Rise No. 1

Yesterday I met the AMAZING Eloise for lunch at Rise No. 1. It is our little Parisian corner here in Dallas!

We dined on marshmallow soup (tomato and carrot bisque with tiny goat cheese souffles that look like marshmallows), souffles (I got creamed spinach and Eloise enjoyed mushroom) and of course we could not leave without getting dessert! Rise NEVER lets you down and when you are in good company it is even better! We talked for more than two hours and I am sure I could have talked her ear off for the rest of the afternoon had life not called our names. I just ADORE getting together with blog friends! Every time I meet one it is like I make an instant new best friend! You are all the BEST!!

Our lunch was truly a treat and I look forward to many more meetings to come!

Pops of Color

We had a few chilly days in Dallas so I was sure to make good use of my turtlenecks and new Lilly!

I bought the Resort 2009 Printed Cord Society Pant last weekend and just adore them! The print is so much fun and I love the weight of the corduroy, it really is perfect for Dallas. I love to pair bright things with more sophisticated blacks sometimes so this week I mixed my new pants with a black turtleneck, my black Tory Burch Revas and my black Chanel back. I wore my pearls as well as a gold bracelet to pull all the gold accents together. This outfit just might be a new favorite and I think it has even become an option for my upcoming King of Prussia trip!

WINNERS!

I am SO excited that so many of us love the Lilly Originals line for Resort 2009! It is just darling in person so if you have not had a chance to check it out be sure to do so. Oh, and if you live in Dallas come in to the either store this weekend and shop during Partner's Card. There is nothing like saving 20% on the newest and preppiest items while supporting a GREAT cause!

Thank you to all who entered this fun giveaway. If I could send each of you a pencil case or cosmetic case please rest assured that I would! As mentioned before they are just perfect for purses, school bags, the gym and travel. They are very moderately priced too so even if you did not win one could be in your near future. Okay, I will quit teasing you and get on to announcing the winners.

Congrats to KAG who was selected by the Random Number Generator to win the pencil case!!
Another congrats is in order to MG who was also selected by Random.org to win the cosmetic case! Ladies, please send your addresses on!
Again, thank you to all who entered. I just LOVE all you faithful readers and your comments so rest assured that the giveaway fun has just begun!!!

WASP Wednesday: Halloween

With Halloween just around the corner Muffy and I could not think of a more suitable topic than WASPy Halloween costumes!

Of course there are many classic costume ideas that WASPs bring out on All Hallows Eve (think Country Clubber, Squash Player, Jackie O, etc). However, I think every WASP likes to go back to their European roots at times and what better a time than Halloween?!
For the male there is the classic Scotsman outfit.

Now, if you are very well prepared or just super WASPy you might actual have one of these in your tartan! You can sport it with pride and maybe even do a little hills dancing too? Ladies might also enjoy matching the man in a traditional Lassie outfit.
However, should you all choose to go your separate ways you can always go way back to your roots and be a pilgrim! The American WASP can celebrate history and their country on Halloween night, who knew?!
Now of course some WASPs always lean a bit more towards the other side of the Atlantic. The Sloane Ranger in you is always partial to the Windsor family so why not go as the famous Princess Diana and Prince Charles? This one is always a classic for the young and old. Of course you could also be Kate and Prince William if your heart yearns to be a younger royal (and almost royal) for a day. Otherwise, the Sloane Ranger enjoys any British historical figure of which there are plenty to choose from!
When I was little mother was loved all things British (just as she does now). She ordered the most darling WWII nurse outfit from The White House in London (sadly, they have now closed their doors, but Diana bought things for William and Harry here- it is a small claim to fame for me!!) for me. I wore this and pushed our dog, Pepper, in my mini version of my Silver Cross pram and was a vet! It was a complete British outfit and looking back I must say it was quite cute too. I hope this was saved because I would use it in the future!
So no matter how young or old you may be this All Hallows Eve be sure to add just a touch of WASP to your night (note: this does not have to be in the form of a costume, it can be in your manners too)!!

Candy!

I LOVE sweets- love, love, love them! I always like to stock up on seasonal candy and have it here and there. However, for some reason I had nowhere to display the bags and bags of pumpkins and candy corn that I purchased this year. I looked into getting a cute, themed dish, but did not find anything I loved. I had just about given up and decided I would save my candy stock for selfish me when went through my console on Saturday evening. I suddenly remembered I had a huge silver plated bowl that would be perfect!

I filled the bowl right on up to the brim and it looks divine! Now, rather than another seasonal bowl, I have a sophisticated yet fun look this Halloween! You just can never go wrong with silver, so chic and always timeless!

New Suit!

Saturday I ran in to the Clothes Circuit with out running errands and scored the cutest outfit in the entire store!

I saw this Cynthia Steffe suit and it just had my name written all over it. I mean pink tweed, a touch of fur and pearls?! How could a girl resist!? Not only did I luck out in that this perfect suit was just my size (and it looks SUPER cute on), but it was on SUPER sale too! I scored it for just $60! This was a deal I could not pass up. The suit is super chic in my opinion and looks a bit older so I can surely wear it for years to come. Now I need to get planning an NYC or Chicago trip for this winter so I can put it to good use. Does anyone want to join me!?

Preppy Blog Award: Queen Bee

This week Her Southern Charm and I are back with a new Preppy Blog Award! In case you missed her post, we have decided that this will now be a bi-monthly award. Be sure to tune in every other Monday morning for fabulous new blogging material!

I am not sure when I came upon Queen Bee Swain, but as soon as I did I just knew we would become fast friends. QBS currently lives in the Twin Cities and a frequent customer at by beloved Melly! If only we had had blogs back in my college days when I worked there. We could have shopped, gone to lunch at D'Amicos at 50th and France and then gazed into the windows of Monqiue Lhuillier while enjoying a Wuollett's cupcake. Perhaps we can make this dream a reality when I next visit... Enough dreaming though, it is time to get to know Queen Bee Swain!

1- I have been a coxswain for nine years- I was on the boys team in college (the gender of the coxswain doesn't matter on college teams)- my mother always said that I looked like the Queen Bee in the boat directing the rowerboys about. A few of the rowerboys actually will call me their QueenBee!

2- I would have to say that I'd bring a book- Social Climbers by Beth Dunn (blatant promo from me here). It's like Bergdorf Blondes/Debutante Divorcee and The Preppy Handbook had a baby- a fun and light read with lots of lists of all things Preppy. I'm the kind of person that is always reading a book and the thought of being stuck somewhere with nothing to read is my worst nightmare- thankfully this book is one that you can read over and over again!

3- Kate Middleton (Prince William's girlfriend), although she is more of a Sloane Ranger (the British version of a Preppy). She is always so well turned-out and posh-looking. She is an even bigger fan than QueenBee of knee-high boots. Kate's taste is understated, chic and timeless- everything one would hope for from -fingers crossed- the future Queen of England. She is a fan of skiing, shooting and polo- all things the British Royal Family are very keen on and recently has started to lend her efforts to charity galas. Ooooh I have such high hopes for her and plan on throwing an engagement and a wedding party for her!

4- My inspiration comes from the myriad of other Preppy bloggers out there and various bits of my day-to-day life- whether it be a piece of clothing I just have to gush about, to a recipe I need to share or something that happened in my life I thought was worthy of sharing. I'd also have to say that above all else, I try to put out only positive elements. The J.M. Barrie quote, "Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves." is a personal source of inspiration and a goal I strive to achieve on a day-to-day basis.

5- This photo is of QueenBee, mid August this year at the 106th NWIRA Regatta, with the trophy for the Men's Championship Eight (the fastest race and boat in the regatta). The trophy is as old as the regatta and insured for just over $8,000. The official regatta photographer insisted that a picture of just me and the trophy be taken as it is clearly almost as large as I am. What is fun about this too is that I am in my favorite Lilly Pulitzer sundress and in winning this race, I beat two of the rowerboys that raced in the Men's Eight for the USA and won bronze at the Beijing Olympics!

6- I am going to have to say Princess Marie Chantal of Greece. She is a Miller sister (their father founded Duty Free shops)- one sister married a von Furstenberg, one married a Getty and MC married the heir to the Greek crown. Like Kate, MC is always so polished looking and anything she wears is nothing short of flawless- you know that she understands and appreciates grooming. I believe that she'd have a killer wardrobe with all of her royal galas and functions she attends, plus she is a fan of fur!

7- I attended a Catholic university so we did not have a Greek system (I am not sure if this is applicable to ALL Catholic schools or not, but most of my friends that attended Catholic universities also did not have a Greek system). This is the only aspect of my college career that I wish I could have changed, I always thought it would be great fun and had I gone to University of Wisconsin surely would have pledged. I am a current member of the Junior League of Saint Paul, Minneapolis Rowing Club and University Club of Saint Paul (a former F. Scott Fitzgerald haunt). I just do not know how I'd live without philanthropy, rowing and a great pool!

8- This past weekend was the first weekend that I have been home in over a month- I've been on the road for family events and regattas! I excused myself from an event on Friday evening to go shopping- totally needed some "me" time. I went out on Saturday evening in Uptown for a triple-birthday for a few college teammates and then on Sunday I volunteered at the North Star Challenge regatta as the dockmaster.

9- I'm sure it's cliche, but I'm going to go with a Lilly Pulitzer shift- maybe something from the Fall 2008 line- as it could be worn with a turtleneck underneath and knee high boots when the temperature takes a nose-dive South, or just by itself with strappy sandals. For sure my KEP Designs twisty pearl necklace and my pearl earrings and the Brahmin toasted almond croc purse of mine. I'm fairly certain that you'd be able to look poised and polished just about anywhere in this outfit!

Lilly Pulitzer Originals GIVEAWAY!

It is time for a Monograms and Manicures giveaway! Already you might ask?! Well, we must celebrate the Lilly Pulitzer Resort line hitting stores and I am personally celebrating reaching 1000 followers (petty I know, but still exciting for me!).

Now, not only will there be one winner in this giveaway, but we are going to celebrate in style and TWO will win!

One lucky winner will receive a Lilly Pulitzer Pencil Case in Not So Crabby (my favorite Originals print).
Another will receive a Zippity-Do Make-Up Case in Not So Crabby!
These are both perfect for your purse or school bag or travel. They can be used by Lilly lover's of any age!
To enter this CELEBRATION giveaway you must leave a comment on this post. All comments have to be left by 11pm EST on Tuesday, October 27th, 2009. To be eligible to win wither item you MUST include what you (or your spouse of children) are going to be for Halloween as it is just around the corner. I love getting costume ideas so this will certainly be fun to read! Let's get this celebration started, comment away!!!

Resort 2009 Purchases

I already am in LOVE with Resort 2009!!! I went in the store last night and of course did not leave empty handed!

I am obsessed with scarves so I picked up two of the Resort scarves. I love them so much that I even decided to wear the top one today!!
This is my favorite Originals print from Resort 2009. This shift fits like a CHARM! I honestly feel as if Lilly makes some clothing just for me when I try them on. Don't you love when that happens? I cannot wait to go to India (and hopefully Cairo too) in December and January so I can sport some of these items! Resort 2009 is divine, be sure to pop in to Lilly this weekend to see it all for yourself.
Also, I will be hosting a LILLY ORIGINALS GIVEAWAY starting this evening to celebrate something very exciting. Be sure to check back in!!!

Lip Colors

A long time favorite lipstick of mine is Chanel's No. 12, Crystal. I went through tube's of this in college, but I can no longer find it anywhere in Dallas... I am thinking they discontinued it. Mother is looking in India, but in the mean time I popped to the Clinique counter (for the first time since 2000 I think!) and found two WONDERFUL new shades. Watermelon (the shimmer one) and Silvery Moon are two new favorites. While Watermelon is very pink/quite shocking and best for evening, Silvery Moon is just perfect for everyday. It is very similar to Crystal and I know it is going to be my new go-to color. If you love shimmery pink lipsticks, and ones that can work all year round, both of these are MUSTS!

Movies!

Warm popcorn with LOTS of butter, great company and flicks that make you laugh and cry...I LOVE going to the movies! Below are previews for four movies I will be standing in line to see opening night, I can hardly wait!!

Amelia, October 23rd, 2009

Precious, November 6th, 2009

The Blind Side, November 20th, 2009

The Young Victoria, December 18th, 2009
I saw this this summer and it is SO good!

Valentine's Day, February 12th, 2009

Preppy Flashback

Several blogging friends have played this game so after finding an appropriate photo I decided to join in with a Preppy Flashback!

This picture was taken of mother (I am pretty certain father took it, don't you think?) when she and father moved to Germany upon their graduation and wedding. Father went to West Point and they were stationed there for several years. Mother took her preppy ways across the Atlantic and sported the classics with pride!

"I am wearing a JG Hook Shetland crew with a whale, a Scottish tartan (not sure of the plaid, maybe dress McKenzie), wool argyle knee-hi's, Weejun penny loafers and a monogrammed Talbots wide whale corduroy Bermuda bag. I am standing in front of our Fiat X-19 in West Germany @ 1980!!!"

WASP Wednesday: WASP Wedding Gifts

Muffy has returned a Mrs. and WASP Wednesday is now back in full swing! Since Muffy just sealed a lifelong deal we could not think of a more appropriate WW topic than WASP Wedding gifts!

When it comes to wedding gifts choosing the perfect item can be quite daunting. There are lovely linens, everyday china (the nice china and silver are often passed down through the generations) and bake ware. So what is a WASP to choose? Well something they would of course want themselves, something like Herend! Now there are cachet pots, dainty placecard holders and candy dishes, but it is the classic fishnet figurines that always stand out. The great thing about the Herend figurines is that there is one for everyone. A WASP can purchase Herend figurines in a plethora of colors (rust, chocolate, raspberry, blue, green, butterscotch, etc). You can match these to someone's china or their home decor; simply divine! There are hundreds of figurines to choose from as well so their is one for every WASP couple!
For the WASPs you might not know too well pick up the Lovebirds!
For the Middleburg Fox Hunt couple, the foxes!

For the WASP getting married in the tropics pick up a sand dollar or a shell!

For the UT WASPs the Texas Longhorn is a MUST!

Then, for the UGA graduates of the GA fans the English bulldog must be added to their home.

All Herend pieces are individually hand painted with the classic fishnet pattern. This pattern originated in the mid 1800's and like any good thing it has stood the test of time. WASPs love to collect things so add a piece to their old collection or help a new couple start their own collection! Herend figurines can be purchased at local china shops or through the famed Scully and Scully (a very WASPy store full of all the best decor!). The WASP can never go wrong when they give the gift of Herend!

Frosting!

Cupcakes are one of my favorite things to bake. They are so easy and always delicious! Yesterday I made pink and lime green cupcakes (almost identical to the ones above, but they were mini) to take to a meeting and then to a dinner with friends. I used an easy box mix that I just tweaked with milk and butter an then made my own frosting. I am a sucker for buttercream so I used a classic recipe and made my own. My favorite buttercream recipe is as follows:

1 stick softened butter

3 cups powdered sugar

3 tablespoons milk

2 teaspoons vanilla

I put the butter, milk and vanilla all in first and then mix in a half cup of powdered sugar in with a mixer. After everything is smooth and delicious I add in the food color (lime green was my color of choice yesterday) and blend it in until the color is even throughout.

Do you love classic buttercream? If so, this is easy as can be and just as delicious too!

Tablescapes Round Three

Well, I am a firm believer that you can never ever tire of looking at photos of BEAUTIFUL things. With that being said, here is loads more eye candy from last Monday's Southern Affair that was held at Brook Hollow Golf Club!

Home! James

This is one of my favorite Dallas home shops. I ADORE their china and all their fun serving pieces. If you have never checked them out do run over and visit their website. They have such wonderful items for you and your friends!

Home! James fun fact: They are the only American brand to have a royal seal! Both the Queen and Prince Charles have several of their items! In fact, Prince Charles actually has the red glasses shown on this table!

Rutherford's

I just adored the orange candelabras on this table! They sort of pulled everything together and made for a stunning show. The tablecloth was just beautiful as well. It could work for an early Spring party, but you could also even consider using it for Thanksgiving!
The Windsor Agency
What a fun theme this table had. it transported you to the sea and made me want to take a vacation (anyone up for a trip to Sea Island?)!

Blumengarten by Judy Blackman

Judy is such an AMAZING Dallas florist (and she is super fun and cute too!)! Her table was SO exquisite. I LOVE the Chiavari chair pads she used. The tablecloth was actually reversible to a pink I believe so you can mix things up, but still keep within the same color scheme.

Hermes

I do not think this classic brand needs any explanation. They stand alone. Wouldn't you have LOVED to sit at this table and take home and iconic orange gift bag?!

Central Market

If you live in Texas you LOVE Central Market! They were KKG tablescapes presenting sponsor this year. Their table certainly spoke for itself. It was centralized and a wonderful visual for all upon entry to the event!

Swoozie's

Another super fun and somewhat preppy table! I adore Swoozie's and all their amazing gift items. It is hard to go in and leave empty handed, wouldn't you agree? Again, this is another table I would have loved to eat lunch at...just look at those darling gift bags!

The Hospitality Sweet

This was another great Tablescapes sponsor! I has actually never heard of them, but boy am thankful their table was located right by the auction. It was pure eye candy (tee hee hee) to look at them and they had a bowl of treats for all who passed! I would love to order something for the darling owners for an upcoming event (perhaps my birthday?) as their candy is delicious and the packaging is just too cute too!

Snagged!

I gave in and snagged this leopard delight up on SUPER SALE!

Now, it just needs to arrive ASAP so I can put it to good use during this lovely Dallas Fall!

Bye, Bye, Bye!

I might be saying bye, bye, bye, but you perhaps can say hello, hello, hello!

Below are a number of items it is time for me to part with. I did not include every single measurement as some of the items are rather generic, however please do email me (kappaprep@gmail.com) should you have any questions. If you are interested in an item or if you have another offer please email me. Shipping is $5 per item unless otherwise noted, but as always I am of course willing to combine that. I will send all invoices via Paypal and can ship items as soon as Wednesday so shop away!

Vineyard Vines Navy Chino Skirt, 6- $15

Waist: 16 inches, Length: 18 inches

The Great Tory Debate

I want it ALL!

Welcome to the selfish addition of Monograms and Manicures, this is Hopsy going Sharpay (hence the I want it all quote) on you.

As you know I LOVE Lilly, but I also adore Tory Burch. if I had to pick two brands to wear for the rest of my life it would very well be these two (with a little J Crew, a tad Ralph Lauren, a wee bit Oscar de la Renta and an ounce of Brooks Brothers). With Partner's Card coming up and my birthday party at Tory already on my mind (there is nothing like a well thought out party, right?!) I have been perusing my favorite sites that are full of TB! So, thus begins the debate.

I have been wanting a pink Simone cardigan from TB, but who knew picking one out could be SO hard. There are two options, one with the metallic buttons (shown above) and one with pink enamel buttons (shown below)
I am leaning towards this one since the shade seems a bit more like me and I could accessorize with gold or silver, but the first option is very chic too!
Then there is of course the leopard version. I LOVE leopard print! In fact, it is my favorite animal print. This option is on SALE and is hard to come by...you can just tell it is calling my name now, right?!
If you thought the debate ended with sweaters you are wrong darlings. Now it is on Revas. The lime green and orange Revas has both been on my list for quite some time. Which to buy first though?!
Both are year round colors, but the lime would look so darling with black and some of my Lilly. Maybe even my printed Sabine.

However, I wear so much orange (I have two orange turtlenecks, a quilted orange coat, an orange skirt, orange scarves, orange leather gloves, etc, etc, etc) and this color would be just DIVINE for Fall. Plus, I do live in Texas after all.

Who knew a wish list could cause such debate. What to, what do. I love it all, and would gladly take it all (too bad Tory was not watching Martha back in March, maybe she would have wanted to send some shoes my way- boo hoo!), but I must draw the line. Now it is off to decide which items are musts (I am guessing when all is said and done, perhaps none of them will be) and will report back should I ever come to a conclusion. Do you LOVE Tory Burch too, what is your staple item?!

Winner and More Tablescapes Eye Candy!

Thank you all again for your many well wishes for Kappa Tablescapes! I am so thrilled so many of you had heard of Martha Hall Foose and that several of you even already own Screen Doors and Sweet Tea! I had a lovely chat with Martha on Monday evening and she is just a doll and a true Southerner. I know you are dying to know the winner of her autographed cook book, so here goes:

the winner is.... Landlocked Mermaid (comment 62)

Landlocked Mermaid said...
OOH Fun!! entre me please! and great job on the excellent role you played in pulling together Tablescapes xo
October 12, 2009 7:53 PM

Congrats Landlocked Mermaid! I hope you enjoy all the recipes and stories that fill the pages of Screen Doors and Sweet Tea as much as I have!!

Now, even if you did not win I have a little treat for you: more Tablescapes photos!

NOTE: None of the photos in the post have been moved around so you should be able to click on them and look at all the details!

I feel terrible because I cannot remember whose table this was, but don't you feel as if you are at an outdoor garden party?

Covetable Design

This has a very garden party feel as well. I love the garden seats they brought in and used!
Peyton Riley
What a stunning floral arrangement! I could see this table at a glamorous wedding!

St. Michael's Women's Exchange

This is such a festive table! I of course LOVE all the glitter!

This table was done by Ginnie Johnson (formally Ginnie Johansen...she had the SUPER preppy line back in the 80's and early 90's!). I loved the theme of her table, it was all about being the daughter of a King! Ginnie also donated a divine painting to the auction. Crowns of Destiny was similar to the large painting on the mantle, but it was much smaller in scale. Isn't Ginnie a talented artist and designer?