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DIY {Campaign Table}

I'm a little bit obsessed with campaign furniture. You may recall my dad and I painted this Union Jack campaign dresser for my boyfriend. Then I purchased a second dresser off of Craigslist and gave it new life with glossy white paint for my own bedroom. Then last week I decided it would be pretty cool get the look of campaign furniture without having to stalk my local Craigslist or spending hundreds of dollars. Without further ado, my DIY campaign table!

I started with two of these Ikea Lack tables ($10 each) and gave each two coats of Benjamin Moore's semi-gloss Admiral Blue. 
Then I bought brass corner braces like these ($1.50 for four). You'll need three braces per corner so three packs per table. (Math isn't my strong suit so I thought I'd spell that out for you.)
My intention was to screw three to each corner but after learning that I'm not so handy with heavy machinery my dad stepped in to show me the ropes.
Work in progress (sleeping companion strongly recommended)...
And the end result looks something like this.
One day I'll show you pretty pictures of them all styled up in my first apartment but until then you get iPhone pictures of me tackling DIY projects on my kitchen floor. The project cost boils down like this:

- $10 x 2 for two Ikea Lack tables = $20
- Leftover paint = free
- $1.50 x 6 for twenty-four brass corner braces = $9

$29 for two DIY campaign tables! What do you think?

Playing Dress-Up!

Who else is counting down to the holidays? I know, I know, it's not even Thanksgiving, but I already have my sights set on Christmas and New Year's Eve! With party invitations trickling in for the holiday season, I thought you all could do me a little favor...


My friends are planning a New Year's Eve bash in New York City and I'm excited to go all out for the occasion! I've decided to use Rent The Runway (which I've used before and highly recommend!) but I'd love your help selecting the perfect ensemble. Won't you head over to the Design Darling Facebook page and vote for your favorite look? The outfit with the most likes is what I'll be wearing come December 31!

Currently Coveting {Costume Jewelry}

I'm in the midst of reading Rachel Zoe's fashion bible Style A to Zoe and, while my personal style is far more casual and less glamorous than the celebrity stylist's, I find myself nodding in agreement with her love of costume jewelry. I've collected a few statement pieces in recent years but I either forget to wear them on my way out the door or sport them one at a time, so unlike Rachel's "more is more" philosophy. I think I'll give her maximalist ways a try in the spirit of the sparkly holiday season. Won't you join me?




(1) Michael Kors link necklace, $175 (2) ASOS tassel necklace, $27
(3) ASOS box knot drop earrings, $14 (4) Loren Hope Farrah necklace, $185
(5) Catbird ring, $88 (6) House of Harlow antler cabochon ring, $95

Which is your favorite piece and what's your jewelry philosophy?