Hippity Hoppity Easter's On Its Way

Hard to believe it's almost time again for the Easter Bunny.  Can't wait for all of the egg hunts and chocolate decadence.  It's always tough to find adorable, appropriate dresses for girls, that they feel pretty and special in as well.  Here are some that we love for that holiday, and again for a special family party, Daddy Daughter dance, or whatever the May flowers may bring.

We love this sleeveless taffeta party dress from Papo D'Anjo.  Pair it with the matching check shirt for her brother, or sisters look beautiful in these together.  We also think the blue ikat pattern is fabulous.

Adorable two-tone dress from Luli & Me.

Orient Expressed can always be counted on for finding matching smocked sets for siblings, and just some all-around great dresses.  As pretty at the park as at a party.  Here are the Daffodil Bishop and the Plaid with (LM fave) Monogram.

Emily Lacey is a go-to favorite for smocked dresses, smocked fleeces (so cute and cozy), and also classic cardigans.  Here are a couple of their entrants for Spring - go back for their 4th of July dresses!  Green & Pink Floral Sundress and a Blue Gingham Double Croise.

Here's a fresh pick from KC Parker:

And last but not least another great gingham from The Magic Wardrobe:

Hope you all have a Happy Easter and Happy Spring!

Cuffed

Whenever I wear a cuff, I feel as though I've been infused with a little Wonder Woman super power for the day.  I love the way one simple piece can make such a statement, so bold and so strong.  Here are a few that we've been admiring.  Do share if you have any favorite up-and-coming jewelry designers.

Tangled in gilded coral.

Made of recycled nickel silver with horn inlay, this truly is artwork for your arm.

Stacks of color.

Introducing Diana.

Kara Ross' Honeycomb cuff.

It's a Wedge Issue

Wedges, wedges, everywhere.  How to choose?  Here is our take on some of the best out there for the Spring season.  That season 'they' keep telling us is coming - seeing as it was the Vernal Equinox yesterday.  Cold and rainy outside my window, how 'bout you?  But we're dreaming of wearing these wedges very soon.

We're crazy for this Gucci Sofia Straw Wedge - chic, sleek and yet still playful.

Tory had some great wedges last year and she continues them again for 2011.  Here are two - we couldn't pick just one.  Criss-Cross Espadrille and the Patent Pamela.

Nice entries from Stuart Weitzman: meet Jean and Alex.  Great shoes that wear well and don't hurt your feet.

Where we would be without an injection of fun in the form of preppy wicker from Kate Spade?

And we LOVE to see that Toms has gotten into the game.  Fab fashion with a cause.  In case you don't know about them, Toms gives a new pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair that you purchase.  One for One as the folks at Toms say.  Hooray.

Hope to see you in wide white pants, a wonderful tunic or a flirty dress, sporting a pair like these. Do you have other faves?  If so, please share!

A Wish For A Friend

A lesser-known Irish Blessing for you on St. Patrick's Day, one that's very LM.

A Wish For A Friend

Wishing you a rainbow
For sunlight after showers -
Miles and miles of Irish smiles
For golden happy hours -
Shamrocks at your doorway
For luck and laughter too,
And a host of friends that never ends
Each day your whole life through!

Slainte!

Tsunami on My Mind

Our hearts go out to everyone following the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan.  Although it's surely being covered, we thought it prudent to remind everyone (ourselves included) to have the proper supplies on hand in the event of an emergency.  We've heard it said that "The First 72 are on You" - i.e., have enough on hand to last everyone in your family that long.  Here's our rough guide:

1.  We love Scout storage bins.  They're wonderful catch-alls that look fab as well.  So purchase a couple of these for both the trunk of your car and in an easy-to-reach locale at home to store all of the supplies.  Here is the Junque Trunk (or we also like the slightly smaller Shouldah Bin):

2.  Essential all-purpose emergency back-packs are also a must.  Calculate how many you will need for your family.  Although a bit pricey, it's nice to have this all in one place, but you could build your own kit as well.  This is a two-person pack, good for a couple, or families that can buy two or three.  How they can fit all this into a regular back-pack is kind of astounding.

3.  Food & Water.  Having Meals-Ready-To-Eat (or MRE's) are good to have on hand.  We are drawn to the ones that come with a heat source just in case.  Consider adding a box of protein energy bars as well.  Be sure to have some extra gallons of water on hand or purchase these packets to have in both locales (there's water in the emergency pack above as well).  One gallon per person, per day, for three days is a good rule of thumb.

4.  Emergency Radio.  Good to be able to hear news reports.  Ideally have one that is a hand-crank or battery operated.  We like this one from LL Bean that is also solar powered, has a flashlight and ports for charging a cell phone:

5.  Be sure to also have blankets, essential tools (hammer, screwdriver and a wrench in case you need to shut off a gas valve), some shoes for everyone, and cash in small denominations.

We're sure there is always more but we hope this gets you started or helps you fill in what you may be missing.  Take care of each other - that's what Lipstick Money girlfriends do.

Spring Break Essentials

At last an escape from the long days of winter is just around the corner.  As our college friends joke, "girls gone wild" has been notably replaced with "girls gone mild."  Mild works.  Now start packing.

Spring for a pedicure and sport these bejeweled sandals.

A sophisticated one-piece that offers a refreshing alternative to black.

Now here's a festive way to cover-up in style.

Find your happy place with the "Joy."  Lilly, of course.

Finally sunscreen that won't clog your pores!

Don't forget your sunglasses - Aviators from Ray-Ban are back and always a classic.

Kissable lips courtesy of Chanel

Tory's Saffiano Rattan Clutch is practical enough to throw in your tote by day yet begs for a night out on the town once the sun goes down.

And last, but not least, a good, juicy book - either via Kindle, iPad, or the old-standby, real paper.  Here are two that we're reading right now:

Cutting for Stone

This is Not The Story You Think It Is: A Season of Unlikely Happiness

Bon Voyage!

The Best Ruffle Cardigan Sweaters

We at Lipstick Money love ruffle sweaters.  They are a wardrobe staple;  you can dress them up or down, with jeans, a t-shirt and funky necklace, or with dressy pants, a lovely scarf and smashing belt.  Consider adding one (or two) to your wardrobe, available in a myriad of colors.  We find they are one of our true go-to items in the closet.  Classic and put together, but completely at ease - kind of sums up all of you Lipstick Money Ladies doesn't it?

Periwinkle Grande Ruffle Cardigan

Diane von Furstenburg Cheva Ruffle-Front Sweater

Eileen Fisher Cascading Cardigan

Lilly Pulitzer Shere Sweater Coat