Swirl Sample Sale

Hey Loves! I am sooo looking forward to a beautiful weekend that is has been forecasted for us here at the Jersey Shore (yes I live at the Jersey Shore, and no, my skin is not orange)! While my husband is away, I am going to indulge in some "me time" and catch up on some projects that I have started but never finished. One of them being my wedding scrapbook-I can't wait until it is finished and I can share some pictures of it with all of you...

For any of you gals that are not aware of the online sample sale craze, then you have A LOT of catching up to do! E-mail me if you have no idea what I am talking about and I will let you in on a "little secret." For all the rest of my Ru la la-ettes, and Gilt Groupies- that may not know-Daily Candy launched their own online Sample Sale called Swirl. Check it out-it's free!

Some posts you may have missed but should check out:

Looks Like a Charm

Couture Exchange

In the Bag

Quote of the Day

All things Missoni

I love all things Missoni. The rich textures and colors make me smile. How adorable is that reversible bikini? Having two bathing suits in one justifies the high price tag (or at least that is what I am telling myself)! Also, if I ever plan a trip to Scotland I am booking a room at Hotel Missoni for sure!

{images via Style Hive; Hotel Missoni; Polyvore; Margherita Missoni - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week}

Happy Birthday Mom!

Wishing my fabulous mother-in-law, Debbie, a Happy Happy Birthday! Enjoy your day (and month)- we love you! xoxo

Couture Exchange

Have you ever wondered how the heck you were going to afford a pair of red soled Loubs or get your hands on a vintage Chanel bag? Well, have I got the place for you! If you don't mind purchasing accessories or clothing lightly worn, you will LOVE this store! It's called The Couture Exchange, located in Shrewsbury NJ. They also have a fabulous website that you can purchase from as well if you are not from this area. What I love most about this upscale consignment shop- is that I have sold a bunch of shoes and sunglasses there that I will never wear again to buy new merchandise-LOVE THAT! Check them out- they have have all of the top brands like Chanel, Prada, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin and much much more-all for 20%-80% off retail! All of the items are 100% authentic and very lightly worn. They also have a showroom in Westfield NJ.

Here is the website

Looks like a Charm

I have been meaning to post this necklace for some time now. Every-time I wear this I get so many compliments on it, and people think I spent tons of money for it-they are shocked when I tell them I spent less than $50! It is 18k gold plated with a cubic zirconia in the middle. I have had this necklace now for over 5 years and it has never scratched or tarnished. what I love is that it comes with two initials and any additional is $10 more, so you can add as many as you would like (or can afford). I choose my initial and my husband's- and I added my dad's. It is a really sentimental piece that I love to wear-and wanted to share with you all. It makes a perfect bridesmaids gift or give it to a new mom- or your mom for mother's day!

You can purchase it at here at Netaya.

Derby Fashion

One of my dreams has always been to go to the Kentucky Derby. I love the nostalgia and luxury of it. If I were to go I would go "all out" and get the most beautiful hat I could find and sip mint juleps. Above- I picked out some looks that I would wear if I was going. I am obsessed with the first dress and fabulous hat-not sure what it is but I am always drawn to bows and ruffles-I guess I am a true "girly-girl."   I am not sure who I am going to "bet" on yet.  I usually bet my husband like $20...no breaking the bank here. He is going to the derby this weekend...without me...but that's ok...he is going for a friend's bachelor party-my day will come (hopefully)... *sigh*.

{images via: Bridezilla; Marie Claire; Ralph Lauren; Chanel}

Sunshine Dreaming

I woke up this morning to a dreary rainy day here in New Jersey and I am feeling kind of blah. I needed a "pick me up" photo for this morning. I am really looking forward to a warm summer breeze and lunches outside. It also hit me this morning that it is the last week in April...I just can not believe how fast this year has gone by. I am looking forward to a jam packed schedule in May filled with friends, family, and lots and lots of parties! Have a fabulous week my loves xoxo. 

{image via Country Living}

Weekend Love

Dear Loves, Thank you for all of your continued support here at Lilac and Grey. It really makes me happy to hear that you are enjoying reading my posts. I wanted to leave this lovely photo with you for the weekend. It is an outdoor space created for Cindy Crawford and her husband's home, and it was designed by Michael S. Smith. You can check out more pictures of their home here. Isn't this space gorgeous? I like how it is not "overly done" but very organic and romantic.

 If I do anything at all this weekend I would like to dine outside with a big glass of Pinot Noir! Any fun weekend plans? Enjoy the lovely spring weather xo

{image via Elle Decor}

Oh Hi!

Ok, I think we all know how much I looove Tibi...well I am marking my calender (and you should too) for their sample sale in New York....

SAVE THE DATE!

MAY 12th-15th

Wednesday May 12th, 1pm-6pm

Thursday May 13th, 10 am- 6pm

Friday May 14th, 10 am-6pm

Saturday May 15th, 10am-4pm

COOLTURE SHOWROOM

409 West 39th Street

Street Level

New York, NY


Who will be there with me?

Must Haves

There are some things I just can not live without-these are some of those things:

I guess you could say Angel is my signature scent-I started wearing it when I was 16 and I still get the same star refilled that I have had all of these years. I do not feel dressed without it and nothing else compares!

My "go to" nail polish colors are Ballet Slippers and Waltz by Essie

I have probably tried every sunless tanner available-and for the price-this one by L'oreal is the best and gets the job done

I looooove this conditioner by Fresh (along with every single other thing they make) the pomegranate scent is to die for and lasts all day...

I also can't live without my Givenchy mascara...after years of trying different brands...this one comes in first-LOVE IT! It allows you to get the inside and outside of your upper lash as well as your bottom, and I promise-no clumps! Available at Sephora.

{ top image via Love Marks}

Waldorf Salad

I looove Waldorf salad and I am always looking for new ways to make it.  This recipe by Andrea Correale, owner of Elegant Affairs, is delicious! Serve like pictured above on fresh pumpernickel or add a scoop to mixed greens. The perfect recipe for a luncheon! 

Check out Andrea's blog-she posts tons of great recipe's that are perfect for entertaining. Elegant Affairs was the caterer for our wedding and our guests are still talking about how fabulous the food was. They are innovative and sophisticated and they tailor the menu to your special event.  If you are in the New York area and looking for an excellent caterer-check out their site here.

Ingredients

1/2 cup chopped, toasted walnuts
1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced
1/2 cup red seedless grapes, sliced
1 sweet apple, cored and chopped
3 Tbsp mayonnaise
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Pepper


Directions

In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and the lemon juice. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper. Mix in the apple, celery, grapes, and walnuts. Serve on a bed of fresh lettuce, or on bread


Add shredded roasted chicken for more substance

Groupings

Plates

                          

Jars

                                      

Stones

                          

Candle Sticks

                           

Happy Wednesday xo

{images via Elle Decor, Coastal Living, House Beautiful}

Mother's Day Breakfast

I remember as kids my brother and sister and I would make a BIG deal about making my mom breakfast in bed for Mother's Day. We would get up really early and put together a tray with eggs, toast, and orange juice. I think one time we even went outside and picked the pink flowers off the tree in the front yard and put them in a little cup on the tray. We were so proud of ourselves-and it made my mom so happy. My mom recently had knee replacement surgery and is recuperating at home. I wish I could go over there everyday to make her this breakfast that I found on Martha Stewart's website. Feel better soon Mom! I love you! xo

Using a cookie cutter or a knife, cut out a small heart shape from the center of a thick slice of bread. Spread each side of bread with herb butter.

Heat skillet over medium heat. Saute bread until golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Lower heat, and gently flip toast.

Break an egg into heart-shaped hole. Cover, and cook until egg white turns opaque, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate along with the heart-shaped piece of cutout bread, perfect for dipping into yolk.

New Monique Lhuillier

The wonderful Abby just posted these pictures on her blog Style Me Pretty and I literally died! I just had to share them with you all...

Photographed by Matthew Grazier

I honestly can not get over the first dress...I want to get married again!!

Click her to see all of the gowns

Cute New Summer Hair Style

How was everyone's weekend? Mine was filled with showers (Bridal and Baby) and good friends.

 I wanted to post this "How To" hair style that I stumbled upon on cupcakes and cashmere... I could imagine that I will wear this romantic style throughout the summer. If you have not checked out this blog-please do so-its lovely...

Happy Monday! xo

Friday!

I love Fridays. It makes me really happy to know that on a Friday night I could do whatever I want and I have two days off to recover. Oh. I forgot-I work weekends now :/ Oh well...I still love Fridays.

What are everyone's plans for the weekend?

{image via apartment therapy}

Quote of the Day

"In the Bag"

I believe you can tell a lot about a girl by the contents of her handbag. I recently dug this Coach bag out of the closet-it's kind of heavy- but I love it! I always carry my Kate Spade planner as a back up to my blackberry-There is just something different about seeing my schedule in print. The only make-up I carry with me is Nars lip gloss in Turkish Delight and Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Pale Pink. Currently I am carrying the latest copy of Elle Decor magazine- and I can't live without L'Occitane hand cream. My gold wallet is by Kenneth Jay Lane. Some other items I usually carry but are not pictured are my camera, bobbi pins, bottled water and Tory Burch Reva Flats (because I am in heels all day).

I would love to see what's in YOUR bag! E-mail me a picture and description of your bag and it's content and I will feature it here on Lilac and Grey...

Mirrors and Fireplaces

So today I was having a conversation with my husband about if we had a fireplace -I would never put a tv above it (he would). I think it takes away from the whole point of the fireplace-which is the focal point of the room...he asked what I would put above and I responded "without a doubt-a mirror." He looked at me like I had two heads and said, "no one would ever put a mirror above a fireplace!" Well, this one's for you Kev...Ha!

Oh and btw- I HAVE to HAVE these Moroccan Poufs like the ones above in Candace Bushnell's apartment and a beach house featured in Elle Decor. Its our lucky day because I found them for sale here!

Roaring Twenties Wedding

This wedding really made me smile, and quite frankly made my day...

As per their wedding invitation, they asked guests to wear "1920's themed attire" which in this case worked out beautifully...

The bride looked stunning and the flowers are just absolutely gorgeous! .

LOVE the vintage polaroid shots- a perfect fit to this perfect wedding!

Photography by Josh Goleman

You can see Ed + Ginny's entire wedding over at Once Wed