Bright + Tidy

I have a feeling I could be more productive in this crisp kitchen than I have been in my current workspace. I can't believe the launch of Design Darling {The Boutique} is practically six weeks away! That translates to lots of excitement and lots of work. Time to make another to do list!

image source

I have a feeling I could be more productive in this crisp kitchen than I have been in my current workspace. I can't believe the launch of Design Darling {The Boutique} is practically six weeks away! That translates to lots of excitement and lots of work. Time to make another to do list!

image source

The Design Dialogues {Shannon Darrough}

Ladies and gents, you are in for a treat today! The lovely Shannon Darrough is joining us to chat about freelance writing, finding balance, and what's next for her budding business. Shannon was one of the first people I reached out to when I decided to quit my job and start my business and we've emailed back and forth literally every day since. She's as smart and sweet as they come and I can't wait to share her with all of you!

Who you are: 

Hi, I’m Shannon Darrough. I write the blog I Love Your Crazy.

What you do: 

I am a freelance writer and from time to time I help select companies with their social media.

Where you do it: 

Let me see, I have a little office, but I enjoy the energy of a coffee shop so much that often I try to find the perfect spot in one (preferably with an outlet next to me).

Five words to describe yourself:

Preppy, loyal, energetic, enthusiastic, optimistic (most of those are just another way of saying hyper, ha!).

How would you describe your aesthetic? 

As a writer I don’t have an aesthetic so much... I mean I hope I look nice on the contributors page! I suppose my writing style is whimsical and with a dash of wit.

Who are your style icons? 

Jackie Kennedy, always.

When did you know it was time to make the switch to freelancing / self-employment?

One afternoon when I was starting to get frustrated, I told myself that I would pursue opportunities in teaching and writing and whatever came first would be a sign of which direction I should go with my career. That afternoon, Katie Armour from Matchbook invited me on as a contributor. From there, more pieces started falling into place and Shannon Darrough Writing and Media was born.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of starting your own company?

Finding your passion in life can be tough, making a career of it is even tougher, but the feeling of knowing you’re doing what you love is amazing.

What is one lesson you've learned the hard way? 

This is so tough. Balancing work and life is my biggest lesson. When you start a company there is no time clock, overtime, or lunch break. You have to make hours for yourself and for your life — and sleep, yes, sleep.

What advice would you offer aspiring creatives? 

Don’t compare yourself to others; if you are looking around at what everyone else is doing, you’re not looking where you are going. Don’t be afraid to make your own path.

What do the next few years have in store for your brand?

I have a few tricks up my sleeve, but my next step is interior design. I have been quietly helping people for some time now. My plan is to make it part of what I do every day.

Three tasks on your to do list.

1.) Social media calendars for two clients

2.) One article

3.) Packing list for Alt Summit — pressure!

Three items on your wish list.

1.)  A big leather monogrammed bag that will fit my notebooks, reading books, laptop and other essentials — that doesn’t look like a diaper bag or luggage

2.)  Six faux bamboo Chippendale chairs

3.)  Kate Spade’s Emma book clutch with all the arrows (swoon)

Three tasks on your bucket list.

1.)  Wear a hat at the Kentucky Derby

2.)  Pet giraffes in Kenya

3.)  Write a novel

- - - 

Isn't she lovely? I'm adding the Giraffe Manor to my bucket list asap. Now pop over to Shannon's blog and prepare yourself for lots of pretty!

Ladies and gents, you are in for a treat today! The lovely Shannon Darrough is joining us to chat about freelance writing, finding balance, and what's next for her budding business. Shannon was one of the first people I reached out to when I decided to quit my job and start my business and we've emailed back and forth literally every day since. She's as smart and sweet as they come and I can't wait to share her with all of you!

Who you are: 

Hi, I’m Shannon Darrough. I write the blog I Love Your Crazy.

What you do: 

I am a freelance writer and from time to time I help select companies with their social media.

Where you do it: 

Let me see, I have a little office, but I enjoy the energy of a coffee shop so much that often I try to find the perfect spot in one (preferably with an outlet next to me).

Five words to describe yourself:

Preppy, loyal, energetic, enthusiastic, optimistic (most of those are just another way of saying hyper, ha!).

How would you describe your aesthetic? 

As a writer I don’t have an aesthetic so much... I mean I hope I look nice on the contributors page! I suppose my writing style is whimsical and with a dash of wit.

Who are your style icons? 

Jackie Kennedy, always.

When did you know it was time to make the switch to freelancing / self-employment?

One afternoon when I was starting to get frustrated, I told myself that I would pursue opportunities in teaching and writing and whatever came first would be a sign of which direction I should go with my career. That afternoon, Katie Armour from Matchbook invited me on as a contributor. From there, more pieces started falling into place and Shannon Darrough Writing and Media was born.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of starting your own company?

Finding your passion in life can be tough, making a career of it is even tougher, but the feeling of knowing you’re doing what you love is amazing.

What is one lesson you've learned the hard way? 

This is so tough. Balancing work and life is my biggest lesson. When you start a company there is no time clock, overtime, or lunch break. You have to make hours for yourself and for your life — and sleep, yes, sleep.

What advice would you offer aspiring creatives? 

Don’t compare yourself to others; if you are looking around at what everyone else is doing, you’re not looking where you are going. Don’t be afraid to make your own path.

What do the next few years have in store for your brand?

I have a few tricks up my sleeve, but my next step is interior design. I have been quietly helping people for some time now. My plan is to make it part of what I do every day.

Three tasks on your to do list.

1.) Social media calendars for two clients

2.) One article

3.) Packing list for Alt Summit — pressure!

Three items on your wish list.

1.)  A big leather monogrammed bag that will fit my notebooks, reading books, laptop and other essentials — that doesn’t look like a diaper bag or luggage

2.)  Six faux bamboo Chippendale chairs

3.)  Kate Spade’s Emma book clutch with all the arrows (swoon)

Three tasks on your bucket list.

1.)  Wear a hat at the Kentucky Derby

2.)  Pet giraffes in Kenya

3.)  Write a novel

- - - 

Isn't she lovely? I'm adding the Giraffe Manor to my bucket list asap. Now pop over to Shannon's blog and prepare yourself for lots of pretty!

Splurge or save?

My friend Kathleen asked me to do a little splurge or save feature à la some of our favorite magazines. When I stumbled upon these two darling peplum tops, I knew the time had come!

Alice + Olivia / Rory Beca for Forever 21

I truthfully prefer the less expensive option (cap sleeves aren't the most flattering, in my humble opinion!) although there's no comparison when it comes to quality. So tell me, would you splurge or save?

My friend Kathleen asked me to do a little splurge or save feature à la some of our favorite magazines. When I stumbled upon these two darling peplum tops, I knew the time had come!

Alice + Olivia / Rory Beca for Forever 21

I truthfully prefer the less expensive option (cap sleeves aren't the most flattering, in my humble opinion!) although there's no comparison when it comes to quality. So tell me, would you splurge or save?

Yours Truly on Glitter Guide!

I'm honored to be sharing a few of my must-haves over on Glitter Guide today. What a week it's been!

I'm honored to be sharing a few of my must-haves over on Glitter Guide today. What a week it's been!

Inspiration Boards + Giveaway Winner!

Happy Friday! I was chatting with Erika and Merritt on Twitter about how weekends are a little different when you're self-employed... Depending on how you think of it, it's either always a weekend or always a work day! But when you're doing something you love, well, I wouldn't have it any other way. Here are a few things that inspired me this week:

{Diane Bergeron}

{Jamie Meares}

{Rebecca Minkoff in Matchbook}

Is it strange to pin inspiration boards on Pinterest, which is basically a virtual inspiration board? Feels a little Inception to me. Regardless, aren't they pretty? Oh, and without further ado, the winner of the Tiny Prints giveaway is...

Congratulations, Kelley! Please email me so I can put you in touch with the wonderful folks at Tiny Prints. Thank you to everyone who entered and have a fabulous weekend, working or otherwise!

Happy Friday! I was chatting with Erika and Merritt on Twitter about how weekends are a little different when you're self-employed... Depending on how you think of it, it's either always a weekend or always a work day! But when you're doing something you love, well, I wouldn't have it any other way. Here are a few things that inspired me this week:

{Diane Bergeron}

{Jamie Meares}

{Rebecca Minkoff in Matchbook}

Is it strange to pin inspiration boards on Pinterest, which is basically a virtual inspiration board? Feels a little Inception to me. Regardless, aren't they pretty? Oh, and without further ado, the winner of the Tiny Prints giveaway is...

Congratulations, Kelley! Please email me so I can put you in touch with the wonderful folks at Tiny Prints. Thank you to everyone who entered and have a fabulous weekend, working or otherwise!

Oh, Essie...

My very favorite thing to do with my mom and my sister is to treat ourselves to manicures and pedicures at a nearby nail salon. There's nothing special about the salon but it always feels indulgent to spend time chatting and walk out with pretty polish on our fingers!

Jelly Apple / Clambake / Fiesta / Fiji 

Of course I ask every time, "Which color should I get?" and nine times out of ten I wind up reverting to one of my tried and true favorites. Jelly Apple is my winter red (a little darker), Clambake my summer red (a little more orange), Fiesta for summer pedicures (perfect peeking out from my favorite sandals), and Fiji the perfect opaque pink. What are your go-to colors?

My very favorite thing to do with my mom and my sister is to treat ourselves to manicures and pedicures at a nearby nail salon. There's nothing special about the salon but it always feels indulgent to spend time chatting and walk out with pretty polish on our fingers!

Jelly Apple / Clambake / Fiesta / Fiji 

Of course I ask every time, "Which color should I get?" and nine times out of ten I wind up reverting to one of my tried and true favorites. Jelly Apple is my winter red (a little darker), Clambake my summer red (a little more orange), Fiesta for summer pedicures (perfect peeking out from my favorite sandals), and Fiji the perfect opaque pink. What are your go-to colors?

I'm in love...

Ladies and gentlemen, I now present the top I will be wearing every day this spring and summer. (And maybe even now layered underneath my navy blazer.)

What's not to love about that? Topshop, $56.

Ladies and gentlemen, I now present the top I will be wearing every day this spring and summer. (And maybe even now layered underneath my navy blazer.)

What's not to love about that? Topshop, $56.

Mission Organization

For someone who's as obsessed with office supplies and organization as I am, I sure have a hard time keeping tidy. Thankfully there's no time like the start of a new year to vow to turn over a new leaf!

Acrylic nail polish organizer, $6 / Wood hangers, $10 for 6

Document box, $13 / Polka dot bin, $10

Acrylic drawer organizer, $20 / Magazine file, $10

What are your organizational goals for 2012?

For someone who's as obsessed with office supplies and organization as I am, I sure have a hard time keeping tidy. Thankfully there's no time like the start of a new year to vow to turn over a new leaf!

Acrylic nail polish organizer, $6 / Wood hangers, $10 for 6

Document box, $13 / Polka dot bin, $10

Acrylic drawer organizer, $20 / Magazine file, $10

What are your organizational goals for 2012?

Curtain Call

I was absolutely blown away by your support for yesterday's announcement. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You sure know how to make a girl feel great! 


Now back to our regularly scheduled programming...


One of the trickier decorating challenges (in my humble opinion!) is finding the perfect curtain solution. Natural light is ideal in any interior — but it's not quite as charming when it's blindingly bright or causing a glare on your laptop or TV! Here are a few of my favorite solutions of late...

Abbe Fenimore

Christina Murphy in House Beautiful

Hi Sugarplum

Filipe Pereira and Austyn Zung in Lonny

Jenny Komenda

I love the idea of building a pelmet box to camouflage any unsightly hardware that goes into hanging the actual blinds or curtains. It's an easy and inexpensive fix that can be tailored to any shape or space! See Jenny's awesome tutorial HERE.

I was absolutely blown away by your support for yesterday's announcement. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You sure know how to make a girl feel great! 


Now back to our regularly scheduled programming...


One of the trickier decorating challenges (in my humble opinion!) is finding the perfect curtain solution. Natural light is ideal in any interior — but it's not quite as charming when it's blindingly bright or causing a glare on your laptop or TV! Here are a few of my favorite solutions of late...

Abbe Fenimore

Christina Murphy in House Beautiful

Hi Sugarplum

Filipe Pereira and Austyn Zung in Lonny

Jenny Komenda

I love the idea of building a pelmet box to camouflage any unsightly hardware that goes into hanging the actual blinds or curtains. It's an easy and inexpensive fix that can be tailored to any shape or space! See Jenny's awesome tutorial HERE.

DESIGN DARLING {THE BOUTIQUE}

If you've been reading for a couple months now, you know that I quit my first job and decided to start my own business. I've been playing coy about details so I could really nail down the concept and start putting plans in motion behind the scenes. But now I'm pulling back the curtains on my new full-time gig...

...A brand new e-commerce site featuring a tightly edited assortment of accessories and decor! The past couple months have been a blur of preparations: registering Design Darling LLC, opening wholesale accounts, talking to mentors and new friends, and working on the new site. I can't wait to share the fruits of my labor with all of you!

I have lots of favorite little brick-and-mortar boutiques where I like to peruse and pick up gifts, whether apartment accessories or jewelry or paper goods. But I had yet to find the place where all those things converge online: a one-stop shop for all the lovely little details that make a house a home and an outfit a show-stopper. Imagining that many of you might feel the same, I decided to take a leap of faith and create it myself.

When Design Darling {the boutique} goes live in early March, you'll find fabulous art, baubles, clutches, pillows, trays, and more! Whether you're decking out your new apartment with your roommates or your first home with your husband, I hope it will become your go-to shopping destination for accessorizing, decorating, and gift giving.

Sign up for the mailing list HERE and let the countdown begin!!!

If you've been reading for a couple months now, you know that I quit my first job and decided to start my own business. I've been playing coy about details so I could really nail down the concept and start putting plans in motion behind the scenes. But now I'm pulling back the curtains on my new full-time gig...

...A brand new e-commerce site featuring a tightly edited assortment of accessories and decor! The past couple months have been a blur of preparations: registering Design Darling LLC, opening wholesale accounts, talking to mentors and new friends, and working on the new site. I can't wait to share the fruits of my labor with all of you!

I have lots of favorite little brick-and-mortar boutiques where I like to peruse and pick up gifts, whether apartment accessories or jewelry or paper goods. But I had yet to find the place where all those things converge online: a one-stop shop for all the lovely little details that make a house a home and an outfit a show-stopper. Imagining that many of you might feel the same, I decided to take a leap of faith and create it myself.

When Design Darling {the boutique} goes live in early March, you'll find fabulous art, baubles, clutches, pillows, trays, and more! Whether you're decking out your new apartment with your roommates or your first home with your husband, I hope it will become your go-to shopping destination for accessorizing, decorating, and gift giving.

Sign up for the mailing list HERE and let the countdown begin!!!