Monograms – PINEAPPLES AND SWEET TEA

All About Home, Decor, Everyday Life, Fashion and Style, Gardening and Outdoors, Holidays, Holidays, My Favorites, Travel, Wellness and Fitness

June Favorites

July 3, 2023 No Comments

June has been a busy busy month. I attended the Pink Retreat in Palm Beach again this year. It just gets better and better each year. Catching up with friends, it’s always a great time. We pick up right where we left off, those friendships are priceless. We have been busy keeping up in the gardens with summer in full swing. I don’t know about you but we have had no rain here in weeks. With lots of water and care, the plants are hanging in there. June was a mix of all sorts of favorites. I hope you enjoy it!

My new issue of Bella Grace arrived and I enjoy reading a bit of it every night before bed. It’s uplifting and unlike any other magazine that I have read. This is a magazine that I take my time reading. Bella Grace encourages you to find magic in the ordinary and that everything is special. The photography and stories are beautiful and so well written. There are also worksheets for you to complete to get the most out of this magazine. It has become my favorite treat!

For inspiration and beauty

Have you ever been at the airport desperately searching for your luggage? I don’t anymore. I treated myself to a brightly colored suitcase. Trust me, you can’t miss it. I ordered mine on Amazon. Marshalls has a nice selection of bright bags too. A colorful luggage tag from Lilly Pulitzer makes identification easier too. Who wants to spend time looking for luggage? Not me, I’m ready to get my vacation started.

You can spot my bags

I make sure to always have a hat with me if I’m traveling somewhere warm. How fun is this hat that I picked up a few years ago? Unfortunately, it is not available anymore but there are great options at all of the stores. I make sure to look stylish and comfortable on travel day. Normally I will wear a comfortable Lilly dress, a sweater over my shoulders(those planes can get so cold), and comfortable sneakers for walking the airports.

Easy travel style

I switch my scents each season and my go-to summer fragrance is Beach by Bobbi Brown. It smells exactly like it sounds, the beach. I can’t get enough of it. It pairs nicely with At The Beach from Bath and Body Works too. I use the wash and lotion from there.

A go-to summer scent

I change my front door wreath each season to reflect the time of year. A plain wreath can be dressed up and changed out all year long. Adding a ribbon for the 4th of July or any holiday gives it a fresh look. A guest will get the feel and vibe of your home from the front porch and door decor. Make it welcoming.

Welcome guests with a wreath

I hope you find time to enjoy the great that summer has to offer. It is going to go by so fast.

Until next week,

Carrie

Shop my favorites HERE:

Bella Grace

Amazon Luggage

Beach by Bobbi Brown

Fashion and Style, Lilly Pulitzer, Monograms, My Favorites

Easy Spring Style

April 17, 2023 No Comments

Spring is here and it’s time to ditch the heavy layers, dark colors, and big boots. Spring style is all about lighter layers, pastel colors, and sandals. I know that I am ready for all of this after the long winter. Spring means fresh, airy, and simple.

Pastel colors are the colors of the season. Is there anything prettier than a beautiful shade of light pink, canary blue, or mint green? These colors say spring is here. Look to the colors of the season for inspiration.

Perfect for the season

Fun colors for spring

White and pastel jeans will always be a favorite of mine even before Labor Day. Does the no white before Labor Day rule even exist anymore? It doesn’t for me. Pair white jeans with a tunic and gold sandals for an easy spring look. My favorite white jeans are from Lilly Pulitzer and have a little extra rope detail along the side. Old Navy also makes great white jeans. Jeans in pastel colors are a great way to dress up any outfit. Lilly Pulitzer jeans are my favorite. Pair pastel jeans with a coordinating button-down shirt for a look that can go from lunch to the office.

From casual to dressy

A classic style

A great jean jacket is a must for the spring season. I own a few different ones from casual to dressy. A favorite is a jacket with a monogram. Everything looks better with a monogram. A jean jacket looks perfect over a sundress or t-shirt. I carry one everywhere because I am always cold inside places. Try a jean jacket in white, another favorite of mine, or a pastel spring color.

The Colony Hotel

Spring has sprung

Sundresses are my go-to all spring and summer too. Throw a sundress on, add a cute pair of sandals and jewelry and you have instant style. My favorite sundresses are from Lilly Pulitzer and I have so many in my collection. I usually add a few to my wardrobe each season and I get my use out of them.

A beautiful custom piece

Colorful accessories

Spring means it’s time to have fun with accessories too. I love colorful Tory Burch sandals to pair with my spring styles. Jewelry can be fun and playful. I love my acrylic monograms from Molly B Originals and have them from mini to large. Stacks of bracelets in colorful colors and mixed metals are a must now that we are wearing short sleeves again.

These are just a few of my favorite ways to style and update my wardrobe for spring. A few new pieces and swaps will have you ready for the warm weather and sunshine in no time. Enjoy!

Until next week,

Carrie

Enjoy a complimentary guide and learn to decorate like a pro when you sign up for my newsletter full of exclusive content, tips, tricks, recipes, style, decor, and so much more.

Everyday Life, Fashion and Style, Monograms, My Favorites

Easy Fall Fashion Favorites

October 17, 2022 No Comments

Fall is here and it is time to break out the warm sweaters, jeans, boots, and accessories. I like to pick up a few new pieces each season to incorporate into my Fall wardrobe. I love the ease of Summer dressing but there is just something about the colors and warmth of Fall styling. Here are just a few of my favorites.

Prana plaid perfect for Fall

I love dresses and a great dress for Fall is so versatile. This dress from Prana is perfect for the season. I would dress this up with tights and a tall pair of boots or down with flats or a sporty-looking boot. The colors in this piece just say Fall to me and I have been wearing it often.

Favorite J. McLaughlin sweater

Basic sweaters are a must but there is nothing basic about these sweaters from J. McLaughlin. I have this sweater in multiple colors and it is such a versatile piece. The gold button detail on the sleeves adds a little extra touch too. I like to add a colorful scarf to make this piece pop or a colorful necklace.

A great pair of boots is a must.

A great pair of boots for the season is a must. I love cowboy boots and think they add a unique flair to any outfit. There are so many styles, colors, and designs to choose from. This pair from Roper caught my eye when I was browsing on Zappos. The color is so pretty and the black underneath is actually sparkly and just adds a little something unexpected.

A favorite sweater

This poncho-style sweater is going to be on rotation all season long. From Carve Designs, it also comes in other colors which I will be picking up soon. I wore this with jeans, my boots, and bold jewelry for a night out. I could see this being styled in so many ways.

Fall monograms

Jewelry is such an easy way to change the look of an outfit. Molly B Originals is one of my favorites for monogrammed and acrylic pieces. This clear acrylic in a modern monogram with a leaf design was a new addition for Fall. I also picked up a Lilly-inspired pumpkin and a holiday piece, it’s never too early to start thinking about the holidays.

I hope you enjoyed a peek at a few of my Fall favorites. Now, go enjoy the cool weather in your favorite snuggly sweater.

Until next week,

Carrie

Shop the looks HERE:

All About Home, Beauty, Decor, Everyday Life, Fall, Fashion and Style, Holidays, Holidays, Longaberger, Monograms, My Favorites, Theorem

September Favorites

September 26, 2022 No Comments

Fall is finally here, the leaves are turning, the air is getting crisper, and the days are getting shorter. It has been unseasonably hot here so this is a welcome change. Fall decor is done and we are enjoying cooking new soups and comfort food recipes. I thought with the change of seasons that I would share a few of my favorites from September.

Fun seasonal accessories

I always like to add a few new accessories each season. Molly B Originals is one of my favorites for unique monogram pieces. You know I love a good monogram. When I saw the clear acrylic with leaf pattern, I knew it would be perfect for Fall. I picked the chic monogram style and love how it turned out. Of course, I had to get a Lilly-inspired piece too. This pumpkin is adorable, and I know I will wear it all season. I have quite a few Molly B pieces and I love that you have the option to change the pendant without buying an entire new necklace on certain pieces.

A unique scent

Scents are a quick and easy way to change the feel and vibe of a space. Capri Blue Volcano has been a favorite of mine for years. It is a hard scent to describe but it is one of those that is always recognized. Capri Blue has so many wonderful scents. I always pick up a new candle each season.

Perfect decor for Fall

How cute is this bentwood pumpkin from Longaberger? I thought the design was so unique and knew it was a piece that I wanted to add to this year’s decor. I chose the small pumpkin and this color is gorgeous. Each piece s handmade and will be in my Fall decor for many years to come. Longaberger has so many gorgeous and unique pieces for Fall.

So many options

Tiered trays are one of my most useful and versatile pieces. This year’s fall tray was made with pieces left over from previous projects. I added some garland, pumpkins, acorns, and cotton. The metal words were from DollarTree, and I thought they were the perfect addition. The little truck lights up too. The options with a tiered tray are endless.

Theorem Alpha cleanser

I must admit that sometimes in the Summer I am a little lax in my skincare. Fall is the perfect time to get back to my routine and back on track. Alpha cleanser from Theorem has been my go-to. Alpha is a resurfacing gel-based cleanser packed full of AHA, BHA, and peppermint. I only use it a few times a week and my skin feels incredibly refreshed and cleansed. I have noticed a definite change in my skin. My skin is smoother, brighter, and less congested.

I hope you enjoyed a peek at a few of my favorites from September. Maybe you find something new that you would like to try too. Wishing you a wonderful Fall season. I’m looking forward to it.

Until next week,

Carrie

Shop my favorites here:

Molly B Originals

Capri Blue Volcano

Longaberger

Theorem Alpha Cleanser

All About Home, Decor, Fall, Holidays, Holidays, Tablescapes

Personalized Thanksgiving Decor

October 18, 2021 No Comments

Thanksgiving will soon be here and this year I am looking forward to spending the day with family and friends. This year I really want to make the day special for everyone and a well-dressed table will really set the stage for the celebration. Dressing the table is easy with personalized Thanksgiving decor from Initial Outfitters by Carrie. A few pieces will give any table that decorator’s look. This is how I do it!

Personalized placemats are always my first step. The quickest way to change the look of any table design is to simply change out the placemats. I do it for every holiday and occasion. This design would be perfect all season long. Add napkin rings and napkins and you have an instant place setting.

Personalized Placemats Set The Stage

Coasters sit on all of my tables. I have many different styles for a custom look. It is also nice to mix and match to create a custom set. Coasters will also remind guests to be careful with their beverages.

Cork Coaster For A Tidy Table

A personalized coffee mug at each place setting would make a fun take-home gift. A personal cup also cuts down on waste. We all forget which cup is ours when we set it down. Instead of place cards use a cup for a unique design.

A Fun Gift

Add a floor mat to the entrance of the room. To be honest I have used mine on the table as part of my display. A mat looks pretty at a beverage station and cuts down on the mess. Set out cups, drinks, and an ice bucket on it.

A Floor Mat Is So Versatile

Flour sack towels are another easy piece. They make fantastic napkins. Place one under each plate to create a beautiful place setting. Also make sure to have one handy at a beverage station, dessert table, or appetizer station.

A Flour Sack Towel Makes A Great Napkin

Welcome guests to your home with a personalized flag. Your front porch and entry are the first impressions guests will have when arriving at your home, make it a good one!

Welcome Guests

Initial Outfitters by Carrie can help you create a Thanksgiving to remember with personalized pieces to fit any decor. Personalization is always complimentary. Let your unique personality shine with Initial Outfitters by Carrie.

Shop the Thanksgiving Collection HERE.

Carrie 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 Personal Stylist 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.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

Fashion and Style, Initial Outfitters/Social Selling, Monograms, My Favorites

5 Fall Fashion Trends

September 27, 2021 No Comments

Fall is finally here in the Midwest. You know what that means? It’s time to trade in sundresses and sandals for warm comfortable clothing and cute boots! I love summer but am ready for the cozy fall season this year. It has been such a hot summer. I’m looking forward to bonfires, cozy nights by the fire, and hot chocolate! Switching wardrobes each season does not have to be hard. With just a few well-chosen pieces you can be on-trend for fall. It’s too hard to follow every trend, and I know not every trend looks good on me. I carefully pick a few that are my style and add those to my wardrobe. These are 5 fall fashion trends that I am embracing this year!

Tunics. A great tunic is such a versatile piece to add to any wardrobe. I have quite a few in neutral and bold colors. Layer a tunic under a vest or cardigan. Perfect for those days that are cooler in the morning and warmer in the afternoon. Leggings and jeans always look stylish paired with a tunic. There are so many ways to go with a tunic, dress it up or down. A go-to for me all season.

A bright tunic for Fall

Cowboy boots. I love a good pair of cowboy boots. To be honest, I even wear them with my Lilly! A comfortable pair of boots can’t be beat. I live in mine all fall and winter and pair them with dresses, jeans, leggings, and skirts. There are so many great options and styles available too. Two of my favorite brands are Roper and Laredo.

Boots For All-Season

Rustic metallic jewelry. This season Initial Outfitters launched a new finish, Tuscany. Honestly, I was not sure if I liked it. I think I was so used to everything so bright and shiny in the summer that this finish looked too dull to me. Boy, was I wrong. I ordered a couple of pieces and I was hooked. The finish is beautiful and looks great paired with other finishes and metals. A great tip is to mix up the metals.

Rustic and metallic

Tuscany finish

A poncho. Ponchos are staples in my wardrobe. I carry a jacket or poncho everywhere, even in the summer. I especially am thrilled when I come across a shorter poncho, many times they can be too long on me. A poncho can be layered over anything and there are so many cute styles out there. I recently bought a beautiful rust-colored one and a neutral off-white one for fall. Those two will be in my rotation all season.

A Poncho Is A Versatile Piece

A backpack. A great backpack is so practical and stylish. Sometimes a backpack can look too childish. A vegan leather backpack with beautiful gold hardware is a fantastic grown-up version of the backpack. A monogrammed backpack from Initial Outfitters is even better. I have a clear bamboo-like backpack from Lilly Pulitzer that is perfect for summer but I needed one for fall/winter and this one is perfect. A backpack is also a great bag for travel too!

The Grown-Up Backpack

Bonus Tip. I love a beautiful twilly on my bag, especially on my backpacks. I picked this one up at Burberry last month in Chicago. A twilly is so versatile, wear it in your hair, tied to a bag, or as a scarf. A designer twilly is a great investment piece and a favorite of mine.

A Designer Twilly Is A staple

It looks like I am ready for fall and the cooler weather with these great pieces. What pieces are you adding to your fall wardrobe? I would love to hear what your favorite fall pieces are. Enjoy the beauty of fall!

Until next week,

Carrie

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 a Personal Stylist 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.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

Fashion and Style, Monograms, My Favorites

Easy Spring Style With Initial Outfitters by Carrie

March 29, 2021 No Comments

Spring has sprung! It’s time for easy spring style. I am so ready to be rid of the heavy bulky sweaters, big coats, and boots. It’s time to lighten up our look and swap out dark bold colors for lighter fresh pastels. Here are my favorites for easy spring style from Initial Outfitters. A great pair of jeans is the perfect way to start. I like to layer pieces especially when the mornings and evenings are cooler and the afternoon is warmer. Layering a pastel and colorful camisole under a blazer in a coordinating color is a stylish and easy look. Add in some pearl and mixed metal jewelry gives the look a light and airy feeling. Pearls always lighten an outfit up with their shimmer. The Shana handbag is metallic and personalized. It really shimmers in the sun. Neutral pumps finish this look off. I think this look is perfect to transition to spring and to go from lunch with the girls to a casual dinner. Happy Spring!

Lady Fair Necklace

Glass Pearl Studs

Two-toned Hammered Ring

3 Strand Glass Pearl Bracelet

Everything Is Possible Bracelet

Metallic Shana Handbag Set

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 a Senior Outfitter 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.

Sassy Direct:

https://www.sassydirect.com/united-states/fashion/carrie-kelly

Follow me on Pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.com/carriekellydesigns

Check out my blog for more tips and inspiration:

https://pineapplesandsweettea.com/

Instagram:

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

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/IObyCarrie

Visit my website:

https://carriekellydesigns.com/

Shop Initial Outfitters:

https://initialoutfitters.net/ckelly

Email:

pineapplesandmonograms@gmail.com

Fashion and Style, Lilly Pulitzer, Monograms, My Favorites

Summer Style

July 20, 2020 No Comments

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

Gardening and Outdoors

Happy Memorial Day

May 25, 2020 No Comments

It’s the unofficial start to summer. I love all seasons, but summer has to be my favorite. Backyard barbecues, 4th of July parades, sundresses and sandals, fireflies, sweet tea, and hydrangeas are some of my favorite things about summer. Who doesn’t love a beautiful late night summer sunset? I know I do.

I had waited long enough and it was time to get my front porch summer ready. First off, I needed a new wreath for the front door. An Adirondack style chair wooden monogram really says summer and choosing a beachy blue and light coral paint fits my summer theme. Re-purposing an existing wreath and adding a few flowers and ribbon finished it off. I always love something personal with our name on it for the front door.

Rearranging the furniture and adding a focal piece really made the porch come alive. How gorgeous is this potting bench? My husband made it for me for Mother’s Day a few years ago and I love it. Usually I use it as a potting bench in my garage but I have always wanted to use it in my decor and thought the front porch was the perfect place to display it. Very eye catching. Adding herbs, plants, statues, and lanterns completed the potting bench.

Finally, I grabbed my outdoor pillows, new garden flag, rugs, and added a few pots of colorful flowers to make everything pop. I love the layered rugs by the front door and the flag is from our newest collection. Lavender and herbs smell wonderful as you walk up to the front door, and I enjoy having fresh herbs for my sweet tea. I decided on simple ferns this year for an organic element and to add some green to match the faux boxwood topiaries. I bought the topiaries for holiday decorating but really liked the look so I decided to use them year round. My other pots add just the right pop of color.

I think it’s the perfect time of day to grab a book and a glass of sweet tea and enjoy my beautiful porch. Care to join me?

A perfect summer read

June Favorites

Like this:

Easy Spring Style

Like this:

Easy Fall Fashion Favorites

Like this:

September Favorites

Like this:

Personalized Thanksgiving Decor

Like this:

Easy Spring Style With Initial Outfitters by Carrie

Like this:

Summer Style

Like this:

Happy Memorial Day

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this: