Giveaway: a.v. max Zodiac Necklace

I can't stop wearing my a.v. max zodiac necklace - it goes with everything!  Enter to win your own by following me on Twitter, Pinterest, and Google Friend Connect, and by following a.v. max on Twitter and Facebook.  Leave me a comment telling me you did, along with your email address and astrological sign.  You have until June 6th - ready, set, go!

Nailhead Headboard

My next big purchase is going to be a nailhead headboard.  I just have to have one!  I would really like the one in the first picture from Williams Sonoma Home, but it's $1200.  I think that's a little ridiculous considering it's just a piece of wood with cotton batting and fabric over it!  I've seen a ton of amazing DIY headboards online, but unfortunately I live in NYC and don't have the space or tools to make one myself!  I'm thinking this Pottery Barn upholstered headboard may be a good option, what do you think?

williamssonoma.com, myprojectstyle.com, centsationalgirl.com 

Finito

I just let out a big "Ahhhh" because I am finally finito moving!  (You can catch a glimpse of my new place on instagram, username: kattanita.)  Now comes the fun part...decorating!  I hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. xx

juliannamargulies.tumblr.com

Coastal Retreat

It's almost Memorial Day!  What are your plans for the weekend?  Wouldn't it be nice to curl up with a great book and spend the weekend in this Nantucket beach house overlooking the water?  Ahhhh...

ginger-snapped.tumblr.com, dhome.dmagazine.com, deborahsilver.com

Video: Calypso's Summer in St. Barth

OK, ready for another vacay, this time in St. Barth!

Best Brownie Recipe

This is Oprah's favorite brownie recipe - so you know it's gotta be good.  I came across it on this blog and can't wait to test it out this weekend in my new kitchen!  The secret to making these brownies rich instead of cakey is to leave out the baking soda and baking powder, and load up on the chocolate, eggs, and butter.  I can't think of a better treat after a long day of moving!

browneyedbaker.com

A little Pucci

There's nothing like a little Pucci to spice up an outfit!  Here, I tied one of my favorite Pucci scarves around the handle of my Prada tote.  I have a growing collection of Pucci scarves.  If you look hard enough you can usually find them at high end consignment stores, Century 21, and on sale at Saks, Neiman Marcus or Nordstrom.

Haute Hippie dress c/o, Av Max zodiac necklace, Sam Edelman sandals, Prada tote, Emilio Pucci scarf, W Hotels store ring, Urban Outfitters sunglasses

Inspiration

Finding inspiration for my (tiny but cozy!) new apartment...

prettystuff.tumblr.com, dailycrushes.blogspot.com

All packed up

It feels so good to be back in New York, I missed this city!  After I got off the red eye this morning, I took a little power nap and then dove right into packing up my apartment.  I somehow managed to fit everything into 8 boxes and 2 suitcases (which is pretty good considering I moved here with 11 boxes!) Moving can be a pain, but it can also be a great motivation to do some serious cleaning.  I cleaned out my entire closet and got rid of 5 bags of clothes I hadn't worn in months.  It feels so good to have edited down my wardrobe.  Now I can actually see what I have and make note of what I need!  I hope you all had a great weekend!

mybargainblog.com

#lovemyjacks

I can't stop wearing my new Jack Rogers Navajo sandals that I picked up at the Jack Rogers "Preppy Party" last week - they go with everything.  And this is the Equipment blouse that I got for $20 at my favorite consignment store; My Sister's Closet.  I'm going back tomorrow to see if anything new came in - fingers crossed I find some more goodies!

Equipment blouse, Jack Rogers sandals, 7 for all Mankind shorts, Prada Saffiano Lux Tote, Michael Kors watch, J.Crew bangles, Asha by ADM zodiac ring, vintage sunglasses

Joie de Vivre

I've had a really lovely vacation so far (I'm not ready for it to end!)  I've been laying out everyday, meeting dear friends at my favorite restaurants (La Grande Orange, Postino, Olive & Ivy - to name a few), spending quality time with my family, and shopping at local boutiques and consignment stores (My Sister's Closet is the best - I just scored an Equipment blouse for $20!)  This week has flown by - I cannot believe I fly back to NYC tomorrow.  Tommy and I have quite the busy week ahead of us - we move into our new apartment on Friday!  I'll be posting before and after photos so be on the look out!

laurendall.tumblr.com

Featured

I've been a busy bee working on guest posts for other wonderful bloggers!  Today I'm over at Classic Glam, talking about my other favorite color of the moment; turquoise.  Read the post here.

Simple and Sweet

My favorite type of wedding dress is one that is simple and sweet.  The first dress with its dainty spaghetti straps, big bow, layers of silk, and unexpected low cut back is just perfect.  Which one is your favorite?

sartoriallittlesomethings.tumblr.com, stylemepretty.com, capecodcollegiate.tumblr.com

Featured

Today I'm guest blogging over at Twenty One Two - an amazing blog run by Interior Designer Amanda Swanlund.  Amanda is coming to New York next week for the Kravet Design Blogfest so she asked me to create a city guide filled with my favorite NYC spots.  Click here to see the post!

Just A Peek

Just a peek inside my mom's house.  My mom's Connecticut upbringing definitely influenced her design sense.  When she moved to Arizona more than 30 years ago, she made sure to bring her classic accessories - blue and white ginger jars, wicker baskets, silver trays, and monogrammed linens.  I love that she has stayed true to her aesthetic after all of this time!

Home Sweet Home

Ahhh it feels good to be home!  I'm back in Scottsdale for the week to celebrate Mother's Day, catch up with friends, and soak up some sun.  I definitely overpacked, but will be leaving a few things here so hopefully my load will be a little lighter on the way back.  Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful moms out there, enjoy this day!

theamericanlegacy.tumblr.com

Finally

After weeks of apartment hunting, Tommy and I have finally found an apartment!  What a nightmare interesting experience it was.  I'll be sharing my story along with some helpful tips/tricks in a later post, so be on the look out!  This picture was taken last Sunday after a full day of hunting.  We were so frustrated and exhausted, that we decided to give up and just head to the High Line.  I'm so glad we did, because otherwise we wouldn't have had this picture.  It's one of my favorites - and I can't wait to get it printed and framed for our new place.

Featured

The other week I received an email from Annie of Live Simply about guest posting on her blog.  She asked me to pick an area in my apartment that needed organizing and take before and after pictures.  I absolutely love to organize things - I find it therapeutic - so I really enjoyed this post.  Here's a little sneak peek of the drawer I chose to organize.  See the full post at Live Simply here.

Met Ball 2012

In my opinion, Ashley Greene was best dressed at tonight's Met Ball.  That Donna Karan sweetheart dress is simply stunning and fits her perfectly.  Who do you think was best dressed?

huffingtonpost.com

Weekend Wear

I've been wearing this Club Monaco jacket (that I got on sale!) a ton lately.  The slightly oversized, masculine shape provides the perfect contrast to the ultra fitted, feminine skirts and dresses in my wardrobe.  I paired this jacket with a Zara skirt, James Perse T, and my super worn in Sam Edelmans.

Zara skirt, Club Monaco jacket, James Perse T, Sam Edelman sandals, Max and Chloe necklace, Asha by ADM rings, vintage clutch and sunglasses

A Girl Can Dream

Wouldn't it be nice?

traditionalhome.com, lh3.ggpht.com, l-ion.tumblr.com, decorpad.com, marcusdesign.blogspot.com

Sweet Treat

First, Congratulations to Teresa for winning the Diane James Home peony and candle, enjoy both! Second, how delicious does this look?  I have a major sweet tooth and can't seem to ever go to bed without eating something sweet. My go-to treat is usually a handful of Trader Joe's dark chocolate peanut butter cups.  Let's be honest though those aren't exactly the healthiest things in the world! When I saw this picture it inspired me to start thinking about healthier treats.  Dipping fruit in chocolate is both healthy and satisfying so starting this weekend I will be substituting my peanut butter cups for bananas, oranges, and strawberries dipped in dark chocolate melted morsels. #yum

bakersroyale.com

Black&White

I imagine this NYC apartment being steps away from Gramercy Park.  It would be filled with photographs and memorabilia from the tenant's trips around the world.  There would be old and new furniture from antique stores and Pottery Barn.  The apartment would be decorated in mostly black and white decor, but in a subtle way.  Visitors would always find a new picture on the wall or an interesting coffee table book to glance at while there.

casa-in-stile.tumblr.com, architecturaldigest.com