A New Year with There Comes a Yes

A New Year with Colleen of...

Your Greatest Accomplishment in 2011

2011 was the year I left a salaried job to chase after what I felt I was supposed to be doing; designing. I was terrified, but figured it was now when my husband and I had no children and no mortgage, or never. Leaving that job opened the door for my design work at Lonny, which fulfilled a 10 year dream of laying pages for a magazine. It's an amazing feeling to have my name on a masthead-- my heart is absolutely in publications. 

Your Greatest Aspiration for 2012

This year is definitely a turning point for me. Last year was, at first, about finding my career path. Then I was in an extremely serious car accident, which I wish I could say hasn't affected, but of course it has. Dreams and aspirations are amazing, but oh lordy health insurance is important too. So 2012 is about making a living out of those dreams. I'm assisting Jenny Komenda with interior design work, which I've found so satisfying, after many years of essentially manipulating pixels. The tactile experience, the errand running to new, out-of-the-way stores (I love getting out of the city!), room installs-- it's an energizing process. I'd love to try my hand at styling too, but baby steps first!

Jason Wu for Target

Finally a collab that doesn't make me want to vom. (A-hem Versace for H&M.) $19.99-$59.99. Available from February 5 through March 6th. Come to mama.

A New Year with Adrienneats

2011. I launched my own business after being unemployed for months, realized a dream, and with my sweet husband finally moved back to the city that has always held my heart. Even if it doesn't seem it, a lot can happen in a year y'all! As a tribute to dreaming big, I've asked a handful of blogger buddies to share their proudest accomplishment of 2011 and their greatest aspiration for the new year.

First up, Adrienne Yancey of Adrienneats. I was lucky enough to snag Adrienne for all of Society Social's graphic design needs, and I'm extremely excited to see that she's going after another passion in 2012!

C.Wonder Pups for 50% off

Alan and I have been visiting a pet shop in Chelsea to play with puppies. I need a little one bad. These plates on sale at C.Wonder aren't as good as the real thing, but they sure are cute. Perfect as a drop spot for keys or jewels!

Kate Middleton Turns 30

Leaving your twenties doesn't seem so bad if you're Kate Middleton. Maybe it's her not soon to be forgotten McQueen wedding gown, but I just adore her in lace! She wore this Temperley London stunner to the London premier of Spielberg's War Horse over the weekend. I'll take 30 and princess status any day!

And just for fun, photos of other iconic royals at the age of 30 courtesy of Huffington Post.

Princess Grace Kelly, 1959

Princess Margaret, 1960

Queen Sofia of Spain, 1968

Queen Elizabeth, 1956

And Princess Diana, 1991

{Will & Kate via Bauer Griffin}

Weekend Picture Book

Alan and I had a wonderful weekend around the city. We were out as much as possible, and it was just the thing to get my mind off things! Brace yourself for the longest weekend picture book ever! First stop Saxon + Parole in Noho.

We met our friends Cindy and Adam who have been Manhattanites for years. They are never short of a good laugh and are always full of suggestions for tasty cocktails and fantastic eats! Saxon + Parole serves up classic cocktails, some with a twist.

We caught up over a variety of noteworthy tipples...

White Space

I'm usually drawn to rooms more along the lines of this, but for some reason I kept coming back to this image on Jenny Komenda's pinterest board.  I find myself gazing at it and breathing a sigh of relief. It's clean, uncluttered, effortless. All of which evoke a sense of calm and relaxation- I would be infinitely grateful for both  at the moment. Not to mention those grand balcony doors!