A New Year

I've been thinking a lot about the new year lately. Usually, it stands as a fresh start, the opportunity for growth. Everyone makes resolutions in order to spark some sort of change in their life, whether that be flossing more often (for me, yes) or drinking less gin and tonics (for me, never).

But for 2012, I don't even know what I should resolve to do. There's been so much change in 2011 that I'd appreciate some sort of stasis in the next year. My life was turned upside-down: I left Evanston for a NYC (read: miniscule) apartment surrounded by pigeons and litter, somehow landed a wonderful job for which people pay me to write (I know, right? And you're getting this for free!), and my best friends either moved to Africa or stayed in Chicago. Do you know what it's like when your best friend is in the Tanzanian jungle? It feels horrible. I don't wish it on anyone but my very worst enemies.

So I'm just going to do what I should have been doing anyway. I'm going to floss because my dad's a gum surgeon who went on a long lecture about gingivitis the last time I let him look at my teeth. I'm going to keep my network of scattered friendships as close as possible, given the circumstances. And most of all, since I already have that New York City shoebox, I'm going to explore the city. Really, really explore it. This means walk outside the radius between my apartment and my office.

Hope you have the happiest New Year ever!


[photo cred here, here, and there]

Fur Better

Ann Taylor has fluffy and adorable fur pillows ($78; anntaylor.com). YOU ARE WELCOME.

[photo cred here]

All Wrapped Up

This weekend, I finished up my Christmas shopping. I had a long list this year: my family, of course, my friends, and then the wonderful people who helped me get to the place I am today (which would be: employed). At first, I was a little lost. What should the price point be? Are there any things I shouldn't give?

I'm not a very good gift-giver, but I have one rule when I'm searching for the perfect present: it has to be something that the person will love but wouldn't normally buy him- or herself. Things like Lollia bubble bath, which is beauty-editor approved (not by me, but a seasoned beauty director)(I promise), is just extravagant enough without being excessive. C. Wonder (created by Tory Burch's ex-husband and co-founder of her eponymous clothing line) also has a fantastic selection of affordable yet adorable trinkets. I love these bright enamel boxes and pretty glass plates.

What are your go-to gifts?


[photo cred here and there]

Fancy Pants

Yesterday, I wore a snappy pair of vintage-print Diane Von Furstenberg corduroy shorts. (Yep). (You read that correctly). They're the sort of things that I always want to buy but never actually buy, although apparently, the chances of me saying no when they're hanging on a sample sale rack are nil. So they became mine, and naturally, I layered them over a pair of warm black tights. The thing is, I've never loved the look of tights under shorts. Personal opinion: the pairing looks inappropriate and a little off-kilter. However, I wanted to wear these shorts so badly that I would've put them on over ski pants. The kicker: the shorts didn't look terrible. I wore them ("they" in question being black with pink polka-dot clusters)(yes, you read that right)(no, I'm not blind)(come one, guys, Diane Von Furstenberg always creates baller patterns!) with black tights, a black silk tee, and black flats.

This brought me to my conclusion that as long as the color palette is subdued and the shorts are somewhat fancy (patterned, sequined, not denim), they're a-okay with tights. And then I saw the above picture, and now I'm dying to throw denim shorts over tights and top them off with a cozy sweater and an awesome pair of boots. It's like fashion schizophrenia. So help me: where do you stand when it comes to winter shorts?


[photo cred here]

Hit the Lights

Hi, I'm Susi, a blogger for Arcadian Lighting, where I write about design and lighting ideas and inspiration for the home. I love visiting blogs like Mellow Fever as a guest blogger. My post today is about 8 fashionable apartments. Small on space but not on style, these apartments are chic and fashionable. What makes a space fashionable for you? Floor, furniture, light fixtures, decorative accessories--each can make a stylish contribution. Enjoy!

Clean, modern lines make this open apartment feel fashionable and chic. Vintage and contemporary pieces mix together, just like in fashion, to create a cool living space.

I love this dining area that is bordered by a bookcase. Combining a dining room and library can give an apartment a fabulous chic pied a terre feeling. Eclectic finds make the space feel personal.

This chic apartment living room seamlessly combines living and home office areas into one fabulous apartment. A mix of furniture styles, crisp artwork, and clean lines make the space fashionable.

When the view out the window is spectacular, the décor of the apartment should be downplayed to avoid competition. The neutral décor of this fashionable living room manages to still be stunning, without competing with the skyline.

In fashion, black never goes out of style. In decorating, black is a bold statement on walls. Here, the kitchen and dining spaces are joined by the color black, expanding both spaces. The simple pendant light picks up that black theme.

For an apartment that is big on style but small on space, low profile seating is a good idea. Backless and simple take up less space than big, bulky pieces. I love the gallery wall.

Lovely elaborate “gates” separate the living room from the hall in this gorgeous apartment. A light pastel palette gives the apartment a fashionable, feminine style.

Beautiful ceiling lights set the stage for gorgeous art and furniture in this fashionable apartment. The dark chocolate walls recede, making the space feel larger. Wouldn't you love to come home to one of these fashionable apartments? Stop by Arcadian Lighting's blog for even more stylish ideas and decorating inspirations!

(Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

Morning Glory

This weekend, I went to margaritas with the fashion department before heading home to bake cookies and decorate my miniature Christmas tree. Did I say bake cookies? I meant eat them. Oops. My mistake. The thing about grabbing drinks with the fashion department is that even while wearing two necklaces and wedge boots, I still manage to be the most underdressed person there. You know what could help? A choose-your-own-adventure-outfit video from Madewell. After twelve years of wearing plaid kilts and knee socks, I'm not good at dressing myself in new and imaginative ways. If I do in fact find a creative combination, I'll wear it once a week until I do my dry-cleaning. So tomorrow, I'm going to let this cute video decide. Where did your choices take you? (Mine were: Tea, geeky chic, handbags, dress down, confetti).

Your New To-Do

Are you feeling blue? A little down? Like a party popper? Unpoopular? (If you have no idea what I'm talking about, watch this RIGHT NOW. Then come back and finish reading.) Brighten up:

1. Soak in a bath for an absurdly long period of time. Bring a good book and clean, fluffy towels.
2. Swipe on red lipstick. It will boost your confidence so much that you'll smile at your reflection in every single window. Don't you feel better just thinking about that?
3. Organize your desk. A happy byproduct: your thoughts will be a tad less chaotic.
4. Order a cappuccino...to stay. No need to go on your merry way when there's foam to stir and sip. Sit down. SIT. DOWN.


[photo cred to 1, 2, 3 and 4]