My New Favorite Toy

Thanks to all of you who shared your favorites on this post, I have found the curling iron of my dreams. Following your recommendations, I immediately ordered the Hot Tools curling iron (1 1/4" size) and subsequently fell in love.

It heats up almost immediately, works quickly, and costs a mere $34. Seriously?! The hair tool of my dreams cost just $34?! I wish someone had told me ages ago. Get yours here and watch this tutorial if you need a little help refining your technique.

And because you were all so helpful with my last beauty dilemma, here's another for you. Do any of you use Clarisonic to clean and exfoliate? I've heard rave reviews but the $119 price tag is a bit steep for my liking. If you've used it, I would love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks to all of you who shared your favorites on this post, I have found the curling iron of my dreams. Following your recommendations, I immediately ordered the Hot Tools curling iron (1 1/4" size) and subsequently fell in love.

It heats up almost immediately, works quickly, and costs a mere $34. Seriously?! The hair tool of my dreams cost just $34?! I wish someone had told me ages ago. Get yours here and watch this tutorial if you need a little help refining your technique.

And because you were all so helpful with my last beauty dilemma, here's another for you. Do any of you use Clarisonic to clean and exfoliate? I've heard rave reviews but the $119 price tag is a bit steep for my liking. If you've used it, I would love to hear your thoughts!

Currently Coveting {Tortoiseshell}

If there's one trend I can't get enough of this season, it's the resurgence of tortoiseshell accessories for your closet and your home. My friend Alex sent me a picture of gorgeous tortoiseshell bowls at C. Wonder (if you're in NYC and haven't been, you must!) and I'm thinking they'd be the perfect complement to a few of these...

{1} House of Harlow 1960 sunglasses, $125 (I love the gold border on these!)

{2} Bauble Bar necklace, $74 {3} Michael Kors ring, $85 {4} Bauble Bar cuff, $48 

{5} Michael Kors bracelet, $95 (This is my personal favorite!) 

{6} Elizabeth & James sunglasses, $185 {7} Lulu Frost for J.Crew bangle, $45

{8} Michael Kors watch, $195

Which piece is your favorite? Do you have any beloved tortoiseshell items?

If there's one trend I can't get enough of this season, it's the resurgence of tortoiseshell accessories for your closet and your home. My friend Alex sent me a picture of gorgeous tortoiseshell bowls at C. Wonder (if you're in NYC and haven't been, you must!) and I'm thinking they'd be the perfect complement to a few of these...

{1} House of Harlow 1960 sunglasses, $125 (I love the gold border on these!)

{2} Bauble Bar necklace, $74 {3} Michael Kors ring, $85 {4} Bauble Bar cuff, $48 

{5} Michael Kors bracelet, $95 (This is my personal favorite!) 

{6} Elizabeth & James sunglasses, $185 {7} Lulu Frost for J.Crew bangle, $45

{8} Michael Kors watch, $195

Which piece is your favorite? Do you have any beloved tortoiseshell items?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Wishing you all a happy day with your family and favorite foods. My family and I are off to Rhode Island to celebrate with extended family and I've been given the task of delivering the toast! I'm quite a bit nervous but looking forward to catching up with everyone and indulging in a little apple pie :) What are you all up to?

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Wishing you all a happy day with your family and favorite foods. My family and I are off to Rhode Island to celebrate with extended family and I've been given the task of delivering the toast! I'm quite a bit nervous but looking forward to catching up with everyone and indulging in a little apple pie :) What are you all up to?

Holiday Dress Guide

'Tis the season to fill your planner with parties and your closet with dresses! Here are a few numbers I'm eyeing for various rendez-vous this winter...

Step out in sequins! The ASOS gold strapless dress ($89) will guarantee all eyes on you. The ASOS sequin skater dress ($62) is my personal pick — my favorite color, a flattering shape, and just the right amount of sparkle!

If your skin isn't as pasty as mine, might I suggest a little winter white? The ASOS peplum dress ($242) is a splurge-worthy statement piece while the ASOS sweetheart dress ($80) is a budget-friendly alternative that you can wear year-round.

And if you tend to favor the classics, here are two LBDs with a twist: a Zara low back dress ($79) and an ASOS polka dot lace dress ($80).

P.S. I'll be wearing this on New Year's Eve!

P.P.S. This holiday dress guide is just the beginning! Lots of gift guides coming your way after Thanksgiving :)

'Tis the season to fill your planner with parties and your closet with dresses! Here are a few numbers I'm eyeing for various rendez-vous this winter...

Step out in sequins! The ASOS gold strapless dress ($89) will guarantee all eyes on you. The ASOS sequin skater dress ($62) is my personal pick — my favorite color, a flattering shape, and just the right amount of sparkle!

If your skin isn't as pasty as mine, might I suggest a little winter white? The ASOS peplum dress ($242) is a splurge-worthy statement piece while the ASOS sweetheart dress ($80) is a budget-friendly alternative that you can wear year-round.

And if you tend to favor the classics, here are two LBDs with a twist: a Zara low back dress ($79) and an ASOS polka dot lace dress ($80).

P.S. I'll be wearing this on New Year's Eve!

P.P.S. This holiday dress guide is just the beginning! Lots of gift guides coming your way after Thanksgiving :)

Having A Moment {Cobalt}

I hope you'll all hop over to Houzz today where I'm debuting my very first idea book! I'm excited to share twenty cool products in keeping with the cobalt trend in fashion and decor. Think this bargain X bench, my favorite bar cart, and even a solar-powered globe! So. Cool.

I hope you'll all hop over to Houzz today where I'm debuting my very first idea book! I'm excited to share twenty cool products in keeping with the cobalt trend in fashion and decor. Think this bargain X bench, my favorite bar cart, and even a solar-powered globe! So. Cool.

The Design Dialogues {Alexandra Berlin}

I'm so excited to introduce you all to my friend Alex of the blog Things That Sparkle. Somehow between blogging, designing, and planning her wedding, Alex has been an incredible support to me as I venture into the uncertain territory of self-employment. Alex recently went back to school to study interior design before launching her own business! Here she is to tell you all about it.

Who you are:

Alex from Alexandra Berlin Design and Things That Sparkle

Where you are:

Chicago

Five words to describe yourself:

Creative, loving, honest, emotional, passionate.

How would you describe your aesthetic?

Classic. Glamorous. Warm. Eclectic.

Who are your style inspirations?

Oh, this is a tough one! There are so many. Bloggers are so incredibly inspiring because you're able to follow their process — it's so real and there's so much talent! I've also been finding inspiration among my favorite artists. You can create an entire room around a special piece of art! Pieces from Sally King Benedict, Lana Gomez and Amanda Talley inspire me all the time!

How did you decide you wanted to be an interior designer?

I was always one of those little kids who loved to rearrange my room and help my mom choose fabrics but it never occurred to me to make it a career. I graduated from college and went straight into advertising. After two years, I began to see it wasn't for me. I had just started my blog and realized so much of what I loved to blog about was interior design. All of a sudden, it clicked! I haven't looked back since.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?

Seeing clients happy with a home or a space they love and feel good in. That really is the best feeling — it sounds clichéd but it's the end goal of everything I do!

And the least glamorous aspect?

Missed deadlines by vendors and billing. Nothing glamorous about frustrated clients and spreadsheets.

What advice would you offer aspiring creatives?

Just do it! Seriously. If this is your passion, then follow it. There is nothing more fulfilling that doing what you love every day.

Where would you like your business to be in five years?

I'd like to have my own office space, expand my list of clients, and try some new types of projects, to name just a few!

Three items on your to do list:

If I'm really being honest... Pay the dog walker. Buy bedside lamps for client. Vacuum — So. Much. Dog. Fur. Isn't my life glamorous?

Three items on your wishlist:

Is this a dream wishlist or a realistic wishlist? I'll include both! My birthday is in a month... This perfect blush and chevron iPad cover. This perfect spin on monogramming. This Céline bag.

Three tasks on your bucket list.

Travel, travel, travel — Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, Prague, Istanbul, I could go on forever! Get another puppy — I've been dreaming of this ever since my dog turned one but sadly living in an apartment in the city is not conducive to two big dogs. Have my work published — it would be totally surreal to see my work on the pages of a magazine! Such a dream.

- - - 

Isn't she wonderful? I love her advice, "There is nothing more fulfilling that doing what you love every day." Now go check out her blog and say hello!

I'm so excited to introduce you all to my friend Alex of the blog Things That Sparkle. Somehow between blogging, designing, and planning her wedding, Alex has been an incredible support to me as I venture into the uncertain territory of self-employment. Alex recently went back to school to study interior design before launching her own business! Here she is to tell you all about it.

Who you are:

Alex from Alexandra Berlin Design and Things That Sparkle

Where you are:

Chicago

Five words to describe yourself:

Creative, loving, honest, emotional, passionate.

How would you describe your aesthetic?

Classic. Glamorous. Warm. Eclectic.

Who are your style inspirations?

Oh, this is a tough one! There are so many. Bloggers are so incredibly inspiring because you're able to follow their process — it's so real and there's so much talent! I've also been finding inspiration among my favorite artists. You can create an entire room around a special piece of art! Pieces from Sally King Benedict, Lana Gomez and Amanda Talley inspire me all the time!

How did you decide you wanted to be an interior designer?

I was always one of those little kids who loved to rearrange my room and help my mom choose fabrics but it never occurred to me to make it a career. I graduated from college and went straight into advertising. After two years, I began to see it wasn't for me. I had just started my blog and realized so much of what I loved to blog about was interior design. All of a sudden, it clicked! I haven't looked back since.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?

Seeing clients happy with a home or a space they love and feel good in. That really is the best feeling — it sounds clichéd but it's the end goal of everything I do!

And the least glamorous aspect?

Missed deadlines by vendors and billing. Nothing glamorous about frustrated clients and spreadsheets.

What advice would you offer aspiring creatives?

Just do it! Seriously. If this is your passion, then follow it. There is nothing more fulfilling that doing what you love every day.

Where would you like your business to be in five years?

I'd like to have my own office space, expand my list of clients, and try some new types of projects, to name just a few!

Three items on your to do list:

If I'm really being honest... Pay the dog walker. Buy bedside lamps for client. Vacuum — So. Much. Dog. Fur. Isn't my life glamorous?

Three items on your wishlist:

Is this a dream wishlist or a realistic wishlist? I'll include both! My birthday is in a month... This perfect blush and chevron iPad cover. This perfect spin on monogramming. This Céline bag.

Three tasks on your bucket list.

Travel, travel, travel — Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, Prague, Istanbul, I could go on forever! Get another puppy — I've been dreaming of this ever since my dog turned one but sadly living in an apartment in the city is not conducive to two big dogs. Have my work published — it would be totally surreal to see my work on the pages of a magazine! Such a dream.

- - - 

Isn't she wonderful? I love her advice, "There is nothing more fulfilling that doing what you love every day." Now go check out her blog and say hello!

Get started now.

One of the most ambitious goals on my 101 in 1001 list is to start my own company — as in I fully intend to have my own company within the next two years (the 1001 day mark is September 28, 2013). I wasn't expecting to hit the ground running this early on, but two months at a desk job made me realize that life is just too damn short to do anything that makes you unhappy. Just three weeks into self-employment, I've never been more confident that I'm pursuing the right path.

I love this quote for several reasons. Starting a business is never going to be easy. There's always going to be some reason not to do it. You're too young, you're worried about money, you're afraid of what other people will think. You're aware that it could totally backfire and leave you back at square one. But if it's the kind of challenge that's going to get you out of bed in the morning, excited about the possibilities — if it's the kind of thing that you'll look back on and regret not trying — then you know what you have to do.

My dad used to tell me, "He who has a beginning has half the deed done." In other words, sometimes making up your mind to do something is the hardest part. Taking that first leap of faith and committing yourself to a new venture is always daunting. But the peace of mind that follows and the excitement about what's ahead are every bit worth the initial anxiety.

Which is not to say that it'll be smooth sailing from here on out. That's another reason I love this quote. I know I don't have all the tools I need to succeed right this instant. Challenges and obstacles that I have no idea how to handle will inevitably pop up. But the opportunity for growth — for newfound strength, skill, self-confidence, and success — is not to be missed.

I'm in the early planning stages of my very own company and that's an absolutely exhilarating feeling. In fact, I highly recommend it ;)

One of the most ambitious goals on my 101 in 1001 list is to start my own company — as in I fully intend to have my own company within the next two years (the 1001 day mark is September 28, 2013). I wasn't expecting to hit the ground running this early on, but two months at a desk job made me realize that life is just too damn short to do anything that makes you unhappy. Just three weeks into self-employment, I've never been more confident that I'm pursuing the right path.

I love this quote for several reasons. Starting a business is never going to be easy. There's always going to be some reason not to do it. You're too young, you're worried about money, you're afraid of what other people will think. You're aware that it could totally backfire and leave you back at square one. But if it's the kind of challenge that's going to get you out of bed in the morning, excited about the possibilities — if it's the kind of thing that you'll look back on and regret not trying — then you know what you have to do.

My dad used to tell me, "He who has a beginning has half the deed done." In other words, sometimes making up your mind to do something is the hardest part. Taking that first leap of faith and committing yourself to a new venture is always daunting. But the peace of mind that follows and the excitement about what's ahead are every bit worth the initial anxiety.

Which is not to say that it'll be smooth sailing from here on out. That's another reason I love this quote. I know I don't have all the tools I need to succeed right this instant. Challenges and obstacles that I have no idea how to handle will inevitably pop up. But the opportunity for growth — for newfound strength, skill, self-confidence, and success — is not to be missed.

I'm in the early planning stages of my very own company and that's an absolutely exhilarating feeling. In fact, I highly recommend it ;)

Places & Spaces

A little collection of homes and interiors that have caught my eye recently... 

This perfect townhouse.

This sunny breakfast nook.

This hallway library.

These leather benches. (Same shape for less here.)

And this dreamy escape. What's stopping you in your tracks lately?

A little collection of homes and interiors that have caught my eye recently... 

This perfect townhouse.

This sunny breakfast nook.

This hallway library.

These leather benches. (Same shape for less here.)

And this dreamy escape. What's stopping you in your tracks lately?

Must. Have.

What to get for the girl who has everything? I don't know a single girl who doesn't need one of these gorgeous K. Slademade tassel clutches in her closet. 

Gold | Black

Both colors are totally versatile but the oversized tassel makes them party-appropriate as well. In fact I think the black one will be my go-to this holiday season!

What to get for the girl who has everything? I don't know a single girl who doesn't need one of these gorgeous K. Slademade tassel clutches in her closet. 

Gold | Black

Both colors are totally versatile but the oversized tassel makes them party-appropriate as well. In fact I think the black one will be my go-to this holiday season!

Reading List

One of the goals on my 101 in 1001 list is to begin my book collection with ten coffee table books. As my darling friend and fellow collector Christine would agree, this is one of those instances where it is absolutely okay to judge a book by its cover! Here are a few of the titles that are tickling my fancy...

Downtown Chic, $41 / Once Upon A Time, $77

Domino: The Book of Decorating, $20 / Style A to Zoe, $14

The Perfectly Imperfect Home, $18 / Details, $36

Allure, $24 / Who What Wear, $10 / Glamour: Making It Modern, $36

I already own Details, Domino, and Style A to Zoe and look forward to expanding my collection over time! These books are all from Barnes & Noble but I suggest keeping an eye on Joss & Main's frequent book sales as well! I scored Details for half price ;) What are your favorite coffee table books?

One of the goals on my 101 in 1001 list is to begin my book collection with ten coffee table books. As my darling friend and fellow collector Christine would agree, this is one of those instances where it is absolutely okay to judge a book by its cover! Here are a few of the titles that are tickling my fancy...

Downtown Chic, $41 / Once Upon A Time, $77

Domino: The Book of Decorating, $20 / Style A to Zoe, $14

The Perfectly Imperfect Home, $18 / Details, $36

Allure, $24 / Who What Wear, $10 / Glamour: Making It Modern, $36

I already own Details, Domino, and Style A to Zoe and look forward to expanding my collection over time! These books are all from Barnes & Noble but I suggest keeping an eye on Joss & Main's frequent book sales as well! I scored Details for half price ;) What are your favorite coffee table books?