Lilly Pulitzer Backgrounds

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Lilly Pulitzer Pattern Play for Tech

I always vow to banish the bland, play up patterns, and make every day just a little brighter - and that includes my tech. As a former Floridian, downplaying colors just doesn't seem right to me. I've been a fan of Lilly Pulitzer for as long as I can remember, and I just love that the brand has broadened its reach to downloadable desktop wallpapers (see here for a library). I've been using their patterns on my desktops for a while, but I've just been over-the-moon with the most recent prints they've posted. Inspired by the sea, creatures galore, and beautiful blooms, each design is bursting with color and charm. I've updated the library of Lilly prints, so check it out for some of the newer and older designs, but here are some of my recent favorites. Watch Out - Lilly always calls the seafaring girls home. Lobstah Roll - For those obsessed with this year's favorite summer food. I Herd You - The Royal Tenenbaums, anyone? Sunny Side - A vintage-lookin...

Work Trip Essentials

Unfortunately I don't get to travel often for work, but when I do, I have a few essential rules to ensure I'm always prim, professional, and smartly packed. You really never know who you may run into, or what the occasion may call for, so it's important that everything you bring can contribute to your professional persona. Pajama Sets: Polka Dot Joe Fresh | Vintage J. Crew Single Color Palette: Striped J. Crew Shirt | Giant Gray Kate Spade Bag | Dusty Blue J. Crew Cardigan | Flared Pink Tartan Skirt | Boden Dot Dress Flats: Quilted Ann Taylors | Banana Republic Bows | Kate Spade Snakeskins Pajama Sets - It may seem silly to be concerned about pajamas, but last year at my agency's annual conference the fire alarm went off at 3am in our hotel... I ended up in the lobby with coworkers, delegates, and even clients. Leave those cartoon boxers and worn t-shirts at home and invest in a spiffy pair from J. Crew or Brooks Brothers, or even a clas...

Vintage Finds for the Family's Matriarch

Every girl remembers those key pieces her mom always wore. If, like me, you're a product of the 80s and 90s, those pieces included giant clip-on earrings in obnoxious colors, stacks of bracelets, and silk scarves. The patterns and colors may change, but those pieces remain key staples year after year. I once dismissed all giant clip-ons and silk scarves as matronly, but now I embrace them. They say that we eventually become our mothers as we age, and I fear I've hit that stage a little prematurely. I now yearn for that matriarchal, polished, grande dame look, sifting through vintage markets and antique stores for daring clip-ons and bright scarves to tie around my neck or purse. And of course, I've rummaged through my mother's closet and jewelry box a few too many times. This Mother's Day, it's time to replace some of those pieces I have "borrowed" over the years. As much as I'd like to splurge and buy my mother a classic Hermes scarf, it...

Why Don't You...

Everyone needs a little inspiration now and again to boost their mood, creative spirit, or work productivity. From Pinterest to magazines to blogs, there's an endless supply of inspiration out there to cater to whatever it is you need "boosting." As much as a I love a novel to drift me into some fantasy of 1920s parties or trips along the French Riviera, biographies and memoirs are one of my greatest sources of inspiration. I love reading about how real people stumbled into their current dream roles, worked through prejudices and misconceptions, and somehow managed to make the world just a little better or brighter through their talents. It's no secret that I love art and fashion, so I frequently impulsively buy biographies of artists, designers, and stylish tastemakers from Amazon. Over the winter break I found myself devouring books by and about Diana Vreeland. Now there's a woman who had no qualms about showing the world who she was. She...

Spring for Winter Swaps

Yet again the city has been blanketed by a white and fluffy layer of snow. While I love the effect of walking in a real life snow globe, I'm more than excited about the prospect of spring. With that, here are five winter-for-spring swaps I'm very much anticipating: Anyone else making an anticipatory list of swaps? xoxo,

Another Year, Another Set of New Resolutions

Somehow 2013 just flew by, and it was full of memories, milestones, and personal growth. Turning 25 was perhaps the most frightening milestone, leading to a few panicked "quarter life crisis" moments... but I've realized that I still have plenty of time to get that dream job, figure out what my "thing" is, and explore the many places that have been on my to-visit list since I was a kid hit with extreme wanderlust. This year I screamed and squealed at concerts featuring some of my favorite bands (Vampire Weekend, Belle and Sebastian, Band of Horses); started a new project with a friend that is making me extremely excited about the year ahead; finally made a dent in conquering my sleep, caffeine, and stress issues; moved to a fabulous new apartment with an old friend from school; and soaked up all Toronto's fashion weeks had to offer. There were still plenty of tears, regrets, missed opportunities, and forgotten dreams, but I've come away with learnin...