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WEEKEND WARDROBE

This weekend will be a little hectic and a lot of fun. Tonight is my college roommate's birthday party in New York, tomorrow is our annual family reunion in Rhode Island, and Sunday through Tuesday I'll be out on Nantucket! Here's what I have in mind for my weekend travels...


J.Crew shorts // Tretorn sneakers // J.Crew weekend bag (how cute is this for only $36?!)

Casual, comfy, and just right for family barbecues, ferry rides, and running around after Rory. What will your weekend wardrobe look like?

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DECORATING IN BLUE AND WHITE

You'll be the first to know when I set a date for moving out but in the mean time let's set our sights on a teeny tiny apartment that's decorated floor to ceiling in classic blue and white...

What's the predominant color palette chez vous?

OLIVIA PALERMO IN TATLER RUSSIA

I hope you all won't kill me for jumping the gun and posting about fall fashion but these looks on Design Darling fashion favorite Olivia Palermo were too perfect not to share...
I can definitely get behind this punchy palette for fall. Who else loves Olivia's style as much as I do?! Here are a few pieces to help recreate the looks (if you're in Google Reader you'll have to click over to see the slideshow!)... 

RAINY DAY ESSENTIALS

I'm not a fan of spring showers but there's something about a summer storm that always a little fun and unexpected — if you're wearing the right outfit. Last week I found myself hopping over puddles in leather wedges (I don't particularly recommend it) so today I thought I'd whip up a little inspiration for staying dry in style.

I just ordered that exact umbrella stand off of Joss & Main (it's even prettier in person!) and would pair any of the above with this darling trench. How precious is the rain coat for your four-legged friend? ;)

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS

New flats from Tuckernuck // Monogrammed ice buckets headed off to their new homes // Making an effort to cook (I've tried this, this, and this) // Rory sitting on my feet during a summer storm // Striped espadrilles from J.Crew (on mega sale) // Le Pens in my monogrammed pencil cup // A preppy pillow pairing (here and here) // Neon pink shorts from J.Crew // Ginger jar matches in a tortoiseshell bowl // New arrivals in the boutique // Still in love with this little face

MIX AND MATCH

It's not all that often I stumble upon a color combination that's truly unexpected and suited for real life but of course, leave it to J.Crew...


Blue and green and leopard? Call me crazy but I'm kind of digging it!

SUBWAY TILE KITCHENS

I just don't think I'll ever tire of certain design elements. French doors. Herringbone floors. White moulding. And then of course there's subway tile...

Better Homes & Gardens

Elle Decor

Our local Starbucks recently got a little facelift and now there's an entire wall of subway tile right when you walk through the door. I can't get enough! Definitely a must for the dream home file ;)

DAY AT THE DOCK

A little nautical look that has me looking forward to the weekend already...
Tory Burch wallet (a year-round staple)

I'm headed back to Nantucket for a couple days next week and couldn't be more excited. Now who wants to sit on the water and sip Arnold Palmers with me?!

DO YOU PAINT YOUR OWN NAILS?

I have a funny question for you today but it's one I'm actually quite curious about. But first, a confession: I cannot paint my own nails for the life of me! Painting with my left hand is not pretty. Plus my very favorite indulgence (as I admitted here!) is to go to the nail salon and get a mani/pedi. And I always, always stick to pinks and reds...
You'll find all these Essie colors right here but my current favorites are Fiesta, Geranium, and Mademoiselle. Tell me: (1) what's your favorite nail polish color and (2) do you paint your own nails?!

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ZOLIE DESIGNS

Welcome back to Design Darling sponsor Zolie Designs! I'm loving all of Larissa's colorful new arrivals, especially the color-blocked Mackenzie necklace in (what else?) hot pink and navy blue. Toss any of her creations over a fitted white t-shirt and you've got effortless summer style in the bag. Shop these pretty necklaces and more right here!

P.S. Interested in sponsoring Design Darling? Email me for an ad kit today!

WEEKEND WARDROBE


White eyelet dress, classic tan accessories, and the most fabulous navy wedges I ever did see. What would you like to be wearing this weekend?

DESIGN DARLING IN LUXE MAGAZINE

I was so excited to be featured as the design insider for Luxe Magazine's summer issue! They were kind enough to feature the monogrammed acrylic tray from my boutique as well as a few of my local favorites. It was my first bit of print press and a fun surprise to see myself in illustrated form — now if only my bicycle were this pretty in real life! ;)

PRETTY LITTLE THINGS

You know those days that just feel "off?" Nothing horrible happens but lots of little things add up and suddenly you're having a lousy day for no good reason. In an effort to turn things around over here, here are a few pretty little things putting a smile on my face today...

My birthday is coming up in case someone wants to send me the linen slippers in a size 6 ;) Now tell me: what do you do to turn a not-so-great day around?

GERONIMO HEADQUARTERS

I'm not sure that we can really file this one under desk du jour but these pictures were too pretty not to post. I stumbled upon this office tour of Geronimo Balloons and was instantly smitten with the fun-loving feel of every shot. I follow the founder Jihan on Instagram and swoon over her colorful snaps daily but her workspace is on another level. I mean, paper tassels tied to every storage box? Too cute for words.
So fun, right? See the full tour here.

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EASY ART

Art is one of the trickiest elements in a space, don't you think? That's why I'm always keen to share when I find something I love. My latest find is Tessyla, an Etsy shop brimming with affordable digital prints. I fell in love with this guy...
Isn't it fun? Especially with the coral vase from my boutique — which is a perfect color match! Tess was kind enough to send me a pair of prints and I framed them using the custom framer at Frames By Mail. I'm also in love with this navy trio and this pretty heart print (how cute would it be in hot pink?). Check out the shop here and do tell me, what's your favorite source for affordable art?

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J.CREW STYLE INSPIRATION

In addition to truly loving J.Crew's clothes (seriously, at least 50% of my wardrobe is J.Crew!) I can't get enough of the styling in their catalog and on their website. Here are a few of my favorite looks and a handful of covetable items inspired by each...

J.Crew schoolboy blazer (most versatile piece I own!) // Madewell oxford shirt // J.Crew maxi skirt (on sale!)

Isn't the way they put outfits together just brilliant? So colorful and unexpected. What's your favorite J.Crew item right now?

JESS LC JACKSON NECKLACE

Today I'm excited to share with you jewelry designer Jess Constable's newest collection, the Jackson! It's available in a fabulous array of neon baubles and pretty grosgrain ribbons and the best part is I got to choose a Design Darling combo that I know you all will love!
And can we pause for a moment and talk about the company I'm in? Seriously some of the most amazing bloggers out there. Such a treat! Shop my recommendation HERE and the entire collection HERE!

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GET THE LOOK {OLIVIA PALERMO}


This outfit is really striking in its simplicity — proof that a little pattern and texture can perk up even the most basic pieces! Would you wear this look?

*outfit image here

OUTDOOR BAR

How unreal is this outdoor space designed by Suellen Gregory? While the lighting and oversized mirror are nothing short of amazing, it's the console-table-turned-bar that peaked my interest. What a great idea for small space dwellers! Tuck a narrow console (this one even looks DIY-able!) table behind your sofa or between two rooms and style to your heart's content. I love a piece of furniture that does double duty!

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12 ACCESSORIES YOU NEED NOW


What would you add to this list and which items are your favorites?

SLEEPING IN


What I wouldn't give to be spending the morning in one of these super comfy sleep shirts, drinking coffee and reading blogs in bed. Aren't they pretty?

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WEEKEND WARDROBE

For someone who loves clothes as much as I do, I really stick to the same basics day in and day out: an oxford or a striped tee, skinny jeans, and ballet flats or Jack Rogers. But lately it's been so hot that the thought of shimmying into my beloved denim is simply out of the question. I think it's time to invest in a couple casual dresses to help me weather this weather in style!

Oh and everything is under $100! Happy weekend :)

INTRODUCING SAIL TO SABLE

I was so excited to receive an email from Jennifer about her new site Sail to Sable. After discovering that we grew up in the same town and graduated from the same high school, I learned that Jennifer works for GQ and named her new line for the Easternmost (Sail Rock, Maine) and Southernmost (Cape Sable, Florida) towns on the Eastern Seaboard. Inspired by stripes, salty water, and all things summer, the line is every bit as preppy chic as Jennifer herself! Needless to say I'm elated to welcome her as a sponsor here on Design Darling. Here are a few of my top picks from the collection...
Navy linen pillow // Pink stripe pillow


The line also features adorable napkins and placemats perfect for the preppy home. What's your favorite item from Sail to Sable?



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HIS AND HERS

ON HIM: Ray-Ban sunglasses // Land's End shirt // Locally made belt // Castaway Clothing pants ON HER: Ray-Ban sunglasses // Port Winsor tunic // Design Darling bangle // J.Crew signet ring (similar) // Skinnyjeans white straight leg jeans // Jack Rogers monogrammed sandals

I probably love this post more than usual because we're both wearing variations of my favorite color combo! I pretty much lived in this tunic on Nantucket last week — to the beach, out to dinner, and everything in between. Can I just say it's the most flattering tunic I've ever owned? I'm a little obsessed. What's one of your wardrobe obsessions lately?

CAITLIN WILSON IN MATCHBOOK

It was such a treat to interview Caitlin Wilson for Matchbook's July issue. I've been reading her blog for literally years and it comes as no surprise that her home tour is one of my all-time favorites!
I love the framed fashion illustrations and that pink sofa takes my breath away. What do you love most about Caitlin's home?

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