design me daily.

Flash pro

2012-01-27T14:23:00.002-05:00

Personally, I don't love site intros. I feel like more often than not they are excessive and unnecessary. But this intro for Dustin Hoffman's web design portfolio is pretty great. Simple, graphic, smart. Plus, it changes colors, and who doesn't love a little color-change?

A generous helping of ampersands

2012-01-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

I'm head over heels for these Ampersand Collections from 55hi's. Clean, modern, beautiful. Plus, who doesn't love a delicious ampersand?

timing is everything.

2012-01-25T21:08:00.002-05:00

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I posted yesterday about decisions and I thought I'd share my most recent decision with you all.

Jake and I (which obviously means just me) have been planning for a Labor Day weekend wedding, getting to the point of almost booking a venue when we both pumped the brakes a bit. What's the rush? We have so many DIY ideas to execute (ok, that one is really just me) and some great plans this summer (including a bridesmaid's wedding and a trip to Hawaii). I'm excited to have more time to make a super special wedding day and to hopefully limit the amount of stress I feeel.

Summer 2013, here I come!

Pick Two Tuesday { DECISIONS, DECISIONS }

2012-01-24T13:46:00.004-05:00

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Wedding Colors

2012-01-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

I've been picturing something pretty specific in my head in terms of a color palette for my wedding. And some of the pictures that I've come across have come close (like this one, and this one too). But the other day I stumbled upon this beauty and it hit me in the chest. This is it! These are my colors :) well, hopefully...

Weekend Photoshoot/Fun

2012-01-20T15:00:00.000-05:00

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I'm planning on getting myself shot this weekend and I'm pretty excited about it. You know that clever friend of mine who helped my man propose? Well, she's multi-talented, you know, and she'll be shooting us on Sunday. Stay tuned for some proof :)

Happy Weekend.

Latest Obsession // Infinity Rings

2012-01-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

I have been crazy over infinity-anything lately. Maybe it's the upcoming wedding, maybe it's my affinity for graphic symbols, or maybe it's a trend. Who knows! Either way, I would really love to own one of these tiny bits of awesomeness.

image source // 1 // 2 // 3 // 4

Wedding Plans: part two (bridesmaid cards)

2012-01-18T08:03:00.001-05:00

Part two of the wedding plans...choosing bridesmaids!

I'm the middle child of three girls, I've had the same best friends since kindergarten and I talk to (and more often than not, see) my best friend from college everyday. So, choosing my bridesmaids was a cinch. But asking? There's a lot of pressure there!

I made them each a little double-sided card with all of their names on it, and little illustrations of girls in dresses. I had fun with it and kept it simple.

And really, this was just the beginning of the wedding design pressure...

Rocket wanted to join in the fun too!

Love at first sight.

2012-01-16T08:30:00.000-05:00

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Happy Weekend!

2012-01-13T15:00:00.000-05:00

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I'm off to spend the weekend with a few of my bridesmaids...they don't know they're bridesmaids yet, but they're about to! Have a smashing weekend, all :)

A good old-fashioned face-off

2012-01-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

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...er, feet-off.

best. fiancé. ever.

2012-01-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

I got a text while I was at work and it was a picture of these babies. Jake asked if I wanted them and I responded hell yeah! They were waiting for me when I got home :)

To bob or not to bob?

2012-01-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

I've been getting the same haircut (angled bob, just above my shoulders) for the last 4 years, which I've loved every single time... until recently when the stylist did a half-assed job. Not loving my hair for the first time in so long made me consider different styles, though. So I guess not all was lost. Except that I am caught in a little predicament—a classic style or an edgy one?

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Pick Two Tuesday { KEEP WARM }

2012-01-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

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Wedding Plans: part one (inspired)

2012-01-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

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before I got engaged in December I'd put a lot of thought into how my wedding might look and feel. But no one really tells you about how much your mind will change (and become easily confused) once you have to think about it for real.

Since I've been thinking about the reality of my wedding for the past few weeks, I've narrowed some basics down and gathered crazy amounts of inspiration to help me make decisions (...or become further confused, whichever). Check out some of my thoughts below :)

and if you're dying to see the crazy inspiration, here's a link to my pinterest wedding board.

succulent bouquet // mismatched 'maids

too-cute invites // cake pops

rustic decor // intimate lighting // fancy feet

Must've been a brain malfunction

2012-01-06T20:55:00.001-05:00

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Have you ever gotten so busy that some new thing takes up every second of your free time and all of the space in your brain becomes devoted to it too? And then—when that thing dies down and you begin having normal thought processes and spaces in your day to do other things—have you ever forgotten how you used to spend your free time when you weren't busy all those weeks before?

Well, this is what happened to me recently.

I forgot to blog.

I know, lame excuse.

Be back in full force next week though :)

Get ready...

Holiday re-stressor

2012-01-04T21:39:00.001-05:00

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The holidays were refreshing and wonderful, but boy-oh-boy I am stressing already. Work is back in full-swing and who knew wedding planning was so hard? Good thing I have you guys to bounce ideas off of... wedding posts to come soon :)

Holiday Sign Off

2011-12-22T08:33:00.001-05:00

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I'm off to the 'burbs for a weekend of over-eating and way too many presents! I hope you all have a fabulous holiday :) See you next week!

Hot Package // Point G

2011-12-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

Can't get this simply adorable packaging out of my head! The bright colors against the stark white are so enticing... or maybe it's the yummy contents that are making my mouth water :)

Designed by Chez Valois

Pick Two Tuesday { ENGAGED }

2011-12-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the break from your regularly scheduled program, but a little somethin' happened this weekend...and it involved Jake tricking me into going to a tattoo shop and proposing :) I am now engaged (sorry for the many wedding posts to come)!

Want the full story?
okey doke, you asked for it.

First off, I always told Jake that an engagement ring wasn't important to me. I went back and forth between wanting a simple ring (like this post) and wanting a tattoo (like this). A while back I finally settled on a tattoo engagement and a wedding band for proof... at the bars, ya know?

So, about a month ago my best friend asked me if I would please please please come with her when she got a tattoo. I said of course and then proceeded to ask her a billion questions and talk to her about it incessantly up until the date.

When we got to the tattoo shop Jenn (my bff) asked the artist to sketch her designs. He brought back a sheet of paper covered in swirly symbols, not what she had asked for. I was about to bitch the guy out when Jake said, "oh, looks like a J and an S, like Jake and Sarah are getting married!" I responded cleverly with, "yeah, or Jenn and Sarah!"—dumb I know.

At this point Jake was fed-up with my cluelessness and asked, "will you marry me?", which of course I didn't hear. But something must've clicked (finally) and I said, "wait, really?" And we kissed then got inked and here we are. Engaged.

Some of you don't know me as well as others, but if you do you'll also know how perfect this was. Both for me and for us as a couple. The symbol is special not only because it was designed by my best friend, but it is something that Jake used to doodle in high school, when we first started dating. This is obviously a prettier version, which makes it that much better :)

Oh, and then we went to lunch/brunch at Pauline's in Andersonville, Chicago. It was adorable and delicious. A perfect day :)

New-To-Me Blog // I Like Nice Things

2011-12-19T13:00:00.000-05:00

This new-to-me blog, I like nice things, is packed with, well, nice things. Designer/Blogger Alyssa Yuhas has a great eye for fashion, design, photography and overall pretty much everything. Since you're checking out her blog, you might as well click over to her portfolio too. It's a must-see. Tons of pinnable goodies in there!

Latest Obsession // Leather Leggings

2011-12-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

simple, sexy, chic. leather leggings can really amp-up a casual outfit.

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7

Etsy lives in my office.

2011-12-16T20:11:00.000-05:00

If you've read my bio or seen my facebook you know that I work at a pretty kick-ass design agency in Chicago. And so far all I've been able to do is talk it up, but now I have proof.

Heather Kintner's etsy shop is chock-full of beautiful print pieces. Like this 2012 calendar... amazing. And how adorable are these bachelorette party invites?! I can't believe she's been hiding her shop from me for so long!

Pick Two Tuesday { NOTHING TO WEAR }

2011-12-13T14:00:00.003-05:00

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Latest Obsession // Moto Boots

2011-12-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

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My latest obsession: moto boots

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Holiday Hangover

2011-12-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

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Today is my office holiday party, and when I say party I mean it. Mimosas for breakfast, mojitos for lunch, wine for dinner and tequila shots for dessert. omg. Mix in a little secret santa and karaoke and you have a clear picture of my day. Wish me luck :)

Happy Weekend, friends!

Those Darn Nagging Wedges

2011-12-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

A coworker came into work last week sporting these wedges and I had to share with you guys. Even if you forget her constant begging for me to blog about her, I still can't stop thinking about them. And guess what, lucky ducks? They're at DSW for only $80. Get 'em here.

Cold Weather Goodies

2011-12-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

Winter gloves tend to get in the way of looking fashionable, but there's really nothing worse than ice-cold fingers in the morning...well, maybe an empty coffee pot in the morning is worse, but cold fingers is up there. So, I rounded up some cute and functional gloves/glove-like hand warmers to keep you toasty this season :)

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leather gloves are pretty, pretty expensive, but usually really warm. Hard sell, but they're a classic that will last forever.

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I'm really into the fingerless gloves, especially when they have a mitten component, and of course mittens are always a cozy favorite.

6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10

And the newest trend in cold-weather accessories is the texting glove. These gloves are made with special touch screen compatible patches, which make the morning commute oh-so-much-easier.

11 // 12 // 13 // 14 // 15 // 16

Pick Two Tuesday { CELEBRATE }

2011-12-06T14:00:00.000-05:00

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Guest Posting on BIA

2011-12-06T08:39:00.001-05:00

I'm heading over to Because it's Awesome today while Tobe is moving into her new house! Check out my post here :)

White Walls

2011-12-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

Cool idea for a design studio or home office — why not make your white walls functional for your business? Brilliant.

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Fashion Crush Friday 05

2011-12-02T09:00:00.000-05:00

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Stamp Train.

2011-11-30T21:08:00.001-05:00

Have you heard of Stamped? If not, you should absolutely jump on this train. If you're anything like me, anytime you want to try something new and unfamiliar to you the first thing I'll do is ask a friend for a recommendation. Most often my friends are indecisive or unavailable. Stupid friends, right? So onto plan B which is Yelp. The problem with Yelp? Who knows who these people are and what their tastes are compared to mine.

Stamped lets you lookup your friends' recommendations instead. Easy as pie. I love this app.

Perfect Match — comfy/cozy

2011-11-30T08:37:00.001-05:00

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sweatshirts + leather wrap bracelet = love. duh.

Pick Two Tuesday { PAINT ME PINK }

2011-11-29T13:49:00.001-05:00

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Office Holiday Party: What to wear???

2011-11-29T08:52:00.001-05:00

This year will be my first time attending a real office holiday party. The one I went to last year was for a Real Estate company, which really shouldn't count. So it feels like this year will be my first :)

What do you wear to a party where everyone is creative and super adorable? Here are some tips I've picked up...

Rule #1: make it your own. If you buy a dress that you love, pair it with funky wedges or a cocktail ring to put your own spin on it.

Rule #2: keep it professional...but not too professional. In an occupation where jeans and hoodies are workwear, pretty much anything goes. And while remaining professional is important off-hours, quirky shapes and cut-outs are totally acceptable!

Rule #3: have fun! Don't just wear a red cardigan over a simple LBD, add some embellishment, color or accessories to your ensemble to spice the Holiday up!

Check out some of my Office Holiday Party picks:

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7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 // 12 // 13

Classy Tattooed Gent.

2011-11-25T09:30:00.000-05:00

Freakin' awesome.
Source.

Winter Browns

2011-11-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

Of course I love spring and summer's bright colors and bold patterns, but there is something really beautiful about the browns, blacks, greys and creamy neutrals that come to life each winter.

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Pick Two Tuesday { COLD SHOULDER }

2011-11-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

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distracted.

2011-11-21T21:31:00.001-05:00

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A San Fran Christmas

2011-11-18T21:25:00.001-05:00

I just got back from San Fran, in case you haven't heard...and guess what, it's xmas shopping time! How the heck did that creep up on me? At least I was able to gather a few San Francisco-related christmas gift ideas :)

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And I'm Back!

2011-11-17T08:30:00.000-05:00

Hey everybody, I'm back! It was AMAZING. I loved every single second of it and the boy totally agrees. And I have photos to share of all of the amazing things I experienced on my first trip to San Fran!

First, the food!
The food was really great, specifically the sushi. yum yum yum! Plus, it was less than a ten-minute wait to get our food. I don't know if this is normal, but in Chicago that is unheard of! And the mexican food from Tropisueño was so so good. The margarita wasn't bad either ;)

Of course we were tourists in the city, so we did some touristy things.

Then, we took a walking (and training and busing) tour of San Francisco, hitting neighborhoods all over. Our favorites? Mission District, Haight-Ashbury, Sunset and Richmond District.

Shopping was pretty great too, especially this tiny paper shop in the Mission, Press Works on Paper. The place was so cute and the owner was super friendly and helpful.

On our last day, we went hiking up in Muir Woods across the bridge. The views were breathtaking and the hilltop houses were equally so!

And of course, no trip would be complete without some seriously adorable new duds :)

I hope you enjoyed the guest posters while I was gone. Thanks again Tobe, Val, Natasha & Shannon, Crystalin and Megan!

Guest Post // Megan

2011-11-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

Hey guys! It's the last day of my trip and although my vacation is winding down the guesting is still going strong! Megan is the mastermind behind The Fresh Exchange, as well as Hitch Design Studio and co-creator of Blog Brunch. Plus, she has style to boot! To say she's a powerhouse would be an understatement! Which is why I'm so excited to share her chilly-weather post with you today :)

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Megan's most-frequented sites:
That is hard, there are so many places that inspire me daily, but it would have to come down to Pinterest, Design Work Life, and my Google Reader. I have over 1000 blogs I try to keep up with weekly.

Guest Post // Crystalin

2011-11-15T09:00:00.000-05:00

If any of you read Crystalin's blog, In the City with Crystalin, you'll know that she is a huge fan of San Francisco...which is where I am right now! So, when she agreed to guest post on DMD I was thrilled! She has really great style and I knew she'd create something amazing, and of course all about San Fran :)

Since you get quite a bit of fashion on my blog, I thought I would do something different and super relevant, as miss Sarah is off visiting the beautiful place I’m about to talk about! I take a ton of photos of life in the city, but I never really say much. So, today I thought I’d share five reasons I love living in San Francisco.

1. The Views– Being surrounded by the bay makes this city so picturesque! And the old architecture and apartment buildings are so classic and unique to the city. You will catch a stunning view from every direction (even from my bedroom)!

2. Different Neighborhoods– it’s like a new adventure every day or every weekend! Each neighborhood is completely unique; from the restaurants, to the people, to even the coffee shops. It's fun to walk just a couple blocks and feel a complete different vibe.

3. Parks– The parks here are just gorgeous and have stunning views. Nothing beats a warm afternoon at the park with friends, food, and games! I love that everyone participates too!

4. Healthy and Vegan Friendly– They’re so many vegan options (grocery shopping and dining out) I don’t think I could ever leave! Health and fitness are a huge part of my life, so to live in one of the most active/fit cities, makes it feel more like a community. To be surrounded by like-minded people who also like to take care of themselves feels good and refreshing.

5. Amazing Restaurants– It’s almost like you don’t need an explanation. So many options, great quality, real food. Italian thin crust pizza’s in sf are to die for! And if you’re ever here visiting, Tipsy Pig’s Strawberry Fields is a must!

Thanks so much for having me Sarah! Hope you're having a blast in my neck of the woods :)

Want to learn more about Crystalin? Check it out!

Crystalin's top 3 sites:

I visit so many sites daily, how can I decide on just 3?.... I get a lot of inspiration by browsing Tumblr and Pinterest (food, DIY's, fashion). I do love me a daily dose of Alicia from Cheetah is the New Black (she’s a shorty like me, so I like to see how she styles things).

Guest Post // Natasha + Shannon

2011-11-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

For today's guest post we have two special ladies, Natasha + Shannon of Lost + Found. They are special not only because we're blog buds (am I overusing that term??) but they are also freelance clients of mine! They commented on my post about planning this very trip to San Fran way back in the Spring, we got to chatting (and skyping), I designed their logo, and now I'm meeting up with them in their hometown! Isn't the blog-world fabulous?

welcome to sf, sarah!

inspired by the concrete jungle and surrounding mother nature we call home, we'd like to share some of our local favs:

perch in glen park (image is attached) : urban gifts + home accents. local + international.

curiosity shoppe in the mission district(image attached) : kitschy gifts + home accents.

viracocha in the mission : feels like a repurposed wonderland. mountain meets desert. antique treasure trove. go see for yourself!

paxton gate in the mission : taxidermy galore. weird science and sweet terrariums.

go-to hang outs:

mojo bicycle cafe ladies, check it out. you will get why we post up at this joint. the lil yum donuts are alright too. ;)

flora grubb sip a latte as you stroll the gorgeous gardens.

the ramp beware...when then say "spicy" bloodies, it's gone make your tongue BURN. this place is divey, but the views are to die for.

other local fav things we have to share:

geographer these guys will make you swoooooon! our fav sf band. have a listen. night winds. we are listening as we post.

blue bottle coffee in need of a kick-start? this delicious individual drip coffee is the solution.

bolinas. sleepy surf town. we are headed out early in the morn to catch some waves! surfs up!

alameda pointe antiques faire. we are spoiled to have probably the BEST flea market on the other side of the bay! inspiration, projects, steals + deals galore!

we hope you love our city as much as we do, sarah! can't wait to meet you!

lost + found

Guest Post // Val

2011-11-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

Val of Carnival and I have been blog-buds since the summer I started blogging, 2009! I found her design portfolio, emailed her about how much I loved her work and the rest is history! She is a great designer and her blog really showcases her amazing sense of style. Check out what she's currently loving...

I wanted to showcase items I am currently loving: things that are fun and a little out of the ordinary. I'm a designer and tend to gravitate toward geometric forms, pattern, and color, so most of these items have qualities of one or more of the above.

01. Hold Your Horses Print by Neighborhood Studio
Curtis Jinkins is one of my favorite modern-day designers, and this print has a good blend of pattern and typography.

02. Wooden Nautical Flags by Best Made Co.
This would be an incredible set to own and give individual flags to friends as gifts. Though these would make interesting, bold flags to hang on your wall, they actually could hold more meaning by hanging up initials that mean something to you or spelling out a word (and it would look good without being totally obvious and cheesy).

03. Cats Let Nothing Darken Their Roar 2012 Calendar
I owned a version of this calendar a few years back, and it's just a fun new take on the traditional calendar.

04. Peeking Radiance Necklace
Colorblocking at its finest. I like the bright color with a dash of sparkle.

05. Love for Leica Website
Though I am not a photographer and could never afford a Leica camera, I still enjoy looking at pictures of these beauties.

06. Pantone Metal Storage Boxes
I've been obsessed with everything Pantone lately (I was a Pantone chip for Halloween!) and these would be a great looking way to store/hide gadgets and clutter.

Want to learn a little more about Val? Here you go!

Current top 3 sites:

Pinterest, Convoy, and pretty much all the blogs in my reader. I like being inspired and surrounding myself with visually amazing things.

Guest Post // Tobe

2011-11-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

On my first day of my vacay, Tobe of Because it's Awesome has agreed to kick us off with a spectacular guest post. (My first guest post ever!) She and I started talking early in 2010 and when she paid a visit to Chicago I actually got to spend the day with her and her adorable hubs! It was pretty cool to meet up with a blog-bud, especially a bud like Tobe. She is a really great designer, wonderful person and super duper stylish. Check her sh*t out!

Hi, DMD friends! i'm so happy to be filling in for sarah while she's finally off on that san fran dream vacation. now that you know some basic info about me, let's get to the eye candy!

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

this fall, i'm having heavy black, natural and metallic (both sparkly and matte) tendencies. with my wardrobe and my home decor, i find myself continually gravitating towards this striking combo, and i'm loving what i see out there!

a few items i've either recently picked up or am currently coveting:

marc jacobs tote // disco globe // DVF horn wine coaster //lionhead door knocker // leather pencil skirt // emersonmade tweed blazer // sam edelman leopard booties // kate spade sparkle clutch

any trends you're smitten with for fall?

Tobe's top 3 fav sites:

Only 3?!!? Well, I've been lucky enough to have developed some amazing friendships through blogging, so I visit all of those daily (yes, including DMD) .............. I'm not sure I can narrow it down to 3! I do have a whole page of faves if you should be so inclined.

thanks so much, Sarah, for having me! looking forward to a san fran recap with all of your adventures! ox

Out of the Office Reply.

2011-11-09T12:00:00.000-05:00

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Hey all! The time has finally come for me and the boy to hit the road—er, air—and head to San Fran! Don't worry, though, I'm leaving you in the best of hands :)

GUESTING SCHEDULE

THURSDAY ....... TOBE, Because it’s Awesome
FRIDAY ............... VAL, Carnival
MONDAY ............ TOSH & SHANNERS, Lost + Found
TUESDAY .......... CRYSTALIN, In the City with Crystalin
WEDNESDAY ... MEGAN, The Fresh Exchange

How do I know...

2011-11-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Seriously, how am I supposed to know how to pack for a place I've never been?! AND with the airlines being what they are these days, how can I possibly pack light? It's beginning to seem impossible! And of course thinking about what to pack is making me want to go shopping...

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Typographer Ryan Gosling

2011-11-08T22:45:00.003-05:00

This made me smile...and then it made me laugh. I may have snorted once, but I'll never tell.

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Pick Two Tuesday { FRANCISCO }

2011-11-08T09:30:00.000-05:00

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Temptation.

2011-11-07T08:30:00.000-05:00

Everyday on my way to work I walk past Michigan Avenue. And let me tell you, it is no small feat resisting the pull of Topshop, H&M and Zara. And if the stores were open at 8:00 in the morning, I probably would be in serious credit card debt. But luckily for me, they are closed. Unluckily for me though is the fact that in the window of Zara are these boots. These beautiful, in-my-price-range boots. But I can never seem to talk myself into walking over there when the store is open! What's wrong with me?! They're so pretty, comfy and cute!

And how perfect would they be for San Fran? :)

2011-11-04T20:20:00.003-04:00

It's friday and I couldn't be happier.

This week was rough. Not like super crazy or even really that busy, but for some reason the work week really took its toll on me. So, 5:00 this afternoon was a happy time for me! I hope you all have an amazing & relaxing weekend :) See you Monday!

Inked #2

2011-11-03T14:51:00.001-04:00

Did I mention that I got inked on Saturday? This photo was taken right after, so it's a little raw, but isn't it pretty? :)

Good Deeds

2011-11-02T09:00:00.000-04:00

Beautiful typography and message. Two thumbs up, Jon Contino.

Pick Two Tuesday { FOOOOOOOD }

2011-11-01T14:41:00.000-04:00

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Black and Chartreuse Wedding

2011-10-31T14:00:00.000-04:00

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Is it me or is this wedding stationery designed for DMD? I love the bold chartreuse green against the black/charcoal grey and the easy handwritten font is awesome. There's nothing I don't like about this suite!

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T09:00:00.000-04:00

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I love halloween. Always have, probably always will. But I really wish that I was still a kid just for this one day each year because that's where the real halloween fun is had. Candy, costumes, tradesies after trick-or-treating...and if I was as cool as this kid, that would be the cherry on top!

Happy Halloween, everyone!

Quarter-of-a-century

2011-10-28T22:54:00.000-04:00

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Well, friends, it's about to become official...tomorrow, I will be a quarter-of-a-century old. I have a feeling that 25 is going to be a great year. Traveling to California, Maryland and Hawaii (at least), designing and blogging like crazy, and spending time with the people I love most. It doesn't get much better than that!

A girl can dream though... :)

Top Images: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4

Birthday Wishes: 1 // 2 // 3

Lovely Couple.

2011-10-27T09:00:00.000-04:00

boy // girl

These two should meet. They'd make a lovely couple :)

Southwest Feelings

2011-10-26T09:30:00.000-04:00

At first, I wasn't sold on the trend — strange patterns, desert colors — but now, I think I might love it! Especially these boots. Um, hello gorgeous! Oh, and the faux taxidermy is pretty freaking sweet too.

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Is it spring yet?

2011-10-25T15:00:00.000-04:00

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...and it's only October!

Pick Two Tuesday { CHUNKY KNITS }

2011-10-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

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New in my life.

2011-10-24T14:39:00.001-04:00

I've been getting questions about my new haircut and glasses, so here they both are! I didn't like the haircut/color at first, but I've gotten used to it :) And isn't it weird how different I look in each of these pics?! crazy!

Oh yeah, and I got these boots too...

Fashion Crush Friday 04

2011-10-21T09:30:00.000-04:00

Budget Busters.

I can't seem to get enough!

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Sick Day?

2011-10-20T09:00:00.000-04:00

Can't I just stay in bed all day? Sideways rain at 40 miles per hour does NOT sound like fun to me. On the other hand, chunky knits and hot coffee sound amazing. Sick day? :)

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Connected.

2011-10-19T22:37:00.003-04:00

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Cool new jewelry trend? I like.

Pick Two Tuesday { DISTRESSED }

2011-10-18T23:12:00.001-04:00

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Better late than never... :)

Too Short for Fall?

2011-10-17T13:57:00.004-04:00

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I'm loving these street style looks pairing shorts with jackets and blouses. I wish I had seen this inspiration sooner so I could've taken advantage of the trend before it got too cold! But the good thing about this look is that it transitions into spring too. So, I'll just throw these in my back pocket until then :)

For those of you living in warmer climates, I'm jealous!

Fashion Crush Friday 03

2011-10-14T15:08:00.001-04:00

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Pinning is expensive.

2011-10-14T09:30:00.000-04:00

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No, but seriously....
Check out what I've been pinning lately here!

Neither Here Not There

2011-10-13T14:28:00.001-04:00

I want this bad. Designed by Alex Perez. Buy it here if you want to be mat

Remember...

2011-10-13T14:22:00.001-04:00

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True story. But don't worry, I'm still getting adorable glasses.
Eyesight is somewhat important in my line of work...

Pick Two Tuesday { SUGAR }

2011-10-11T09:00:00.000-04:00

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New Glasses in my Future

2011-10-10T16:44:00.000-04:00

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I came down with a bout of pink eye this weekend...pink eye! Who gets pink eye outside of 3rd grade?! Anyway, I went to the eye doctor and completely failed my vision test. WHILE WEARING MY GLASSES! I realized that I needed a new prescription, which of course got me thinking of the fashion side of the dilemma...tortoise shell or black-rimmed? How can I possibly decide?

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Fashion Crush Friday 02

2011-10-07T08:30:00.000-04:00

black leather + green denim

Blog Love: hrrrthrrr

2011-10-06T20:47:00.001-04:00

new blog on my radar — hrrrthrrr

A quirky blogger with style and an eye for design. Love her unique posts and personal stories.
Check it out for yourself!

The "Perfect" Messy

2011-10-06T14:39:00.005-04:00

Well is there? I've been growing my hair out for a while (since January) and I can finally put it up in a messy bun — one of my fav hairstyles for lazy days — with only two bobby pins in back! But is there a "good" messy bun? These ladies seem to have it mastered. I'm not sure which is my favorite!

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It's Monday...

2011-10-03T13:31:00.004-04:00

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Feeling a little under the weather today...be back in a bit.

Pumpkin Schlumpkin

2011-09-30T20:19:00.000-04:00

Yep, it's officially fall! Boot-season and pumpkin spice lattes. And speaking of pumpkin, how did it become the only fall flavor? Is peppermint the only winter flavor? No way. There's cinnamon, gingerbread (if we can consider that a flavor), and I'm sure there are more, but my brain isn't ready to start thinking about winter yet. So why is it that pumpkin is the only flavor of fall?

I probably wouldn't be so pissy if I liked pumpkin :) Happy Fall!

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Fashion Crush Friday 01

2011-09-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

Loving her fall sweater and long wavy locks

kick-ass messy bun

Sydney's Faux Fur

Cute girl, cute freckles, cute glasses

Just plain fabulous

perfect for day-to-night

Gothic Fashion

2011-09-28T08:50:00.000-04:00

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Loving all-black this season for all new reasons. Of course, it's gloomy outside, so I'm immediately drawn to darker colors, but the ladies above pull this look off with so much style and chicness. Like Rachel Zoe (above left), wearing gold metal accents with her fashion-forward black ensemble. And in the above right photo, she is pairing a bold striped sweater with nude and black flats, breaking up the black with neutrals. And the last photo shows mixing of greys, navys and blacks, and most importantly... sequins! I love this look. So chic and not at all "goth".

Pick Two Tuesday { MUTED FASHION }

2011-09-27T13:00:00.000-04:00

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Vintage Letterpress

2011-09-27T08:44:00.000-04:00

It's amazing what they can do these days with printing, like these letterpress postcards that look so much like a 4-color offset. What I wouldn't give to own a letterpress! It would be so cool to print cards for family, friends, or my own home decor. There's nothing like a letterpressed print. A beautiful vintage postcard feel is the result of this press and they're simply stunning. I wonder how much something like this might cost...

EMMY 2011 Favorites

2011-09-22T09:01:00.000-04:00

My Dexter girls took the cake for me on Sunday night. They look stunning! And even though Gwenyth Paltrow took a lot of flak for her two-piece number, I loved the detailing and the risk that she took wearing it on the red carpet.

Drawing Chicago

2011-09-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

Loving this Chicago illustration by artist, Michael Mullan

Pick Two Tuesday { TEXTURE & LIGHT }

2011-09-20T08:57:00.001-04:00

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White After Labor Day? Yeah, ok.

2011-09-19T08:30:00.000-04:00

I really think that the "you can't wear white after Labor Day" rule is so bogus, but have you noticed that people really don't wear white very often after summer ends? At least not on bottom. So, I put together two outfits that I think are a pretty killer example of wearing white, the right way, after Labor Day. (did you know I was also a poet in my freetime? yuh huh, I sure am!)

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To plan or not to plan?

2011-09-16T14:46:00.001-04:00

So, the day is quickly approaching (you know, the day when I get to visit San Francisco for the very first time) — less than two months! And I am so unprepared! I've gathered billions of links and ideas in my head, but I haven't sat down and actually planned anything. Which actually started me thinking, is it ok not to plan?

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I've never had a vacation that was agenda-free. My parents (mostly my dad) were big planners, everything scheduled so that we got the most out of our trips. But maybe there's something to feeling out the trip and what we want to do day-by-day. What are your thoughts?

Oh, and what are your favorite spots in San Fran?! We have five days, so even if I don't plan the whole trip, I could probably just plan a couple of days :)

Haymaker

2011-09-16T09:30:00.000-04:00

Y'all know that I live in Chicago, right? Well, I bet you didn't know that I live in one of the coolest neighborhoods with amazing design and home furnishing boutiques! It's like a melting pot for style, antique, funky, modern, and traditional. And one of the newest shops in my neighborhood is Haymaker, a haven for local designers and really a showcase for them too! These photos do not do it justice, though, because it's so amazing inside. And the pieces for sale are amazing too! I bought a poster on my first visit and I plan on many more trips soon! If you're in the Chicago area, you have to check this place out!

Facelift: Carnival

2011-09-15T13:00:00.000-04:00

Have you seen Val's new blog design? I'm obsessed :) Oh, and her blog is pretty sweet too.

Marie Claire Dreams

2011-09-14T13:00:00.000-04:00

I am SWOONING over these photos of Marie Claire offices in NYC! Bright & airy office, fashionable coworkers and amazing design all in a high-rise overlooking Central Park? Um, yes please. And then, to top it off, the ever-so-talented Jamie of From Me To You takes these gorgeous photos and I literally have drool all over my laptop.

Style Crush: Fall

2011-09-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

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This girl is wearing my favorite outfit yet this season. Weird to say because it's so simple and because Fall hasn't even officially begun yet! But I love it! It's dressy/casual, traditional/modern, feminine/masculine. I can't get enough!

And here are some pieces so you can get the look too!

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Surprise, it's a blog party!

2011-09-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

Are you wearing your party shoes? I hope so, because it's a blog party and you're invited!

Megan from The Fresh Exchange and Ms. Pink from The Pink and Blue Blog are hosting a Surprise Party today! Over 40 amazing bloggers got together to celebrate today, so be sure to check out all of their posts (and mine)!

Cute Couple

2011-09-12T14:00:00.000-04:00

Don't ask me why, but I have a feeling that these two would really hit it off...

click here to see what else is happening on my tumblr page.

Remember 9/11

2011-09-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was 9/11/11, just ten years after the tragedy in NYC. It feels like ages ago, and it's hard to believe that I was just 15 when it happened. I came to school, a special late arrival for all non-freshmen, and my sister stopped me in the hall when she arrived to tell me that we'd been bombed.

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I actually remember thinking that she was lying at the time. But then the whole school started to buzz about it. And we watched a live newscast. And all of a sudden it was very real.

My dad had the TV turned to the memorial service in NYC yesterday when I was home visiting and I can't even imagine having known someone who was affected by the tragedy. I didn't even know anyone who was killed or injured or even close to the towers and I was still in tears! But it was a good reminder that we should be grateful and live our lives to their absolute potential.

So, Happy Monday everyone. Make today special.

Girls' Weekend

2011-09-09T14:34:00.001-04:00

I'm heading home to the 'burbs this weekend to spend some quality time with my girlfriends! A birthday party and a wedding dress shopping trip! It should be fun!

Happy weekend, all!

Jacket Weather

2011-09-08T08:21:00.000-04:00

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Like I said, Fall's a-Comin', and it's a good and bad thing. I love 70-degree weather and colorful leaves crunching on the ground, but it's also the mark of summer ending and the end of beautiful shorts/skirts/sundresses/sandals (and every other s-word) weather. That being said, I love to rock a jacket, so Fall ain't so bad! Here are some of my favorite this season:

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The Film Exhibition

2011-09-07T09:31:00.002-04:00

Some badass movie posters redesigned by Mahdi Chowdhury. Love the Up poster!

Pick Two Tuesday { MINT + POLISH }

2011-09-06T19:54:00.002-04:00

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