So tell me about yourself, again!

One of my favorite posts ever, ever, ever is this one right here when you all chimed in with answers to a few fun questions. I was so blown away by the response and loved reading about you all so much that I've decided to bring it back every so often just to touch base with you and give new readers a chance to introduce themselves!

{image via Note To Self}

Where you spend the holidays:

Favorite indulgence:

Heels or flats?

Next home project you're tackling:

New Year's resolution:

Blog(s) rocking my world lately:

Copy and paste to leave your answers as a comment! Here are my answers:

Where you spend the holidays: At home in Connecticut.

Favorite indulgence: Mani/pedis.

Heels or flats? Heels.

Next home project you're tackling: Finding the perfect lacquer tray and throw blanket for my nonexistent apartment. (Any recommendations?!)

New Year's resolution: Keep checking things off my 101 in 1001 list!

Blog(s) rocking my world lately: Note To Self and Sequins & Stripes

Now go on and tell me about y-o-u! Can't wait to read them all :)

One of my favorite posts ever, ever, ever is this one right here when you all chimed in with answers to a few fun questions. I was so blown away by the response and loved reading about you all so much that I've decided to bring it back every so often just to touch base with you and give new readers a chance to introduce themselves!

{image via Note To Self}

Where you spend the holidays:

Favorite indulgence:

Heels or flats?

Next home project you're tackling:

New Year's resolution:

Blog(s) rocking my world lately:

Copy and paste to leave your answers as a comment! Here are my answers:

Where you spend the holidays: At home in Connecticut.

Favorite indulgence: Mani/pedis.

Heels or flats? Heels.

Next home project you're tackling: Finding the perfect lacquer tray and throw blanket for my nonexistent apartment. (Any recommendations?!)

New Year's resolution: Keep checking things off my 101 in 1001 list!

Blog(s) rocking my world lately: Note To Self and Sequins & Stripes

Now go on and tell me about y-o-u! Can't wait to read them all :)

Très Jolie

Pink and navy, color-blocked, gold toggle closure. Need I say more? Get it here.

Pink and navy, color-blocked, gold toggle closure. Need I say more? Get it here.

Be My Guest

I was delighted to fill in for these lovely ladies with a few more gift guides this holiday season! Here's what I've been up to...

{A Lovely Being}

{Cove & Grey}

{Fifi Cheek}

{Twirling Clare}

Definitely stop in to say hi...or finish up your holiday shopping ;)

I was delighted to fill in for these lovely ladies with a few more gift guides this holiday season! Here's what I've been up to...

{A Lovely Being}

{Cove & Grey}

{Fifi Cheek}

{Twirling Clare}

Definitely stop in to say hi...or finish up your holiday shopping ;)

Lulu Frost Code Rings

I know Lulu Frost's code rings are nothing new but I can't get them out of my head! They'll cost you a pretty penny but they'd be perfect to commemorate an important occasion like an anniversary or a birthday. My lucky number is 7...but my birthday is 8/9/89 ;) Which number would you choose?

I know Lulu Frost's code rings are nothing new but I can't get them out of my head! They'll cost you a pretty penny but they'd be perfect to commemorate an important occasion like an anniversary or a birthday. My lucky number is 7...but my birthday is 8/9/89 ;) Which number would you choose?

Black + White

We all have those moments when we stare at a closet overflowing with clothes and think, "I have absolutely nothing to wear." It's easy to look at something you've worn a hundred times and feel less than enthused about wearing it again. This week I'm reminding myself that I can always fall back on classic black and white, especially when it looks this good...

Haute Hippie blouse, $285 / Adia Kibur necklace, $84

Thread Social skirt, on sale for $136 / Parker dress, $242

Kate Spade bow bangle, $128 / Steve Madden pumps, $99

J.Crew clutch, $68

My go-to color has long been navy blue so this is a nice reminder to go back to basics. What's your tried-and-true color combination?

We all have those moments when we stare at a closet overflowing with clothes and think, "I have absolutely nothing to wear." It's easy to look at something you've worn a hundred times and feel less than enthused about wearing it again. This week I'm reminding myself that I can always fall back on classic black and white, especially when it looks this good...

Haute Hippie blouse, $285 / Adia Kibur necklace, $84

Thread Social skirt, on sale for $136 / Parker dress, $242

Kate Spade bow bangle, $128 / Steve Madden pumps, $99

J.Crew clutch, $68

My go-to color has long been navy blue so this is a nice reminder to go back to basics. What's your tried-and-true color combination?

This & That

Just two lovely spaces that look even better together. Happy Monday everyone!

{both via my interiors board on Pinterest!}

Just two lovely spaces that look even better together. Happy Monday everyone!

{both via my interiors board on Pinterest!}

Blue & Bold

I love a room that makes me stop and go, "I would never have thought of that!" Whether it's a patterned wallpaper or a statement wall, these rooms have major "wow" factor — in my favorite color, of course.

{Ashley Whittaker}

{Kirsten Krason}

{Naomi Stein}

I'm usually not a big fan of zebra print but somehow I love it in blue and white. Then there's the perfect pop of reddish pink from the framed flamingos in Kirsten's powder room. But Naomi's desk takes the cake for me. I would never have dared to pair such bright hues and yet the result is so visually arresting that I come back and stare at it probably once a day. Brilliant! 

- - - 

Wishing you a wonderful weekend that's as fun and playful as these interiors! What do you have planned?

I love a room that makes me stop and go, "I would never have thought of that!" Whether it's a patterned wallpaper or a statement wall, these rooms have major "wow" factor — in my favorite color, of course.

{Ashley Whittaker}

{Kirsten Krason}

{Naomi Stein}

I'm usually not a big fan of zebra print but somehow I love it in blue and white. Then there's the perfect pop of reddish pink from the framed flamingos in Kirsten's powder room. But Naomi's desk takes the cake for me. I would never have dared to pair such bright hues and yet the result is so visually arresting that I come back and stare at it probably once a day. Brilliant! 

- - - 

Wishing you a wonderful weekend that's as fun and playful as these interiors! What do you have planned?

Red + Pink

I almost never blog about the color red. The reason is pretty simple: as a redhead, I try to stay far, far away. But then my friend Bailey pinned these two ensembles and got my creative juices flowing...

First of all, Emma Stone is a redhead. Second, both of these ladies look fantastic in red and pink. I decided that maybe, just maybe, if I wore pink on top and kept the red away from my hair, I could give it a go.

{1} Tibi silk top, $160 {2} Loren Hope necklace, $88

{3} Modcloth skirt, $42 {4} Deborah Lippman nail polish, $16

{5} J.Crew bangles, $35 each {6} ASOS pointed toe pumps, $54

{7} Michael Kors ring, $85


If you prefer long sleeves à la Emma and SJP, I'm also liking this hot pink top. What do you think? Could I pull it off? Would you ever pair red and pink?

I almost never blog about the color red. The reason is pretty simple: as a redhead, I try to stay far, far away. But then my friend Bailey pinned these two ensembles and got my creative juices flowing...

First of all, Emma Stone is a redhead. Second, both of these ladies look fantastic in red and pink. I decided that maybe, just maybe, if I wore pink on top and kept the red away from my hair, I could give it a go.

{1} Tibi silk top, $160 {2} Loren Hope necklace, $88

{3} Modcloth skirt, $42 {4} Deborah Lippman nail polish, $16

{5} J.Crew bangles, $35 each {6} ASOS pointed toe pumps, $54

{7} Michael Kors ring, $85


If you prefer long sleeves à la Emma and SJP, I'm also liking this hot pink top. What do you think? Could I pull it off? Would you ever pair red and pink?

Exterior Inspiration

The latest victim of my type A personality was my Pinterest account. Overwhelmed by the number of pins on my Interiors board, I decided to create separate boards for Dream Home and Exteriors. These come from my Exteriors board but do check out the rest!

Some day ;) How do you organize your inspiration? Are you on Pinterest? If so, do share the link in the comments!

The latest victim of my type A personality was my Pinterest account. Overwhelmed by the number of pins on my Interiors board, I decided to create separate boards for Dream Home and Exteriors. These come from my Exteriors board but do check out the rest!

Some day ;) How do you organize your inspiration? Are you on Pinterest? If so, do share the link in the comments!

Boucle + Neon

Dear ASOS boucle jacket with neon detail, 

You are perfect in every way. I love your cropped silhouette, your shoulder detail, and most of all your neon pink trim. I probably wouldn't style you with a pale yellow t-shirt but the fact that I could pair you with your matching shorts or my favorite pair of skinny jeans makes you all the more lovable in my eyes. 

xx

Mackenzie

Dear ASOS boucle jacket with neon detail, 

You are perfect in every way. I love your cropped silhouette, your shoulder detail, and most of all your neon pink trim. I probably wouldn't style you with a pale yellow t-shirt but the fact that I could pair you with your matching shorts or my favorite pair of skinny jeans makes you all the more lovable in my eyes. 

xx

Mackenzie

GIFT GUIDE: FOR THE BOYS

Thanks for tuning in to my fourth and final gift guide this season! Following gifts under $25, under $50, and under $100, today I'm saying, "Let's hear it for the boys!"

{1} J.Crew leather flask, $42 {2} J.Crew Saturdays t-shirt, $40

{3} Sporting tickets (can't go wrong!) {4} J.Crew skinny knit tie, $49

{5} Kiel James Patrick bow tie, $65 {6} Sorel boots, $115

It will come as no surprise to my boyfriend that this list is comprised primarily of items from J.Crew. I just don't think anyone does menswear better! I have one more idea that didn't work itself into this layout and that's gifting an experience. How, you might ask? Lately I've been obsessed with checking LivingSocial for local deals at restaurants and weekend getaways in the area. I won't give too much away but let's just say I've made a few purchases there this season! What are your favorite gifts for the boys?

Thanks for tuning in to my fourth and final gift guide this season! Following gifts under $25, under $50, and under $100, today I'm saying, "Let's hear it for the boys!"

{1} J.Crew leather flask, $42 {2} J.Crew Saturdays t-shirt, $40

{3} Sporting tickets (can't go wrong!) {4} J.Crew skinny knit tie, $49

{5} Kiel James Patrick bow tie, $65 {6} Sorel boots, $115

It will come as no surprise to my boyfriend that this list is comprised primarily of items from J.Crew. I just don't think anyone does menswear better! I have one more idea that didn't work itself into this layout and that's gifting an experience. How, you might ask? Lately I've been obsessed with checking LivingSocial for local deals at restaurants and weekend getaways in the area. I won't give too much away but let's just say I've made a few purchases there this season! What are your favorite gifts for the boys?

Bienvenue Beeta!

I'm excited to be welcoming a new sponsor to the mix here on Design Darling! Beeta is an Etsy shop filled with handmade infinity scarves that are as cozy as they are cute. Do drop in and add the shop to your favorites!

- - -

Interested in sponsoring Design Darling? Reach thousands of stylish readers each day for rates that keep small businesses in mind. Email me for rates and traffic statistics!

I'm excited to be welcoming a new sponsor to the mix here on Design Darling! Beeta is an Etsy shop filled with handmade infinity scarves that are as cozy as they are cute. Do drop in and add the shop to your favorites!

- - -

Interested in sponsoring Design Darling? Reach thousands of stylish readers each day for rates that keep small businesses in mind. Email me for rates and traffic statistics!

GIFT GUIDE: EVERYTHING UNDER $100

We've done gifts under $25 and gifts under $50 so now it's time for gifts under $100! These are lovely little luxuries for the most wonderful women in your life. I'd try to pick a favorite but I'm afraid it's no use...

{1} J.Crew bow clutch, $88 {2} Loren Hope necklace, $80 

{3} J.Crew pajama set, $78  {4} Once Upon A Time by Slim Aarons, $54

{5} Graphic Image leather planner, $86 {6} Kate Spade bow ring, $75

{7} Luxury Monograms pillow, $95 {8} Bellissima tortoise bangles, $68 each

{9} K. Slademade tassel clutch, $62

Whether you fancy a classic monogram, a cozy pajama set, or a life-of-the-party clutch, I hope you've found something you love! I'll be back tomorrow with a gift guide for the boys. What are your favorite gifts under $100?

We've done gifts under $25 and gifts under $50 so now it's time for gifts under $100! These are lovely little luxuries for the most wonderful women in your life. I'd try to pick a favorite but I'm afraid it's no use...

{1} J.Crew bow clutch, $88 {2} Loren Hope necklace, $80 

{3} J.Crew pajama set, $78  {4} Once Upon A Time by Slim Aarons, $54

{5} Graphic Image leather planner, $86 {6} Kate Spade bow ring, $75

{7} Luxury Monograms pillow, $95 {8} Bellissima tortoise bangles, $68 each

{9} K. Slademade tassel clutch, $62

Whether you fancy a classic monogram, a cozy pajama set, or a life-of-the-party clutch, I hope you've found something you love! I'll be back tomorrow with a gift guide for the boys. What are your favorite gifts under $100?

The Design Dialogues {Maggie Morgan}

I first connected with this week's guest through her weekly column on the business blog Makeunder My Life. Maggie quit her desk job six months ago to pursue a career as an interior designer in Seattle and writes each week about the highs and lows of self-employment. Today her blog and her business are a testament to her passion and persistence and I'm delighted to have her here to tell you all about it!

What you do: 

I'm an interior decorator specializing in rooms that mix old and new and look gathered over time.

Five words to describe yourself: 

Thoughtful, feminine, traditional, determined, creative.

How would you describe your aesthetic? 

Mixed-era simplicity with a dash of glamour. My description of it changes all the time, but I love mixing pieces from different time periods, clean lines, gorgeous fabrics, and something sparkly (like a fantastic chandelier!).

Who are your style icons? 

For interiors, Windsor Smith and Billy Baldwin. For fashion, Rachel Bilson and the Duchess of Cambridge.

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

Like many decorators, I can look back at my childhood of serious dollhouse decorating and constant bedroom redesign and know that it seemed to just come naturally. But I followed several other passions during high school and college. It wasn't until a year or two out of college that I reevaluated my career and realized that something was missing. I'd been blogging about interior design for a year and was helping friends and readers with their homes. I thought, "Hey, some people get paid to do this!" That was the beginning.

What are the best and worst aspects of your job? 

I love playing with fabric, but the best moments are hearing from my clients that they feel like I "got them" and that their house feels like a home. The worst aspect? Well, I'm still a very new business so it's wondering where my next client will come from! And dealing with back-orders or discontinued products.

What advice would you offer aspiring creatives? 

Save up money before leaving your job so that you can truly invest all your energy into your new business without worrying about bills for at least six months to a year. Creativity is cramped when you're trying to fit it into what will make money. And get beautiful professional photos of your work or product!

Three items on your to do list. 

Wrap up a mini-session for a giveaway winner, open a few trade accounts that I haven't gotten around to, and finish up my latest e-book.

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

My overall vision changes daily... but I know that I want to be doing residential design for high-end clients in the Seattle area. In five years I'd love to have a talented and dedicated small team, possibly a product line, and be published in a magazine.

Three items on your wishlist. 

I asked Santa this year for a watercolor set (just to dabble!), The Perfectly Imperfect Home by Deborah Needleman, and my favorite candle, Voluspa's Huckleberry.

Three tasks on your bucket list. 

Have a book published about my work, visit Machu Picchu, and raise a happy family.

- - - 

Thanks, Maggie, for participating in The Design Dialogues! Don't you want to run out and start collecting globes? I know I do!

I first connected with this week's guest through her weekly column on the business blog Makeunder My Life. Maggie quit her desk job six months ago to pursue a career as an interior designer in Seattle and writes each week about the highs and lows of self-employment. Today her blog and her business are a testament to her passion and persistence and I'm delighted to have her here to tell you all about it!

What you do: 

I'm an interior decorator specializing in rooms that mix old and new and look gathered over time.

Five words to describe yourself: 

Thoughtful, feminine, traditional, determined, creative.

How would you describe your aesthetic? 

Mixed-era simplicity with a dash of glamour. My description of it changes all the time, but I love mixing pieces from different time periods, clean lines, gorgeous fabrics, and something sparkly (like a fantastic chandelier!).

Who are your style icons? 

For interiors, Windsor Smith and Billy Baldwin. For fashion, Rachel Bilson and the Duchess of Cambridge.

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

Like many decorators, I can look back at my childhood of serious dollhouse decorating and constant bedroom redesign and know that it seemed to just come naturally. But I followed several other passions during high school and college. It wasn't until a year or two out of college that I reevaluated my career and realized that something was missing. I'd been blogging about interior design for a year and was helping friends and readers with their homes. I thought, "Hey, some people get paid to do this!" That was the beginning.

What are the best and worst aspects of your job? 

I love playing with fabric, but the best moments are hearing from my clients that they feel like I "got them" and that their house feels like a home. The worst aspect? Well, I'm still a very new business so it's wondering where my next client will come from! And dealing with back-orders or discontinued products.

What advice would you offer aspiring creatives? 

Save up money before leaving your job so that you can truly invest all your energy into your new business without worrying about bills for at least six months to a year. Creativity is cramped when you're trying to fit it into what will make money. And get beautiful professional photos of your work or product!

Three items on your to do list. 

Wrap up a mini-session for a giveaway winner, open a few trade accounts that I haven't gotten around to, and finish up my latest e-book.

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

My overall vision changes daily... but I know that I want to be doing residential design for high-end clients in the Seattle area. In five years I'd love to have a talented and dedicated small team, possibly a product line, and be published in a magazine.

Three items on your wishlist. 

I asked Santa this year for a watercolor set (just to dabble!), The Perfectly Imperfect Home by Deborah Needleman, and my favorite candle, Voluspa's Huckleberry.

Three tasks on your bucket list. 

Have a book published about my work, visit Machu Picchu, and raise a happy family.

- - - 

Thanks, Maggie, for participating in The Design Dialogues! Don't you want to run out and start collecting globes? I know I do!

GIFT GUIDE: EVERYTHING UNDER $50

I'm so happy you all enjoyed the under $25 gift guide last week! Today's features gifts within the $25-$50 range and I hope you'll like it just as well! 

{1} Old Navy color-blocked sweater, $27 {2} Marley Lilly monogrammed hat, $30

{3} Spike The Punch necklace, $38 {4} Hunter wellie socks, $30

{5} J.Crew John Derian paperweight, $30 {6} J.Crew striped top, $35

{7} Furbish coral on lucite, $45 {8} Loren Hope earrings, $32

Monograms, sparkle, and stripes, oh my! Which is your favorite?


P.S. I'm sharing my wishlist on Fallon's darling blog A Lovely Being today! Please stop by and say hi :)

I'm so happy you all enjoyed the under $25 gift guide last week! Today's features gifts within the $25-$50 range and I hope you'll like it just as well! 

{1} Old Navy color-blocked sweater, $27 {2} Marley Lilly monogrammed hat, $30

{3} Spike The Punch necklace, $38 {4} Hunter wellie socks, $30

{5} J.Crew John Derian paperweight, $30 {6} J.Crew striped top, $35

{7} Furbish coral on lucite, $45 {8} Loren Hope earrings, $32

Monograms, sparkle, and stripes, oh my! Which is your favorite?


P.S. I'm sharing my wishlist on Fallon's darling blog A Lovely Being today! Please stop by and say hi :)

Loren Hope + Society Social Cocktail Ring!

Bar carts and statement jewelry might be two of my favorite things in the world. And if they're made by two of my darling sponsors, all the better! Imagine my excitement then when Loren Hope Designs and Society Social joined forces to design a custom cocktail ring ($58)  that plays off of Loren's knack for baubles and Roxy's love of entertaining... Out. Of. This. World.

Whether you choose the pear or the oval, you'll have plenty of playful stones to choose from! I'm partial to the lapis and the turquoise myself. And don't you love the darling bamboo detail on the ring itself? I couldn't be more proud of these ladies! Please pop over to Loren Hope Designs and Society Social to show your support and add one of their rings to your holiday wishlist!

Bar carts and statement jewelry might be two of my favorite things in the world. And if they're made by two of my darling sponsors, all the better! Imagine my excitement then when Loren Hope Designs and Society Social joined forces to design a custom cocktail ring ($58)  that plays off of Loren's knack for baubles and Roxy's love of entertaining... Out. Of. This. World.

Whether you choose the pear or the oval, you'll have plenty of playful stones to choose from! I'm partial to the lapis and the turquoise myself. And don't you love the darling bamboo detail on the ring itself? I couldn't be more proud of these ladies! Please pop over to Loren Hope Designs and Society Social to show your support and add one of their rings to your holiday wishlist!

Shop C. Wonder Online!!!

If you follow me on Twitter, you'll know that I've made multiple pilgrimages to C. Wonder since its launch this fall. I can't get enough of the cheery staff, colorful decor, and reasonable prices! Lucky for those of you outside the tristate area, I'm thrilled to share that C. Wonder's e-commerce site is now live! Here are a few pieces I have my eye on...

{1} Elephant tray, $38 {2} Ikat bowl, $8

{3} Foo dogs, $58 {4} Velvet pillow, $24

{5} City bike, $249 {6} Tortoise tumbler, $10

I'm obsessed with the sapphire blue foo dogs and the tortoise tumbler in particular. And when I move into NYC, you best believe that bike is mine, all mine! Have you been to C. Wonder? What's your favorite piece on the website? 

If you follow me on Twitter, you'll know that I've made multiple pilgrimages to C. Wonder since its launch this fall. I can't get enough of the cheery staff, colorful decor, and reasonable prices! Lucky for those of you outside the tristate area, I'm thrilled to share that C. Wonder's e-commerce site is now live! Here are a few pieces I have my eye on...

{1} Elephant tray, $38 {2} Ikat bowl, $8

{3} Foo dogs, $58 {4} Velvet pillow, $24

{5} City bike, $249 {6} Tortoise tumbler, $10

I'm obsessed with the sapphire blue foo dogs and the tortoise tumbler in particular. And when I move into NYC, you best believe that bike is mine, all mine! Have you been to C. Wonder? What's your favorite piece on the website? 

CURRENTLY OBSESSED

You may have noticed some of your favorite bloggers talking about a new site that just launched yesterday called Currently Obsessed. If you like looking at gift guides or personal style posts, you are going to love this site!

Currently Obsessed lets you "stalk" bloggers' favorite products and click the heart underneath each product to add it to your favorites list. Each product automatically links to the point of purchase, meaning your holiday shopping just got way easier!

I have a limited number of invitations to give out so be sure to hop over to Currently Obsessed and enter access code "Design_DarlingObsessed" to start peeping your favorites, whether it's Atlantic-Pacific, Glitter Guide, or, you know, Design Darling ;) Enjoy!

UPDATE: I just received 50 more invitations so use the above access code and join away! Don't forget to "stalk me" — you can find me under "All Bloggers!"

You may have noticed some of your favorite bloggers talking about a new site that just launched yesterday called Currently Obsessed. If you like looking at gift guides or personal style posts, you are going to love this site!

Currently Obsessed lets you "stalk" bloggers' favorite products and click the heart underneath each product to add it to your favorites list. Each product automatically links to the point of purchase, meaning your holiday shopping just got way easier!

I have a limited number of invitations to give out so be sure to hop over to Currently Obsessed and enter access code "Design_DarlingObsessed" to start peeping your favorites, whether it's Atlantic-Pacific, Glitter Guide, or, you know, Design Darling ;) Enjoy!

UPDATE: I just received 50 more invitations so use the above access code and join away! Don't forget to "stalk me" — you can find me under "All Bloggers!"

Graphic Image Giveaway Winner

Thank you to everyone who entered the Graphic Image iPad envelope giveaway! The winner is entry #142, Sarah of Flourish Design + Style. Congratulations! I'll be emailing you shortly to put you in touch with the generous folks at Graphic Image. 

Don't forget that all of you get 20% off at Graphic Image sitewide by entering code "GIFTS" at checkout! Happy holiday shopping!

Thank you to everyone who entered the Graphic Image iPad envelope giveaway! The winner is entry #142, Sarah of Flourish Design + Style. Congratulations! I'll be emailing you shortly to put you in touch with the generous folks at Graphic Image. 

Don't forget that all of you get 20% off at Graphic Image sitewide by entering code "GIFTS" at checkout! Happy holiday shopping!

GIFT GUIDE: EVERYTHING UNDER $25

I'm excited to share the first of several gift guides to help with your holiday shopping. Each gift guide will be labeled by price point (plus a separate one for the boys!). All of these under $25 items would be darling gifts for your girlfriends or even stocking stuffers for yourself!

{1} Annechovie matchbooks, $9.50 for three {2} Sarah Pinto 2012 planner, $20

{3} American Apparel leather hair bow, $16 {4} NARS "Jungle Red" lipstick, $24

{5} Poppin laptop sleeve, $19 {6} Poppin scissors, $8

{7} Container Store pink lacquer box, $9 {8} Container Store red lacquer box, $13

Aren't those matchbooks the cutest things you ever did see? I'm also smitten with the striped planner and the totally affordable lacquer boxes! How chic would they be stacked in bookshelves or on your desk? What are your favorite under $25 gifts?

I'm excited to share the first of several gift guides to help with your holiday shopping. Each gift guide will be labeled by price point (plus a separate one for the boys!). All of these under $25 items would be darling gifts for your girlfriends or even stocking stuffers for yourself!

{1} Annechovie matchbooks, $9.50 for three {2} Sarah Pinto 2012 planner, $20

{3} American Apparel leather hair bow, $16 {4} NARS "Jungle Red" lipstick, $24

{5} Poppin laptop sleeve, $19 {6} Poppin scissors, $8

{7} Container Store pink lacquer box, $9 {8} Container Store red lacquer box, $13

Aren't those matchbooks the cutest things you ever did see? I'm also smitten with the striped planner and the totally affordable lacquer boxes! How chic would they be stacked in bookshelves or on your desk? What are your favorite under $25 gifts?

Graphic Image Giveaway! — CLOSED

I am absolutely ecstatic to be partnering with one of my favorite companies, Graphic Image, to bring you an amazing giveaway just in time for the holidays! This one is for the tech-savvy, iPad-toting folks (or maybe just the girls who would love another colorful clutch in time for seasonal soirées)!

The winner of the giveaway will choose his or her favorite iPad case and will be announced on Friday so enter soon! To enter, leave a comment below. For a second entry, like Graphic Image on Facebook. For a third entry, follow Graphic Image on Twitter. Please leave a separate comment for each entry!

Oh! And Graphic Image is offering all of you 20% off sitewide with the code "GIFTS" at checkout. How's that for spreading holiday cheer? Good luck!

I am absolutely ecstatic to be partnering with one of my favorite companies, Graphic Image, to bring you an amazing giveaway just in time for the holidays! This one is for the tech-savvy, iPad-toting folks (or maybe just the girls who would love another colorful clutch in time for seasonal soirées)!

The winner of the giveaway will choose his or her favorite iPad case and will be announced on Friday so enter soon! To enter, leave a comment below. For a second entry, like Graphic Image on Facebook. For a third entry, follow Graphic Image on Twitter. Please leave a separate comment for each entry!

Oh! And Graphic Image is offering all of you 20% off sitewide with the code "GIFTS" at checkout. How's that for spreading holiday cheer? Good luck!

The Design Dialogues {Sue De Chiara}

She has a charming blog, a fabulous home, an adorable family, and a bustling e-commerce site. As far as I'm concerned, Sue from The Zhush is living the dream! Here she dishes advice for aspiring creatives and dreams for her budding business.

Five words to describe yourself:

Dreamer, curious, open-minded, loyal, lucky.

How would you describe your aesthetic?

Traditional with a glamorous twist. Though I should probably add "fickle" to the above five words because I also love a bit of boho, 70s vibe, preppy, trendy... I guess eclectic sort of covers it all, right?

Who are your style inspirations?

Kelly Wearstler, Tory Burch, Jonathan Adler, Mary McDonald, Rachel Zoe, vintage Ali Macgraw, and Mary Tyler Moore. I also love to pop into New York City and soak it up — the people watching, the window gazing... now that is some serious style inspiration right there!

A coffee table vignette in Sue's ski house.

 How did you decide to launch an e-commerce site?  

My affinity for "zhushing" with both home decor and fashion accessories had me looking for another outlet outside of the blog. After briefly researching leases for nearby store space and getting a dose of reality over the cost, I decided getting my feet wet online with less overhead would be a good way to start up a shop and see how it went.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your work?

Getting great feedback from customers in emails, tweets, and photos or seeing the shop mentioned on blogs and in magazines seriously makes my day, sometimes my whole week! I also love to source great new products to add to the store.  

The pool house at Sue's suburban home.

What advice would you offer aspiring entrepreneurs? 

Don't spend too much time worrying about all the "what ifs" because those can stifle you.  Make like the Nike slogan and "just do it!" The "what ifs" may or may not pan out, but you'll never know if don't just jump on in. In other words, don't over think it. Starting something new can seem so daunting and intimidating; ask yourself simply, "What do I need to get started?" Later you can break everything down into smaller tasks. Once you actually get started you can always ask yourself, "What's next?" and grow things from there.

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

Ideally, I would love to have my own line of accessories and carry some of my own items — maybe even some of my own artwork — and possibly in a brick and mortar store as well.

   Oh heck, why not dream big...several brick and mortar stores! 

Have you ever seen a mudroom more fabulous? Note the compass painted on the floor!

Three items on your to do list:

1. Get the site ready for the holidays.

2. End-of-year inventory (dread).

3. Book dentist appointment for my kids.

Three items on your wishlist.

1. The new iPhone.

2. Python Miu Miu sandals.

3. A Canon G-12.

Three tasks on your bucket list.

1. Travel to Europe with my family.

2. Finally learn to play tennis.

3. Start painting again.

- - -

Thanks so much for participating in the series, Sue! I can't wait to see where the future takes her: designing her own line, opening a brick and mortar store (or several!), and selling her own artwork! Now hop over to her shop and start making that holiday wishlist!

She has a charming blog, a fabulous home, an adorable family, and a bustling e-commerce site. As far as I'm concerned, Sue from The Zhush is living the dream! Here she dishes advice for aspiring creatives and dreams for her budding business.

Five words to describe yourself:

Dreamer, curious, open-minded, loyal, lucky.

How would you describe your aesthetic?

Traditional with a glamorous twist. Though I should probably add "fickle" to the above five words because I also love a bit of boho, 70s vibe, preppy, trendy... I guess eclectic sort of covers it all, right?

Who are your style inspirations?

Kelly Wearstler, Tory Burch, Jonathan Adler, Mary McDonald, Rachel Zoe, vintage Ali Macgraw, and Mary Tyler Moore. I also love to pop into New York City and soak it up — the people watching, the window gazing... now that is some serious style inspiration right there!

A coffee table vignette in Sue's ski house.

 How did you decide to launch an e-commerce site?  

My affinity for "zhushing" with both home decor and fashion accessories had me looking for another outlet outside of the blog. After briefly researching leases for nearby store space and getting a dose of reality over the cost, I decided getting my feet wet online with less overhead would be a good way to start up a shop and see how it went.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your work?

Getting great feedback from customers in emails, tweets, and photos or seeing the shop mentioned on blogs and in magazines seriously makes my day, sometimes my whole week! I also love to source great new products to add to the store.  

The pool house at Sue's suburban home.

What advice would you offer aspiring entrepreneurs? 

Don't spend too much time worrying about all the "what ifs" because those can stifle you.  Make like the Nike slogan and "just do it!" The "what ifs" may or may not pan out, but you'll never know if don't just jump on in. In other words, don't over think it. Starting something new can seem so daunting and intimidating; ask yourself simply, "What do I need to get started?" Later you can break everything down into smaller tasks. Once you actually get started you can always ask yourself, "What's next?" and grow things from there.

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

Ideally, I would love to have my own line of accessories and carry some of my own items — maybe even some of my own artwork — and possibly in a brick and mortar store as well.

   Oh heck, why not dream big...several brick and mortar stores! 

Have you ever seen a mudroom more fabulous? Note the compass painted on the floor!

Three items on your to do list:

1. Get the site ready for the holidays.

2. End-of-year inventory (dread).

3. Book dentist appointment for my kids.

Three items on your wishlist.

1. The new iPhone.

2. Python Miu Miu sandals.

3. A Canon G-12.

Three tasks on your bucket list.

1. Travel to Europe with my family.

2. Finally learn to play tennis.

3. Start painting again.

- - -

Thanks so much for participating in the series, Sue! I can't wait to see where the future takes her: designing her own line, opening a brick and mortar store (or several!), and selling her own artwork! Now hop over to her shop and start making that holiday wishlist!