I generally identify more with J.Crew than Madewell but the latter has been nailing it in the shoe department lately. (Don't even get me started on these leopard pumps — too perfect for words!)
(1) Almanac Boot (2) Archive Leather Boot
Girly Girl
A monogrammed shade, quilted boots, and sequins galore! I'm sensing a trend in the items I'm saving to Currently Obsessed and Pinterest. Who says prepsters can't be girly girls as well?
I don't care to toot my own horn but I'm rather convinced that monogrammed lampshade is the find of the year — and a must-have for design darlings everywhere ;) Which is your favorite?
Bring On The Brights
I might not wear them all at once but I sure do love each and every one of them! Here are a few colorful favorites from my current Shopbop hearts...
iPhone Case / Necklace / Skirt
Shopbop is so dangerous! Anything fun you have your eye on?
The Ultimate Souvenir
One of the interior design dilemmas that seems to be plaguing some of you (as per this post) is what to hang on the walls. So when I stumbled upon this William Abranowicz photograph (featuring work by Thomas Struth) on a new-to-me favorite blog The Aestate, I knew I had to share! It made me think about blowing up and framing one of my favorite photos from the time I spent abroad (more on that here).
Centre Pompidou in Paris.
Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
The house from The Sound of Music in Salzburg, Austria.
The Louvre in Paris.
The sculpture garden at the Louvre in Paris.
View from Hohensalzburg Castle in Salzburg, Austria.
Château de Villandry in the Loire Valley.
- - -
Which one shall I frame? Do you have any travel photos framed in your home?
Hello Sunshine
Everyone loves a handwritten note and every girl needs a wealth of options when it comes time to pick up the pen! I'm quite convinced that these Kate Spade notecards from Crane belong among my collection...
{Confetti}
Aren't they darling? At just $20, they may very well find their way to my desktop!
Bows On Sale!
I am smitten with this green bow top from ASOS. It's perfectly preppy in a very Kate Spade way, don't you think? I love the way it's styled with all black and a retro 'do but I can see myself pairing it with white jeans in the summer too. The fact that it's on super sale is only inching it closer to my cart! Find it here.
White On White
Do you ever seen an outfit or a room and think, "Why didn't I think of that?" That's precisely how I felt when I saw this look on stylist Elin Kling. White on white with a bright red lip and simple accessories — what's not to love about that?
(3) K. Slademade clutch (4) J.Crew pants
(5) Leif cuff (6) ASOS shoes
It'd certainly help to have her model-esque frame but I'd like to think we could all replicate this look with a few simple ingredients. (I know I've blogged about this lipstick before but it really is the perfect red!) Has a plain white t-shirt ever looked so good? I think not!
Etsy Exploring
I'm sure other bloggers will relate to the excitement of stumbling upon a new-to-you blog, designer, project, or shop. It's why we click through other people's blogrolls, spend so much time on Pinterest, and window shop online. One of my favorite sites to peruse is Etsy. In addition to the amazing small businesses who sponsor Design Darling (see them over there in the right column?!), these are a few of my recent favorites.
{Lemka B}
Bright separates, leather tassels, sea glass-inspired art, vintage baubles, and gingham bowties... J'adore! What are your favorite Etsy shops?
The Design Dialogues {Meg Galligan}
Let me first thank you all for your support of this little interview series! I love that it's turned into such an inspiring feature and I can't wait to continue it in 2012. Today's guest is San Francisco jewelry designer Meg Galligan, whose company Margaret Elizabeth Jewelry is brimming with pretty baubles to complete your holiday look. Here's Meg to tell you all about it!
Five words to describe yourself:
Curious, creative, spirited, passionate, loyal.
How would you describe your aesthetic?
Classic with a twist. I love bold pieces and believe accessories make an outfit. Living in San Francisco and growing up in New England, I can't help but be a layering fanatic.
Who are your style icons?
Christiane Celle, Grace Kelly, Jenna Lyons, the Clarins sisters, Kelly Wearstler.
My two favorite necklaces from Meg's collection. The lapis needs to come live with me!
How did you decide you wanted to design jewelry?
I started designing jewelry while a student at Boston College, making pieces for myself and friends. It started off as a hobby and then, after being approached by a few small boutiques, I realized it had the potential to be a business.
What is the most glamorous aspect of your work?
Making my own schedule, and being able to travel to fun places in search of new materials & inspiration.
What is one lesson you've had to learn the hard way?
I've learned that you have to be patient with the design process. Trying to create new pieces can't be forced!
How pretty are these shots from Margaret Elizabeth's lookbook?
What advice would you offer aspiring creatives?
Trust your instincts! If you're passionate about something and believe in it, great things will happen.
Where would you like to see your business in five years?
I'd like to expand my line beyond jewelry into other accessories: leather goods, scarves, etc. I'm also working on a line of cufflinks that I hope will become a bigger part of the business in coming years. One day I'd love to open a shop.
Gorgeous two-tone earrings!
Three items on your to do list.
1) Ship today's holiday orders.
2) Meet with a bride about the jewelry for her bridesmaids.
3) Pack for our holiday travels.
Three items on your wishlist.
1) A new pair of Varina ballet flats.
2) An Hermès scarf.
3) Trip to Buenos Aires.
...wishes!
Three items on your bucket list.
1) Travel to Africa.
2) Adopt a dog.
3) Plant a big vegetable garden.
- - -
Thank you so much, Meg! I love that her business started out in college and grew into a full-time venture. Inspiring, isn't it? Now go check out her shop and find something pretty for yourself!
How do you decorate?
I have been sharing a few snaps of our Christmas decor on Twitter but I'm curious what the holiday looks like chez vous. We use traditional garland and a beloved array of collected ornaments but I love the idea of an all-out prepster Christmas à la Anna Spiro, complete with grosgrain bows and mix-and-match wrapping paper. What do the holidays look like in your home?
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)