>

Chez Azaria

When I came to California, I thought I was packing for summer — sunshine, warm weather, etc. Little did I know that San Francisco summers are anything but! With the chilly temps and hazy fog we've been experiencing lately, I can safely say I'd much rather be hanging at actor Hank Azaria's Bel Air home a few hours south of here...
Designed by Trip Haenisch, the 1932 property features views of both the ocean and the bright lights of Los Angeles.
I love the open plan of the kitchen. The stainless steel and more rustic island make for a very organic feel — just the California cool I've been missing!
Where there's sunshine, there ought to be an outdoor living space. I could happily spend all day out here, blogging and reading for my 101 in 1001 list.
The interior of the home leaves nothing to be desired, featuring dramatic pinstriped walls and an on-trend Beni Ourain rug.
And then there's this. I mean, what more could you need?

{all photos via Architectural Digest}

P.S. I'm getting personal on Diana's blog I Love Brunch & Boots today! For anyone who's recently graduated and trying to figure out their next move, be sure to take a peek!

Introducing... K. Slademade!

I could not be more excited to introduce you to a new Design Darling sponsor this morning! I am so fortunate to have sponsors whose work I truly love and feel passionate about sharing with you. Without further ado, a new-to-me favorite: K. Slademade!
My first order arrived with a handwritten card on adorable customized stationery from the owner, Kelsea. When the packaging is this cute, you know what's inside is going to be even better!
I've been carrying my new Suzy Market clutch literally everywhere! The upper is hot pink canvas and the bottom is handsome pony brown leather. 
The gold zipper opens up to a plain canvas interior with a charming hand-sewn tag. It's the simplicity of Kelsea's designs that makes me certain I'll be carrying my new clutch for years to come.
After falling in love with my first clutch, I've gone back to her shop to add several more to my favorites. This fold-over Mexican-inspired clutch ($62) has my name written all over it. How perfect with a pink top and white jeans for summer!
I think this fold-over pony leather clutch ($68) will be my next purchase. Its oversized shape makes it chic, practical, and versatile — in other words, destined for very heavy rotation in my wardrobe!
My Suzy Market clutch is available in other colors as well! I love the color-block effect of combining canvas with leather. The best part? It's only $54!
- - - 
I'm seriously in love with Kelsea's shop and can't wait to expand my personal K. Slademade collection. I'm absolutely ecstatic to have her on board and I know I can count on you to give her a warm welcome!
- - - 
P.S. I'm sharing five summer essentials on Emmy's adorable blog Sprinkles on Everything today! Please go say hi if you have a moment.

Stripes On Everything!

Stripes seem to be a staple in every one of my style icons' wardrobes. I just ordered this striped boatneck tee and I have a feeling I'm never going to take it off once it arrives. How could I when bloggers like Blair (blonde) and Karla (brunette) sport their stripes on the daily?
Are you catching my drift? I'd be lying if I said I didn't try to track down the striped Zara dress that Blair is wearing in the last picture. It's probably better for my wallet that I couldn't find it anywhere! Have a happy weekend and I'll see you back here on Monday.

Staying Neutral

I am perpetually torn between color and calm. The perfect shot of color can electrify an interior or an outfit like no beige or gray could — and yet there remains something to be said for the monochromatic calm induced by those neutrals. Here, a few favorite neutral looks of late...
Do you prefer colorful or neutral? Do you generally dress the same as you decorate?

Currently reading...

Library cards are a wonderful thing. When I was feeling homesick during my first week in San Francisco, my dad suggested that I get lost in a good book. I got my library card the next day and have read every evening since.

The fact that I have a few reading tasks on my 101 in 1001 list should explain the diversity of my current reads.

21. Read every Harry Potter book (5/7).
60. Read every Jane Austen novel (1/6).
69. Read twenty new-to-me books (1/20).

I'm making steady progress and, more importantly, enjoying the opportunity to read for pleasure now that my collegiate years are behind me. Tell me, what are you reading these days?

Weekend snapshots...

I had the most wonderful long weekend with my mom! It was such a treat having her fly in from Connecticut and I had fun showing her my new stomping grounds in San Francisco. Here, a few snapshots from our weekend together...
{Passing the time before her arrival with a half & half and a pile of magazines.}
{Admiring the succulents in the Botanical Garden}
{The carousel in Golden Gate Park}
{Stopping to smell the roses on an afternoon stroll}
{Pre-dinner pedicures! I chose Essie's Fire Cracker, which seemed appropriate for the holiday. Does anyone else choose polish colors for their names?}
- - - 
Do all you iPhone owners use Instagram as well? It's like Photoshop on the go — I'm obsessed!

Happy 4th!

Happy Independence Day to my fellow Americans! I hope you're enjoying the long weekend and spending quality time with family and friends. My mom left this morning after a fun-filled weekend exploring San Francisco together. How are you celebrating?

{Behati Prinsloo in Turkish Vogue}

Glitter Guide Launch Party!

On Wednesday night I was thrilled to attend the launch party for my new friends at Glitter Guide. I'm so impressed with the content and design of their new site and was happy to have the chance to toast to their success! Of course my camera stayed resolutely in my clutch but thankfully Alicia posted these photos on the Glitter Guide Facebook page.
The Glitter Girls!
There was lots of style inspiration...
A healthy dose of leopard...
The requisite sparkle...
And plenty of new friends! {Amber and me.}
UPDATE: one salvageable shot from my camera! {Krista, Crystal, and me.}
- - - 
Congratulations to the Glitter Guide and happy weekend to all of you! What are your fun-filled plans for the long weekend?

Stacks

Bangles, cuffs, friendship bracelets, mixed metals... What does your stack consist of?

The Pink Pagoda

Remember the artwork I featured in this post? It came from the Dallas-based shop The Pink Pagoda and I'm smitten!
The artist, Jennifer, has curated an adorable shop full of preppy chinoiserie-inspired art. This hot pink ginger jar print is a personal favorite!
Her prints are available in sizes 8" x 10", 11" x 14", and 13" x 19" and priced so reasonably that I'm tempted to invest in multiple pieces! Come to think of it, wouldn't these ginger jar prints look fabulous in a grouping of four?
Naturally I also love this floral elephant print! Wouldn't it be adorable in a little girl's room? 
The attention to detail in each print is truly something to be admired. I was delighted to learn that Jennifer is also launching a blog by the same name! I can tell by the color scheme (navy and pink — my favorite!) that it's going to be as darling as her shop.
- - -
What do you think of Jennifer's artwork? Are you as smitten with chinoiserie accents as I am?