New (Major!) Girl Crush

I discovered Nicole Warne on @NYTimesFashion Instagram over the weekend and have since devoured her blog. Have you heard of her? Anyone who can make tapestry look this good, D&G or not, is a style icon in my book. She's also an entrepreneur and business owner at Gary Pepper Vintage. Brains and beauty. My kinda gal! Who's your most major girl crush?

Live the life you love, Love the life you Live

From the latest buying trips...

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From the last "business meeting..."

What I get to design and send out into the world...merry-making for merry makers...

The people I get to help :) :) :)

It sure isn't easy. I can't tell you the last time I had a steady paycheck. And it definitely isn't always this pretty!! Don't be fooled! But that last picture makes it worth it. I sure hope I get to do this for forever :) TGIF y'all!

p.s. And since I do what I do, items will be in the shop by early October!

Books I Read This Summer

I read them from my picnic blanket in the park, my US Airways aisle seat, in a newly strung-up hammock, under my ruffled sheets, in earshot of crashing waves, lazed about on my sofa...what books did you read this summer? From where? :) Send over Fall reading recs!

Carolina Panthers vs New York Giants

It's not everyday Net-A-Porter unknowingly styles the perfect Carolina Panthers game day outfit. I'm going to take it as a sign for tonight's match up. Go Panthers!

p.s. One epic tailgate.

{Markus Lupfer Cat Sweater}

Tomato, Tomata, Prosciutto...

Do you ever get certain words mixed up by accident? Recently Alan can't stop saying bruschetta in the place of prosciutto.  Prosciutto isn't said often in daily language, unless you're Italian, or me, who happens to have the problem of being able to eat my weight in antipasto plates. We've talked about learning French together. Can you imagine the hilarious mix-ups that could occur? Or the French language coated in his thick southern twang? He makes me laugh :)

p.s. Other words you really shouldn't get mixed up. Nobody will laugh.

{I Dream of Paris Print}

The Bar Cart is Back

As a designer you hope your babies make it to good homes, I've never seen one of my Madison Mixer bar carts so happy. Thanks to the faboosh Furbish team! See the entire spread plus Jamie's decorating cheat sheet and video in the last Manifesto Magalog.

{Photography by Thesis}

What do you do on a wet, rainy evening?

Alan and I hail a cab. Direct the cabby to our favorite hole in the wall Italian in Chelsea. Order a bottle of red. Then eat pasta until the tops of our pants start to poke into our bellies :)

p.s. Sweet rain gear. How cute is number one?
p.s.s. Speaking of rain, I was surprised when Alan picked this out while searching for art last weekend. What do you think?

The Baseball Cap

Have you seen it? Caps are popping up on stylish heads everywhere paired with anything but activewear. Chiara even wore hers to NYFW. Anyone woman worth her sartorial salt is going to give this one a shot ;) I think I'd try it out with leather ankle skinnies, a baggy boyfriend blazer, + white tee (or this!), and trainers. What about you? 

Cap this:

90s inspired

Waterproof

Salt-faded

Signature

Brushed Canvas

{Atlantic-Pacific | Emerson Fry | The Blonde Salad}

For the Proper Office

I was so excited to see how Rue Magazine styled my Draper Table (and pillows!). Don't you think every proper office needs a cocktail station? Happy Monday y'all!

Let's talk topless.

Have you heard? Duchess Kate went topless! Sadly enough the press, who shouldn't have invaded their privacy in the first place, is making an unnecessary fuss about it. I mean, come on, people! She was sunbathing on the Cote D'Azur on a private property with her husband. Who could blame her? Personally I think it's fabulous when people throw their inhibitions to the wind and bare all! Just ask my fellow sunbathers on a nude, public no less, beach in Nice circa 2005 ;)

What about you? Have you sunned topless? Where? When? Who were you with? Would you ever? You must spill the beans. I'm dying to know!

{Slim Aarons "Eden Roc Chat"August 1976}

K.Slademade Fall/Winter 2012

It's here and beautifully classic! Who else will be shopping this weekend? ;) Congrats Miss Kelsea!

Today's Mantra

There's an intense pressure as a designer to constantly turn out something new, exciting, original and sellable all at the same time. The feeling makes my tummy flip on the daily and sometimes I wonder what I've really gotten myself into. Against the uncertainty, all we can really do is fiercely protect our self confidence and keep chugging along! Are you with me? :)

#NYFW via Instagram

I've loved watching New York Fashion Week unfold live via Instagram.

@OscarPRgirl

@cfda

@fashionninagarcia

Do you have some favorite snaps? Point me to the @!

p.s. My first time under the "tents" and the 10 most mispronounced words in fashion. 

p.s.s. If you fancy, follow me around NYC via Instagram @societysocial :)

My Style Crushes

Do you have a girl crush? I think it's safe to say OP is on everyone's list, men and women alike. A few others that always kill it in my book are Christine Centenera, Taylor Tomasi Hill, and a new one Marissa Webb whose fabulous line just debuted at New York Fashion Week. Who are your style crushes?

{Olivia Palermo for Vogue Girl Korea via Refinery 29}

Weekend Video

A few lovely little moments from our lazy Sunday around the neighb :)

{Music Credit: Cocaine 80s "Take My Keys"}

Yay! My design tips at Southern Living!

If you couldn't tell I'm on a bit of a hiatus (escaping to the Carolina Coast is high on my list of the great joys of life ;), but I had to pop in to share this Southern Living article. I'm a proud resident of New York City, but a Carolina girl at heart. Southern Living is one of my favorite ways to stay in touch with my southern roots and I couldn't believe it when they asked me to do a short write-up sharing some of my design tips. A dream come true!!

Check out "Decorating Lesson: Faux Bamboo" if you get a chance and if you would leave a comment letting them know what you think, I would be forever grateful!