I love these pieces because they're just the right mix of sweet & sassy--which let's face it, I can totally identify with.

You can view the rest of the lookbook here.

Gala's blog is one of the very first I ever started reading & is one of the fabulous people who inspired me to start my own blogging adventure. Her blog is about chasing your dreams, making your life fabulous & features fancy typography & striking images. She is intelligent, fashionable, genuine & obviously gorgeous. Which is why I was over the moon when she agreed to let me interview and introduce her to all of you, my lovely readers. I hope you find her as magical & inspirational as I do!

Name // Age // Location
Gala Darling, 27, New York City

Tell us a little about yourself & your blog. I'm a girl from New Zealand who moved to New York City to make magic happen. Moving here has been a dream come true; it's really a place where anything is possible. My blog is a seamless & fabulous mix of fashion, lifestyle & ideas on how to make your life more wonderful. It makes me smile & keeps me really busy! One of the most important things I'm doing with my blog is disseminating the radical self love movement. I think all girls (& boys!) deserve to recognise how truly magnificent they are, & that's what I try to show them, every day.

You are a well-known source of inspiration but who/what inspires YOU? Maybe a better question would be, "What doesn't inspire you?"! I am invigorated by life. I do my best to make every day as fantastic as possible. I love to celebrate everything & get dressed up every day.

You are quite the jet-setter! Where is your favourite place in the whole world? New York City, which of course makes me the luckiest girl ever! I also love Los Angeles, Las Vegas & Paris. They're all so different, which is what I adore most!

What do you hope to achieve by blogging? I want to make people happy & open their eyes to their own splendor!

What is a random fact about you? The one thing in the world that I can't STAND is bananas.

Your fashion sense is sensational. How would you describe your personal style? Orchidaceous! I love silhouettes from the 1950s, colours & patterns from the 1960s & 1970s, worn with futuristic, fetishistic footwear...

{Gala w/ her BFF & another one of my biggest inspirations: Nubby Twiglet}

What are some current projects you're working on? I'm working on an amazing new course for my readers, which I'm so excited. There's more video content coming, too, & of course, I'm working on my book!

Any advice for new bloggers out there? Give it everything you've got. The world has enough mediocre contributions -- if you're going to do it, do it BIG!

Do you have a personal mantra? Dress up, leave a false name, be legendary! (Hakim Bey)

Connect with Gala Darling; WEBSITE // TWITTER

I'd like to introduce a new little feature that will make an appearance from time to time on the blog known as Le Swoon. Le Swoon will be a small collection of things I am particularly smitten with at the time. Hope you enjoy!

Chevrons are all the rage right now & have been popping up everywhere both in fashion & interior design. Here are some of my favourites I've come across.

I'm in love with this swimsuit by NeedSupply. Not in love with that price tag though, womp womp.

Check out this great dresser DIY. I adore the classic muted tones and shabby chic take on it.

My pal Moorea makes the most beautiful jewelery including these detailed necklaces. I already own one of her raw cut amethyst rings but I'm definitely lusting over one of these beauties!

What are you swooning over lately? I bet it's good!

Although it is still in its early stages, I've decided to open up my Shop My Closet for business!

It's just a collection of things I no longer wear or have use for & would love to pass them along to maybe someone like you who would like to wear them instead.

Shipping is a flat rate of $5 added in automatically with PayPal. I will periodically add new goodies over time so be sure to bookmark the site & check back often! xo

I wanted to share my latest design for Bonnie aka Flashes of Style. Bonnie had been struggling with her old layout which she felt was cluttered and a little unorganized so I came in riding on my white{space} horse to help her out. First I brightened things up with a fresh new floral header & clean typography throughout, which defines her brand perfectly--dainty with a modern, stylish flair. We kept things simple & pretty as to really show off her beautiful content. She's in love with it and I am too!

Bonnie is an absolute sweetheart to work with. She's extremely sweet and so is her style. Bonnie has quickly become one of my favourite bloggers & some of you may remember she was recently awarded the prestigious Modcloth Blogger of the Moment accolade.

Congrats Bonnie girl! I hope you enjoy your new blogging space :)

Supah cute and affordable. I really think its imperative that I own that tribal dress, come pay day.

Nubby Twiglet is one of the first bloggers/designers/fashionistas who I discovered and immediately was inspired by how flawlessly she can pull off all three of those categories. A graphic designer who wears mickey ears & a sequin skirt? How could you not love her stuff?

Sara is another one of my creative muses. She's my age & has already made a name for herself as the Creative Director for the almighty MetaLab. Whenever I look at her work I think to myself, "now why didn't I think of that?" She's that good.

Jessica is a fantastical designer who's illustrations blow me away. Her use of composition & typography is unlike anything I've ever seen. She's super talented & writes a hilarious blog, to boot.

So there you have it, folks, my top 3 inspirational women in design. Whenever I'm stuck in a creative rut I know I can always visit their sites & it will spark something to get me on my way.

Speaking of design, I've been plugging away coding my new site design to kick off the new year. Here's a sneak peek. I can't believe it will be 2011 in a mere 5 days, good grief!!

I hope everyone is having an OK Monday morning, it's a short week for me since we get Friday off for NYE. What are everyone's plans to celebrate?

Adorbs, right? These were my favorite picks;

Sequin Racerback Minnie Dress
Sequin Sweater
Double Ring
Minnie's Bow Thigh High Socks

What do you think? Are you into the new collection or do you think its for babies?

Happy Friday loves! Beginning today, everything listed in the boutique is 10-15% off. With Winter quickly approaching it's time to clear out the inventory & make room for whimsical wearables to keep you warm this season. There's only a handful of items left so get your vintage fix quick on the cheap!

-XO-