WEEKEND WARDROBE

Michael and I are visiting friends from Bucknell this weekend and I'm definitely excited to spend a little time in the sun (with sunscreen, of course!). Here's my dream packing list for a weekend getaway...

(1) Saint James striped tee (2) Wooden wayfarers (3) Neutrogena sunscreen (my favorite!)

(4) Devon Baer starfish earrings (5) Marley Lilly monogrammed floppy hat

(6) Skinny Jeans white denim (just ordered these!) (7) I Love Your Style (8) Miu Miu swimsuit 

(9) Kenneth Jay Lane pearl coil bracelet (10) Dani Notes monogrammed playing cards

(11) Jack Rogers monogrammed sandals (12) J. McLaughlin monogrammed duffel

There's a lot of monogram action happening here! Definitely a summer year-round staple in my book ;) What are you all up to this weekend?

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Michael and I are visiting friends from Bucknell this weekend and I'm definitely excited to spend a little time in the sun (with sunscreen, of course!). Here's my dream packing list for a weekend getaway...

(1) Saint James striped tee (2) Wooden wayfarers (3) Neutrogena sunscreen (my favorite!)

(4) Devon Baer starfish earrings (5) Marley Lilly monogrammed floppy hat

(6) Skinny Jeans white denim (just ordered these!) (7) I Love Your Style (8) Miu Miu swimsuit 

(9) Kenneth Jay Lane pearl coil bracelet (10) Dani Notes monogrammed playing cards

(11) Jack Rogers monogrammed sandals (12) J. McLaughlin monogrammed duffel

There's a lot of monogram action happening here! Definitely a summer year-round staple in my book ;) What are you all up to this weekend?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

ALICE & TRIXIE GIVEAWAY WINNER

Thank you to everyone who entered the Alice & Trixie $250 gift card giveaway! The lucky winner is...

...entry #237, Susan from Trendy Potluck! Congratulations, Susan! Please email me so I can put you in touch with the lovely folks at Alice & Trixie. And don't forget: everyone gets 20% off with code DARLING at checkout!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

Thank you to everyone who entered the Alice & Trixie $250 gift card giveaway! The lucky winner is...

...entry #237, Susan from Trendy Potluck! Congratulations, Susan! Please email me so I can put you in touch with the lovely folks at Alice & Trixie. And don't forget: everyone gets 20% off with code DARLING at checkout!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

PARTY BRIGHTS

One of the things I miss most about college is always having a reason to dress up. Between date parties, formals, and plain old weekends, it wasn't hard to find an excuse for a new dress or pair of heels. But I know some of you are in the throes of wedding season so I suppose this one's for you!

J.Crew bangles in yellow and pink // Noir earrings // Parker wrap dress

Loren Hope colorblock necklace // Baublebar earrings // Kate Spade cocktail ring

Badgely Mischka glitter pumps // Rebecca Minkoff bag // Kenneth Jay Lane cocktail ring

I bought the turquoise cocktail ring a couple years ago and it's easily one of my favorite pieces I own. What events will you be getting dolled up for this summer?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

One of the things I miss most about college is always having a reason to dress up. Between date parties, formals, and plain old weekends, it wasn't hard to find an excuse for a new dress or pair of heels. But I know some of you are in the throes of wedding season so I suppose this one's for you!

J.Crew bangles in yellow and pink // Noir earrings // Parker wrap dress

Loren Hope colorblock necklace // Baublebar earrings // Kate Spade cocktail ring

Badgely Mischka glitter pumps // Rebecca Minkoff bag // Kenneth Jay Lane cocktail ring

I bought the turquoise cocktail ring a couple years ago and it's easily one of my favorite pieces I own. What events will you be getting dolled up for this summer?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

DESK DU JOUR

I was instantly taken with this unique desk setup on a round dining table. Different? Yes. But just as practical? Totally. I love being able to spread out while I work and this seems like a great solution, particularly if you're using a laptop that can be moved in case you want to use the table for its intended purpose!

Kollection monogrammed stationery // Anthropologie metallic cork pencil cup // Design Darling vase

Design Darling acrylic tape dispenser // Kamoi Kakoshi washi tape // Container Store magazine holder

Apple Macbook Pro // Freshly Picked mouse pad // Container Store document box

Sparrow's Nest notebook // Delfonics pens // Design Darling gold lacquer tray

Poppin ruler // Container Store wastebasket // Ikea round table

I thought I'd do a fun round-up of pretty things for your desktop. Notebooks, office supplies, pens and pencils... What's your workspace weakness?

*Workspace discovered here, please comment if you know the original source!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

I was instantly taken with this unique desk setup on a round dining table. Different? Yes. But just as practical? Totally. I love being able to spread out while I work and this seems like a great solution, particularly if you're using a laptop that can be moved in case you want to use the table for its intended purpose!

Kollection monogrammed stationery // Anthropologie metallic cork pencil cup // Design Darling vase

Design Darling acrylic tape dispenser // Kamoi Kakoshi washi tape // Container Store magazine holder

Apple Macbook Pro // Freshly Picked mouse pad // Container Store document box

Sparrow's Nest notebook // Delfonics pens // Design Darling gold lacquer tray

Poppin ruler // Container Store wastebasket // Ikea round table

I thought I'd do a fun round-up of pretty things for your desktop. Notebooks, office supplies, pens and pencils... What's your workspace weakness?

*Workspace discovered here, please comment if you know the original source!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

KENNETH JAY LANE ON GILT GROUPE

Just a quick note to let you know that the Kenneth Jay Lane elephant bangle I shared on Instagram yesterday (as well as a bevy of other beautiful baubles!) is available again on Gilt Groupe. Sign up here and let me know what you find!

Just a quick note to let you know that the Kenneth Jay Lane elephant bangle I shared on Instagram yesterday (as well as a bevy of other beautiful baubles!) is available again on Gilt Groupe. Sign up here and let me know what you find!

IN THE KITCHEN

I am the first to admit my inability to cook. I'm generally picky, I've been a vegetarian for four years, and I rely pretty heavily on my ability to make guacamole and/or toss a salad. But for someone who's decidedly pathetic in the kitchen, I sure do like to look at them...

Ryan Korban in Lonny

Deulonder via Dustjacket Attic

Jennifer Dyer in Lonny

Are you comfortable in the kitchen? I suppose it's not too late for me to pick up a few skills... In fact this past weekend Michael and I took a cooking lesson at Aux Délices (one of the tasks on my 101 in 1001 list!) thanks to a generous Christmas gift from my sister Reilly. We had a blast working on our knife skills and mastering a couple new dishes. You know what they say, practice makes perfect! ;)

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

I am the first to admit my inability to cook. I'm generally picky, I've been a vegetarian for four years, and I rely pretty heavily on my ability to make guacamole and/or toss a salad. But for someone who's decidedly pathetic in the kitchen, I sure do like to look at them...

Ryan Korban in Lonny

Deulonder via Dustjacket Attic

Jennifer Dyer in Lonny

Are you comfortable in the kitchen? I suppose it's not too late for me to pick up a few skills... In fact this past weekend Michael and I took a cooking lesson at Aux Délices (one of the tasks on my 101 in 1001 list!) thanks to a generous Christmas gift from my sister Reilly. We had a blast working on our knife skills and mastering a couple new dishes. You know what they say, practice makes perfect! ;)

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

SUMMER STYLE

Summer is a time for simplicity — fewer layers, less makeup, and the kind of clothes you can toss in a bag for a spontaneous weekend trip. This take on the plain white t-shirt is precisely what I have in mind...

ASOS peplum t-shirt (only $24!) // Fallon lion studs // Modcloth striped scarf

Incase iPhone case // K. Slademade leather key fob // Tory Burch tortoiseshell cuff

Tory Burch ballet flats // Baggu leather bag (now on sale!)

I love this laid-back take on the peplum trend and the versatility of the navy flats (which I'd wear well into fall!). What are some of your summer style tricks?

P.S. Speaking of summer style, don't forget to enter the Alice & Trixie giveaway!

Summer is a time for simplicity — fewer layers, less makeup, and the kind of clothes you can toss in a bag for a spontaneous weekend trip. This take on the plain white t-shirt is precisely what I have in mind...

ASOS peplum t-shirt (only $24!) // Fallon lion studs // Modcloth striped scarf

Incase iPhone case // K. Slademade leather key fob // Tory Burch tortoiseshell cuff

Tory Burch ballet flats // Baggu leather bag (now on sale!)

I love this laid-back take on the peplum trend and the versatility of the navy flats (which I'd wear well into fall!). What are some of your summer style tricks?

P.S. Speaking of summer style, don't forget to enter the Alice & Trixie giveaway!

INSTAGRAM UPDATES

Lately I've been Instagramming way more frequently and getting lots of questions about where certain items are from. Consider this post your one-stop-shop! ;)

Monogrammed acrylic pencil cup (or a new home for makeup brushes!)

Moroccan Oil treatment / Revlon Stormy Pink / Covergirl Spellbound / NARS Jungle Red / Maybelline Falsies mascara

Tall topiary / small topiary (I'm a little obsessed...)

J.Crew / Design Darling / J.Crew (old) / Design Darling / Lilly Pulitzer (old) / J.Crew (old)

You can see all my pictures at @mackenziehoran. Are you as into Instagram as I am?!

Lately I've been Instagramming way more frequently and getting lots of questions about where certain items are from. Consider this post your one-stop-shop! ;)

Monogrammed acrylic pencil cup (or a new home for makeup brushes!)

Moroccan Oil treatment / Revlon Stormy Pink / Covergirl Spellbound / NARS Jungle Red / Maybelline Falsies mascara

Tall topiary / small topiary (I'm a little obsessed...)

J.Crew / Design Darling / J.Crew (old) / Design Darling / Lilly Pulitzer (old) / J.Crew (old)

You can see all my pictures at @mackenziehoran. Are you as into Instagram as I am?!

DESIGN DARLING ON SHOPBOP'S SHOPTALK

As a full-time blogger I write a lot of guest posts (sometimes it feels like a full-time job in and of itself!). Every now and then a really cool opportunity comes along — like the chance to post on Shopbop's blog Shoptalk! 

I decided to put together a little packing list for my upcoming trip to Nantucket. I already own the dress and the sunglasses but I'm definitely eyeing the tote and the wedges for the Fourth of July! Shop the full post on Shopbop's blog here and let me know what you think!  

As a full-time blogger I write a lot of guest posts (sometimes it feels like a full-time job in and of itself!). Every now and then a really cool opportunity comes along — like the chance to post on Shopbop's blog Shoptalk! 

I decided to put together a little packing list for my upcoming trip to Nantucket. I already own the dress and the sunglasses but I'm definitely eyeing the tote and the wedges for the Fourth of July! Shop the full post on Shopbop's blog here and let me know what you think!  

HIS & HERS / ALICE & TRIXIE GIVEAWAY!

It's been way too long since our last outfit post so we're bringing it back with a bang! Nothing like an Alice & Trixie giveaway to get back into the swing of things...

ON HER: Devon Baer Designs turquoise earrings // Ray-Ban sunglasses c/o Sunglasses Shop // Ryder shirt c/o Alice & Trixie // Zara jeans // Ash wedges via Gilt Groupe

ON HIM: Ray-Ban sunglasses // Land's End shirt // Ralph Lauren shorts 

Alice & Trixie is generously giving one lucky reader a $250 gift card to their site!

- To enter, leave a comment below telling me which item would be your first purchase. 

- For a second entry, like Alice & Trixie and Design Darling on Facebook. 

- For a third entry, follow Alice & Trixie and Design Darling on Twitter.

The winner will be announced on Friday morning. And everyone gets 20% off their Alice & Trixie order with code DARLING at checkout! Good luck!

It's been way too long since our last outfit post so we're bringing it back with a bang! Nothing like an Alice & Trixie giveaway to get back into the swing of things...

ON HER: Devon Baer Designs turquoise earrings // Ray-Ban sunglasses c/o Sunglasses Shop // Ryder shirt c/o Alice & Trixie // Zara jeans // Ash wedges via Gilt Groupe

ON HIM: Ray-Ban sunglasses // Land's End shirt // Ralph Lauren shorts 

Alice & Trixie is generously giving one lucky reader a $250 gift card to their site!

- To enter, leave a comment below telling me which item would be your first purchase. 

- For a second entry, like Alice & Trixie and Design Darling on Facebook. 

- For a third entry, follow Alice & Trixie and Design Darling on Twitter.

The winner will be announced on Friday morning. And everyone gets 20% off their Alice & Trixie order with code DARLING at checkout! Good luck!

FRAMED SILK SCARVES

Finding art is tricky: it's personal, it can be pricey, and it's usually a process to find the perfect frame and actually assemble it. I have three vintage silk scarves, already framed and ready to be hung, on sale in the boutique starting at just $100. They're big, graphic, and definitely statement-making — the perfect piece to hang above a bed or a sofa! Which one do you prefer, fabulous stripes in fuchsia and marigold, a Vera Neumann number in pink and red, or this blue, pink, and green beauty?

*Room by Krista Salmon, framed scarves here

Finding art is tricky: it's personal, it can be pricey, and it's usually a process to find the perfect frame and actually assemble it. I have three vintage silk scarves, already framed and ready to be hung, on sale in the boutique starting at just $100. They're big, graphic, and definitely statement-making — the perfect piece to hang above a bed or a sofa! Which one do you prefer, fabulous stripes in fuchsia and marigold, a Vera Neumann number in pink and red, or this blue, pink, and green beauty?

*Room by Krista Salmon, framed scarves here

WEEKEND WARDROBE

It seems each Friday I find myself posting about what I'd like to be wearing into the weekend so I've decided to dub the feature Weekend Wardrobe. In the hopes of a cool breeze blowing through Connecticut this weekend, I'd like to be channeling this breezy look...

Devon Baer Designs gem earrings // Topshop dress // French Connection waist belt

Topshop straw bag // ASOS peep toe ballet flats 

Oh and everything in this look costs under $100! Happy weekend indeed ;) 

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

It seems each Friday I find myself posting about what I'd like to be wearing into the weekend so I've decided to dub the feature Weekend Wardrobe. In the hopes of a cool breeze blowing through Connecticut this weekend, I'd like to be channeling this breezy look...

Devon Baer Designs gem earrings // Topshop dress // French Connection waist belt

Topshop straw bag // ASOS peep toe ballet flats 

Oh and everything in this look costs under $100! Happy weekend indeed ;) 

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

JANICE PARKER LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Confession: I have a new obsession. In addition to perusing the portfolios of interior designers, I've realized I love looking at the work of landscape architects. In case you couldn't tell from my exteriors board, I love looking at homes, gardens, pools, you name it — and this portfolio in particular is keeping me extra inspired...

Insanely gorgeous, right? Check out the rest of Janice's work here. Who else shares this obsession with pretty exteriors?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

Confession: I have a new obsession. In addition to perusing the portfolios of interior designers, I've realized I love looking at the work of landscape architects. In case you couldn't tell from my exteriors board, I love looking at homes, gardens, pools, you name it — and this portfolio in particular is keeping me extra inspired...

Insanely gorgeous, right? Check out the rest of Janice's work here. Who else shares this obsession with pretty exteriors?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

NEW ARRIVALS!

One of the best parts of owning an online boutique is the feeling that comes with rolling out new arrivals every few weeks. I love the challenge of sourcing new products, the fun of getting to collaborate with new designers, and the excitement I get from all of you when (hopefully!) you like the products as much as I do! I'm thrilled to have collaborated with the darling Keely (whose own site launches very soon!) on all the new paper goods to hit the boutique today. I hope you love what you see!

The monogrammed and personalized options just went live this morning, including a Design Darling exclusive in hot pink and navy blue Greek key! Shop the complete collection here and be sure to let me know what you think!

One of the best parts of owning an online boutique is the feeling that comes with rolling out new arrivals every few weeks. I love the challenge of sourcing new products, the fun of getting to collaborate with new designers, and the excitement I get from all of you when (hopefully!) you like the products as much as I do! I'm thrilled to have collaborated with the darling Keely (whose own site launches very soon!) on all the new paper goods to hit the boutique today. I hope you love what you see!

The monogrammed and personalized options just went live this morning, including a Design Darling exclusive in hot pink and navy blue Greek key! Shop the complete collection here and be sure to let me know what you think!

A DAY AT THE BEACH

That's wishful thinking, of course. It's supposed to hit 97° in Connecticut today (ick!) and naturally I wish I could transport to my favorite beach on Nantucket and set up shop beneath an umbrella for the day. In the mean time, my countdown to spending the Fourth of July on the island is alive and well...

Melissa Odabash cover-up // Zimmermann bandeau bikini // Echo Design ikat beach towels

Topshop cover-up // J.Crew stripe bikini // Chance Co. Cali beach towel

T-Bags embellished tunic // ASOS one-piece swimsuit // WOW! beach towel

If you could snap your fingers and appear on any beach right now, where would you go?

That's wishful thinking, of course. It's supposed to hit 97° in Connecticut today (ick!) and naturally I wish I could transport to my favorite beach on Nantucket and set up shop beneath an umbrella for the day. In the mean time, my countdown to spending the Fourth of July on the island is alive and well...

Melissa Odabash cover-up // Zimmermann bandeau bikini // Echo Design ikat beach towels

Topshop cover-up // J.Crew stripe bikini // Chance Co. Cali beach towel

T-Bags embellished tunic // ASOS one-piece swimsuit // WOW! beach towel

If you could snap your fingers and appear on any beach right now, where would you go?

SWEATER + SHORTS

Kenneth Jay Lane earrings // Vince striped sweater // Loren Hope tassel necklace

Clare Vivier iPad case // J.Crew shorts // K. Slademade limited edition clutch

Loren Hope cocktail ring // Tuckernuck pointed toe espadrilles

Inspired by this pin, I decided to create a look around pairing sweaters and shorts. It might seem counterintuitive but for chilly nights (or excessively air-conditioned buildings) it makes quite a bit of sense. What do you think of this pairing?

Kenneth Jay Lane earrings // Vince striped sweater // Loren Hope tassel necklace

Clare Vivier iPad case // J.Crew shorts // K. Slademade limited edition clutch

Loren Hope cocktail ring // Tuckernuck pointed toe espadrilles

Inspired by this pin, I decided to create a look around pairing sweaters and shorts. It might seem counterintuitive but for chilly nights (or excessively air-conditioned buildings) it makes quite a bit of sense. What do you think of this pairing?

DESK DU JOUR

It's been much too long since I've shared one of my favorite workspaces! This one comes from Catherine Sheppard's home tour on Glitter Guide today and I must say I'm enamored with the inspiration board hanging over her desk. Catherine says she sometimes removes everything and starts from scratch. How fun is that? I can't think of a prettier place to get productive!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

It's been much too long since I've shared one of my favorite workspaces! This one comes from Catherine Sheppard's home tour on Glitter Guide today and I must say I'm enamored with the inspiration board hanging over her desk. Catherine says she sometimes removes everything and starts from scratch. How fun is that? I can't think of a prettier place to get productive!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

DO YOU WEAR LIPSTICK?

I have a question about lipstick. Bloggers and celebrities wear it daily and I think the well-placed pop of pink or red can do wonders. But when I wear it myself, I feel... I don't know, a little over the top? Number 86 on my 101 in 1001 list was to find the right shade of red lipstick for me which, thanks to a trusty Sephora employee, turned out to be NARS jungle red. But I wear it very infrequently and sometimes even put it on and take it off before leaving the house! Am I crazy? Tell me, do you wear lipstick on a daily basis? If so, which brands and hues do you swear by?

*images Sephora, Jamie Beck, Wall Street Journal

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

I have a question about lipstick. Bloggers and celebrities wear it daily and I think the well-placed pop of pink or red can do wonders. But when I wear it myself, I feel... I don't know, a little over the top? Number 86 on my 101 in 1001 list was to find the right shade of red lipstick for me which, thanks to a trusty Sephora employee, turned out to be NARS jungle red. But I wear it very infrequently and sometimes even put it on and take it off before leaving the house! Am I crazy? Tell me, do you wear lipstick on a daily basis? If so, which brands and hues do you swear by?

*images Sephora, Jamie Beck, Wall Street Journal

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter