However great as this may be, it also makes the foreboding transition into fall a bit of a shock. After 3 months of wearing nothing but clothing designed specifically to make you look great on the beach, the prospect of actually going into your closet and trying to put together that perfect, memorable “first day of school” outfit is slightly intimidating. As you contemplate the practicality of wearing pea coats in 85 degree heat, memories from years past of choosing the best outfit from all of your freshly purchased wardrobe come flooding back. All this anxiety from what started as a simple attempt to redefine and reinvent yourself for the new school year to come…

 Yeah. We get it. It’s a lot of pressure.

 This is why the style savvy ladies of Lilikoi Boutique are giving you, our beloved Beach Bunnies, your own personal back-to-fall play by play. Here, we present to you what’s hot (think updated preppy classics circa The Dead Poets Society, Cher Horowitz’s chic pleats, and Molly Ringwald’s fabulous belted skirt & boot combo in the Breakfast Club) while guiding you away from what really, truly is not (now go ahead and think Drew Barrymore circa Never Been Kissed).

 Featured here in our Back to Fall Spectacular are 14 different looks that will leave you walking down the hall feeling confidant and looking fabulous. Take it from us – if you walk into a classroom decked out in faux feathers and synthetics, you will be dubbed 2011’s “Josie Grossie.” So we suggest that instead of giving yourself a minor panic attack while trying to figure out what not to wear, strut on over to Lilikoi for the next two weeks and enjoy 20% off all of the pieces featured here in our Back to School glam guide as our talented in-house-stylists help you define “Fall” for yourself.

Look #1:

 Look 2:

Look #1

Alternative Apparel, $48

Quiksilver Catch button down. $82

William Rast Jerri $168

I Jewels Crystal Necklace, $150

 Look #2

Quiksilver Graduate Cardi, $126

Quicksilver Pacific henley, $44

Hudson Collin skinny, $190

Jess Loves Jewels Initial necklace, $49

 Look 1:

 BCBG Vintage Ruffle dress, $108

 Quiksilver The Catch button-down, $82

 Lilikoi Belt, $30

 Moda Viajando studded handbag, $82

 Look 1:

 Free People Beauty tank, $98

 

Billabong Gabbie Coat, $70

 

Hudson Ferris Flares, $198

 

I Jewels Shell Necklace, $33

 

 Look #1:

 Despite being pretty damn near perfect, I have one flaw. This flaw is one that is so detrimental that it has single handedly ruined relationships and even caused my family to stage an intervention. What could be so bad that such dramatic actions were necessary you may ask? Well I am here, shame faced and with my head held low to tell you why…

I suffer from the incurable affliction of being a loudmouth gossip monger or “selective Tourette’s” as my loved ones might say. I much prefer to label myself with having the gift for gab, but that would be dead wrong and more accurately surmised as “word vomit”. It is my guiltiest pleasure to spread news, good or bad, to the uninformed masses. No amount of pinky promises and solemn vows of sealed lips will actually do anything to inhibit the velocity at which your deepest darkest secret will be spread, and I apologize in advance for that. Another form of destruction that my illness takes is the fact that I get sick pleasure out of ruining endings. Seriously sick. I luxuriate in the fact that being an avid reader and frequent visitor of ruinedendings.com makes it possible for me to demolish the ending of a book or movie my victim happens to naively mention in my presence. Texting and Facebook offer me a platform to reach and jade the masses from the comfort of my couch, and all while watching the Bachelorette….she picks J.P.

 But there is an ugly side to my addiction, and that is in the seconds immediately following an uncontrolled outburst. The look of total shock and anger that crosses peoples face makes me immediately regret giving in to the fiending monkey on my back. No amount of stammering or apologies can offer redemption from those who have been wronged. Believe you me I have been on the receiving end of verbal lashings, hung up phones and even death threats. My best friend and I are STILL in therapy because of the fact that I ruined A Walk to Remember for her over 10 years ago. Rock bottom recently came when I told my boyfriend the ending to Harry Potter mid-way through the movie…I am now single.

So unless I want to end up disowned from my family, friend-less and holding a cardboard sign spoiling as many endings on the corner of MacArthur and Bison as my ghetto signage will allow, I need to make a change. The time has come for a major rehab of my naughty reputation – maybe Lindsay and I can get a 2 for 1 deal? I’m pretty sure there is some sort of 12 step program that should help guide my blabber mouth rebirth, but that just sounds like entirely too much work so I’ll just swomise (combination swear and promise) to try my damndest and call it a day! In going with the tradition of addicts past, I need to indulge in one last binge before fully embracing my new “mum’s the word” lease on life. I watch enough Celebrity Rehab to know that it’s perfectly within my rights to expect a fully pardoned verbal diarrhea tirade for my last hurrah…

Lilikoi Boutique is now carrying BCBGeneration!!!!!!!!!! Ok, so I planned on making that big fat announcement with a little more fanfare, something along the lines of a barber shop quartet or sky writing, but I’ll keep those in my back pocket for the next time I spill the beans about something monumentous (I am aware that I JUST made a solemn oath to change my loose lip ways, but I’ll just have to take my recovery one day at a time). I digress. Back to the extremely exciting news at hand…your eyes do not deceive you; BCBGeneration will be available to the fashion masses at your favorite local boutique this month!!!!! Yup, the super street chic label will be hitting our racks in mere days! For those of you not in the know, owner and designer Max Azria of BCBG has his daughter Joyce at the creative helm of BCBGeneration. That’s your last fashion history lesson for the day I promise. Anywho we couldn’t be more ecstatic to welcome this prolific brand into Lilikoi! The luxurious fabrics and flattering silhouettes are the back bone to an already amazing line, throw in a nod to the hottest new trends and killer attention to detail and we have a real fashion fatale on our hands! Joyce wanted her brand to be one that could be accessible to any and every woman and made it her aim to stay within a price point that made it possible to load up on this drool worthy line without selling a kidney. She describes the line best by saying,

  ”I find women wonderfully intriguing, with so many unique perspectives and passions. My mission is for each woman to fall in love with herself and her distinctive qualities through an exploration of style. All beautiful things come from loving oneself, and good style is certainly no exception. Fashion stimulates the senses and evokes an expression of individuality. Creating beautiful clothes that support a woman’s self-expression is an honor and a privilege I don’t take lightly”

  We cater to the fashion loving masses!  So give us your tired, bedraggled and clashing and we’ll give you a head to toe fierce ensemble! So stop by the store and let us dress you up in BCBGeneration finery!

 Now that summer is well underway I find myself longing for the one quintessential balmy weather activity that I have yet to partake in. There hasn’t been a margarita I have not drunk, a bon fire I haven’t participated in or a 3^rd degree burn I have not inflicted upon my pale hide. So it is at this time, smack dab in the middle of summertime that I find myself in the throes of an existential crisis. I simply cannot stomach another day of my toes in the sand at Newport Beach, or my hair whipping in the wind as I cruise down PCH. It’s a hard knock life. And it is all of those infallible reasons that bring me to the rash decision to embark on a road trip. RIGHT NOW!!!! Nothing is more summer, or more American than hittin’ the open highway with my handy dandy Garmin and cooler full of treats. It is on this fateful Monday that I will embark on a 5 day, 5 state journey to check out first hand all things fashion in each perspective state. Impossible you say? Not without all of you! Yup, that’s right I am inviting all of you lovely ladies to join me on this fashion road trip (the carpool lane benefits alone are totally worth it). So sit back, buckle up, put the iPod on shuffle and get your motor running to visit New York City, Miami, Texas, Seattle and  L.A with us!!!!

So here’s the scoop, every outfit that’s featured in our fashion road trip will be available for 20% off!!! Yup, every adorable accessory and stitch of clothing shown to represent every states look is at Lilikoi Boutique and ready for you to snatch up!

                                         New York:

The first stop on our road trip dumps us off in the middle of the perfect stomping ground for sophistication and style (and after spending 3,000 miles on the road I sure could use a big dose of both!).  New York style is a look in and of itself, and after careful studying and copious note taking we were able to pull together an outfit from our tres chic pieces at the store! Hats off to RVCA and William Rast for taking a page out of our notes and making it possible to get my little hands on some East Coast fashions at my favorite little local boutique!

(From left to right)

Look #1:

Blazer: RVCA Cult Logic Blazer, $119

Tank: Quiksilver Just Friends Tank, $38

Pants: William Rast Kara Skinny Jean, $160

Clutch: Moda Viajando Hu Fabric Clutch, $54

Gold bangle: Jess Loves Jewels Initial Bangle, $55

Look #2:

Tank: Quiksilver Pacific Marled tank, $38

Pants: William Rast Jade Trousers, $179

Purse: Moda Viajando Tess Messenger bag, $68

Bracelets: I Jewels Sparkle Wrap Bracelet, $121

                                        Miami:

Muy caliente! And not just because my A/C busted somewhere between New York and Nashville. We are now in a city so inundated with the spice of life and saucy beach friendly fashion that I just don’t know what to do with myself…salsa dance perhaps? With so much life in this city it’s easy to see that the fashion closely follows suite and the sexy body conscience shapes are a main stay on Miami beach! So 3 cheers for Line and Dot and Luli Fama for making it possible to have the sexy Miami flavor here at Lilikoi!

Look #1:

Jumpsuit: Line & Dot Ruffled Jumpsuit, $80

Clutch: Moda Viajando Sentosa Clutch, $54

Ring: J. Fein Vintage Rings, $45

Necklaces: I Jewels Layered Crystal Necklace, $130 and I Jewels Short Crystal Necklace, $64

Look #2

Coverup: Raviya Jeweled Leaf Tunic, $48

Swimsuit: Luli Fama Cosita Buena top, $82 w/ Luli Fama Cosita Buena bottom, $77

Purse: Moda Viajando Studded Canvas tote, $82

                                        Dallas:

Can I get a yeeehaw?!? Ok, I know that got old 500 miles ago and I promise it’s my last!  But here we are in the sweltering heat and with even hotter fashions all around. The Southwest must have been alerted about our road trip and made sure to bring it!  Thanks to Billabong and Quiksilver we can all dosey doe in the latest Dallas trends from the comfort of our So. Cal homes!  There is not an adorable dress adorned with turquoise that I would not rock, a bouffant teased sky high that I would shy away from, or a cute matching cowboy that I wouldn’t take on my arm!

Look #1

Dress: Billabong Croatia dress, $43

Necklace: Jess Loves Jewels Long Turquoise Pendant, $99

Bracelets: I Jewels Turquoise single strand, $40, I Jewels Leather/Turquoise wrap, $174

Look #2

Dress: Quiksilver Coastal Stripe dress, $60

Bracelet: I Jewels Multi Colored Bead Necklace, $174

                                        Seattle:

Ok ok ok.  Admittedly I expected to feel a little out of my element in the grunge capital of our fair country, but upon arriving I immediately saw that was not the case. Forget about Teen Spirit, these ladies have fashion spirit!  The lovely ladies of the Northwest have found a way to form fashion and functionality into a drool worthy sense of style. The effortless funky look is one that runs rampant and one that I can’t wait to bring back home!  Luckily, with the help of Free People and Quiksilver we can all look like natural born Seattle-ites!

Look #1

Tank: RVCA Lexington Tank, $25

Skirt: Free People Striped Pencil Skirt, $58

Sweater: Free People Lace Cardigan, $108

Jacket: RVCA Stimulus Jacket, $135

Look #2

Thermal: We the Free Love Bug Thermal, $58

Jacket: Free People Cargo Jacket, $148

Jeans: Quiksilver Brewster Slim Jeans, $88

                                   L.A:

After a frenetic 5 day journey I couldn’t be happier to see the L.A skyline and hear the hustle and bustle of downtown. Right at our back door is such a cool, casual way of wearing the trends and looking like a knock out.  Maybe it’s that old East Coast/ West Coast rivalry but New York has nothing on us! Our killer weather makes it possible to rock the cutest summer inspired frocks year round, and eclectic bohemian roots add a twist that makes for a stunning effect. Billabong and Free People have perfected that So. Cal look and I couldn’t be more grateful!  Home sweet home, and now time to stop by the store to load up on all these amazing looks!

Look #1

Shirt: Line & Dot Striped Crop, $66

Cardigan: Billabong Love Letters Sweater, $97

Shorts: William Rast Scarlett Shorts, $112

Sandals: Bernardo Milan Sandals, $152

Necklaces: I Jewels Long Stone Necklace, $115 and Jess Loves Jewels Initial Necklace, $49

Bracelets: I Jewels Orange and Leather Necklace, $174 and The Trend Bracelet, $28

Look #2

Tank: Free People Ruffle Tank, $98

Jeans: Hudson Stone Collin Skinny Jeans, $178

Earrings: Raptor Feather Earrings, $58

Working in retail for more years that I’d like to admit, it would be easy for me to sit back and claim that I’ve seen it all when it comes to California swimwear. I’ve seen trends and styles come and go, I’ve seen color combinations you couldn’t dream of and bottoms so small they look kiddie-sized. And yet without fail, as our swimwear shipments begin to trickle into the store, I open the boxes and am consistently surprised and excited at what I see.

What it all comes down to is the fact that I haven’t seen it all. Because the beauty of something like swimwear is found within the constant evolution of colors, styles, fabrics, and cuts, and the designers’ abilities to pull all of these style traits from what they are inspired by in the world around them. This year, we’re thrilled to introduce to you even more revolutionary styles by two of our favorite lines, Luli Fama and L*Space by Monica Wise. Each of these labels are entirely different from one another, and we love it that way!

Our dazzling Luli Fama suits boast the swimwear line’s nearly trademarked ruffled-edged, cinched bottoms that they’ve essentially become known for. With just enough coverage, the bottoms emphasize your assets without exposing them, giving you the confidence to strut what your mama gave you in a suit that is stylish, youthful, and fabulously fun. Paired with a lavish, sparkly Raviya cover-up (and of course, a fruity drink in hand), these suits are our showstoppers.

From exotic animal prints, to knotted tops and bottoms, to fearless fringed bandeaus and monokinis, it’s clear that L*Space designer Monica Wise looked to nature while creating her tribal infused 2011 swim collection, and yes, incase you were wondering, it completely paid off. L*Space has always been known for their classic cuts, (and that’s why we love them), kept exciting by the colors, patterns, and sexy little cutouts and hardware that only they can pull off. The spring and summer 2011 line boasts eclectic pieces that can be mixed and matched hundreds of ways to create a plethora of looks that are both flawless and timeless.

As a woman, I know that trying on swimwear isn’t always the most uplifting experience in the world. But the way I see it is that summer is here whether we’d like it to be or not, so we need to pull together and make the best of some truly fabulous swimwear found at your favorite Newport Beach boutique. Let’s all choose to ignore the fact that we didn’t skip the chocolate cake at dinner and instead focus on the fact that we damn well enjoyed every bite of it, embracing the reality that summer is near, the swimwear has arrived, and that at the end of the day, we’re all in it together.

 

Here at Lilikoi Boutique, we feel it is our civic duty to send out a friendly “Mother’s Day is almost upon us alert” because ample time is required to pay proper homage to mom and coupons for a hug just don’t cut it anymore! So the time of year is upon us to repay our darling moms for not only bringing us into the world but also the hours of unheeded man advice, worry lines & grey hairs that were caused by our shenanigans, and those magical mom hugs that seem to make everything better…

 Lucky for you all we’re just what the doctor ordered! We have a store full of uniquely special gifts that every single solitary mom is bound to love!

 Our Mother’s Day gift to you all is 10% off of your entire purchase simply for mentioning codeword: MOM!

Crystal Soles:

 These Swarovski bedazzled Havaianas are available in every color and shape imaginable, and perfect for the mom who appreciates a glam look south of her ankle! 

Moda Viajandro:

Our newest purse line is one that will have mom drooling! Each bag is re-made from vintage silk, leather or suede pieces making them totally eco-friendly and fabulous!

I Jewels:

Each and every piece is handmade by local jewlery artist, Isabel. From her wrap bracelets to eye catching Agate necklaces every piece is a perfect gift for the mom who has (almost) everything!

Whether you’re shopping just for mom or are employing the “1 for her, 1 for me” method this year, we  have something for every fashion loving lady!

 Love. Love. Love

 Lilikoi Boutique

No. Your eyes do not deceive you, we are playing host to So Cal bikini institution L Space!!! This Friday from 12-8 get your motors runnin’ and head on down to Lilikoi for bikini giveaways, fit consultations with designer and L Space head honcho Monica Wise, and of course tasty treats!

Will you be our Valentine??? Seriously…. Here at Lilikoi we got your back, and with us around there is no need to scrounge up  a last minute Valentine. So from February 8 – 14th stop by the store, mention the code word “Valentine” with purchase and receive a $25 gift card good for future shopping binges!!!

With brand new Free People, Hudson and RVCA  in our little store, your Lilikoi Valentine will be burning a hole in your pocket, clutch or purse!

Consider yourself just shot with Cupids arrow!!!

LOVE. LOVE. LOVE

Lilikoi Boutique

Even the mere thought of winter sends a shiver down my spine. Seriously, what is with this arctic breeze that has settled over So Cal?!? I feel compelled to warn you that I find any temperature below 70 degrees completely unbearable and my incessant complaints of the frigid weather to anyone in my vicinity usually fall on deaf ears. Though I am grateful to be spared the nasty winter elements most people around the world experience, I can’t help but think, “Isn’t that why I got the hell out of the East Coast and fled to the Golden State?” Before moving West, shows like Real Housewives of Orange County beckoned me with the promise of brown leathery skin and natural bleached blonde highlights all at my fingertips with the minor inconvenience of 3,000 mile relocation. So is it too much to ask for this refugee to have a sun kissed tan and flip flops on year round?

As I type, my leopard print Snuggie (don’t knock it til you try it!) and striped Target mittens are mocking me and this is why, in my tacky ensemble, I find myself on the precipice of a very big decision…Has my aversion to all things cold gotten so unbearable that I need to take a cue from birds and head south? Cabo, Fiji and Hawaii all offer the option of spending 365 days with a permanent Pina Colada buzz and achieving my lifelong goal of having a tan that camouflages my freckles, moles and any other blemishes.

Even though the option of not having to shave my legs after every soul-shaking shiver sounds enticing, I need to be a responsible adult and carefully consider the feasibility of my pipe dream. Questions such as, can I afford sun-block year round on my budget? And more importantly will I be able to pull off the quintessential white chick in the tropics Bo Derek hair?

With so many unanswered questions surrounding this move it’s time to bust out my tried and true “pro’s and con’s” list. This little baby along with the added assurance of my Magic 8 Ball has guided me through all relationships, hair cuts and presidential elections since high school. Cross every crossable appendage that this list steers me towards the decision of hightailing it outta here and becoming a resident of the aforementioned locations for a lifetime of winterless winters!!!

Moving Pro’s (the undisputed benefits to never having to experience the icy clutches of winter again):

1. Shoveling snow… 

I despise walking from my car to the front door so the forced cardio of shoveling my car, house or self out of a snow pile will NEVER be missed. Plus when your shovel happens upon a patch of yellow snow it’s just gross.

2. Hat head…  

There hasn’t been occasion that I’ve willingly worn a hat since the 1984 Olympics, and that only happened because I was too young to know any better and took my fashion cues from my fanny pack wearing mom. Without the necessity to shield my cold little ears from the elements with a hair deflating beanie I will have full voluminous hair, hopefully…

3. Runny nose… 

As soon as the temperature drops so does my snot. For a good 4 months out of the year I have to deal with the vicious cycle of, #1) an uncontrollable runny nose, #2) a red chafed nose that is created from all the sniffling and wiping, #3) and lastly the subsequent boogers that get frozen in and around your nose if you aren’t quick to administer step 2.

4. Salted roads… 

Hell on shoes and tires. Plus the crunch of driving over chunks of salt is just annoying.

5.  Winter layer… 

The 10 lbs of survival insulation one must gain in order to safely make it through a winter. Admittedly there is a certain amount of guilt free Rene Zellweger type gluttony that comes with packing on the pounds, that goes right out the window once the snow melts and your butt does not.

6. Short days… 

After a long day at the salt mines nothing is more heartbreaking then tasting temporary freedom only to walk outside and find that the winter solstice has robbed you of experiencing daylight. Do not pass go, do not collect $200, admit defeat and head home for another night of The Office re-runs and Rice-a-Roni.

7. Pasty skin… 

Months of cloud cover and foul weather do nothing for my complexion. Seriously. Unlike Anne Hatheway and….vampires, I look sickly and gross with butt-white skin.

Moving Con’s (the perks that make suffering through winter TOTALLY worth it):

     1.  Boots… 

The timeless, buckled boot, falling just below the knee, is back for yet another run this fall/winter season, proving to all of us fashion fanatics that true style remains consistent, displaying qualities that are both effortless and classic. Throw on these boots for a marathon run through the mall, a girls night out for cocktails, or as a funky alternative to traditional work footwear, and rest assured that no matter the situation, true, definitive style makes statements that, like the boots themselves, last a lifetime. From the totally matchable mid-brown tones to the gold buckles, these boots have the ability to be dressed up or down – a quality that every fashion-hungry woman knows is both hard to find and imperative to a wardrobe. Find your very own pair at an unbeatable price at your favorite Newport Beach boutique.

 ‘Nuff said. No boots, no move. Without my wardrobe staple I would be like David Arquette without Cortney Cox, a hot mess! Good thing I have hoards of our boots to help me through the winter blues.

We have reached the pivotal halfway point for January. It has been exactly 2 weeks since we all made the solemn vow to make 2011 an infinitely better year than its predecessor. Enter the New Year’s Resolutions. I can only speak for myself when I say that my fervent promise for a healthy, happy and skinnier 2011 fell by the wayside 26 minutes in and 3 champagne cocktails later. Now that Jersey Shore’s back on and I have endless food inspired gift cards to burn through it’s looking like 2012 will have to be my year of redemption and rock hard abs!

Though I bit the dust on most of my resolutions there is one I swear that as Dior is my witness that I will fulfill. One that is so monumental it eclipses the failure of my other good intentions. One that requires all of you loyal ladies assistance to fulfill. It is my unyielding resolve to help get your butts into a pair of our designer denim. So from January 15^th to the 31^st you need to hoist up your vintage jeans one last time and head into Lilikoi to find your denim soul mate and all at 20% off! I kid you not.

We are so serious about wanting to help you shimmy into your dream jeans that we are offering all of our denim for a sweet little deal!!!! Hudson, William Rast, Paige and your own Lilikoi jeans-pert are all you need to find your denim 2^nd skin! There are piles upon piles of boot cut, straight and skinny leg jeans ripe and ready for pickin’. So if your resolution was to find a pair of pants that fit like a glove we need to talk.

20% off every stitch of our jeans for all you willing to help a sister out with her resolution, so c’mon and get your butt into a great pair of pants for the New Year!!!