Healthy Habits {101 in 1001}

Today I'm sharing a few more of the goals from my 101 in 1001 list. For people who have asked to see the entire list at once, I decided at the beginning to share the list over time a) because it's so long and b) because it's fun to share both goals and progress! Some goals are professional in nature, others financial, others pure fun. The goals I'm sharing today have to do with health and fitness — admittedly not my forté.

19. Drink eight glasses of water a day every day for one week. This is probably easy and mindless for some of you but to me it feels insurmountable. So. Much. Water!

33. Hire a personal trainer.

42. Take a self-defense class.

- - - 

What do you do to stay healthy and in shape?

Today I'm sharing a few more of the goals from my 101 in 1001 list. For people who have asked to see the entire list at once, I decided at the beginning to share the list over time a) because it's so long and b) because it's fun to share both goals and progress! Some goals are professional in nature, others financial, others pure fun. The goals I'm sharing today have to do with health and fitness — admittedly not my forté.

19. Drink eight glasses of water a day every day for one week. This is probably easy and mindless for some of you but to me it feels insurmountable. So. Much. Water!

33. Hire a personal trainer.

42. Take a self-defense class.

- - - 

What do you do to stay healthy and in shape?

Fall Back on Black

On days when wardrobe inspiration escapes me (as it does many mornings now that I'm waking up earlier and getting dressed while I'm still half asleep), I find that there's no better fix than basic black on black. Here are a few pieces that have wound up in my Shopbop hearts of late...

{Rachel Zoe blouse, $295}

{BB Dakota blazer, $115}

I love the plunging pussybow blouse but it's the leather collar on the blazer that has my heart skipping a beat. That kind of detail for just $115? I think I know where my next paycheck is going!

{David Lerner skirt, $132}

{Elkin skirt, $300}

Tulip hem or maxi length? Take your pick!

{Club Monaco clutch, $149}

{Theyskens' Theory pumps, $325}

I'm kind of obsessed with this envelope clutch and gorgeous platform heel. They'd make even a t-shirt and jeans insanely chic!

{Susana Monaco, $248}

But of course I saved the best for last. You know I love a backless dress!

- - -

What's your go-to when getting dressed? I'd love to hear your tricks for dressing quickly and stylishly!

On days when wardrobe inspiration escapes me (as it does many mornings now that I'm waking up earlier and getting dressed while I'm still half asleep), I find that there's no better fix than basic black on black. Here are a few pieces that have wound up in my Shopbop hearts of late...

{Rachel Zoe blouse, $295}

{BB Dakota blazer, $115}

I love the plunging pussybow blouse but it's the leather collar on the blazer that has my heart skipping a beat. That kind of detail for just $115? I think I know where my next paycheck is going!

{David Lerner skirt, $132}

{Elkin skirt, $300}

Tulip hem or maxi length? Take your pick!

{Club Monaco clutch, $149}

{Theyskens' Theory pumps, $325}

I'm kind of obsessed with this envelope clutch and gorgeous platform heel. They'd make even a t-shirt and jeans insanely chic!

{Susana Monaco, $248}

But of course I saved the best for last. You know I love a backless dress!

- - -

What's your go-to when getting dressed? I'd love to hear your tricks for dressing quickly and stylishly!

Three Things

1. Loose waves, navy blazer, sequined clutch, tortoiseshell watch... I want it all.

2. Slowly and steadily building up my file of apartment inspiration. Don't you love the look of worn in leather? 

3. Bows belong on everything.

In other news, I spent the weekend at a cabin in the Poconos with friends from college and had the best time catching up with everyone. I love my friends. I might be playing catch-up on blogging, email, sleep, etc., but sometimes it's just nice to get away and unplug for a few days. How was your weekend?

1. Loose waves, navy blazer, sequined clutch, tortoiseshell watch... I want it all.

2. Slowly and steadily building up my file of apartment inspiration. Don't you love the look of worn in leather? 

3. Bows belong on everything.

In other news, I spent the weekend at a cabin in the Poconos with friends from college and had the best time catching up with everyone. I love my friends. I might be playing catch-up on blogging, email, sleep, etc., but sometimes it's just nice to get away and unplug for a few days. How was your weekend?

And the winner is...

I was blown away by the number of entries on the Social Social giveaway and so psyched to know you all love Roxy's new line as much as I do! Without further ado, random.org has chosen entry #169, Cristin of Simplied Bee! Congratulations! I can't wait to see which pillow you choose. Please email me so I can put you in touch with Roxy! Thank you to everyone who entered and have an amazing weekend!

I was blown away by the number of entries on the Social Social giveaway and so psyched to know you all love Roxy's new line as much as I do! Without further ado, random.org has chosen entry #169, Cristin of Simplied Bee! Congratulations! I can't wait to see which pillow you choose. Please email me so I can put you in touch with Roxy! Thank you to everyone who entered and have an amazing weekend!

101 in 1001: Update No. 2

I'm making steady progress on my 101 in 1001 list! This is my second update since starting in January and I'm happy to report that I've completed ten more tasks since my first update in April!

{Sugar Paper, $13}

11. Scrutinize the contents of my closet and donate, store, or toss everything I no longer wear. Not the most fun task but long overdue and almost therapeutic. 

13. Go skinny dipping. Shhh!

21. Read all seven Harry Potter books. Have you read them? I definitely may or may not have cried at the end of the last book. J.K. Rowling is a genius.

34. Make an address book with contact information for friends and family. Remember this? 

36. Figure out the best way to store all those business cards! This baby looks just as cute on my desk as it does at parties.

46. Buy something at a flea market. These earrings!

57. Prepare a meal using ingredients from a flea market. Right here!

62. Get a facial. I know I'm going to ruffle some feathers here and I'm happy I tried it but it totally wasn't for me! Too pricey and too much for my sensitive skin. I'll stick to my preferred mani/pedi indulgence instead!

86. Wear the right shade of red or pink lipstick — and not on Halloween. NARS Jungle Red. Not for the faint of heart but fun for a night out. Teeny tiny picture here.


97. Find out my blood type. Just one of those things I felt like I should know, don't you think?


- - - 

That's 20 tasks down, 81 to go! My 1001 day deadline is in September 2013. I feel great about it! Have a similar list? Leave a link in the comments so I can check it out!

I'm making steady progress on my 101 in 1001 list! This is my second update since starting in January and I'm happy to report that I've completed ten more tasks since my first update in April!

{Sugar Paper, $13}

11. Scrutinize the contents of my closet and donate, store, or toss everything I no longer wear. Not the most fun task but long overdue and almost therapeutic. 

13. Go skinny dipping. Shhh!

21. Read all seven Harry Potter books. Have you read them? I definitely may or may not have cried at the end of the last book. J.K. Rowling is a genius.

34. Make an address book with contact information for friends and family. Remember this? 

36. Figure out the best way to store all those business cards! This baby looks just as cute on my desk as it does at parties.

46. Buy something at a flea market. These earrings!

57. Prepare a meal using ingredients from a flea market. Right here!

62. Get a facial. I know I'm going to ruffle some feathers here and I'm happy I tried it but it totally wasn't for me! Too pricey and too much for my sensitive skin. I'll stick to my preferred mani/pedi indulgence instead!

86. Wear the right shade of red or pink lipstick — and not on Halloween. NARS Jungle Red. Not for the faint of heart but fun for a night out. Teeny tiny picture here.


97. Find out my blood type. Just one of those things I felt like I should know, don't you think?


- - - 

That's 20 tasks down, 81 to go! My 1001 day deadline is in September 2013. I feel great about it! Have a similar list? Leave a link in the comments so I can check it out!

Society Social Pillow Giveaway!

I've raved about her blog and her bar carts but Roxy and I decided it was high time for a Society Social giveaway!

One lucky reader will receive the pillow of his or her choice. Leopard, sequins, or zigzag? I mean, you really can't go wrong...

Don't you want to move right in? To enter to win the pillow of your choice, follow Design Darling and leave a comment below. For a second entry, like Society Social on Facebook. For a third entry, follow Society Social on Twitter. I'll draw the winner on Friday. Good luck!

I've raved about her blog and her bar carts but Roxy and I decided it was high time for a Society Social giveaway!

One lucky reader will receive the pillow of his or her choice. Leopard, sequins, or zigzag? I mean, you really can't go wrong...

Don't you want to move right in? To enter to win the pillow of your choice, follow Design Darling and leave a comment below. For a second entry, like Society Social on Facebook. For a third entry, follow Society Social on Twitter. I'll draw the winner on Friday. Good luck!

The Design Dialogues {Elizabeth Caan}

I stumbled upon the work of interior decorator Elizabeth Caan last week on Made By Girl and fell in love with her colorful, preppy aesthetic. I was delighted when she agreed to participate in The Design Dialogues and share a few more of her interiors with all of you! Without further ado, Elizabeth Caan!

Who you are: Elizabeth Caan

What you do: Interior decoration and styling

Where you do it: Newton, Massachusetts

Five words to describe yourself... Impatient, energetic, petite, down-to-earth, congenial.

How do you define your aesthetic? Graphic glam.

Who are your style icons? Miles Redd, Mrs. Lilien, Diana Vreeland.

Destination: New York, New York

Quote: "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten." —Benjamin Franklin

Site: Etsy. I've scored some amazing things: vintage scarves I've had made into pillows, great art, and photographer that I have smattered about my studio and my home.

Store: Net-a-Porter. Who has time to go into a store?

Thing to read: Financial Times Where to Spend It Weekend Magazine.

Thing to Watch: Breaking Bad on AMC — such a great show!

Thing to wear: A fabulous coat makes anything look très chic.

How did you decide to become an interior designer? 

When I could afford to! It's an expensive sport. No, I actually have a degree in art. I spent ten years in sales and marketing for new media companies and have always had a passion for interior design. When I could afford to take a pay cut and learn this business the way I wanted to, I went for it!

What is the most glamorous aspect of your work?

Creating glamorous things with beautiful materials and top-notch tradespeople. 

What is the least glamorous aspect of your work?

Schlepping things around town!

What is the best advice you've ever received?

This is a creative business. To make it, you need to be not only creative but a businessperson as well.

Three tasks on your to do list...

Take my daughter to Paris, finish my home office, learn to relax.

Three items on your wishlist...

A pair of Joe Cariati glass lamps in lavender berry, a larger closet, a laundress.

Three tasks on your bucket list...

A trip to the Greek islands, go on an African safari, learn how to upholster — couture style!

- - - 

Thank you so much for joining us, Elizabeth! I love her quote about being a creative businessperson and I think I'll be adding a laundress to my wishlist as well. Aren't you smitten with her style?

I stumbled upon the work of interior decorator Elizabeth Caan last week on Made By Girl and fell in love with her colorful, preppy aesthetic. I was delighted when she agreed to participate in The Design Dialogues and share a few more of her interiors with all of you! Without further ado, Elizabeth Caan!

Who you are: Elizabeth Caan

What you do: Interior decoration and styling

Where you do it: Newton, Massachusetts

Five words to describe yourself... Impatient, energetic, petite, down-to-earth, congenial.

How do you define your aesthetic? Graphic glam.

Who are your style icons? Miles Redd, Mrs. Lilien, Diana Vreeland.

Destination: New York, New York

Quote: "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten." —Benjamin Franklin

Site: Etsy. I've scored some amazing things: vintage scarves I've had made into pillows, great art, and photographer that I have smattered about my studio and my home.

Store: Net-a-Porter. Who has time to go into a store?

Thing to read: Financial Times Where to Spend It Weekend Magazine.

Thing to Watch: Breaking Bad on AMC — such a great show!

Thing to wear: A fabulous coat makes anything look très chic.

How did you decide to become an interior designer? 

When I could afford to! It's an expensive sport. No, I actually have a degree in art. I spent ten years in sales and marketing for new media companies and have always had a passion for interior design. When I could afford to take a pay cut and learn this business the way I wanted to, I went for it!

What is the most glamorous aspect of your work?

Creating glamorous things with beautiful materials and top-notch tradespeople. 

What is the least glamorous aspect of your work?

Schlepping things around town!

What is the best advice you've ever received?

This is a creative business. To make it, you need to be not only creative but a businessperson as well.

Three tasks on your to do list...

Take my daughter to Paris, finish my home office, learn to relax.

Three items on your wishlist...

A pair of Joe Cariati glass lamps in lavender berry, a larger closet, a laundress.

Three tasks on your bucket list...

A trip to the Greek islands, go on an African safari, learn how to upholster — couture style!

- - - 

Thank you so much for joining us, Elizabeth! I love her quote about being a creative businessperson and I think I'll be adding a laundress to my wishlist as well. Aren't you smitten with her style?

LovingEco Winner

Thank you to everyone who entered the LovingEco giveaway this week. The winner is entry #6, Genelle of Signing Nelle! Please email me so I can put you in touch with the kind folks at LovingEco to redeem your $150 credit. 

{image via my Tumblr}

Thank you to everyone who entered the LovingEco giveaway this week. The winner is entry #6, Genelle of Signing Nelle! Please email me so I can put you in touch with the kind folks at LovingEco to redeem your $150 credit. 

{image via my Tumblr}

Spring 2012, Continued

Sometimes you just need to look at pretty things. Here are a few of my favorite looks from the spring collections. No rhyme or reason, just pretty...

{Diane von Furstenberg}

{Nanette Lepore}

{Rachel Zoe}

{Ralph Lauren}

Seeking inspiration (fashion or otherwise) is such a lovely way to zone out, step away from your problems for a second, and come back a little while later feeling refreshed. In addition to browsing collections and reading blogs, I find I'm re-inspired after a hot shower, a vanilla latté, or a phone call home. How do you stay inspired?

Sometimes you just need to look at pretty things. Here are a few of my favorite looks from the spring collections. No rhyme or reason, just pretty...

{Diane von Furstenberg}

{Nanette Lepore}

{Rachel Zoe}

{Ralph Lauren}

Seeking inspiration (fashion or otherwise) is such a lovely way to zone out, step away from your problems for a second, and come back a little while later feeling refreshed. In addition to browsing collections and reading blogs, I find I'm re-inspired after a hot shower, a vanilla latté, or a phone call home. How do you stay inspired?

Fall Shopping {J.Crew}

I was happy to learn through last Thursday's post that I'm not the only one utterly and unabashedly obsessed with all things J.Crew: the clothes, the styling, the website. Here's what's catching my eye from their September arrivals.

Streetscape cape, $198

Cropped sweater, $98

The camel hue and unfussy silhouettes of these two pieces pair equally well with your go-to skinny jeans and this fall's colored denim trend. 

Cashmere tee, $158

Wool capri, $118

I absolutely adore the idea of dressing in different shades of the same color. It's a modern take on colorblocking and these two pieces have me eager to give it a go.

Tortoise cuff, $24.50

Gold bangle, $20

I've been "borrowing" a tortoiseshell cuff from my mom and I think I've worn it every day for the past three weeks. The rhinestones here are a fun update and the price can't be beat! And every jewelry collection needs a plain gold bangle. 

Blackwatch shirt, $72

Polka dot top, $98

Plaid and polka dots... They're about as patterned as my solid-color-loving wardrobe can handle and they're well within in my exclusively navy comfort zone. I'd love the blackwatch shirt with denim and the polka dot top tucked into a solid skirt.

Timex traveler watch, $98

Booker boots, $298

I find with my iPhone and my laptop generally within arm's reach that a watch is more a luxurious accessory than a necessity of any kind. Nonetheless I can't get this well-priced option, with its plain face and variety of colorful straps, out of my head. And these leather boots are pretty much my definition of perfect. Time to start saving up!

John Derian paperweight, $30

Rainy day ballet flats, $58

You know I'm in love with New York and with workspaces so it makes sense that I'd fall hard for this darling paperweight. And wouldn't these red flats with their grosgrain bow save the day during a rainy morning commute? I think I could talk myself into buying the whole store this way ;) 

- - -

What are your favorites at J.Crew this season?

I was happy to learn through last Thursday's post that I'm not the only one utterly and unabashedly obsessed with all things J.Crew: the clothes, the styling, the website. Here's what's catching my eye from their September arrivals.

Streetscape cape, $198

Cropped sweater, $98

The camel hue and unfussy silhouettes of these two pieces pair equally well with your go-to skinny jeans and this fall's colored denim trend. 

Cashmere tee, $158

Wool capri, $118

I absolutely adore the idea of dressing in different shades of the same color. It's a modern take on colorblocking and these two pieces have me eager to give it a go.

Tortoise cuff, $24.50

Gold bangle, $20

I've been "borrowing" a tortoiseshell cuff from my mom and I think I've worn it every day for the past three weeks. The rhinestones here are a fun update and the price can't be beat! And every jewelry collection needs a plain gold bangle. 

Blackwatch shirt, $72

Polka dot top, $98

Plaid and polka dots... They're about as patterned as my solid-color-loving wardrobe can handle and they're well within in my exclusively navy comfort zone. I'd love the blackwatch shirt with denim and the polka dot top tucked into a solid skirt.

Timex traveler watch, $98

Booker boots, $298

I find with my iPhone and my laptop generally within arm's reach that a watch is more a luxurious accessory than a necessity of any kind. Nonetheless I can't get this well-priced option, with its plain face and variety of colorful straps, out of my head. And these leather boots are pretty much my definition of perfect. Time to start saving up!

John Derian paperweight, $30

Rainy day ballet flats, $58

You know I'm in love with New York and with workspaces so it makes sense that I'd fall hard for this darling paperweight. And wouldn't these red flats with their grosgrain bow save the day during a rainy morning commute? I think I could talk myself into buying the whole store this way ;) 

- - -

What are your favorites at J.Crew this season?