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A Little Color, A Lot of Impact

This living room is a little too rustic for my taste but I think it proves a major point: you don't have to spend lots to achieve high style. In fact, just one surprise — in this case, the pop of the yellow throw pillow against a sea of neutral tans and whites — is all it takes to go from blah to blown away.

{Cottage Living via The House Home}

Write The Rainbow

I always carry an extra notebook to jot down thoughts as they come to me: blog posts, to do lists, and ideas for the brilliant business I intend to build (once I have my lightbulb moment, that is). These colorful notebooks by Paperthinks are ideal for this habit; they're reasonably priced at $17 and, best of all, they're made of 100% recycled leather. A way to go green but carry pink? Kate's Paperie knows me too well.

Toilette en Toile

In high school, I babysat for a family whose powder room was wallpapered in black and white toile. I still think it's the most glamorous thing I've ever seen.

{Bathroom featured in Lonny}

Why Not...

...make like Sarah Jessica Parker and fancify your frock with a vintage brooch? Find your own affordable vintage bling on Etsy.

Gray + Orange

Happy Monday! I thought we'd start this new week with an unexpected color combo that I find delightfully easy on the eyes. While there are a few pieces in this room that would never find their way into my home (that chair on the right looks so uncomfortable), I adore the way the orange velvet throw pillows pop against the heather gray couch. I'd ditch the bell, antlers, branches, and white stool — but keep those fab faceted coffee tables! — for a look that's modern but not stark.

{Designed by Steven Volpe}

Au Revoir!

I'm off to Florida with my family through Wednesday and I can't wait to feel the sun on my face and the sand between my toes! I'll be spending lots of quality time with my grandmother, catching a few of my sister's softball games, and — eek! — catching a Red Sox vs. Yankees spring training game with my dad! (We might be Boston's biggest fans; we even have a pup named Fenway!) Thanks to the magic of scheduled posts, however, you'll find new posts here starting Monday. Ta ta for now!

{photo from Calypso St. Barth}

A Compact Collection

The shallow built-in bookshelves in this Lonny living room pack a dense book collection and even a flatscreen TV onto one wall. Paired with the floor-length mirror, they're a great way to contain your collections and create visual interest in a small space.

Kate Moss in Valentino

She may not look her happiest, but Kate Moss is definitely dressed to knock 'em dead in this Valentino cocktail dress. I can't get enough of her pink/cheetah combo and the sheer shimmer of her frock. Ideal inspiration for girls' night out this weekend!

{photo via InStyle}

Gray Lady

I admire the mix of modern elements and traditional pieces in this living room by Portland interior designer Jessica Helgerson. The angular sofa is decidedly contemporary and the white coffee table has an almost pixelated quality that offers stark contrast to the heavy dark wood armoire. My only change would be the lighting; wouldn't you prefer something like this chandelier?

Sing It, Sister

No. 25 on my 101 in 1001 list is to sing karaoke. I think I would find the experience simultaneously terrifying, embarrassing, and exhilarating. 

{photo by Pamela Hanson}

Bedroom Beauty

This beautiful bedroom created by L.A. interior designer Mary McDonald inspired the white trim that I painted on the hot pink walls of my bedroom. I adore the crisp white against the matte navy walls, not to mention the use of my favorite color as an accent. Toss a white canopy, a tufted velvet ottoman, and a hexagonal pattern on the rug and I'm ready to pack my bags and move in.

P.S. Have you read Mary McDonald's new book? Buy your copy here.

My Favorite Photographer

It is a true gift to make ordinary objects like fire hydrants and Ikea ice cube trays look beautiful. It requires a trained eye, a knack for timing, and an understanding of composition and light lost on the average person. I like to think that my dear friend and college housemate Sara Redd possesses that gift, wouldn't you say? She's talented, funny, and smart as a whip. Do stop by her 365 project (one photograph a day for an entire year) and tell her hello for me!

Organized Chaos

I love the haphazard layers of this inspiration board: interesting textures, patterned ribbons, magazine clippings. But when I try to achieve a similar look on my own boards, my type-A symmetry-loving brain takes over, insisting on straight lines and no overlap. To each her own, I guess!

Personal Favorite {Perfect Pendants}

It was love at first sight when I laid eyes on Thomas O'Brien's Hicks pendant. The combination of dark navy and antique brass gives off a faintly nautical feel that I can't get enough of. While they're perfect over kitchen islands, I'd also love to use them over a dining room table or even lighting up a long hallway.

Study Hall

Four classes stand between me and spring break and it's time to crack down on reading and studying. Are there any other student bloggers out there? I would love to hear from you!

Pinning in Pink

Hey there, media mavens! Are you on Pinterest yet? Follow my pins here or email me for an invitation to join. It's the perfect place to create an online inspiration board of all that you're loving in fashion and interiors. Needless to say, I'm hooked!

Desperately Seeking Sunshine

In five days, my family and I will be en route to sunny Florida for my sister Reilly's softball spring training trip. While I'm dreading packing my bags (see my about page), I'm giddy at the thought of afternoons by the pool, dinners by the water, and lots of quality time with my parents, my siblings, and, yes, my doting grandmother. The countdown begins!

{image via my favorite tumblr}

Here's To You, Mrs. Robinson

Let me start by saying that I adore this Mrs. Robinson-inspired shoot by the talented photographer Olivia Graham. One of my 101 in 1001 goals is to see ten so-called classic films — films like 1967's The Graduate, filled with catchy music, mod fashion, and intriguing plot. Do you have any recommendations for classic films you adore? Do tell!

The Darling Dani Notes

I'm beyond excited to introduce you to one of my new sponsors for March, the positively darling Dani Notes! If you like affordable, colorful, and custom, you'll love Dani Notes. This Etsy gem is your new go-to for dinner plates, hostess gifts, serving platters, and even monogrammed iPhone cases!
Can you believe these patterned platters are just $34? They're perfect for serving drinks at parties or corralling baubles on your vanity.
I'm imagining family dinners with your last initial monogrammed on every plate or — better yet — a personal monogram for each member of the family! At just $22, these pretty plates could have quite the impact.
Last but not least are Dani's adorable custom cases for iPhone 3G and 4. I can't wait for my turquoise chevron case with its pretty lime green monogram to come in the mail! It's sure to make life as an iPhone user even better.
In addition to offering different patterns and monograms, Dani allows customers to completely customize each design with colors of their choice. Custom colors, preppy products, and reasonable prices — does it get any better? Do stop in at Dani Notes and see for yourself!