Lucite Luxe

I am officially in-lucite-love!!! Lucite looks like glass, but it is shatter resistant and lightweight. And, it matches e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g!!! My law school BFF is responsible for my lucite-love. Early this past spring, she told me lucite was fabulous and I could not agree more. My favorite two lucite pieces: the pictured Alexis Bittar earrings and the pictured Devon Baer bangles. Clearly divine, right!?? Off to feed my lucite-love-bug!!! Xoxo-BLC

Pencil This In

One of my favorite things about Lilly Pulitzer: the company listens!!! 

We asked for a 17 month agenda and viola:

Aren't these calendars d-i-v-i-n-e!? I cannot wait for August to arrive. But first, I must choose: pink, navy, or blue. Won't you help me decide? Pretty please!? Cheers to living the pink and green life! Xoxo-BLC

Sunrise to Sunset

From sunrise to sunset, we enjoyed ... 

umbrella covered drinks, good books, no-boys-allowed, and tons of girlie chit-chat. 

All laked out ... until next time!!! Many thanks for a GREAT annual girls trip. Xoxo-BLC

Ladies of the Lake

Pictured: College BFFs!

Not pictured: College BFFs. :(

I had the BEST time with Skipper, Lola's Journey To and From, and Wren (who is preggers --- woohoo!!!). We missed the absentee Clemson girls, including The Sweet Southern Life. I look forward to seeing you ALL next year!!! Cheers to great friendships, near and far. Xoxo-BLC

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Remember this trip last year!? Well, it-is-time!!! Time for our annual Clemson girls trip. I miss my college BFFs so much and I cannot wait to catch up. We will dearly miss those who cannot make it; I look forward to seeing your pretty faces soon at Clemson football games. Off to the lake we go!!! Xoxo-BLC

Supply and Demand

The Clothes She Kept is back by popular demand!!! 

Many thanks to my readers who asked for her return --- you help keep my closet cleannn.
Happy shopping to you and yours.
Xoxo-BLC

Lilly Pulitzer & Cocodot have me cuckoooo ...

I am cuckoo, cuckoo for this partnership:

I previously decided our first Christmas card would THIS picture of us at our wedding even though Lilly Pulitzer made the most darling Christmas stationary last year. Now I can have my picture and Lilly Pulitzer with Cocodot!!! Let the greeting and inviting being with LP+C!!! Xoxo-BLC

PS: Cocodot kindly offered my readers and I 30% off the $49.00 membership fee with the code LillyStyle2010!!! Many thanks C for that gracious discount! Now let's shop away!!!

If This Line Could Talk

Have you heard of Jules Reid? Two of my favorite blogs, Summer Is A Verb and Pretty In Pink Megan,  alerted me to the fabulous designer Jules Reid. Her line is vintage meets bold meets bohemian meets effortlessly chic:

Divine, right!? I love her use of vibrant color and textured fabrics. The Teddy, the India  housecoat, and La Mer are my favorite dresses!!! The lace embellishment, metallic trim, and bold jewels are just perfect effects.

From stockbroker to interior designer to fashion designer all while playing mommy to four, her story fascinates and inspires me. My wardrobe is not complete without more Jules Reid!!! Chin chin! Xoxo-BLC

PS: Also, many thanks to The Love List ... this week only 25% off the Jules Reid line with BLOG25. :)

Come, Have A Seat

Attention all Lilly-Lovers:

Have you ever seen a cuter seat!?

PINK

and

GREEN

seated

BLISS!!!

Mamatella's sweet friend owns this: 

vintage Lilly Pulitzer upholstered chair. 

TOO cute for words, right!???

Many thanks JP for sharing your hidden gem with us!!!

Cheers to life, Lilly, and the pursuit of happiness!!!

Xoxo-BLC

PS: Happy Birthday to my favorite Lilly-Lover: Grammie!!! I hope you have the best birthday ever. Chin chin! :)

Dip-ity Do Da

Look at this divine watering hole we found. The water was c-h-i-l-l-y. Brrr. We took a dip anyway!
Xoxo-BLC

PS: Happy Birthday to my steppadre, Paparazzi!!! I hope you have the most fun fishing this weekend. Cheers to YOUR day!!! :)

Happy Feet!

Weekend plans:

Splish, splash ... our feet are as happy as we are! 

Summertime cheers to you and yours. Xoxo-BLC

Lilly Pulitzer Tote

It's time for a g-i-v-e-a-w-a-y on The Company She Keeps!!! I truly appreciate all those who read The Company She Keeps. Its a joy to write. I am continuously surprised by my readers. And I thought only my mom, Mamatella, was reading!!! Hehe. The giveaway is this stunning Lilly Pulitzer tote pictured: 

I have the same tote and I wear it all the time!!! I thought a reader might enjoy the tote just as much as me so I snagged the same tote for one lucky winner!!! 

Enter to win by: 

1. Leaving a comment. No blog!? Just leave your email.

2. Following for two entries.

3. Tweet or Facebook for three entries.

4. Blogging for four entries.

All entries must be in by Monday, July 26th, 2010. Best wishes and many many many thanks for reading The Company She Keeps!!! Xoxo-BLC

Hold Us Together

What holds us together? I just love Matt Maher's song "Hold Us Together" because it encompasses what holds me together: l-o-v-e.

"Love will hold us together

Make us a shelter to weather the storm

And I'll be my brother's keeper

So the whole world will know that we're not alone"

The love of God and the love of the company I keep holds me together. Does love hold you together too!? Xoxo-BLC

Making a Difference

RUN, don't walk!!! Go buy the current July issue of Town & Country magazine!!! I read it cover to cover and I am beyond inspired. Did you know you could travel and give back through responsive trips with Elevate Destinations? I do now. Did you know there are countless ways to give back to your local community, just as Angel Rock does? I do now and I cannot be still about it! Also, a feature article on Lauren Bush showcases these fabulous eco-friendly FEED Projects bags that raise much-needed funds for WFP school-feeding operations and raise awareness for child hunger problems worldwide. T & C has me totally i-n-s-p-i-r-e-d. We can give back in all facets of our lives --- travel, time, clothing, etc. So, why not give back more!? Cheers to making a difference for a better tomorrow. Xoxo-BLC


PS: Also, the July issue has quite a lovely spread of the Spring Safari! Can you spot Murphy's (New) Law!? :)

Canoe you believe it!?

Canoe you believe it!? Joeytella went kayaking and swimming. He prefers kayaking. And see my sweet nephews paddling around? I couldn't keep up! They had the best time kayaking and I had the best time watching them paddle paddle paddle from "Taj Ma Deck!" Xoxo-BLC

Happy Fourth of July!

Independence (n.): fact or state of being free from outside control or depending on another's authority. Happy Birthday America! Our freedom is priceless and many many many thanks to those who kept us free and to those who keep us free! Don't forget to set off those fireworks and sparklers to c-e-l-e-b-r-a-t-e!!!! Cheers to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness! Xoxo-BLC

No Wake Zone

Paparazzi surprised us with skis!!! We were so excited. My eldest sissy Elsie went first --- she was a rockstar and got up on the first try!!! This is what happened on my third try:

Woohoo!!! We had the best time!!! We played on the water ALL day from skiing to tubing to kneeboarding to sunning on floats. Pruned fingers all around. I hope you enjoyed your Saturday too! Xoxo-BLC

Gone for a ride!

With no DNR interference. Hehe. Xoxo-BLC

Home Sweet Home

We bid farewell to my sweet aunt today. All the while, I was praying for and thinking of In This Wonderful Life! Wishing my family and theirs p-e-a-c-e. 

We are now home at my parent's casa. Surrounded by lots of family, I am very much looking forward to this long, holiday weekend. Cheers to you and yours. Xoxo-BLC

I am so blue.

I'm crying huge tears because my aunt died today. She was diagnosed with cancer six months ago --- one week before our wedding. I miss her already. Please excuse my brief hiatus from TCSK. While I am so blue, I am trying to keep my chin up and c-e-l-e-b-r-a-t-e her amazing life. Xoxo-BLC

Psalm 18:2, "The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge."

LP + nook = Hooked!!!

Oh lookie lookie!!! A Lilly Pulitzer nook!??? I am so hooked! Lilly Pulitzer teamed up with Barnes & Noble to make the nook more fashionable with their custom designed totes and covers!!! Take a peek: 

Aren't these totes and covers too cute for words!??? What a clever AND stylish device. Starting this week they could be yours at your local Barnes & Noble. Chin chin. Xoxo-BLC

Unknown Wedding Gifts

Ale and I are so blessed. We have been married for approximately six months. We both have great families. Our friends are amazing. The love and support we have received has been phenomenal. And, the wedding gifts bestowed upon us were pretty fabulous too! We buckled down and wrote all my thank-you notes ASAP. However,  I am still in a pickle: what do I do about the wedding gifts with unknown givers? Belk does not keep a record of the giver. Boo! So, I am playing sleuth. For example, the pictured potted planter was given to us at the wedding sans card --- I absolutely love love love it. I think it must be one of my friends because (1) it is very Lilly-esque, (2) it monogrammed with my married name, and (3) it is fun, like my friends!!! The other unknown gifts include an ice cream maker, pieces from our everyday china pattern, and other items we registered for. I feel so rude not thanking the gift-giver. So, what do I do!? Xoxo-BLC

PS: I recently mailed a wedding present to a pair of our dear Clemson friends who wed in Charleston and we were unable to attend. Guess who forgot to include a card!?? Me!!! I emailed the couple, apologized, and identified us as the gift-givers of that gift. Pickle, pickle, pickle! :)

Pretty in Pink

Many thanks to my handy agenda, I know that today is National Pink Day!!! How did I miss this very important national holiday alllll these years!?? I adore pink!!! Let's make up lost time and celebrate PINK!!! A few of my favorite pink things are: Revlon's pink hairdryer, pink bangles, pink McKim flip-flops, pink furniture, pink cashmere sweaters, the Sandra dress in pink, strawberry ice cream, pink champagne, and pink nail polish! What are your favorite pink things!?? Let's celebrate by wearing lots and lots and lots of pink!!! Chin chin. Xoxo-BLC

PS: My bff, Lola's Journey To and From, and I bunked in the same room last year on our annual girl's trip and she carried her pink Revlon hairdryer. Of course I had to have one too! Many thanks JM and I miss you!!! :)

SU(n)MMER!!!

Hello summertime.

I plan on getting some color this summer. And making life more colorful.

How are you summering!?? Cheers to a colorful and endless summer ahead. Xoxo-BLC

The First EVER!!!

It's the first everrrrr ...

So what are you going to wear!? I think a mid-day wardrobe change in order, don't you!? I mean, National Wear Your Lilly Day only happens once a year. Let's celebrate by sporting that Lilly!!!

Xoxo-BLC

Happy Father's Day!!!

Wishing a very special day to ... 

my grandfather, 

Daddy, 

Paparazzi, 

my father-in-law, 

my brother-in-law, and 

all my uncles. 

This is my very favorite picture of Daddy and me. Isn't it sweet? He loves me and I looove him!!! Many thanks to all the fathers in my life. My life is colorful because of you. Happy Father's Day to you and yours!!!
Xoxo-BLC

Cookie D'ohhhh

When Hopsy first shared this sweet appetizer, I wasn't so sure ...

But our guests devoured it all and demanded the recipe!!!

Many thanks Hopsy for sharing the recipe and for letting me re-post.
Sweet friends, now you can get your cookie d'oh on too!!!
Xoxo-BLC

Attn: Boston Preps!!!

Although our favorite Boston Prep, Beantown Prepster: Part Deux, is across the pond ...

All you local preps should attend this great event: In the Pink is hosting Lilly Pulitzer's fashion director Janie!!! Oh la la! Can you believe LP makes all their designs in the Pink Palace? Talk about talent!!! As if you need another excuse to shop, go meet Janie and shop shop shop. Chin chin. Xoxo-BLC

Bullet Proof

Being a law clerk is fun ...
and a tad stressful.
Remember those kidney stones? That was the stress.
So last summer the civil law firms took the law clerks ...
whitewater rafting,
paintballing,
to the lake, etc.
Fun, right!?
Well this summer the criminal law firm let the law clerks ...
wear a bullet proof vest (does that vest come in pink??? hehe),
ride in unmarked police vehicles,
and viewing autopsies.
Now that's funnn, right!???
I do believe being a law clerk is the best job ever.
Too bad this is my last summer clerking. :(
Cheers to being a working girl!
Xoxo-BLC

Best Fur Friends

Aren't these faces precious!???

Danger's sweet pups join my best fur friends. Who are your best fur friends!? Xoxo-BLC

Picture Perfect

What makes a picture perfect? I Lilly Lover!!!

Yaya Lilly Lover Days is here!!! Start snapping or digging for that perfect photog ...
you could win a trip, shopping spree, or the most perfect bike ever! Aren't you going to enter!?
Cheers to living the pink and green life! Xoxo-BLC

Red Rover, Red Rover

Many thanks to Beantown Prepster and Let The Tide Pull Your Dreams for tagging me!
I love playing tag and here goes:

Favorite color: Blue, for the moment. Usually: PINK!!!

Favorite brand/designer: Lilly Pulitzer, Monique Lhuillier, and Trina Turk. 

Favorite restaurant: Village Tavern --- mmm mmm delish. 

Hobbies: Tennis and socializing! Oh and leading a colorful life. 

Favorite thing about yourself: My ability to relate to ... anyone and everyone.  From the doorman to Duke fans, I make friends everywhere I go. My friends add so much color to my life!

What does your room look like (color scheme, theme, etc.): All white bedding with antique furniture and a hunting portrait. Ale obviously won because I wanted to raid Garnet Hill!

If I could have dinner with any two peeps, who would they be: My paternal grandparents. They died in the 1980's and I just didn't get to spend enough time with them. I've heard my grandmother always made lots of funnies. I think I could really use a loooong dinner with them!!!

My next "big splurge": Plane tickets!!! Don't you want to know where we are going!?? :)

Favorite joke, quote, or saying: My favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord ..." Also, Eleanor Roosevelt said "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." I really believe that. 

Anything else you would like us to know about you!??? I am thinking about writing a children's book ... 

Want to play along!??? Red rover, red rover ... YOU come right over and play along. Xoxo-BLC

Lawfully Wedded

One of my law school bffs married today!!! Yipppeeeee!!!

Ale and I are soooo excited to welcome them to the newlywed club. 

Cheers to their love, laughter, and happily ever after.

Xoxo-BLC

Quack Quack

Stella and I couldn't help ourselves ... 

we just had to be front and center for the Philly Duck Tour!!!

We traveled on land and water alllll around the city --- it was fabulous!!!

Quack quack!!! Off to catch my plane home ... Xoxo-BLC

L is for ...

L is for ... life ... love ... laughter ... and LILLY!!!

Stella, Mahel, and I made a special visit to Lilly Pulitzer's Ardmore store. As if we didn't do enough shopping at the warehouse sale! Haha!!! This was such a treat to visit. And, looky what I found: v-i-n-t-a-g-e racks!!! Yes, plural. The racks where filllllled with fabulous clothes from decades ago. We shopped our hearts out (again) and then headed to Plate for a yummy lunch!!! We are having the best girls trip!!! Xoxo-BLC

The Pink Palace

Guess who toured the Pink Palace!??? Omg omg omg, I did!!! The building really is pink and, of course, a Lilly Pulitzer Jeep was parked outside. Too cute!!! I was greeted by my wonderful host --- and spoiled by a surprise present!!!! Maaaaaany thanks for my wonderful sercies!!!! Okay, here is the sitting area:

The hallway from the sitting area features framed vintage prints, current prints, and noteworthy quotes about Lilly Pulitzer. The hallway leads into this room called the "Juice Bar" (pictured below). This common area is soooo cute! To the left was the production warehouse where all the shipments take off. Upstairs are offices and conference rooms. To the right was the design studio --- ohhhhhmmmmmmmygoooooooodness!!! I saw a designer in action and wow!!! They are so talented and so inspiring. 

Next I saw the accessories department --- standing in the closet was better than playing dress up as a child!!! I saw racks and racks and racks for the Resort 2010 collection. Ladies --- this line is d-i-v-i-n-eeeeeee!!!!!!! Is it December yet!??? I hope I can wait that long!!! Many many many thanks to the wonderful staff at Lilly Pulitzer for graciously hosting me for a tour --- especially during one of your busiest times of year!!! It was absolutely amazing!!! I decided when I grow up, I want to work at the Pink Palace!!! I'm off to convince Ale we need to move to KoP asap ... wish me luck! Xoxo-BLC

Sale in the City

Stella, Mahel, and I woke up at 4:00 AM and booked it to the Lilly Pulitzer Warehouse Sale!!! When we arrived there was already a loooooong line!!! We waited for two hours to enter into this:

Yes, it was miles and miles of a pink and green heaven. I didn't want to leave because being surrounded by that much Lilly Pulitzer and that many Lilly Lovers was almost TOO MUCH fun. It was soooo exciting. I felt like a kid at Christmas. Of course I squealed when I spotted both the presidents and the wonderful Janie!!! Alright ... onto the loot:

I think we made out like bandits!!! All in all, I had the best time. The selection ranged from old to new to never seen before. The prices were great. The other shoppers were a hoot to shop with. The staff was so cheerful (even at 4:30 AM!). I would totally recommend making the trip to any Lilly Lover. Cheers to living in a pink and green world!!! Xoxo-BLC

Foodadelphia

I plan on eating my way through Philadelphia!  

Where do we plan to eat? Continental, Water Works, and, of course, 

Geno's for Philly cheesesteaks!!!

And I am in good company!!! Fortunately, I had tons of college bffs in town!!!

I cannot wait to see them all again at Clemson games.

Xoxo-BLC

Phil Her UP!!!

I am headed to Philly for some quality time with my BFF and for the ...

Lilly Pulitzer Warehouse Sale!!! We are sooooooooo excited!!!

I hope to see you there!!!

Xoxo-BLC

Sea of Orange

Ale and I planned a weekend of total-absolute-nothingness ...

which turned into a last-minute roadtrip!!!

We booked it to Auburn, Alabama for the Clemson v. Auburn baseball game. 

I have never been to Auburn and it is b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l!!! 

In a sea of orange we felt at home ... away from home! Even if our Tigers lost. :(

We are keeping our fingers crossed the Clemson Tigers win tomorrow night!!!

Xoxo-BLC

Comfy + Chic + Easy

How often is something ...

Rare, right!? Well, my go-to comfy yet chic and easy items are:

shift dresses (one zip and your done) and pashminas (warm and cozy)!!! 

Do you have any go-tos!??? 

Xoxo-BLC

New York Minute

If you had a New York Minute next Thursday, what would you do? Well two of my favorite designers, Lilly Pulitzer and KEP Designs, are teaming up for a wine, cheese, and shopping event!!! I had the good fortune to meet KEP's Kelley Pillman at a trunk sale in Charlotte many moons ago. She is just lovely! Her jewels compliment Lilly shifts so well. And, Kelley is making limited edition pieces just for this event! Oh la la!!! I will be in Philly, but make if you can!!! Cheers to living the pink and green life. Xoxo-BLC

Shoo & Tell

I read it front to back. I loved every page of it. I think you should read it too. Shoo, Jimmy Choo! by Catey Hill is a fantastic financial read. I am blessed to have two financial gurus in my family, Mamatella and my sissy Elsie. They would be so proud that I actually read this book and I am heading its advice! Catey Hill is witty and charming. She covers everything from how to make a budget (and follow it) to managing student loans to curbing car loans to climbing the corporate ladder to r-e-t-i-r-e-m-e-n-t!!! Don't we all want to retire in Palm Beach!?? I do!!! This book makes saving, planning, and security seem effortless and seamless. Mamatella and Elsie are such great role models for being financially fit and I am blessed to be in their good company. Cheers to good reads and pink piggy bank savings! Xoxo-BLC

PS: Happppppy Birthday to my sissy Lala! I hope you have the best day ever. Cheers!!! And a big congratulations to my oldest nephew!!! He is officially smarter than a fifth grader ... because
                                                                                                    he is a fifth grade graduate. Wooohoooo! :)

The Beauty of Dreams

My favorite quote is by Eleanor Roosevelt: 

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

I am so touched by the beauty of Jessica Watson's dream.
My parents always told me I could do anything. And I still believe them.
Cheers to the beauty of dreams. Keep dreaming!!!
Xoxo-BLC

PS: Don't you just LOVE her pink sailboat!?? :)

Thinspiration

Oh la la, my thinspiration is tied on the side with itsy-bitsy bows!!!
Frankly I am sinking, not swimming.
During the school year, my workout routine is like clockwork.
During finals its hit and miss.
During the summertime ... working out, what is that!??
Yes, my workout routine currently is non-existent!
Gasp!!!
So all you working girls, do tell:
how to find the time to work and workout!? 
I'm off to squeeze in my first workout since finals. Wish me luck!!!
Xoxo-BLC