WEEKEND WARDROBE

Juliet & Co. knot earrings (only $25!) // J.Crew silk tee // Diane von Furstenberg Harper bag

Loren Hope gold link bracelet // Joie silk smoking slippers (how fabulous are these?) // AG skinny jeans

Michael and I are off to Nantucket for the holiday weekend with a few friends and I couldn't be more excited for the break. The forecast is definitely more fall-like and I for one will be embracing the chance to wear long sleeves and cute flats! How are you all spending the long weekend? Have a good one!

Juliet & Co. knot earrings (only $25!) // J.Crew silk tee // Diane von Furstenberg Harper bag

Loren Hope gold link bracelet // Joie silk smoking slippers (how fabulous are these?) // AG skinny jeans

Michael and I are off to Nantucket for the holiday weekend with a few friends and I couldn't be more excited for the break. The forecast is definitely more fall-like and I for one will be embracing the chance to wear long sleeves and cute flats! How are you all spending the long weekend? Have a good one!

OUTFIT {PRETTY IN PINK}

Ellie Kai top // J.Crew pearls (similar) // Zara skirt (similar)

Julie Collection ring // Design Darling bangles in navy and pink

Kaylen heels c/o ShoeMint

Can I just say I'm so happy that pointed toe shoes are having a moment? They're so flattering and ladylike. I was so excited when ShoeMint sent me this bright pink pair — totally girly with pearls and a skirt but versatile enough to pair with pants. I'm picturing them with a camel sweater and skinny jeans for fall. Definitely check out the rest of ShoeMint's collection here (bonus: everything is super affordable!). What trends are you sporting lately?

P.S. I shared my essentials on Camille Styles this week and would love for you to drop in!

Ellie Kai top // J.Crew pearls (similar) // Zara skirt (similar)

Julie Collection ring // Design Darling bangles in navy and pink

Kaylen heels c/o ShoeMint

Can I just say I'm so happy that pointed toe shoes are having a moment? They're so flattering and ladylike. I was so excited when ShoeMint sent me this bright pink pair — totally girly with pearls and a skirt but versatile enough to pair with pants. I'm picturing them with a camel sweater and skinny jeans for fall. Definitely check out the rest of ShoeMint's collection here (bonus: everything is super affordable!). What trends are you sporting lately?

P.S. I shared my essentials on Camille Styles this week and would love for you to drop in!

FASHION'S NIGHT OUT WITH ALICE & TRIXIE

I'm hoping some of you will be in town for New York Fashion Week because I would love to see you at Alice & Trixie's Fashion's Night Out event next Thursday, September 6. Join us for complimentary beverages, blowouts, manicures, and more! I'll be the one wearing this pretty pink and navy top ;) See you there!

I'm hoping some of you will be in town for New York Fashion Week because I would love to see you at Alice & Trixie's Fashion's Night Out event next Thursday, September 6. Join us for complimentary beverages, blowouts, manicures, and more! I'll be the one wearing this pretty pink and navy top ;) See you there!

THREE FAVORITE LOOKS FOR FALL

I've been pinning up a storm lately on my fashion board in anticipation of September weather. (By the way, if it could stay September year-round I'd be totally on board.) Whether you're headed back to class or off to fashion week, here are three of my current favorite looks and pieces to help you recreate them!

White blazer // Gray t-shirt // Cap toe heels (now on sale!)

Ray-Ban Clubmasters // White t-shirt // Tan skirt

Aviators // Navy blazer // Leather heels (now on sale!)

Who else is excited for fall layers?!

*Photos one, two, three

I've been pinning up a storm lately on my fashion board in anticipation of September weather. (By the way, if it could stay September year-round I'd be totally on board.) Whether you're headed back to class or off to fashion week, here are three of my current favorite looks and pieces to help you recreate them!

White blazer // Gray t-shirt // Cap toe heels (now on sale!)

Ray-Ban Clubmasters // White t-shirt // Tan skirt

Aviators // Navy blazer // Leather heels (now on sale!)

Who else is excited for fall layers?!

*Photos one, two, three

INTRODUCING THOMAS KELLY

This new sponsor is one you're going to love. Thomas Kelly was founded by a husband-and-wife team who saw a need for preppy activewear and sought out to design versatile pieces that can be worn for exercise, errands, and beyond. The duo sent me a few pieces to try out and suffice it to say I am smitten...

{The Malaga Mix top... Who could say no to gingham and ruffles?}

{How cute is the back?!}

{The gingham detail carries onto the Ladera leggings.}

{Trampoline approved.}

{Now go show Thomas Kelly some love!}

This new sponsor is one you're going to love. Thomas Kelly was founded by a husband-and-wife team who saw a need for preppy activewear and sought out to design versatile pieces that can be worn for exercise, errands, and beyond. The duo sent me a few pieces to try out and suffice it to say I am smitten...

{The Malaga Mix top... Who could say no to gingham and ruffles?}

{How cute is the back?!}

{The gingham detail carries onto the Ladera leggings.}

{Trampoline approved.}

{Now go show Thomas Kelly some love!}

LOREN HOPE LOOKBOOK

Loren Hope's fall/winter lookbook went live yesterday and it is brimming with beautiful brand new baubles and styling inspiration. I was delighted to make a cameo styling some of my favorite pieces alongside several talented bloggers and highly recommend checking out all of Loren Hope's new arrivals. She's outdone herself this time!

Loren Hope's fall/winter lookbook went live yesterday and it is brimming with beautiful brand new baubles and styling inspiration. I was delighted to make a cameo styling some of my favorite pieces alongside several talented bloggers and highly recommend checking out all of Loren Hope's new arrivals. She's outdone herself this time!

SHOPBOP SUMMER SALE PICKS

Splendid shirt dress // Equipment striped blouse // Juicy Couture silk dress

Alice + Olivia silk dress // Zimmermann bikini // Parker shirt dress

Theory shift dress // Shoshanna strapless dress // Theory pocket dress

Rebecca Minkoff eyelet dress // Juicy Couture halter dress // Milly eyelet shift dress

Tibi silk camisole // Alice + Olivia neon jeans // Shoshanna silk dress

You can't beat this time of year for scooping up summer sale pieces while it's still warm enough to wear them! What sale successes have you had lately?

P.S. Hanna from Gadabout (who designed the Design Darling header!) asked me what I've been up to and I was all too happy to share. If you're not reading her blog yet, you must! 

Splendid shirt dress // Equipment striped blouse // Juicy Couture silk dress

Alice + Olivia silk dress // Zimmermann bikini // Parker shirt dress

Theory shift dress // Shoshanna strapless dress // Theory pocket dress

Rebecca Minkoff eyelet dress // Juicy Couture halter dress // Milly eyelet shift dress

Tibi silk camisole // Alice + Olivia neon jeans // Shoshanna silk dress

You can't beat this time of year for scooping up summer sale pieces while it's still warm enough to wear them! What sale successes have you had lately?

P.S. Hanna from Gadabout (who designed the Design Darling header!) asked me what I've been up to and I was all too happy to share. If you're not reading her blog yet, you must! 

COACH'S LEGACY LEATHER COLLECTION

Legacy Leather Tanner Tote // Legacy Leather Metallic Leather Large Duffle

Therese Boot // Legacy Leather Duffle // Legacy Leather Rory Satchel (clearly I need this one — my puppy's name is Rory!)

There's nothing I love more than an updated classic and Coach's new legacy leather is just that: "a modern collection inspired by timeless styles in the Coach archives." It's a total departure from their past few seasons and I love it. Classic shapes, vibrant colors, and tassels galore? It has Design Darling written all over it. Which bag is your top pick?

Legacy Leather Tanner Tote // Legacy Leather Metallic Leather Large Duffle

Therese Boot // Legacy Leather Duffle // Legacy Leather Rory Satchel (clearly I need this one — my puppy's name is Rory!)

There's nothing I love more than an updated classic and Coach's new legacy leather is just that: "a modern collection inspired by timeless styles in the Coach archives." It's a total departure from their past few seasons and I love it. Classic shapes, vibrant colors, and tassels galore? It has Design Darling written all over it. Which bag is your top pick?

GOOD ADVICE.

More quote inspiration here.

*Photograph by Penelope Waits

More quote inspiration here.

*Photograph by Penelope Waits

ALT SUMMIT NYC

Yesterday I attended Alt Summit at the Martha Stewart offices in New York, soaking up inspiration from dazzling speakers and spending time with my favorite blogger ladies (and getting to meet a few fans of Design Darling — pinch me!). I tweeted as much as I could and took notes in a recycled leather notebook that I monogrammed for the occasion (email me to place a custom order!). Here are a few notes from my favorite speaker, Tina Roth-Eisenberg, on living a creative life:

1. Find what you love and don't stop until you find it.

2. Don't complain — make things better.

3. Trust your intuition.

4. If an opportunity scares you, take it.

5. Find likeminded people. (Tina's Creative Mornings might help!)

6. Collaborate. (A little envious of her Studiomates set-up!)

7. Ignore haters.

8. Inspire others.

This really hit home for me as I've worked insanely hard to find what I love and trusted my intuition to make it happen, even when it scared the hell out of me. Now to get cracking on everything else on Tina's list! Thank you to everyone at Alt for putting on such an inspiring conference. Oh and if you want to sell your ticket to the sold-out Salt Lake City conference in January, I may very well be interested ;)

Yesterday I attended Alt Summit at the Martha Stewart offices in New York, soaking up inspiration from dazzling speakers and spending time with my favorite blogger ladies (and getting to meet a few fans of Design Darling — pinch me!). I tweeted as much as I could and took notes in a recycled leather notebook that I monogrammed for the occasion (email me to place a custom order!). Here are a few notes from my favorite speaker, Tina Roth-Eisenberg, on living a creative life:

1. Find what you love and don't stop until you find it.

2. Don't complain — make things better.

3. Trust your intuition.

4. If an opportunity scares you, take it.

5. Find likeminded people. (Tina's Creative Mornings might help!)

6. Collaborate. (A little envious of her Studiomates set-up!)

7. Ignore haters.

8. Inspire others.

This really hit home for me as I've worked insanely hard to find what I love and trusted my intuition to make it happen, even when it scared the hell out of me. Now to get cracking on everything else on Tina's list! Thank you to everyone at Alt for putting on such an inspiring conference. Oh and if you want to sell your ticket to the sold-out Salt Lake City conference in January, I may very well be interested ;)

WHAT ARE YOU READING?

{Gwyneth Paltrow in Vogue}

Several of the tasks on my 101 in 1001 list relate to reading. I read all the Harry Potter books (#21) because, you know, how could you not? Now I'm in the process of reading every Jane Austen novel (#60), which I like to space out with a couple months between each one. But then there's just general reading I'd like to make time for (#69): twenty new books, of which I can say I've crossed off only eight. I imagine that won't sound particularly ambitious to some of you and yet I know if it were easier I'd have crossed it off the list a long time ago! ;) Do you make time to read for fun? Any must-reads you'd recommend to help me cross #69 off my list?

{Gwyneth Paltrow in Vogue}

Several of the tasks on my 101 in 1001 list relate to reading. I read all the Harry Potter books (#21) because, you know, how could you not? Now I'm in the process of reading every Jane Austen novel (#60), which I like to space out with a couple months between each one. But then there's just general reading I'd like to make time for (#69): twenty new books, of which I can say I've crossed off only eight. I imagine that won't sound particularly ambitious to some of you and yet I know if it were easier I'd have crossed it off the list a long time ago! ;) Do you make time to read for fun? Any must-reads you'd recommend to help me cross #69 off my list?

LEATHER ACCESSORIES I'M LOVING

(1) Serapian leather iPad case (2) K. Slademade monogrammed leather key fob

(3) Madewell leather backpack (4) Tory Burch reversible leather belt (5) Coach legacy satchel 

(6) Brooks Brothers ballet loafers  (7) Loeffler Randall pointed toe flats (8) J.Crew wide leather belt 

(9) ONE by Thela leather bag (10) J.Crew leather pumps (11) Baggu leather drawstring bag

Bags, belts, shoes... What leather accessories do you have your eye on for fall?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

(1) Serapian leather iPad case (2) K. Slademade monogrammed leather key fob

(3) Madewell leather backpack (4) Tory Burch reversible leather belt (5) Coach legacy satchel 

(6) Brooks Brothers ballet loafers  (7) Loeffler Randall pointed toe flats (8) J.Crew wide leather belt 

(9) ONE by Thela leather bag (10) J.Crew leather pumps (11) Baggu leather drawstring bag

Bags, belts, shoes... What leather accessories do you have your eye on for fall?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

RECENT OUTFITS

I've been trying to remember to take quick outfit snaps each morning (when I'm not working in pajamas, that is). This is what I've been wearing this week... 

Rugby oxford // BDG jeans (only $39 right now!) // Cole Haan loafers (on sale!)

Loren Hope bracelet // Design Darling bangle

J.Crew signet ring (similar) // Loren Hope bracelet // Design Darling bangle // J.Crew bangle

J.Crew t-shirt // BDG jeans (I live in these...) // Ballet flats ordered on HauteLook

Coach ring (similar) // Design Darling bangle

It's fun to play dress-up since I have lots of goodies from the boutique stored ever-so-glamorously in my family's dining room ;) But really it's fun to mix and match the bangles to coordinate with any outfit — plus they have a hinge closure so they're easy to snap on and off when I'm at my computer. Working girl approved!

P.S. For those who have asked, the rug is from Rugs USA!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

I've been trying to remember to take quick outfit snaps each morning (when I'm not working in pajamas, that is). This is what I've been wearing this week... 

Rugby oxford // BDG jeans (only $39 right now!) // Cole Haan loafers (on sale!)

Loren Hope bracelet // Design Darling bangle

J.Crew signet ring (similar) // Loren Hope bracelet // Design Darling bangle // J.Crew bangle

J.Crew t-shirt // BDG jeans (I live in these...) // Ballet flats ordered on HauteLook

Coach ring (similar) // Design Darling bangle

It's fun to play dress-up since I have lots of goodies from the boutique stored ever-so-glamorously in my family's dining room ;) But really it's fun to mix and match the bangles to coordinate with any outfit — plus they have a hinge closure so they're easy to snap on and off when I'm at my computer. Working girl approved!

P.S. For those who have asked, the rug is from Rugs USA!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

ON MY RADAR...

Michael Kors wrap watch // Jules Smith necklace (so cool!) // Tory Burch card cases // Kors Michael Kors wedges (my pick!)

Milly bow top // A.L.C. top // Tory Burch peplum sweater (I'm obsessed!)

Diane von Furstenberg dress // Club Monaco trench coat // Alice + Olivia dress (how great is this color?)

My goodness, fall makes me want to shop. Tell me I'm not the only one?!

Michael Kors wrap watch // Jules Smith necklace (so cool!) // Tory Burch card cases // Kors Michael Kors wedges (my pick!)

Milly bow top // A.L.C. top // Tory Burch peplum sweater (I'm obsessed!)

Diane von Furstenberg dress // Club Monaco trench coat // Alice + Olivia dress (how great is this color?)

My goodness, fall makes me want to shop. Tell me I'm not the only one?!

OLIVIA PALERMO'S STYLE

There are few people who never get it wrong when it comes to fashion. That said, I'm pretty sure Olivia Palermo has never left the house in a sweatshirt and yoga pants because every single picture of her is polished perfection. Here are a few favorite snaps of this style icon and key pieces to help you get the look...

Cat eye sunglasses // Sparkly studs // Basic cardigan

Utility jacket // Skinny jeans // Tan ballet flats

Striped peplum top // Tan bag // Bow heels

Leopard jacket // Denim shorts // Bow ballet flats

Seriously, can she do no wrong? Whether she's walking her dog or the step-and-repeat, her style is on point. Who are some of your style role models?

There are few people who never get it wrong when it comes to fashion. That said, I'm pretty sure Olivia Palermo has never left the house in a sweatshirt and yoga pants because every single picture of her is polished perfection. Here are a few favorite snaps of this style icon and key pieces to help you get the look...

Cat eye sunglasses // Sparkly studs // Basic cardigan

Utility jacket // Skinny jeans // Tan ballet flats

Striped peplum top // Tan bag // Bow heels

Leopard jacket // Denim shorts // Bow ballet flats

Seriously, can she do no wrong? Whether she's walking her dog or the step-and-repeat, her style is on point. Who are some of your style role models?

NEXT UP...

No. 71 on my 101 in 1001 list is to go camping which, as you might imagine, is not a strong suit of mine. In fact, I really only want to go if it looks something like this...

I won't hold my breath ;) Have any of you been (and enjoyed!) camping? Teach me your ways! 

*all images by Sarah Kehoe

No. 71 on my 101 in 1001 list is to go camping which, as you might imagine, is not a strong suit of mine. In fact, I really only want to go if it looks something like this...

I won't hold my breath ;) Have any of you been (and enjoyed!) camping? Teach me your ways! 

*all images by Sarah Kehoe

INSTAGRAM UPDATES

J.Crew ballet flats (now on sale!) // Bloch ballet flats (also on sale) via Rue La La // Tuckernuck espadrilles // Cole Haan loafers (also on sale)

An old inspiration board // Design Darling packaging // Bumblebee matches // A walk in the park

Tortoiseshell highballs (kind of obsessed with these...)

Zara striped peplum jacket // An afternoon in Rowayton // Gratuitous picture of Rory // Times Square as seen from the top of the Empire State Building

The most darling birthday present from K. Slademade (in my favorite colors no less!)

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

J.Crew ballet flats (now on sale!) // Bloch ballet flats (also on sale) via Rue La La // Tuckernuck espadrilles // Cole Haan loafers (also on sale)

An old inspiration board // Design Darling packaging // Bumblebee matches // A walk in the park

Tortoiseshell highballs (kind of obsessed with these...)

Zara striped peplum jacket // An afternoon in Rowayton // Gratuitous picture of Rory // Times Square as seen from the top of the Empire State Building

The most darling birthday present from K. Slademade (in my favorite colors no less!)

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

101 IN 1001 UPDATE

I have a little more than a year left to accomplish everything on my 101 in 1001 list and I'd say it's officially time to kick things into high gear! This summer I've been able to cross off the following...

{Monogrammed notecards}

18. Buy my parents an Apple computer. (They love it!)

22. See all the Harry Potter movies. (Super important, right?)

23. Send fifty handwritten notes. (I include a handwritten note with every Design Darling order so this should have been crossed off a long time ago!)

37. See a new Cirque du Soleil performance. (Michael and I saw Zarkana in June!)

{Recycled leather notebook}

48. Take a cooking lesson. (Remember that?)

50. Invest in at least ten coffee table books. (I have way exceeded ten thanks to amazing sales on Joss & Main and One Kings Lane!)

76. Go to the top of the Empire State Building. (One of my birthday presents from Michael and so much fun!)

79. Go zip lining. (A birthday present from my parents and also a blast, especially in the rain!)

{To do list}

90. Upgrade to a DSLR camera. (A birthday present to myself!)

99. Participate in a flash mob. (My sister organized one to say good bye to her best friend who moved to the midwest and it. was. awesome!)

That comes to 39 completed tasks and — eeek! — 62 to go. Check out the rest of my goals here. Is anyone else working on a similar list? Leave a link in the comments!

I have a little more than a year left to accomplish everything on my 101 in 1001 list and I'd say it's officially time to kick things into high gear! This summer I've been able to cross off the following...

{Monogrammed notecards}

18. Buy my parents an Apple computer. (They love it!)

22. See all the Harry Potter movies. (Super important, right?)

23. Send fifty handwritten notes. (I include a handwritten note with every Design Darling order so this should have been crossed off a long time ago!)

37. See a new Cirque du Soleil performance. (Michael and I saw Zarkana in June!)

{Recycled leather notebook}

48. Take a cooking lesson. (Remember that?)

50. Invest in at least ten coffee table books. (I have way exceeded ten thanks to amazing sales on Joss & Main and One Kings Lane!)

76. Go to the top of the Empire State Building. (One of my birthday presents from Michael and so much fun!)

79. Go zip lining. (A birthday present from my parents and also a blast, especially in the rain!)

{To do list}

90. Upgrade to a DSLR camera. (A birthday present to myself!)

99. Participate in a flash mob. (My sister organized one to say good bye to her best friend who moved to the midwest and it. was. awesome!)

That comes to 39 completed tasks and — eeek! — 62 to go. Check out the rest of my goals here. Is anyone else working on a similar list? Leave a link in the comments!

WHAT'S ONE THING YOU WISH YOU KNEW...

...before moving out and living on your own? I mentioned in Monday's post that so many friends are making the move to New York which is making me all the more eager to do the same. I'm crossing my fingers to make it happen in early 2013 which means I have a few months to save my pennies and soak up all the advice you have to give...

{Lynn Nigro in Lonny}

What's one thing (or two or three) you wish you knew before moving into your first apartment?

...before moving out and living on your own? I mentioned in Monday's post that so many friends are making the move to New York which is making me all the more eager to do the same. I'm crossing my fingers to make it happen in early 2013 which means I have a few months to save my pennies and soak up all the advice you have to give...

{Lynn Nigro in Lonny}

What's one thing (or two or three) you wish you knew before moving into your first apartment?

BORROWED FROM THE (LITTLE) BOYS

One of my favorite styling tricks lately (seen here and here) is to take an oversized shirt and tie it at the hem. The best part? It's easy to do with a slightly boxier boys' shirt like these...

Brooks Brothers gingham shirt // Crewcuts tuxedo shirt

Ralph Lauren big pony shirt // Ralph Lauren stripe shirt (on crazy sale!)

Crewcuts gingham shirt // Brooks Brothers tennis shirt (also on sale!)

The fit is perfect for scrunching up the sleeves and knotting the bottom! You'd be surprised at how generous the fit is (particularly with Ralph Lauren where the fit goes up to size 20!) and how much lower the price can be relative to comparable women's designs. Just be sure to check the size chart before you order! Have any of you ever worn boys' shirts before? Don't knock it 'til you try it! :)

One of my favorite styling tricks lately (seen here and here) is to take an oversized shirt and tie it at the hem. The best part? It's easy to do with a slightly boxier boys' shirt like these...

Brooks Brothers gingham shirt // Crewcuts tuxedo shirt

Ralph Lauren big pony shirt // Ralph Lauren stripe shirt (on crazy sale!)

Crewcuts gingham shirt // Brooks Brothers tennis shirt (also on sale!)

The fit is perfect for scrunching up the sleeves and knotting the bottom! You'd be surprised at how generous the fit is (particularly with Ralph Lauren where the fit goes up to size 20!) and how much lower the price can be relative to comparable women's designs. Just be sure to check the size chart before you order! Have any of you ever worn boys' shirts before? Don't knock it 'til you try it! :)