WEEKEND READING

1. Always a treat to see a little Design Darling in a lovely blogger friend's home. Thanks Victoria!

2. Get the look for less: if you liked this leather top, you'll love this $75 alternative.

3. Killer booties for $110... And 15 other pairs I love right here.

4. I ordered these Marais bow slippers and I'm obsessed. The pictures don't do them justice — they're stunning and look like they cost way more than they do. 

5. I totally want a pink sofa after seeing the Ruby Press office (pictured above) featured on Lonny this week.

6. New pencil sets in the boutique (and new items added to sale).

7. Tory Burch rain boots. Need I say more?!

8. Who else is obsessed with Pinterest? I'm on a quest for some fun new people to follow and would love to check out your boards. Leave a link to your Pinterest in the comments and check out my pins here!

P.S. This weekend I'm in New Orleans with Amy, Julia, Liz, Molly, and Sally! If you're in town, I'll be at Haute today from 1-5 and would love to meet you! If not, be sure to follow along on Instagram! Have a good one, friends.

1. Always a treat to see a little Design Darling in a lovely blogger friend's home. Thanks Victoria!

2. Get the look for less: if you liked this leather top, you'll love this $75 alternative.

3. Killer booties for $110... And 15 other pairs I love right here.

4. I ordered these Marais bow slippers and I'm obsessed. The pictures don't do them justice — they're stunning and look like they cost way more than they do. 

5. I totally want a pink sofa after seeing the Ruby Press office (pictured above) featured on Lonny this week.

6. New pencil sets in the boutique (and new items added to sale).

7. Tory Burch rain boots. Need I say more?!

8. Who else is obsessed with Pinterest? I'm on a quest for some fun new people to follow and would love to check out your boards. Leave a link to your Pinterest in the comments and check out my pins here!

P.S. This weekend I'm in New Orleans with Amy, Julia, Liz, Molly, and Sally! If you're in town, I'll be at Haute today from 1-5 and would love to meet you! If not, be sure to follow along on Instagram! Have a good one, friends.

NEW YORK CITY GUIDE: LAFAYETTE

Thank you all for your comments on the first post in this series! Amy and I loved reading about all your favorite New York spots and can't wait to try them all firsthand. Here's where we went this weekend...

Who: Amy of course!

What: Sunday brunch at Lafayette

Where: 380 Lafayette Street, NoHo

Why: Excellent people watching, pretty business cards and matchbooks, and the best almond croissant you've ever tasted. 

Wearing: Annie Griffin dress c/o, Tory Burch bag, J.Crew heels 

*All photos by Amy Stone

Keep up with Design Darling

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Thank you all for your comments on the first post in this series! Amy and I loved reading about all your favorite New York spots and can't wait to try them all firsthand. Here's where we went this weekend...

Who: Amy of course!

What: Sunday brunch at Lafayette

Where: 380 Lafayette Street, NoHo

Why: Excellent people watching, pretty business cards and matchbooks, and the best almond croissant you've ever tasted. 

Wearing: Annie Griffin dress c/o, Tory Burch bag, J.Crew heels 

*All photos by Amy Stone

Keep up with Design Darling

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LILLY PULITZER FALL

When I think of Lilly Pulitzer, I think of summery shifts, trips to Nantucket, white jeans... Not exactly my go-tos for fall. (Although they sure were fun this summer!) But I checked out their site on a whim this week and was totally blown away by their fall collection. Cute little jackets, pretty knits, and all my favorite colors in one place. These were my three favorite pieces:

Peplum sweater (you need to see the back!)  //  Tweed jacket  //  Colorblock sweater (under $100!)

Really fun, don't you think? I also love this cashmere cardigan and this navy sweater dress. Annnd it sounds like I'll be stalking their new arrivals year-round. Way to go, Lilly!

When I think of Lilly Pulitzer, I think of summery shifts, trips to Nantucket, white jeans... Not exactly my go-tos for fall. (Although they sure were fun this summer!) But I checked out their site on a whim this week and was totally blown away by their fall collection. Cute little jackets, pretty knits, and all my favorite colors in one place. These were my three favorite pieces:

Peplum sweater (you need to see the back!)  //  Tweed jacket  //  Colorblock sweater (under $100!)

Really fun, don't you think? I also love this cashmere cardigan and this navy sweater dress. Annnd it sounds like I'll be stalking their new arrivals year-round. Way to go, Lilly!

AMY STONE'S APARTMENT TOUR

I'm excited beyond belief that my friend Amy let me photograph her apartment to share with you all! She lives in the cutest one-bedroom in the West Village — I'm seriously obsessed with all her little treasures and trinkets. Isn't her desk set-up to die for? Don't be surprised when my Pinterest is covered in pictures of her place. Shop the slideshow below for a few pieces to recreate Amy's look chez vous:

I'm excited beyond belief that my friend Amy let me photograph her apartment to share with you all! She lives in the cutest one-bedroom in the West Village — I'm seriously obsessed with all her little treasures and trinkets. Isn't her desk set-up to die for? Don't be surprised when my Pinterest is covered in pictures of her place. Shop the slideshow below for a few pieces to recreate Amy's look chez vous:

DESIGN DARLING FALL BOOT GUIDE

There's no more important fall purchase than the perfect pair of boots. In my mind, if you're going to invest in one thing this season, it should be a quality pair of leather boots. They'll last you season after season (with a little resoling in between, of course) and the cost-per-wear is essentially pennies... at least when you live in the northeast. Here are the pairs that have caught my eye this fall:

(1) Steven  (2) Madewell  (3) Jean-Michel Cazabat  (4) J.Crew  (5) J.Crew

(6) Club Monaco  (7) Kate Spade  (8) J.Crew  (9) Tory Burch  (10) Loeffler Randall

(11) Plomo  (12) Diane von Furstenberg  (13) Tory Burch  (14) Loeffler Randall  (15) Mulberry

My two favorites are these and these. Again, leather booties and riding boots are something I recommend splurging on for better quality but, if you're looking for a pair under $200, I recommend this brand. 

Do you live in fall boots too? What's your go-to pair?

P.S. If any of the J.Crew boots strike your fancy, use SHOPFALL to save 25% at checkout (ends tomorrow!).

There's no more important fall purchase than the perfect pair of boots. In my mind, if you're going to invest in one thing this season, it should be a quality pair of leather boots. They'll last you season after season (with a little resoling in between, of course) and the cost-per-wear is essentially pennies... at least when you live in the northeast. Here are the pairs that have caught my eye this fall:

(1) Steven  (2) Madewell  (3) Jean-Michel Cazabat  (4) J.Crew  (5) J.Crew

(6) Club Monaco  (7) Kate Spade  (8) J.Crew  (9) Tory Burch  (10) Loeffler Randall

(11) Plomo  (12) Diane von Furstenberg  (13) Tory Burch  (14) Loeffler Randall  (15) Mulberry

My two favorites are these and these. Again, leather booties and riding boots are something I recommend splurging on for better quality but, if you're looking for a pair under $200, I recommend this brand. 

Do you live in fall boots too? What's your go-to pair?

P.S. If any of the J.Crew boots strike your fancy, use SHOPFALL to save 25% at checkout (ends tomorrow!).

WHAT'S IN MY BEAU BAG

One of the things I love most about the Beau bag I wore on the blog last week is its size. It's roomy enough for a laptop, iPad, textbooks, you name it... But not so big that it totally overpowers me. To give you an idea of how much it holds, here's what I was toting around last weekend...

Kate Spade Beau bag c/o  //  Macbook Pro  //  Maybelline mascara

C. Wonder sunglasses  //  K. Slademade key fob  //  NARS bronzer

Design Darling notebook  //  Design Darling hair ties  //  Lafayette matchbook

C. Wonder cuff   //  Le Pens  //  Tory Burch wallet  //  Ray-Ban eyeglasses  //  iPhone

Also, let's be serious: taking these pictures forced me to empty out some things that I definitely did not need to be carrying around (see ya, dry cleaning receipts and five pounds of pennies). If you do one thing this week, empty the contents of your purse and do a little tidying. It only takes a couple minutes and it's an instant mood booster! Especially when the bag is this cute ;)

*Photos by Amy Stone

One of the things I love most about the Beau bag I wore on the blog last week is its size. It's roomy enough for a laptop, iPad, textbooks, you name it... But not so big that it totally overpowers me. To give you an idea of how much it holds, here's what I was toting around last weekend...

Kate Spade Beau bag c/o  //  Macbook Pro  //  Maybelline mascara

C. Wonder sunglasses  //  K. Slademade key fob  //  NARS bronzer

Design Darling notebook  //  Design Darling hair ties  //  Lafayette matchbook

C. Wonder cuff   //  Le Pens  //  Tory Burch wallet  //  Ray-Ban eyeglasses  //  iPhone

Also, let's be serious: taking these pictures forced me to empty out some things that I definitely did not need to be carrying around (see ya, dry cleaning receipts and five pounds of pennies). If you do one thing this week, empty the contents of your purse and do a little tidying. It only takes a couple minutes and it's an instant mood booster! Especially when the bag is this cute ;)

*Photos by Amy Stone

INTERIOR INSPIRATION

A few of the things inspiring me in the interior realm lately: gold picture frames, hot pink dining chairs, lucite tables, pale blue slipper chairs, and the cutest striped sofa I ever did see. For more interior inspiration, follow me here. I hope you have a happy and inspired Sunday! xx

*Photos 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

A few of the things inspiring me in the interior realm lately: gold picture frames, hot pink dining chairs, lucite tables, pale blue slipper chairs, and the cutest striped sofa I ever did see. For more interior inspiration, follow me here. I hope you have a happy and inspired Sunday! xx

*Photos 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

WHICH SWEATER IS YOUR FAVORITE?

Sweater weather is officially here and I'm pretty excited about it. I haven't done much fall shopping yet but here's my ultimate wishlist for fall sweaters. Bring on the comfy, cozy goodness:

(1) Rebecca Taylor  (2) J.Crew

(3) Joie  (4) Equipment

(5) Rebecca Taylor  (6) 360 Cashmere

My top three are this casual option, this cozy pullover, and this embellished number. Help me decide! Which sweater is your favorite? 

P.S. A few more I love under $100: a cable knit cardigan that would be adorable with a belt, a cute colorblock crewneck, an easy basic you can monogram, a pretty peplum in winter white, and a thermal cardigan that's perfect for errands and the gym.

Sweater weather is officially here and I'm pretty excited about it. I haven't done much fall shopping yet but here's my ultimate wishlist for fall sweaters. Bring on the comfy, cozy goodness:

(1) Rebecca Taylor  (2) J.Crew

(3) Joie  (4) Equipment

(5) Rebecca Taylor  (6) 360 Cashmere

My top three are this casual option, this cozy pullover, and this embellished number. Help me decide! Which sweater is your favorite? 

P.S. A few more I love under $100: a cable knit cardigan that would be adorable with a belt, a cute colorblock crewneck, an easy basic you can monogram, a pretty peplum in winter white, and a thermal cardigan that's perfect for errands and the gym.

NEW YORK CITY GUIDE: JACK'S WIFE FREDA

Practically everyone I've met in New York has a list of restaurants they're anxious to try. I started mine after reading your comments on this post and have been adding to it based on friends' recommendations and pretty Instagram photos ever since. As a challenge to myself to a) try new places in new neighborhoods and b) branch out into more lifestyle content without posting recipes I can't cook, I decided to start sharing some of my newfound favorites here on the blog with the help of my friend Amy's fabulous photography!

Who: Miss Amy Stone

What: Sunday brunch at Jack's Wife Freda

Where: 224 Lafayette Street, SoHo

Why: Adorable branding, avocado toast, cute waiters, outdoor seating, waffles made with rosewater... Yum. 

Have any of you been to Jack's Wife Freda? What are some of your favorite brunch spots in the city? You know I'm taking notes!

Keep up with Design Darling

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Practically everyone I've met in New York has a list of restaurants they're anxious to try. I started mine after reading your comments on this post and have been adding to it based on friends' recommendations and pretty Instagram photos ever since. As a challenge to myself to a) try new places in new neighborhoods and b) branch out into more lifestyle content without posting recipes I can't cook, I decided to start sharing some of my newfound favorites here on the blog with the help of my friend Amy's fabulous photography!

Who: Miss Amy Stone

What: Sunday brunch at Jack's Wife Freda

Where: 224 Lafayette Street, SoHo

Why: Adorable branding, avocado toast, cute waiters, outdoor seating, waffles made with rosewater... Yum. 

Have any of you been to Jack's Wife Freda? What are some of your favorite brunch spots in the city? You know I'm taking notes!

Keep up with Design Darling

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5 TRAVEL BAGS I LOVE

(1) Sole Society  (2) J. McLaughlin  (3) Longchamp  (4) Tory Burch  (5) Frank Clegg

As I gear up for my month of travel, I need a travel bag that's big enough to accommodate my overpacking tendencies, small enough to tuck in an overhead compartment, and stylish enough that I'm not embarrassed to lug it around the airport. You might remember my monogrammed luggage from this post but I figured I'd do a little round-up for anyone else who might be traveling this month (or the holidays — how is it fall already?!). Seriously lusting after the Tory Burch but the $70 option is too good to resist!

(1) Sole Society  (2) J. McLaughlin  (3) Longchamp  (4) Tory Burch  (5) Frank Clegg

As I gear up for my month of travel, I need a travel bag that's big enough to accommodate my overpacking tendencies, small enough to tuck in an overhead compartment, and stylish enough that I'm not embarrassed to lug it around the airport. You might remember my monogrammed luggage from this post but I figured I'd do a little round-up for anyone else who might be traveling this month (or the holidays — how is it fall already?!). Seriously lusting after the Tory Burch but the $70 option is too good to resist!

KATE SPADE BEAU BAG

J.Crew cashmere boyfriend sweater  //  Kate Spade Beau bag c/o

J. Brand jeans c/o  //  Elizabeth & James booties (similar)  //  Ray-Ban eyeglasses

Christmas came early last week when Kate Spade sent me the black and tan version of their new Beau bag! It was the perfect end to fashion week and I'm absolutely obsessed with the color combo (especially given my plans to mix black and navy all fall). I spent most of yesterday wandering around SoHo and the West Village with Amy — the weather was seriously perfect for ducking in and out of stores and having lunch (and coffee... and dinner...) outside. Fall weather, spontaneous girlfriends, and a little Kate Spade... Weekends don't get much better than that!

*Photos by Amy Stone

*This post is sponsored by Kate Spade, a brand I genuinely love. Thank you for supporting the companies that make Design Darling possible!

J.Crew cashmere boyfriend sweater  //  Kate Spade Beau bag c/o

J. Brand jeans c/o  //  Elizabeth & James booties (similar)  //  Ray-Ban eyeglasses

Christmas came early last week when Kate Spade sent me the black and tan version of their new Beau bag! It was the perfect end to fashion week and I'm absolutely obsessed with the color combo (especially given my plans to mix black and navy all fall). I spent most of yesterday wandering around SoHo and the West Village with Amy — the weather was seriously perfect for ducking in and out of stores and having lunch (and coffee... and dinner...) outside. Fall weather, spontaneous girlfriends, and a little Kate Spade... Weekends don't get much better than that!

*Photos by Amy Stone

*This post is sponsored by Kate Spade, a brand I genuinely love. Thank you for supporting the companies that make Design Darling possible!

WEEKEND READING

1. An adorable LBD for only $58.

2. Carly and I had the best time hanging with Julia from Gal Meets Glam during fashion week. How insanely chic is this look of hers?

3. Could I pull off this crazy cool gold ring?

4. I know I'm not the only one who worships at the altar of Jenna Lyons... Read ten of her essentials on GQ.

5. I spotted someone wearing this white skirt at Lincoln Center and now I'm convinced I need it.

6. I've gotten totally sucked into this blog by two graphic designer friends who decide to date for forty days. I've read through day thirty and I'm pacing myself because I know I'll be sad once it's over!

7. New arrivals in the boutique! If you're looking for a pretty print or new stationery, we've got you covered.

8. OMG OMG OMG. Tory Burch is launching a beauty collection on September 26. Pre-order all the goodness right here!

9. This pretty sweater looks like my favorite ginger jars in clothing form... Yes please.

10. Wise words for today and every day.

*Photos 1 / 2 / 3

1. An adorable LBD for only $58.

2. Carly and I had the best time hanging with Julia from Gal Meets Glam during fashion week. How insanely chic is this look of hers?

3. Could I pull off this crazy cool gold ring?

4. I know I'm not the only one who worships at the altar of Jenna Lyons... Read ten of her essentials on GQ.

5. I spotted someone wearing this white skirt at Lincoln Center and now I'm convinced I need it.

6. I've gotten totally sucked into this blog by two graphic designer friends who decide to date for forty days. I've read through day thirty and I'm pacing myself because I know I'll be sad once it's over!

7. New arrivals in the boutique! If you're looking for a pretty print or new stationery, we've got you covered.

8. OMG OMG OMG. Tory Burch is launching a beauty collection on September 26. Pre-order all the goodness right here!

9. This pretty sweater looks like my favorite ginger jars in clothing form... Yes please.

10. Wise words for today and every day.

*Photos 1 / 2 / 3

LINEN DRESS FORM

My cousin Emily recently moved into the cutest studio in midtown and I stopped by this past weekend to nap in her bed check out her decorating progress. It really deserves a home tour of its own but here's one of my favorite details: a linen dress form from her dorm room days that's now the perfect home for her Design Darling tortoiseshell necklace (which is finally back in stock!). Oh and everything is better with a little grosgrain ribbon. Bravo, Emily!

Keep up with Design Darling

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My cousin Emily recently moved into the cutest studio in midtown and I stopped by this past weekend to nap in her bed check out her decorating progress. It really deserves a home tour of its own but here's one of my favorite details: a linen dress form from her dorm room days that's now the perfect home for her Design Darling tortoiseshell necklace (which is finally back in stock!). Oh and everything is better with a little grosgrain ribbon. Bravo, Emily!

Keep up with Design Darling

Boutique / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter

OUTFIT {ALICE & OLIVIA BOW JACKET}

Alice & Olivia bow jacket  //  Club Monaco tuxedo shorts (different color on sale)

Tory Burch Robinson middy satchel  //  J.Crew Everly satin pumps

You know I love me a little navy jacket (ahem) and this Alice & Olivia bow jacket is the cream of the, er, crop. The jersey fabric is super comfortable, the construction is amazing (each part snaps closed to keep its shape), it's my favorite color... I mean, the oversized bow is really just the icing on the cake. I wore it on Sunday to a few fashion week events and I'm pretty sure I've never received more compliments or "where'd you get that?" inquiries on an item of clothing in my life. If you're looking to treat yourself to a ladylike piece for fall, this is it.

*Photos by Amy Stone

Alice & Olivia bow jacket  //  Club Monaco tuxedo shorts (different color on sale)

Tory Burch Robinson middy satchel  //  J.Crew Everly satin pumps

You know I love me a little navy jacket (ahem) and this Alice & Olivia bow jacket is the cream of the, er, crop. The jersey fabric is super comfortable, the construction is amazing (each part snaps closed to keep its shape), it's my favorite color... I mean, the oversized bow is really just the icing on the cake. I wore it on Sunday to a few fashion week events and I'm pretty sure I've never received more compliments or "where'd you get that?" inquiries on an item of clothing in my life. If you're looking to treat yourself to a ladylike piece for fall, this is it.

*Photos by Amy Stone

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO TRAVEL NEXT?

In the spirit of this post, I've been planning a few exciting getaways and get-togethers for the next couple months. I was feeling pretty low at one point last week and started brainstorming things I could look forward to. Before I knew it, I'd penciled in fall trips to New Orleans, Denver, and Boston... And I couldn't be more excited! I love spending time in my apartment and New York in general but I'm really overdue for a little travel. A few of the goals on my next 101 in 1001 list (to be shared at the end of the month!) pertain to travel which got me thinking: Where are all of you dying to travel next? Here are a few destinations I'd be most excited about:

Morocco photographed by François Halard

St. Tropez photographed by Gray Malin

Tulum, Mexico, photographed by Sarah Yates

Wisteria flower tunnel in Kawachi Fuji Gardens, Japan

Rio de Janeiro

I'm dying to hear about any trips you're planning or simply daydreaming about. I'm definitely hoping to see at least one new continent and one new country as part of my next list so I'd love a little inspiration from you guys. A little Tuesday wanderlust never hurt anybody!

In the spirit of this post, I've been planning a few exciting getaways and get-togethers for the next couple months. I was feeling pretty low at one point last week and started brainstorming things I could look forward to. Before I knew it, I'd penciled in fall trips to New Orleans, Denver, and Boston... And I couldn't be more excited! I love spending time in my apartment and New York in general but I'm really overdue for a little travel. A few of the goals on my next 101 in 1001 list (to be shared at the end of the month!) pertain to travel which got me thinking: Where are all of you dying to travel next? Here are a few destinations I'd be most excited about:

Morocco photographed by François Halard

St. Tropez photographed by Gray Malin

Tulum, Mexico, photographed by Sarah Yates

Wisteria flower tunnel in Kawachi Fuji Gardens, Japan

Rio de Janeiro

I'm dying to hear about any trips you're planning or simply daydreaming about. I'm definitely hoping to see at least one new continent and one new country as part of my next list so I'd love a little inspiration from you guys. A little Tuesday wanderlust never hurt anybody!

BACK IN STOCK!

Just a quick note to let you know that I restocked three best-sellers in the boutique today! If you've been waiting for an acrylic stapler, "get it done" notepad, or mint julep cup, today's your lucky day. 

P.S. I also added some really cute new art prints for those of you working on your gallery walls!

Just a quick note to let you know that I restocked three best-sellers in the boutique today! If you've been waiting for an acrylic stapler, "get it done" notepad, or mint julep cup, today's your lucky day. 

P.S. I also added some really cute new art prints for those of you working on your gallery walls!

OUTFIT {J.CREW LEATHER TEE}

J.Crew Collection leather front top  //  Rag & Bone skinny jeans  //  Tory Burch Robinson middy satchel

C. Wonder cat eye sunglasses  //  Elizabeth & James booties (similar)

I wore this outfit on Saturday for a couple fashion week events as well as lunch and dinner with a group of blogger friends. This navy leather top is about as edgy / fashion-forward as I get without straying outside my comfort zone. The back is a heather gray knit so it feels like wearing a dressier version of a sweatshirt... Perfect for a day that started at 10 a.m. and ended past midnight!

P.S. I was looking for a new pair of skinny jeans and my dear friend Amy (who took these pictures and keeps denying my requests to feature her for friends with style — I'm working on it) steered me toward Rag & Bone's skinny jeans in the Kensington wash. So, so, so good. Stay tuned for a new series featuring our favorite spots in the city!

P.P.S. The navy nails were a gel manicure (#fashionweeksplurge) but Essie's new After School Boy Blazer is a dead ringer!

*Photos by Amy Stone

J.Crew Collection leather front top  //  Rag & Bone skinny jeans  //  Tory Burch Robinson middy satchel

C. Wonder cat eye sunglasses  //  Elizabeth & James booties (similar)

I wore this outfit on Saturday for a couple fashion week events as well as lunch and dinner with a group of blogger friends. This navy leather top is about as edgy / fashion-forward as I get without straying outside my comfort zone. The back is a heather gray knit so it feels like wearing a dressier version of a sweatshirt... Perfect for a day that started at 10 a.m. and ended past midnight!

P.S. I was looking for a new pair of skinny jeans and my dear friend Amy (who took these pictures and keeps denying my requests to feature her for friends with style — I'm working on it) steered me toward Rag & Bone's skinny jeans in the Kensington wash. So, so, so good. Stay tuned for a new series featuring our favorite spots in the city!

P.P.S. The navy nails were a gel manicure (#fashionweeksplurge) but Essie's new After School Boy Blazer is a dead ringer!

*Photos by Amy Stone