NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE

Have you shopped the Nordstrom anniversary sale? It's a great chance to scoop up fall favorites on sale before they go back to full-price in August. The number of items in the sale is a little overwhelming and things can sell out quickly so I rounded up 10 brands and items you won't want to miss:

Clarisonic Mia 2 skin cleansing system ($221 $149)

I've been hopelessly in love with my Clarisonic Mia for two years now. If you've been curious about giving it a try, I give it an enthusiastic two thumbs up. This set includes everything you need to get started, plus a replacement brush head for once you're hooked. Shop all Clarisonic here.

Hanky Panky low rise lace thongs ($20 $14)

Every girl's favorite underwear, available in every color under the sun. Shop all Hanky Panky here.

Kate Spade Lottie pump ($328 $219)

A classic nude pump you can wear to work, weddings, and everything in between. I also love this bow sweater and this classic watch. Shop all Kate Spade here.

Lauren Ralph Lauren quilted vest ($130 $79)

I want to cover my entire wardrobe in leather and suede patches so this quilted vest would fit right in. Shop all Lauren Ralph Lauren here.

NARS Schiap lip and nail set ($66 $52)

The best hot pink hue in lip gloss, lipstick, and nail polish. The pretty packaging is just the cherry on top. Shop all NARS here.

Stila lip glaze set ($110 $25)

Here's an idea: use these eight lip glosses as toppers for birthday and holiday gifts throughout the year. Just tie one on with a bow for extra pretty presents for the girly girls in your life!

The North Face rain jacket ($99 $73)

Maybe not the most exciting fashion purchase but bonus points for practicality. Available in four cute colors. Need something warmer? This navy parka ($289 $215) should do the trick. Shop all North Face here.

Tory Burch riding boots ($495 $299)

Tory Burch riding boots for under $300... Need I say more? Shop all Tory Burch here.

Vince mini cable sweater ($285 $189)

An everyday sweater staple you'll be happy to have in your closet come September. Available in navy and white. Shop all Vince here.

Zella workout capris ($44 $28)

I've heard great things about this activewear brand and now is the perfect time to stock up. If you're tired of t-shirts at the gym, pick up one of these tops ($58 $37) and you've got yourself a whole new look. Shop all Zella here.

Have you shopped the Nordstrom anniversary sale? It's a great chance to scoop up fall favorites on sale before they go back to full-price in August. The number of items in the sale is a little overwhelming and things can sell out quickly so I rounded up 10 brands and items you won't want to miss:

Clarisonic Mia 2 skin cleansing system ($221 $149)

I've been hopelessly in love with my Clarisonic Mia for two years now. If you've been curious about giving it a try, I give it an enthusiastic two thumbs up. This set includes everything you need to get started, plus a replacement brush head for once you're hooked. Shop all Clarisonic here.

Hanky Panky low rise lace thongs ($20 $14)

Every girl's favorite underwear, available in every color under the sun. Shop all Hanky Panky here.

Kate Spade Lottie pump ($328 $219)

A classic nude pump you can wear to work, weddings, and everything in between. I also love this bow sweater and this classic watch. Shop all Kate Spade here.

Lauren Ralph Lauren quilted vest ($130 $79)

I want to cover my entire wardrobe in leather and suede patches so this quilted vest would fit right in. Shop all Lauren Ralph Lauren here.

NARS Schiap lip and nail set ($66 $52)

The best hot pink hue in lip gloss, lipstick, and nail polish. The pretty packaging is just the cherry on top. Shop all NARS here.

Stila lip glaze set ($110 $25)

Here's an idea: use these eight lip glosses as toppers for birthday and holiday gifts throughout the year. Just tie one on with a bow for extra pretty presents for the girly girls in your life!

The North Face rain jacket ($99 $73)

Maybe not the most exciting fashion purchase but bonus points for practicality. Available in four cute colors. Need something warmer? This navy parka ($289 $215) should do the trick. Shop all North Face here.

Tory Burch riding boots ($495 $299)

Tory Burch riding boots for under $300... Need I say more? Shop all Tory Burch here.

Vince mini cable sweater ($285 $189)

An everyday sweater staple you'll be happy to have in your closet come September. Available in navy and white. Shop all Vince here.

Zella workout capris ($44 $28)

I've heard great things about this activewear brand and now is the perfect time to stock up. If you're tired of t-shirts at the gym, pick up one of these tops ($58 $37) and you've got yourself a whole new look. Shop all Zella here.

LOU & GREY CONCEPT STORE

Last night, Carly and I hosted a shopping event at Lou & Grey in Westport, Connecticut. The name might sound familiar if you're already a fan of Loft but this is the brand's first concept store and I loved getting to see it in person! Chambray, stripes, the sweetest saleswomen, and lots of adorable readers = a pretty good Thursday night in my book. Here are a few snaps from the event:

The Lou & Grey store is attached to the Loft next door but it has a totally different vibe: no signage, pretty tables styled with bits and baubles, and personal touches like art, books, and greenery.

Yes, those are chambray curtains with leather ties in the dressing rooms... A great reminder that design is in the details.

Obviously I made a beeline toward the blue and white section. The quality of their dresses and shirts is something you almost have to feel to believe — so. unbelievably. soft.

I settled on this striped sweatshirt tee with white jeans. I would legitimately buy bedding made out of this fabric but, until Lou & Grey surprises us with a home line, I'll settle for wearing this top day and night.

I'm admittedly not the biggest brick-and-mortar shopper so it makes a huge difference to me when a store feels like a true destination as opposed to a louder, messier extension of everything I can already see online. Everything at Lou & Grey was super streamlined and the women who worked there were the kind of cool girls you'd want to be best friends with. It's the kind of place you'd go to stock up on breezy basics before vacation (the woman in the next dressing room over was headed to LA) or just to pop in on your lunch break and see what's new (because there's no such thing as too many perfect white t-shirts).

The concept store also carries a number of products by independent designers like these amazing Proud Mary pillows. Each artisan's work is marked by an index card explaining where the designer is based and where that product was made. 

If you're Connecticut bound (or bred, like me!), you'll find Lou & Grey at 15 Main Street in Westport.

*This post is sponsored by Lou & Grey; all opinions are my own.

Last night, Carly and I hosted a shopping event at Lou & Grey in Westport, Connecticut. The name might sound familiar if you're already a fan of Loft but this is the brand's first concept store and I loved getting to see it in person! Chambray, stripes, the sweetest saleswomen, and lots of adorable readers = a pretty good Thursday night in my book. Here are a few snaps from the event:

The Lou & Grey store is attached to the Loft next door but it has a totally different vibe: no signage, pretty tables styled with bits and baubles, and personal touches like art, books, and greenery.

Yes, those are chambray curtains with leather ties in the dressing rooms... A great reminder that design is in the details.

Obviously I made a beeline toward the blue and white section. The quality of their dresses and shirts is something you almost have to feel to believe — so. unbelievably. soft.

I settled on this striped sweatshirt tee with white jeans. I would legitimately buy bedding made out of this fabric but, until Lou & Grey surprises us with a home line, I'll settle for wearing this top day and night.

I'm admittedly not the biggest brick-and-mortar shopper so it makes a huge difference to me when a store feels like a true destination as opposed to a louder, messier extension of everything I can already see online. Everything at Lou & Grey was super streamlined and the women who worked there were the kind of cool girls you'd want to be best friends with. It's the kind of place you'd go to stock up on breezy basics before vacation (the woman in the next dressing room over was headed to LA) or just to pop in on your lunch break and see what's new (because there's no such thing as too many perfect white t-shirts).

The concept store also carries a number of products by independent designers like these amazing Proud Mary pillows. Each artisan's work is marked by an index card explaining where the designer is based and where that product was made. 

If you're Connecticut bound (or bred, like me!), you'll find Lou & Grey at 15 Main Street in Westport.

*This post is sponsored by Lou & Grey; all opinions are my own.

10 UNDER $100

It's been too long since I did a round-up of budget-friendly buys for you and your home so here you go! You'll find a striped popover for $25, my new favorite flats, the pants that I'm dying to try on, and more:

Want me to try to track down an affordable option for you? Let me know what you're looking for in a comment below and I'll see what I can do for ya. Have a good one! xx

It's been too long since I did a round-up of budget-friendly buys for you and your home so here you go! You'll find a striped popover for $25, my new favorite flats, the pants that I'm dying to try on, and more:

Want me to try to track down an affordable option for you? Let me know what you're looking for in a comment below and I'll see what I can do for ya. Have a good one! xx

SO TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF...

Today I'm bringing back one of my all-time favorite features! Because I will (sadly!) probably never get to meet every single one of you in person, I love getting to know more about you through Design Darling! If you've been reading for years, you know the drill; if you're new here, copy and paste the questionnaire into the comments and be sure to read everyone else's — it's so much fun to see who's reading!

*image

Favorite season:

Next stamp in your passport:

...is always in my fridge:

Purchase you'll never regret:

If you could trade lives with anyone for a day, who would it be?

Copy and paste to leave your answers in the comments! Here are my answers:

Favorite season: Spring/summer
Next stamp in your passport: Bahamas in August!
...is always in my fridge: Snapple half and half #addicted
Purchase you'll never regret: my first Tory Burch bag

If you could trade lives with anyone for a day, who would it be? Jenna Lyons

Today I'm bringing back one of my all-time favorite features! Because I will (sadly!) probably never get to meet every single one of you in person, I love getting to know more about you through Design Darling! If you've been reading for years, you know the drill; if you're new here, copy and paste the questionnaire into the comments and be sure to read everyone else's — it's so much fun to see who's reading!

*image

Favorite season:

Next stamp in your passport:

...is always in my fridge:

Purchase you'll never regret:

If you could trade lives with anyone for a day, who would it be?

Copy and paste to leave your answers in the comments! Here are my answers:

Favorite season: Spring/summer
Next stamp in your passport: Bahamas in August!
...is always in my fridge: Snapple half and half #addicted
Purchase you'll never regret: my first Tory Burch bag

If you could trade lives with anyone for a day, who would it be? Jenna Lyons

H&M HOME LAUNCHES IN NEW YORK

Exciting news!!! H&M is launching its New York flagship on Fifth Avenue this week and it will be the first store in New York to carry their home line. (Don't worry — if you're not in NYC, you can shop the full collection online!) This is definitely going to become one of my go-to sources for decorating on a budget. Here are ten pieces that instantly caught my eye:

First row:  Ceramic jar ($5.95)  //  Zebra pillow cover ($9.95)  //  Bow hooks ($5.95 for two)

Second row:  Candle ($5.95)  //  Ceramic tray ($6.95)  //  Patterned plate ($5.95)

Third row:  Throw blanket ($19.95)  //  Storage basket ($17.95)  //  Pillar candle holder ($6.95)  //  Taper candle holder ($9.95)

How cute are those bow hooks?! I also thought a few of you who asked where the gold candle up in this photo was from would like the gold pillar holder above! Check out the collection online here and, if you are in New York, you can swing by the grand opening this Thursday, July 17, starting at noon. The address is 589 Fifth Avenue at 48th Street. I can't wait to check it out!

*Thank you to H&M for sponsoring this post!

Exciting news!!! H&M is launching its New York flagship on Fifth Avenue this week and it will be the first store in New York to carry their home line. (Don't worry — if you're not in NYC, you can shop the full collection online!) This is definitely going to become one of my go-to sources for decorating on a budget. Here are ten pieces that instantly caught my eye:

First row:  Ceramic jar ($5.95)  //  Zebra pillow cover ($9.95)  //  Bow hooks ($5.95 for two)

Second row:  Candle ($5.95)  //  Ceramic tray ($6.95)  //  Patterned plate ($5.95)

Third row:  Throw blanket ($19.95)  //  Storage basket ($17.95)  //  Pillar candle holder ($6.95)  //  Taper candle holder ($9.95)

How cute are those bow hooks?! I also thought a few of you who asked where the gold candle up in this photo was from would like the gold pillar holder above! Check out the collection online here and, if you are in New York, you can swing by the grand opening this Thursday, July 17, starting at noon. The address is 589 Fifth Avenue at 48th Street. I can't wait to check it out!

*Thank you to H&M for sponsoring this post!

WEEKEND RECAP

There are few things I love more than feeling like I really took advantage of a weekend. Will and I usually try to pencil in a dinner date, a double date or a group activity, and progress on one of our 101 in 1001 goals (he finally wrote his own list!). I thought it'd be fun to share a little glimpse into what I do each weekend... Think of it as a combination of a day in the life feature and my New York City guide posts (especially if you want a two-day itinerary for an upcoming trip!). Whether you're reading from afar or right around the corner, I hope it's a fun little read!

Friday, 5 p.m.

A call with Hanna to walk through final details for my blog redesign. Everything looks awesome and I give her my final stamp of approval. It should go live within the week — stay tuned! Obviously I celebrate the good news by popping into Sockerbit, the cutest little candy shop in the West Village, and stocking up on all things sour and cherry-flavored. (West Coast readers, they also have an LA location!)

Friday, 6 p.m.

I get a text from Katie Kime telling me my birdcage chair is ready for shipment. I freak out, text my mom, Instagram the photo, and get ready for dinner with Will and our friends Zach and Parker. We head out to Tertulia, a yummy tapas spot that makes an insanely good gin cocktail.

Saturday, 11:30 a.m. 

I head up to Columbia University to speak at the Her Campus conference with my girls Carly, Hallie, and Jess. It's my second panel of the week (Carly and I spoke at Smart Girls Group on Thursday!) and my blisters have blisters from running around in heels. I wore my Annie Griffin striped Olivia skirt (last seen here) with Ivanka Trump heels. Our panel goes off without a hitch and I get to meet lots of lovely readers afterwards! Meeting kindred spirits will forever be the best part of blogging.

Saturday, 2 p.m.

Will and I take advantage of being uptown and stroll down to lunch at Maison Kayser (one of my favorite spots when I lived on the Upper East Side!) and an afternoon at the Met (visiting three museums is on my 101 in 1001 list and Will had the Met on his as well!). No visit is complete without seeing the Temple of Dendur in the Sackler wing (that light!) and this trip I fall in love with the Charles Engelhard court (which I've been dying to see since seeing it on Jane's Instagram). 

Will wants to see the Impressionists and I have a favorite Chuck Close painting in the contemporary section so we battled the crowds and did a lot of walking. After the museum, we ran a couple errands, went to Nobu in TriBeCa for sushi (holy people watching...), and caught up on a couple hours of emails. P.S. Any recommendations for my next two museums?

Sunday, 10 a.m.

It's raining when we wake up to take Rory to the dog park so we head to the East Village for brunch instead. I found Prune through Instagram (where else?) over a year ago and am so glad to finally make it! The hot pink branding is to die for and I can't stop snapping photos. The iced coffee is so good I can drink it without a drop of milk (I usually like mine to taste closer to ice cream than black coffee...) and between the merveilles and the blueberry pancakes I'm on a major sugar high. I love love love trying new restaurants and this is definitely one I'll revisit. 

Sunday, 12:30 p.m.

All good things must come to end, but not before spotting the perfect pink building on our walk home! (Will spots it on East 5th Street and I take roughly 3,204 photos and ask myself why I don't live there.) Then we post up at Will's apartment, where I prepare this week's new arrivals, schedule a couple blog posts, and make a list of projects for my awesome interns to tackle this week! Any weekend that's a mix of good friends, good food, and good work is A-okay with me. 

What did you do this weekend? Any exciting plans for this coming one?!

There are few things I love more than feeling like I really took advantage of a weekend. Will and I usually try to pencil in a dinner date, a double date or a group activity, and progress on one of our 101 in 1001 goals (he finally wrote his own list!). I thought it'd be fun to share a little glimpse into what I do each weekend... Think of it as a combination of a day in the life feature and my New York City guide posts (especially if you want a two-day itinerary for an upcoming trip!). Whether you're reading from afar or right around the corner, I hope it's a fun little read!

Friday, 5 p.m.

A call with Hanna to walk through final details for my blog redesign. Everything looks awesome and I give her my final stamp of approval. It should go live within the week — stay tuned! Obviously I celebrate the good news by popping into Sockerbit, the cutest little candy shop in the West Village, and stocking up on all things sour and cherry-flavored. (West Coast readers, they also have an LA location!)

Friday, 6 p.m.

I get a text from Katie Kime telling me my birdcage chair is ready for shipment. I freak out, text my mom, Instagram the photo, and get ready for dinner with Will and our friends Zach and Parker. We head out to Tertulia, a yummy tapas spot that makes an insanely good gin cocktail.

Saturday, 11:30 a.m. 

I head up to Columbia University to speak at the Her Campus conference with my girls Carly, Hallie, and Jess. It's my second panel of the week (Carly and I spoke at Smart Girls Group on Thursday!) and my blisters have blisters from running around in heels. I wore my Annie Griffin striped Olivia skirt (last seen here) with Ivanka Trump heels. Our panel goes off without a hitch and I get to meet lots of lovely readers afterwards! Meeting kindred spirits will forever be the best part of blogging.

Saturday, 2 p.m.

Will and I take advantage of being uptown and stroll down to lunch at Maison Kayser (one of my favorite spots when I lived on the Upper East Side!) and an afternoon at the Met (visiting three museums is on my 101 in 1001 list and Will had the Met on his as well!). No visit is complete without seeing the Temple of Dendur in the Sackler wing (that light!) and this trip I fall in love with the Charles Engelhard court (which I've been dying to see since seeing it on Jane's Instagram). 

Will wants to see the Impressionists and I have a favorite Chuck Close painting in the contemporary section so we battled the crowds and did a lot of walking. After the museum, we ran a couple errands, went to Nobu in TriBeCa for sushi (holy people watching...), and caught up on a couple hours of emails. P.S. Any recommendations for my next two museums?

Sunday, 10 a.m.

It's raining when we wake up to take Rory to the dog park so we head to the East Village for brunch instead. I found Prune through Instagram (where else?) over a year ago and am so glad to finally make it! The hot pink branding is to die for and I can't stop snapping photos. The iced coffee is so good I can drink it without a drop of milk (I usually like mine to taste closer to ice cream than black coffee...) and between the merveilles and the blueberry pancakes I'm on a major sugar high. I love love love trying new restaurants and this is definitely one I'll revisit. 

Sunday, 12:30 p.m.

All good things must come to end, but not before spotting the perfect pink building on our walk home! (Will spots it on East 5th Street and I take roughly 3,204 photos and ask myself why I don't live there.) Then we post up at Will's apartment, where I prepare this week's new arrivals, schedule a couple blog posts, and make a list of projects for my awesome interns to tackle this week! Any weekend that's a mix of good friends, good food, and good work is A-okay with me. 

What did you do this weekend? Any exciting plans for this coming one?!

OUTFIT + GIVEAWAY {HAYDEN REIS + JACK ROGERS}

Nantucket never lets me down and this weekend was no exception. We had the best trip with a big group of friends plus my cousins and siblings all under one roof. We weathered a hurricane (rosé to the rescue!), had brunch with my grandmother, swam at Cisco, went to church in 'Sconset, and had ice cream cones at least once a day. Does it get better than that? I think not.

I managed to pack everything for three days/nights in one bag thanks to my new tote from Hayden Reis. It was designed just for me in hot pink and navy blue stripes and now you can scoop one up for yourselves on their website! I'll also note that I got a little too close to the water and the bag got drenched with my iPhone inside it. I almost panicked before realizing that the sailcloth exterior kept everything inside perfectly dry. 

Say hello to my new bikini... We're in love and it's getting serious. I tried it on in store at Topshop (and used my student discount for 10% off... never mind that I'm 24 and graduated three years ago) and couldn't leave the store without it. Seriously flattering. Order up one size, two if you have a bigger chest.

Jack Rogers sent over the most perfect sandals in this bright pink-y coral color. The Georgia Jelly sandals are perfect for the beach but could easily be dressed up for dinner in town. I love that they're reminiscent of the classic Navajo sandal but updated in plastic for those of us who don't take our Jacks off all summer.

You already saw the top to this monogrammed bikini but the little monogram on the bottoms is equally precious. The fit is also awesome and true to size if you're looking for a good basic for your next vacation!

Old Navy pom pom cover-up (sold out, love this)  //  Hayden Reis tote c/o ($123)

Topshop stripe frill bikini ($64)  //  Rah Rah monogrammed bikini bottoms c/o ($40)

Design Darling Turkish towel ($29)  //  Jack Rogers Georgica sandals c/o ($68)

Want to win the bag and the sandals? Follow the steps in the widget below and I'll contact the winner on Friday. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Photos by Amy Stone

Nantucket never lets me down and this weekend was no exception. We had the best trip with a big group of friends plus my cousins and siblings all under one roof. We weathered a hurricane (rosé to the rescue!), had brunch with my grandmother, swam at Cisco, went to church in 'Sconset, and had ice cream cones at least once a day. Does it get better than that? I think not.

I managed to pack everything for three days/nights in one bag thanks to my new tote from Hayden Reis. It was designed just for me in hot pink and navy blue stripes and now you can scoop one up for yourselves on their website! I'll also note that I got a little too close to the water and the bag got drenched with my iPhone inside it. I almost panicked before realizing that the sailcloth exterior kept everything inside perfectly dry. 

Say hello to my new bikini... We're in love and it's getting serious. I tried it on in store at Topshop (and used my student discount for 10% off... never mind that I'm 24 and graduated three years ago) and couldn't leave the store without it. Seriously flattering. Order up one size, two if you have a bigger chest.

Jack Rogers sent over the most perfect sandals in this bright pink-y coral color. The Georgia Jelly sandals are perfect for the beach but could easily be dressed up for dinner in town. I love that they're reminiscent of the classic Navajo sandal but updated in plastic for those of us who don't take our Jacks off all summer.

You already saw the top to this monogrammed bikini but the little monogram on the bottoms is equally precious. The fit is also awesome and true to size if you're looking for a good basic for your next vacation!

Old Navy pom pom cover-up (sold out, love this)  //  Hayden Reis tote c/o ($123)

Topshop stripe frill bikini ($64)  //  Rah Rah monogrammed bikini bottoms c/o ($40)

Design Darling Turkish towel ($29)  //  Jack Rogers Georgica sandals c/o ($68)

Want to win the bag and the sandals? Follow the steps in the widget below and I'll contact the winner on Friday. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Photos by Amy Stone

WEEKEND READING

Nate Berkus for Target candle — old, similar  //  Photo boxes

1. A cute update to the classic oxford shirt.

2. A no pressure guide to Morocco. I want to go so badly!

3. Chic hotels for your bucket list.

4. Find your dream bike.

5. Gingham. Romper. $47. Any questions?

6. Grace makes me want a navy jumpsuit, like, yesterday.

7. In favor of flats.

8. J.Crew mega sale! My favorite cashmere sweater ($248 $89), bright ballet flats ($150 $42), and the blazer I just bought ($350 $113). Use code SHOPMORE.

9. Love this quote.

10. Loved helping Jess cross this off her summer bucket list!

11. New arrivals!

12. So inspired by Cortney Novogratz.

13. Taylor Swift on the future of the music industry.

14. This silhouette flatters every shape — and it's only $53.

15. Want a cool weekend project? Sit down with a notebook and write yourself a 101 in 1001 list, then tweet me the link!

Nate Berkus for Target candle — old, similar  //  Photo boxes

1. A cute update to the classic oxford shirt.

2. A no pressure guide to Morocco. I want to go so badly!

3. Chic hotels for your bucket list.

4. Find your dream bike.

5. Gingham. Romper. $47. Any questions?

6. Grace makes me want a navy jumpsuit, like, yesterday.

7. In favor of flats.

8. J.Crew mega sale! My favorite cashmere sweater ($248 $89), bright ballet flats ($150 $42), and the blazer I just bought ($350 $113). Use code SHOPMORE.

9. Love this quote.

10. Loved helping Jess cross this off her summer bucket list!

11. New arrivals!

12. So inspired by Cortney Novogratz.

13. Taylor Swift on the future of the music industry.

14. This silhouette flatters every shape — and it's only $53.

15. Want a cool weekend project? Sit down with a notebook and write yourself a 101 in 1001 list, then tweet me the link!

GET THE LOOK: PINK FOYER

I was running through my list of daily reads when a post on Colleen's blog stopped me in my tracks. I've been following along as she decorates her new apartment and her new pink foyer is nothing short of perfection. In case you're similarly inspired and actually have a foyer to decorate, I decided to pull a few pieces to help recreate the look.

One Kings Lane mirror ($399) — budget-friendly option here!

PB Teen pink desk ($809) — I used this mostly for the visual; really I'd buy this and paint it this!

Target lamp ($154 for two)  //  One Kings Lane poufs ($99 each)

Target basket ($35)  //  Design Darling candle ($25)  //  Design Darling picture frame ($22)

Would you dare to think pink for your foyer? I love it but I know it might not be for everyone (especially those of you with live-in significant others!). Check out Colleen's post here and let me know what you think in the comments!

I was running through my list of daily reads when a post on Colleen's blog stopped me in my tracks. I've been following along as she decorates her new apartment and her new pink foyer is nothing short of perfection. In case you're similarly inspired and actually have a foyer to decorate, I decided to pull a few pieces to help recreate the look.

One Kings Lane mirror ($399) — budget-friendly option here!

PB Teen pink desk ($809) — I used this mostly for the visual; really I'd buy this and paint it this!

Target lamp ($154 for two)  //  One Kings Lane poufs ($99 each)

Target basket ($35)  //  Design Darling candle ($25)  //  Design Darling picture frame ($22)

Would you dare to think pink for your foyer? I love it but I know it might not be for everyone (especially those of you with live-in significant others!). Check out Colleen's post here and let me know what you think in the comments!

FOURTH OF JULY ON NANTUCKET

I think this was my favorite Fourth of July in recent memory. Unlike our trip in June, everything on the island was in bloom and it was warm enough to swim in the ocean. The waves were huge after the hurricane and I actually got sucked under at one point. Our family used to call that "getting boiled"... Not sure that that's a technical term but it's definitely a feeling I wouldn't wish on anyone. Scary! I made a not-so-graceful exit from the water and spent the rest of the day chatting and reading on the beach. Note to self: try not to drown next time and, if you are going to embarrass yourself, at least wear a really cute swimsuit while you do.

I packed my new favorite bikini from Topshop ($64) and my handy Turkish towel ($29). I use these guys for everything: the beach, weekends in the park, and even a makeshift scarf on chilly nights. Also available in navy and pink.

We schlepped my bicycle into the car and across the ferry only for it to pour rain the first day we were there. When I spotted this pretty bike parked at the beach, I had to take a snap! I can't wait to take it out for a spin on our next trip... Morning coffee runs, here I come! P.S. I was thinking about carrying cute bike baskets in the boutique; would anyone besides me be interested?!

Hydrangeas are one of my favorite flowers (tied with peonies and tulips). Can you even stand how gorgeous these are? There were mountains of them on every corner... Just one of many reasons why Nantucket is my favorite place on the planet.

Even a gray day is gorgeous with blooms like these. My iPhone was essentially a portfolio of pictures of hydrangeas all weekend. Not mad about it.

Thankfully the weather was much nicer on our second day so we drove out to 'Sconset in the morning to have brunch with my grandmother and walk out to the lighthouse. How pretty is the view of the Summer House? Fun fact: my mom had a summer job here in the 1970s. 

We went back out to 'Sconset for church on Sunday and of course I was late because I felt the need to photograph this car. Can you even?! Dream cottage, dream car, dream life.

In the afternoon, Amy and I popped into a bunch of shops in town. I love the little walkway to Peter Beaton, where my grandmother has her hats made and Amy picked up an adorable striped shirt.

The summer that I turned 16, I worked in the cutest flower shop on the island in the gift shop upstairs. My favorite job (besides cutting in flowers from the morning delivery because, really, who wouldn't want to be surrounded by fresh flowers all day?) was sorting all the grosgrain ribbon. At the time I would beg my mom to sew ribbon belts out of them; now I'm dreaming of a craft wall for wrapping packages for Design Darling!

You can usually count on me to forget at least one or two necessities when packing for a trip... This time it was an oxford shirt (ridiculous since I live in them every season). I borrowed Will's gingham shirt (J.Crew, $64), threw on my cross body bag (Tory Burch, $295 $206), and called it a day. Oh and the nail polish is Essie's Clambake — the perfect beach color.

Until next time!

P.S. Sailing Nantucket and what's in my summer bag.

I think this was my favorite Fourth of July in recent memory. Unlike our trip in June, everything on the island was in bloom and it was warm enough to swim in the ocean. The waves were huge after the hurricane and I actually got sucked under at one point. Our family used to call that "getting boiled"... Not sure that that's a technical term but it's definitely a feeling I wouldn't wish on anyone. Scary! I made a not-so-graceful exit from the water and spent the rest of the day chatting and reading on the beach. Note to self: try not to drown next time and, if you are going to embarrass yourself, at least wear a really cute swimsuit while you do.

I packed my new favorite bikini from Topshop ($64) and my handy Turkish towel ($29). I use these guys for everything: the beach, weekends in the park, and even a makeshift scarf on chilly nights. Also available in navy and pink.

We schlepped my bicycle into the car and across the ferry only for it to pour rain the first day we were there. When I spotted this pretty bike parked at the beach, I had to take a snap! I can't wait to take it out for a spin on our next trip... Morning coffee runs, here I come! P.S. I was thinking about carrying cute bike baskets in the boutique; would anyone besides me be interested?!

Hydrangeas are one of my favorite flowers (tied with peonies and tulips). Can you even stand how gorgeous these are? There were mountains of them on every corner... Just one of many reasons why Nantucket is my favorite place on the planet.

Even a gray day is gorgeous with blooms like these. My iPhone was essentially a portfolio of pictures of hydrangeas all weekend. Not mad about it.

Thankfully the weather was much nicer on our second day so we drove out to 'Sconset in the morning to have brunch with my grandmother and walk out to the lighthouse. How pretty is the view of the Summer House? Fun fact: my mom had a summer job here in the 1970s. 

We went back out to 'Sconset for church on Sunday and of course I was late because I felt the need to photograph this car. Can you even?! Dream cottage, dream car, dream life.

In the afternoon, Amy and I popped into a bunch of shops in town. I love the little walkway to Peter Beaton, where my grandmother has her hats made and Amy picked up an adorable striped shirt.

The summer that I turned 16, I worked in the cutest flower shop on the island in the gift shop upstairs. My favorite job (besides cutting in flowers from the morning delivery because, really, who wouldn't want to be surrounded by fresh flowers all day?) was sorting all the grosgrain ribbon. At the time I would beg my mom to sew ribbon belts out of them; now I'm dreaming of a craft wall for wrapping packages for Design Darling!

You can usually count on me to forget at least one or two necessities when packing for a trip... This time it was an oxford shirt (ridiculous since I live in them every season). I borrowed Will's gingham shirt (J.Crew, $64), threw on my cross body bag (Tory Burch, $295 $206), and called it a day. Oh and the nail polish is Essie's Clambake — the perfect beach color.

Until next time!

P.S. Sailing Nantucket and what's in my summer bag.