Sunday Getaway: Marriott County Hall

Today's Sunday Getaway to the Marriott County Hall in London has a real soft spot in my heart. When my family visited the UK in 2003, my first trip to Europe, we stayed at the County Hall, a lavish historic hotel on the South Bank. I fell in love with London on the trip and remember the hotel very fondly for its service (I still remember Iago helping us to our room) , grandiosity, and perfect location.

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{Yup, that's the hotel. How amazing is that? Located in an old Parliament building situated on the Thames and right next to the London Eye, you truly are in the center of London and staying in a piece of history. It really makes you feel transported to another world.}

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{You arrive to the hotel through this magnificent entryway to a beautiful courtyard where you're greeted by doormen. One thing I loved about London was all of the history in a modern city. Staying here really kept that feeling alive the whole trip.} 

 

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{The entrance at night. Very mysterious with all the shadow play}

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{The looming door and pillars add to the stateliness. Just imagine pulling up in an Aston Martin or Rolls Royce with Prince Harry in tow...}

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{The Library Lounge is a great place to indulge in afternoon tea and views of Parliament}

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{The County Hall Restaurant is a fine dining experience complete with oak paneled walls, high ceilings, period features, views of Big Ben, the Eye, and Parliament, and delicious modern European cuisine.}

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{Another view of the County Hall Restaurant. I love this decor, so regal.}

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{Can you tell I really love this restaurant?}

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{A four poster guest room}

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{The guest rooms are classic and well appointed with dark woods and reds. They feature two double beds, rare in European hotels, and are very roomy compared to other London accommodations.}

And oh, what's that across the river and viewable from your room's window...

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{Why, it's Big Ben and Westminster Abbey! Like I said, this location really can't be beat.}

I loved the County Hall during our stay and can't wait to venture back to London. I can't imagine staying anywhere else in the great city..

"When a man is tired of London he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford."

Samuel Johnson

Fashion Friday: Anne Hathaway for Interview

Anne Hathaway looks stunning on the September cover of Interview Magazine. It is by far the best spread I've seen her in, and definitely helps me see her in a more mature, muse-worthy light (it's hard to move on from the Princess Diaries). The editorial is pure gothic beauty goodness and really gets me excited to see what Anne can do as Catwoman, since I'm a bit more convinced now that she can pull off the mysterious character. Loving this new dark angel...

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{FIERCE}

For more Fashion Friday fierceness, head over to Blonde Episodes and check out all the other great entries.

Pink and Green Thursday: Back to School!

Today is the very first day of my senior year of college, and I have back to school fever! I love starting a new school year and all of the opportunity it has. One of my favorite parts of this new start is school supplies. Since I was little I've loved school supply shopping and getting all my new pencils, folders, notebooks, etc., so I could be the most prepared kid in school. While I've grown past the Lisa Frank days of yore, I thought I'd dedicate this Pink and Green Thursday to wonderful pink and green school supplies. Good luck this year, everyone!

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{Jonathan Adler Desk Organizer}

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{Lilly circle notes - how cheery!}

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{Jonathan Adler Giant Eraser - ah how goofy would I look whipping this out in college? Still love it though}

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{Lilly File Folders to keep my desk at home organized}

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{New reason to get an iPad?}

And I'll leave you with one of my favorite back to school songs - who wouldn't want 70s era - John Travolta to welcome them back to school?

And be sure to head over to Pink Preppy Lilly Lover and check out all the other great Pink and Green Thursday entries!

Semi Wordless Wednesday: Potential

 

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Today, I feel like life is filled with so much potential. I'm starting a new job, school starts tomorrow, and I'm on the cusp of graduating from college and entering into the real world. It's an exciting time filled with so much opportunity, and I'm so grateful and joyous that life has such potential. So even though it's cliched and I sound like a life coach, carpe diem, and seize the positive potential of today!

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{Seize the moment!}

{Be sure to head over to Flip Flops and Pearls and check out all the other great entries for Semi Wordless Wednesday.}

One Fifth by Ralph Lauren

I feel as if Ralph Lauren broke into my dreams (hello, Inception) and designed One Fifth off of my dream New York City apartment (doesn't every old Sex and the City fan have one?). The combination of black and gold is heavenly - a look I've been trying to secure for less for my own bedroom - but, trust me Ralph Lauren does it better. One Fifth is a gilded piece of loveliness straight from an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, and I'll be sure to put on my best evening gown and glitz when I head over.

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{Caitlin McGauley helped design the line and also commissioned artwork for the model apartment}

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{Thank you, Caitlin, for another sketch, "The Carlyle Girl" I'm adding to my lust list. She's so talented}

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{The art definitely adds to the roarin 20s vibe a la The Great Gatsby. And that chair, love!}

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{This apartment would definitely be perfect to sip champagne in}

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{Such a lush and luxurious bedroom}

You can purchase the collection at Ralph Lauren Home.

xx Erin

ASHA by ADM

I ran across this great jewelry brand (and celeb favorite), ASHA by ADM, on Pinterest recently and fell in love. Unfortunately, it is out of my price range, but I can still look! Here are a few of my favorite picks from the site - they're all so beautiful and refined, fit for the jet set. I definitely encourage you to check them out and dream with me.

{Flavia earrings - love the mix of blue and stone}

{Adorned horn bangle, so sleek and modern}

 {Very cool take on the chandelier earring, love the mix of bone and topaz}

{The Blaine stud}

{Adorned semanarios - never can have too many bangles, especially ones so chic!}

{Ines amethyst earrings. These are my ABSOLUTE favorites! Love purple, and these are so beautiful}

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Blue and White Find!

For the past year I've been lusting after all things blue and white chinoiserie. Vases and lamps in this chic style are my favorites and I've been continually inspired by beautiful homes and stores that use these pieces. I just love a blue and white chinoiserie vase with bright flowers popping out of the top. See some of my design inspiration below before I reveal my great find from the weekend!

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{Black and Spiro always has some great blue and white vignettes}

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{Designer Meg Braff also gets it right}

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{Ralph Lauren gets this preppy look right, of course}

And, now, drumroll please....voila! Here is my pride and joy Goodwill find from the weekend:

 Ok, it's not much considering the build-up, but I'm so proud of finding and buying my first chinoiserie vase and only for $2.99! I put some bright pink peonies in it and can't wait to put it on my yet to be arrived bookshelf. I'll keep you posted as the design comes along, but this is definitely a good omen for my new bedroom!