Elevate Your Style: Seamless Wardrobe Transition from Summer to Fall

As the vibrant hues of summer gracefully make way for the warm tones of autumn, it’s time to embark on a journey of revamping your wardrobe to reflect the changing seasons. For women transitioning from the breezy days of summer to the cozy embrace of fall can be an opportunity to express your timeless elegance. Here are some invaluable tips to seamlessly navigate this seasonal wardrobe shift.

Embrace Luxurious Layers

fall fashion
Luxurious layers

As the temperature gradually dips, layering becomes your greatest ally. Welcome fall with open arms by incorporating luxurious layers into your ensemble. Begin by selecting lightweight, versatile pieces like cashmere cardigans, tailored blazers, and elegant ponchos. I always have a jacket or poncho on hand at all times. These timeless layering options keep you warm and add depth and sophistication to your classic style.

Celebrate Textures

Fall fashion
The warmth of textures

Fall is the season of textures. Infuse your outfits with dimension by introducing rich fabrics such as velvet, tweed, and suede. The smooth feel of silk blouses and the softness of knit sweaters add a luxurious touch to your look, creating a harmonious blend of style and comfort.

Transitioning Hues

fall color palette
Warm bold colors

Mimic the natural transformation of leaves by transitioning your color palette. While summer may have been a canvas of bright and vibrant colors, fall calls for a shift toward earthy tones. Incorporate shades like warm camel, deep burgundy, forest green, and subtle taupe into your clothing choices. These hues exude elegance and seamlessly blend with your classic style.

Versatile Accessories

fall fashion accessories
Add color with accessories

Accessories are the punctuation marks of your ensemble, allowing you to make a statement without uttering a word. Transition your accessories from summer to fall by trading your delicate sandals for sophisticated ankle boots. Add a touch of luxury with leather gloves, a timeless scarf, or a structured handbag in autumnal shades. These subtle details serve as the exclamation point to your fall-ready look. Try jewelry in copper and earth tones to add warmth to an outfit.

Champion Timeless Prints

easy fall fashion favorites
Prana plaid perfect for Fall

 

Prints have the power to tell a story, and as you transition into fall, consider embracing timeless patterns that embody the season. Think houndstooth, plaid, and paisley – prints that effortlessly complement your classic sensibilities. Incorporating these patterns into your wardrobe can be as simple as donning a plaid skirt or adding a houndstooth scarf for a touch of retro elegance. A plaid scarf in the hair is a favorite way to add a print to an outfit.

Elevate Denim

monogrammed jean jacket
A classic style

Denim is a year-round staple, but as the leaves change, so can your approach to this versatile fabric. Opt for darker washes that echo the season’s cozy ambiance. Elevate your denim game with tailored silhouettes like high-waisted jeans or a well-fitted denim jacket. When paired with a soft cashmere sweater or a crisp white button-down, denim seamlessly transitions from casual to effortlessly chic.

The Power of Outerwear

fall fashion outerwear
Invest in a timeless piece

Fall outerwear is not just a necessity; it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impression. Invest in a classic trench coat or a tailored wool overcoat to stay warm in style. These timeless pieces not only protect you from the elements but also serve as the perfect finishing touch to your ensemble. Treat yourself to a trench coat from a brand such as Burberry. It’s an investment but one that will last a lifetime.

In conclusion, transitioning your wardrobe from summer to fall is a chance to embrace change while staying true to your classic style. Luxurious layers, textures, and a refined color palette are your allies in this sartorial journey. As you celebrate the beauty of the changing season, remember that your wardrobe is an extension of your personality, and each piece is an opportunity to express your timeless elegance. So step into fall with confidence, grace, and a wardrobe that effortlessly brings out the beautiful transformations of nature.

profileUntil next week,

Carrie

It’s Spooky Season, Halloween Decor

 

It’s spooky season, and I love this time of year. Halloween is such a fun time for kids and adults alike. I get together with a group of friends and we participate in a Witches Walk. We are quite the sight all going out in costume. It is so much fun and I am looking forward to it this year. My costume is all ready to go. I enjoy seeing all of the kids running around the neighborhood dressed up and having a great time. The dogs have new Halloween outfits too.

My house is all decorated for Fall and I don’t want to take tablescapes and vignettes apart or down for Halloween. I just add to what is already there. The family room shelves get a little makeover with webbing and spooky decor. The fireplace area a spooky caldron I picked up looks so cool at night. The entryway does as well.

In the dining room, I added a witch boot floral arrangement and skulls to the table. A few little touches turned the space from Fall to Halloween.

My staircase is always a focal point. I have had the light-up black web garland for years and I love the look. A few years ago I added the ghosts that I picked up at the DollarTree, and I think they added the perfect finishing touch to the staircase.

I sprinkled a little more spooky decor throughout the rest of the house and we are ready for Halloween. Enjoy!

 

Desert Botanical Gardens

desert botanical gardens

The Phoenix area has so many incredible places to visit and things to do. There really is something for everyone to do here. One of my top favorites is the Desert Botanical Gardens. We have been members for the last few years, and every time we go, we learn something new. When people think of the desert, they think of dirt, rocks, and cacti. Boy, is there so much more. The desert in bloom is incredible. Cacti blooming as far as the eye can see is really quite a sight to see. The gardens are set up with different paths and different desert lifestyles. At the top, you can see the Phoenix area and mountains for miles.

desert botanical garden
How cute is this little heart shape?
dale chihuly
Dale Chihuly’s work is amazing

At the time we went, Dale Chihuly had an installation. I saw his installation when it was here last time, but wow, so many new amazing pieces. He works in glass and each piece is incredible. How does he do it, and how do they transport this around the country? The exhibit looks so beautiful with all of the glass glistening in the sun. I would love to see it at night too. Here are a few of the pictures I took from our day at the gardens. Enjoy!

dale chihuly
Looks like part of the landscape
desert botanical gardens
Almost ready to bloom

Until next week,

Carrie

carrie kellyCarrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign 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 a Theorem Independent Hair Specialist helping everyone have the best hair day ever and Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, 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, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

St. Patrick’s Day Style

 

Could it really be that spring is in the air? I hope so, winter has drug on long enough. You know what spring means, St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. St. Patrick’s Day 2021 is a unique day as it marks the one-year anniversary of the shutdown due to the pandemic. We really don’t know how if there will be celebrations or parades this year, but I know my family will celebrate in our own way. Many times, St. Patrick’s Day finds us at our home in Arizona catching a spring training game.

I think it’s fun to dress for all of the celebrations, whatever those will look like. But, I also don’t want to look like I’m overdoing it or trying too hard. The finish on the Ironworks Collection from Initial Outfitters by Carrie is the perfect green color finish. The best part, I don’t have to buy anything new because these are already in my collection. Pair these pieces with a great pair of jeans, a neutral jumper, and an olive-colored military-style jacket and you have the perfect outfit for St. Patrick’s Day.

Lotus Necklace

 

Paris ID Bracelet

 

Disc Earrings

 

Round Rimmed Ring

 

Stamped Key Ring

 

Freshwater Pearl & Gold Bracelet

 

Navy Tiffany Handbag

 

Plaid Facemask

 

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, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

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Charleston & Isle of Palms

 

Last spring, we were lucky enough to attend a round at The Masters. A once in a lifetime experience. We were only a few hours away from Charleston, so we decided to spend a few days in the Charleston area. A few days relaxing at the beach and enjoying all the area has to offer was the perfect way to spend the rest of the week. I love the South I am really a southern belle stuck in the Midwest.

There are so many beautiful resorts and beach properties to choose from, and we decided to stay at Wild Dunes Resort. Wild Dunes is on Isle of Palms, just a short drive from Charleston proper. The property and grounds are beautiful, and we chose to rent a townhome. The location was perfect, beachfront with a pool. Our unit had one bedroom and bath on the main level, with the living area, laundry, and kitchen. The upper level consisted of the master bedroom, bath, walk-in closet with a gorgeous view of the beach and ocean. The unit also had a nice balcony overlooking the water. I went out one morning and enjoyed a beautiful sunrise.

Wild Dunes consists of the main resort, The Boardwalk Inn, and many cute little villas and townhomes. A golf course and tennis courts are also on the property. A few shops and a spa line the boardwalk as well. We enjoyed dinner in the casual bar and sat by the fire pit in the evening in the most comfortable rockers. The staff was so accommodating and I know it is definitely a place I will visit again.

Isle of Palm is a combination of old beach homes and newer modern homes. It had a casual feel and we enjoyed exploring the shops. Coconut Joe’s is a must for beachfront dining, and they make a great daiquiri. I love going to the local spots when I travel. Miniature golf and dinner at an Irish pub made for a lovely evening. We spent two days just relaxing and enjoying the beach.

We headed into Charleston proper for a day of exploration. The old towns of the south are my favorite places to visit, so much history. You can just imagine the families that lived in these beautiful, old homes and the stories they could tell. I bet the balls and parties were simply amazing. I had to make a stop at Isaac Jenkins Mikell’s home. If you are a fan of the Bravo series Southern Charm you will recognize this house at Miss Patricia’s. I was waiting for Michael to come out and bring me a cocktail. We spent the day wandering along the old brick roads and looking at all of the architecture. The homes are truly stunning. Of course, I somehow managed to find the Lilly Pulitzer store on King Street. King Street is the high-end shopping and restaurant area. There were some adorable boutiques on the street. A bar-b-que restaurant was a nice break for lunch. Charleston is known for its amazing bar-b-que and it did not disappoint. Our last stop before we headed over the Ravenel Bridge was the local firehouse. Being a fire mom, I always like to check out the local firehouse.

If you have not been to Charleston, put it on your bucket list. It was everything that I hoped for and more. I am looking forwards to returning and exploring more that the area has to offer. One trip was not enough to see it all. Happy travels.

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. 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

Lilly Con! The Pink Retreat

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/                                                

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

                   pineapplesandmonograms@gmail.com

Welcome

Welcome to Pineapples and Sweet Tea, A Lifestyle Blog. I’m Carrie Kelly, a lover of all things Lilly Pulitzer and the traditions of the south. Follow along as I share my love of creating beautiful spaces, monogramming, gardening, friends, family, food, travel, and of course a little shopping. I’m a wife, mom, business owner, and fur mom who calls multiple places home. This has really been an unusual time in our world, and I hope I can bring you a little joy and maybe one of my ideas will spark your creativity as well.