Must. Catch. Up.

Design Darling is looking a little empty today. And I'm looking, well, a little wiped out. I hope you won't mind me taking the day to conquer my inbox, actually open the new Rue, and write some pretty posts for tomorrow. Send your best tips for overcoming stress and getting productive my way : )

P.S. I'm compensating for my lack of posts today by sharing "My Stuff" on my friend Helena's gorgeous blog, A Diary of Lovely!

{photo by Pamela Hanson}

Design Darling is looking a little empty today. And I'm looking, well, a little wiped out. I hope you won't mind me taking the day to conquer my inbox, actually open the new Rue, and write some pretty posts for tomorrow. Send your best tips for overcoming stress and getting productive my way : )

P.S. I'm compensating for my lack of posts today by sharing "My Stuff" on my friend Helena's gorgeous blog, A Diary of Lovely!

{photo by Pamela Hanson}

The Design Dialogues {Mrs. Lilien}

I pretty much cried tears of joy when Kelley Lilien agreed to participate in The Design Dialogues. A busy Mrs. with a styling house and a delightful blog under her belt, Kelley has a covetable style that's all her own. I could not be more enamored with her punchy portfolio, her poetic blog posts, and her cheery outlook on life. Without further ado, my very favorite Mrs.!

Never has a stylist's portfolio made me quite this happy.

Who you are: 
Mrs. Kelley Lilien

What you do: 
Prop Stylist + Graphic Designer + Poetic Blogstress

Where you do it: 
Coronado, California

 

Pictures from the "7 Persuasions of a Successful Mrs." shoot that Kelley styled for her portfolio.

Five words to describe yourself... 

Enthusiastic, convivial, ostentatious, passionate, and excitable.

How do you define your aesthetic? 

Old school country club cocktail party meets modern day glam on her way to the glitter parade.

Who are your style icons? 

Carmen Miranda, Lilly Pulitzer and Cher.

This Mrs. thinks of everything. Design is in the details!

Favorite destination: 

I have a soft spot for Palm Springs, but say Ibiza and my knees go weak.

Favorite quote: 

"The sky's the limit!"

Favorite site: 

It changes all the time; however, today I am really loving Pintrest. Admittedly, I'm late to the party, but I'm having all kinds of fun with this!

Favorite store: 

Jonathan Adler, it's the happiest place on earth.

I have always loved this shot!

Favorite thing to read: 

The thesaurus.

Favorite thing to watch: 

Re-runs of The French Chef with Julia Child.

Favorite thing to wear: 

Giant costume jewelry and bright lipstick.

Kelley (second from right) and friends pose for another portfolio shot.

How did you decide to launch your own styling house? 

I concocted my imaginary dream job and, with some good advice and encouragement, I made it happen.

What is the most glamorous aspect of your job? 

Spirited praise from perfect strangers and getting recognized in public.

And the least glamorous aspect? 

Late nights, long hours, closets bursting at the seams with mounds of carnival-esque items.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received? 

Knowledge is power.

And the advice you’d offer aspiring entrepreneurs? 

Follow your heart. If you have the talent to back up your dreams, everything will fall into place.

Mrs. Lilien's dream home.

Three tasks on your to do list. 

My to do lists frighten me; I'd prefer not to talk about them!

Three items on your wishlist.

1. Caviar Sudan Sunglasses 

2. Giant Inflatable Pool Swan 

3. Meyer Lemon Tree

Three tasks on your bucket list. 

1. Ride a camel in the Arabian dessert.  

2. Live in London for a year.

3. Have a heart-shaped pool like Jayne Mansfield in my back yard!

- - -

Thank you so much for participating, Mrs. Lilien! Isn't she fabulous, everyone? If you're like me and can't get enough of her work and witticisms, do check out her blog and portfolio!

I pretty much cried tears of joy when Kelley Lilien agreed to participate in The Design Dialogues. A busy Mrs. with a styling house and a delightful blog under her belt, Kelley has a covetable style that's all her own. I could not be more enamored with her punchy portfolio, her poetic blog posts, and her cheery outlook on life. Without further ado, my very favorite Mrs.!

Never has a stylist's portfolio made me quite this happy.

Who you are: 
Mrs. Kelley Lilien

What you do: 
Prop Stylist + Graphic Designer + Poetic Blogstress

Where you do it: 
Coronado, California

 

Pictures from the "7 Persuasions of a Successful Mrs." shoot that Kelley styled for her portfolio.

Five words to describe yourself... 

Enthusiastic, convivial, ostentatious, passionate, and excitable.

How do you define your aesthetic? 

Old school country club cocktail party meets modern day glam on her way to the glitter parade.

Who are your style icons? 

Carmen Miranda, Lilly Pulitzer and Cher.

This Mrs. thinks of everything. Design is in the details!

Favorite destination: 

I have a soft spot for Palm Springs, but say Ibiza and my knees go weak.

Favorite quote: 

"The sky's the limit!"

Favorite site: 

It changes all the time; however, today I am really loving Pintrest. Admittedly, I'm late to the party, but I'm having all kinds of fun with this!

Favorite store: 

Jonathan Adler, it's the happiest place on earth.

I have always loved this shot!

Favorite thing to read: 

The thesaurus.

Favorite thing to watch: 

Re-runs of The French Chef with Julia Child.

Favorite thing to wear: 

Giant costume jewelry and bright lipstick.

Kelley (second from right) and friends pose for another portfolio shot.

How did you decide to launch your own styling house? 

I concocted my imaginary dream job and, with some good advice and encouragement, I made it happen.

What is the most glamorous aspect of your job? 

Spirited praise from perfect strangers and getting recognized in public.

And the least glamorous aspect? 

Late nights, long hours, closets bursting at the seams with mounds of carnival-esque items.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received? 

Knowledge is power.

And the advice you’d offer aspiring entrepreneurs? 

Follow your heart. If you have the talent to back up your dreams, everything will fall into place.

Mrs. Lilien's dream home.

Three tasks on your to do list. 

My to do lists frighten me; I'd prefer not to talk about them!

Three items on your wishlist.

1. Caviar Sudan Sunglasses 

2. Giant Inflatable Pool Swan 

3. Meyer Lemon Tree

Three tasks on your bucket list. 

1. Ride a camel in the Arabian dessert.  

2. Live in London for a year.

3. Have a heart-shaped pool like Jayne Mansfield in my back yard!

- - -

Thank you so much for participating, Mrs. Lilien! Isn't she fabulous, everyone? If you're like me and can't get enough of her work and witticisms, do check out her blog and portfolio!

Getting Personal...

Big hugs to everyone who has filled out the Design Darling Reader Survey! (It's still open for those of you who have yet to weigh in!) Your input has been incredibly insightful and I'll definitely be incorporating your advice as I continue blogging. One of the most popular requests has been to get a little more personal with you all, to let you know what I'm up to at school and what I'm planning for after graduation — something I never knew until I read your answers! I'm flattered and I'd be happy to oblige! 

In fact, I just participated in the Designeries interview series on Erika's blog where I'm talking all about my internships with Jonathan Adler (that's us above!) and Rue, how I got my start in blogging, and what I have in mind for next year and beyond. So if you're interested in learning a little more about me, I couldn't think of a better way to get started!

Big hugs to everyone who has filled out the Design Darling Reader Survey! (It's still open for those of you who have yet to weigh in!) Your input has been incredibly insightful and I'll definitely be incorporating your advice as I continue blogging. One of the most popular requests has been to get a little more personal with you all, to let you know what I'm up to at school and what I'm planning for after graduation — something I never knew until I read your answers! I'm flattered and I'd be happy to oblige! 

In fact, I just participated in the Designeries interview series on Erika's blog where I'm talking all about my internships with Jonathan Adler (that's us above!) and Rue, how I got my start in blogging, and what I have in mind for next year and beyond. So if you're interested in learning a little more about me, I couldn't think of a better way to get started!

Lately Loving...

The circular shape breaks up the straight lines of a fireplace and a desk, creating an organic and undecorated look that I just love.

{Lonny and Max Kim-Bee}

P.S. The third edition of The Design Dialogues is coming at you first thing tomorrow morning! Just wait 'til you see who's featured...!

The circular shape breaks up the straight lines of a fireplace and a desk, creating an organic and undecorated look that I just love.

{Lonny and Max Kim-Bee}

P.S. The third edition of The Design Dialogues is coming at you first thing tomorrow morning! Just wait 'til you see who's featured...!

Diamond is a Girl's Best Friend

New York interior designer Diamond Baratta isn't afraid of color. From the purple seating in a well-stocked library to the sky blue tiles in a client's kitchen, her portfolio is brimming with brilliant hues. 

New York interior designer Diamond Baratta isn't afraid of color. From the purple seating in a well-stocked library to the sky blue tiles in a client's kitchen, her portfolio is brimming with brilliant hues. 

Style on the Go

As a student, I know how tempting it is to roll out of bed and head to class in a sweatshirt and jeans. My school day style has definitely been lacking lately, so I was thankful for the reminder from Reese Witherspoon that on-the-go oufits can be easy and chic. A navy blazer over a plain t-shirt or shorts with tights are classroom- and errand-appropriate looks that are as effortless as your go-to yoga pants. 

P.S. Have you taken the Design Darling Reader Survey yet? I would love your input!

As a student, I know how tempting it is to roll out of bed and head to class in a sweatshirt and jeans. My school day style has definitely been lacking lately, so I was thankful for the reminder from Reese Witherspoon that on-the-go oufits can be easy and chic. A navy blazer over a plain t-shirt or shorts with tights are classroom- and errand-appropriate looks that are as effortless as your go-to yoga pants. 

P.S. Have you taken the Design Darling Reader Survey yet? I would love your input!

Design Darling Reader Survey {and the cutest picture you've ever seen}

I want to make Design Darling as good as it can be — and to do that I need a little help from you, my readers. I have prepared a quick seven-question survey (completely anonymous) that will help me learn more about you, what you're loving, and what you could do without. I would be so thankful if you could spare a moment to share your thoughts! 

{irrelevant but adorable picture via Bleubird Vintage}

I want to make Design Darling as good as it can be — and to do that I need a little help from you, my readers. I have prepared a quick seven-question survey (completely anonymous) that will help me learn more about you, what you're loving, and what you could do without. I would be so thankful if you could spare a moment to share your thoughts! 

{irrelevant but adorable picture via Bleubird Vintage}

Baby Bliss!

Today I'm sharing a couple design boards for the nursery I'm envisioning for Bailey's first baby. You know I love me some Bailey (remember her Design Dialogues interview?) so why don't you hop on over and check it out? I'm kind of obsessed, if I do say so myself!

Today I'm sharing a couple design boards for the nursery I'm envisioning for Bailey's first baby. You know I love me some Bailey (remember her Design Dialogues interview?) so why don't you hop on over and check it out? I'm kind of obsessed, if I do say so myself!

Easy on the Eyes

The colors of this photograph make me happy, plain and simple. Perhaps I ought to spice up my predominantly navy wardrobe with a big pink flower?

{Marie Claire via coco+kelley}

The colors of this photograph make me happy, plain and simple. Perhaps I ought to spice up my predominantly navy wardrobe with a big pink flower?

{Marie Claire via coco+kelley}

A Polished Parlor

This morning I'm daydreaming of a light-filled living room with impeccable architecture and ladylike polish. With its floor-skimming silk curtains, chic black-and-white palette, and exotic ikat pillows, this sunny parlor by McGill Design Group definitely does the trick.

This morning I'm daydreaming of a light-filled living room with impeccable architecture and ladylike polish. With its floor-skimming silk curtains, chic black-and-white palette, and exotic ikat pillows, this sunny parlor by McGill Design Group definitely does the trick.