Category Archives: Kiki’s List

10.26.10

Smoke and Mirrors.




I think it’s safe to say that everyone loves a good smokey eye. However, many women steer clear of this make-up maneuver for fear of 1. looking like a streetwalker and 2. looking like you slept in yesterday’s make-up. Obviously, neither of these options are appealing.


Fear no more ladies… Follow these 6 steps to smokey eye bliss. You can even do it yourself! To ensure you have a clean application be sure to do your eyes first, clean up any residue on your face, then apply concealer and foundation. Also, to avoid looking like a street walker, make sure to keep your lips nude, with only a touch of gloss. And lastly, easy on the blush ladies….

1. Prep your lids. Also known as a primer, these products keep your make-up from melting off. I love Trish McEvoy and MAC.
2. Apply Eyeliner. Although I generally use liquid liner, a powder applied with an eyeliner brush is best for smokey eyes. You could spend a lot of money on different colors, but my girl Bobbi has put it all together for you here. Start at the inner corner and work your way out. Make the line a bit thicker in the middle of the lid, then bring it back down as you move outward.
3. Line your lower lids. Use the same powder on the lower lid, apply generously, then smudge with your finger. Tip: Powder will sprinkle your face. I tend to lick tip tip of a Q-Tip to clean up under eye area.
4. Apply base color. Pick a cream, shimmery color to apply over top lid. Start at the inner corner and bring it up to your brow bone.
5. Blend, Blend, Blend. Start at the lash line and blend upwards. Essentially, the eyeliner “line” should disappear.
6. Apply a TON of mascara. I always go with jet black. This is my absolute favorite mascara.

Talk about smoke and mirrors- if you are still afraid… there’s always this. No matter your technique- smoke it up, then grab your clutch, put on your embellished heels and hit the town!

10.25.10

Desperately Seeking Suzani.

Suzani


(also siuzane), an embroidered decorative panel of white, more rarely, colored, cotton fabric or silk, widely used for interior decoration by the peoples of Tadzhikistan and Uzbekistan. Characteristic designs for a suzani are rosettes, floral motifs, birds, and ancient magical symbols.

The Great Soviet Encyclopedia, 3rd Edition (1970-1979).


I can’t stop thinking about that gorgeous Donghia Suzani print that Rita St. Clair used in the Family Room at the WDC. In my opinion, this is a trend is not going away anytime soon. I think it’s a great fabric to put in my guest bedroom (when I can acquire the funds to redo it.)


I love, love, love the bold colors and abstract designs in these prints. Are any of you with me? If you choose to Go Suzani this fall, here are the pillows that made it onto Kiki’s List:

1. Suzani Jacquard Pillow– $295 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
2. Uzbek Cushion Cover– $69.50
3. Abstract Suzani- $72.80 ON SALE
4. Natori Suzani Bolster Pillow– $149.99 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
5. Mandarin Spice Suzani Pillow– $75 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
6. Ohara Suzani Pillow– $413 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
8. Suzani Pillow Cover– $50 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
9. Gold Suzani Pillow– $195 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
11. Suzani Sun– $250


10.22.10

She’s Gone Country.



Mike and I dream of one day having a lake house. A cozy cabin where our family can retreat on weekends. Ahhh, to dream……

 
I am a bit of a freak in the fact that every time I walk into a house, I think of how I would decorate it. Well, this is how I would decorate my lake house. Rustic is all the rage right now. Perhaps we should all find a way to incorporate some of these products into our homes this fall. I bought this round mirror last year and have it hanging in our basement over the mantle. Love it. Here are the rustic items that made it onto Kiki’s List:
 
2. 5 x 7″ Twig Frame– $139 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
3. Birch Bark Round Mirror– $305.80 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
5. Pinch Twig Cube– $1,185 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
6. Naturally Superior Twig Chandelier– $1,337 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
11. Sophia Arm Chair– $697 ON SALE
12. Jute Baskets– $39-$79

10.21.10

Take Another Looksie: Old Navy.






I started shopping at Old Navy when I was pregnant with E. They always had some great maternity clothes for a fraction of the price of other stores. After my babies were born, I continued shopping there for inexpensive children’s items with a bit of flair. Occasionally, I would find some nice pieces for myself, that were so cheap that I wouldn’t care if they got ruined, spit up on, etc.

Well, this fall Old Navy has taken a page out of the ole’ J. Crew book… on the cheap! I just bought a bucket load of items to dress my family for fall. I also picked up a few key fall items for myself. Want the best part? Today Old Navy is offering 25% off of your entire purchase with promo code ONSTYLE25. And, as always you get free shipping if you use your Old Navy, Banana Republic or Gap card. While I couldn’t swing ALL of these, here are the items that made it onto Kiki’s list:
1. Ruffle Collar Wool Blend Jacket– $59.50 ON SALE ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
2. Embellished Tank– $16.50 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
3. Tipped Cardigan– $16 ON SALE
4. Ruffled Keyhole Top– $24.50
5. Tweed Mini Skirt– $22.99 ON SALE
6. Ruffled Leather Jacket– $199 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
9. Ruffle Wool Blend Coat– $79.50 ON SALE
10. Fashion Bracelets– $7.99 ON SALE
11. Studed Faux-Leather Flats– $16.00 ON SALE
12. Sliver-Wedge Boots– $44.50 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE

10.20.10

Mad For Plaid.


If you were smarter than I was and saved all of your plaid shirts, scarves and blankets- dig them out stat. Tartan is back in a big way. I love a good tartan plaid. It reminds me of being a little girl. Plaid taffeta skirts, wool kilts. a cozy cashmere blanket. I’ll take any of them. While plaid decor will certainly not work in most of my home, I can certainly find a way to add a sprinkle of plaid, especially during the holidays. It seems that world has gone mad for plaid… and I like it! This is a trend that the entire family can get behind. Here are the plaid items that made it onto Kiki’s List:


1. Royal Stewart Cashmere Scarf– $67.15 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
3. Mack & Co. Ruffle Front Coat– $19.90 ON SALE ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
4. Scottish Kilt– $32
5. Tartan Bowtie– $26 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
9. Tartan Dessert Plates– $48 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
10. Plaid Shirt– $19.90
11. Plaid Penelope Coat– $54.99 ON SALE
12. Plaid Crinkle Scarf– $12.99

10.18.10

You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby.


Last winter we had one of the worst blizzards in history. While most were out shoveling, it seems that my friends were spending a lot of time indoors trying to keep warm. Now, what seems like 99% of my girlfriends are about to pop out babes within the next week or two. So, I have been asked to do a feature on diaper bags. Of course, I will gladly oblige.


We have come a long way since the days of quilted, floral diaper bags. There are some great choices out there, and quite frankly, you shouldn’t feel limited to bags that are only purposed for carrying diapers. You can use any bag that you like, as long as it holds diapers, wipes and bottles. Just make sure that you pick up one of these… you’re going to need it. I actually used #12 during my diaper days. It was a gift from my amazing godmother… and I loved it!

Here are the diaper bags that made it onto Kiki’s List:

1. Kate Spade Gramercy Baby Bag– $285 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
2. Charlie Tangerine Diaper Bag– $123.20 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
5. Batignolles Horizontal– $840 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
6. Oioi Tote– $204
12. Gucci Diaper Bag– $975 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE

10.15.10

I’ve Really Chunked Up.


Fall has officially arrived. There is a bit of a nip in the air, and those who know me know that I do not like to be cold, so this weekend I’ll be whipping out my sweater collection. Just the thought of curling up next to a fire in an over-sized cable knit warms my heart. I love the look of a chunky cardigan for fall. There are so many ways to rock it- jeggings and some riding boots, jeans and a tailored shirt, or belt it. Regardless of how you sport your chunky cardigan, you will want to grab a few for this season. Here are the chunky cardis that made it onto Kiki’s List:


3. Cable Knit Wrap Cardigan– $89.50 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
5. Wrap Cardigan– $34.80
6. Chunky Knit Cardigan– $49.95 ON SALE ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
7. Sweater Coat– $120 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
8. Cableknit Open-Cardigan– $49 ON SALE
9. Cashmere Open Cardigan– $198 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
12. Honeycomb Cardigan– $750