Diane Von Furstenburg literally does everything.

As you may know, I am a huge admirer of Diane Von Furstenburg. I think that she's a remarkable person and had done a lot in the world of fashion and as a woman. My sister gave me her autobiography for my birthday and I read her incredible story. She grew up in very favorable circumstances, knew the right people etc, but she didn't squander all that--she used these things to her advantage and built an empire.


It all started with her classic little wrap dress back in the 70's and now the wrap dress has become an icon. It's great because it's easy to wear and looks great on all body types--this is exactly why DVF loved it so much.

First of all, I love a good library and this one is exquisite. The fact that it requires ladders makes me want to climb up them and get all Beauty and the Beast on them.

Nothing is more inspirational than a designers office. Especially when she's wearing a wrap dress. The rug is incredible, right?

Oh look, another desk. I'd love a large table (and a design studio) like this for fabrics and clients' projects.

I think my heart is about to explode. Animal print rug? Globe on a stand? Trunk? Lip print?

Now shes gone and made all my dreams come true and come out with a home collection. I was invited (she called me up and told me i HAD to be there but I couldn't make it because of school) to the launch at Bloomingdales--did anybody go? I'm completely enamored with her collection and love nearly everything. I even registered for some items for my wedding!!

If you've registered anywhere lately, it is SLIM PICKINGS for cute napkin rings. These, however are ridiculously cute. They are perfectly summery and would be great on a fresh warm tablescape.

There is also a serious lack of attractive salad bowls out in the world right now. I love the rich dark color of the wood and the edgy gold accent. Gorgeous.

And oh, BEDDING. My favorite thing. Some girl like shoes; I like duvets. The Butterfly Duvet is on sale right now for $149!

I love this girly watercolor inspired duvet. Such a pretty color palette on Rainbow Garden Duvet.

What do you all think about her collection? I think we all know what I think. I just find DVF so inspirational. She too went through a lot of difficulties in her personal life and her career. I'm so glad that she's back and expanding her brand. At Fashion's Night Out a few months ago, my fiance and I dropped by her store and saw her and then Anna Wintour and she walked right by me! It. Was. Life. Changing.

UPDATE: Here is an amazing article courtesy of Raina!

Alicia B.

Happy Valentine's Day !

Feed me some pink macaroons.

Today is about love!! Let's celebrate Valentine's Day with some pink, one of my favorite colors.

Make your valentine some cupcakes like Martha Stewart! YUM.

This is from Betsey Johnson's apartment--isn't it fabulous?! The soft pink and romantic crystal drop sconces contrasted against the modern hard chairs and gold candlesticks are amazing.

Dallas Shaw created this adorable valentine for Kate Spade. Cute!

I'm looking for a duvet, and if I needed a pink one, this would be "the one". From Lands End, which is ALL up on my radar lately for their hot new home collection!

A little pink goes a long way and dispersing it around the room like Cath Kidston is very effective and beautiful.

Pantone just made pink the color of the year because they just wanted to spread the love, right? To tell you the truth, this holiday sort of sneaked up on me this year and I haven't exactly (or at all) done anything for my fiance/valentine! Some people are single and really hate this day but just think of all the great candy that comes about on this holiday!! And...I'm wishing you all a Happy Valentine's Day! I love my readers!

Alicia B.

Crate & Barrel and West Elm are back in my good graces.

Let me define that: Crate & Barrel has never actually been in my good graces. I've always thought of Crate & Barrel as chunky dark wood furniture and primary colored fabrics (ick). They seem to be making a comeback with a softer look with great textiles and a little more style. As for West Elm I think they got caught up in the whole Parsons style everything and lost sight of...everything. Both companies are getting my attention lately--do you want to see why?

West Elm is now doing fabric by the yard. I love this print, the paisley, and a fun ikat that they're doing. Very pretty only $30 per yard.

I'm lukewarm on chalkboard paint--I think it's being over used. BUT, I love this desk lamp. You know I love color...and yellow, so this industrial task lamp is perfect for me!

This grey weathered wood is so hot right now. I approve of this Cucina Sideboard from Crate and Barrel. It has a nice wine rack in it and looks like it has actual character put into it.

I am looking to spruce up my bedding and duvet situation and this is pretty, yellow, and light feeling. Definitely on my list! From West Elm: Bazaar Duvet Cover.

A client of mine almost bought this chair: the Carly. I appreciate the grey wood and not dark wood used in this chair and the feminine fabric. Put a bird on it?

I don't know if I would use this in my apartment myself but I think the open but geometric feeling to it is wonderful. It doesn't have to be chunky to be geometric. This is the Display Coffee Table from West Elm.

As a traditionalist at heart, I love this Windsor Chair. It's a fun modern twist on a classic style chair. I wonder how comfortable this is. Good work West Elm!

Not that this is a competition (even though everything is...), I think West Elm is coming out on top. They're brought a ton of character to their line while Crate and Barrel is bringing in a little bit of a soft feminine flair although I think they need to commit to it much more. What do you all think?

Alicia B.

White and Yellow. White and Yellow.

As you may know, I'm planning my (I mean OUR) wedding for this Summer! My life revolves around weddings, design, and school right now so let's take a moment and talk about the wedding (and then loop back to design)! I love the color yellow so it might be color in the wedding. As usual, I have to relate everything back to interior design so lets look at some fun, preppy, and bright interiors, shall we?

The simplicity of this bedroom is stunning and sophisticated. Of course it's designed by Lee Kleinhelter, who has access to the most ridiculous antiques. From Lonny.

I always think of John Loecke when I think of preppy colors. these two yellow chairs look bright in this fresh interior. I'm pretty much obsessed with all the fabrics in this room.

This geometric yellow bedding is definitely on my list for my new apartment. From Jonathan Adler. Want it now...

Green and yellow are so fresh preppy together, don't you think? Love the ribbon detailing on the roman shades and the lampshade. DIY project for the weekend? INTERESTING... (I can't remember where I found this image...anyone want to help?)

SWOON. A gorgeous combination and a balance of white and bright vibrant blues greens and yellows makes this room feel color infused yet light and open. From Country Living.

Marie Claire France. I love stumbling into an old French mansion. This living room is bathed in natural light and painted a soft buttery yellow for a sweet airy feel.

It's almost too cold for words here in NYC, but some people have been complaining that it's even colder in Chicago...These warm yellow rooms are making me yearn for Summer more than ever! I have lots to look forward to though in more planning of the wedding--what do you think of yellow? Just an idea I'm playing around with.

Now that I have internet finally in my new apartment, my posts might be more frequent, so thanks for your patience. I'm also excited that I'll be meeting up with some actual real live design bloggers--I've never met anybody that is also a design blogger so this is going to be monumental and scary. Wish me luck and Happy Friday everyone!

Alicia B.

MY. NEW. PLACE.

Finally right? Well, let me show you some RAW pictures of my apartment before I make it awesome. Right now I'm still hanging things and waiting to find the perfect coffee table so, it's a work in progress.

I said a not so tearful goodbye to my little shoebox apartment with the worlds smallest kitchen...

And said a HUGE LOUD HEYYYY to my new aparment with a full kitchen with new everything, marble bath, and an ipod dock with speakers all around the apartment.

This is the living room...at night...on moving day. I finally got the movers there at 8PM and then rushed off to an engagement party for my BFF. Please excuse my purse on the HUGE counter-top.

Here is a mini preview slash hint. Remember my window pane plaid loveseat? I got an amazing Persian rug with reds, yellows, and blues in it and have used this to start my living room on its way. You'll see the final product when it's done.

Thoughts? I still need those bar stools--haven't had time to look for any since I'm working till 7 and schooling it nonstop (that means I'm still taking classes...I'm not "schooling" anything) but my design school friend suggested I take a look at some of the restaurant supply stores...have any of you been to those?


Alicia B.

Joss and Main...so hot right now!

Thanks to my gorgeous younger sister, I just discovered Joss and Main! Maybe I'm a little behind, and everyone has heard of it but if you haven't, it's along the same lines as One Kings Lane, selling housewares, fabrics, pillows etc. Today they have Trina Turk among other amazing brands. Take a look at my faves and join up!!

Since I moved I've been on the look out for great new furnishings and rugs. This bathmat looks ULTRA comfy from Christy Towels. Not feelin' that color? They have a bunch more colors to choose from and a ton of delicious looking towels.

I love a bright and fun table cloth like this one from Tululah. They have tons of other ones as well as aprons and placemats for the Martha types out there (ME). Also, this would be perfect for a sweet Valentine's Day Tablescape, no?

Trina. Turk. LOVE YOU. These are going fast but who doesn't love her bright preppy designs!?

Another reason to join is that they have brands like Le Crueset. End of story.

All I can say is that One Kings Lane better watch out. Joss and Main is definitely impressing me and let's face it, that's hard to do. (Not really, just wave some Trina Turk in front of my face and I'm yours.) As a side note, I've moved!!! Hence the reason I've been so touch and go on the blog but don't worry ya'll, I'm here, I just have patchy internet service. I'll be posting pictures of my empty space to get you excited for the before and after REVEAL!

Alicia B.