Say Hi To Lily!

May 30, 2013 by admin  
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Since everyone is always asking why our store is named Lily Boutique, I thought I’d do a blog post to explain.  The store was named after my dog:

Lily is a 7 year old Maltese and an unofficial employee of Lily Boutique.  She loves coming to work with us every day, so if you call the store and hear barking in the background, it’s just her trying to get attention. 

Lily is a little uncomfortable with having her picture taken and always tries to turn away from the camera or run away and hide–she needed a little encouragement in order for us to get a few good pictures:

 

 

 

As it turns out, Lily’s pretty photogenic!  I think she deserves some extra treats for participating in this photo shoot.  

Style We Love: Dots and Circles

May 29, 2013 by admin  
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Trends fade but vintage styles like polka dots never go out of fashion.  Polka dots are a flirty, retro, and whimsical fashion must-have that can be worn by women of any age.  Whether you prefer big, bold circles or smaller dots, there is something for everyone!

Polka dots first appeared in 1854 in a magazine and reached their fashion popularity in 1871 when the Polka dance became very popular and the dancers would wear polka dots.  Records going back to the 1850s show people were donning the dots as they danced the night away, moving in circles while wearing them.  However, it was during the 20th century when we truly began to see the polka dots’ lasting role in fashion history.  In 1928, Minnie Mouse was brought to life by the Walt Disney studio, dressed in a bold, polka dot skirt.  Can you believe that a beloved cartoon mouse helped popularize this print?  

During the 1940′s and 50′s, polka dots graced female celebrities from Marilyn Monroe to Elizabeth Taylor.  The style was further cemented as a wardrobe staple when Lucille Ball wore polka dot dresses as part of her costume on the hit show I Love Lucy.  Women across the country aspired to encompass the fun personality and style of housewife Lucy–propelling the polka dot craze into a mainstream style coveted by women everywhere.  

Marilyn Monroe in a polka dot bikini

Elizabeth Taylor in classic blue and white polka dot print dress

Vintage glamour

Vintage Joi Lansing in polka dot bathing suit

Marilyn Monroe in a polka dot print dress

Lucille Ball in character on I Love Lucy

Polka dots have managed to have staying power because they are a great classic style for all seasons that can be mixed and matched.  Today, polka dots are frequently seen on the runways and worn by celebrities at red-carpet events:

 

Dots are a runway favorite. 

Polka dots shown in various sizes

 Whimsical runway looks

This bright polka dot print dress is perfectly accessorized with nude pumps.

Kate Upton in a classic black and white polka dot print dress

Cheryl Cole wears dots on her dress and shoes.

Navy and white dots are a celebrity favorite.

Pale pink and white create a feminine style.

Even Princesses love polka dots!

Mila Kunis pulls off the look effortlessly.

Kristin Davis shows how a playful print can be dressed up.

Demi Moore pairs her black and white dress with bright red shoes.

Gwen Stefani shows that dots can be casual.

A black fabric sash ties Christina Ricci’s look together perfectly.

Polka dots exude an undeniably youthful flair, and can either be bold and vibrant or soft and subtle.  We can’t help but love any style that pays homage to the past.  For this reason, polka dots will continue to be well-loved year after year–they might go down for one season but they’ll never go out of style.

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Here are a few helpful tips for wearing polka dots:

1.  Larger dots create a bold, dramatic look while miniature dots are more subdued.  Polka dots in bright colors are fun and whimsical, while classic color combinations like black and white are more sophisticated.

2.  Try mixing and matching polka dots with stripes or solids.  A black and cream polka dot blouse looks striking when paired with a solid black pencil skirt. 

3.  If you want to incorporate polka dots into your wardrobe in a subtle way, try accessorizing with polka dots.  A great pair of polka dot pumps can easily punch up your outfit–or try a polka dot scarf or bag to create a fun vibe without going over the top.  Even a small splash of this style can add vibrance to your look.

4. A polka dot printed dress is a great classic way to wear this feminine style.  A dress with a retro cut has vintage appeal, while a more modern dress style creates an updated look.   

5.  Try polka dot nails for a fun twist–it is an inexpensive way to try the trend without commitment:

Classic blue and white nails are bold and fun.   

See how small dots look understated and sophisticated?

Try dotting your nails with the same color in a shiny finish.

If you’re looking for polka dots to add some fun to your summer wardrobe, you’ve come to the right place.  Lily Boutique has a great selection of dresses for you to choose from–at prices that can’t be beat! Consider these stylish options:

Retro Modern Black and Taupe Polka Dot Dress

We love how this dress has a fun, whimsical polka dot print while the black and taupe colors remain neutral and understated. It is the perfect way to add dots to your wardrobe in a modern way.  

On The Spot Blue and Black Dress

This retro-inspired print will make you feel like a pinup girl when you pair it with black pumps and a clutch.

Polka Dot Crossover Chiffon Dress in Grey

Who knew that a whimsical polka dot print could look so angelic and ethereal?  This light and airy chiffon dress would look nice dressed down with flats or dressed up with heels.

Circular Reasoning A-Line Dress in Navy

If you want to try wearing dots in a more subtle way, consider this style.  We adore the way the dots are similar in color to the dress, creating a textured look.  The effect is subdued and understated.

Structured Gold and Ivory Metallic Dot Designer Dress by Ark and Co.

There are so many things about this gold and ivory dotted dress that make it special.  We love how the dots are irregular in shape rather than perfect circles.  We also love the metallic gold against the ivory background.  And lastly, we adore the structured skirt that creates volume and shape–this dress is a winner perfect for any upcoming party.

Cream and Gold Metallic Dot Print Designer Party Dress by Minuet

The metallic cream and gold fabric of this dress will allow you to shine!  Miniature cream and gold dots decorate this dress, creating a fun design.  The V neckline, fabric pleating at the bust, and empire waist all combine to give you a great shape.

Swiss Dotted Embroidered Dress in Pale Yellow By Minuet

The pale yellow fabric of this dress is decorated with white embroidered dots, making a very girly look that is perfect for summer.

Full Circle Black and Nude Lace Dress With Side Slit

If you aren’t a fan of polka dot prints, but still want some circles in your life, consider this little number.  This dress is made of black lace overlay with circles throughout–it’s a great way to get your fill of dots and circles without making your look too literal.

Beauty Do It Yourself: Homemade Banana Oatmeal Honey Milk Mask

May 23, 2013 by admin  
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Now that the weather is warm and summer is officially here, we’re all looking for ways to get that great summer glow. Here is a simple and inexpensive way to make a fantastic homemade mask from things you might already have in your kitchen. This is by far one of my favorite at-home beauty recipes. This mask has nourishing and anti-aging properties you’ll love–and it contains natural ingredients that have been used by women for decades.

Here is what you’ll need to make your mask:

- 1 smashed banana
- 1/2 cup plain unflavored oatmeal
- ¼ cup of honey
- 3 tablespoons of milk

You’ll also want to use a medium sized mixing bowl, a blender or food processor, and a small stirring spoon. All of these ingredients can be purchased at your local grocery store.

To make your mask, first smash up the peeled banana in your mixing bowl. Next, grind your oatmeal into a really fine powder in a blender or food processor. This step is very important, and unfortunately I learned this the hard way! I initially just poured the unblended oatmeal into the mixture and when I put it on my face, I had large chunks of oatmeal hanging off my face and dripping on the floor– and my whole staff laughing at me. While it may be more amusing, it’s not the best way to get the nourishing benefits of the oatmeal, so make sure you blend it to a fine powder first. You’ll also want to make sure that you use unflavored oatmeal in your mask since flavored oatmeal can have all different types of ingredients that may not be good for your skin.

After your oatmeal is blended into a fine powder, pour it into the mixing bowl with your smashed banana. Next, pour your 1/4 cup of honey and 3 tablespoons of milk into the bowl. Mix all the ingredients until you have a thick creamy banana scented mask.

If you feel your mask is too thick, you can always add more milk. If your mask is too runny, add in more oats. Sometimes it helps to heat your mask for 10-15 seconds in the microwave.

To apply the mask, first clean your face with water and your daily facial cleanser. Then you can use your hands to apply a handful of the mask in a thick, even layer.

You can leave your mask on for up to an hour, but if you don’t have that much time 20-30 minutes is okay. You just want to give the mask enough time to nourish your skin and help reduce the appearance of fine lines. I like to put on this mask when I’m getting ready to watch a show, so I can leave it on and forget about it.

After you are done using the mask, you’ll want to rinse it off with warm water until it is completely gone. Then you can pat your face dry and apply your favorite moisturizer. You’ll notice after using this mask how soft and smooth your skin is! This is a great mask that will reduce and prevent the signs of aging while helping to exfoliate the dead layer of skin on your face as well. This mask can be used as often as you like–any time you want to get that extra glow to your skin.

I hope you enjoyed making this simple, inexpensive treat for your skin. Do you have any other great do-it-yourself beauty tips? We’d love to hear about them!

Julie

The Look For Less: Zooey Deschanel’s $775 Moschino Cheap and Chic Dress

February 6, 2013 by admin  
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While sitting in the dentist’s office a few weeks ago, I came across this recent Cosmo magazine featuring Zooey Deschanel in a fun–and very girly– Moschino Cheap and Chic Dress:

This pretty dress retails for $775 and is completely sold out in pink, but the red and black version can be found here:

http://www.farfetch.com/shopping/women/moschino-cheap-chic-shift-dress-item-10230785.aspx

Moschino Cheap and Chic is known for their feminine and fun designs– the more affordable ready to wear collection from high-end label Moschino.

While the dresses are certainly chic, there is nothing “cheap” about a $775 dress for most of us. Luckily, Lily Boutique has you covered. We were struck by the similarity to our awesome Parisian Persuasion Pink and Black Designer Dress:

The Parisian Persuasion Pink and Black Designer Dress is the perfect dress when you want to look feminine, yet sophisticated–and the best part is that you can get the flirty Zooey Deschanel look for only $51. You’ll have plenty of money left over to buy black pumps and accessories to create your own cover-worthy look.

McKenzie At Work- Our New Expanded Warehouse

October 19, 2012 by admin  
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A lot of changes have taken place here at Lily Boutique in the last several months. We’ve hired several new employees and moved all the inventory into our new, expanded warehouse so that we can bring more styles to you. Here is our newest co-worker McKenzie doing an inventory check and looking lovely in the Key To My Heart Printed Designer Dress by Minuet in Cream:

The Key To My Heart Dress is feminine and whimsical with a print of flowers and Victorian keys–and it comes in two great color options. McKenzie received many compliments when she recently wore the dress to an event–and says she loves the fit and fabric of the dress. Feel free to give us a call or e-mail us and McKenzie or any of the girls will be happy to assist you.

Trinity Wearing Lily Boutique

October 19, 2012 by admin  
Filed under Uncategorized

Thank you to Jeff and Trinity for sending us these beautiful shots of Trinity modeling her latest Lily Boutique purchase! She looks fantastic in the Swiss Dotted Embroidered Dress, and pairing it with boots is a great way to style it for fall. If you’re interested in purchasing this dress, please visit:

http://www.lilyboutique.com/shop/whats-new/swiss-dotted-embroidered-dress-in-pale-yellow-by-minuet/

We appreciate our customers showing us how they wore their Lily Boutique looks and we’d love to share them. Feel free to e-mail photos to sales@lilyboutique.com we’ll post them as style inspiration.

Back to School: Lily Boutique’s Clothing for School!

August 30, 2012 by Gail  
Filed under Dresses

It’s back to school time – and although this may not be the most exciting news for students, we hope that a new wardrobe can compensate for the anxiety brought on by the thought of going back to school. Sporting celebrity-style fashion (yes, even in school) can be so fun and exciting and Lily Boutique is here to help you look your best!

We love celebrity-style dresses for girls and we’re dedicated to offering the cutest, loveliest dresses anyone has ever worn to school. We’re very excited to help you achieve that pretty school-girl look, that’s why we are here to show you some styles that are school-appropriate, fun, flirty and fabulous. Check out some of our popular celebrity inspired back to school dresses in store for you:

Country Whimsy Leather Belted Dress In Pink

Country Whimsy Leather Belted Dress In Pink

Country Whimsy Leather Belted Dress in Pink

We seriously think this is such a winner. Who wouldn’t look girly and fresh in this dress? Pair up with cute cowboy boots (a look that is popularized by Taylor Swift) and this dress is sure to win hearts and possibly, a love story!

Coral Charisma Vintage-Inspired Dress

Coral Charisma Vintage-Inspired Dress

Coral Charisma Vintage Inspired Dress

We dig this lot and we think you’ll love it too. Paired with black tights or high socks and ballet flats, this preppy dress can also be worn with cardigans for the cooler months. We’re kind of reminded by the role of Lea Michele in the TV show, Glee – Rachel Berry. Rachel Berry refers to her style as “sexy librarian chic” and we have to agree!

Cheerful Cherry Blue Printed Fit and Flare Dress

Cheerful Cherry Blue Printed Fit and Flare Dress

Cheerful Cherry Blue Printed Fit and Flare Dress

Who doesn’t adore whimsical fruits in dresses – especially when they’re cherries? Definitely not us, nor Katy Perry! Make your teenage dream happen in this flirty 1950s-inspired dress with delicious looking cherry prints. This is a dress for a vivacious chick that is not afraid to experiment with fashion. Fun, playful and youthful – this dress says it all. Just pair this with cherry-colored wedge sandals and be ready to turn heads!

Two If By Sea Belted Nautical Stripe Dress in Black

Two If By Sea Belted Nautical Stripe Dress in Black

Two If By Sea Belted Nautical Dress in Black

Fierce, rocker chicks are going to love this dress just like how Avril Lavigne and Miley Cyrus are often spotted wearing dresses with leather details on them. Match with jacket and black combat boots, your no-nonsense personality will definitely be showcased in a very stylish way.

Amaze-Mint Floral Print Ruffle Dress

Amaze-Mint Floral Print Ruffle Dress

Amaze-Mint Floral Print Ruffle Dress and Mary Crochet Collar Dress in Blue

Prim and proper are what best describes these two cute dresses from Lily Boutique. We are inspired by the character of Diana Agron in Glee, Quinn Fabray. Quinn is all about romantic dresses, ballet flats, cardigans and a desire to be McKinley High Schools prom queen. Pair these dresses up with matching cardigans, cute ballet flats or even brown leather boots and you’ll surely look just as fabulous as Quinn!

Mary Crochet Collar Dress in Blue

Mary Crochet Collar Dress in Blue

We would love to hear from you! Which popular celebrities or characters are your inspirations for your back to school celebrity style sense?

Romantic, Ready-Made Bridesmaid Dresses

April 23, 2012 by Gail  
Filed under Uncategorized

Nothing beats romance as a theme for an event as lovely as a wedding – and weddings call for beautiful bridesmaid dresses for the bride’s favorite ladies. Lily Boutique is a great place to shop for bridesmaid dresses online at great prices. Readymade bridesmaid dresses are much more convenient–so that you can have more time to prepare for other things. Our online shop is filled with the most beautiful dresses available that can be worn for weddings, wedding rehearsals, or wedding dinners. All of the dresses are crafted with the utmost care and perfection. Here are some suggestions that you might like:

The Sparkling Splendor Embellished Chiffon Designer Dress by Minuet in Champagne

We don’t know a single person who didn’t go “wow” over this dress. Seriously, it’s a stunner! It looks very sophisticated and elegant, plus the color suits almost any skin tone.

The Midsummer Nights Dream Chiffon and Lace Designer Dress in Cream by Minuet

Enchanting and angelic – these are two words that say everything about this dress. Who wouldn’t fall in love with the ivory and gold lace beneath a cream chiffon overlay?

Hearts Desire Chiffon Dress

Romantic, classy and dreamy – these are words that best describe the Hearts Desire Chiffon Dress. A mauve colored dress, it’s a neutral-toned number that will float and flutter as you move because of the delicate chiffon fabric.

Raindrops on Roses Chiffon Designer Dress by Minuet in Peach

This dress is just too fantastic! It offers something new and different – raindrop petals top off this dreamy chiffon dress that is great for themed weddings.

Garden Fairy Beaded Lilac Chiffon Designer Dress by Minuet

Petals, ruffles, light and flouncy skirt – what more could you ask for? This very feminine and romantic lilac dress makes an amazing bridesmaid dress.

Ruffle Strap Cross-over Baby Doll Dress in Cream

Sweet and innocent, light and simple – this dress can be versatile as you can wear a ribbon or belt colored with the wedding motif and won’t ruin the dress’ design. This garment makes a lovely bridesmaid dress that looks fabulous on almost anyone.

Make your wedding day perfect with our amazing bridesmaid dresses at Lily Boutique. Check our online store to see different designs that can be worn not only for wedding occasions but also for everyday wear, parties, and other occasions. Everyone loves a bridesmaid dress that they can actually wear again!

Visit our site regularly for more fashion tips, advice and new styles. We would love to hear from you! Leave us a comment telling us which bridesmaid dress you would like, or tell us what other types of dresses you would like to see more of at Lily Boutique.

The Look For Less: Rachel McAdams Dress in Morning Glory

March 2, 2012 by admin  
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Rachel McAdams in character as Becky Fuller in the movie Morning Glory made quite an impact. Dressed in a beautiful champagne colored dress during the final scene, she goes to a job interview looking lovely and sophisticated. It seems like every woman had the same question after the movie ended: “Where can I find that dress?!” Unfortunately, the Fendi dress created for the movie is not for resale, but don’t worry- Lily Boutique,www.lilyboutique.com, has got you covered with a similar style at a great price:

The Tulle Flower Trim Strapless Dress in Cream is a beautiful option if you’d like to recreate the stylish look from the movie and it retails for just $38! It is crafted of a beautiful sheer tulle fabric and has pleated tulle fabric at the bust in a unique crossover style and a fit and flare skirt. At the base of the skirt are intricate 3-dimensional flowers crafted of matching tulle fabric. An included fabric sash wraps around the waist and can be tied in the front or in the back. The Tulle Flower Trim Strapless Dress would look perfect paired with pumps and some pretty jewelry. It is also available in a Black/Nude version that is equally stunning:

The Look For Less: Beyonce’s $764 Black and Blue Colorblock Carven Bodycon Dress

March 1, 2012 by admin  
Filed under Uncategorized

Beyonce Knowles recently donned this gorgeous black and blue colorblock bodycon dress by Carven and managed to look both sexy and chic during her pregnancy– proving that being pregnant doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style! Many women would love to try a bodycon dress but are unsure if the curve hugging look will flatter them. Ladies, if Beyonce can pull it off while pregnant, you can wear it too! Unfortunately, most women don’t have $764 lying around to spend on a dress. For those of you who want to try this flirty look without blowing your budget, Lily Boutique, www.lilyboutique.com, has an affordable alternative:

The Beyonce Inspired Bodycon Pencil Dress is a similar look for only $36! This beautiful dress would be perfect paired with black pumps and accessories for your next night out and also comes in a taupe version for those of you who would prefer a lighter color:

How to Prepare for Proms and School Dances

February 13, 2012 by Gail  
Filed under Uncategorized

Proms and school dances are memorable events in a student’s life and these occasions don’t happen often. That’s why they must be prepared for so that you can enjoy them and have a fun evening with your best friends or with that special guy. Here are some helpful tips to help you prepare for proms and other school dances.

1)      The Dress – For girls, proms and school dances are more about what they’re going to wear! You need to be able to dress up in something that you feel truly beautiful in, so plan ahead. Ideally, you want to pick a dress well in advance of your prom or school dance. This allows you to make any necessary alterations if it doesn’t quite fit perfectly. This also gives you enough time to pick the perfect accessories and shoes to match– and still be able to change your mind. At Lily Boutique, we have a great selection of affordable prom dresses. Choose from fabulous prom dress and school dance dress collections from Lily Boutique here.

2)      Skin and Hair – Weeks before the prom or your school dance, prepare your skin and hair so that you’ll have a fantastic glow during the special day. Since caffeine can dehydrate the skin, try to avoid sodas and coffee. You may be tired of hearing this; but drinking 7-8 glasses of water daily will help you clear out your skin, giving it a natural glow from inside. You will be less prone to breakouts, blemishes and dull skin. Try this at-home face mask to make your skin glow. It is an inexpensive mask you can make with things you probably already have in your kitchen.

Condition your hair regularly– especially if you have dry hair. You can even try using a hair mask if you’re feeling especially prone to split ends. The day of the prom or school dance, don’t wash your hair because it will strip off your hair’s natural oil which hair stylists love when they do their clients’ hair.

3)      Perfect Smile – Proms and school dances call for photographs and you’ll want to make the most of that picture-perfect moment. Have an appointment with your dentist to get your teeth cleaned or whitened. If that is out of your budget, try an at home whitening kit or whitening strips. Alternately, here’s a DIY teeth-brightening tip for you: Mash strawberry and mix it with baking soda until it turns into a thick paste. Rub this to your teeth for 1-2 minutes then rinse. Strawberry and baking soda act as teeth whiteners. Very natural and inexpensive!

4)      Body – Workout! Exercise is a perfect way to tone your body and have a natural glow before your big event. You’ll also have more energy and feel better about yourself before the big day. Exercise has many benefits including a slimmer figure, better-looking skin, and great over-all health!

5)      Other Essentials – When the day finally arrives, don’t forget to stash some essentials in your purse. This includes – a phone, camera, lip color, small perfume, a few safety pins (for accidental rips in your prom dress), face powder, an ID and extra money. This will save you from many different types of emergencies!

Most importantly– Have fun, stay fabulous, and don’t stress! After all, proms and school dances are supposed to be fun for lovely ladies like yourself!

The Look for Less: Christina Aguilera, Scarlett Johannson, Isla Fisher, and Ashley Greene’s $2,333 Dolce and Gabanna Red Lace Dress

October 24, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Uncategorized

When Dolce and Gabanna debuted their beautiful red lace dress with black lining, so many celebrities– including Christina Aguilera, Scarlett Johannson, Isla Fisher, Mila Kunis, and Ashley Greene– were soon spotted in it. I can certainly understand why so many girls would love this striking dress in a beautiful bright red color– it is feminine, figure-flattering, and the color is so perfect for the upcoming holiday season! I love how the dress manages to be both classy and sexy at the same time–this cute little number would look great on so many women.

Unfortunately, most women cannot afford to drop $2,333 on a designer Dolce and Gabanna dress. If you can, consider yourself lucky–but for the rest of us, there is a beautiful affordable Look For Less at Lily Boutique (www.lilyboutique.com). It is called the Dolce and Gabanna Inspired Red Lace Dress by Minuet and it retails for $51:

This dress would look nice to wear to any upcoming event with a pair of black pumps and a cute clutch purse. You can wear it any time, but the color and style would be especially great for a holiday party –and at just $51 you’ll still have money left over to buy presents for everyone on your list!

The Look for Less: Jessica Alba’s Chanel Bow Dress

September 16, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Uncategorized

Jessica Alba looked like a million bucks in this beautiful beige Chanel dress with a black fabric bow at the neckline, and I absolutely adore how she chose to accessorize. While most girls– including me– would just throw on a simple pair of black pumps with this dress, Jessica added black hose for a beautiful and unexpectedly chic and put-together look. I love how adding the black tights creates contrast and plays up the black bow at the same time. Isn’t it amazing how the littlest things can have such a huge impact? Jessica definitely got style points for this cute dress and was featured in a ton of magazines wearing it. It must be a celebrity favorite, because the same dress has been seen on other celebrities including Celine Dion:

Wouldn’t you do anything to get your hands on such a beautiful dress? Now, Lily Boutique (www.lilyboutique.com) has an affordable and stylish option for the rest of us! It is called the Jessica Alba Chanel Inspired Peach and Black Dress and it retails for a mere $33:

This pretty dress can create a similar look for so much less than the Chanel version. You could pair it with simple black pumps and a clutch– or take a cue from Jessica Alba and add a pair of black pantyhose for a great look that will take you through the Fall. If you want more coverage, a thin-knit fitted black cardigan would also look great over this dress. This is such a cute piece that can be worn throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall depending on how you accessorize.

Finding the Perfect Little Black Dress – For Less!

September 1, 2011 by Gail  
Filed under Dresses

Thanks to Coco Chanel, who introduced the “little black dress” or LBD in 1926; we now have so many ways of wearing different styles of little black dresses. Lily Boutique has quite a collection of fabulous black dresses that you can wear for all different events. We love a trip down memory lane in fashion history too! Did you know that Coco Chanel’s influence in creating the little black dress rooted from her teenage years studying in an orphanage run by nuns? The nuns’ uniform of a black, conservative dress later inspired Coco to create a classic fashion piece that is still a favorite go-to dress for women today. Who says you need Chanel, Gucci, Marc Jacobs or Givenchy to have fantastic black dresses? You can save thousands of dollars for more important things (like College or a down-payment on a car)! With Lily Boutique, you can find the perfect little black dress for so much less:

Simple and Chic Black Pencil Dress

A true classic, we’re reminded of Audrey Hepburn with this simple but ultra-elegant black dress. Match with pearl accessories, black pumps and perhaps, a pair of black gloves; you will surely exude the classic beauty, elegance and sophistication worthy of a Hollywood motion picture!

Layla Cut-out Ruffle Dress in Black

A truly sexy but still very classy dress – your LBD just got a new twist! The cut-out design shows off your beautiful waist while keeping everything else in the dress, flirty but low-key. We think every stylish lady must own a fab black dress like this one.

Banded Lace Black and Nude One Shoulder Bodycon Dress

Don’t be surprised if all eyes are on you when you wear this dress. Everything about the lace material is sexy and mysterious.

Ruffle Strap Crossover Baby Doll Dress in Black

You’ll look sweet and enigmatic in this black baby doll dress. For the young, sweet, and sassy lady, this is a perfect piece to flaunt.

Chic Black Lace Overlay Dress

Simple and elegant – this dress offers a vintage romantic flair for everyone dressing up. We love this for its conservative neckline and overall ladylike look. It’s a dress that suits the taste of the prim and proper.

Beaded Shoulder Bodycon Dress in Black

For the posh and Gucci-loving chick like Victoria Beckham, this body-contouring LBD is perfect for showing off your perfect arms, posture and gams – without breaking the budget!

With little black dresses, it seems like there is something for everyone. A flattering little black dress is perfect to have on hand so that you can wear it during emergency dates or unexpected happenings wherein you need to dress up. You can count on Lily Boutique to bring you the prettiest, loveliest and most tasteful black dresses at the best prices. One thing that you can be sure of is that black dresses never go out of style!

The Look for Less: Paris Hilton’s $395 Rebecca Minkoff Claudia Dress

August 14, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Uncategorized

Paris Hilton recently wore this fitted Rebecca Minkoff dress that retails for $395 to the US magazine Hot Hollywood Party. The same dress has also been seen on model Jayde Nicole:

This flirty dress must be a celebrity favorite– Lauren Conrad was also seen in a different color version:

If you love the look of this sexy, fitted dress with a subtle bustier top but don’t want to drop $395, check out the Classically Cute Black and Ivory Pencil Dress from Lily Boutique that retails for just $31:

This flirty dress is perfect for a fun night out paired with black pumps or strappy heels and a clutch and is a steal compared to the designer version. Here is the description:

“This lovely pencil dress in a classic color combination of black and ivory is versatile and will work for so many different occasions. It features contrasting color blocks of fabric in black and ivory throughout. The ivory fabric has a subtle shimmer to it that almost makes it appear silvery—very pretty! It has a subtle bustier top with lined and lightly padded cups for support. An exposed silver back zipper completes this great evening look. The Classically Cute Black and Ivory Pencil Dress would look great with black or ivory pumps or strappy heels. This is the perfect dress for any evening occasion where you want to look subtly sexy but also classy. This adorable dress is a steal at just $31! Excellent quality. Fully lined. Exposed back zipper. Lightly padded bust for support. Small measurements: Length from top of shoulder strap to hem: 32-33”. Bust: 30-32”. Waist: 28-29”. Hips: 36-38”.”

Raven Simone Wearing a Lily Boutique Top on “State of Georgia”

August 14, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Uncategorized

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zm6e3Dc7V14

Thank you so much to Toni who kindly sent in this clip of Raven Simone wearing a top sold at Lily Boutique! If you view the clip, she’s wearing the Magical Mesh Belted Top in pink:

This beautiful top has been a huge seller and comes in Sage Green and Ivory. Here is the description of this lovely top:

“One of the prettiest girly tops we’ve seen in a long time, the Magical Mesh Belted Top comes in 3 awesome colors and is sure to please! This fairylike, ethereal top has a pleated, flowy mesh overlay with a matching tank underlining beneath it for opacity. A feminine crossover V-neck bust and lace shoulder straps add girlish allure. This enchantingly beautiful top is complete with an included brown woven belt that has a large bow directly in the center. The Magical Mesh Belted Top would look pretty paired with denim and heels. Also available in Sage Green and Ivory. Shell 1: 100% polyester. Shell 2: 100% cotton. Shell 3: 100% cotton.”

Again, thank you so much to Toni for taking the time out to send this clip in. We appreciate it!

Blog Love: Moorea Seal Loves Lily Boutique Lace

August 9, 2011 by Kerry  
Filed under Uncategorized


We absolutely love working with fashion bloggers. Really, you rock our world. The very lovely Moorea Seal did a spectacular job of modelling one of our lovely little lace cocktail dresses this week. Moorea styled the first look to complement her range of bohemian, gypsy crowns (swoon) and looked every inch the boho goddess. Seriously, I want to spend this week making daisy chains in fields after seeing this.


Her second look, meanwhile, proved just how versatile our dresses can be. From boho to edgy.


Thanks to Moorea for her wonderful styling skills!

Is there a particular dress in the shop that you’d LOVE to style yourself?

Kerry x

Lily Style Icon: Rachel Burke

August 9, 2011 by Kerry  
Filed under Uncategorized


I am a complete failure when it comes to sewing dresses; in fact, I relegated my sewing machine to the attic just last week. Brisbane fashionista Rachel Burke, however, is currently making one dress for every single day of the year. She’s trying to raise $10,000 for the Starlight Children’s Foundation through her dress-a-day challenge I Make My Day and she needs as much help as she can get!

I had a chat with Rachel in between lots of cutting, stitching and sewing.


Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I’m 22 and live in Brisbane!  I grew up in Melbourne, but moved up to Queensland in 2003 to finish off High School at Brigidine College in Indooroopilly .  I was always an artsy and crafty kid, but it wasn’t until my last couple of years in High School that I really started to develop an intense love for designing clothes.

How did the I Make You Wear Project start?

Up until late 2009 I had my sights entirely set on a career in Musical Theatre.  I was studying the musical course of my dreams, living in Melbourne, and generally seemed right on track to where I wanted to be.  But in some sort of Oprah-esque moment, and after some time of questioning whether I was actually happy in what I was doing, I came to the realisation that musical theatre really wasn’t what I wanted to devote my WHOLE life to. So, after a lengthy weeping/chat session with my Mum, I hopped on a plane back to Brisbane to start life completely afresh.  This proved trickier than expected.  For the first time in my life I was absent of a creative goal, and firm direction, and I really didn’t like it.  I found myself incredibly frustrated, and enrolled in a writing degree just to feel like I was doing something with my time.

After weeks of trying to find something to get me creatively excited, I went for a walk and bought a slurpee from my local 7/11.  It was on that walk that I thought up the idea for ‘I Make You Wear It’ and the concept of donating the proceeds to charity.


Where do you get ideas for your designs every day?

I love reading and find that many of the ideas for my designs come from stories and illustrations. I also try to draw inspiration from the world around me, and the delightful people in my life.

What dresses are currently on your lust list?

I totally adore the Love Story Taylor Swift Floral Cotton Bustier Dress at Lily Boutique! The ditsy floral pattern is totally cute and perfectly suited to a summer/spring date night or trip to the local fair.  I could see myself sipping ice-tea in this dress!


Clouds In the Sky Cotton Sundress too! What a cute dress! I love a good blue and white combo in a frock, and this certainly does not dissapoint. I could see myself wandering down to the markets in this dress…

Thanks Rachel for taking the time out of your crazy creating schedule! If you’d like to donate to her project, you can do so at I Make My Day.

Also, if you know of someone making waves in the fashion industry, we’d love to hear about it!

x

The Look for Less: Taylor Swift’s $495 Rebecca Taylor Dress

August 7, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Uncategorized

Taylor Swift’s style is definitely something I can relate to–she is frequently seen in sweet, girly sundresses with pretty touches like lace and floral prints. When she was spotted out shopping in this cute strapless floral Rebecca Taylor dress, it instantly became a huge seller, despite the $495 price tag. Carmen Electra also wore the same dress at an event, pairing it with boots. Who do you think wore it better?

If you’d like a similar look for less, consider the Love Story Taylor Swift Floral Cotton Bustier Dress from Lily Boutique (www.lilyboutique.com). This pretty cotton dress retails for just $39 and has the same look as the expensive Rebecca Taylor dress. It features a subtle bustier top with boning and an attached skirt with a flirty fit and flare shape as well as cream crochet lace at the hemline. This pretty dress would look great with pumps or strappy heels and a cute clutch:

My Awesome Vintage Find

August 7, 2011 by admin  
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I can’t tell you how excited I was when I came across this amazing vintage dress with matching shrug from the 1960′s. The best part about it was that both pieces were homesewn impeccably–I can just picture a cute 20-something woman sitting at home sewing this dress/jacket combination to wear into town. It instantly reminded me of my grandmother who used to sew outfits just like this one for herself. She taught me how to sew when I was about seven years old. She was so talented and could make almost anything with or without a pattern–and every Christmas my sister and I had matching dresses sewn by my grandmother. Seeing this adorable vintage dress and jacket instantly reminded me of her. It looks like something she really would have loved to wear–and when I received it in the mail, I was surprised that it fit me perfectly! It was meant to be. :) This little vintage dress is something I will treasure for years to come and I’m so glad I found it.

If you are ever looking for cute vintage apparel, I suggest you check out Rusty Zipper, where I found this awesome dress. They have everything categorized by decade so you can find just what you’re looking for. Right now I’m in LOVE with this dress but unfortunately the price is out of my budget: http://www.rustyzipper.com/shop.cfm?

Oh well! I’m sure someone will give it a good home.

What Fashion Means to Me … Retro Chick

August 7, 2011 by Kerry  
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Here at Lily Boutique, we are huge advocates for making fashion your own. Occasionally, we’ll have our favourite bloggers drop in to tell us what fashion means to them. This week, Retro Chick took some time away from her busy schedule to voice her opinion. If you haven’t stopped by her blog, do!

It’s all about helping you discover your own personal style by finding the best in affordable vintage, and ethical fashion and making it work everyday. Looking at seasonal trends, fashion & lifestyle events and issues that affect the way we live our lives.


What Fashion Means to Me by Retro Chick

“To me fashion is a means of self expression. I don’t think of it as following trends or having to have the latest “it” shoe or bag, it’s about making the external you really show who you are inside (or who you want to be!).

You might be wearing the same as everyone else, but you wear it in your own unique way. You can follow Fashion without having any Style. But if you have Style you’ll always be in fashion.”


Inspirational words from an inspirational lady. Do you agree that having personal style is more important than following fashion trends?

x


Lily Lusts … Gray Malin Photography

August 5, 2011 by Kerry  
Filed under Uncategorized

We’ve been drooling over Gray Malin photography this week and just had to share it with you. Entitled ‘A Timeless Pursuit’ this is what Malin had to say about it:

‘Discovering a vintage Oscar de la Renta dress that had not seen the light of day in decades, I instantly had a vision. Using the model and the dress as my muse, I took to the streets of Los Angeles, New York City, and Paris and began to create a timeless story of a woman whose face you never see. This series is now a book and was photographed from 2008–2011.’

The images are absolutely stunning and have had us dreaming of days spent swanning around New York and Paris in polka dots. Take a peek

Grand Central Station – New York


Eiffel Tower – Paris


Hollywood – LA

Aren’t they gorgeous?

There’s something so distinctly timeless yet utterly cosmopolitan about a polka dot dress. Get the look with our Sequin Dot Bubble Dress, which is just $29.


Now all you have to do is decide between New York, Paris and Hollywood. If you could pick just one of the three destinations, where would you go?

x

Lily Loves … Cocktail Parties

August 5, 2011 by Kerry  
Filed under Uncategorized

The office is sizzling and all we can think about doing this weekend is escaping to a cool, refreshing garden for a chilled summer soiree. Preferably with cocktails.

Thankfully, all of this daydreaming led us to do something productive … drum roll … the Lily Boutique’s Guide to Cocktail Parties. We love every single one of these items with a passion and, true to style, our outfit choices will have you swaying before you’ve even HAD your margarita.


Give your every day drink-ware a fun makeover with these vinyl chalkboard labels at $9.99. Couple with raspberry beer cocktails. Sounds delicious, non? Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients

  1. 3/4 cup frozen raspberries
  2. 3 1/2 cup bottled beer, chilled
  3. 1 cup container frozen raspberry lemonade concentrate, thawed
  4. 1/2 cup vodka
  5. Garnish: lemon and lime slices


Mix all of the ingredients together and pour over ice!


Lilly Pulitzer has a simply gorgeous selection of paper lanterns that are perfect for injecting a little color at the end of an otherwise dreary week. At the fabulous price of $8.95, you can keep these hanging all summer long.


A must have for innovative bartenders, this Fee Brothers set includes twelve hard to find cocktail bitters. Complete your collection of cocktail ingredients and enhance your drinks with the flavors of West Indies Orange, Peach, Lemon, Grapefruit, Mint, Cherry, Aztec Chocolate, Celery, Rhubarb, Cranberry, Plum and “Old Fashioned” bitters. While this particular set is almost $100. you can find much cheaper variations with some online sleuthing – The Bitter Truth set for example.


Mr Demarquette, a fine chocolatier based in London, has created some limited-edition truffles this summer, for ladies with serious style. At $16 a box, they’re not cheap, but what could be more glamorous than champagne truffles coated in edible glitter? The Glittery Champagne Truffle is made using one of the best brut champagnes: Dom Perignon. The exclusive bubbly is blended with a secret recipe of cocoas from all over the globe and the finest cream from Cornwall and Hampshire. The truffles are then dipped in the boutique’s prize-winning chocolate couverture before a delicate dusting of shimmering glitter. Really, we think it’s worth splurging on a box of these just for the conversation factor. ‘ … imported from London you know … made with Dom Perignon … award winning chocolatier …’


Our Beautiful Embellished Maxi Dress is the perfect number for a late night soiree and will have your guests wondering whether you import your clothes (as well as your chocolates) from award winning boutiques. At $56, this dress is a steal.


Sweetly casual and oh so feminine, the Raindrops on Roses Chiffon Designer Dress in Peach by Minuet, which is just $50, is effortlessly glamorous and ideal for cool summer nights under low hanging trees.


And finally, my personal favourite, The Aqua Mirage White Chiffon Overlay Designer Dress by Minuet, priced at $51, is akin to something you would find on stage at an open air performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Delicate, deliciously cool and with a touch of fairy about it, you’ll be the delight of any outdoor event in this beauty.

Is it the weekend yet? Be sure to tell us about your favourite cocktail party decorations, drinks and dresses in the comments.

We’ll look forward to receiving our invites from you all they’re in the mail, right?

x

Lily Boutique’s Picks of the Week

August 5, 2011 by Kerry  
Filed under Uncategorized



Lazy summer nights offer the perfect excuse to curl up with a good book or a beautiful movie. Here’s what we’re loving this week.


We’re reading …




Set against the back drop of smoky New York jazz clubs of the 1930s, this debut novel by Amor Towles features a fun-loving trio trying to find their way in The Big Apple.

In the dog days of the Depression, some girls knew how to have fun. Kate Kontent and Eve Ross, roommates in a New York boardinghouse, have mastered the knack of going out on virtually no money. Our kind of duo. Although they don’t rely on male generosity, when they meet an apparent swell on New Year’s Eve in 1937, they’re happy to take him around to their favorite jazz dives – and to let him buy rounds – and an odd threesome is formed.

As they sneak into Marx Brothers movies and nurse their cheap gin, the world is gearing up for both renewed prosperity and, ultimately, war.

Towel has captured the ambiance of 1938 New York in such a way, it was all we could do not to don the Pink Shells Twisted Maxi Dress – with all of its jazz club glamour – and hot foot to New York. After all, if the main characters can do High Society on a budget, we’re pretty sure we can too!

We’re watching …




Who loves Audrey Tautou? We do! We do! Her latest flick is called Beautiful Lies and we’ve already pre-popped the popcorn so that we can race right into the theatre to watch it.

An anonymous love letter leads to a slew of misunderstandings in this lighthearted comedy starring Audrey Tautou (who we’re still in love with after Amelie). When Emilie opens a heartfelt love letter from a secret admirer, her first instinct is to throw it in the trash. The skeptical salon owner has a change of heart, however, when she realizes what such a sentiment would mean to her lonely, despondent mother Maddie (Nathalie Baye). On a whim, Emilie forwards the letter, and goes on with her day. But later, when Maddie happens across Jean (Sami Bouajila) – a smitten Arab handyman and the original author of the amorous note – the mother and daughter find themselves in a heated competition for the same man.


Audrey’s darling little outfits are distinctly Parisian in this visual feast. You can get the look with our Birds of a Feather dress.


We’re listening to …




British singer/songwriter Eliza Doolittle — who took the name from Audrey Hepburn’s My Fair Lady character — has finally released her gorgeous, gorgeous  eponymous debut album. Not only does she sound amazing, her fashion sense makes us drool.

For something distinctly Doolittle, try our Think Pink Pencil Dress on for size.


What are you reading, watching and listening to this week? We’re always on the look our for recommendations!

x

We Have A Winner (Part 3)!

August 2, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Uncategorized

Congratulations to our Frugalista Diaries contest winner, Kimberly from Penny Pincher Fashionista! She selected the Sweetly Chic Floral Applique Top as her prize. This beautiful top is flowy and slightly cropped. It retails for $31 and looks great worn over a cami with denim and heels. We hope you love it Kimberly!

We Have a Winner (Part 2)!

July 27, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Uncategorized

Congratulations to Erica G., the winner of our recent sponsored giveaway! She selected the Bygone Era Lace Dress in Black as her prize.

Follow Lily Boutique on Twitter for your chance to win prizes:

http://twitter.com/#!/LilyBoutiquecom

The Look for Less: Jennifer Aniston’s Valentino Bow Dress

July 27, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Uncategorized

Jennifer Aniston looked radiant in the strapless Valentino dress she wore to the launch of her fragrance at Harrod’s department store in London. This lovely dress, with its pleated and ruched fabric detailing, was a flirty departure from her usual classic, understated style.

The best part of this pretty little dress is the off-center fabric bows that lend a signature Valentino touch. Aniston paired the dress with strappy neutral heels and few accessories, letting the dress stand out.

Here is the same dress in the Valentino collection, paired with bright red tights:
 

   

This is a beautiful dress any girl would love to wear. Unfortunately, it costs thousands of dollars. Luckily, Lily Boutique (www.lilyboutique.com) has the look for less! The Jennifer Aniston Ivory Bow Dress is a great option for girls on a budget and has a selling price of only $30! The ivory strapless dress with flirty off-center bows would be great for any event on your calender.

We Have A Winner!

July 21, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Uncategorized

Congratulations to the winner of our recent Twitter contest! She selected the beautiful You Com-pleat Me Lacy Dress as her prize. We hope you love it!

Please follow us on Twitter for your chance to enter contests and win great prizes from Lily Boutique:

http://twitter.com/#!/LilyBoutiquecom

Cocktail Dresses for Different Body Types

July 20, 2011 by Gail  
Filed under Dresses

Need a fabulous cocktail dress for a special event? No need to look further because Lily Boutique has got you covered! We are thrilled to bring you the latest and cutest cocktail dresses that resemble different celebrity styles while complimenting your figure, making the style your very own.

Let’s face the truth; even girls in junior size clothing come in different shapes. A perfect cocktail dress is something that is comfortable to wear boosts your confidence, compliments your shape and accentuates your best assets. Lily Boutique has something for every lady in junior size clothing! Here are some suggestions that will look great for parties and special occasions.

For Square Torso: Whipped Mocha Twisted Chiffon Strapless Dress, Sweet Affair Embellished Chiffon Dress in Pink and Shirred Contrast Waist Strapless Drape Dress in Royal Blue

For ladies with a long torso, broad shoulders or athletic body frames with small hips; these dresses are perfect for giving an illusion of a sexier and curvier figure. The crossover draped chiffon skirt of these dresses allows you to have fuller and sexier-looking hips. These dresses are all strapless with just the right cut to not show too much skin; therefore they let you stay sultry yet still very sophisticated and classy. The Sweet Affair and Shirred Contrast are available in different colors – check them out in our online shop!

For Fuller Hips and Thighs: Delightful Days Lace Dress in Purple and The Simple Life Pleated Beige Dress

Ladies with fuller hips and thighs needs skirt types that will complement their shape. A-line and ruffled skirts will help achieve a more polished-looking figure for girls with fuller hips and thighs. The waist lining of both dresses accentuate the waist, giving it a smaller appearance thus the focus is in your waist and not in your hips or thighs. These dresses will sway and flutter as you move, making it very chic and sassy too!

For Skinny Girls: Aqua Mint Braided Strap, Boardwalk Beauty Color Block Designer Dress by Minuet, and Beyonce Inspired Bodycon Pencil Dress in Taupe

For thin girls, the secret to creating shapes for your body is by color-blocking and by using lines that trick the eyes. The beauty about these dresses is that all are designed with pretty colors and lines that give an illusion of a fuller, curvier figure.

For Well-Proportioned Girls: Layla Cut-out Ruffle Dress in Red

Ladies with perfect proportions can pull off pretty much any type of dress! Lucky you! Since you have a well-proportioned body, you can play up and be adventurous when it comes to dressing up. Scientific studies show that women wearing red are most attractive to men. There’s something about this color that enhances the beauty of a woman – no matter what her skin tone is. Be a beautiful “lady in red” with this simple but sexy dress that we are really digging right now. What we love most about this dress is the cut-out design that makes it very sexy but still very classy. This cut-out dress is terrific for giving an illusion of a more hourglass figure. The Layla Cut-out Ruffle Dress is also available in Electric Blue and Black.

For more tips and fashion advices, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and check this site regularly so that you can stay updated in celebrity style and fab cocktail dresses that you can wear in different types of occasion!

Michele L. wearing Lily Boutique

July 14, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Uncategorized

Thanks so much to Michele L. for sending these photos of her wearing three flirty dresses from Lily Boutique and the following note:
 

“I love everything! The quality is great and the prices unbeatable! And your assistance was class A service! Here are some pics.”

Awww, thanks Michele! You look great in every single dress.

MicheleL1 MicheleL3

 

In case you’re interested in any of these looks, the dresses Michele wore are: the Mauve-lous Pleated Crossover Bodycon Dress, the Purple Evening Sky Dress, and the Walk On the Wild Side Cheetah Dress. These are all great looks for a fun night out!

Ladies, please feel free to e-mail pics of you in your Lily Boutique clothing to sales@lilyboutique.com so we can post them up on the blog. We will protect your privacy by posting your first name only…Thank you!

Jill S. wearing Lily Boutique

July 12, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Uncategorized

A big thank you to Jill S. for this photo of her out and about wearing the beautiful Midnight Magic Black and Nude Dress from Lily Boutique. You look gorgeous, girl!

We’d love for you all to send us photos of you wearing your Lily Boutique apparel so that we can post them on our blog as fashion inspiration. Don’t worry–we promise we will always keep your full name and information private to protect your identity! You can e-mail pics to sales@lilyboutique.com. Thanks and have a great week ladies! :+)

All about Ivory: White Dresses for Pre or Post Wedding Events

July 9, 2011 by Gail  
Filed under Dresses

Ivory white dresses, perfect for pre-wedding or post-wedding events are some of the things you need to add for your wedding preparation (whether you’re the bride, maid of honor, or a bridesmaid). Here are some of the white and ivory-toned dresses available at Lily Boutique to help you find the appropriate dress for a wedding festivity.

Midsummer Nights Dream Chiffon and Lace Designer Dress in Cream by Minuet

Midsummer Nights Dream Chiffon and Lace Designer Dress in Cream by Minuet

Midsummer Night’s Dream Chiffon and Lace Designer Dress in Cream by Minuet

This dress is one of the loveliest. Its dreamy, romantic design is perfect for any event that celebrates the holy sacrament of matrimony – because the dress just speaks of romance and love. The cream chiffon overlay adds to the dramatic elegance of this dress. You can never go wrong with an ethereal look that’s fit for a princess – that’s you.

Something Old, Something New Vintage Lace Designer Dress by Minuet

Something Old, Something New Vintage Lace Designer Dress by Minuet

Something Old, Something New Vintage Lace Designer Dress by Minuet

Vintage seems to never run out of style these days and this dress is a perfect example of that. Lacy, classy, simple – this dress is very appropriate for any wedding event. We love vintage fashion because it gives you a great opportunity to accessorize. Pearl beads, a black bow, embellished headbands or feathered ones – it’s great to experiment with accessories in this lovely white dress.

Coming Up Roses White and Black Chiffon Designer Dress by Minuet

Coming Up Roses White and Black Chiffon Designer Dress by Minuet

Coming Up Roses White and Black Chiffon Designer Dress by Minuet

This dress gives you a modern, romantic look. This non-conventional white and black dress is perfect for pre-wedding parties to celebrate an event that will be cherished for a lifetime. Matched with black stiletto heels and black accessories, you’ll be able to pull off a look that’s young and fabulous.

Belle Of The Ball Designer Dress by Minuet In White

Belle Of The Ball Designer Dress by Minuet In White

Belle of the Ball Designer Dress by Minuet

Be the belle of the ball with this angelic dress. This dress is sure to look great for most body types with its hourglass shape-enhancing figure. Our customers love this dress for its romantic, southern belle vibe that looks great for most body types. Lace and chiffon are two of the main materials used in this dress. Crafted with care, the dress is perfect if you would like to achieve a sweet and innocent look.

The White Choice Fitted Dress

The White Choice Fitted Dress

The White Choice Fitted Dress

For a modern and sexy but still classy look, the White Choice Fitted Dress is a great piece of unique apparel. Celebrate any wedding in a dress that hugs your body nicely. When paired with brightly-colored pumps and a matching purse, this dress is sure to stand out.

Delicate Crochet Lace Dress in Ivory

Delicate Crochet Lace Dress in Ivory

Delicate Crochet Lace Dress in Ivory

This delicate, crochet lace dress in ivory is young, elegant, sophisticated and stylish. This short and lacy dress is posh and perfect for any special event such as a wedding. Ivory is a color that compliments any type of skin tone and it’s got a fresh tone that looks great with most kinds of accessories. For a daytime event, neutral-toned pumps and fresh-looking makeup will look ravishing on anyone.

Finding the perfect dress for a wedding festivity is easy and fun here at Lily Boutique. Visit our online store for more bridesmaid dresses, and cocktail party dresses for any special event.

The Look for Less: Jennifer Lopez’s Versace Dress

June 20, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Uncategorized

 

Jennifer Lopez went under the radar for a few years, but is now back in the spotlight as American Idol’s new celebrity judge.  She was recently voted People magazine’s Most Beautiful Person for 2011 and has been seen out and about at all the parties and major events this year. 

Lopez showed up to Clive Davis’ Grammy party wearing a short, curve-hugging Versace bustier dress crafted of a nude fabric with bright silver fabric piping designs on it.  We all know Jennifer Lopez has a long-standing love affair with Versace–who can forget this little number she wore to the 2000 Grammys that got her on the cover of every fashion magazine and inspired a bunch of copycats:

Read more

Celebrity Fashion: Gossip Girl’s Serena Van Der Woodsen

June 17, 2011 by Gail  
Filed under Uncategorized

Actress Blake Lively in the hit TV series Gossip Girl

Actress Blake Lively in the hit TV series Gossip Girl

We still have a hangover from our recent post and that’s why today’s blog is another one about celebrity fashion from the hit TV series, Gossip Girl. As much as we love Blair’s preppy and polished look, we’re also very fond of the glam-rocker-chic, boho vibe that Serena Van Der Woodsen is known for! Played by actress Blake Lively, Serena’s the most popular Upper East Side IT girl. A little trivia for you before we begin dishing out what we love about Serena: Did you know that Blake Lively chooses her own outfits for her role in the show? Cool, right?

Serena’s fashion sense is modern, sexy and fierce. She’s definitely not afraid to show her rocking body and to experiment with different clothing elements. However, her adventurous nature doesn’t keep her from having signature pieces that all Serena Van Der Woodsen fans can copy!

Serena is a free spirit who doesn’t care what people think about her. She is often seen in boho-style tops and dresses too. To get that boho-chic look, check out this classy Boho Beaded Top from Lily Boutique.

Boho Beaded Top

Boho Beaded Top

It has a V-neck with just the right cut to show off some skin without exposing too much cleavage. Remember, Serena’s style is sexy, but never trashy. She’s often seen in low cut dresses and tops or super short skirts, but she can definitely pull it off without looking cheap.

Elizabeth Embellished Top in Ivory

Elizabeth Embellished Top in Ivory

We also notice how Serena loves embellishments in her clothes. Sleeveless tops with personalized touches are her thing. With that, we present the Elizabeth Embellished Top in Ivory and the Hint of Glint Two-In-One Top Vest in Olive.

Hint Of Glint Two In One Top/Vest in Olive

Hint Of Glint Two In One Top/Vest in Olive

These two different tops both look like something that Serena would definitely wear due to their feminine, yet rocker-chic look. We can definitely see her wearing these tops with skinny jeans and killer heels – a style that we’ve all seen her pull off perfectly!

Another fashion piece that she’s often seen in is a perfectly constructed blazer that compliments her broad shoulders. To achieve this celebrity fashion sense, check out Lily Boutique’s version of Chanel’s Hint of Sparkle Tweed Blazer in Grey.

Hint of Sparkle Tweed Chanel Style Blazer in Grey

Hint of Sparkle Tweed Chanel Style Blazer in Grey

For around $30, you can own this blazer and look fabulous. Chanel is one of the brands that we often see Serena wearing and with this blazer, you can achieve the look without breaking your budget. Another blazer we love is the Black and White Stripe Crossover Blazer with Gold Buttons. Serena loves fitted, well-constructed blazers like this one and when paired with a short skirt and stilettos, you can steal Serena’s style.

Black and White Stripe Crossover Blazer with Gold Buttons

In the show, Serena is a sexy party girl who’s constantly seen wearing a super short bandages dress. And not just that, she likes her dresses to have a little shine and sparkle all over them. That’s why we could see her rocking the club with this Celestial Sparkle Ribbon Wrapped Designer Dress in Minuet.

Celestial Sparkle Ribbon Wrapped Designer Dress by Minuet

Celestial Sparkle Ribbon Wrapped Designer Dress by Minuet

We can also see Serena wearing something like the Ravishing Rosette Cocktail Dress and One Shoulder Asymmetrical Hemline Chiffon Designer Dress by Minuet in Berry because of their sexy, fiery looks – just like what Upper East Side’s most talked-about IT girl is known for.

One Shoulder Asymmetrical Hemline Chiffon Designer Dress by Minuet in Berry

One Shoulder Asymmetrical Hemline Chiffon Designer Dress by Minuet in Berry

How about you? What’s your favorite Serena style? For more celebrity fashion updates, remember to always visit Lily Boutique’s fashion blog!

Celebrity Fashion: Blair Waldorf of Gossip Girl

June 15, 2011 by Gail  
Filed under Uncategorized

Blair Waldorf of Gossip Girl

Actress Leighton Meester as Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl

When we think of celebrity fashion, we not only think of actors and actresses, but the roles they portray on TV or film as well – especially if the character has made a significant impact in the fashion industry. Who doesn’t love Manhattan’s prettiest mean girl, the Queen “B” – Blair Waldorf?! Blair is a well-loved fictional character from the hit TV series, Gossip Girl; and just like a true modern fashion icon, actress Leighton Meester’s character in the show gives us some serious fashion inspiration. We all look forward to her sophisticated, preppy, tailored and polished style in every episode of the show.

Her sense of style reminds us of the 1950s and 1960s-era mod glam movement and she exudes the feminine, sophisticated and classy elegance of Audrey Hepburn. We rarely see her wearing pants, especially jeans – that’s a huge no-no for the Queen “B”! The only problem is that following her sense of fashion may be too expensive for most people.

The beneficial aspect about Lily Boutique is you can obtain Blair Waldorf’s style for so much less! Here are some of the Blair Waldorf-inspired dresses that you will absolutely fall in love with! Grab the Queen B’s fashion style with these lovely dresses inspired by Gossip Girl’s Miss Blair Waldorf:

Purple Lace Dress

Delightful Days Lace Dress in Purple

Lacy dresses and hosieries are some of the staples in Blair Waldorf’s outfits. With that, we bring you our Delightful Days Lace Dress, a very flattering lace dress that exudes femininity and charm. This simple yet gorgeous purple dress is designed to flatter most body types. Why do we love this dress? It has a versatile look that you can dress up with stilettos, or dress down with more casual sandals.

Chiffon Dress

Garden Fairy Beaded Lilac Chiffon Designer Dress by Minuet

We’ve seen Blair Waldorf wearing lovely chiffon blouses and dresses and who wouldn’t love our Garden Fairy Beaded Lilac Chiffon Designer Dress by Minuet? The dress is made with a luxurious-looking chiffon fabric that flows beautifully as you move. The details of the dress include subtle ruffles and chiffon petals that add to the whimsical, dreamy look of this fabulous dress!

Peach Chiffon Dress

Raindrops on Roses Chiffon Designer Dress in Peach by Minuet

First impressions will definitely last with the Raindrops on Roses Chiffon Designer Dress by Minuet. Lily Boutique features dresses that are similar to Blair’s dresses that flutter perfectly with her every movement, in colours like peach, champagne and beige that all compliment a variety of skin tones and colours.

Sweet Honeycomb Lace Overlay Strapless Designer Dress by Minuet in Pink

Sweet Honeycomb Lace Overlay Strapless Designer Dress by Minuet in Pink

Another dress that screams “Manhattan’s elite” is this sweet Honeycomb Lace Overlay Strapless Designer Dress by Minuet. It’s one of those perfectly polished dresses that you will see Blair wearing at a cocktail party, and now anybody can look just as divine as she is in this dress!

Some other tips to achieve that celebrity style, Blair Waldorf look:

1)      Dresses, skirts, tights, tailored jackets, designer trench coats and stockings are some of Blair’s must-haves. She will never get caught dead in denim pants!

2)      Headbands. You’ll want to try different types of each and every kind of headbands if you’re determined to achieve Blair Waldorf’s style!

3)      Matching purses, shoes and accessories. Blair loves cute, designer purses that blend well to her outfits and accessories, so you might want to experiment with those.

4)      Natural and neutral, with pretty pink or rocking red lips. Blair never goes wild with makeup. Neat, natural, and sophisticated is always the theme of her makeup.

So check out our collections here at Lily Boutique for more celebrity style, worthy of gossip!

A Cute and Casual Hiking Outfit

June 9, 2011 by admin  
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Over Memorial Day weekend this year, my boyfriend Ryan and I thought it would be fun to do something a little bit different, so we decided to rent a cabin up on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota with four friends.  If you enjoy the outdoors and ever get a chance, you should really check this place out.  The scenery was beautiful and the accommodations were great as well:  http://www.grandsuperior.com/.  

Anyways—while Ryan was busy researching the place, booking the cabin, and figuring out the logistics, I was focused on the really important stuff: what to wear hiking.  Now normally I would’ve just thrown on some schlumpy old sweats and a fleece, but I had just bought my new Ready For Anything Charcoal Anorak Jacket from Lily Boutique (www.lilyboutique.com) and I was excited to wear it.  The day we went hiking, I put this great little jacket on over a tunic tank with some comfy cotton leggings and I had the perfect combination of cute, comfortable, and practical.  It started to lightly rain and I was so glad this jacket was water-resistant and had an attached hood, because it kept me warm and dry.  Check out this beautiful waterfall we saw on our hike: 

 
So in honor of my adventures I thought I would put together a couple cute casual outfits with the jacket….Here it is ladies—a cute hiking “outfit”!:

 
The Ready For Anything Charcoal Anorak Jacket is perfect over any t-shirt or tank top, but I thought I’d pair it with a black and white striped tunic tank just for fun.  I also added some simple cropped cotton athletic leggings, because I for one cannot stand to wear long sweats or jeans that drag the ground when it’s wet outside.

For outfit two, I wanted to show that this jacket also looks great with sweats or palazzo pants such as our Superwide Comfy Palazzo Pants in black(shown in the photo).  These pants are my favorite lounging pants and they go with anything. They will be listed in the store by the end of next week, as well as a bunch of other fun, new pieces. This would be a cute outfit for running errands, hanging around at home, traveling, etc. The Ready For Anything Jacket also looks great paired with denim.  It’s one of those versatile pieces you’ll get a lot of wear out of:

P.S. If anyone familiar with HTML could tell me how to align the top paragraph of this post I would very much appreciate it!

The Look for Less: Rihanna and Paris Hilton’s $795 Alexander Wang Dress

June 7, 2011 by admin  
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It’s no surprise that a whole slew of celebrities have been spotted in this chic and sexy Alexander Wang dress that retails for $795. The combination of black and neutral paired together looks great on almost any girl.

Who do you think wore it best? I love how Rihanna kept it simple without large, bulky jewelry– but I don’t understand the bright silver oversized handbag, so I’m going to have to go with Paris or Demi Lovato for the win.

If you would like a similar look without the $795 price tag, Lily Boutique (www.lilyboutique.com) has a beautiful version for just $32!  It is called the Dual Delight Fitted Dress and comes in three great color combinations.  This lower priced option is equally fun and sexy, but the spaghetti straps make it much more wearable for those of us in the real world.  This fab dress is perfect for a night out:

Perfect Inexpensive Bridesmaid Dresses

June 5, 2011 by Gail  
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Being a bridesmaid entails an ample amount of preparation and research for the perfect bridesmaid dress.  All weddings are special, and it’s true when they say that a wedding is mostly for women – this type of event is often referred to as one of the most life-changing moments in a woman’s life and it deserves special preparation.

Everything needs to be perfect according to the bride’s tastes. Every aspect, including the wedding theme, the venue, color motif, flowers, the design of the gowns, all the way down to the dresses for the bridesmaids. Everything needs to be perfect.

A wedding is such an important event to celebrate with friends and loved one; every little detail must be executed with style. This memorable day in one’s life will be cherished forever and that’s why everyone needs to be in their most fabulous outfits that will look notably great in photos. Wedding photos are where memories are captured for everyone to look back on over and over again.

Here at Lily Boutique, we make searching for bridesmaid dresses fun. You can choose from dresses that will fit your taste and personality if you search our online store, Lilyboutique.com. Our store offers inexpensive yet very stylish bridesmaid dresses that come in a variety of different designs, colours and sizes to make sure that we cater to ladies of different shapes.

If you are looking for a blue bridesmaid dress, check out Lily Boutique’s “Dreaming of You Chiffon Drape Party Dress in Bright Blue by Minuet”. This lovely dress isn’t just for weddings; you can also wear it on parties or just about any formal social event. With its stylish and sophisticated design at a very affordable price, you can’t go wrong. The “Dreaming of You Chiffon Drape Party Dress by Minuet” is a gorgeous strapless dress. It features a lovely sweetheart neckline and an intricately pleated chiffon fabric at the bust in an attractive criss-cross pattern. Made with soft and elegant chiffon fabric, it also features a smooth drape design that will compliment your body shape.

When choosing a bridesmaid’s dress for your sister’s or best friend’s wedding, choose something that will match the bride’s motif but will still showcase your fashion sense and personality. Dresses at Lily Boutique are fun, fabulous, glamorous and flirty – you’ll surely find a style that’s perfect for your taste and character. Our customers love our dresses for their affordability, quality and designs that are almost the same as those seen in current fashion magazines.

At Lilyboutique.com, you can find exceptional dresses in many different styles, colours and textures. Here at Lily Boutique, we are inspired to do our best to help our customers have the best online shopping experience for the most fab dresses in the market. Our dresses are made with utmost craftsmanship and care, and our customers love the fact that there are a lot to choose from. Make your bridesmaid dress the most lovely and flirty during a wedding – shop at Lily Boutique to find the best bridesmaid dress without the hefty price tag!

The Look For Less: Kate Middleton’s $340 Pink Reiss Dress

June 4, 2011 by admin  
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Kate Middleton caused quite a stir when she stepped out in a beautiful pale pink Reiss dress for her first royal engagement with the President and First Lady.  Within hours, the $340 dress was sold out online, and Reiss says they’ve been flooded with calls about the dress.  If you loved the style of Kate’s classic dress, but didn’t get a chance to order it or don’t want to shell out $340, have no fear! Lily Boutique has a similar style that’s equally impressive:

On www.lilyboutique.com, it is called the Perfectly Posh Ruffle Dress in Blush and it is also available in Ivory.  Here is the description of this pretty dress:

“Hey gorgeous! You don’t need all the bells and whistles to have all eyes on you—all you need is this simple- and perfectly posh- tailored dress.  This pretty dress is fully lined and very well-made—excellent quality and workmanship in this dress for such a great price.  The Perfectly Posh Ruffle Dress features a simple flattering cut with 3 large pleats on the bodice, and two layers of ruffles on the attached skirt.  The sleeves are slightly gathered and have two buttons on each.  A simple neckline and cute banded waist evoke the bygone era of the 1960’s in a look reminiscent of Jackie Kennedy.  The Perfectly Posh Ruffle Dress would look fantastic with black pumps and is THE perfect choice for all those semi-formal work events where you want to remain classy and professional but still feel pretty.  You will look polished and put-together in this dress—and everyone will think you spent a fortune!  No need to break the bank, we’ve got you covered with the Perfectly Posh Ruffle Dress. Excellent quality. Fully lined. Also available in Ivory.”

The best part about this dress is that it’s only $34. Even if you aren’t meeting the President, you can still feel like royalty in this lovely dress.

Welcome!

June 4, 2011 by admin  
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Hello everyone! Thanks for stopping by and checking out our new blog.  I’ve been meaning to welcome everyone for a while now, but since blogging is new to me, I’ve had a pretty bad case of writer’s block. 

I’d like to use the opportunity to give some information about Lily Boutique and why it was started: 

“Lilyboutique.com is a fashion-forward online clothing store for young women offering stylish, sophisticated, and affordable designer and celebrity-inspired apparel including tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, handbags, jewelry, and accessories for the girl on a budget.  Quality and customer service are extremely important to us, and we pride ourselves in offering our customers value for their money.  Lily Boutique features an assorted range of styles at excellent prices, so there is something for everyone and at any price range—and we add fresh, new items to our website every week, so check back often!”

I started the store because I wanted to offer young women beautiful fashion options at affordable prices.  When shopping for myself, I noticed that there were a lot of high-end stores with prices that few can afford.  While there are also some low-priced options, many of the lower prices meant cheap quality.  I wanted to start a store with beautiful high quality dresses at reasonable prices. Almost all of the items on Lily Boutique are under $60 and as of right now the average selling price on the site is around $40.  We always work hard to keep prices as low as possible, so that every girl can enjoy Lily Boutique. 
 

I will periodically be updating the blog with fashion inspiration and anything else I think may be of interest to you.  I’ll also be inviting some guest bloggers to bring their own perspectives as well.  If you have any interest in doing a guest blog entry or if you have any questions, comments, or just want to talk, contact us at sales@lilyboutique.com.  We’re always happy to hear what you love as well as suggestions for improvement!  I really hope you enjoy the blog and the store and look forward to hearing from you.

Julie

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