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Sunset Soirée

As a style blogger, I look at pretty things practically all day long. Beautiful clothes. Gorgeous interiors. (Hey, even perfectly edited Instagram pictures on Twitter.) But every once in a while I stumble upon something so pretty that it stops me in my tracks and makes it hard to look away. Case in point: the cover shoot from Rue's fifth issue, styled by Mindy Weiss and photographed by Elizabeth Messina.
The color palette is irresistible: pale blues, pretty pinks, and lush greens with splashes of bright white and sunny yellow. The flowers are insanely gorgeous and the atmosphere screams Palm Beach sunset soirée. In other words, to whom do I RSVP yes?
The invitations and menus hit the nail on the head, playing off the colors in the tablescape and introducing a happy orange hue in delightful geometric patterns that complement the console table that housed the dessert offerings.
I can only imagine how much fun the models were having at the shoot, dressed in darling ruffles and scallops. Why simply pose when you could instead blow bubbles?
Of course the delightful details don't stop there. A layered place setting — complete with flower bud and rock candy — brings in patterned polish while Mindy's adorable bicycle adds a delectable dash of whimsy.
Vintage swimwear was a brilliant choice for the imaginary occasion. I mean, did you ever covet a flowered swim cap before this moment?
I scream for ice cream! I'll bet that cheery raspberry-hued flavor tastes just as good as it looks.
I've returned to these pictures countless times since the issue came out and I'm happy to know that they can now be found on Rue's new Pinterest boards (which will take the place of the infuriatingly slow online gallery). I'll be repinning them for the next time I need an instant dose of take-my-breath-away prettiness. How about you?

Summer Brights


The temperature in San Francisco might have me confused but Twitter the weatherman tells me it's hot, hot, hot on the east coast. Whether you're seeking refuge in air-conditioned climes or faking it 'til you make it, I hope you'll join me in sporting the colors of the season! Every camera looks better with a striped strap.

Graphic Image Giveaway Winner!

And the winner is...
Entry #27, Julip Made! Congratulations — please email me so I can put you in touch with the kind folks at Graphic Image!
Thank you to everyone who entered and to Graphic Image for extending a 20% off discount for everyone with the code "darling" at checkout. 
Shop away! And tell me — what are your weekend plans?

P.S. San Francisco updates coming next week for those who have asked on Twitter!

Everyday Uniforms

I love stalking red carpet fashion as much as the next style blogger, but I much prefer seeing pictures captured on the street: people carrying out their everyday lives and wearing what works for them. 
Olivia Palermo is a constant and often lauded source of everyday inspiration. On-trend cat eye sunglasses and a timeless leather tote escalate her casual sweater-and-flats look from basic to blog-worthy.
Growing up in preppy Connecticut, I have long been a fan of the layered blazer-over-oxford look. But the ribbon belt and strappy heels tip it over the edge. These pictures made me think, what's your everyday uniform and how do you make it your own?
Are you a preppy dress-shirt-and-flats kind of girl?
Or do you prefer a dress and boots with "geek chic" glasses?
Or do you stick to the basics and let your accessories steal the show? Whatever your everyday uniform, I'd love to know!

{all photos via my fashion board}

Skirting Around

{Source unknown}

Skirted sinks, sofas, bedside tables... I love the leggy look but lately the skirted option is catching my eye. How chic is that sofa for just under $1,000? 

Pair it with pink.

You all just let me know when you're sick of posts about the color pink, okay? Until then, I'll continue my love affair with color blocking à la Taylor Sterling and other splashes of color via my fashion board on Pinterest. How do you wear pink?

$75 Graphic Image Giveaway!

My dears, are you familiar with Graphic Image? They're my go-to source for everything from luggage tags to picture frames and I couldn't be more excited to collaborate with them today.
Hoping to get more organized in the second half of 2011? This desk diary is on sale for $41.
Looking for an investment piece? These leather notebooks ($84) are refillable. 
These luggage tags ($23) were designed to be mixed and matched! Lime and turquoise please :)
I'm pretty sure that every young professional needs this monogrammed business card case ($30), no?
Or this monogrammed iPhone case ($30) if you're so inclined.
And I might actually buy an iPad just to have an excuse to buy this case ($105).

- - -

Have your eye on a new must-have? Good, because Graphic Image is generously giving away a $75 gift certificate to one lucky reader! Simply follow Design Darling and leave a comment below. 

Want to up your odds? You can earn up to two extra entries by 1) following Graphic Image on Twitter and 2) liking Graphic Image on Facebook

And everyone gets 20% off when you use the code "darling" at checkout! The winner will be announced on Friday. Good luck!

California-Bound.

Today is my last day in Connecticut as I fly from New York to San Francisco at an ungodly hour tomorrow morning. I hate saying good bye and I'm going to miss my family, my friends, my boyfriend, and my puppies so much it already hurts. Breathe deep annnd leap.

Desk Du Jour

Five Steals & A Splurge

I'm sharing five steals and a splurge today on KC's lovely blog Thrifty Solutions for an Urban Gal. Please pop over if you have a moment!