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Don't Be Tardy For The Party

I apologize for ducking out early today but it's time for me to get dolled up for the Rue issue three party! I'll be stopping by Jonathan Adler's stall at NYIGF and meeting Miss Roxy for dinner and drinks before the soirée at The New Traditionalists' showroom this evening. Enjoy the new site and I'll see you back here tomorrow!

{image via the adorable Crush Cul De Sac}

Redesign Is Live!

Pardon my stating the obvious but for those reading via Bloglovin', email, or RSS, please come check out Design Darling's new look! Courtesy of the incredibly sweet and tremendously talented Hanna Nation of Gadabout, the new site is much more my style: a classic shift, a costume necklace, and of course a little bit of fun with the shoes. Stay tuned for information to be added in the header menu and, in the mean time, please be sure to like Design Darling on Facebook and follow Design Darling on Twitter

Now tell me, what do you think of Design Darling's new look?! 

The Look For Less {Shoe Closet}


I can't help you with the shoe collection (lie: I totally can, but we'll save that for a later date) but I'm thinking Ikea's Expedit unit ($129) unit is a dead ringer for the built-in shoe closet of Teen Vogue Fashion News Director Jane Keltner de Valle. See more of her wardrobe, featuring the likes of Jason Wu and Peter Som, at my new favorite fashion blog, The Coveted.

Design Darling {Kinda Sorta} On Elle Decor





Contributing to Rue has been one of the most exciting opportunities I have had in the past year. I'm sure you can imagine my delight when Crystal emailed me to let me know that one of my posts for the Rue blog was mentioned on elledecor.com! Big thanks to Amy of Shelterpop for the shout-out that completely made my day/week/life. The online mention is definitely tiding me over until the real deal ;) Happy weekend everyone!

These Streets Will Make You Feel Brand New

I'm driving back to Connecticut this Sunday to catch up with my family before heading into New York for the launch party for Rue's third issue. Please flip through the issue if you haven't done so already; I know I'm biased but it's truly the best one yet. Pay special attention to the pieces on Brooke Giannetti, Margot Austin, Susanna Salk, and Jim Josephson and Erik Retzer — written by yours truly! I can't wait to celebrate with Crystal, Anne, Bri, and the gang at The New Traditionalists' showroom come Monday night. Will I be seeing any of you there?
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Forget-Me-Not

My dear friend and darling housemate Sara has agreed to take pictures of my bedroom to share with you all and I'm keeping a tidy to do list of things to get done before our little impromptu photo shoot:
1. Wait for sunshine. Natural light is everything.
2. Keep things clean until then. Easier said than done.
3. It's time for some fresh flowers in here. I'm convinced they'll make all the difference!
{photo from Black & Spiro}

Classy & Cozy

One of the greatest struggles of getting dressed this time of year is striking a balance between looking good and keeping warm. Filipa Fino, senior accessories editor for Vogue, shows us how it's done in a Chloé bodysuit and winter accroutrements like her fur vest and leather gloves. Let's all channel her look as we face our next snowfall, shall we?

Quote Du Jour

No. 59

The 59th item on my 101 in 1,001 list is to find the perfect little black dress. Do you prefer Sienna Miller's sleek sheath, Naomi Watts' sharp shift, or Rachel Zoe's floaty frock? 

Pink & Floral

I love the versatility of this soft pink. It electrifies the delicate embroidery worn by Vanessa Paradis in her campaign for Coco Chanel and steals the spotlight in the peony centerpieces of this table setting. Paired with fair skin or khaki chairs, anchored by dark eyes or wood accents, its bubblegum hue transitions from cosmetics to interiors seamlessly.

The Coveted.


Have you discovered The Coveted? According to founders Erin Kleinberg and Stephanie Mark, their blog is "a new way of looking at the creative process and influences of some of today's most recognized global tastemakers. The Coveted takes you inside the closets of internationally influential cultural forecasters, showing us what culminates in their personal style — one item at a time." Featuring the closets and curations of the likes of Joanna Hillman (see here) and Mary Kate Steinmiller, need I say more?

Oh You Pretty Little Things

Ladylike arrangements of glass perfume bottles, sunlight hitting the bodice of a dainty dress, and a pretty girl picking out pretty flowers. Three pretty things, just because.
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Just Peachy

The unusual combination of peachy pink and slate gray creates a decidedly dreamy atmosphere in this Katherine Newman-designed living room. The white walls and neutral carpet balance out the two stronger colors, gray anchoring the fireplace and furniture while the pink Arne Jacobsen egg chair injects a bit of whimsy. And don't think I missed the quartz-colored accent table — if that's not dreamy, I don't know what is! 

Sartorial Sparkle

These pictures make me happy to be a girl.
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McGill Design Group

There is a very familiar quality about this master bedroom with its blank walls, white linens, and built-in shelving. Proving that design is in the details, however, McGill Design Group incorporated luxurious accents like floor-to-ceiling curtains, a glass chandelier, and ikat throw pillows to take the space from drab to fab.

Jewel Tones

I love this oldie but goodie of Natalie Portman in a variety of jewel tones: a sapphire dress belted in teal, a canary-hued clutch, and amethyst peep-toe pumps. It's an alluring and unexpected combination that even those with fair skin or a pale winter complexion could rock.

ROYGBIV

Like your middle school science lesson...but better.

P.S. What exactly is indigo?

{all images via Day Old News and InStyle}

Quote Du Jour

"Leopard is my favorite color." I can never hear that enough.
Derek Blasberg

Coffee Coffee Coffee

I inherited my parents' addiction to love of coffee and find ordering my drink and catching up on email to be the most delightful morning ritual. We have a charming coffee shop on campus but when I'm back home Starbucks very much does the trick. This lovely little café would be a perfect spot this chilly Monday morning! One grande vanilla skim two Splenda latté please ; ) Do you share my morning routine? What do you order?

Thank God It's Friday.

I was a less-than-stellar blogger today and yesterday and for that I apologize. It's been one of those weeks where there just aren't enough hours in a day. I'll be back in action come Monday and I hope to see you then. In the mean time, stay warm, let loose, and look good doing it!

Rue Hues

Here's a little sneak peek of what I blogged about yesterday on the Rue blog. Please stop by if you haven't already!

Party Planning

I'm in the mood to plan a party. Not a fraternity function or a night on the town but a real event — a cocktail hour or a dinner party or, eek, a wedding! I watched a lot of wedding shows when I was home for the holidays and I can't get the idea out of my head. Keeping a busy calendar, focusing on the details, seeing my vision come to life — a future career path, perhaps?

Quote Du Jour

"Girls look beautiful when they feel beautiful."
Jenna Lyons

Back To, Um, School

First day of classes! I'm giving myself a little leeway in this final semester and starting off with dance conditioning, a mix of pilates and yoga that counts as a half credit course! Now if only I looked as flawless as Miranda Kerr...

Style Icon {Taylor Sterling}

She's as cute as they come and embodies California cool to the max. Ladies and gentlemen, Taylor Sterling of Sterling Style! I love that she sticks to the classics (ahem, J.Crew) but works in trendier pieces like the maxi skirt above — and I'm seriously coveting her Rebecca Minkoff bag! What do you think of this California girl's laid-back look?

Blue & Yellow For The Boys

There is something surprisingly masculine about the combination of navy blue and rich yellow in these two spaces. Paired with gold accents and herringbone floors, these are the sort of spaces upon which a husband and wife might just agree.
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Bucknell-Bound

Today my boyfriend and I are driving back to Bucknell for our final semester of college. I feel so old! It's the first time in my life I can truthfully say I have no idea where I'll be a year from now. It's a very exciting and yet completely nerve-wracking feeling.