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101 in 1001

In lieu of making traditional resolutions this year, I'm writing a list of 101 things I'd like to accomplish in the next 1,001 days. That's approximately 2.75 years and, for me, a happy medium between short term and long term goals. As you may know, I'll be graduating from college this May and so consider this to be a very exciting time in my life! I won't overwhelm you with the entire list all at once but I do want to share a few at a time and update you as I'm able to cross things off the list.

1. Come up with 101 things. It's harder than you'd think!

2. Inspire someone else to write a list of his or her own. Any takers?

9. Launch an inspiring interview series on my blog.

16. Take a ballroom dance class.

43. Buy my first piece of original art.

60. Read every Jane Austen novel.

75. Throw a surprise party for a friend.

My goals range from the serious to the fanciful and I'm delighted with the tasks I've outlined thus far (currently 86!). This is where I'll need your help, dear readers, in the form of a little inspiration for rounding out my list. What would make your list of 101 things to accomplish in the next 2.75 years?

Moodboards By Martha

I will forever come back to these beautifully styled vignettes from Martha Stewart Living. Ribbon, shoes, snail mail — everything I love! I would love to frame the top picture for my future dream closet...

Chez Jenna Lyons

I was scanning the online Domino galleries when I stumbled upon the tried-and-true blogger favorite home of Jenna Lyons and her family. The J.Crew creative director's Brooklyn brownstone is an updated classic — a beauty with Victorian bones but updated with unexpected touches like charcoal walls in the bedroom. And how luxurious is Lyons's closet — a full room with a fireplace to boot? What a dream come true!

Springtime Strapless

One of my morning rituals is to click through Shopbop's new arrivals. It seems I'm dreaming of warmer weather as yesterday I fell madly in love with Parker's Solid Strapless Top ($187). The sweetheart neckline and flouncy peplum are delightfully feminine, while the piped boning and exposed zipper give it structure. It would be a brilliant basic for covering up with a navy blazer now and pairing with white jeans come summer!

Matte Black

I adore these three spaces and their matte black walls. Tempered with white and paired with natural elements like tan leather, tortoise lamps, and deer antlers, black can be unbelievably chic. It makes sense that I would love black interiors since I wear so much black clothing, right?
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Chic Shelving

I love the combination of pale blue-green bookcases and brassy collectibles in supermodel Coco Rocha's apartment, published in Vogue. Toss in white book covers and green glass bottles and you have a look that exudes easy glamour. What are some of your styling secrets?

Happy Menocal

I fortuitously stumbled upon the artwork of Happy Menocal yesterday on my friend Lindsay's gorgeous new blog The Pursuit of Style. She has collaborated with Jonathan Adler and Stubbs & Wootton while her paintings have graced the pages of House Beautiful and Town & Country. A small selection of prints is available on her website and she welcomes custom commissions (like the gorgeous crests above!) via email. How I would love to hang one of her colorful creations above my desk to keep me inspired while I work!

Midnight Sparkle

What are your fabulous plans for ringing in the New Year?
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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?

Thoughts For 2011...

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?

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!
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