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Welcome, Emma Graham Designs!

I'm absolutely ecstatic to introduce Design Darling's newest sponsor, Emma Graham Designs. You are seriously going to flip for this line!
The site is brimming with dresses in figure-flattering silhouettes with feminine details like cutouts and ruffles. If you're dress shopping for a birthday party, a graduation, a wedding, etc. you'll find what you need! I love the Ellie ($158) and especially the Jenn ($172).
Perhaps you'd prefer the Leah ($202) or the Sammi ($98)? Personally I'd like one of everything on the site. Oh and there's a "design your own" section where you can customize the color and the piping of your dress. Seriously? I think it's safe to say I'll never buy a dress anywhere else. Get your shop on HERE!

Day to night...

Happy Friday! What are your plans for the long weekend? I'll be forcing everyone in my family to watch Downton Abbey running around making last minute preparations for my new boutique! Can you believe the launch is less than two weeks away?!!! The suspense is killing me.



Here's what I'd like to be wearing: a striped peplum jacket that's too cute for words, a versatile pony leather tote from my girl Kelsea, and tan platforms that will take you from day to night, whatever you're up to. Have a good one!

Welcome, Sarah Swanson Design!

I'm so excited to introduce Sarah Swanson Design as my newest sponsor on Design Darling. Sarah is the talented tour de force behind the design blog Flourish Design + Style, the art shop Gallery Wall, and now her very own interior design firm Sarah Swanson Design.
Sarah's focus is creating floor-to-ceiling design boards, enabling her to work with clients all over the world. Whether you're moving into your first apartment or ready to decorate your family home, Sarah can help you put together a plan you'll be excited to execute.
Sarah is intent on blending her aesthetic with her clients', helping make what they love work in their home. Her services include any desired revisions, meaning her work isn't done until you love what you see! And did I mention she's one of the kindest people in the blogosphere?
The very best part? Sarah charges just $150 for a complete design board tailored to your space and your taste, as well as any revisions needed to make it absolutely perfect for you. Visit her site here and tackle those decorating dilemmas once and for all!

Bookshelf Styling

This makes me want to buy a million design books from Joss & Main and One Kings Lane, start collecting ginger jars off of Etsy, and go to town restyling my bookshelves. How about you?


Color For His Closet

Today I thought we'd add a little menswear to the mix here on Design Darling. It's not often I see something that my boyfriend, my brothers, or my dad just have to have so when I do I'm compelled to share!

I started a "for the boys" board on Pinterest and quickly noticed that all the boys in my life need a khaki pant intervention. I mean, why wear khaki when there's pink to be had?


And then I found Bonobos. Pants and shorts in every color under the sun, all under $100. Can't you already hear your boyfriends and husbands rejoicing? ;)

Shopbop Favorites

I know many of you are as addicted to Shopbop as I am but do you use their "heart" tool to keep track of your favorites? If not, you must start! I love seeing everything I like in one place. It will make my post-boutique launch shopping spree that much easier! ;)

This bikini might be the prettiest thing I've ever laid eyes on. And that tuxedo stripe on the jeans! Swoon.

Juicy Couture ($38) Vince ($245) Avec Moderation ($345)
This scarf tie key fob would prevent me from ever losing my keys again! It could be a good DIY project as well. And the tortoiseshell detail on the sandals? You already know I'm obsessed.

This ring is topping my wishlist at the moment. I swear I would never take it off! But if you really want to throw your budget to the wind, might I recommend navy blue leopard print? Even saying the words makes me happy.

Stripes and peplums... That pretty much sums up what I plan on wearing all spring and summer!

Mother ($196) Porter Grey ($295) Alice + Olivia ($198)
White jeans are a summer year-round staple but it's the back of this Porter Grey tank that's doing me in. Perfection in navy blue. 

What do you have your eye on?!  

Guest Posting

I'm excited to share a few recent features that I think you'll all enjoy! Many thanks to these lovely ladies for hosting me!

I'm chatting about my inspiration for my new boutique on The Urban Slant...

Inspiration for a Valentine's Day celebration on Cupcakes for Breakfast...

And my favorite things that start with "R" on A Simple Affair! I hope you'll stop by and check them out.

Design Darling on Unabashedly Prep

Yesterday the impeccably dressed Fred held the subway door for me and took my picture at Lincoln Center. I do look rather happy, don't I? 

J.Crew blazer, Rugby chambray shirt (similar here), Longchamp tote, J.Crew signet ring, Dani Notes iPhone case, Rugby jeans (similar here), Madewell boots (similar here and here).

Lela Rose & Chris Benz

Did you know that #17 on my 101 in 1001 list was to attend one show at New York Fashion Week? Leave it to the Matchbook girls to make my dreams come true this week!
The weather in New York has been c-o-l-d. I swear the plaza Lincoln Center was a wind tunnel... #brrr
On Sunday, Jane and I attended the Lela Rose show. Lots of florals, navy, and sparkle — I couldn't have been happier!
On Monday, we headed to the Chris Benz presentation. A true Matchbook boy if there ever were one! His girly silhouettes and 60s styling provided lots of eye candy.
I rather liked my outfit yesterday! J.Crew blazer (are you sick of seeing me wear this yet?), Rugby chambray shirt (similar here), Rugby yellow jeans (similar here). 
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What a week! Now I need a serious catch-up date with my laptop, a latté, and a roaring fire. P.S. Happy Valentine's Day! 

New York Fashion Week!

Is it Monday already? I've had such a busy few days that I swear I'm losing track of time. My new boutique will be here before you know it! In the mean time, here's what I've been up to...
On Friday morning, I met up with Carly from The College Prepster! We've been emailing back and forth for a year now so it was great to finally connect in person. We are kindred spirits in more ways than one! {Wearing J.Crew pants and Zara pumps (similar here).}
I was so thrilled to attend the Kate Spade presentation with Jane on behalf of Matchbook. Bows, polka dots, and stripes... I was in Matchbook girl heaven!
I was totally starstruck to meet Brad Goreski. I told him my mom and I watch his show every week and he said, "Tell her I say hi — I love moms!" Too cute and so down-to-earth.
Carly and I had our hair done at Drybar, a blowout salon where you pay just $40 and choose your style from a menu. I got the "Mai Tai" and loved my loose curls! {Wearing Ralph Lauren sweater, Zara vest (similar here), and H&M belt (similar here).}
We then had dinner with Alex from Dreams + Jeans at Café Gitane. An adorable spot and even cuter company (albeit a lousy photo!). {Wearing J.Crew blazer, J.Crew t-shirt, and Old Navy skirt.}
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It was so much fun to connect with lots of amazing people! I'll be back tomorrow with a few snaps from Lela Rose and Chris Benz as well ;) Seriously pinching myself!