Rue Blog!

Here's a sneak peek of what I'm blogging about today over at Rue! It's hard to live up to the blogging greats (ahem, Cassie and Erin) but I'm certainly going to do my best. 

I'm beyond flattered to be on this talented team of Rue bloggers; I do hope you'll check us out and bookmark it for future reference! With a lineup this good, it's sure to become your go-to for design inspiration between issues ; )

Here's a sneak peek of what I'm blogging about today over at Rue! It's hard to live up to the blogging greats (ahem, Cassie and Erin) but I'm certainly going to do my best. 

I'm beyond flattered to be on this talented team of Rue bloggers; I do hope you'll check us out and bookmark it for future reference! With a lineup this good, it's sure to become your go-to for design inspiration between issues ; )

Ilse Jacobsen & Splendid Willow!

I am elated to announce my dear friend and January sponsor Monika's newest venture! Mon is the sweetheart behind Splendid Willow and recently began selling gorgeous Ilse Jacobsen rainwear in her own online shop. I could not be more proud of her — or more in love with her product! The lace-up boots ($149-$179) are handmade in Denmark and available in a variety of happy colors sure to turn even your darkest day around. Consider the investment a one-way ticket to European effortless chic!

I am elated to announce my dear friend and January sponsor Monika's newest venture! Mon is the sweetheart behind Splendid Willow and recently began selling gorgeous Ilse Jacobsen rainwear in her own online shop. I could not be more proud of her — or more in love with her product! The lace-up boots ($149-$179) are handmade in Denmark and available in a variety of happy colors sure to turn even your darkest day around. Consider the investment a one-way ticket to European effortless chic!

The Tonal Table

These table settings from Style Me Pretty are a reminder that monochromatic minimalism can be devastatingly chic. Whether you employ the dusty pink palette of the first or the earthy khaki hues of the last, just add a dose of sparkle and then let the food and your guests provide the color.

These table settings from Style Me Pretty are a reminder that monochromatic minimalism can be devastatingly chic. Whether you employ the dusty pink palette of the first or the earthy khaki hues of the last, just add a dose of sparkle and then let the food and your guests provide the color.

Front & Center

Style.com recently did a slideshow of behind-the-scenes pictures of Fashion Week regulars. How darling is this shot of supermodel Natalia Vodianova at Chanel? From her wavy bob to her ladylike heels, everything about it is perfection.

Style.com recently did a slideshow of behind-the-scenes pictures of Fashion Week regulars. How darling is this shot of supermodel Natalia Vodianova at Chanel? From her wavy bob to her ladylike heels, everything about it is perfection.

Redesign Update

Several of you have asked about the progress of my blog redesign. Well, after a bit of commotion around here, I'm changing the game plan and heading in an exciting new direction. Thanks to a recommendation from the darling Lindsay of The Pursuit of Style (whose new site is nothing short of stunning!), I am beyond thrilled to announce my collaboration with Hanna Nation of Gadabout.

In addition to launching her own iPhone app (genius!) and designing gorgeous custom stationery, Hanna is helping me breathe new life into Design Darling with a new header, new layout, new Twitter page, and my first business cards to boot! I am so excited to be working with her and so anxious to show you what we've got up our sleeves. In the meantime, do peruse her site and treat yourself to some new social paper — aren't her designs to die for?

Several of you have asked about the progress of my blog redesign. Well, after a bit of commotion around here, I'm changing the game plan and heading in an exciting new direction. Thanks to a recommendation from the darling Lindsay of The Pursuit of Style (whose new site is nothing short of stunning!), I am beyond thrilled to announce my collaboration with Hanna Nation of Gadabout.

In addition to launching her own iPhone app (genius!) and designing gorgeous custom stationery, Hanna is helping me breathe new life into Design Darling with a new header, new layout, new Twitter page, and my first business cards to boot! I am so excited to be working with her and so anxious to show you what we've got up our sleeves. In the meantime, do peruse her site and treat yourself to some new social paper — aren't her designs to die for?

Outfit Inspiration

It can be hard to stay stylish when the temperatures drop, but it would be wrong to welcome a new year in sweatpants and Ugg boots! Here's a little inspiration for a cozy outfit that looks pulled together without trying to hard. Just grab your winter coat on the way out the door and you're good to go!

{J.Crew painter cardigan, $45}

{Michael Kors gold watch, $225}

{J.Brand Houlihan twill cargo pant, on sale for $162}

{Madewell oiled suede Sandstorm boot, $188}

{Kendra Scott Carly botanical stud earrings, $55}

{Iomoi leather Parker bag, $395}

It can be hard to stay stylish when the temperatures drop, but it would be wrong to welcome a new year in sweatpants and Ugg boots! Here's a little inspiration for a cozy outfit that looks pulled together without trying to hard. Just grab your winter coat on the way out the door and you're good to go!

{J.Crew painter cardigan, $45}

{Michael Kors gold watch, $225}

{J.Brand Houlihan twill cargo pant, on sale for $162}

{Madewell oiled suede Sandstorm boot, $188}

{Kendra Scott Carly botanical stud earrings, $55}

{Iomoi leather Parker bag, $395}

Personal Style

{Dexter Hodges}

Style is a tricky thing, isn't it? It is so easy to pinpoint things I like and to reject those I do not — and yet it is so hard for me to define my style in terms of what's left. I thought I could start off the new year with a toast to personal style and a request from me to you, my darling readers, to help me define my style based on a few of my all-time favorite interiors.

{source unknown}

This architecture...

{Hus & Hem}

Those windows...

{Lonny}

These walls...

{Miles Redd}

Those shelves...

{Elle Decor}

And this, well, everything.

It's a hefty favor to ask of you, no doubt, and personal style is, er, personal. But you see, I can come up with a handful of buzz words... and would love your help in figuring out the rest. What do you think? Is my aesthetic maximalist or minimalist? Colorful or neutral? Classic or modern? Traditional or trendy? Over-the-top or understated? Lived-in or luxurious? I so appreciate your help and look forward to sharing all the style that 2011 will surely bring!

{Dexter Hodges}

Style is a tricky thing, isn't it? It is so easy to pinpoint things I like and to reject those I do not — and yet it is so hard for me to define my style in terms of what's left. I thought I could start off the new year with a toast to personal style and a request from me to you, my darling readers, to help me define my style based on a few of my all-time favorite interiors.

{source unknown}

This architecture...

{Hus & Hem}

Those windows...

{Lonny}

These walls...

{Miles Redd}

Those shelves...

{Elle Decor}

And this, well, everything.

It's a hefty favor to ask of you, no doubt, and personal style is, er, personal. But you see, I can come up with a handful of buzz words... and would love your help in figuring out the rest. What do you think? Is my aesthetic maximalist or minimalist? Colorful or neutral? Classic or modern? Traditional or trendy? Over-the-top or understated? Lived-in or luxurious? I so appreciate your help and look forward to sharing all the style that 2011 will surely bring!

101 in 1001

{source}

In lieu of making traditional resolutions this year, I'm writing a list of 101 things I'd like to accomplish in the next 1,001 days. That's approximately 2.75 years and, for me, a happy medium between short term and long term goals. As you may know, I'll be graduating from college this May and so consider this to be a very exciting time in my life! I won't overwhelm you with the entire list all at once but I do want to share a few at a time and update you as I'm able to cross things off the list.

1. Come up with 101 things. It's harder than you'd think!

2. Inspire someone else to write a list of his or her own. Any takers?

9. Launch an inspiring interview series on my blog.

16. Take a ballroom dance class.

43. Buy my first piece of original art.

60. Read every Jane Austen novel.

75. Throw a surprise party for a friend.

My goals range from the serious to the fanciful and I'm delighted with the tasks I've outlined thus far (currently 86!). This is where I'll need your help, dear readers, in the form of a little inspiration for rounding out my list. What would make your list of 101 things to accomplish in the next 2.75 years?

{source}

In lieu of making traditional resolutions this year, I'm writing a list of 101 things I'd like to accomplish in the next 1,001 days. That's approximately 2.75 years and, for me, a happy medium between short term and long term goals. As you may know, I'll be graduating from college this May and so consider this to be a very exciting time in my life! I won't overwhelm you with the entire list all at once but I do want to share a few at a time and update you as I'm able to cross things off the list.

1. Come up with 101 things. It's harder than you'd think!

2. Inspire someone else to write a list of his or her own. Any takers?

9. Launch an inspiring interview series on my blog.

16. Take a ballroom dance class.

43. Buy my first piece of original art.

60. Read every Jane Austen novel.

75. Throw a surprise party for a friend.

My goals range from the serious to the fanciful and I'm delighted with the tasks I've outlined thus far (currently 86!). This is where I'll need your help, dear readers, in the form of a little inspiration for rounding out my list. What would make your list of 101 things to accomplish in the next 2.75 years?

Moodboards By Martha

I will forever come back to these beautifully styled vignettes from Martha Stewart Living. Ribbon, shoes, snail mail — everything I love! I would love to frame the top picture for my future dream closet...

I will forever come back to these beautifully styled vignettes from Martha Stewart Living. Ribbon, shoes, snail mail — everything I love! I would love to frame the top picture for my future dream closet...

Chez Jenna Lyons

I was scanning the online Domino galleries when I stumbled upon the tried-and-true blogger favorite home of Jenna Lyons and her family. The J.Crew creative director's Brooklyn brownstone is an updated classic — a beauty with Victorian bones but updated with unexpected touches like charcoal walls in the bedroom. And how luxurious is Lyons's closet — a full room with a fireplace to boot? What a dream come true!

I was scanning the online Domino galleries when I stumbled upon the tried-and-true blogger favorite home of Jenna Lyons and her family. The J.Crew creative director's Brooklyn brownstone is an updated classic — a beauty with Victorian bones but updated with unexpected touches like charcoal walls in the bedroom. And how luxurious is Lyons's closet — a full room with a fireplace to boot? What a dream come true!