Design Me Daily Blog

2 Year Anniversary

Sarah — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:00:20 +0000

Today marks my second anniversary working for Pivot Design. My first job out of school was working for a Chicago Real Estate agency.
designing flyers.
with two other designers.
in the basement.

Needless to say, the only direction I could’ve gone was up, and landing the job at Pivot was way, way up.

Two years later, I’m grateful for the people that I’ve met and the experience I’ve gained. I’ve been able to work on some really cool projects, including some of my favorites below. Not every day is a picnic, but more often than not I feel challenged and happy. Pretty soon, I’ll be happily working for Pivot in San Francisco and I’m so full of mixed emotions. It feels like so much more time has passed since I started in 2011 and I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Weingarten Save the Date, Smithsonian Institution

The Paris Opéra Ballet, Harris Theater

Ability Lab Mailer, The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

2012 Annual Report, University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center

Website Redesign, BioLife Plasma Services

Pinterest is great

Sarah — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:00:18 +0000

Articles have been flying around the interwebs about how Pinterest can make you depressed. The pressure of having picture-perfect homes and artfully crafted meals is apparently getting to people on a deeper level. I felt some of that stress while we were planning our wedding, but that could’ve just been normal wedding stress (who knows?). All I know is that Pinterest helps me pick out my outfit when I hate everything in my closet, and it’s my best friend when I need to find general inspiration to keep me awake during the day. A little comparison never hurt anybody—it’s when it turns into a total jealous rage that it becomes dangerous. So, fellow pinners, tread lightly and use Pinterest as it was intended … inspire and be inspired.

Now, here’s a list of things that I’d like that other beautiful ladies have …

style / cheekbones / skin tone / high bun / legs

top image source

Spring Style / Cool & Casual

Sarah — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:00:40 +0000

It seems like spring is here to stay, at least for a while, so I guess I’ll make the most of it by pairing my fall and summer favorites—tees, boyfriend jeans, loafers and neon-bright sweaters. OK, spring isn’t so bad ;)

white tank / neon sweater / stripe loafer / boyfriend jeans / military jacket / leather leggings / olive TOMS / lucky tee

Inspiration—olivia palermo / chriselle lim / navy blazer / selma blair / lauren conrad

just be happy

Sarah — Fri, 10 May 2013 01:45:17 +0000

Guys—

it’s been almost two months since I’ve seen you, and I don’t even have a good reason. Well, that’s not entirely true …

Around the time that I fell off the face of the earth, I saw a post on one of my favorite daily reads that bad-mouthed blogs like mine a little bit. It basically said that blogs that don’t create unique content (blogs like this one that pull inspiration from all corners of the internet instead of scheduling photoshoots) aren’t valuable. It really shook my confidence and made me question whether I should continue to post/pin/care about the blogosphere.

So I took a break. A break that I thought could be permanent. A break from posting, reading, commenting—all things blog—and I missed it. I felt less inspired and more negative than ever. Then I realized …

I post what inspires me in the moment and what I love, and I work without an editorial calendar, which is not a bad thing. I’m not looking to monetize or gather sponsors, I just want an outlet where I can share my inspiration and put my own flavor on each post. This is how I express myself and it’s a community where I feel at home. So, why would I ever leave?

Long story, short—I’m back. And nothing is going to change. Same fun posts, same hot pink accents, with a brand new attitude.

Homestyle / Mixing Materials

Sarah — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 15:30:09 +0000

Last weekend we helped a friend move into her new apartment in the super hip Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago, and it all just made me crave my own new place. Of course, it’s the new furniture, accessories and organization that I craved, not the packing or carrying :)

So immediately I head over to my favorite home blogs and pinterest boards, which is always a terrible idea when you’re on a budget, and I’m drooling. Literally, drooling while scrolling through image after gorgeous image. No question, what caught my eye most was the mix of materials, styles and textures. Whether it was mixing neutrals with neons, wood and metal or traditional and contemporary, I am obsessed. And seriously, who ever thought layering rugs could look so cool??

photo sources: one / two / three / four

where is spring?

Sarah — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 12:00:53 +0000

It is actually March, right? Hard to believe with snow still on the ground and temps below freezing, although I really should be used to this by now…

Even if it is still winter weather, my winter wardrobe is in desperate need of a style update. A little pop of color and a lot more attention to detail are necessary if I’m ever going to make it out of winter alive.

photo sources: 1 // 2 // 3

Wishing and Hoping

Sarah — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:00:57 +0000

I feel like all I do lately is tell people how much I wish I could be doing blank, or I can’t wait until blank—blank, of course, is code for moving to San Francisco to begin having daily adventures with the hubs. I’m a little bit sick of this waiting game already. I just want to live in the present and enjoy my life as it is right now.

You all are my witnesses, I’m going to do my best from now on to make the most of the time we have left in Chicago—with our friends, family and hopefully some good weather in the coming months. Because before I know it, it will be August and we’ll be gone.

photo source

a little break for some QT

Sarah — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 01:17:16 +0000

This week, I realized that more of my free time is spent with my face buried in a laptop than actually looking at my husband. This is not ok. I’m going to be taking a little break this week to get in some quality time with the hubby. Good thing I’ve been lacking inspiration lately. Hopefully I’ll come back next week refreshed and ready to light this place on fire!

photo source

it’s vday

Sarah — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 12:55:59 +0000

sweater / lipstick / necklace

I’m not a huge fan of Valentine’s Day, but I do love pink, hearts and love. Ironic, huh? I should be all over this holiday. Either way, I still love an excuse to wear a giant heart on my chest and buy a new lip color!

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone :)

Office party style rules

Sarah — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 13:00:33 +0000

I have yet another office party to attend at the end of this month and I am strapped for cute winter outfit ideas! I never know what to wear to a cocktail party where you’re expected to look creative (I love funky details and pairings, but sometimes they’re so hard to pull off!), mingle with clients (aka no cleavage or cutouts) and stay warm (winter is the worst).

What are the rules for office parties?
» no outrageous necklines or hemlines
» don’t overdo it — keep your accessories simple
» keep the lines clean, but wow them in the details
» my own rule: wear comfortable heels! (and bring a backup)

After MUCH online shopping :), I’ve pulled together a few looks that I think might do the trick.

The only problem? I can’t seem to find the perfect blazer or cardigan to go with any of these dresses! Help!!

little black dress: dress 1 / dress 2 / dress 3 / clutch / booties / pumps
add some color: dress 1 / dress 2 / dress 3 / dress 4 / pumps
all in the details: dress 1 / dress 2 / coat / tall boots / ankle booties / tights