Singin' the blues...

But only because it is c-h-i-l-l-y in Connecticut! Thankfully a handful of new arrivals at West Elm has me ready to curl up with a comfy throw and hibernate in style...

(1) Cotton rug, $29+

(2) Mercury glass votive, $5

(3) Throw blanket, $29

(4) Alphabet tray, $8

(5) Linen/cotton pillow cover, $19

If you're looking for me, I'll be lighting that mercury glass votive and snuggling up in the striped throw ;) How are you keeping cozy in your neck of the woods?

But only because it is c-h-i-l-l-y in Connecticut! Thankfully a handful of new arrivals at West Elm has me ready to curl up with a comfy throw and hibernate in style...

(1) Cotton rug, $29+

(2) Mercury glass votive, $5

(3) Throw blanket, $29

(4) Alphabet tray, $8

(5) Linen/cotton pillow cover, $19

If you're looking for me, I'll be lighting that mercury glass votive and snuggling up in the striped throw ;) How are you keeping cozy in your neck of the woods?

Uniform of the self-employed ;)

When I started working from home, I was convinced I'd wake up, get dressed, and put on makeup every single morning. Suffice it to say I have failed to live up to those expectations and my look is generally more like this — comfy pants, cozy vest, a piece or two of jewelry — and that's on a good day! Perhaps another new year's resolution in the works?

(1) J.Crew striped tee, $85

(2) Tory Burch logo studs, $58

(3) Topshop leggings, $24

(4) J.Crew leather iPhone case, $38 — love this for guys and girls!

(5) Juicy Couture faux fur vest, $140

(6) Report booties, $110

(7) Vince Camuto leopard bracelet, $98

Any other self-employed folks have the same "problem?"

When I started working from home, I was convinced I'd wake up, get dressed, and put on makeup every single morning. Suffice it to say I have failed to live up to those expectations and my look is generally more like this — comfy pants, cozy vest, a piece or two of jewelry — and that's on a good day! Perhaps another new year's resolution in the works?

(1) J.Crew striped tee, $85

(2) Tory Burch logo studs, $58

(3) Topshop leggings, $24

(4) J.Crew leather iPhone case, $38 — love this for guys and girls!

(5) Juicy Couture faux fur vest, $140

(6) Report booties, $110

(7) Vince Camuto leopard bracelet, $98

Any other self-employed folks have the same "problem?"

Matchbook January 2012

If you haven't already, you must go read Matchbook's January issue right this instant! In addition to the brilliant work of my dear friend Shannon, you'll find two pieces written by yours truly! It was an honor to sit down with Jessie Randall in her SoHo office and chat about her bustling shoe company, Loeffler Randall. Then artist Ashley Longshore had me in stitches over the phone with tales of her celebrity encounters (ahem, Blake Lively and Salma Hayek!). It's thrilling to see my name in one of my very favorite publications, next to some of my very favorite people — and I couldn't be happier that I'm officially a Matchbook girl! :)

If you haven't already, you must go read Matchbook's January issue right this instant! In addition to the brilliant work of my dear friend Shannon, you'll find two pieces written by yours truly! It was an honor to sit down with Jessie Randall in her SoHo office and chat about her bustling shoe company, Loeffler Randall. Then artist Ashley Longshore had me in stitches over the phone with tales of her celebrity encounters (ahem, Blake Lively and Salma Hayek!). It's thrilling to see my name in one of my very favorite publications, next to some of my very favorite people — and I couldn't be happier that I'm officially a Matchbook girl! :)

Shoe Dreams

Let's pretend for a moment that it's not freezing outdoors and that it's almost time to wear all the pretty spring shoes that stores are already putting on their shelves. Because these three [pricey] pairs make for some very lovely daydreams...

RED Valentino   /   KORS Michael Kors

See by Chloe   /   RED Valentino

Isn't your dream closet filled with bows, espadrilles, and scallops? Ahhh, shoes ;)

Let's pretend for a moment that it's not freezing outdoors and that it's almost time to wear all the pretty spring shoes that stores are already putting on their shelves. Because these three [pricey] pairs make for some very lovely daydreams...

RED Valentino   /   KORS Michael Kors

See by Chloe   /   RED Valentino

Isn't your dream closet filled with bows, espadrilles, and scallops? Ahhh, shoes ;)

Ikea Favorites

My parents are in the midst of redoing our family room and it's been fun to help them update the look from washed out beiges and tans to preppy navy blue and white. (Perhaps I need to take a few Instagram shots to share on Twitter!) When it came time to replace the sofa, they actually found two they love from Ikea — for just $399 each! And since Ikea is a budget-friendly option for so many shoppers, I decided it was high time I share a few of my favorite pieces.

(1) Expedit bookcase, $129

(2) Tobias chair, $80

(3) Rens faux sheepskin rug, $29

(4) Lack high gloss side table, $13

(5) Docksta dining table, $179

(6) Kivik sofa section, $199

I would never use all of these pieces in the same space but they are a great foundation for layering in different colors and textures — or tackling a few DIY projects! (Remember these? I'm also dying to try this, this, and this.) Have you used Ikea pieces in your home? I'd love to hear from you!

My parents are in the midst of redoing our family room and it's been fun to help them update the look from washed out beiges and tans to preppy navy blue and white. (Perhaps I need to take a few Instagram shots to share on Twitter!) When it came time to replace the sofa, they actually found two they love from Ikea — for just $399 each! And since Ikea is a budget-friendly option for so many shoppers, I decided it was high time I share a few of my favorite pieces.

(1) Expedit bookcase, $129

(2) Tobias chair, $80

(3) Rens faux sheepskin rug, $29

(4) Lack high gloss side table, $13

(5) Docksta dining table, $179

(6) Kivik sofa section, $199

I would never use all of these pieces in the same space but they are a great foundation for layering in different colors and textures — or tackling a few DIY projects! (Remember these? I'm also dying to try this, this, and this.) Have you used Ikea pieces in your home? I'd love to hear from you!

And so it begins...

...2012, of course, but also my post-holiday commitment to cutting down on the desserts and getting my butt to the gym. And, really, is there any better motivator than an adorable new bikini that beckons to be taken to the beach?

One-shouldered ruffled perfection, don't you think? Find it HERE.

...2012, of course, but also my post-holiday commitment to cutting down on the desserts and getting my butt to the gym. And, really, is there any better motivator than an adorable new bikini that beckons to be taken to the beach?

One-shouldered ruffled perfection, don't you think? Find it HERE.

Happy New Year!

2011 has been a big year: I graduated from college, moved to San Francisco, moved back to Connecticut, landed a job in New York, quit that job in New York, and decided to start my own business. All the while I was crossing things off my 101 in 1001 list, which I've now organized HERE so you can see every goal I've ever shared all in one place. Check it out and let me know which goals you hope to accomplish in the next 2.75 years!

I have big things in store for 2012 and I can't wait to share them with you every step of the way! I'll be launching my business, tackling more 101 in 1001 tasks, and of course sharing lots of pretty clothes and rooms as we go. Thank you for stopping by each day and lending your support in comments, emails, tweets, etc. I couldn't ask for better readers and I'm so excited for what this next year will bring! Thank you and Happy New Year!!!

2011 has been a big year: I graduated from college, moved to San Francisco, moved back to Connecticut, landed a job in New York, quit that job in New York, and decided to start my own business. All the while I was crossing things off my 101 in 1001 list, which I've now organized HERE so you can see every goal I've ever shared all in one place. Check it out and let me know which goals you hope to accomplish in the next 2.75 years!

I have big things in store for 2012 and I can't wait to share them with you every step of the way! I'll be launching my business, tackling more 101 in 1001 tasks, and of course sharing lots of pretty clothes and rooms as we go. Thank you for stopping by each day and lending your support in comments, emails, tweets, etc. I couldn't ask for better readers and I'm so excited for what this next year will bring! Thank you and Happy New Year!!!

Rachel Pally Stripe Cutout Dress

Navy and white stripes, universally flattering jersey, and easy to throw on for a dose of instant chic. Someway, somehow, I must own this dress!

Navy and white stripes, universally flattering jersey, and easy to throw on for a dose of instant chic. Someway, somehow, I must own this dress!

A few things...

1. I might have to let our dog Coach wear bows on a regular basis because I've decided this shot from Christmas morning is frame-worthy.

2. My Joss & Main sale ends in 24 hours! A few of my favorite items are still available: this hot pink slipper chair ($109), this aqua linen pillow ($79), and this Jonathan Adler lamp ($154). Sign up HERE and check it out!

3. Design Darling, L.L.C. became official this morning!!! I can't wait to fill you all in on what I've been working on. Let's just say there's a BIG surprise coming your way!

1. I might have to let our dog Coach wear bows on a regular basis because I've decided this shot from Christmas morning is frame-worthy.

2. My Joss & Main sale ends in 24 hours! A few of my favorite items are still available: this hot pink slipper chair ($109), this aqua linen pillow ($79), and this Jonathan Adler lamp ($154). Sign up HERE and check it out!

3. Design Darling, L.L.C. became official this morning!!! I can't wait to fill you all in on what I've been working on. Let's just say there's a BIG surprise coming your way!

Ski Bunny Chic

Did anyone have a white Christmas? It's been very mild on the east coast thus far but my boyfriend is skiing in Montana this week and it made me think to whip up a little winter look for those of you combatting cooler climes.

(1) Helene Berman vest (2) West Avenue monogram necklace (3) Ray-Ban sunglasses 
(4) Topshop leggings (5) Old Navy sweater (6) Sorel boots

(7) Anne Klein bracelet (8) ASOS coin purse


Perfectly cozy, whether you're braving the cold or brewing coffee indoors!

Did anyone have a white Christmas? It's been very mild on the east coast thus far but my boyfriend is skiing in Montana this week and it made me think to whip up a little winter look for those of you combatting cooler climes.

(1) Helene Berman vest (2) West Avenue monogram necklace (3) Ray-Ban sunglasses 
(4) Topshop leggings (5) Old Navy sweater (6) Sorel boots

(7) Anne Klein bracelet (8) ASOS coin purse


Perfectly cozy, whether you're braving the cold or brewing coffee indoors!