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Outfit + Picnic

The weather this weekend was nothing short of perfect and I had no excuse not to tackle two tasks on my 101 in 1001 list:

85. Have a picnic.
96. Do a personal style post on the blog. 

The first was delightful but the second scared me quite a bit. Posting pictures of personal style is, well, personal! But I decided to venture outside my comfort zone and see what you all think...




Ralph Lauren sunglasses / J.Crew blazer / Chance Co. shirt 
J.Crew necklace / Vintage cuff / Rugby belt (similar here)
BDG jeans / Corso Como boots / Vintage picnic basket

In other words, my daily uniform (minus the picnic basket, unfortunately). Let me know what you think! In any event I killed two birds with one stone, bringing me to 22 completed tasks on my 101 in 1001 list! 


P.S. Thanks to my cousin Emily and boyfriend Michael for the outfit pics!


P.P.S. I used this Hot Tools curling iron per your suggestions on this post. The curls came out a bit before we snapped pictures but I promise I LOVE it!

The Perfect Tan


No, not the tan you worked on all summer. (And failed at, if you're me.) I'm talking about the perfect tan accessories for fall. A little leather shoulder patch action, a darling vintage-inspired bag, and an everyday wedge that's as chic as it is comfortable. Accent it with a well-placed pop of pink or — my go-to favorite — navy.


What are your favorite ways to wear tan this fall?

The Design Dialogues {Emily Maynard}

If you're anything like me, you're utterly infatuated with Elva Fields' darling jewelry. The designer, Emily Maynard, incorporates vintage baubles into each new design and the results are nothing short of extraordinary. I'm excited to have Emily here today to answer the Design Dialogues questionnaire about how she got her start in design, how she'd advise aspiring creatives, and what's next for her budding business!

Emily wearing one of her beautiful designs!

Who you are:
Emily Wheat Maynard

What you do:
Unofficially: a million things at once. Officially: founder and designer, Elva Fields.

Where you do it:
Taylorsville, Kentucky.


Five words to describe yourself...
Interested, busy, happy, driven, particular.

How do you define your aesthetic?
Colorful, whimsical, vintage.

Who are your style icons?
My grandmother, Tory Burch, Lauren Hutton, and Grace Kelly.

A peek into Emily's vintage collection from her feature in Matchbook Magazine.

Favorite quote:
"Count it all joy."

Favorite site:
Weather.com. Kentucky is infamous for 70 degrees and snow all in the same week so I always like to know what's in the forecast!

Favorite store:
Any and every flea market, antique mall, or vintage shop.


How did you decide that you wanted to design jewelry?
After spending years in the library during graduate school researching the history of jewelry, I realized how much I missed making things. So I combined a love of research with a love for creating — et voilà, Elva Fields was born! 

What is the best advice you've ever received?
"If you keep doing what you're doing, you'll keep getting what you're getting" — in support of change and innovation from my business advisor Jerry.

And the advice you'd offer aspiring creatives?
Cultivate your creative skills every single day. It takes both talent and discipline to make it a business.

Where the magic happens!

Three items on your to do list... 
Finish writing long-overdue thank-you notes, frame that artwork, be a better person each day.

Three items on your wishlist...  
A fireplace, more time, a French easel.

Three items on your bucket list...
Taking my daughters on a girls trip each year, a two-week trek in Peru, surf camp.

- - - 

I love her style icons and her favorite quote, "If you keep doing what you're doing, you'll keep getting what you're getting." Thank you so much for joining us, Emily!



Pretty Little Things


Loving these pretty little matching sets in darling polka dots and gingham with bows. Wouldn't they make a darling stocking stuffer? 

{Madewell polka dot bra ($34) and underwear ($16)}
{ASOS gingham bra ($33) and underwear ($21)}


Is anyone else's brain slowly but surely drifting toward the holiday season?

Quick Question

In the past, you all have given me great recommendations for books, hair products, etc. so I figured I'd ask whether anyone has a favorite life-changing curling iron. My hair always looks more polished when I touch it up with a curling iron so I'm looking for something that heats up fast, has a strong clamp (none of these new clamp-less options), and does a great job that'll stay in tact for as long as possible. Mission impossible?

{image via Cup of Beautiful}

Life According To My iPhone

The untimely death of Apple visionary Steve Jobs this week seems like an appropriate time to demonstrate the importance of technology in my life. Like many of you, I'm a once-you-go-Mac-you-never-go-back kind of girl. I work on a Macbook, blog on a Macbook Pro, and do just about everything else on an iPhone. Here are a few recent snaps taken with my iPhone and Instagram...
I'm trying to take a few on-the-go outfit pictures each week. Can you tell oxford shirts and skinny jeans are something of a uniform for me?
When I'm not racing to work or dashing to catch the next train, it's nice to take a moment to capture the city (even if it requires being that girl pausing on the sidewalk with iPhone in the air). The magic of Grand Central Station is never lost on me!
And lest you get the impression that I'm spending weekends in the wilderness (that was one time, I promise), here we have a sunset snapped from my front yard, a boulder field on last weekend's hike, the boat yard the train passes on my morning commute, and a tree in a friend's yard on a particularly beautiful day.
- - -
I hope you all have a moment to stop and smell the roses this weekend, even if it's through the lens of your beloved iPhone. It's rather fun to look back on! Have a good one and see you back here on Monday!


Pretty Please

I mean, what more do you need to know? 

Black + Navy

Rules were made to be broken. For an easy twist on Tuesday's black on black, introduce a navy accent or two. The unexpected pairing offers a subtle contrast that's decidedly modern.







The dress is a steal and every Loren Hope piece is an instant staple. But basic pumps with a ladylike bow on top? Add to cart.

Healthy Habits {101 in 1001}

Today I'm sharing a few more of the goals from my 101 in 1001 list. For people who have asked to see the entire list at once, I decided at the beginning to share the list over time a) because it's so long and b) because it's fun to share both goals and progress! Some goals are professional in nature, others financial, others pure fun. The goals I'm sharing today have to do with health and fitness — admittedly not my forté.



19. Drink eight glasses of water a day every day for one week. This is probably easy and mindless for some of you but to me it feels insurmountable. So. Much. Water!

33. Hire a personal trainer.

42. Take a self-defense class.

- - - 

What do you do to stay healthy and in shape?

Fall Back on Black

On days when wardrobe inspiration escapes me (as it does many mornings now that I'm waking up earlier and getting dressed while I'm still half asleep), I find that there's no better fix than basic black on black. Here are a few pieces that have wound up in my Shopbop hearts of late...
I love the plunging pussybow blouse but it's the leather collar on the blazer that has my heart skipping a beat. That kind of detail for just $115? I think I know where my next paycheck is going!
Tulip hem or maxi length? Take your pick!
I'm kind of obsessed with this envelope clutch and gorgeous platform heel. They'd make even a t-shirt and jeans insanely chic!


But of course I saved the best for last. You know I love a backless dress!
- - -
What's your go-to when getting dressed? I'd love to hear your tricks for dressing quickly and stylishly!

Three Things

1. Loose waves, navy blazer, sequined clutch, tortoiseshell watch... I want it all.
2. Slowly and steadily building up my file of apartment inspiration. Don't you love the look of worn in leather? 
3. Bows belong on everything.

In other news, I spent the weekend at a cabin in the Poconos with friends from college and had the best time catching up with everyone. I love my friends. I might be playing catch-up on blogging, email, sleep, etc., but sometimes it's just nice to get away and unplug for a few days. How was your weekend?

And the winner is...


I was blown away by the number of entries on the Social Social giveaway and so psyched to know you all love Roxy's new line as much as I do! Without further ado, random.org has chosen entry #169, Cristin of Simplied Bee! Congratulations! I can't wait to see which pillow you choose. Please email me so I can put you in touch with Roxy! Thank you to everyone who entered and have an amazing weekend!

101 in 1001: Update No. 2

I'm making steady progress on my 101 in 1001 list! This is my second update since starting in January and I'm happy to report that I've completed ten more tasks since my first update in April!

11. Scrutinize the contents of my closet and donate, store, or toss everything I no longer wear. Not the most fun task but long overdue and almost therapeutic. 

13. Go skinny dipping. Shhh!

21. Read all seven Harry Potter books. Have you read them? I definitely may or may not have cried at the end of the last book. J.K. Rowling is a genius.

34. Make an address book with contact information for friends and family. Remember this? 

36. Figure out the best way to store all those business cards! This baby looks just as cute on my desk as it does at parties.

46. Buy something at a flea market. These earrings!

57. Prepare a meal using ingredients from a flea market. Right here!

62. Get a facial. I know I'm going to ruffle some feathers here and I'm happy I tried it but it totally wasn't for me! Too pricey and too much for my sensitive skin. I'll stick to my preferred mani/pedi indulgence instead!

86. Wear the right shade of red or pink lipstick — and not on Halloween. NARS Jungle Red. Not for the faint of heart but fun for a night out. Teeny tiny picture here.


97. Find out my blood type. Just one of those things I felt like I should know, don't you think?


- - - 

That's 20 tasks down, 81 to go! My 1001 day deadline is in September 2013. I feel great about it! Have a similar list? Leave a link in the comments so I can check it out!

Society Social Pillow Giveaway!

I've raved about her blog and her bar carts but Roxy and I decided it was high time for a Society Social giveaway!
One lucky reader will receive the pillow of his or her choice. Leopard, sequins, or zigzag? I mean, you really can't go wrong...


Don't you want to move right in? To enter to win the pillow of your choice, follow Design Darling and leave a comment below. For a second entry, like Society Social on Facebook. For a third entry, follow Society Social on Twitter. I'll draw the winner on Friday. Good luck!

The Design Dialogues {Elizabeth Caan}

I stumbled upon the work of interior decorator Elizabeth Caan last week on Made By Girl and fell in love with her colorful, preppy aesthetic. I was delighted when she agreed to participate in The Design Dialogues and share a few more of her interiors with all of you! Without further ado, Elizabeth Caan!


Who you are: Elizabeth Caan
What you do: Interior decoration and styling
Where you do it: Newton, Massachusetts


Five words to describe yourself... Impatient, energetic, petite, down-to-earth, congenial.

How do you define your aesthetic? Graphic glam.

Who are your style icons? Miles Redd, Mrs. Lilien, Diana Vreeland.


Destination: New York, New York

Quote: "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten." —Benjamin Franklin

Site: Etsy. I've scored some amazing things: vintage scarves I've had made into pillows, great art, and photographer that I have smattered about my studio and my home.

Store: Net-a-Porter. Who has time to go into a store?

Thing to read: Financial Times Where to Spend It Weekend Magazine.

Thing to Watch: Breaking Bad on AMC — such a great show!

Thing to wear: A fabulous coat makes anything look très chic.


How did you decide to become an interior designer? 
When I could afford to! It's an expensive sport. No, I actually have a degree in art. I spent ten years in sales and marketing for new media companies and have always had a passion for interior design. When I could afford to take a pay cut and learn this business the way I wanted to, I went for it!

What is the most glamorous aspect of your work?
Creating glamorous things with beautiful materials and top-notch tradespeople. 

What is the least glamorous aspect of your work?
Schlepping things around town!

What is the best advice you've ever received?
This is a creative business. To make it, you need to be not only creative but a businessperson as well.


Three tasks on your to do list...
Take my daughter to Paris, finish my home office, learn to relax.

Three items on your wishlist...
A pair of Joe Cariati glass lamps in lavender berry, a larger closet, a laundress.

Three tasks on your bucket list...
A trip to the Greek islands, go on an African safari, learn how to upholster — couture style!

- - - 

Thank you so much for joining us, Elizabeth! I love her quote about being a creative businessperson and I think I'll be adding a laundress to my wishlist as well. Aren't you smitten with her style?

LovingEco Winner

Thank you to everyone who entered the LovingEco giveaway this week. The winner is entry #6, Genelle of Signing Nelle! Please email me so I can put you in touch with the kind folks at LovingEco to redeem your $150 credit. 

{image via my Tumblr}

Spring 2012, Continued

Sometimes you just need to look at pretty things. Here are a few of my favorite looks from the spring collections. No rhyme or reason, just pretty...
{Diane von Furstenberg}
{Nanette Lepore}
{Rachel Zoe}
{Ralph Lauren}
Seeking inspiration (fashion or otherwise) is such a lovely way to zone out, step away from your problems for a second, and come back a little while later feeling refreshed. In addition to browsing collections and reading blogs, I find I'm re-inspired after a hot shower, a vanilla latté, or a phone call home. How do you stay inspired?