La Salle de Bain

I rarely post pictures of bathrooms on Design Darling because, well, they're rarely all that inspiring. This gem from Rue's third issue is an exception for me. I love the moulding around the window, the clawfoot tub, the pedestal sink, and the ornate mirror above it. And doesn't the dark tile provide a dramatic alternative to classic white subway tile? 

I rarely post pictures of bathrooms on Design Darling because, well, they're rarely all that inspiring. This gem from Rue's third issue is an exception for me. I love the moulding around the window, the clawfoot tub, the pedestal sink, and the ornate mirror above it. And doesn't the dark tile provide a dramatic alternative to classic white subway tile? 

The A-Line Shift Dress

Have you noticed Design Darling's outfit in the new Gadabout-designed header? It's a simple A-line shift in hot pink accessorized with turquoise bling and bow-tied sandals — and it's a look I'm loving right now. Of course, if I can't convince you, there's always Victoria Beckham, Molly Sims, and Gwyneth Paltrow rocking the long sleeves and short hemlines to do the trick. Now where to find my own Design Darling shift?

Have you noticed Design Darling's outfit in the new Gadabout-designed header? It's a simple A-line shift in hot pink accessorized with turquoise bling and bow-tied sandals — and it's a look I'm loving right now. Of course, if I can't convince you, there's always Victoria Beckham, Molly Sims, and Gwyneth Paltrow rocking the long sleeves and short hemlines to do the trick. Now where to find my own Design Darling shift?

Media Maven

Hi there, ladies and gents! I'm taking this Monday morning to gush about my love of social media. Did you know that Design Darling is on Facebook, Twitter, and now Pinterest? In case you're not familiar, Pinterest is an online inspiration board, allowing you to pin favorite images onto virtual boards of your creation. You can follow other people's boards and see when people repin images from your boards. I'll be using mine to corral new online finds and keep track of old personal favorites. I hope you'll take a peek — you must follow Alaina and Ashlina!

Hi there, ladies and gents! I'm taking this Monday morning to gush about my love of social media. Did you know that Design Darling is on Facebook, Twitter, and now Pinterest? In case you're not familiar, Pinterest is an online inspiration board, allowing you to pin favorite images onto virtual boards of your creation. You can follow other people's boards and see when people repin images from your boards. I'll be using mine to corral new online finds and keep track of old personal favorites. I hope you'll take a peek — you must follow Alaina and Ashlina!

Randi Brookman Harris.

Dear Randi,

When I grow up, I want to be a creative genius just like you.

Love,

Mackenzie

Dear Randi,

When I grow up, I want to be a creative genius just like you.

Love,

Mackenzie

Lots & Lots of Little White Dresses

You know all about the little black dress: the go-to, tried-and-true, perfect-for-every-occasion wardrobe staple. But what about its summery relative, the little white dress? There's nothing like the pop of a white dress against sun-kissed skin. Let's escape the winter blues with twelve pretty white dresses, shall we?

Do you prefer Malin Akerman and Jennifer Aniston's simple white shifts...

Diane Kruger's lace and Michelle Williams' ruffle...

Kristin Cavallari's leopard shoes and Jessica Alba's belted waistline...

Blake Lively's Philip Treacy topper and Lauren Conrad's bow-tied beauty... 

Reese Witherspoon's head-to-toe take and Isla Fisher's bling bling... 

Or Taylor Swift's bare-shouldered showstopper and Kate Beckinsdale's minimalist model?

You know all about the little black dress: the go-to, tried-and-true, perfect-for-every-occasion wardrobe staple. But what about its summery relative, the little white dress? There's nothing like the pop of a white dress against sun-kissed skin. Let's escape the winter blues with twelve pretty white dresses, shall we?

Do you prefer Malin Akerman and Jennifer Aniston's simple white shifts...

Diane Kruger's lace and Michelle Williams' ruffle...

Kristin Cavallari's leopard shoes and Jessica Alba's belted waistline...

Blake Lively's Philip Treacy topper and Lauren Conrad's bow-tied beauty... 

Reese Witherspoon's head-to-toe take and Isla Fisher's bling bling... 

Or Taylor Swift's bare-shouldered showstopper and Kate Beckinsdale's minimalist model?

Seafoam Sophistication

Twin beds never looked so good! The cushy white linens and the seafoam palette with splashes of lemon chiffon make this oldie but goodie from Veranda a forever favorite.

Twin beds never looked so good! The cushy white linens and the seafoam palette with splashes of lemon chiffon make this oldie but goodie from Veranda a forever favorite.

Daily Crushes

Just popping in to let you know that I'm sharing my daily crushes on, er, Daily Crush today! Katie is a total sweetheart and I think you'll really love her blog. Enjoy!

Just popping in to let you know that I'm sharing my daily crushes on, er, Daily Crush today! Katie is a total sweetheart and I think you'll really love her blog. Enjoy!

Accessories or Art?

As much as I would love to inject my wardrobe with Karen Walker sunglasses and floppy sun hats, I'm equally keen on the idea of displaying such possessions as art. Aren't the colors fantastic?

{this brilliance and more captured by The Coveteur}

As much as I would love to inject my wardrobe with Karen Walker sunglasses and floppy sun hats, I'm equally keen on the idea of displaying such possessions as art. Aren't the colors fantastic?

{this brilliance and more captured by The Coveteur}

Parasols, Picnics, and Puppies

I want to live in this.

{photographed by Michelle Holden}

I want to live in this.

{photographed by Michelle Holden}

A Bedroom After My Own Heart

Remember when I asked for help putting my personal style into words? (It's no. 10 on my 101 in 1001 list.) A few of you tossed around the words glamorous, lived-in, and traditional. While I still need to perfect the definition (lived-in glamour? traditional with a twist?), I definitely think you were onto something. 

To me, this bedroom from new-to-me tumblr the house home embodies each of those three characteristics flawlessly. I get a lived-in vibe from the open door and unmade bed, which to some might look just messy but to me means comfortable and laid-back. The chandelier and the floor-skimming curtains are unapologetically glamorous, keeping out of the way and yet stealing the spotlight at the same time. Finally the balcony and the gold gilded mirror stand for time-honored tradition. My only change might be to swap out the bed for one of these platform beds — less vacuuming and more storage! What do you think of this space and my efforts to explain my aesthetic? Feel free to help : )

Remember when I asked for help putting my personal style into words? (It's no. 10 on my 101 in 1001 list.) A few of you tossed around the words glamorous, lived-in, and traditional. While I still need to perfect the definition (lived-in glamour? traditional with a twist?), I definitely think you were onto something. 

To me, this bedroom from new-to-me tumblr the house home embodies each of those three characteristics flawlessly. I get a lived-in vibe from the open door and unmade bed, which to some might look just messy but to me means comfortable and laid-back. The chandelier and the floor-skimming curtains are unapologetically glamorous, keeping out of the way and yet stealing the spotlight at the same time. Finally the balcony and the gold gilded mirror stand for time-honored tradition. My only change might be to swap out the bed for one of these platform beds — less vacuuming and more storage! What do you think of this space and my efforts to explain my aesthetic? Feel free to help : )

No. 11

The eleventh task on my list is to scrutinize the contents of my current closet and donate, store, or toss all the items I never wear. I feel like I do this fairly often but I'm not nearly discriminating enough because I definitely only wear about 50% of my wardrobe. Come to think of it, I ought to add an 11(b): buy only what I'll actually wear.

P.S. New to Design Darling? Welcome! I'm keeping a list of 101 things to accomplish in 1001 days. You catch up on the rest of the list by clicking here.

{photo}

The eleventh task on my list is to scrutinize the contents of my current closet and donate, store, or toss all the items I never wear. I feel like I do this fairly often but I'm not nearly discriminating enough because I definitely only wear about 50% of my wardrobe. Come to think of it, I ought to add an 11(b): buy only what I'll actually wear.

P.S. New to Design Darling? Welcome! I'm keeping a list of 101 things to accomplish in 1001 days. You catch up on the rest of the list by clicking here.

{photo}

Beautiful In Its Simplicity.

Style doesn't have to be complicated. It doesn't have to mean layers of patterns and textures. Sometimes it's just about color or just about fit. Sometimes style is beautiful in its simplicity. I think Diane Kruger gets it, don't you?

Style doesn't have to be complicated. It doesn't have to mean layers of patterns and textures. Sometimes it's just about color or just about fit. Sometimes style is beautiful in its simplicity. I think Diane Kruger gets it, don't you?

A Personal Favorite

Having personally uploaded all 200+ pictures from Rue's third issue to the online gallery, I am thrilled to be able to share my favorite space from what was undeniably their (our?) best issue yet. The black and white palette of Sketch 42 blogger Nicole Cohen's NYC apartment brings a little L.A. to the East Coast, don't you think? My favorite details are the lucite bench, the chrome lamp, and the lighting in the kitchen. Did you know that Nicole sells her abstract art (pieces like the one in the first photo) in her Etsy shop? Too cool for words.

Having personally uploaded all 200+ pictures from Rue's third issue to the online gallery, I am thrilled to be able to share my favorite space from what was undeniably their (our?) best issue yet. The black and white palette of Sketch 42 blogger Nicole Cohen's NYC apartment brings a little L.A. to the East Coast, don't you think? My favorite details are the lucite bench, the chrome lamp, and the lighting in the kitchen. Did you know that Nicole sells her abstract art (pieces like the one in the first photo) in her Etsy shop? Too cool for words.

Quote Du Jour

{via Patterson Maker}

{via Patterson Maker}

Calm & Colorful

There is something about the combination of the unfussy photograph, traditional lighting, and modern chairs that draws me to this New York dining room designed by Iain Halliday.

I instantly recognized the print as the work of French photographer Christian Chaize. The above print, for sale by inexpensive art dealer 20x200, is part of a series in which Chaize photographed the same Portuguese beach at the same moment and from the same angle each day for the duration of his vacation. The result is at once calming and colorful — really, what's not to love?

There is something about the combination of the unfussy photograph, traditional lighting, and modern chairs that draws me to this New York dining room designed by Iain Halliday.

I instantly recognized the print as the work of French photographer Christian Chaize. The above print, for sale by inexpensive art dealer 20x200, is part of a series in which Chaize photographed the same Portuguese beach at the same moment and from the same angle each day for the duration of his vacation. The result is at once calming and colorful — really, what's not to love?

A Brand New Week

Happy Monday! I'm up early to enjoy my morning latté and begin to tackle my to do list. I'm definitely burning the candle from both ends these days (what with three classes, my campus job in Alumni Relations, blogging here, interning for Rue, and applying to full-time positions for next year) but I'm crossing my fingers that the constant balancing act pays off in the end. Sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the day, don't you think? Let's make this week count!

Happy Monday! I'm up early to enjoy my morning latté and begin to tackle my to do list. I'm definitely burning the candle from both ends these days (what with three classes, my campus job in Alumni Relations, blogging here, interning for Rue, and applying to full-time positions for next year) but I'm crossing my fingers that the constant balancing act pays off in the end. Sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the day, don't you think? Let's make this week count!

Happy {Unseasonably Warm} Weekend

It's winter in central Pennsylvania and there's still snow on the sidewalks — but today the temperature is topping off at a delightful 70 degrees. 70! In February! Instead of questioning this inexplicable miracle, I'm going to spend the afternoon enjoying the sunshine while it lasts. I hope you do the same and have a wonderful weekend!

{photo of groovy style blogger Ascot Friday}

It's winter in central Pennsylvania and there's still snow on the sidewalks — but today the temperature is topping off at a delightful 70 degrees. 70! In February! Instead of questioning this inexplicable miracle, I'm going to spend the afternoon enjoying the sunshine while it lasts. I hope you do the same and have a wonderful weekend!

{photo of groovy style blogger Ascot Friday}

The Well-Stocked Bar + No. 93

Did you all see Emily of Cupcakes & Cashmere's house tour the other day? I fell hard for this vignette with its styled bar and graphic art.

In related news, I think I need this perforated steel bar cart, new at Urban Outfitters. One tier for bottles and another for glasses — it's brilliant! No. 93 on my 101 in 1001 list is to find my signature cocktail. As a picky eater/drinker who doesn't care for wine or beer, this is easier said than done. Inspire me, readers! What's your alcoholic beverage of choice?

Did you all see Emily of Cupcakes & Cashmere's house tour the other day? I fell hard for this vignette with its styled bar and graphic art.

In related news, I think I need this perforated steel bar cart, new at Urban Outfitters. One tier for bottles and another for glasses — it's brilliant! No. 93 on my 101 in 1001 list is to find my signature cocktail. As a picky eater/drinker who doesn't care for wine or beer, this is easier said than done. Inspire me, readers! What's your alcoholic beverage of choice?

No. 79

It's hard to stay put in a Pennsylvania winter, particularly after spending last spring studying in France. My wanderlust is in full gear these days and I'm itching to take a trip to Montreal. In fact, it's no. 79 on my 101 in 1001 list. Have any of you been?

Urban Outfitters sunglasses, $14 / Tory Burch cross-body bag, $265

Panasonic digital camera, $279 / Fodor's guide book, $12

Globetrotter for J.Crew suitcase, $1600+

P.S. I have this camera and I adore it. It's responsible for all the pictures on my travel blog!

It's hard to stay put in a Pennsylvania winter, particularly after spending last spring studying in France. My wanderlust is in full gear these days and I'm itching to take a trip to Montreal. In fact, it's no. 79 on my 101 in 1001 list. Have any of you been?

Urban Outfitters sunglasses, $14 / Tory Burch cross-body bag, $265

Panasonic digital camera, $279 / Fodor's guide book, $12

Globetrotter for J.Crew suitcase, $1600+

P.S. I have this camera and I adore it. It's responsible for all the pictures on my travel blog!

Good Things Come In Small Packages

Carly from College Prep has me hooked on the idea of trying on a few items from J.Crew's children's collection Crewcuts. Before you conjure up any images of grown women squeezing into kiddie clothes, know that the clothing sizes go up to girls' 14 and shoe sizes go up to women's 6 or 7 depending on the style! That's great news for those of us with tiny feet — and a tiny budget. Above are a few of the options I'm considering, particularly the desert boots which I'd pair with their lavender laces to make them a bit more feminine. Are you loving the bows and glitter as much as I am?

Carly from College Prep has me hooked on the idea of trying on a few items from J.Crew's children's collection Crewcuts. Before you conjure up any images of grown women squeezing into kiddie clothes, know that the clothing sizes go up to girls' 14 and shoe sizes go up to women's 6 or 7 depending on the style! That's great news for those of us with tiny feet — and a tiny budget. Above are a few of the options I'm considering, particularly the desert boots which I'd pair with their lavender laces to make them a bit more feminine. Are you loving the bows and glitter as much as I am?

Two Guest Posts

Today I'm blogging about the essentials of the preppy young professional over at College Prep:

And talking Grammy fashion over on the Rue blog:

Please check them out if you have a moment! As always, you can find all my guest posts and press features on the press page of my newly redesigned site. Enjoy!

Today I'm blogging about the essentials of the preppy young professional over at College Prep:

And talking Grammy fashion over on the Rue blog:

Please check them out if you have a moment! As always, you can find all my guest posts and press features on the press page of my newly redesigned site. Enjoy!