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Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts

MANSUR GAVRIEL


I know I'm late to the game here but I just have to make sure every last one of you knows about Mansur Gavriel. These bags... OMG. I'm hardly one to hop on the "it bag" bandwagon but these might just be too good to resist. Each piece pairs high quality neutral leather with bright contrast interiors — each color combination is more yummy than the last. Founded by Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel, the collection is designed in New York, produced in Italy, and... sold out just about everywhere. You can preorder on their site for December (I'm eyeing this or this) or cross your fingers for a more timely restock at Barneys, Editorialist*, Forward by Elyse Walker*, Matches, Moda OperandiNet-A-Porter, ShopBAZAAR, or Steven Alan.

* = some styles currently available for purchase 


WHITE FISHERMAN SWEATERS


All I want to do right now is shop. It happens every year: August rolls around and suddenly it's my birthday, New York Fashion Week is creeping up on us, retailers are rolling out their fall wares, and I. Cannot. Resist. But instead of buying everything in sight, I make a list of a few pieces I'd like to invest in each season. This fall? D'Orsay flats and lots of cozy sweaters, starting with a little white fisherman sweater. Wear it in August/September tied around your neck with white jeans or tucked into an A-line skirt, then layer it under a scarf or a blazer come October/November. Here are a few top picks:


What pieces do you have your eye on for fall?!


OFF THE SHOULDER TOPS

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My style tends to be very classic (let's "blame" it on my mom working for Ralph Lauren my entire childhood, okay?) but every now and then comes a trend I can get behind. This summer it's off the shoulder tops and dresses. I think collarbones can be super sexy (in an elegant, understated way) and I know lots of girls (myself included) who aren't exactly in love with their arms. Enter the off the shoulder top, which is as breezy as a tank top without leaving you feeling quite as exposed. (Unless of course you can pull off a crop top, in which case this one is seriously gorgeous.) I've rounded up a few of my favorites below... Are there any you think you'd wear? What other trends are you trying this summer? 









D'ORSAY FLATS

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I recently bought the most amazing pair of Madewell d'Orsay flats and I can't wait until fall just to be able to wear them more regularly. The quality is awesome and they're so flattering on my feet! (If you don't think "foot-flattering" is a thing, try being 5'1" and looking at your feet in ankle strap heels. Pointed toes are your friends...!) If you're looking for a pair, here are a few ideas from the super affordable to the super luxe:



WHERE TO BUY AFFORDABLE DRESSES

If you're shopping for affordable dresses for an upcoming party or wedding, you know how hard it is to find something cute that won't break the bank. And for some reason, these dress needs always seem to sneak up on us. If you've been that girl (ahem, hi) who's texted her girlfriends on a Thursday night begging to borrow something — anything — for a destination wedding that Saturday, this guide of affordable dresses is for you. Do yourself a favor, check out the selections below, and scoop up a few options before the eleventh hour. You'll feel more prepared and you'll have money left over for cocktails and presents.


The selection can be overwhelming but there are definitely deals to be had. Try searching "skater dress" for flattering fit-and-flare numbers or shopping ASOS Collection for pretty embellished options. My picks: bow dress ($53), pink backless ($104), chic ruffle ($72).

All the dresses in the graphic above are Dorothy Perkins finds. Not familiar? I wasn't either until I stumbled upon a veritable treasure trove of wedding-appropriate dresses under $100. My picks: embellished dress in fuchsia and lime ($69), navy halter dress ($89), and striped fit-and-flare ($57).

Their assortment skews a little more casual and you'll have to do a little digging but the juice is worth the squeeze if you're looking for a dress that no one else will be wearing. My picks: blue bow dress ($69) and green stripe dress ($79).

Yes, they carry higher end labels like Alice & Olivia and Kate Spade, but the juniors section has a surprising number of age-appropriate picks for ladies in their twenties and thirties. One line to look for is Lush. My picks: chic shirtdress ($88), pretty in pink ($46), and preppy stripes ($38).

If you're on a serious budget, this is your spot. You'll have to sift through lots of bodycon don'ts but the dos are worth the wait. My picks: the perfect party dress ($27), sweet stripes ($27), and scarf print ($23). 

I usually shop Piperlime for shoes but they have a ton of dresses under $100. My picks: this dress in every color ($79), backless with a bow ($89), A-line mini ($49), and nautical stripes ($83).

Heavily discounted designer wares ranging from super casual to wedding-ready. My picks: geometric navy ($94), jersey wrap ($96), and T by Alexander Wang stripes ($85).



NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE

Have you shopped the Nordstrom anniversary sale? It's a great chance to scoop up fall favorites on sale before they go back to full-price in August. The number of items in the sale is a little overwhelming and things can sell out quickly so I rounded up 10 brands and items you won't want to miss:



I've been hopelessly in love with my Clarisonic Mia for two years now. If you've been curious about giving it a try, I give it an enthusiastic two thumbs up. This set includes everything you need to get started, plus a replacement brush head for once you're hooked. Shop all Clarisonic here.




Every girl's favorite underwear, available in every color under the sun. Shop all Hanky Panky here.









A classic nude pump you can wear to work, weddings, and everything in between. I also love this bow sweater and this classic watchShop all Kate Spade here.






I want to cover my entire wardrobe in leather and suede patches so this quilted vest would fit right in. Shop all Lauren Ralph Lauren here.







The best hot pink hue in lip gloss, lipstick, and nail polish. The pretty packaging is just the cherry on top. Shop all NARS here.








Here's an idea: use these eight lip glosses as toppers for birthday and holiday gifts throughout the year. Just tie one on with a bow for extra pretty presents for the girly girls in your life!



Maybe not the most exciting fashion purchase but bonus points for practicality. Available in four cute colors. Need something warmer? This navy parka ($289 $215) should do the trick. Shop all North Face here.







Tory Burch riding boots for under $300... Need I say more? Shop all Tory Burch here.




An everyday sweater staple you'll be happy to have in your closet come September. Available in navy and white. Shop all Vince here.








I've heard great things about this activewear brand and now is the perfect time to stock up. If you're tired of t-shirts at the gym, pick up one of these tops ($58 $37) and you've got yourself a whole new look. Shop all Zella here.

OUTFIT INSPIRATION: BRIGHT WHITE

Need a little outfit inspiration to get yourself out of a wardrobe rut? Whenever I'm feeling uninspired by my closet, I do two things: 1) I clean out my closet and 2) I turn to Pinterest. Clearing out the clutter to create more space for the pieces I actually wear (and the items I want to add to my closet) makes it so much easier to mix and match. And I can usually find some pretty obvious trends on my style board. This time around, I'm clearly having a moment with bright whites and summery neutrals. Here are a few of the looks inspiring my closet clean-out...

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There's a way to do preppy summer neutrals without looking like you wore your tennis whites out to happy hour. Here are a few of the essentials I'm moving to the front of my closet or putting on my list to purchase by summer's end (with a few options to cover every price point!).

Lace top

Modern pearls

Eyelet dress

Fisherman sweater (tip: buy from the boys' section for a more fitted look!)

Breezy (maxi or midi) skirt

The perfect white button-down

Here's hoping head-to-toe white will be just as chic with a few iced coffee spills. Murphy's law ;) In spite of its impracticality, all white is all right by me. Would you give it a go this summer?



SUMMER TREND: TASSELS

One of my favorite summer trends is tassels on accessories, clothing, and decor. I'm obsessed! Tassels aren't so much "trendy" as they is a resurgence of a classic motif... which means you can invest in a few pieces knowing they won't be out of style next season. Here are a few of my favorite tassels at the moment:

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I truly can't get enough: I'm loving tassel earrings, this neutral tassel chandelier (budget-friendly version here), these tassel curtains (I have the shower version), a pair of classic tassel loafers, this Tory Burch tassel handbag... The list goes on. Have you purchased any tassels yet? What other summer trends are you loving?



THE ULTIMATE SUMMER WARDROBE

Does anyone create a seasonal wishlist? I'm thinking it's not a bad idea. I've referred back to my ultimate spring wardrobe post a million times as I contemplated various purchases over the past few months. So here's what I'm coveting for the summer months: blue and white (if it ain't broke...), the most insanely flattering lace peplum top, the perfect espadrilles, and more...

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I can't even handle the back of this dress or the cut of this swimsuit. I really concentrated on pieces I'd rewear summer after summer — you can't go wrong with a blue oxford shirt or navy bow espadrilles! What would your ultimate summer wardrobe look like? Will you be scooping up any of these pieces over the next few months?


SUMMER BUYS FOR YOUR BOYFRIEND

Will and I just celebrated our six month anniversary! We did dinner and drinks at the Comedy Cellar last week and I already can't wait to go back. It's the perfect date night but it'd be equally fun to do with a group of girlfriends. Between our anniversary and his birthday earlier in the month, I've been on the lookout for great guy gifts and ways to spruce up his summer wardrobe. I've always loved his style (I'd call it preppy with a Southern twist) and we're both drawn to classic pieces like gingham shirts, dark wash denim, and leather driving mocs. He has to wear business formal for work so it's nice for him to dress a little more casually on the weekends. 


When we first started dating, I helped him pick out a pair of jeans at Rag & Bone in the West Village (you already know they make my favorite women's skinnies!). I much prefer shopping online to shopping in person so now that we know which styles and sizes suit him best, we can both add to his collection over time with the click of a button. I shop Nordstrom all the time for myself (party dresses, my favorite candle, etc.) and it's nice to scoop up a piece or two for Will every now and then! (Is gift giving part of anyone else's love language? That could be a post in and of itself...) Here's what I'm loving for guys right now:




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Nordstrom carries so many of my favorite men's brands in one place... Brooks Brothers, Jack Spade, Polo, Rag & Bone, and more. It's perfect for anniversaries, birthdays, Father's Day, or "just because" presents. (P.S. This is the pair of jeans Will got six months ago... And they're on sale!)


Shop the post:




*This post is sponsored by Nordstrom. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Design Darling possible!


WISHLISTED


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Bring on the brights! You know I'm all about #navyornothing but one of the things I love most about my favorite color is that it pairs so well with many others. This navy tank (love the cut!) with these seersucker shorts, a colorful tassel necklace, a powder blue bag, this bright yellow iPad case... You get the idea! In a way, navy is my favorite neutral. What's yours?

P.S. Do not even get me started on this art print (or anything in this sale for that matter). Hung next to a hot pink map? Y-E-S.

POLL: WHICH DRESS SHOULD I WEAR?

Next weekend we're headed to a wedding outside of Philadelphia for a couple who's been living in Dallas for three years. They've asked their guests to don cowboy boots at the reception (thankfully I've held on to these!) so I need a dress that will look cute with heels at the ceremony and with boots for dancing. After sending an email full of options to my mom and girlfriends, I remembered: I happen to have thousands of stylish readers who might love to weigh in as well! Here are my top choices...

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Cast your vote below and I'll order the dress that gets the most votes! This should be fun :)



Shop the post:


ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SUMMER SANDALS!

I tend to wear my shoes into the ground and New York is especially hard on footwear — I feel like I have to replace my shoe wardrobe at the beginning of every season. In addition to these and these (must-haves for weekends in the city!), here's my ultimate guide to the pairs I'm eyeing this summer. Flats, gladiators, heels, t-straps, wedges... You're sure to find something you love!
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I already own these (everyone should have at least one pair!) and I just purchased these (they. are. perfect!) and these (this season's update to the pair I wore here). I think my next two favorites would be these pretty blue ones and this budget-friendly pair. Maybe the more shoes I buy, the less often I'll have to wear each pair, and the longer they'll all last? ;) Yup, that sounds good to me.

ANNIE GRIFFIN SUMMER COLLECTION (+ 20% DISCOUNT!)


I'm obsessed with every last look from Annie Griffin's new arrivals for summer. Leopard shorts, perfect prints, striped skirts, and the most darling summer silhouettes... This collection has my name written all over it. I met Annie and her team at a blogger brunch last fall and I remember oohing and ahhing at the sneak peek of the summer collection on her iPhone. Now that it's here, I'm saving my pennies to add as many pieces as possible to my summer wardrobe! To. Die. For. Oh and don't forget — you get 20% off with code DARLING20 at checkout!