Wanderlust

It gets to the point every Connecticut winter (even when it's as mild as this one has been) that I'm itching for a little escape. My boyfriend and I booked a weekend trip to Concord, Massachusetts, for March and I've already penciled in Nantucket for the 4th of July. Can you say overeager?

This insane bathroom featured in Lonny (which, by the way, is going monthly — have you heard?) rather strikes my fancy for that reason. Where are you itching to travel these days?

It gets to the point every Connecticut winter (even when it's as mild as this one has been) that I'm itching for a little escape. My boyfriend and I booked a weekend trip to Concord, Massachusetts, for March and I've already penciled in Nantucket for the 4th of July. Can you say overeager?

This insane bathroom featured in Lonny (which, by the way, is going monthly — have you heard?) rather strikes my fancy for that reason. Where are you itching to travel these days?

On My Radar

A pretty pink blouse, an affordable camel cape, and the most perfect pair of striped espadrilles...

ONE Tucker blouse, $294 / TWO Target cape, $17

THREE Nars "Carthage" lipstick, $25 / FOUR Loren Hope/Society Social cocktail ring, $58

FIVE Dani Notes iPhone case, $55 / SIX Asos bow belt, $14

SEVEN Tory Burch envelope bag, $275 / EIGHT Tory Burch espadrilles, $195

What's on your radar lately?

A pretty pink blouse, an affordable camel cape, and the most perfect pair of striped espadrilles...

ONE Tucker blouse, $294 / TWO Target cape, $17

THREE Nars "Carthage" lipstick, $25 / FOUR Loren Hope/Society Social cocktail ring, $58

FIVE Dani Notes iPhone case, $55 / SIX Asos bow belt, $14

SEVEN Tory Burch envelope bag, $275 / EIGHT Tory Burch espadrilles, $195

What's on your radar lately?

Desk du jour

It doesn't get much preppier than good old pink and green. This cheery space is the work of interior designer Ana Cordeiro...

I decided to whip up a little inspiration board for those of you eager to recreate the look!

Trina Turk pillow ($99) / Luxury Monograms pillow ($75)

Gallery Wall watercolor ($10) / Society Social chair ($425 for two)

Ikea desk ($129) / Container Store document box ($13 each)

Ferm Living vase ($42) / Container Store lacquer boxes in pink and green ($18 each)

Furbish pouf ($285)

What do you think?!

It doesn't get much preppier than good old pink and green. This cheery space is the work of interior designer Ana Cordeiro...

I decided to whip up a little inspiration board for those of you eager to recreate the look!

Trina Turk pillow ($99) / Luxury Monograms pillow ($75)

Gallery Wall watercolor ($10) / Society Social chair ($425 for two)

Ikea desk ($129) / Container Store document box ($13 each)

Ferm Living vase ($42) / Container Store lacquer boxes in pink and green ($18 each)

Furbish pouf ($285)

What do you think?!

Quote of the day...

I needed this one today. 

More quotes on Design Darling's Facebook page.

I needed this one today. 

More quotes on Design Darling's Facebook page.

Tortoiseshell Glasses

Have you noticed that every celebrity and fashion blogger is most often photographed in sunglasses? I think there's a rhyme to their reason. Here are a few pairs I wouldn't mind adding to my collection (perhaps a post-launch gift to myself?)...

ONE Karen Walker, $180

TWO House of Harlow, $125

THREE Urban Outfitters, $16

FOUR C. Wonder, $68

FIVE Elizabeth & James, $180

Whether you're screening yourself from the sun, keeping yourself from squinting, or mugging for the camera, there's a pair of tortoiseshell glasses for everyone! Which pair is your favorite?

Have you noticed that every celebrity and fashion blogger is most often photographed in sunglasses? I think there's a rhyme to their reason. Here are a few pairs I wouldn't mind adding to my collection (perhaps a post-launch gift to myself?)...

ONE Karen Walker, $180

TWO House of Harlow, $125

THREE Urban Outfitters, $16

FOUR C. Wonder, $68

FIVE Elizabeth & James, $180

Whether you're screening yourself from the sun, keeping yourself from squinting, or mugging for the camera, there's a pair of tortoiseshell glasses for everyone! Which pair is your favorite?

Faux Calligraphy

One of the tasks on my 101 in 1001 list is to take a calligraphy lesson. Since that's not exactly in the cards right now, I was absolutely thrilled to stumble upon this tutorial for "faux calligraphy" from Jones Design Company via Pinterest.

{photos taken with Instagram}

I played around with different scripts and I have to say I love the way they turned out! In fact I'm afraid I've created a monster ;) Of course it's not as good as the real deal but it'll definitely tide me over... and give me a reason to keep practicing!

One of the tasks on my 101 in 1001 list is to take a calligraphy lesson. Since that's not exactly in the cards right now, I was absolutely thrilled to stumble upon this tutorial for "faux calligraphy" from Jones Design Company via Pinterest.

{photos taken with Instagram}

I played around with different scripts and I have to say I love the way they turned out! In fact I'm afraid I've created a monster ;) Of course it's not as good as the real deal but it'll definitely tide me over... and give me a reason to keep practicing!

{The Romper} Love it or leave it?

I expect you'll all have mixed reviews of today's post but I'm dying to know where you stand! I think rompers are an adorable alternative to dresses and skirts — and super comfy to boot!

findersKEEPERS romper, $110

I love this playful halter romper — I want to wear it for the Fourth of July!

Dolce Vita romper, $220

This is a more office-appropriate option with a blouse top and striped bottoms. So cute, right?

- - -

So would you ever wear a romper? Do chime in!

I expect you'll all have mixed reviews of today's post but I'm dying to know where you stand! I think rompers are an adorable alternative to dresses and skirts — and super comfy to boot!

findersKEEPERS romper, $110

I love this playful halter romper — I want to wear it for the Fourth of July!

Dolce Vita romper, $220

This is a more office-appropriate option with a blouse top and striped bottoms. So cute, right?

- - -

So would you ever wear a romper? Do chime in!

Instagram Updates

Sneak peek alert! These pillows for my new boutique arrived this morning and I love them so much I might have to save a few for myself! Make sure you're following me on Instagram (mackenziehoran) and Twitter (@mackenziehoran) for more sneak peeks.

Sometimes the weekends call for coffee ice cream and a new coffee table book. I bought this one on Joss & Main and loved reading about preppy style icons and Polo ad campaigns from back in the day.

My mom and I picked up a few things from Old Navy and I can't wait to wear everything we found! Boatneck tee in light blue and navy (for just $14 — hello, no brainer!) and hot pink maxi skirt ($25) that is absolutely adorable in person!

I'm keeping up with the February Photo A Day Challenge. Here's what you need to join in and be sure to follow along with #febphotoaday!

Sneak peek alert! These pillows for my new boutique arrived this morning and I love them so much I might have to save a few for myself! Make sure you're following me on Instagram (mackenziehoran) and Twitter (@mackenziehoran) for more sneak peeks.

Sometimes the weekends call for coffee ice cream and a new coffee table book. I bought this one on Joss & Main and loved reading about preppy style icons and Polo ad campaigns from back in the day.

My mom and I picked up a few things from Old Navy and I can't wait to wear everything we found! Boatneck tee in light blue and navy (for just $14 — hello, no brainer!) and hot pink maxi skirt ($25) that is absolutely adorable in person!

I'm keeping up with the February Photo A Day Challenge. Here's what you need to join in and be sure to follow along with #febphotoaday!

Matchbook Magazine February 2012

I was thrilled to contribute to the impressive anniversary issue of Matchbook. The editors' letter made me tear up, the market picks were flawless as usual, and I got to interview design icons Jonathan Adler and Jules Reid! It's such an honor to be part of this inspiring publication and I do hope you'll all sit down with the new issue when you have a moment. If only for that shot of the Greenbrier Resort... I think my new favorite color combination involves mint green, gold, and hot pink! ;) 

I was thrilled to contribute to the impressive anniversary issue of Matchbook. The editors' letter made me tear up, the market picks were flawless as usual, and I got to interview design icons Jonathan Adler and Jules Reid! It's such an honor to be part of this inspiring publication and I do hope you'll all sit down with the new issue when you have a moment. If only for that shot of the Greenbrier Resort... I think my new favorite color combination involves mint green, gold, and hot pink! ;) 

Yours Truly on Stripes & Sequins!

Won't you please pop over to Stripes & Sequins today? Grace writes an adorable blog, does social media for Bauble Bar (#major), and was sweet enough to ask little ole me a few questions about my new business! Go say hi!

Won't you please pop over to Stripes & Sequins today? Grace writes an adorable blog, does social media for Bauble Bar (#major), and was sweet enough to ask little ole me a few questions about my new business! Go say hi!