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Design Darling on Unabashedly Prep

Yesterday the impeccably dressed Fred held the subway door for me and took my picture at Lincoln Center. I do look rather happy, don't I? 

J.Crew blazer, Rugby chambray shirt (similar here), Longchamp tote, J.Crew signet ring, Dani Notes iPhone case, Rugby jeans (similar here), Madewell boots (similar here and here).

Lela Rose & Chris Benz

Did you know that #17 on my 101 in 1001 list was to attend one show at New York Fashion Week? Leave it to the Matchbook girls to make my dreams come true this week!
The weather in New York has been c-o-l-d. I swear the plaza Lincoln Center was a wind tunnel... #brrr
On Sunday, Jane and I attended the Lela Rose show. Lots of florals, navy, and sparkle — I couldn't have been happier!
On Monday, we headed to the Chris Benz presentation. A true Matchbook boy if there ever were one! His girly silhouettes and 60s styling provided lots of eye candy.
I rather liked my outfit yesterday! J.Crew blazer (are you sick of seeing me wear this yet?), Rugby chambray shirt (similar here), Rugby yellow jeans (similar here). 
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What a week! Now I need a serious catch-up date with my laptop, a latté, and a roaring fire. P.S. Happy Valentine's Day! 

New York Fashion Week!

Is it Monday already? I've had such a busy few days that I swear I'm losing track of time. My new boutique will be here before you know it! In the mean time, here's what I've been up to...
On Friday morning, I met up with Carly from The College Prepster! We've been emailing back and forth for a year now so it was great to finally connect in person. We are kindred spirits in more ways than one! {Wearing J.Crew pants and Zara pumps (similar here).}
I was so thrilled to attend the Kate Spade presentation with Jane on behalf of Matchbook. Bows, polka dots, and stripes... I was in Matchbook girl heaven!
I was totally starstruck to meet Brad Goreski. I told him my mom and I watch his show every week and he said, "Tell her I say hi — I love moms!" Too cute and so down-to-earth.
Carly and I had our hair done at Drybar, a blowout salon where you pay just $40 and choose your style from a menu. I got the "Mai Tai" and loved my loose curls! {Wearing Ralph Lauren sweater, Zara vest (similar here), and H&M belt (similar here).}
We then had dinner with Alex from Dreams + Jeans at Café Gitane. An adorable spot and even cuter company (albeit a lousy photo!). {Wearing J.Crew blazer, J.Crew t-shirt, and Old Navy skirt.}
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It was so much fun to connect with lots of amazing people! I'll be back tomorrow with a few snaps from Lela Rose and Chris Benz as well ;) Seriously pinching myself!

The Little Pink Dress

No offense to the little black dress but I'm craving a little more color these days. This picture of hottie Miranda Kerr has me thinking about investing in a little pink dress of my own...
Alice + Olivia ($198) Naven ($330) ASOS ($62)

Who's with me?!

Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference

Yesterday I was fortunate to attend the Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference (#IFBcon) in New York. It was a treat to hang with some of my favorite bloggers and meet several of my awesome readers! I even worked up the nerve to ask Emily of Cupcakes & Cashmere a question on editorial calendars after her panel:
Thankfully you can't tell that I was shaking like a leaf! I wore my J.Crew blazer, J.Crew pants, and ASOS flats. Here are a few of the things I learned...


- The blog is the new résumé and the ultimate calling card. What does yours say about you?

- Bloggers and editors have hired their assistants after reading particularly insightful blog comments. Comment away!


- Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, Twitter... It’s too much for one person to utilize every single platform effectively without duplicating content. Focus on a few platforms and do them really well.

- When it comes to social media, would you be interested in reading what you write? That’s always a good filter to determine if you’re putting out meaningful content.

- Take the extra two seconds to spell out b-e or y-o-u-r, even when you’re facing a 140 character limit. It’s so much more professional!


- Don't jump at the first opportunity that comes your way. The brands you partner with are a reflection of your brand and your taste. Quality over quantity is key!

- Work with brands whose clothes you actually wear. And don't be afraid to pitch your favorite brands when you have a great idea for a partnership! 

When you blog, you’re creating a brand and a persona. Whether you want a book deal, a styling gig, or a TV show, you can market that personal brand and parlay it into whatever you want.


- Bloggers need to make money too. Don't be afraid to ask for what you're worth!

- When it comes to advertising, here’s a good rule of thumb: if three people will pay it, it’s time to increase your rate!

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All in all, I had a great time and came home with lots to think about in terms of my own personal brand. I hope these tips will come in handy for some of you too!

Tory Burch Color-Blocked Espadrilles


...And that's all I have to say about that. Buy yours here.

P.S. I'll be in New York today at the Independent Fashion Bloggers conference meeting lots of stylish ladies and listening to some very inspiring speakers! I can't wait to report back.

Wanderlust

It gets to the point every Connecticut winter (even when it's as mild as this one has been) that I'm itching for a little escape. My boyfriend and I booked a weekend trip to Concord, Massachusetts, for March and I've already penciled in Nantucket for the 4th of July. Can you say overeager?
This insane bathroom featured in Lonny (which, by the way, is going monthly — have you heard?) rather strikes my fancy for that reason. Where are you itching to travel these days?

On My Radar

A pretty pink blouse, an affordable camel cape, and the most perfect pair of striped espadrilles...



What's on your radar lately?

Desk du jour

It doesn't get much preppier than good old pink and green. This cheery space is the work of interior designer Ana Cordeiro...
I decided to whip up a little inspiration board for those of you eager to recreate the look!

Ferm Living vase ($42) / Container Store lacquer boxes in pink and green ($18 each)

What do you think?!


Quote of the day...

I needed this one today. 




Tortoiseshell Glasses

Have you noticed that every celebrity and fashion blogger is most often photographed in sunglasses? I think there's a rhyme to their reason. Here are a few pairs I wouldn't mind adding to my collection (perhaps a post-launch gift to myself?)...

Whether you're screening yourself from the sun, keeping yourself from squinting, or mugging for the camera, there's a pair of tortoiseshell glasses for everyone! Which pair is your favorite?

Faux Calligraphy

One of the tasks on my 101 in 1001 list is to take a calligraphy lesson. Since that's not exactly in the cards right now, I was absolutely thrilled to stumble upon this tutorial for "faux calligraphy" from Jones Design Company via Pinterest.

{photos taken with Instagram}

I played around with different scripts and I have to say I love the way they turned out! In fact I'm afraid I've created a monster ;) Of course it's not as good as the real deal but it'll definitely tide me over... and give me a reason to keep practicing!

{The Romper} Love it or leave it?

I expect you'll all have mixed reviews of today's post but I'm dying to know where you stand! I think rompers are an adorable alternative to dresses and skirts — and super comfy to boot!
I love this playful halter romper — I want to wear it for the Fourth of July!
This is a more office-appropriate option with a blouse top and striped bottoms. So cute, right?
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So would you ever wear a romper? Do chime in!

Instagram Updates

Sneak peek alert! These pillows for my new boutique arrived this morning and I love them so much I might have to save a few for myself! Make sure you're following me on Instagram (mackenziehoran) and Twitter (@mackenziehoran) for more sneak peeks.
Sometimes the weekends call for coffee ice cream and a new coffee table book. I bought this one on Joss & Main and loved reading about preppy style icons and Polo ad campaigns from back in the day.
My mom and I picked up a few things from Old Navy and I can't wait to wear everything we found! Boatneck tee in light blue and navy (for just $14 — hello, no brainer!) and hot pink maxi skirt ($25) that is absolutely adorable in person!
I'm keeping up with the February Photo A Day Challenge. Here's what you need to join in and be sure to follow along with #febphotoaday!

Matchbook Magazine February 2012

I was thrilled to contribute to the impressive anniversary issue of Matchbook. The editors' letter made me tear up, the market picks were flawless as usual, and I got to interview design icons Jonathan Adler and Jules Reid! It's such an honor to be part of this inspiring publication and I do hope you'll all sit down with the new issue when you have a moment. If only for that shot of the Greenbrier Resort... I think my new favorite color combination involves mint green, gold, and hot pink! ;) 

Yours Truly on Stripes & Sequins!

Won't you please pop over to Stripes & Sequins today? Grace writes an adorable blog, does social media for Bauble Bar (#major), and was sweet enough to ask little ole me a few questions about my new business! Go say hi!

Rebecca Minkoff Wheelie Travel Bag

Natural leather exterior, polka dot lining, retractable handle... It's the most perfect suitcase I ever did see!
It'll cost you a pretty penny but it's the kind of investment piece you'd keep forever! Find it HERE.

Kate Spade Cuties

One of the many tweets I read from Alt Summit suggested that bloggers make a list of their top ten favorite brands with whom they'd like to collaborate. I thought it was an interesting idea and definitely one I want to focus on as my blog expands. And of course Kate Spade made the list...



What brands would make your top ten list? 

Handbag Dreamin'

One of the more indulgent items on my 101 in 1001 list is to buy my first "grown-up" handbag. I'm on a bit of a shopping hiatus with the impending launch of my new boutique but I do hope to "invest" in the near future...



Are you the type to shell out for the bag of your dreams? What are you coveting these days?

A Pop of Pink

It's not always about stepping out in the best and brightest. Sometimes all it takes is a burst or two of your favorite hue...



What are some wardrobe dilemmas you've had lately? I'd love to address them in future posts!

Desk du jour

Have you ever seen a prettier home office? This one belongs to Amanda Teal and it's safe to say I'm experiencing major office envy... 
I love her Chippendale chair, inspiration board, and organized desktop. On a related note, I went to the New York International Gift Fair with my mom yesterday and picked out amazing desk accessories that you'll see when my new boutique launches on March 1. Umm, can you believe that's only 30 days away?!

Friday Find Under $50

...Because I love alliteration and the thrill of a good deal! This week's find is K. Slademade's new monogrammed leather key fob...
Totally adorable and only $18. What boyfriend wouldn't want one for Valentine's Day? ;)

Giveaway Winner!

The lucky winner of Laura Dro's gorgeous sunburst painting is...
...entry #6, Paislea Elyse of Allister Bee! Congratulations to her and thank you to all who entered. Laura will be giving away many more of her paintings on her blog so be sure to follow here!

Wardrobe Must-Have

The silk blouse has had a major resurgence in the past year or so and with good reason. I've been shopping around for a good deal and so far this looks to be the best of the best:
{Greylin, $97 — also available in black, blue, and white}

I love the collar, the single pocket, and of course that color! It's affordable without sacrificing on quality (I hate Forever 21's version of "silk" fabrics!) What do you think of silk blouses and this one in particular?

Take Your Pick

Four favorite dresses from ASOS in a range of beautiful blues (and one white for good measure!)...


I think the first one is my favorite... That stormy blue is such a flattering shade and the price can't be beat! Which one would you add to your closet?

Jamie Drake

Remember when I used to blog about color palettes? I think it's time to bring that back every now and then. Isn't the palette of this Jamie Drake living room sheer perfection? A subtle range of pinks, purples, and blues with just a hint of black... Yes please.

A Lovely Little Vignette

Between the punchy palette and the pretty patterns, I'd say this vignette from Erin Gates and Jill Rosenwald is downright heavenly, wouldn't you?