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Framed Shopping Bags, Part Deux

Do you remember when my friend Kelly sent me this picture of framed shopping bags? The idea was a big hit so when I spotted this collage over at The Coveteur, I knew I just had to share. Kinda cool, right?

Currently Coveting {Tory Burch}

Hi there and happy Monday! I'm starting the week off on a high note as I recently won a $100 Tory Burch giveaway on Linh's beautiful blog La-La Linh. Here are a few things I'm eyeing...

On a side note, the yellow pants and red belt are featured in this stunning shot from Tory's spring campaign. The styling takes my breath away!
On another side note, do you think I could magically look like Blair if I invested in a red leather belt?

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Which of these items is your favorite? Shall I spend it or save it for a rainy day?

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P.S. Did you know that Tory Burch offers 3.5% cash back on Ebates? It's not a lot but it definitely adds up! I've gotten $49 cash back since I joined the site this fall. If you're not yet familiar, sign up here and find out how many of your favorite stores offer cash back just for shopping through their site! Hint, hint: J.Crew is 2%, Shopbop 6%...

The One-Month Mark.

Today is the one-month mark to my college graduation and I'm experiencing a million different emotions at the thought. I'm in disbelief at how quickly these past four years have flown by and it makes my heart heavy to think that next month will mark what is, in many ways, the end of an era. This is the first time in my life that I find myself without a working plan for what comes next and it's exciting and nerve-wracking and scary all at once.
It honestly feels like yesterday that I was standing in the circle in front of my freshman year dorm waving good-bye to my parents, tears streaming down my face at the thought of being away from home for the first time. Since then, Bucknell has become my home away from home, a place where I feel happy and safe and loved. This weekend I'll be reflecting on my favorite college memories and reminding myself to make the most of what's left.
No matter how you plan to spend your weekend, I hope you'll join me in taking a moment to stop and smell the roses. It's important to keep your eye on the prize and to set goals for yourself, but I find that sometimes we could all use the reminder to just sit back and enjoy the ride. 

{photos one and two}

Behind The Scenes.

I've raved about The Coveteur before so this is a reminder that you must check it out if you haven't already. If you love fashion, accessories, styling, and charming behind-the-scenes anecdotes about how some of the industry's most famous names come by their covetable possessions, you will surely fall in love...
Some things get even better with age! I find new photos to add to my inspiration folder every time I stop by and I'm endlessly inspired by the quick success of this admirable blog. Bravo!

Joss & Main $100 Giveaway Winner!


I am so excited to announce the winner of the Joss & Main $100 giveaway! Thank you to everyone who entered! And the winner is...


Rashon of Mr. Goodwill HuntingCongratulations! I'll be putting you in touch with Alexandra from Joss & Main. I hope you buy something fabulous to share with your readers!

Pretty Pretty Pillows.

Anyone who's seen my closet knows that I generally prefer solid colors to busy prints. I do love the color-blocked look but truthfully I just have a hard time finding patterns I like! (Does anyone else have this problem?) That said, with spring and summer allegedly around the corner, I'm finding myself suddenly drawn to preppy punches of pattern...
And any one of these pillows from Layla Grayce would do the trick! I love the bright graphic patterns and think they'd be a lovely complement to all the solid-colored pieces in my current décor. Baby steps ;)

The White Dress Shirt

There are some pieces that every young woman should have in her wardrobe rotation: the little black dress, the perfect pair of skinny jeans, a khaki trench coat... Let's add to the list the classic white dress shirt, which has truly never looked better!
I'd be lying if I said this picture of Cameron Diaz didn't inspire my recent interview outfit: white dress shirt, white pants, brown leather belt, and (because it's not quite warm enough in New York!) a classic navy blazer. Head-to-toe white is a year-round "do" in my book!
The white dress shirt is a versatile piece, easily dressed down for daytime. Wear yours with white shorts for a lunch date or over a bikini as an unexpectedly chic cover-up at the beach!
And when the work week begins again, you'll have your white dress shirt to keep you looking prim and proper in the workplace... Or perfectly professional even on casual Friday!
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What are a few of your wardrobe staples?

{P.S. I'll be picking the winner of the Joss & Main $100 giveaway tomorrow so please enter if you haven't already!}

Mirrored Walls

You're all familiar with the transformative powers of a good mirror. Their reflective surface makes rooms look bigger (see this post), adding effortless glamour to any space. So if one mirror is good, surely more is even better? 
Antiqued mirror tiles provide an enchanting backdrop for this quirky vignette. The splash of red against the worn finish of the mirrors and table is delightful, isn't it? I love that the designer hung paintings right over the mirrored wall. Brilliant!
Plain mirror tiles completely transform this more modern space, creating the illusion of another room behind the console table. Even if you're not strapped for space, a mirrored wall is a great way to carve out a little nook and define it as separate from the rest of your space. Think how many architectural eyesores could be given new life with this easy trick!
The best part about this idea is how inexpensively it can be worked into your home. These Ikea mirrors are just $6 for a set of four — and you could antique them yourself using this genius tutorial
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This project is definitely going on my must-try DIY list! What do you think?

Images via Nuevo Estilo and thehousehome

Not Your Average Gallery Wall

While I object to anyone calling gallery walls "overdone," "passé," or "trendy," I do find myself drawn to these unconventional displays...
{Frame dozens of family photos in matching frames of different sizes and line them on shelves at eye level. The display is a unique alternative to hanging each frame individually and a delightfully modern complement to more ornate details like the chandelier, doors, and moulding.}
{Transform a plain jane hallway with framed portraits at every height. This option is for the collector who doesn't find a layered look too busy — and who has a few favorites that will get most of the attention!}
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How do you display artwork and photographs in your home?

{P.S. The Joss & Main $100 giveaway ends on Wednesday!}

My Interior Life

I love sharing pretty outfits and inspiring interiors here on Design Darling but it's always nice to dig a little deeper and get personal. That's why I was so excited when the adorable Keely of Luxe + Lillies asked me to kick off her new series, My Interior Life. I'm sharing design inspirations, gift-giving guidance, and a lousy iPhone photo of my bedside table. Check out my interview here and stay tuned for more in the series — Keely's planned quite the line-up!

P.S. Do enter the Joss & Main $100 giveaway if you haven't already! I'll be randomly selecting the winner on Wednesday.