Everyday Rituals with Kelly Lee of Kelly Golightly

There are some friendships that weave themselves quietly through years of creativity, shared projects, and the simple serendipity of being in the same place at the same time, both physically and figuratively. Mine with Kelly Lee— known to the internet as Kelly Golightly— is one of them. So when our team touched down in Palm Springs for our holiday campaign shoot back in September, reconnecting with Kelly felt like picking up a familiar, glittering thread. A true modern-day muse, Kelly brings her Old Hollywood POV into the everyday, and her world is as sun-soaked, cheeky, and stylish as the woman herself.

Jen Pinkston: To start, tell us about yourself.

I’m Kelly Lee, though most people know me as Kelly Golightly. I’m a lifestyle creator, creative director, and now fashion designer based in sunny Palm Springs, California, where I live with my husband (aka Fred Baby) and our sweet pup Odee. My brand and blog, Kelly Golightly, is really a love letter to Old Hollywood glamour with a playful modern twist –  think Audrey Hepburn on holiday in Palm Springs. I believe life should feel like a Slim Aarons photograph –  sun-soaked, a little cheeky, and always stylish.

JP: You’re a Texas girl living in Palm Springs. What do you love most about each of these places?

KL: Texas will always be home. Even though I grew up an Air Force brat, it’s the place I lived the longest with my family before college — and where my parents, my sister, and her family still call home. It’s incredibly down-to-earth, full of warmth and heart, and nowhere in the world does queso or Tex-Mex quite like Texas!

Palm Springs, on the other hand, is my creative muse. The sunshine, the architecture, the colors, the palm trees — it’s like living inside a design dream. Every corner feels like inspiration waiting to happen, and I’m constantly reminded how lucky I am to create and call this magical place home.

JP: You’ve always had a very distinctive style and point of view on fashion. What role does fashion play in your life?

KL: Fashion, to me, is storytelling. It’s how I express my creativity and optimism, without saying a word. I can be a bit shy at first, and I’ve learned that fashion is the ultimate icebreaker -- a conversation starter and a connector. A fun dress or a great accessory can open doors, spark friendships, and make people smile.

I’ve always gravitated toward pieces that make me feel something – a fabulous caftan that instantly transports me to Palm Springs or Palm Beach in the 1960s, or a pair of oversized sunglasses and a giant hat that make me feel like an old-school movie star sneaking away from the paparazzi. It’s that element of fantasy and playful glamour — an opportunity to step into your own dream world, even if just for a moment.

I truly believe what you wear should lift your spirits –  like champagne, but in clothing form. For me, fashion isn’t about being seen by others as much as it is about connecting with others –  and feeling like the best version of yourself while doing it.

JP: Tell us about your new collection of dresses and caftans. What was the impetus for creating the collection and how long has it been in the making?

KL: After collaborating on capsule lines with other brands (which I loved!), I wanted to create something that felt entirely me – designed in Palm Springs, made in Los Angeles, and inspired by vintage icons like Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O.

Each piece is limited-edition and meant to be collected and cherished — like wearable art. The goal was to bring back that Slim Aarons–era sense of glamour and fun, but with the ease modern women need today: effortless, comfy-chic, and instantly transformative –  from poolside brunch to soirée in seconds.

JP: What is inspiring you creatively lately?

KL: I’m endlessly inspired by mid-century design, vintage Palm Springs glamour, and women who live beautifully – from Audrey Hepburn to Truman Capote’s Swans like Babe Paley and Lee Radziwill, to my own chic Palm Springs neighbors. The women here love to dress up and have such incredible personal style –  it’s contagious.

I’m also deeply moved by the response to women wearing Kelly Golightly caftans and dresses. They light up –  truly glow – and see themselves in ways they haven’t in years. It’s visceral and so moving. I wasn’t expecting that, but their reactions have become my biggest inspiration for the next collection.

And of course, I find endless inspiration in travel,  especially the French Riviera and Capri – and in interiors. Boutique hotels, in particular, fill my cup (or should I say, my champagne coupe).

JP: Where are you traveling to next and what types of souvenirs do you bring back from your travels?

KL: We’re road-tripping to Texas soon to see family! We always make a pit stop in Marfa – I love how it blends art and desert minimalism –  then head to San Antonio, where my parents, sister, her husband, and my darling nieces live. Hopefully we’ll swing through Austin and Round Top too (I can’t believe I’ve never been!). While I love bringing home unique design finds, my favorite souvenirs are the photos we take along the way –  little snapshots of joy and inspiration that I can revisit anytime.

JP: What is one item that you have to have in your bag at all times?

Lip balm and chocolate — non-negotiable. I’m a big believer that a swipe of gloss and a square of chocolate can fix almost anything.

JP: What everyday rituals bring you joy?

Sitting with my Odee pie outside in the sunshine, in a nook of our backyard we call “The Flamingo’s Nest”. From there we have a view of the stunning San Jacinto mountains, the sparkling pool, and so many palm trees. It makes me feel very calm, connected, and creatively inspired and so so grateful to call Palm Springs home (and to be Odee’s mom!).

JP: Is there a phrase or idea guiding you lately—something that feels like a mantra or anchor in this season of life?

KG: “Happy girls are the prettiest girls.” Audrey Hepburn said it best –  and I couldn’t agree more. Lately I’ve been leaning into being really present, creating a life – and a collection –  that feels as good as it looks.