Prepsta

After reading an article in Matchbook Magazine about Smathers & Branson (Here's the Stich), I started thinking about the meaning of the words "true prep." Like the needlepoint-loving boys, I loathe the word "preppy" (thank you Abercrombie & Fitch...) and prefer the word "traditional" when it comes to defining my aesthetic and sense of style (buy now, love forever). So call me a classicist!

On my amazon list? Preppy: Cultivating Ivy Style. It is one of the many beautiful Rizzoli books - but it also features a picture of my friends Camilla Bradley & Ashley Strouse jumping off the stern of Wild Horses.

The Bar Cart

Wet bar, dry bar - I am not too picky. But one thing is for sure, I LOVE bar carts (p.s. did you read the post - a nod to cocktail hour?). The perfectly stocked bar cart makes me want to have cocktail parties in the grass and pretend to like martinis whilst wearing a caftan.

One of my recent discoveries - Society Social. A bar cart named "The Sedgwick?" - check. The chic hostesses behind Society Social just get it.

Now I am on to finding some bar accessories... Hello IOMOI! Cheers!

Images: Society Social & Iomoi

Valentine's Wishes

I have been obsessed with Finn Jewelry for a while... (remember my post on their love knots? Turns out, I was lucky in love in 2011!). Delicate, yet unique - I think their designs are perfect... but alas, I am still Finn-less (hint hint DWC!).

I am very into wearing the same pieces of jewelry every day (aquamarine ring, gold chain, Hun school crest...), and think that a piece by Finn would fit in perfectly (some of the pieces are even slightly aquatic - hello shark tooth!).

And did you know - designer Soraya Silchenstedt

was nominated as a 2011 CFDA/ Vogue Fashion Fund finalist?

Check it out for yourself: NY Mag

Images: Matchbook Magazine, W Magazine, Brides.com,

Monday Finds: Amrita Singh

Costume jewelry is such an easy way to personalize your style - and I cannot have enough of it! In effort to build my collection of statement-making pieces, I am ALWAYS on the hunt for new fun earrings. One of my go-to sources is Amrita Singh. I am particular fond of her "Hamptons" collection... can you tell I am SO ready for summer?

The Perfectly Imperfect Home

I gave my best friend EMF this book - and I kind of regret not buying a copy for myself!

The book explores the concept of a comfortable, stylish home that is uniquely your own. Deborah Needleman's sound decorating advice coupled with Virginia Johnson's watercolors proves a brilliant combination.

Since I love everything Lonny/Domino Magazine, I am not surprised that I am so into this book, since Needleman was a former editor. What I am into right now? Her theory on "cozification."

Check it out for yourself - hello Amazon!

Images: A Bloomsbury Life

Valentine's Day Gift Guide

Sorry for the delay in my blog posts... I try to post every day during the week days, but it seems other things just came first on my to-do list this week. One of the things that I was organizing was Valentine's Day gifts for DWC. Last year I was no fun and didn't really care about the holiday, so this year I wanted make up for it by putting forth a little extra effort.

Thought I would share some of my gift ideas with you all. One of my favorite sources? Sid Mashburn. If you follow Habitually Chic, you will remember a post that she did on this fab store in Atlanta. (P.S. - Don't get jealous ladies, there is an Ann Mashburn women's store!)

Oyster Shell Buckle - Sir Jacks

Laguiole Knife - Sid Mashburn

Penguin corkscrew - Uncommon Goods

Monogrammed Leather Keychain - K. Slademade

Helm Cufflinks - similar at Peter Elliot NYC

Images: Habitually Chic

Blog Love: The Pink Pagoda

I am always on the hunt for fun and inspiring blogs. My current daily reads include note to self, Design Darling, the Daily Spark, Atlantic - Pacific, Habitually Chic, Slim Paley, The Glitter Guide, and now - The Pink Pagoda.

Current favorites from TPP:

The Pink Pagoda has a plethora of interior design ideas and photo spreads - (my Pinterest has been blowing up) She also has an etsy store - in case you want to add some chinoiserie to your life (for only $20 - $40 a print!).

Images: The Pink Pagoda