5 things | DIYs to try

Sequin Camera Strap | Sugar & Cloth

Gold Leaf Paper Mache Bowls | Kelli Murray

Ceramic Coasters | Style Me Pretty

Gilded Geode Rings | Swell Mayde

Foiled Pillow | Sugar & Cloth

Here's the thing. I love the idea of DIY (and I definitely love pinning DIY projects), but I rarely get around to the actual doing. Maybe it's because a lot of my work is already creatively driven, which makes my free-time activity choices somewhat less involved (i.e. zoning out to Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube). Given the number of fun ideas that I've accumulated on Pinterest, though, I've decided it's time to actually get going on some projects. I'd be pretty excited to try out any of the above...

wear | teal & texture

Ruche Marzipan Tweed Jacket | $45

Topshop Art Deco Wrist Purse | $40

Forever21 Faceted Faux Stone Bib Necklace | $13

Enzo Angiolini Yilin Bootie | $50

Topshop Texture Mini Bodycon Dress | $68

ModCloth Fun Direction Ring | $11

No matter how much I appreciate colors and patterns, there's just something so irresistible about a good neutral -- especially when you throw in some texture for added interest. I love all the textural variety in these pieces (even in the jewelry!) and, to be honest, I think I'd love the outfit even without the gorgeous pop of color from the bib necklace. The teal is pretty great, though, isn't it?

SHOP THE POST:

wear | a pop of red

ONE | Forever21 Marled Cuffed Sleeve Top | $16

TWO | Gorjana Anchor Necklace | $50

THREE | Mango Straight-Cut Skirt | $45

FOUR | ASOS Satchel Bag with Straight Flap | $48

FIVE | Dorothy Perkins Red Curved Court | $49

Even though it's winter and I've been living in neutrals, I love bringing a bit of red into the mix -- and what better way to do it than with footwear? To be honest, though, my favorite part of this outfit is how well the laid-back tee pairs with the sleek, sophisticated pencil skirt. I've been eying this t-shirt for a while now, and after putting this outfit together, I think it might be time to make my first clothing purchase of 2013!

SHOP THE POST:

moodboard | cheerful whimsy

I am so excited about this project -- especially because I get to work with a dear old friend (we've known each other since fifth grade!) Annie's blog is filled with adorable pictures of her family, crafty DIY projects, and whimsical illustrations (she's an illustrator!), and I definitely want the redesign to reflect her artsy, happy, and oh-so-sweet personality. For the color palette, I love the idea of these updated primary colors, with a cheerful yellow as the star. We've also discussed including some hand-lettered or hand-drawn elements, which I think fit perfectly with Annie's artistic and crafty side.

This is my first time going through my new-and-improved design process (I'd say it's "official," but it's really just more organized than what I've done before), and I'm already thrilled with what it's helped me accomplish. I can't wait to share more of my work -- and stay tuned for the final redesign of Annie's blog!