Wow!!

Blue dress to match my blue couch!  Can’t beat J. Crew dresses…or anything from J. Crew for that matter.

Today has been such an incredible day!  First off, if you don’t know what I’m talking about, my home tour was featured on The Everygirl today (my favorite website because it’s always so inspiring and fun)!  The outpouring of love and encouraging words has been amazing, and I am so overwhelmed by the amazing response from my family, friends, readers of The Everygirl, and anyone that just happened to hear my story. 

I submitted pictures of my home months ago, and didn’t really get my hopes up about being selected.  I had all but given up when I heard back from them a month later.  I was over the moon to hear that they liked what they saw.  Pictures were taken 2 weeks before Christmas, and I’ve been a nervous wreck ever since.  I even had a nightmare last night about readers not liking it, or me!  Needless to say, I have been humbled by the response to my home and my story.  Thanks to everyone that took a peek into my life.  I hope you liked what you saw, and thank you for encouraging me to chase my dreams 🙂  I’m scared to death of changing the course of my life after being fully immersed in the Army for the past 9 years, but I’m hopeful and excited for what the future holds.  Thanks again everyone for making today special!  Below are some of my favorite pics from the feature (Sarah Bradshaw took some amazing pictures didn’t she?).  Check out the feature if you’d like to see more!

My “bar cart.”  I don’t have space for any more furniture, so this’ll have to do for now.

My living room area is my favorite place in my apartment!  Always puts a smile on my face.

I wish I could say that my bedroom is always this tidy…
My jewelry/perfume area!  I put a small bookshelf in my bathroom for extra storage because I don’t have a linen closet!

Another J. Crew dress.  Love how the polka dots jazz up a little black dress!
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Katie Vail
Katie Vail

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  1. January 24, 2014 / 2:19 am

    Loved your tour so much and so happy I found your blog 🙂 Your apartment is stunning and your story so touching! xoxo

  2. January 24, 2014 / 2:56 am

    Hi Katie! A friend of mine just sent your link and I am so glad. My husband is a West Point Grad and we are currently in the DC area as well. I read your story on everygirl as well- you are truly an inspiration. Beautiful home and even more beautiful outlook on life!

  3. January 24, 2014 / 5:40 am

    I found your blog from a link on pinterest. My husband is also a USMA grad ('01) and recently separated from the Army. Transitioning to civilian life has been…interesting! I'm sure you'll find something great to do post Army. I love all the photos of your space, you did a fabulous job picking interesting pieces that complement each other.

  4. January 24, 2014 / 1:33 pm

    Found your blog from the Every Girl story and wanted to stop and say how I much I love your apartment. I used to live in Clarendon back when I worked for the Army (as a civilian). You have incredible taste, and I loved reading about how you chose the pieces to decorate your home. I am married to a soldier and particularly like how you discussed moving as a chance to change up your home design. You are such an inspiration.

  5. January 24, 2014 / 3:23 pm

    Also found you via The Everygirl – I love your style and wanted to thank you for your service to our country. I write for an Army newspaper and respect what you and other Soldiers are out there doing every day. And I love your couch. 🙂

  6. January 24, 2014 / 4:26 pm

    I'm a '13 grad just starting to decorate my apartment and using my own photography. I saw a link to the article and will probably follow your blog for ideas. God Bless!

  7. January 24, 2014 / 5:02 pm

    loved your story on the everygirl. what an inspiration you are to many. thank you for your service and also for contributing to the design world!

  8. January 24, 2014 / 8:06 pm

    I read your story on the Everygirl yesterday as well and it is probably my favorite yet, thank you for serving our country. I spent my lunch hour clicking around, reading your past posts and I'm so very glad I found your blog, so genuine and fresh!

  9. Anonymous
    January 24, 2014 / 11:49 pm

    Where did you find the lucite jewelry stand? Adorbs

  10. January 24, 2014 / 11:52 pm

    I just had to stop back by and say how thrilled I am that so many loved your tour! Your place is just stunning and you are too. I know you'll have great success post Army!

    xo
    Pat

  11. Cynthia McNair Wood
    January 25, 2014 / 12:22 am

    You look like a model, Katie! So glad you are following your heart and your passion for décor. Great things are in store for you, sweetie. You have the McNair family behind you 100%!

  12. January 25, 2014 / 1:48 am

    First, let me say thank you for your service and sacrifice for me and our country!! As everyone else has mentioned, you are an inspiration and I adore your style!! So glad I found your blog, and I am looking forward to following and reading your posts!

  13. January 25, 2014 / 2:20 am

    I loved your home tour on The Everygirl, and your story on all levels.

    Your home is adorable, and I was just in your neighborhood this summer visiting a friend.

    I'm really glad I found your blog, and look forward to reading more about you, especially in the coming months as you transition to a new career.

    My sincerest gratitude for your service to our country, and for your husband's sacrifice.

  14. January 25, 2014 / 2:57 am

    Found you via the Everygirl and just love your style. Will be following on Feedly!

  15. January 25, 2014 / 4:01 am

    It's from the Container Store! I had to get it as soon as I saw it. I'm a little obsessed with anything lucite or acrylic. It's about $20 too!

  16. January 25, 2014 / 4:02 am

    Thanks everyone for your amazing outpouring of support! I am so overwhelmed and this all just makes me so happy 🙂

  17. Danielle Gordon
    January 25, 2014 / 1:11 pm

    Your apartment is amazing and so classy and chic. My friends and I are definitely in love with your apartment!

  18. January 27, 2014 / 4:57 am

    Katie- first of all I LOVE your apartment. Your article on the Everygirl caught my eye today when I saw "US Army Captain". My hubby is deploying tomorrow, so your story is very inspiring to me. Thank you for sharing a little about your experiences and your strengths. My hubby also went to West Point! Thank you for your service and for sharing your beautiful space!

  19. January 27, 2014 / 5:24 pm

    I saw your post on TEG and I love your style! What a beautiful home you created. My heart goes out to you over the loss of your husband and it's so inspiring to see how strong you've been. xx

  20. January 27, 2014 / 9:23 pm

    where is your living room trunk/table from!?!!! it's amazing! i LOVE IT!

  21. January 28, 2014 / 12:59 am

    I'm so glad that the every girl featured your apartment! So much respect for what you do with the Army and then coming home and running a blog every day. As a fellow DC lover, I'm excited to check out your blog! And that time spent in Hawaii sounds amazing 😉

  22. January 28, 2014 / 2:38 am

    Thanks Cynthia, you are too kind! Thanks for cheering me on, and I'm glad to hear that the McNair family has my back 🙂

  23. January 28, 2014 / 2:39 am

    Thanks Danielle! Glad you and your friends like my place, makes me so happy to hear!

  24. January 28, 2014 / 2:40 am

    Thank you Alysson, so glad you like it! Good luck with the deployment and thanks to your husband (and you) for your service 🙂

  25. January 28, 2014 / 2:44 am

    Hi Stephanie! Thank you! It's from Ross actually. Got it for about $120…such a steal huh? I love it, and the storage is such a great perk.

  26. January 28, 2014 / 2:45 am

    Thanks Chelsea! I definitely need to get better at updating my blog, I'm so tired when I get home from work and I wish I had more time! Thanks for reading my blog and yes, Hawaii was amazing!

  27. January 28, 2014 / 12:14 pm

    Congratulations on the beautiful feature! Your home is so gorgeous and I love your design style. It's eclectic, colorful, and so fun and interesting. The interview was great as well. What you do/have done is incredibly admirable and you are clearly an amazing person, as well a talented designer. Good luck with your career transition!

  28. Anonymous
    January 30, 2014 / 5:26 am

    I just read your fantastic interview and home tour on The Everygirl. Your home is lovely and beautiful. Love the pops of colour and your blue ikat sofa. What a great find! You have been through so much and at such a young age. I admire your courage and perseverance. And your fabulous style! Great blog name too :o)

  29. February 3, 2014 / 1:17 am

    First and foremost, thank you for your service. Your home is just beautiful and I'm so glad to have found your blog via The Everygirl. I would love to feature your home pictures on my blog!

  30. February 3, 2014 / 2:16 pm

    Thanks Emily! Please feel free to feature my home on your blog! I'd be honored, please just make sure to link back to my blog 🙂

  31. Anonymous
    February 16, 2014 / 10:09 pm

    I also found your blog via The Everygirl. I wanted to first say thank you for your service, and also that I love how you've styled your apartment and enjoyed reading your profile! I spent a summer interning in DC during grad school and reading your interview really made me miss it. 🙂

    Also, do you mind sharing where you got the gold link necklace you're wearing with the black dress? So cute!

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