Lilify + Life

With the cooling temperatures and a chill in the air, we are delighted to release our WOOL collection. These silhouettes are our most popular layering pieces and they are ever so elevated by the elegance of the material.

The lightweight wool, unlined, offers a drape to the garments that is both cozy and classic. These pieces, like all of our signature apparel, are designed in house and hand sewn in Monterey.

We are beyond thrilled to introduce our Lilify line in lightweight wool.

I recently heard someone say that getting dressed is putting on your costume for the day. I couldn’t have agreed more. And, my absolute go-to costume is my apron.

Our Etta, crossover, open size, linen apron is created using a universally beloved pattern. Apron addicts love this piece, as it has no ties or buttons and big pockets.

Etta lovers in the shop continually requested a version that could also suit a man. So, we extended the straps, lowered the pockets, made the garment longer and added a waist tie. The Elliott is a unisex, utilitarian apron perfect for those desiring more coverage.

We also received many inquiries about whether our apron was suitable to wear out. Hence, we created a duster version with all the most beloved bits! Our Willa features large pockets and similar symmetry to the Etta. It is a stunning layering piece, and we have found that it is favored by teachers and makers.

The Etta, Elliott and Willa are all hand sewn in Monterey.

I hope you get the opportunity to add one of these practical yet very pretty pieces to your personal costume collection.

Black Tea + Eucalyptus

As we worked with dedicated local body products maker Connie Mardon on our signature soaps, we immediately were infatuated with the combination of Black Tea & Eucalyptus. This was a pairing that was rustic and dynamic - the tannins of the tea suited the brightness of the eucalyptus. This soap is one of our most beloved housewarming gifts.

Ho Wood + Ginger

When we concocted, with lovely local body products maker Connie Mardon, on our all natural Ho Wood & Ginger lotion, we were striving for a balance and depth that simultaneously elicited warmth and tranquility. The herbaceous, slightly peppery ginger married the beautifully fragrant wood oil with a finish that is at once rich and calming.

Grapefruit + Rosemary

Collaborating with enthusiastic local candle maker Emmaline Molloy, we were very inspired to produce a candle that was both tart and grounded. As we explored blends, we were delighted when we came upon Grapefruit + Rosemary. 
The fresh citrus was perfectly augmented by the herbaceous rosemary. This candle always reminds me of my autumn nuptials, as citrus was in abundance and my bouquet included fresh rosemary.

As summer gives way to fall and the air begins to chill, we start the process of hunkering down for the season. The days get shorter, the pace of life seems to slow and so does the music I listen to.

Twenty-five years into a legendary career Neil Young released the underrated masterpiece “Silver & Gold” seemingly out of nowhere. In a departure from the harder rock that he is often partial to, it’s a return to form from his early years showcasing the beautiful melancholy that his voice is best suited to.

I prefer this album first thing in the morning while I sip my pour over - or to unwind at the end of the day with my evening libation.

Hope you get to spend some quality time with Neil.

Autumn arrives gently. At first I notice the changing leaves and feel the changing temperature. The transition to fall brings a chill that is cozy and calm. It is the season of scarves and cardigans, blackberries, butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and a rhythm that is slower and more subdued.

In my garden, I have cut back and am planting seeds to greet next spring. My lemon tree is abundant and my figs are ample.  Rotund dahlias exalt the afternoon sun and graceful roses are growing in their delicate, refined manner. I am constantly cutting thyme, sage and chives for soup and in the evenings often brew a pot of freshly gathered mint tea.

My morning walks in autumn are more serene, a combination of the brisk sea breeze and the darkness lingering longer into the day. There can be a melancholy to the bay that is meditative and musing.

I wish you a welcome to all that is fall– to a time of year that is simultaneously bountiful, crisp and snug. 

When we create our signature line of linen wear, we incorporate our belief in ethical best practices, our respect for fine fiber and our love of silhouettes that are simultaneously relevant and timeless.

Our pieces are hand sewn locally by a team of three talented, dedicated garment makers. Colleen, Sarah and Erin have been sewing their entire lives and approach their skill with passion and an artful care. We have an abundant stock of our styles, in many shades, available in the shop and are always able to have any piece, in all colors, constructed with a 2-3 week lead time and free shipping.

Our pieces are made out of 100% fine European sourced linen. Linen is a textile made from the fibers of flax. It is beloved for being a strong, absorbent and exquisite natural fabric. The quality and weight of the textile allows for garments that offer both a flattering drape and a lithe movement.

We design our pieces to be classically elegant and informed by modern lines - refined and easy to wear. I am a Mama, a gardener and a creative businesswoman. Some of my days call for a fair amount of scurry and a few of my evenings allow for more polished events. Our pieces are designed to make you feel the most you in all your endeavors – chic, straightforward, sophisticated yet understated.

Jesse and I received an Alex Marshall bowl for a wedding gift almost ten years ago. I was in love, with my new husband, and maybe even more with our new bowl. When we opened the shop in 2012, we knew that Alex’s amazing ceramic work would be part of our offerings.

Alex Marshall Studios is based out of Chico, California, which is Jesse’s hometown. Alex is the artist and her husband Andrew is the business manager. The team creates ceramics that are conceptual and connecting, organic yet modern, stunning as well as utilitarian. 

We love watching people fall in love with Alex’s work, just like we did. It was with excitement and anticipation that we collaborated with Alex to create our first signature ceramic collection. 

The Lilify x Alex Marshall RITUAL collection is in homage to our habitual mini moments – turning our day-to-day routines into a rite. Waking up to bright espresso, stopping mid-morning for a spot of tea, returning home after a hectic day to a bracing cocktail, sitting down with a beloved book and a soothing chalice of cabernet - the familiar and frequent traditions that allow each of us to brake and to just be.

I invite you to explore our gloss black and matte white, handcrafted, drinking vessels and fall in love with our RITUAL collection.

Jewelry is more than just adornment. Jewelry is fascination, memories and the purist personal poetry. A piece of jewelry, whether statement or subtle, new or heirloom, allows oneself to feel curated, charmed and confident. 

Jewelry is a story. Kristina Kada of Satomi Studio is a storyteller and jewelry designer whose work is modern and organic, simultaneously strong and delicate. 

Kristina is based out of Santa Cruz but has spent the last few years living, working and being inspired by her day-to-day life in Indonesia. Her newest work features shapes and silhouettes influenced by the beauty of Bali.

We are beyond excited to welcome her to Lilify. We invite you to join us, meet Kristina and explore her exquisite line.

Saturday, August 17th, 12 - 4. 

Lemon + Poppyseed

To suit the sweat of summer, we partnered with local soap maker Connie Mardon to create a soap that was uplifting as well as astringent. Lemons are such an iconic scent to the season and paired with poppy seeds offer an even more elegant, exfoliating experience.

Peony + Tangerine

When we collaborated with local candle maker Emmaline Molloy on this summer’s newest release, we sought to create a scent that evoked the sweetness of the season, a bright floral top note balanced with a touch of tang. When we finally arrived to our “Peony + Tangerine” we knew we had created a candle which embodied the essence of summer – floral forward but fresh.

Grapefruit + Geranium

As we explored blends with local body product maker Connie Mardon, we were thrilled when we hit upon a combination that was both tart and rich. Grapefruit, a circulation stimulant, married perfectly with leafy Geranium, creating a body lotion that is both energizing and regulating.

A great summer album is all about mood. It should sound good in an old car, cheap Bluetooth speakers at the beach or your best headphones. It can be uplifting yet mellow, inspiring yet familiar, trendy or a beloved oldie.

On the first sunny day of summer I find myself reaching for my ragged old copy of the soundtrack from The Harder They Come. The movie and album both star Jimmy Cliff and I find that arrangement of Reggae to be just the right way to slip into summer. 

Steep in that sweet summer sound.

JS

Summer days are longer, lighter and livelier. The delicacy and renewal of spring has transitioned to a bounty of brightness and activity. It is the season of sweet corn and watermelon, swimsuits and sprinklers, sleeping outside and staring at the stars.

In my garden, the cherry blossom, snapdragon and sweet pea have all disappeared and my poor pansies, so avid and abundant in March, slumped in unison as soon as touches of summer weather hit. Now it is time to cut back and cut down, with heavier watering, in order to welcome dinner plate dahlia, bachelor button and veronica – my flower babies who thrive in full sunlight and warm temperatures.

And, then there is my son, who expresses extreme disappointment in a day wherein we have not been to his beloved beach.

Here’s wishing you a barefoot July, with sticky berries, dreamy bonfires and bright blue skies.

HL

We opened Lilify in 2012, after a grueling two-year renovation of a dilapidated, uninspired building with beautiful bones. We dreamt of creating an elegant, yet understated, experience that would honor the detail and authenticity of handcrafted goods and highlight the talent and passion of independent makers. 

Lilify is a cultivation of our values, our aesthetic, our story, and the stories of the creatives that we spotlight. 

We have been thrilled to osmose, evolve and are ever inspired by our community and our customers. We explore an expanding collection of gifts, wares and wears while continuing to refine our perspective. 

In this new season for our shop, we are beyond excited to announce the launch of Lilify online! We are thrilled and humbled to invite you to immerse in our compilation of ethically, independently made, gorgeous goods.

HL