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Design Darling on Unabashedly Prep

Yesterday the impeccably dressed Fred held the subway door for me and took my picture at Lincoln Center. I do look rather happy, don't I? 

J.Crew blazer, Rugby chambray shirt (similar here), Longchamp tote, J.Crew signet ring, Dani Notes iPhone case, Rugby jeans (similar here), Madewell boots (similar here and here).

Lela Rose & Chris Benz

Did you know that #17 on my 101 in 1001 list was to attend one show at New York Fashion Week? Leave it to the Matchbook girls to make my dreams come true this week!
The weather in New York has been c-o-l-d. I swear the plaza Lincoln Center was a wind tunnel... #brrr
On Sunday, Jane and I attended the Lela Rose show. Lots of florals, navy, and sparkle — I couldn't have been happier!
On Monday, we headed to the Chris Benz presentation. A true Matchbook boy if there ever were one! His girly silhouettes and 60s styling provided lots of eye candy.
I rather liked my outfit yesterday! J.Crew blazer (are you sick of seeing me wear this yet?), Rugby chambray shirt (similar here), Rugby yellow jeans (similar here). 
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What a week! Now I need a serious catch-up date with my laptop, a latté, and a roaring fire. P.S. Happy Valentine's Day! 

New York Fashion Week!

Is it Monday already? I've had such a busy few days that I swear I'm losing track of time. My new boutique will be here before you know it! In the mean time, here's what I've been up to...
On Friday morning, I met up with Carly from The College Prepster! We've been emailing back and forth for a year now so it was great to finally connect in person. We are kindred spirits in more ways than one! {Wearing J.Crew pants and Zara pumps (similar here).}
I was so thrilled to attend the Kate Spade presentation with Jane on behalf of Matchbook. Bows, polka dots, and stripes... I was in Matchbook girl heaven!
I was totally starstruck to meet Brad Goreski. I told him my mom and I watch his show every week and he said, "Tell her I say hi — I love moms!" Too cute and so down-to-earth.
Carly and I had our hair done at Drybar, a blowout salon where you pay just $40 and choose your style from a menu. I got the "Mai Tai" and loved my loose curls! {Wearing Ralph Lauren sweater, Zara vest (similar here), and H&M belt (similar here).}
We then had dinner with Alex from Dreams + Jeans at Café Gitane. An adorable spot and even cuter company (albeit a lousy photo!). {Wearing J.Crew blazer, J.Crew t-shirt, and Old Navy skirt.}
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It was so much fun to connect with lots of amazing people! I'll be back tomorrow with a few snaps from Lela Rose and Chris Benz as well ;) Seriously pinching myself!

The Little Pink Dress

No offense to the little black dress but I'm craving a little more color these days. This picture of hottie Miranda Kerr has me thinking about investing in a little pink dress of my own...
Alice + Olivia ($198) Naven ($330) ASOS ($62)

Who's with me?!

Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference

Yesterday I was fortunate to attend the Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference (#IFBcon) in New York. It was a treat to hang with some of my favorite bloggers and meet several of my awesome readers! I even worked up the nerve to ask Emily of Cupcakes & Cashmere a question on editorial calendars after her panel:
Thankfully you can't tell that I was shaking like a leaf! I wore my J.Crew blazer, J.Crew pants, and ASOS flats. Here are a few of the things I learned...


- The blog is the new résumé and the ultimate calling card. What does yours say about you?

- Bloggers and editors have hired their assistants after reading particularly insightful blog comments. Comment away!


- Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, Twitter... It’s too much for one person to utilize every single platform effectively without duplicating content. Focus on a few platforms and do them really well.

- When it comes to social media, would you be interested in reading what you write? That’s always a good filter to determine if you’re putting out meaningful content.

- Take the extra two seconds to spell out b-e or y-o-u-r, even when you’re facing a 140 character limit. It’s so much more professional!


- Don't jump at the first opportunity that comes your way. The brands you partner with are a reflection of your brand and your taste. Quality over quantity is key!

- Work with brands whose clothes you actually wear. And don't be afraid to pitch your favorite brands when you have a great idea for a partnership! 

When you blog, you’re creating a brand and a persona. Whether you want a book deal, a styling gig, or a TV show, you can market that personal brand and parlay it into whatever you want.


- Bloggers need to make money too. Don't be afraid to ask for what you're worth!

- When it comes to advertising, here’s a good rule of thumb: if three people will pay it, it’s time to increase your rate!

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All in all, I had a great time and came home with lots to think about in terms of my own personal brand. I hope these tips will come in handy for some of you too!

Tory Burch Color-Blocked Espadrilles


...And that's all I have to say about that. Buy yours here.

P.S. I'll be in New York today at the Independent Fashion Bloggers conference meeting lots of stylish ladies and listening to some very inspiring speakers! I can't wait to report back.

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?

On My Radar

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



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!

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

What do you think?!


Quote of the day...

I needed this one today.