GET THE LOOK: ASHLEY WHITTAKER DINING ROOM

I love every last detail of this Ashley Whittaker-designed dining room, from the bistro chairs to the French doors to the striped rug. If you're as lovestruck as I am (how could you not be?!), I've rounded up a few pieces to help you get the look:

Tuckernuck topiaries  //  Serena & Lily chandelier  //  World Market turquoise glasses

Design Darling nautical coasters  //  Ikea dining table  //  Mark & Graham grosgrain napkins

Serena & Lily bistro chairs  //  Dash & Albert striped rug

I'll never tire of blue, green, and white. What about you — could you live in this space?

I love every last detail of this Ashley Whittaker-designed dining room, from the bistro chairs to the French doors to the striped rug. If you're as lovestruck as I am (how could you not be?!), I've rounded up a few pieces to help you get the look:

Tuckernuck topiaries  //  Serena & Lily chandelier  //  World Market turquoise glasses

Design Darling nautical coasters  //  Ikea dining table  //  Mark & Graham grosgrain napkins

Serena & Lily bistro chairs  //  Dash & Albert striped rug

I'll never tire of blue, green, and white. What about you — could you live in this space?

TARGET THRESHOLD COLLECTION

Vanity stool  //  Scalloped mirror  //  Baskets  //  Velvet pillows  //  Peony bouquet  //  Tufted bench

Remember the Target bar cart that I styled for Christmas? Target just released a ton of new arrivals in the same collection and let me tell you — they are awesome. The designs are super classic and the prices are out of this world (a natural extension of yesterday's post on decorating on a budget!). Like are you kidding me with that scalloped mirror?! I want to buy four and group them above a console table or line them down a hallway. And the tufted bench looks like it costs ten times what they're selling it for... Total no-brainer. Have any of you seen this collection in person? Which piece are you mostly likely to add to your place?

Vanity stool  //  Scalloped mirror  //  Baskets  //  Velvet pillows  //  Peony bouquet  //  Tufted bench

Remember the Target bar cart that I styled for Christmas? Target just released a ton of new arrivals in the same collection and let me tell you — they are awesome. The designs are super classic and the prices are out of this world (a natural extension of yesterday's post on decorating on a budget!). Like are you kidding me with that scalloped mirror?! I want to buy four and group them above a console table or line them down a hallway. And the tufted bench looks like it costs ten times what they're selling it for... Total no-brainer. Have any of you seen this collection in person? Which piece are you mostly likely to add to your place?

HOW TO DECORATE ON A BUDGET

As the lease on my first apartment winds to a close, I'm really looking forward to finding a new space and making it feel like home. My good friend Shelly is moving into her first place in Connecticut and I've been living vicariously helping her source a few furniture pieces... Decorating is truly one of my favorite hobbies. I thought before I move out of my current spot I'd share a little advice for decorating with what you have. Feel free to share your tips in the comments!

1. Make a list of everything you have and everything you need.

For instance, I already had a bed frame and mattress from my college dorm room that just needed to be transported into the city. My mom had also given me the antique quatrefoil mirror above my sofa (similar shape here and here) and the CB2 acrylic console table for my college graduation. So I knew I still needed bedding, a desk chair, dining/packing table, dining chairs, end tables, shelving, and a sofa. I didn't have space in my current apartment for a coffee table or nightstands so your list might look a little different depending on how much space you're working with!

2. Decide what look you're after.

I wanted most of my furniture to be white or neutral so I could bring in color with accessories, books, and throw pillows. I highly recommend creating an inspiration board and a shopping list on Pinterest (here are some bedrooms and interiors that inspire me). Rounding up my favorite rooms helped me make big decisions about which furniture to buy and which colors I tended to come back to for bedding, upholstery, and even wall color (which I decided not to change).

3. Figure out where you can afford to spend and where you'll have to save.

I let myself splurge a little on bedding from Serena & Lily (which I bought during one of their 20% off sales) and I haven't regretted it for a second. I also fell in love with this desk chair from Society Social which was a great purchase since I spend so much time working from home. Both of these purchases meant I had less money leftover to spend on my dresser and tables throughout the apartment — and that I had to wait a little longer before buying other pieces and making the apartment feel totally finished.

4. Hit up Craigslist, estate sales, and flea markets for furniture purchases.

I've purchased a ton of dressers and tables on Craigslist since college and it almost always results in a good deal and an even better story. Use CraigsEasy to search Craigslist in pictures (hello, timesaver!) for styles you like (I use search terms like campaign, chinoiserie, lacquer, and lucite). Don't worry if a wooden piece isn't in great condition — look for great lines and know that a coat of paint can work all kinds of miracles. If you're game for scouring estate sales and flea markets, make a day of it, go in with measurements of your space, and be patient. My mom, brother, and I found the mirrored end tables in the picture above for $20 apiece at Brimfield! Sold.

5. Peruse flash sale sites — but don't buy just because it's on sale.

Sites like Joss & Main and One Kings Lane are a treasure trove for furniture savings as long as you know what you're looking for. Stick to the list you made in the beginning (99% of what you see won't work for your space so don't get distracted!) and search every couple of days. I stalked Joss & Main for weeks before finding my sofa, a tufted linen number that I'll have for years and that only cost me around $400 (the cost of a comparable Ikea piece!).

6. Speaking of... there's always Ikea.

I hate the look of an apartment decorated entirely at Ikea but there's a reason it's the affordable go-to for twenty-somethings everywhere. I used the Docksta as a dining table and the Expedit as shelving for books and inventory. Mix them in with pieces that have more character to avoid looking like you furnished your apartment in one afternoon — decorating is a process and a fun one at that!

7. Make it feel like home.

Whether it's painting your walls (a project that will take you a weekend but won't break the bank) or hanging real window treatments (my parents and I made mine following this tutorial), design is in the details. Accessorize with art (we carry affordable prints in the boutique and I also love Etsy and Society 6) or blow up family or travel photos to cover wall space — a landscape photo for above your sofa will run you about $75 at FedEx. And bring in books, whether they're childhood favorites from your bedroom at home or coffee table books you find for sale online. They say don't judge a book by its cover — but you can tell a lot about people by their bookshelves!

- - -

What decorating projects are you tackling at the moment? Any advice you'd add to this list?

As the lease on my first apartment winds to a close, I'm really looking forward to finding a new space and making it feel like home. My good friend Shelly is moving into her first place in Connecticut and I've been living vicariously helping her source a few furniture pieces... Decorating is truly one of my favorite hobbies. I thought before I move out of my current spot I'd share a little advice for decorating with what you have. Feel free to share your tips in the comments!

1. Make a list of everything you have and everything you need.

For instance, I already had a bed frame and mattress from my college dorm room that just needed to be transported into the city. My mom had also given me the antique quatrefoil mirror above my sofa (similar shape here and here) and the CB2 acrylic console table for my college graduation. So I knew I still needed bedding, a desk chair, dining/packing table, dining chairs, end tables, shelving, and a sofa. I didn't have space in my current apartment for a coffee table or nightstands so your list might look a little different depending on how much space you're working with!

2. Decide what look you're after.

I wanted most of my furniture to be white or neutral so I could bring in color with accessories, books, and throw pillows. I highly recommend creating an inspiration board and a shopping list on Pinterest (here are some bedrooms and interiors that inspire me). Rounding up my favorite rooms helped me make big decisions about which furniture to buy and which colors I tended to come back to for bedding, upholstery, and even wall color (which I decided not to change).

3. Figure out where you can afford to spend and where you'll have to save.

I let myself splurge a little on bedding from Serena & Lily (which I bought during one of their 20% off sales) and I haven't regretted it for a second. I also fell in love with this desk chair from Society Social which was a great purchase since I spend so much time working from home. Both of these purchases meant I had less money leftover to spend on my dresser and tables throughout the apartment — and that I had to wait a little longer before buying other pieces and making the apartment feel totally finished.

4. Hit up Craigslist, estate sales, and flea markets for furniture purchases.

I've purchased a ton of dressers and tables on Craigslist since college and it almost always results in a good deal and an even better story. Use CraigsEasy to search Craigslist in pictures (hello, timesaver!) for styles you like (I use search terms like campaign, chinoiserie, lacquer, and lucite). Don't worry if a wooden piece isn't in great condition — look for great lines and know that a coat of paint can work all kinds of miracles. If you're game for scouring estate sales and flea markets, make a day of it, go in with measurements of your space, and be patient. My mom, brother, and I found the mirrored end tables in the picture above for $20 apiece at Brimfield! Sold.

5. Peruse flash sale sites — but don't buy just because it's on sale.

Sites like Joss & Main and One Kings Lane are a treasure trove for furniture savings as long as you know what you're looking for. Stick to the list you made in the beginning (99% of what you see won't work for your space so don't get distracted!) and search every couple of days. I stalked Joss & Main for weeks before finding my sofa, a tufted linen number that I'll have for years and that only cost me around $400 (the cost of a comparable Ikea piece!).

6. Speaking of... there's always Ikea.

I hate the look of an apartment decorated entirely at Ikea but there's a reason it's the affordable go-to for twenty-somethings everywhere. I used the Docksta as a dining table and the Expedit as shelving for books and inventory. Mix them in with pieces that have more character to avoid looking like you furnished your apartment in one afternoon — decorating is a process and a fun one at that!

7. Make it feel like home.

Whether it's painting your walls (a project that will take you a weekend but won't break the bank) or hanging real window treatments (my parents and I made mine following this tutorial), design is in the details. Accessorize with art (we carry affordable prints in the boutique and I also love Etsy and Society 6) or blow up family or travel photos to cover wall space — a landscape photo for above your sofa will run you about $75 at FedEx. And bring in books, whether they're childhood favorites from your bedroom at home or coffee table books you find for sale online. They say don't judge a book by its cover — but you can tell a lot about people by their bookshelves!

- - -

What decorating projects are you tackling at the moment? Any advice you'd add to this list?

COLORFUL CAMPAIGN DRESSERS

One of the things I miss most about living in New York as opposed to the suburbs is having time and space on the weekends to fix up old furniture (or tackle an inexpensive DIY — remember my Union Jack dresser or these campaign tables? they're in my brother's dorm room now!). The thought of painting a Craigslist find on my fire escape is kind of laughable... Not to mention how I'd ever transport a dresser by myself sans car. 

In case some of you find yourselves in a similar living situation, I wanted to share these awesome new pieces at Grandin Road. They have the classic campaign-inspired lines that I usually look for on Craigslist and at flea markets with all the pizzazz of a paint color you'd choose yourself. Find the chest here and the console here. Do any of you share my penchant for fixing up older pieces with a fresh coat of paint? 

One of the things I miss most about living in New York as opposed to the suburbs is having time and space on the weekends to fix up old furniture (or tackle an inexpensive DIY — remember my Union Jack dresser or these campaign tables? they're in my brother's dorm room now!). The thought of painting a Craigslist find on my fire escape is kind of laughable... Not to mention how I'd ever transport a dresser by myself sans car. 

In case some of you find yourselves in a similar living situation, I wanted to share these awesome new pieces at Grandin Road. They have the classic campaign-inspired lines that I usually look for on Craigslist and at flea markets with all the pizzazz of a paint color you'd choose yourself. Find the chest here and the console here. Do any of you share my penchant for fixing up older pieces with a fresh coat of paint? 

GET THE LOOK {UPPER WEST SIDE APARTMENT}

Pardon me while I paint my walls a pale powder blue and fill them with colorful abstract art... I mean, how stunning is this NYC home? The couple who lives here undertook a serious renovation (see the before photos here) but I think it's totally possible to recreate the same cozy feel in a smaller space with a few key pieces...

Who else is happy to see tulips at all the bodegas again?! Love them.

*all photos here

Pardon me while I paint my walls a pale powder blue and fill them with colorful abstract art... I mean, how stunning is this NYC home? The couple who lives here undertook a serious renovation (see the before photos here) but I think it's totally possible to recreate the same cozy feel in a smaller space with a few key pieces...

Who else is happy to see tulips at all the bodegas again?! Love them.

*all photos here

PREPPY KITCHEN ESSENTIALS

one  //  two  //  three  //  four  //  five  //  six  //  seven

I'm planning on moving into a new apartment at the end of February and I'm getting really excited for the change of scenery. I love my current apartment but I'm ready for a new neighborhood, a little more space, and... a new kitchen. There's a reason my current kitchen wasn't photographed for my home tour and it's pretty simple: it's kind of ugly. Tile floors, wood cabinets, appliances that don't quite work... not to mention my complete lack of domestic ability. I'm hoping a new apartment and new kitchen will inspire me to stop ordering takeout (ahem, see #4) and start dining in. 

And while we're at it, a few pretty kitchen accessories never hurt anybody. I have this soap in my bathroom and my kitchen and I'll pretty much find any excuse to wash my hands because it smells that good. What are your secrets for domestic bliss in the kitchen? Spill! 

one  //  two  //  three  //  four  //  five  //  six  //  seven

I'm planning on moving into a new apartment at the end of February and I'm getting really excited for the change of scenery. I love my current apartment but I'm ready for a new neighborhood, a little more space, and... a new kitchen. There's a reason my current kitchen wasn't photographed for my home tour and it's pretty simple: it's kind of ugly. Tile floors, wood cabinets, appliances that don't quite work... not to mention my complete lack of domestic ability. I'm hoping a new apartment and new kitchen will inspire me to stop ordering takeout (ahem, see #4) and start dining in. 

And while we're at it, a few pretty kitchen accessories never hurt anybody. I have this soap in my bathroom and my kitchen and I'll pretty much find any excuse to wash my hands because it smells that good. What are your secrets for domestic bliss in the kitchen? Spill! 

DREAM HOME FILE...

How cool is this? It's an 1840s Methodist church on Martha's Vineyard (a hop, skip, and a jump from my favorite place on earth!) that's been converted into a vacation home. The ceilings and floors are all original — I can't think of a more fun renovation! Definitely one for the dream home file... Speaking of which, do you know what your dream home looks like? Where is it? Do you have it all planned out on Pinterest? I'd love to see!  

*all photos

How cool is this? It's an 1840s Methodist church on Martha's Vineyard (a hop, skip, and a jump from my favorite place on earth!) that's been converted into a vacation home. The ceilings and floors are all original — I can't think of a more fun renovation! Definitely one for the dream home file... Speaking of which, do you know what your dream home looks like? Where is it? Do you have it all planned out on Pinterest? I'd love to see!  

*all photos

WEEKEND IN ATLANTA!

My mom and I had so. much. fun. in Atlanta this weekend. We picked up a ton of new goodies for Design Darling (I am so excited to roll them out in the coming weeks!!!) and made a little time to take you up on some of your fabulous travel recommendations. Here are a few moments from our trip...

AmericasMart is huge. I've been to trade shows in New York before but really nothing could have prepared me for just how massive this space is: three buildings, eighteen floors, lots of ugly design, and a few really awesome hidden gems just perfect for Design Darling! :)

I was so excited to finally see Ann Mashburn's space in person! The store is beautiful, the salespeople are so stylish I wanted to snap their pictures, and I could have bought one of everything in the store. A must-see!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. I'm not a crazy flavors kind of girl but the coffee ice cream at Jeni's was dee-lish.

I got to meet up with two of my college roommates who are living in Atlanta. We had a super casual catch-up night over margaritas at Tacqueria del Sol — I highly recommend. I hadn't seen either of them in eighteen months but we just picked up right where we left off. I love friends like that and I loved seeing them both so happy.

My mom and I wrapped up our weekend with brunch at Sun In My Belly. I was obsessed with these colorful mason jars... And the food was out of this world. The perfect end to a perfect trip! Note to self: get back to Atlanta ASAP! 

My mom and I had so. much. fun. in Atlanta this weekend. We picked up a ton of new goodies for Design Darling (I am so excited to roll them out in the coming weeks!!!) and made a little time to take you up on some of your fabulous travel recommendations. Here are a few moments from our trip...

AmericasMart is huge. I've been to trade shows in New York before but really nothing could have prepared me for just how massive this space is: three buildings, eighteen floors, lots of ugly design, and a few really awesome hidden gems just perfect for Design Darling! :)

I was so excited to finally see Ann Mashburn's space in person! The store is beautiful, the salespeople are so stylish I wanted to snap their pictures, and I could have bought one of everything in the store. A must-see!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. I'm not a crazy flavors kind of girl but the coffee ice cream at Jeni's was dee-lish.

I got to meet up with two of my college roommates who are living in Atlanta. We had a super casual catch-up night over margaritas at Tacqueria del Sol — I highly recommend. I hadn't seen either of them in eighteen months but we just picked up right where we left off. I love friends like that and I loved seeing them both so happy.

My mom and I wrapped up our weekend with brunch at Sun In My Belly. I was obsessed with these colorful mason jars... And the food was out of this world. The perfect end to a perfect trip! Note to self: get back to Atlanta ASAP! 

ATLANTA RECOMMENDATIONS?

My mom and I are headed to Atlanta this weekend to do a little buying for the boutique! I've only ever gone to trade shows in New York so I'm excited to branch out and see what the south has in store (and extra excited to have my mom in tow!). 

I've actually never been to Atlanta so I can't wait to explore the city and meet up with my friend Sara from college. I've been dying to visit Ann Mashburn since interviewing her for Matchbook a couple years ago but I'd love to hear any other recommendations you have for can't-miss shopping and dining... Thank you in advance! xx

*all photos Ali Harper for Matchbook Magazine

My mom and I are headed to Atlanta this weekend to do a little buying for the boutique! I've only ever gone to trade shows in New York so I'm excited to branch out and see what the south has in store (and extra excited to have my mom in tow!). 

I've actually never been to Atlanta so I can't wait to explore the city and meet up with my friend Sara from college. I've been dying to visit Ann Mashburn since interviewing her for Matchbook a couple years ago but I'd love to hear any other recommendations you have for can't-miss shopping and dining... Thank you in advance! xx

*all photos Ali Harper for Matchbook Magazine

A LITTLE BIT OF LEOPARD

Let's start the new year with a little walk on the wild side, shall we? I do love a little bit of leopard — emphasis on little. Very few people can pull off a leopard coat, for instance, but a leopard clutch or pillow? Easy and instant chic. Below, a few picks in my favorite animal print...

P.S. Want a little leopard for less than $20? Get the look from my boutique with this or these!

*Images 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

Let's start the new year with a little walk on the wild side, shall we? I do love a little bit of leopard — emphasis on little. Very few people can pull off a leopard coat, for instance, but a leopard clutch or pillow? Easy and instant chic. Below, a few picks in my favorite animal print...

P.S. Want a little leopard for less than $20? Get the look from my boutique with this or these!

*Images 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

GOODBYE 2013, HELLOOO 2014!

I think I say this every December but I can't help myself... What. A. Year. 

I moved to New York with my puppy, made amazing new friends, decorated my first apartment, grew my business, partnered with some really awesome bloggers and brands, traveled all over the country (Salt Lake City, Dallas, New Orleans, Denver, and Boston!), spent lots of summer weekends in Central Park and on Nantucket, and finished the year on such a high note. I also wound up crossing 79 things off my 101 in 1001 list!

Truthfully though, this year was also a bit of a bumpy road for me. I had my heart broken, experienced every possible growing pain of running a small business, struggled with hurtful comments on my blog, and was even dumped by a boy I really liked — in a text message (#notcool). I try to keep things happy and upbeat around here but it definitely hasn't been all rainbows and pretty shoes behind the scenes.

I'm really, really looking forward to a fresh start. I have a lot of exciting projects on the horizon, awesome girlfriends by my side, a new boy in my life, and the most supportive family in the entire world... So bring it on, 2014. I'm ready for you!

I think I say this every December but I can't help myself... What. A. Year. 

I moved to New York with my puppy, made amazing new friends, decorated my first apartment, grew my business, partnered with some really awesome bloggers and brands, traveled all over the country (Salt Lake City, Dallas, New Orleans, Denver, and Boston!), spent lots of summer weekends in Central Park and on Nantucket, and finished the year on such a high note. I also wound up crossing 79 things off my 101 in 1001 list!

Truthfully though, this year was also a bit of a bumpy road for me. I had my heart broken, experienced every possible growing pain of running a small business, struggled with hurtful comments on my blog, and was even dumped by a boy I really liked — in a text message (#notcool). I try to keep things happy and upbeat around here but it definitely hasn't been all rainbows and pretty shoes behind the scenes.

I'm really, really looking forward to a fresh start. I have a lot of exciting projects on the horizon, awesome girlfriends by my side, a new boy in my life, and the most supportive family in the entire world... So bring it on, 2014. I'm ready for you!

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS...

Can you believe there are less than ten days until Christmas? My apartment is feeling a lot like Santa's workshop right now with all hands on deck for holiday orders. We still have plenty of items in stock and ready to ship in time for Christmas, including our popular monogrammed desk accessories (which we can now monogram in gold!). 

If you're still shopping (I'm totally guilty...), all orders placed by this Wednesday, December 18, will arrive before Christmas Eve (unless specified otherwise in the product description). It's been a really amazing holiday season already and I can't wait to have all your orders in the mail so we can all sit back, relax, and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year!

*images 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

Can you believe there are less than ten days until Christmas? My apartment is feeling a lot like Santa's workshop right now with all hands on deck for holiday orders. We still have plenty of items in stock and ready to ship in time for Christmas, including our popular monogrammed desk accessories (which we can now monogram in gold!). 

If you're still shopping (I'm totally guilty...), all orders placed by this Wednesday, December 18, will arrive before Christmas Eve (unless specified otherwise in the product description). It's been a really amazing holiday season already and I can't wait to have all your orders in the mail so we can all sit back, relax, and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year!

*images 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5