What A Way to Spend the Night!

I love Thanksgiving, do not get me wrong, but I am so glad it is now time for Christmas!! I EVERYTHING about this time of year. From the drinks at Starbucks to the beautifully decorated houses to the lights in Highland Park Village (they are some of the very best you will ever see) to the excitement felt by all to the movies on TV, I just love this time of year! After the parade was said and done on Thursday the Christmas movies started to hit every channel and I could not have been any more thrilled. I have spent far too many hours in front of the TV caught up in these flicks. You just cannot beat be all bundled up with a cup of Laduree caramel tea or peppermint hot chocolate and a great film, can you!? Below are some of my favorites, what are your must watch holiday films?!

Home Alone:

The Holiday:


Love Actually:


White Christmas:


Jingle All the Way (I really just like this one because it was filmed in Edina!):


It's A Wonderful Life:


The Family Stone:


Miracle on 34th Street:


All I Want for Christmas:

Preppy Blogger of the Week: KAG

Well, after taking the week off to celebrate Thanksgiving Preppy Blogger of the Week is back in action today. Her Southern Charm and I hope you all had a wonderful time celebrating the holiday with you families and giving thanks for all you have been given. Today, we also hope you enjoy getting to know the FABULOUS KAG of Monograms & Martinis. KAG is not only fun and classy, but she is very devoted and driven! After spending three years working in NYC she moved to Boston to pursue a dream and go back to grad school. She always dresses the part (we share a love for Jack Rogers and also a J McLaughlin orange quilted coat!) and is just as kind and polite as can be. Enjoy getting to know the wonderfully fabulous KAG!

How did you come up with your blog name?
Monograms & Martinis (specifically martinis that are made extra dirty with extra olives) are two of my all time favorite things, so the name seemed to suit me very well. I also tied in Adventures of KAG because my blog is really about my thoughts, my crazy adventures and me!

What preppy item could you not live without aka the one thing you would take with you to a deserted preppy island?
I would have to say I could not live without my very own custom pair of red, white and blue Jack Rogers! I have a slight obsession with Jack Rogers and own way too many pairs. However, my red, white and blue Jacks have a special place in my heart as they were my first custom pair and remind me of home and one of my favorite holidays (4th of July) with their patriotic colors. And Jack Rogers are perfect for the beach!

Who is your preppy icon?
I would usually say Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, but she was already picked. I think I am going to spice things up a bit and say Blair Waldorf, yes I know she is not a real person but I do love her character so very much! The character of Blair Waldorf epitomizes the preppy Upper East Side look, which I just adore. Blair’s look incorporates classic designers but puts a young and modern twist on their timeless styles.

Where do you find your daily blog inspiration?
I would have to say working at A. Tierney for the last 3 years and being immersed in the preppy fashion world has given me tons of blogging inspiration, through trade shows and other events, I am always getting to see what is new and meet amazingly talented people! I love blogging about new designers that I meet or fun products I come across. My daily adventures, friends and family provide me with tons of blogging material! I am also inspired daily by all the wonderful bloggers out there, so much talent!

What is your favorite preppy photo of yourself?

This photo was taken on Nantucket this summer with the Boyf (MMB)! We are on the Hinckley and it was a perfect summer night, it makes me smile every time I look at this picture! I am wearing all J. Crew actually, my favorite city fit white Capri pants, a red silk top and a navy cashmere cardi, of course the outfit was finished off by a pair of gold Jack Rogers.

If you could have one celeb's wardrobe including shoes and bags, whose would you get?
Such a great question and a difficult one – so many to choose from! I am loving Anne Hathaway right now. She consistently looks put-together and stylish. I also love that when she dresses up for an award show or interview, she always wears a fifties era look – so classic.

What clubs, societies, or volunteer organizations are you involved in? Were you in a sorority in college?
I just made the move to Boston in June and I am swamped with Grad School, so unfortunately I am not volunteering as much as I would like to be here in Boston. However, while living in NYC I was a member of The Young New Yorkers for the Philharmonic, The Hudson Guild Foundation and Villanova Alumni Association Social Committee. I am also an active member at both my Yacht Club and Country Club on Long Island! I was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi, but I transferred to Villanova for my sophomore year and there wasn’t an AOII chapter there, very sad. I was so lucky though because all of my best friends and two sisters were members of Kappa Kappa Gamma at Villanova and they took me on as an “honorary” member, it was wonderful!

What were your plans for the weekend?
This past weekend was Thanksgiving and it was amazing. I spent Thanksgiving at my summer house in The Hamptons on Long Island, it was so nice to see my whole family and catch up, the food was delish as well! On Friday, the boyf and I hit the road to head to Nantucket to spend time with his family, it was a lot of traveling but worth the trip. The weekend on ACK was fab and I did lots of shopping at Murray’s Toggery Shop, his family’s store. Overall, I would say it was a perfect Thanksgiving weekend!

Describe your perfect preppy outfit. Don't forget to include
accessories.
Preppy Outfit Thanksgiving Weekend on ACK edition: To brave the cold Nantucket wind while shopping on Saturday, I wore my favorite pair of dark wash jeans tucked into my Michael Kors flat leather riding boots with an oatmeal cashmere turtleneck sweater from J.Crew. My quilted orange quilted jacket from J. McLaughlin kept me warm while roaming Main Street. I topped the outfit off with my David Yurman bangles, matching Yurman cookie earrings and my classic Louis Vuitton Speedy!

What designer do you think embodies classic American prep and why?
I personally think that J. McLaughlin has always represented classic American clothing. The brand has a distinctive look with its flair for bold colors and signature prints -- their clothing and accessories have become staples in my wardrobe. Preppy and classic – love it!

BLACK Weekend Sale!

Phew! This weekend has been FULL of packing, working, packing and more packing. I finally tackled my bathroom and closet and have done one final pull of items I love, but I just no longer wear. As always, I hope this can find a good home with one of you all. Prices are noted and if you have specific size questions do feel free to email me. Shipping is a flat $5 for all items. Purchases will be completed through Paypal and I will ship items as soon as tomorrow! If you would like to commit to an item please email me at kappaprep@gmail.com!

J Crew size 6 100% Wool, Black, Single Pleat Skirt with Button Sides and Pockets- $10 SOLD
Lilly Pulitzer Long Sleeve Black Polo, Size Small- $10 SOLD
Lilly Pulitzer Navy, Cream Dress, Size 4- $35 SOLD

Lilly Pulitzer Lot- $15 SOLD

Two Cotton Camis (lime green and pink), Size Small- Like new, only worn once

Two Cotton/Spandex Skirts, Size 14 (girls)- I wore this for running errands and as swim cover-ups

Molly B Jean Jacket with Swarovski Crystal Buttons and Black Satin Detailing, Size Small- $50 SOLD

Biggest Shopping Day of the Year

For years I have begged to go shopping on Black Friday. Mother always denied this plea and now I finally understand why. This year was the first year I could have gotten up at 4am and sped over to Target, WalMart and Best Buy, but as soon as I turned the news on and saw the lines last night I had ZERO desire. Now, all the power to those who love to get up early and get the adrenaline running, but I just personally prefer to not be rushed when shopping. However, even though I decided to stay home I got some AMAZING deals on items I have been wanting...and all from the comfort of my pink toile bed (you cannot beat that!)!

You remember this one I am sure, I have been eyeing it for a good two months!

Tory Burch Simone Cardigan in PINK, $134 at Nordstrom
Gossip Girl Season Two DVDs, $12.99 at Amazon (and Target)
The Proposal (because Sandra Bullock is my new favorite!), $8.99 at Amazon
There is loads to be found online! Do not forget all our favorite preppy stores and their fabulous deals that last through out the weekend.
Free Shipping and 20% off from Tucker Blair- HOLIDAY09
20% off orders of $150 of more at Vineyard Vines- TURKEY
Free Shipping at Nordstrom on orders over $100- HOLIDAY09
20% off sale at J Crew- EXTRA20
20% off orders of $50 or more at A Tierney- TURKEY
30% off orders of $300 or more plus FREE gift wrapping and a free totw with $100 order at Tory Burch- TURKEY30
Lilly Pulitzer free bag with $500 purchase in stores for PINK Friday
FREE Shipping from J McLaughlin
20% off KEP Designs- Gobble2009

Give Thanks!

"In the year 1621, the Pilgrims held their first Thanksgiving feast. They invited the great Indian chief Massasoit, who brought ninety of his brave Indians and a great abundance of food. Governor William Bradford and Captain Miles Standish were honored guests. Elder William Brewster, who was a minister, said a prayer that went something like this: 'We thank God for our homes and our food and our safety in a new land. We thank God for the opportunity to create a new world for freedom and justice.'"
Linus Van Pelt – From a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving I have SO much to be THANKFUL for today and everyday; I am immensely blessed! I hope you all have a delightful day celebrating all your blessings. Remember to give thanks to all those around you and all those that serve our country and are unable to celebrate with their families today! We are more blessed than we will ever know!

WASP Wednesday: The Game

Phew, it has been a BUSY few weeks, but Muffy and I are finally back with WASP Wednesdays.

One of the biggest games in the WASP culture took place last week, the Harvard-Yale game! The Game was played this past weekend, on Saturday, November 21st to be exact. Now, if ever you were looking for a true WASP show this would a perfect place to go. After a night filled with alumni reunions tail gating commences in before The Game's noon start. The area is filled with a see of crimson red and blue as far as the eyes can see. Many WASPS pull out their old knit letter sweaters for the occasion. These can be paired with a tweed shirt or pants in the appropriate color of course. Some WASPs even sport their Belgian loafers in their schools color! Tailgate tables are set up with silver, small floral arrangements, pendant flags and lots and lots of catered food. This is one of the season's events and it is not to be missed!The Game dates back to 1875 and was actually one of the very first games played between two US institutions (two of the oldest and most prestigious too!). Through the years the Yale Bulldogs have won 65 games and Harvard Crimson just 53, this year included in their win tally. However, even though this is an intense Ivy (and WASP) rivalry at the end of the day there is lots of comradery.
Now, since most WASPs love a good drink at a tailgate, here are some festive drinks for The Game (found on the Bostonist when typing in Harvard Yale Game recipes to Google).

Harvard Cooler
1/2 tsp. superfine sugar
2 oz. carbonated water
2 oz. applejack
Stir sugar and carbonated water together in a 12 oz. Collins glass. Fill with cracked ice and add applejack. Top off with more carbonated water, or ginger ale. Insert spiral of orange peel or lemon peel (or both, it says) and dangle the end (or ends!) over the rim of the glass.

Daly's Bartenders' Encyclopedia, published by Tim Daly of Worcester, Mass., in 1903 ("price, 50 cents") lists a more complicated Yale Punch, which "derives its name from the fact of its popularity with students, not only at Yale, but other colleges where they desire everything of the best." We have converted the measurements from pony glasses and wine glasses, but without having made one of these, we can't help you with the indecisiveness of the dashes:

Yale Punch
1 tsp. sugar dissolved in a little water
1 or 3 dashes lemon juice
1 or 2 dashes lime juice
2 or 3 dashes raspberry syrup
2 or 3 dashes Bénédictine
1/2 oz. St. Croix rum (probably any decent dark rum will do here)
2 oz. brandy (the recipe specifies Hennessey)
Mix in a glass filled with ice, and festoon with mint and seasonal fruits. Serve with those newfangled drinking straws.

Some Kind of Wonderful

I know you are just yearning for more music since I have not supplied you with enough in the last 24 hours so, here you go:

This is hands down my favorite Micheal Buble song! It is classic, bubbly and fun all in one!

Movie Clothes

This past weekend I went to see The Blind Side.

Not only was it incredibly inspiring, but I thought the entire cast did an amazing job! I also must say that the producers and costume and set designers were FABULOUS! In fact, I LOVED every outfit Sandra Bullock wore! My favorites were her sweater tunic on Thanksgiving, the snakeskin patterned shirt on the football field, the red and blue sweater jacket at Micheal's college announcement and the AMAZING pink satin jacket at the school play/when Michael was picked up! Unfortuneatly, I was unable to find any good photos of these outfits (I must be ahead of the trends, ha!) so you will have to look for glimpses throughout the trailer. Sandra was dressed to the nines and always had the prettiest color of lipstick on too! I think I can say goodbye to Jennifer Garner and Brittany Snow and hello to Sandra! Oh, and the best part about this is she had a house and restaurants in Austin...I think you know were I will now be spending my free time!!!

Two is Better Than One!

Just when you think you cannot love a song anymore you hear a new version and fall in love all over again!

Bless the Broken Road has been a LONG time FAVORITE of mine and now that I FINALLY figured out who sings the other version I adore I can mix it up a bit and listen to two versions!

Traveling Campanions!

This past week I had the absolute best time shopping at Lilly, spending an evening with 25 AMAZING bloggers and traveling with three FABULOUS ladies! As I am sure many of you know this, but we all have friends and then we have friends we can travel with. I have certain standards when a travel (a nice hotel is a must even if it means spending more and shopping less, etc) as I am sure many of you also do. Well, I certainly lucked out when I found three fellow, Lilly loving ladies who hold these same standards. We had an amazing time from the moment we met at DFW to the second to split up upon our return to the Metroplex. This was a trip that will go down in the books for more reasons than I can even count!

Lunch at Buddakan (thanks to Preppy, 50 and Loving Lilly for this recommendation!)
Post lunch photo- this photo reminds me of one taken in front of the Buddha at Buddha Bar in Paris. What fun!

Of course we had to snap this one in front of the Liberty Bell! Our photographer even got the crack in.

Emilie was kind enough to let us sit in the new Lilly car and get a photo. LOVE this! Don't I look like I would be a good driver?

Side note, it was almost exactly three years ago next week that I got my driver's license!

I saved the BEST for last. Lilly loving ladies surrounded by what puts a smile on our faces!

Now it is time to plan our Blackberry Farm and Sea Island weekends!!

JL Cookbook Swap Partners!

Good evening ladies! Well, I have gotten around the creating the JL cookbook swap pairings, I apologize for being a week last. However, because of my tardiness I have extended the ship deadline. All books must be mailed by December 5th, 2009 (it is not mandatory they be mailed by November 30th anymore) so that they can be enjoyed during holiday cooking or maybe even gifting! Take a look at your pairings (there is one group of three as there was an odd number- if y'all are con fussed do email me!) and let's all get ready to put some good food on the table!

Preppy Pink Crocodile - Kristin Pearce

Pink Martini - jessica@alumni.ncsu.edu

jessica.wulkan@gmail.com - cvannahmen@gmail.com

Mrs. O - emcr1229@gmail.com

mommymoneypenny@gmail.com - Heather Watson

seesarahlive@gmail.com - KLS

Deelsu - kyperl@gmail.com

Grove Gals - Glitterista

melindambrownin@gmail.com - Mrs. Cari B

kdteague - Pink Pearls and Muddy Sneakers

Queen Bee Swain sends to ewtson (Emily Watson) sends to Ruby's Fairy Godmother sends to QBS

Imjustgirl - thisbeautifulthing@gmail.com

FRUGAL DIVA - smu_sweetheart@yahoo.com (Emily)

Mindy Lockard Ettiquette - lovelylifeoflauren@gmail.com

Gwennie - ElizCampbell@gmail.com

Lindsey.Cullins@gmail.com - absolutely.fantastic@gmail.com (M)

The Hayden Family - Landlocked Mermaid

Good Gals Inc - amyc.obrien@gmail.com

sarahmorganthompson@gmail.com - tintarose

Priss - jilly

juliannemuzzy@gmail.com - lifeisglamandfab@gmail.com

The Loot

I cannot even begin to find the words to describe the past 36 hours. They were sheer amazement. I have had the absolute BEST time meeting so many AMAZING ladies and the time we spent together was not nearly long enough. In fact, these ladies deserve a post of their own as our dinner at Bahama Breeze was nothing short of fabulous. With that in mind I have decided to share my purchases with you all this evening.

I clearly took this quote to heart (you will agree once you see the below photos...)
The BEST travel companions in the ENTIRE world!

Good thing we had a big trunk other wise we would have had too many bags on our laps.

Hmmm, can we say addiction?!

Oh, but it is WELL WORTH IT! Look at everything (almost everything as I have neglected to post same accessories and gifts)!!!

I think the best part about the Lilly Pulitzer Warehouse sale this Fall were the one-of-a-kind items. There seemed to be loads of samples (in my size!) that had just been cut for HQ or showrooms and then there were even more items that had been especially made for the sale! Obviously, I had to stock up on all these items!!

Since I super stocked up this year I am not going to take individual photos, but rather included some "model" shots from our mini hotel room fashion show last night.

I think this dress is my very favorite purchase (although it is about next to impossible to choose). It is just like my Brennan dress from Resort 2008 Jubilee- the same beading and weight- but the color and style are just to DIE FOR! I am obsessed with this sweet thing!

Cassie and I LOVE our matching Sabine dresses made out of extra men's shirt material for the sale. I got the red and blue for 4th of July and maybe even and SMU game! You can roll the sleeve up or keep them down, the look is always darling.

Another fabulous find that I think is almost even Indian inspired.

I love this tunic style dress. I am thinking about wearing it with black tights for Thanksgiving!

I adore all my purchases and am already ready to start the countdown for the Spring Lilly sale!!!

"Too much is never enough!"

You can never travel too much, enjoy too many good meals, take in too much history, spend too much time with good friends or have too much Lilly. Today and tomorrow I will be doing each of these things and enjoying life to the fullest! I shall return with full recaps on Thursday!

(Almost) Wordless WASP Wednesday

It is another busy week in the life of HFG and Muffy. As you read this I am on my way to Philadelphia!! So instead of a full-fledges WASP Wednesday I am teasing you with several photos of one of my favorite WASP establishments: RL in Chicago!

Lovely!

Well, I baked away and then packed up and finally cut and tied ribbon. I could not be any more please with how my favors turned out! They are too cute to keep to myself (in my opinion at least), I just have to brag a tad.

I owe it all to the darling green and white toile boxes, they make it!!!

RSVP

Will you be attending the Lilly Pulitzer Warehouse sale this week? Do you reside in the KoP area or will you be in the vicinity on Wednesday evening?

If you answered YES to either question make sure to RSVP to the Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 blog gathering in King of Prussia! The gathering will start at 7:30pm and it is sure to be too much fun! I have been busy baking up a storm all weekend and cannot wait for fun and fellowship with some of the greatest ladies I know! If you would like to attend be sure to get your name on the list for all details by emailing by at kappaprep@gmail.com.

My goods are being baked and packaged, my bags are being packed, my Lilly catalogs are being read and re-read and blogs are being caught up on in preparation for this monumental Lilly lover's event!!! The countdown is ON!!!

Sale, Sale, Sale!!

With a move in my near future I have taken it upon myself to make moving easier and am thinning out!

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 should you want more than one item. I will send all invoices via Paypal and can ship items as soon Tuesday morning. So, shop away!

Vineyard Vines Navy Chino Skirt, 6- $10

Waist: 16 inches, Length: 18 inches

Polo Ralph Lauren Cableknit Sweaters, Medium- SOLD

Classic and timeless these sweaters are cute as can be and can be worn year round.

Talbot's Velvet Wrap Dress, Size 2- $15

Just in time for the holidays: a darling (and flattering!!) wrap dress! This dress hits me right around the knee and looks just stunning with black patent heels and pearls. Classic fit, classic lines and flattering fit can all be found in this wrap dress!

Kate Spade black nylon -SOLD

Great condition, normal wear. Lilly Pulitzer Lobster Emboirdered Jeans, Size 8- SOLD
Old school Lilly jeans (circa 2004/2005) with darling green lobsters all over. I have loved these jeans, but sadly they have become just a tad too big. They look cute with a long sleeve white shirt or a turtleneck or an oxford with a down vest. The posibilities are endless!
Lilly Pulitzer Terry Hoodie Zip-Up, Size Small- SOLD
Custom Made Tops with Grosgrain Ties- $10 each
Length: 14.5 inches, Underarm to Underarm: 15.5 inches, Bottom: 16 inches
I had these tops made for me out of Cyrus Clark fabric (my favorite!). They are just darling with jeans in the summer and you can throw a pashmina or sweater over if the evening gets chilly!
Lilly Pulitzer Half Sweater, Size Small- SOLD
80% wool, 20% cashmere
This is darling over dresses! It is perfect for the Fall weather. Normal wear with pilling.
Molly B Pink Silk Skirt, Never Worn, One Size Fits All- $50
Length: 27.5 inches
This skirt is just DARLING! However, after almost two years I still have yet to find the event to wear it to. I think it would be darlin with a white tee for everyday, but pair it with a lovely cashmere top for a holiday soiree!

Target DOLLAR Section

goes PINK and GREEN!

Look at these cute mittens! There were matching hats too. I need to go back and get some for the Christmas mitten trees!
Aren't these wine bags cute?! Stock up on these for all your holiday parties!

Every pup needs to play with pink tennis balls!

Now everyone can have a pink tree! For just $2.50 you can spruce up your desk or any corner of your home.

Also seen in the pink and green dollar section, but not pictures: pink and green metal pails (the cute ones you can use for gift baskets), pink and green wrapping paper, pink and green gift bags, preppy ribbon and much more!

Commercial

This is my favorite commercial on TV, hands down!

O Beautiful

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain;
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood,
From sea to shining sea.

Oh beautiful
for HEROS proved
In liberating strife
Who more than self

their country loved

and mercy

more than life

America! America!
May God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness,
And every gain divine.

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam,
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self control,
Thy liberty in law.

Thank you to all those who have served our country! You make America the greatest country in the world. You are normal men and women who are willing to sacrifice your life for your neighbor. You are selfless, you are strong, you are patriotic, you are honorable, you are dedicated, you are our HEROS!

Also, thank you to the families who have stood behind and supported all the men and women in uniform. In the coming weeks and months I look forward to bringing you a new blog feature, "Military Moments". We will never be able to properly thank all those who have gone before us and served or those who continue to give to this country, but we can say thank you to them as well as those who stand behind them!

Today, remember to thank a hero!!!