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Inspiration Boards + Giveaway Winner!

Happy Friday! I was chatting with Erika and Merritt on Twitter about how weekends are a little different when you're self-employed... Depending on how you think of it, it's either always a weekend or always a work day! But when you're doing something you love, well, I wouldn't have it any other way. Here are a few things that inspired me this week:




Is it strange to pin inspiration boards on Pinterest, which is basically a virtual inspiration board? Feels a little Inception to me. Regardless, aren't they pretty? Oh, and without further ado, the winner of the Tiny Prints giveaway is...

Congratulations, Kelley! Please email me so I can put you in touch with the wonderful folks at Tiny Prints. Thank you to everyone who entered and have a fabulous weekend, working or otherwise!

Oh, Essie...

My very favorite thing to do with my mom and my sister is to treat ourselves to manicures and pedicures at a nearby nail salon. There's nothing special about the salon but it always feels indulgent to spend time chatting and walk out with pretty polish on our fingers!



Of course I ask every time, "Which color should I get?" and nine times out of ten I wind up reverting to one of my tried and true favorites. Jelly Apple is my winter red (a little darker), Clambake my summer red (a little more orange), Fiesta for summer pedicures (perfect peeking out from my favorite sandals), and Fiji the perfect opaque pink. What are your go-to colors?

I'm in love...

Ladies and gentlemen, I now present the top I will be wearing every day this spring and summer. (And maybe even now layered underneath my navy blazer.)
What's not to love about that? Topshop, $56.

Mission Organization

For someone who's as obsessed with office supplies and organization as I am, I sure have a hard time keeping tidy. Thankfully there's no time like the start of a new year to vow to turn over a new leaf!



What are your organizational goals for 2012?

Curtain Call

I was absolutely blown away by your support for yesterday's announcement. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You sure know how to make a girl feel great! 


Now back to our regularly scheduled programming...


One of the trickier decorating challenges (in my humble opinion!) is finding the perfect curtain solution. Natural light is ideal in any interior — but it's not quite as charming when it's blindingly bright or causing a glare on your laptop or TV! Here are a few of my favorite solutions of late...

I love the idea of building a pelmet box to camouflage any unsightly hardware that goes into hanging the actual blinds or curtains. It's an easy and inexpensive fix that can be tailored to any shape or space! See Jenny's awesome tutorial HERE.

DESIGN DARLING {THE BOUTIQUE}

If you've been reading for a couple months now, you know that I quit my first job and decided to start my own business. I've been playing coy about details so I could really nail down the concept and start putting plans in motion behind the scenes. But now I'm pulling back the curtains on my new full-time gig...
...A brand new e-commerce site featuring a tightly edited assortment of accessories and decor! The past couple months have been a blur of preparations: registering Design Darling LLC, opening wholesale accounts, talking to mentors and new friends, and working on the new site. I can't wait to share the fruits of my labor with all of you!

I have lots of favorite little brick-and-mortar boutiques where I like to peruse and pick up gifts, whether apartment accessories or jewelry or paper goods. But I had yet to find the place where all those things converge online: a one-stop shop for all the lovely little details that make a house a home and an outfit a show-stopper. Imagining that many of you might feel the same, I decided to take a leap of faith and create it myself.

When Design Darling {the boutique} goes live in early March, you'll find fabulous art, baubles, clutches, pillows, trays, and more! Whether you're decking out your new apartment with your roommates or your first home with your husband, I hope it will become your go-to shopping destination for accessorizing, decorating, and gift giving.

Sign up for the mailing list HERE and let the countdown begin!!!

Currently Coveting

One of my favorite things about Currently Obsessed (besides the fact that it's like Pinterest in shopping list form — hellooo, addicting!) is noticing trends in the items I add to my list. For instance, I recently fell in love with these deeply saturated hues on dresses, scarves, and even a hat! 


Emilio Pucci scarf (on sale!)
Alloy skirt (bargain buy!)

And since I'm pretty sure this Reiss hat is the first I've ever posted...do you ever wear hats? Now that I'm letting my hair do its naturally curly thing, I've found myself craving an easy hat to throw on for bad hair days or inclement weather. Total effortless chic, don't you think? I also have my eye on this one...

$75 Tiny Prints Giveaway!

I'm sure I'm not the only one who pledged to do a little more entertaining and organizing in the new year. Fortunately this week's giveaway is perfect for both resolutions! Tiny Prints is generously offering one $75 gift card and it's up to the lucky winner whether to spend it on address labels, party invitations, personalized stationery, thank you notes, and more! Here are a few of my very favorites...

Mesmerizing Monogram address labels, $7

Vibrant Border personalized stationery, $16

Cursive Cocktails party invitations, $22


Dashing Diamonds personalized stationery, $21


Spring Burst party invitations, $22

To enter the giveaway, please do the following:

For one entry, leave a comment telling us how you'd spend your $75 gift card.
For a second entry (leave a separate comment), like Tiny Prints on Facebook.
For a third entry (leave a separate comment), follow Tiny Prints on Twitter.

The winner will be announced on Friday morning. Good luck!




Cozy in camel...

In a perfect world, I'd be spending my Sunday wrapped up in this chic equestrian number...




Time to start saving my pennies...!


Statement Sparklers

Struggling to find the perfect outfit for your Saturday evening outing? Imagine having a jewelry box brimming with beauties like these... #dreamcometrue





What does your dream jewelry box contain?

The shoe every design darling needs...

It's never too early to start stocking up for summer (or vacation if you're lucky!). I own these in lime green and silver and I can't wait to add these three colors to my repertoire!


P.S. See everything I'm currently coveting right HERE! Stalk away :)

Good things come in threes...

Belts, wallets, watches — a simple assortment of some of my favorite accessories right now. 












Adorable + Affordable

Perfect polka dots in my favorite color palette. Elbow sleeves, a belted waist, and a swingy skirt. A charming keyhole back. I can't imagine $50 better spent, can you? No, seriously, only $50! Get yours HERE.

Singin' the blues...

But only because it is c-h-i-l-l-y in Connecticut! Thankfully a handful of new arrivals at West Elm has me ready to curl up with a comfy throw and hibernate in style...




If you're looking for me, I'll be lighting that mercury glass votive and snuggling up in the striped throw ;) How are you keeping cozy in your neck of the woods?

Uniform of the self-employed ;)

When I started working from home, I was convinced I'd wake up, get dressed, and put on makeup every single morning. Suffice it to say I have failed to live up to those expectations and my look is generally more like this — comfy pants, cozy vest, a piece or two of jewelry — and that's on a good day! Perhaps another new year's resolution in the works?



(4) J.Crew leather iPhone case, $38 — love this for guys and girls!
(6) Report booties, $110


Any other self-employed folks have the same "problem?"

Matchbook January 2012

If you haven't already, you must go read Matchbook's January issue right this instant! In addition to the brilliant work of my dear friend Shannon, you'll find two pieces written by yours truly! It was an honor to sit down with Jessie Randall in her SoHo office and chat about her bustling shoe company, Loeffler Randall. Then artist Ashley Longshore had me in stitches over the phone with tales of her celebrity encounters (ahem, Blake Lively and Salma Hayek!). It's thrilling to see my name in one of my very favorite publications, next to some of my very favorite people — and I couldn't be happier that I'm officially a Matchbook girl! :)

Shoe Dreams

Let's pretend for a moment that it's not freezing outdoors and that it's almost time to wear all the pretty spring shoes that stores are already putting on their shelves. Because these three [pricey] pairs make for some very lovely daydreams...



Isn't your dream closet filled with bows, espadrilles, and scallops? Ahhh, shoes ;)


Ikea Favorites

My parents are in the midst of redoing our family room and it's been fun to help them update the look from washed out beiges and tans to preppy navy blue and white. (Perhaps I need to take a few Instagram shots to share on Twitter!) When it came time to replace the sofa, they actually found two they love from Ikea — for just $399 each! And since Ikea is a budget-friendly option for so many shoppers, I decided it was high time I share a few of my favorite pieces.



I would never use all of these pieces in the same space but they are a great foundation for layering in different colors and textures — or tackling a few DIY projects! (Remember these? I'm also dying to try this, this, and this.) Have you used Ikea pieces in your home? I'd love to hear from you!

And so it begins...

...2012, of course, but also my post-holiday commitment to cutting down on the desserts and getting my butt to the gym. And, really, is there any better motivator than an adorable new bikini that beckons to be taken to the beach?


One-shouldered ruffled perfection, don't you think? Find it HERE.

Happy New Year!

2011 has been a big year: I graduated from college, moved to San Francisco, moved back to Connecticut, landed a job in New York, quit that job in New York, and decided to start my own business. All the while I was crossing things off my 101 in 1001 list, which I've now organized HERE so you can see every goal I've ever shared all in one place. Check it out and let me know which goals you hope to accomplish in the next 2.75 years!



I have big things in store for 2012 and I can't wait to share them with you every step of the way! I'll be launching my business, tackling more 101 in 1001 tasks, and of course sharing lots of pretty clothes and rooms as we go. Thank you for stopping by each day and lending your support in comments, emails, tweets, etc. I couldn't ask for better readers and I'm so excited for what this next year will bring! Thank you and Happy New Year!!!

Rachel Pally Stripe Cutout Dress

Navy and white stripes, universally flattering jersey, and easy to throw on for a dose of instant chic. Someway, somehow, I must own this dress!

A few things...


1. I might have to let our dog Coach wear bows on a regular basis because I've decided this shot from Christmas morning is frame-worthy.

2. My Joss & Main sale ends in 24 hours! A few of my favorite items are still available: this hot pink slipper chair ($109), this aqua linen pillow ($79), and this Jonathan Adler lamp ($154). Sign up HERE and check it out!

3. Design Darling, L.L.C. became official this morning!!! I can't wait to fill you all in on what I've been working on. Let's just say there's a BIG surprise coming your way!

Ski Bunny Chic

Did anyone have a white Christmas? It's been very mild on the east coast thus far but my boyfriend is skiing in Montana this week and it made me think to whip up a little winter look for those of you combatting cooler climes.



(7) Anne Klein bracelet (8) ASOS coin purse


Perfectly cozy, whether you're braving the cold or brewing coffee indoors!

Coral, Lavender, + Lucite



Joss & Main Curator's Collection! ***UPDATE

I'm thrilled to announce that I've partnered with home decor sample sale site Joss & Main to bring you a curator's collection of playful, preppy items for your space. Whether you're ready to invest in a dining room table or to treat yourself to a colorful throw, I hope you'll find something you love!


Please sign up HERE and check back tomorrow to shop to your heart's content!


***UPDATE: My sale should go live this evening around 9 p.m. Thank you for your patience and support!

Disclosure: I earn $15 credit for each person who signs up and makes a purchase. Sign up and invite your friends to earn the same!

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and yours a very merry weekend filled with Christmas traditions...
twinkling lights,
festive decorations,
your favorite foods,
and lots of special moments you'll cherish for years to come.

*all photos taken by me with Instagram; bokeh effect added with Picfx

Madewell Shoes

I generally identify more with J.Crew than Madewell but the latter has been nailing it in the shoe department lately. (Don't even get me started on these leopard pumps — too perfect for words!)


(3) Suede Sandstorm Boot — I have these and love them! (4) Leopard Print Film Noir Pump
(5) Watchtower Boot (6) Suede Sidewalk Skimmer — only $88!

Seriously, how's a girl to choose?

Girly Girl

A monogrammed shade, quilted boots, and sequins galore! I'm sensing a trend in the items I'm saving to Currently Obsessed and Pinterest. Who says prepsters can't be girly girls as well?


(1) Nicole Cohen print (2) Sperry Top-Sider boots — only $88! 
(3) Shades of Light lampshade — I'm obsessed! (4) Moleskine notebook 
(8) Michael Kors passport case (9) Kate Spade heels — a forever favorite!

I don't care to toot my own horn but I'm rather convinced that monogrammed lampshade is the find of the year — and a must-have for design darlings everywhere ;) Which is your favorite?

Bring On The Brights

I might not wear them all at once but I sure do love each and every one of them! Here are a few colorful favorites from my current Shopbop hearts...

Shopbop is so dangerous! Anything fun you have your eye on?