplies are also available and will be set up for you at the beach. Beautiful gardens and pool area just invite you to sit, relax, and enjoy a cocktail. They do think of everything. I highly recommend The Colony to anyone wanting to experience the old fashioned Palm Beach charm. Coming in a day early gave me time to settle in, explore, and do a little shopping before the events started.

                                                                       

The entire weekend was a whirlwind of activities. Friday morning started with check-in and shopping at Lilly on Worth Avenue. Their juice bar and adorable shift cookies were certainly a hit with all of us. Everyone was so welcoming and it was so fun finally meeting people that I had connected with on Facebook. We headed to The Breakers for lunch. Wow, the hotel is breathtaking. We walked around the grounds and explored.  The Colony hosted a Happy Hour that night by the pool and it was just a sea of Lilly dresses. Michelle Kelly, CEO of Lilly Pulitzer joined us and she was so sweet to chat with us all. Lilly’s granddaughter also stopped by. It was a fabulous evening.

Saturday started with sunrise yoga and mimosas. I can’t think of a better way to start the day. I signed up for the Worth Avenue tour with Rick Rose and he is a  wealth of information on the history of Palm Beach. We saw Lilly’s original store as well. Walking through Via Mizner made you feel like you were stepping back in time. The shops are made to look like an old Italian market with crooked windows and pieced together. Lunch at the historic Ta-boo was delicious. Our next adventure took us to Palm Beach Gardens Mall for a little shopping. Paint night was next and we created a Lilly inspired painting to take home. It was fun seeing everyone’s different styles. GNO rounded out our evening at The Colony. We were having so much fun that we decided to head to The Breakers for cocktails to finish out the evening. We really didn’t want the evening to end.

Sunday was a farewell brunch and print tour. The print tour with Lilly artist Melissa was so interesting. She showed us some of the local places where she finds inspiration for her prints. What would be a trip to Palm Beach if we didn’t see Lilly’s house? We stopped there and took a photo. I decided to stay until Monday and see more of Palm Beach. Quite a few other ladies did as well and we enjoyed a quiet evening in the lounge at The Colony after the busy weekend.

 

One of the highlights of my weekend was custom designing my very own Lilly shift dress. This is only available at the Worth Avenue store. I chose the Palm Beach toile print exclusive to this store. My dress is beautiful and it was so much fun picking out the fabric and lace and designing it. The girls at the store were so helpful and work with you every step of the way. When my dress arrived it was in a beautiful bag and my name is sewn on the inside of it. A once in a lifetime personal experience.

Honestly, the very best part of The Pink Retreat was making new friends. I have kept in touch with many of the ladies and have taken some vacations with friends I never would have met if not for TPR. We all keep up with each other on Facebook as well. I have enjoyed catching up with fellow Lilly girls on some of my other travels as well. I can’t wait until 2021. We all share a love of Lilly and to all be together was so special. Lilly would have been proud to see how her legacy lives on. After all, it all started with a juice stand.

 

 

Carrie Kelly is an Independent Consultant with Initial Outfitters. She is available to assist you in creating a beautiful, personalized, and welcoming home, bridal planning, personalized jewelry, and accessories for yourself and to help you select the perfect gift for every occasion. She is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle Blog. 

Find her at: https://www.initialoutfitters.net/CKELLY/

                   https://pineapplesandsweettea.com/                                                

                   https://www.facebook.com/IObyCarrie

                   https://www.instagram.com/pineapplesandmonograms/

                   pineapplesandmonograms@gmail.com