ROOM OF THE MONTH

1 Coral Pink 2003-50, Benjamin Moore 2 Printed Scattered Striped Rug Pillow, Williams-Sonoma Home, $58.00 3 Pink Peace Rose, Diane James Home, $110.00 4 Mary McDonald: Interiors: The Allure of Style by Mary McDonald, Rizzoli, $55.00 5 Pommes et Poires by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Art.com, from $34.99 6 Zebra Cowhide Rug, West Elm, $599.00 7 Double Happiness Vase, Oriental Furniture, $99.00 8 Piccadilly Chair, Serena & Lily, $895.00 - $1,095.00 9 Gold Pagoda Mirror, Pieces, $1,650.00

With the premiere of Million Dollar Decorators airing tonight I couldn't resist a Mary McDonald space. This happy sitting room uses one of my favorite color combinations: pink, blue, and white, which you really don't see too often. I love the contrast of the zebra rug and heavy console table and artwork — perhaps not an obvious choice, but it works well in the space. I saw all five of the decorators earlier this month at ADAC here in Atlanta and if the show is anything like their personalities it will be witty, entertaining, and hopefully have a few good decorating scenes. Don't forget to tune in to Bravo tonight at 10:00!

Photo: House Beautiful

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BE THE BEST HOUSEGUEST—EVER

Monogrammed Block Letter Cocktail Napkins, Wisteria, set of 6 $20.00 | Backgammon Set, Jonathan Adler, $295.00 | Waterlily Dinner Plate by Mustardseed & Moonshine, Michael C. Fina, $80.00 | Mariage Frères Rouge Bourbon Vanillé Tea Bags, Dean & Deluca, $20.00 | Hamptons Gardens by Jack de Lashmet, Assouline, $150.00 | Dot & Zig Serving Spoons, Anthropologie, $36.00 | Antico Frantoio Muraglia 'Intenso' Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Dean & Deluca, $48.00

With summertime fêtes kicking off this weekend, be prepared and don't show up empty-handed. Like all gift-giving, it's important to match the gift to your host's tastes and likes, and obviously the occasion...are you spending an afternoon or the weekend? And if you're doing the hosting, hopefully your guests will take note :) Have a great holiday weekend!

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WHITE HOT

1 Salima Porcelain Jars, Plantation, $215.00 - $530.00 2 Gigi Chic White Druzy Geode Pendant Necklace, Max & Chloe, $65.00 3 Franca Sunglasses, Kate Spade, $128.00 4 Spotlight Bib Necklace, Kate Spade, $248.00 5 Monaco Block Printed Pillow, ABC Home, $125.00 6 Superga 2750, Zappos, $65.00 7 Chichimecsh Bracelet, Calypso St. Barth, $55.00 8 Neeson, Anya Hindmarch, £650.00 9 Sergio Rossi Cork Patent Slingbacks, Intermix, $495.00 10 Lions Paw Side Table, Plantation, $550.00 11 Bernardaud Gold Leaf Samoa Square Plate, Chelsea, $90.00 12 Wallet Clutch, Clare Vivier, $79.00 13 Love Lurex Scarf, Calypso St. Barth, $95.00

White is not one of my favorite colors, however, I do like it for contrast and it's always a top sartorial choice in the summer. I typically think of white in kitchens and bathrooms and always in beach houses. Both of these living rooms have used white walls well—I love the way the artwork and pillows in both spaces pop. My favorite white tennis shoes ever are Supergas—I just love their soles and timeless design...perfect for the summer!

Photos: Elle Decor, The Sartorialist, Veranda

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CHANNELING: THE GRADUATE

1 Banana Palm Tree Artificial, Quality Silks, $155.80 Large White Planter, Crate & Barrel, $18.95 2 Pop Art Large Ikat Bangle, Kate Spade, $128.00 3 Gold Hourglass Table, Pieces, $995.00 4 Wolford Affaire 10 Denier Stockings, Net-a-Porter, $42.00 5 Bar Cocktail Glasses, Cocktail Town, set of 2 $48.00 6 Zanzibar Paper Cocktail Napkins, Caspari, $5.00 7 Bulle d'Argent Ice Bucket by Christofle, Artedona, $768.50 8 Byzantine Wine Decanter, Pieces, $198.00 9 Golf Leaf Wire Pendant, Pieces, $795.00 10 Arnolfo di Cambio Crystal Smoke Double Old Fashion, Fitzsu, set of 2 $369.00 11 D & G Tiger Print Belted Short Kaftan, Stylebop, $315.00 12 The Graduate, Amazon, $12.49 13 Glass Coaster, IOMOI, $26.00 14 Alester Nesting Trays, Plantation, $195.00 15 Bar Trolley by Eugenio Girli for Tecno, Monument, $4,500.00 16 Hollywood Coasters, Jonathan Adler, set of 4 $68.00

From gilt accents to animal prints galore, Mrs. Robinson's lavish lair has a Hollywood Regency-meets-'60s sensibility to it. The porch scene with the bar (Mrs. Robinson's other vice) and the fabulous black-and-white awning is a favorite. I especially love the giant banana palms in this room—LOVE these trees; they can add so much drama to a space. And of course any movie with this much animal print (tasteful, thank you) is top-notch in my book :)

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MEMORIAL DAY PARTY

1 Harbor Shell Bucket, Crate & Barrel, $12.95 2 Artesia Large Bread Basket, Crate & Barrel, $17.95 3 Lobster Claw Salt & Pepper Shakers, Gump's, $28.00 4 White Ceramic Drink Dispenser, Classic Hostess, $107.99 5 Stainless Steel Lobster Fork, Sur La Table, $2.95 each 6 Blue Striped Tablecloth, Blue Striped Napkin, Terrain $10.00 - $88.00 7 Artesia Tray, Crate & Barrel, $29.95 8 Stainless-Steel Beverage Bucket, Williams-Sonoma, $199.00 9 Red Lobster Bibs, The Fresh Lobster Company, set of 6 $3.60 10 Silver Sea Critters, Williams-Sonoma, $19.00 - $49.00 11 Reed Large Hurricane, Reed Small Hurricane, Crate & Barrel, $34.95 - $39.95 12 Godis Mix Glasses, IKEA, set of 6 $6.99 13 Dansk Arabesque Blue Platter, Macy's, $49.97

All recipes from Martha Stewart | Tomato-Potato Salad with Basil | Grilled Lobster | Grilled Vegetables and Tomato Bread | Strawberry Icebox Pie

Background: Schumacher Trellis Print

A Memorial Day party feels like the official start to the the summer. Besides the usual burgers on the grill, I like to mix in some seafood to kick it up a notch. Since we're dining al fresco, I like lots of woven baskets and trays and easy care linens like these from Terrain. And if you're serving lobster: disposable lobster bibs are a must — don't these always make you laugh?!?

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IT'S ELECTRIC

1 Color Me Crazy Earrings by Erickson Beamon, Charm & Chain, $408.00 2 Charm Candy Acrylic Bowl, Alexandra Von Furstenberg, $378.00 3 Neon Chunky Chain, Topshop, $28.00 4 Untitled c.1961 Print by Mark Rothko, Art.com, 23.5" x 31.5" $34.99 5 Neon Arches Throw Pillow, NightByrd, $75.00 6 Diana F+ Camera - CMYK, Fabrica Verde, $99.00 7 Marc by Marc Jacobs Straw Shopper, Farfetch, $216.00 8 Electric Safari Resealable Bags, Sephora, set of 12 bags $12.00 9 Angela Adams and Sea Bags for J.Crew Pocket Sail Bag, J.Crew $198.00 10 Field Notes Notebook, J.Crew, three-pack $14.50 11 Aurélie Bidermann Mother-of-Pearl Charm Bracelet, Net-a-Porter, $115.00 12 Belt with Bow, ZARA, $25.90 13 Jelly Shoes, ZARA, $109.90 14 AVF Fearless Trays, Alexandra Von Furstenberg, $208.00 - $308.00 15 Earth Movers by Jonathan Zawada 16 Splendid Striped Cotton and Silk-Blend Top, Net-a-Porter, $81.00

Neon has been trending for the past few months, but I've been saving this post for warm weather, as I like neon shades paired with neutrals, especially camels and whites. Even though I like bright colors, I tend to use hues this bright in small doses—a tray here, a pillow there. Alexandra Von Furstenberg's acrylic candy bowls are my favorite—colorful and useful—the perfect dose of neon!

Photos: Harper's Bazaar, Vanessa Jackman

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FRIENDS FOREVER

1 Old Fashioned Charm, Frieda & Nellie, $248.00 2 Rainbow Confetti, Frieda & Nellie, $178.00 plus other bracelets in center and bottom, all Frieda & Nellie one-of-a-kind, handmade 3 Wanderlust Siem Reap Friendship Bracelet, Madewell, $10.00 4 Shashi Original One-Row Bracelet, Bloomingdale's, $70.00 5 Friendship Bracelets, DANNIJO, set of 4 $48.00 6 Stephan & Co. Braided Cord & Chain Bracelet, Nordstrom, $12.00 7 Thick Friendship Bracelet, Topshop, $15.00 8 Juicy Couture Embellished Friendship Bracelet, Zappos Couture, $38.00 9 Wanderlust Angkor Friendship Bracelets, Madewell, $12.00 10 Michelle Roy Crystal Friendship Bracelet, Boutique To You, $40.00 11 Michelle Roy Crystal Stud Friendship Bracelet, Boutique To You, $40.00 12 Frieda Bracelet #33 by Frieda & Nellie, Charm & Chain, $248.00

I have fond memories of weaving friendship bracelets, stacking them up my wrist and around my ankle (those were the days...) and trading them with friends. I first spied this trend on The Coveteur back in January in the apartment of Mary Kate Steinmiller—she makes and sells bracelets at Charlotte Ronson, Inven.tory, and Henri Bendel, but I couldn't track them down online. My friend Catherine at Rikshaw Design reminded me of the need to incorporate these colorful, grown-up versions into my summer wardrobe. Frieda & Nellie is by far the best resource—they are handmade and one-of-a-kind—just like the best of friends :)

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WHO'S THAT GIRL

Every so often while trolling my usual sites (Vogue, Garance Dorè, Into the Gloss to name a few), someone new catches my eye. I'm usually drawn to their outfit, or perhaps their accessories, or maybe the style of their hair...and I find myself thinking: who is this girl? Away I go to Google images to hopefully uncover fresh pictures of my new style crush, which I will then study and catalog (only my favorites, of course) in my files. These are the latest IT girls I've had my eye on:

Olivia Hunt: You might recognize her from the Royal Wedding hullabaloo—she's a former flame of Prince William's. I like her for her gorgeous locks and romantic style.

Marina Larroude: Style.com's Senior Market Editor, she's also petite and Brazilian, which happen to be two of my favorite things!

Jade Williams, aka Sunday Girl: This super-stylish Brit is also super-talented—she has a handful of hit singles in the UK.

Marissa Webb: Head of Women's Design at J. Crew, Webb is part three of the trifecta (parts one and two being Jenna Lyons and Mickey Drexler) that have turned J. Crew from basics to must-haves.

Zanna Roberts Rassi: Senior Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, she has a definite tomboy/rocker aesthetic. Some fab photos of her wedding to Milk Studios owner Mazdack Rassi can be viewed here.

Kate Foley: London based buyer for the trendy SoHo boutique Opening Ceremony and another petite fashionista.

Blair Eadie: I recently discovered (much to my delight) Blair's blog, Atlantic-Pacific, where she posts images of herself in fabulous outfits....definitely a must-read!

Virginie and Claire Courtin-Clarins: Sisters from Paris and heiresses to the French cosmetics company Clarins. If you read the April issue of Vogue, they probably caught your eye too—there was an entire article dedicated to them attending New York Fashion Week. Not pictured: cousin Jenna, who also made the Fashion Week rounds and her twin sister Prisca...yes, there's two more!

Photos: Vogue UK, Grazia, Stockholm Street Style, Stylelist, Contact Music, Harper's Bazaar, Atlantic-Pacific

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KELLY LOVES CHANCE

1 Turkish Foutas, $40.00 2 Straw Stitched Sun Hat, $325.00 3 Stalking Paris by Jarret Schecter, $40.00 4 Zip Top Case, $32.00 5 Boatneck, $60.00 6 Sailor Tee, $72.00 7 Fish Soaps, $8.00 8 Classic Espadrilles, $48.00 9 Fish Necklace, $95.00 10 La Plage Beach Towel, $65.00 11 Classic Tank, $46.00 12 Seashell Notecards, $22.00

One of my favorite sources for the classic Breton stripe shirt is Chance, which has a great selection of striped apparel, as well as essentials like straw hats, beach towels, and espadrilles. Founder Julia Leach previously spent eleven years as the creative director of Kate Spade and has spoken of plans to expand into cashmere and even a Chance hotel by the sea ­­­­— sign me up!

p.s. If you're in New York over the summer, be sure to stop by the Chance Pop Up Shop:

Chance For Now Shop
211 Elizabeth Street
New York, NY 10012

May and June 2011
Thursday - Sunday
12:00 - 7:00 p.m.

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INSPIRED BY: THE FRENCH RIVIERA

1 San Diego Hat Company Large Braid Hat, Zappos, $48.00 2 Radio Lanterns, Williams-Sonoma Home, $95.00 - $125.00 3 Plastic Oval Sunglasses, William Rast, $150.00 4 French Seaside Style by Sebastien Siraudeau, Flammarion, $34.95 5 Turquoise Cachepot, Williams-Sonoma Home, $58.00 6 Picon Suede Sandals, K Jacques St Tropez, $225.00 7 Faux Coral Sculpture, Plantation, $325.00 8 Abalone Shell Mirror, Jayson Home & Garden, $32.00 9 Fendi Ivory and Tan Zucca Tote, Bluefly, $920.00 10 Beach Towel, Chance, $65.00 11 Duraflon Folding Chairs, American Country Home Store, set of 2 $198.00

Between looking at photos from Cannes and my parents' vacationing in France (lucky ducks), it's safe to say I've got all things français on my mind right now. This image of Grace Kelly from To Catch a Thief is exactly the sort of elegance I picture when conjuring up images of the French Riviera...the sunglasses, chic bathing suit, and umbrellas—take me there, please!

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PATTERN PLAY

1 Gable Blue Porcelain Table Lamp, Circa Lighting, $1,120.00 2 Watercolor Peony Wallpaper, Anthropologie, $148.00 3 COCOCOZY Logo Pillow, COCOCOZY, $295.00 4 Owen Barry Argento Spot Pillow, Barneys New York, $195.00 5 Kim Seybert Capiz Placemat, Barneys New York, $65.00 6 Zebra Leather Table Lamp, Circa Lighting, $770.00 7 Kim Seybert Latticed Cocktail Napkin, Barneys New York, $12.00 8 Maluku Dinner Plate, Anthopologie, $18.00 9 ElizabethW Dahlia Sleep Mask, Barneys New York, $24.00 10 Gold & White Short Neck Vase, Gold & White Lidded Melon Jar, Williams-Sonoma Home, $175.00 - $195.00 11 Ikat Napkins, Kim Seybert, set of 4 $120.00 12 The Custom Foldover Python Clutch, PresMer, $250.00 13 Granite Frame, Furbish Studio, $30.00 14 Carmen Skinny Bag, Furbish Studio, $30.00 15 Mid Century Club Chair, Madeline Weinreb 16 Cane Throw, COCOCOZY, $285.00 17 Yuri Decorative Metal Boxes, Plantation, set of 2 $40.00 18 Tiled Bone Tray, Tiled Bone Box, Williams-Sonoma Home, $458.00 - $895.00

In my hybrid of styles, I fall somewhere between an uptown girl and globe-trotter. Blue and white china, embroidered linens, and vivid wallpapers are must-haves for moi, but mixing in exotic prints and patterns (like this zebra table lamp) gives a space a unique look that's all my own.

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AMERICAN FASHION TRAVEL

American Fashion Travel: Designers on the Go by Council of Fashion Designers of America, Assouline, $45.00 | NanoGreens, Healthy Kin, $30.95 | Soft Cover Plain Notebook, Moleskine, $15.95 | Roost Glass Water Bottle and Drinking Cup, Orange and Pear, $36.00 | Open-Top Boat and Tote Bag, L.L. Bean, from $17.95 | Open Front Cardigan, CO-OP Barneys New York, $188.00 | Victoria and Albert Museum | Bill Bryson's African Diary by Bill Bryson, Amazon, $9.60 | Icons of England by Bill Bryson, Amazon, $8.61 | Ritz Paris

The newest title from Assouline's bestselling CFDA American Fashion series, this revealing tome may be my favorite yet! It features a cheerful scrapbook-style collection with detailed questionnaires, personal photos, and amusing anecdotes from designers like Tory Burch, Diane von Furstenberg, and Philip Lim. If this doesn't inspire wanderlust, I don't know what will!

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EVERYTHING'S COMING UP ROSES

1 Flowers, c.1964 by Andy Warhol, Art.com, from $7.49 2 Shell Shocked Clutch, Lilly Pulitzer, $128.00 3 Mariedal Peony Pillow, Designers Guild, $145.00 4 Large Peony Tray, Diane James Home, $42.00 5 M. Flynn Pink Crystal Flower Earrings, Max & Chloe, $88.00 6 Peony Guest Towel, Diane James Home, $35.00 7 Vintage Emanuel Ungaro Crepe Silk Dress, House of Vintage, $395.00 8 Yellow Rose Boxed Notes by Kate Spade, Kate's Paperie, $35.00 9 Richard James Simple Flower Tie, Barneys New York, $150.00 10 Rose Garden Print Tote Bag, Milly, $295.00 11 Diptyque Roses Pink Candle, Barneys New York, $32.00 12 Pair of Vintage Wing Chairs from Hickory Chair, Assemblage, $4,750.00 13 Swim Team Bracelet, Kate Spade, $178.00 14 Orangerie Floral Throw Pillow, Designers Guild, $155.00

Background: Orangerie Wallcovering, Designers Guild

The birds are singing, the sun is shining, and everything's coming up roses! I couldn't resist including this vintage pair of Hickory wing chairs from Assemblage—the blue sunflower pattern is bold in the best of ways. I'm also loving the new selection of gifts at Diane James Home. The peony tray or linen guest towel would be a perfect gifts for a friend....or myself :)

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SHORT LIST WITH JAMIE MEARES

Blenheim Ginger Ale, 24-pack $24.00 | Maker's Mark | Edible Art Bakery | Pink Glitters, Toms, $54.00 | Aztec Skirt, All Saints, $299.00 | Net-a-Porter | H&M | Forever 21 | Dorothy Perkins | Jean Howard's Hollywood: A Photo Memoir by James Watters and Jean Howard, Abrams, $39.00 | A Perfectly Kept House is the Sign of a Misspent Life by Mary Randolph Carter, Rizzoli, $55.00 | Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, Amazon, $15.99 | iPhone 4, Apple, from $199.00 | c. Booth Tea Tree Therapeutic Toner, drugstore.com, $8.49 | Super Fluid UV Defense 50+, Kiehl's, $34.00 | Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55, Neutrogena, $10.99 | Balboa Earrings, Furbish Studio, $16.00 | Ansley Clutch, Furbish Studio, $140.00 | Pink Fans Tray, Furbish Studio, $75.00

We're back with Jamie Meares and a few of her essentials and favorite things. It's fun to hear what items she's coveting from her store, Furbish Studio. Jamie told me she's loving the pink fans tray so much she started decorating her beach house around it. I've also had my eye on her beaded clutches—colorful, affordable, and seriously chic. Thanks so much for sharing with us Jamie!

p.s. Any ginger ale fans out there? I also endorse Blenheim's, which is bottled nearby in South Carolina and is known for their hot ginger ale...YUM.

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JAMIE MEARES'S MUST-HAVES

Jamie Meares is the owner of Furbish Studio, a shop in Raleigh, North Carolina where she sells refinished vintage furniture, home accessories (of the affordable, read, my kind), and runs her interior design business. Jamie was greatly inspired by the magazine Domino and handpicks each item for her shop, keeping a can't-live-without fabulousness in mind. She's also the author the of the wildly popular blog I Suwanee (I'm a huge fan—read it here). Jamie describes her personal style as bright, loud, wild and southern eclectic and I think anyone that's spent time on her blog also knows she is super hilarious. Stay tuned tomorrow for some of Jamie's favorite picks from Furbish Studio, favorite resources and more!

p.s. Please check out my interview today on Hilary Inspired....thank you, Hilary! To learn more about where I find inspiration, my favorite Etsy shops, and my décor obsessions read the interview here :)

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DERBY DAY

1 Fornasetti Ice Bucket, Francesca Martire 2 Antique Silver-plate Trophies, Griffin Trading Co., $950.00 3 Horse Head Stirrers, Maggie's of Madison, $45.00 4 Concours d'Etriers Silk Twill Scarf, Hermès, $385.00 5 Vintage Stirrup, Jayson Home & Garden, $36.00 6 Boardwalk Blocked Straw Hat, Kate Spade, $75.00 7 Horse Head Book Ends by Spisani, Barneys New York, $295.00 8 Dransfield & Ross Horse Napkin Ring, Horchow, $56.00 9 Horseshoe Box, Jayson Home & Garden, $14.00 10 Carl Aubock Horse Shoe Bottle Opener, Barneys New York, $195.00 11 Ashtray, Hermes, $460.00 12 Catherine Canino Horseshoe Leather Necklace, Max & Chloe, $193.00 13 Modern Equestrian Bridle Leather Cocktail Table, Ralph Lauren Home, $5,985.00 14 Horse by Kelly Klein, Rizzoli, $150.00 15 Empire Pewter Mint Julep Cup, Geary's, $50 each

Tomorrow is the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby and an excellent excuse to break out your silver cups and largest hat—even if you'll just be watching it from your living room like moi. Happy Derby Day!

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SOUTH OF THE BORDER

1 Dolores Del Rio by Slim Aarons, Photographers Gallery 2 I Need a Vacation Floppy Hat by Kate Spade, Lord & Taylor, $71.25 3 Embroidered Tunic by Haute Hippie, My Theresa, $235.00 4 With a Twist Orange Slice Straw Handbag, Kate Spade, $245.00 5 Grey Suede Horse Print Purse, Topshop, $20.00 6 notNeutral Season Hurricane, Design Public, set of 2 $28.00 7 Granada Pitcher, Crate & Barrel, $22.95 8 Bernardaud "Louvre" Chip & Dip, Bloomingdale's, $111.00 9 Acapulco Needlepoint Pillow, Jonathan Adler, $98.00 10 Classic Margarita Glass, Crate & Barrel, $4.95 11 Mexico, The Land of Charm, Art.com, 12.5" x 18" $17.99 12 Rag Rug Placemat, Anthropologie, $8.00 13 Pom Pom Flower, ban.dō, $15.00 14 Caprice Espadrilles by Bettye Muller, Zappos Couture, $148.00

I usually find chip and dip platters a little clunky, but Bernardaud's version is beyond elegant. The collection takes its inspiration from the architectural motifs that adorn the exteriors of the Louvre museum. I think it might be making an appearance at my next cocktail party!

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