What are your fabulous plans for ringing in the New Year?
Oldie But Goodie
This immaculately organized bathroom and dressing room featured in Canadian House & Home made the rounds long ago, but there's good reason for its popularity! I adore its built-in shelving and hexagonal floor tiles but it's the ladder that won me over. It's equal parts decorative and practical — what's not to love about that?
Color Blocking
Good morning, lovies! I thought we'd start the morning with a little fashion inspiration. Malin Akerman and Leighton Meester know the color blocking trend is sticking around for another season. Malin's tonal combination is an easy pick for "best dressed," but Leighton's barely there top is forcing me to reconsider my favorite. Whose take on the trend do you prefer?
You've Done It Again
Topping my to do list this time of year is the task of writing thank you notes for all the lovely presents I received! Thankfully (ha!) my dear cousin Chelsea gave me these beautiful Kate Spade thank you notes which makes it that much easier to check off the list. With quips like "you shouldn't have, but I'm so glad you did" and "how did you know?", these newest additions to my stationery collection make saying merci that much merrier.
Jonathan Adler Design Your Own
Jonathan Adler Design Your Own. Honestly, do five happier words exist in the English lexicon? The creative genius behind all things happy chic offers his punchy products in completely customizable colorways. The Design Your Own feature on his website is a fun and easy platform for experimenting with color and pattern. These five options, whipped up in the palette of my own bedroom, are just the beginning! Were money no object (prices range from $720 to $3,240 depending on size), you bet one of these beauties would be finding its way into my humble abode.
Black & White Classic
This dreamy bedroom designed by Mary McDonald meets the same requirements as the covetable wardrobe this morning's style icon, Olivia Palermo. A cream-colored canopy is the ultimate in luxury while inlaid mirrors and hand-painted furniture stick to a sleek and simple palette. Plush carpet and stacked pillows keep the look casual and easy to recreate in your own home. What do you think of the traditional appeal of black and white?
Style Icon {Olivia Palermo}
From mean girl on The City to it girl just about everywhere, Olivia Palermo is no stranger to the style radar. She is perpetually well-groomed and mixes high and low better than anyone. Blonde or brunette, strolling the sidewalks or strutting her stuff, Olivia is every bit worthy of icon status.
S T R E E T S T Y L E
Olivia's street style is all about wardrobe staples topped with luxe extras. Three of these looks require a plain white blouse, which can be worn solo or paired with a furry vest or tuxedo jacket. Black pumps and gold flats are equally appropriate for everyday use while a navy schoolboy blazer is a timeless necessity in any wardrobe. Olivia tops off each look with a little something luxurious, like chic tortoise sunglasses or her ever-present rotation of Birkin bags.
S O C I A L S C E N E
Olivia makes cameos at Diane von Furstenberg and Elle but we all know her real claim to fame is her socialite status. Fashion shows and public appearances are all in a day's work for this style icon — and she has the wardrobe to prove it. She relies again on black and white basics but introduces subtle pattern and sexier shoes like pointed toe pumps and strappy sandals to take her look from day to night. The occasional pop of color, whether a burgundy shoe or a yellow clutch, keeps her classic appeal from feeling too predictable.
C O C K T A I L H O U R
Olivia takes more risks when it comes time for her to dress up and hit the town. A purple printed dress cinched with a leopard belt for Elie Saab? Why not! Unexpected accessories like a bold necklace and unusual textures like leather separates keep her look refreshingly modern. She keeps her hair and make-up simple — fresh-faced with an easy up-do or loose waves — and lets her clothes do the talking. What's not to love about that?
Happy Monday!
Good morning! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. We had sixteen people sleeping in our house and plenty of time for family dinners and movie marathons. The more, the merrier! What was the highlight of your holiday? Your favorite present?
{Image}
Merry Christmas!
I'm just stopping in to wish you all a very merry holiday! I'm spending Christmas at home in Connecticut, opening presents with siblings and cousins before helping our parents prepare dinner with my grandfather's old recipes. I hope you each have a wonderful day and a special moment or two with your family and friends. I'll be back to regular posting on Monday with lots of fresh inspiration for ringing in the New Year!
Our Christmas Table
It's not your average Christmas spread but I'll take pink and shiny over red and green any day. The candles will be replaced before our guests arrive but I couldn't help but share a little sneak peek! What do you think? Have a wonderful weekend and a very merry Christmas!
Sponsorship Giveaway Winner + Discount For Everyone!
Drumroll please...
...The winner of our January sponsorship giveaway is #24, Monika of Splendid Willow! Please look out for an email from me following the Christmas holiday.
Thank you so much to everyone who entered. I wish I could feature each and every one of you! I'm happy to extend 25% off the usual sponsorship rate for the month of January. Please email me (link at right) if you're interested!
A Cozy Christmas
It's Christmas Eve! I'm wishing you all a happy holiday filled with family, friends, and all kinds of fun. Don't forget to check back this afternoon for the winner of the January sponsorship giveaway — and a little something extra for everyone else!
Desk Du Jour
Are you as smitten with this stunning workspace as I am? Featured in the sophomore issue of Rue Magazine, the office combines ballet pink walls with hints of velvety yellow and soft turquoise. I love the gold art and the lucite tray while my other essentials — fresh flowers and a stack of magazines — have me wanting to move right in.
P.S. Did you hear that I'm the new editorial assistant for Rue?
P.P.S. Did you know there's still time to win a free sponsorship for the month of January?
Future Style Icon?
{via The Style Objective}
I love this picture of fashion darling Alexa Chung posing for photographers in her demure winter coat and fabulous cap-toe pumps. She is someone who may soon join the legions of ladies who have been featured as a Style Icon on my little blog. Who else deserves the title?
P.S. January sponsorship giveaway is still open!
The Maxi Skirt
It's official: the maxi skirt is the new it silhouette for spring. J.Crew's gorgeous wedding skirt has been out for a while but it was the sight of Kate Bosworth in a stunning mint green Jil Sander number that has pushed the maxi skirt into the spotlight. I can't wait to test out this fresh shape for spring and summer! What's your take on the trend?
P.S. Don't forget to enter the January sponsorship giveaway! The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve.
Chez Moi
{The coffee table in our family room.}
{Coach.}
{Fenway.}
{A little vignette with a photo of my mom and my grandparents at my parents' wedding.}
{A sparkly year-round ornament.}
I thought I would share a few snapshots of my family home in Connecticut. It is so nice to be home for the holidays and have time to catch up with my parents, siblings, and precious pups. Don't forget to enter the January sponsorship giveaway!
Sponsorship Giveaway!
Wondering how to take your blog or business to new heights in the New Year? I'm ecstatic to be giving away one free Design Darling sponsorship for the month of January!
1. To enter, please follow Design Darling and leave a comment on this post.
2. For a second entry, tweet the giveaway (include @mackenziehoran)
and leave an additional comment here.
3. For a third entry, blog about the giveaway and link to your post
in an additional comment here.
The winner will be chosen at random and announced on Christmas Eve
(Friday, December 24) at 1:00 p.m. Good luck!
{Images via The Littlest Rebel and The Glamourai}
The Most Perfect Pantry
I think I would die and go to heaven if this pantry magically appeared in my home. Floor-to-ceiling open shelving and transparent glass canisters make for a very utilitarian chic display. Would you expect anything less from the styling genius that is Emersonmade? See more of her darling seaside retreat here.
P.S. Check back during the day for Design Darling's very first giveaway!
I Wish I Could Draw
Behold the beautiful illustrations of Garance Doré, the wildly popular French fashion photographer whose eponymous blog has garnered international attention for her refreshingly carefree spirit and her glamourous portraits of girls with great personal style. Don't these illustrations make you wish you could draw? Or at least purchase her work somewhere online?
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