In the mood for spring...

I don't know about your neck of the woods but here in Connecticut we've got plenty of sunshine but no warm weather to show for it. How does that work out? In any event, early March isn't too early to start thinking all things spring...

Madewell oxford shirt ($59) Elizabeth & James sunglasses ($185) Design Darling exclusive K. Slademade clutch ($68) Loren Hope gold chain bracelet ($58) Juicy Couture skirt ($98) Topshop ballet flats ($32)

I'm looking forward to running around town in a flouncy skirt and ballet flats! By the way... I'm on the hunt for fresh fashion inspiration for our new column! Who has a few favorite fashion blogs I might not have heard of? Be sure to comment below!

I don't know about your neck of the woods but here in Connecticut we've got plenty of sunshine but no warm weather to show for it. How does that work out? In any event, early March isn't too early to start thinking all things spring...

Madewell oxford shirt ($59) Elizabeth & James sunglasses ($185) Design Darling exclusive K. Slademade clutch ($68) Loren Hope gold chain bracelet ($58) Juicy Couture skirt ($98) Topshop ballet flats ($32)

I'm looking forward to running around town in a flouncy skirt and ballet flats! By the way... I'm on the hunt for fresh fashion inspiration for our new column! Who has a few favorite fashion blogs I might not have heard of? Be sure to comment below!

Three Tricks For Decorating Your Desktop

It's bright and early and for most of you that means time to head to work! Having seen the inside of a cubicle or two myself (and, truthfully, never wanting to return), I thought I'd share a few of my favorite tricks for transforming your workspace.

Design Darling monogrammed acrylic pencil cup ($14) Container Store file folders ($3 for six) Design Darling #ThingsWeLove pencil set ($8) Design Darling monogrammed acrylic business card holder ($14) Design Darling acrylic tape dispenser ($12) Container Store lacquer box ($18)

1. First of all, add color. There's no reason your desk needs to be as drab as your cubicle mate's! File folders and lacquer boxes will help you get organized and provide a pretty pop of your favorite color.

2. Second, make it personal. The monogrammed desk accessories in my new boutique are a great place to start, but I also recommend bringing in a couple framed family photos and changing your desktop picture to a favorite shot from a recent vacation. You spend enough time at your desk — it might as well be a place that makes you happy!

3. Third, keep it clean — especially if your desk is in plain view of your boss or your clients. That means stacks of papers find their way into a (preferably hot pink!) file folder, stray supplies get tucked into a desk drawer, and every item on your desktop serves a distinct purpose. You're not styling a coffee table — decorative objects have little place on an organized desktop. But replacing your ugly black tape dispenser with a pretty acrylic option? Now we're talking.

- - - 

Of course these tricks are equally well applied to a home office (and I'd do well to follow my own advice!). If you need more inspiration, check out my "desk du jour" features (can you tell I have an office obsession?). What are your tricks for organizing your office space — and how does your desktop stack up?

It's bright and early and for most of you that means time to head to work! Having seen the inside of a cubicle or two myself (and, truthfully, never wanting to return), I thought I'd share a few of my favorite tricks for transforming your workspace.

Design Darling monogrammed acrylic pencil cup ($14) Container Store file folders ($3 for six) Design Darling #ThingsWeLove pencil set ($8) Design Darling monogrammed acrylic business card holder ($14) Design Darling acrylic tape dispenser ($12) Container Store lacquer box ($18)

1. First of all, add color. There's no reason your desk needs to be as drab as your cubicle mate's! File folders and lacquer boxes will help you get organized and provide a pretty pop of your favorite color.

2. Second, make it personal. The monogrammed desk accessories in my new boutique are a great place to start, but I also recommend bringing in a couple framed family photos and changing your desktop picture to a favorite shot from a recent vacation. You spend enough time at your desk — it might as well be a place that makes you happy!

3. Third, keep it clean — especially if your desk is in plain view of your boss or your clients. That means stacks of papers find their way into a (preferably hot pink!) file folder, stray supplies get tucked into a desk drawer, and every item on your desktop serves a distinct purpose. You're not styling a coffee table — decorative objects have little place on an organized desktop. But replacing your ugly black tape dispenser with a pretty acrylic option? Now we're talking.

- - - 

Of course these tricks are equally well applied to a home office (and I'd do well to follow my own advice!). If you need more inspiration, check out my "desk du jour" features (can you tell I have an office obsession?). What are your tricks for organizing your office space — and how does your desktop stack up?

His & Hers

One of the ten million things on my to do list is to establish an editorial calendar for Design Darling in order to get better organized. And what better opportunity to roll out a few new features? I have a lengthy list of ideas but here's the first... a weekly style column featuring me and my boyfriend Michael! I know only about 0.0001% of you readers are men but I also know lots of you ladies are looking for ways to spruce up the wardrobes of the men in your life. So without further ado, the inaugural edition of His & Hers...

ON HIM: Polo Ralph Lauren sweater (similar here) / J.Crew t-shirt / Brooks Brothers pants ON HER: Old Navy shirt / J.Crew vest / H&M belt (similar here) / J.Crew necklace (similar here) / Urban Outfitters jeans / Madewell boots (similar here) / Dani Notes iPhone case / J.Crew signet ring (similar here)

Comfy and casual for an afternoon coffee date. We totally underestimated how freezing it was outside so we only got a few pictures before we had to head in but it's a start! What do you think?!

One of the ten million things on my to do list is to establish an editorial calendar for Design Darling in order to get better organized. And what better opportunity to roll out a few new features? I have a lengthy list of ideas but here's the first... a weekly style column featuring me and my boyfriend Michael! I know only about 0.0001% of you readers are men but I also know lots of you ladies are looking for ways to spruce up the wardrobes of the men in your life. So without further ado, the inaugural edition of His & Hers...

ON HIM: Polo Ralph Lauren sweater (similar here) / J.Crew t-shirt / Brooks Brothers pants ON HER: Old Navy shirt / J.Crew vest / H&M belt (similar here) / J.Crew necklace (similar here) / Urban Outfitters jeans / Madewell boots (similar here) / Dani Notes iPhone case / J.Crew signet ring (similar here)

Comfy and casual for an afternoon coffee date. We totally underestimated how freezing it was outside so we only got a few pictures before we had to head in but it's a start! What do you think?!

Navy Leather Love

I'll take navy any way, any day, but these leather loves are the latest to catch my eye...

Tibi sandal ($395) Paul & Joe Sister belt ($68) Design Darling exclusive K. Slademade clutch ($68) Madewell pouch ($42) 3.1 Phillip Lim pouch ($295) Tory Burch pump ($325)

A bow belt, a colorblock clutch, and what are quite possibly the shoes of my dreams... I'll take one of each! ;)

I'll take navy any way, any day, but these leather loves are the latest to catch my eye...

Tibi sandal ($395) Paul & Joe Sister belt ($68) Design Darling exclusive K. Slademade clutch ($68) Madewell pouch ($42) 3.1 Phillip Lim pouch ($295) Tory Burch pump ($325)

A bow belt, a colorblock clutch, and what are quite possibly the shoes of my dreams... I'll take one of each! ;)

Loren Hope Spring/Summer 2012

You know those designers who can do no wrong in your book? For me, that's Loren Hope. I've collected a few of her pieces over the past couple years and I swear they're the most complimented pieces in my collection! You may have noticed some of her baubles in my new boutique but now it's her lookbook that's really got me going...

Turquoise chandeliers and a red lip? Don't mind if I do!

I adore this vintage-inspired tassel number.

Match your earrings to your necklace to your bracelets? When it looks this good, I say why not!

This necklace makes quite the statement for $88!

A colorblock necklace? Oh Loren, you've really done it this time...

Shop her new collection here! What are your favorite pieces?

You know those designers who can do no wrong in your book? For me, that's Loren Hope. I've collected a few of her pieces over the past couple years and I swear they're the most complimented pieces in my collection! You may have noticed some of her baubles in my new boutique but now it's her lookbook that's really got me going...

Turquoise chandeliers and a red lip? Don't mind if I do!

I adore this vintage-inspired tassel number.

Match your earrings to your necklace to your bracelets? When it looks this good, I say why not!

This necklace makes quite the statement for $88!

A colorblock necklace? Oh Loren, you've really done it this time...

Shop her new collection here! What are your favorite pieces?

Chez Camille

Have you seen the stunning tour of my girl Camille's home in Austin on Design*Sponge this week? If not you are in for a treat this morning. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves...

Hello, cozy furnishings, high ceilings, and the kitchen of my dreams! Of course Camille is an entertaining goddess so she probably needs that kitchen more than I do ;) Congratulations Camille on the exciting press and thanks for sharing your gorgeous home with all of us!

*all photos Chad Wadsworth for Design*Sponge

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

Have you seen the stunning tour of my girl Camille's home in Austin on Design*Sponge this week? If not you are in for a treat this morning. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves...

Hello, cozy furnishings, high ceilings, and the kitchen of my dreams! Of course Camille is an entertaining goddess so she probably needs that kitchen more than I do ;) Congratulations Camille on the exciting press and thanks for sharing your gorgeous home with all of us!

*all photos Chad Wadsworth for Design*Sponge

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

Takin' Care of Business

Whew! What a whirlwind yesterday was with the launch of the new boutique. Thank you to everyone who blogged, tweeted, purchased, etc. The support has been exhilarating and I have lots of packing and shipping to do!

Of course this blog will remain exactly what it's always been: a place to share fashion and interiors that inspire me and tidbits about what's going on in my world. So please continue to tune in for two daily posts and plenty of inspiration. I promise I'll only blab about the boutique sometimes :) 

Now, back to business, er, new arrivals at J.Crew...

Leopard cardigan ($88) Canvas tote ($325) Suede heels ($198) Café capris ($88)

This little get-up is something I'd wear for a day in the city, meeting with bloggers or brands and transitioning for dinner in the evening. I also think it's a great look for most creative work environments! How fab is the navy leopard cardigan? Even saying the words makes me happy ;) What new arrivals are you eyeing? Have a fantastic weekend and thank you again!!!

Whew! What a whirlwind yesterday was with the launch of the new boutique. Thank you to everyone who blogged, tweeted, purchased, etc. The support has been exhilarating and I have lots of packing and shipping to do!

Of course this blog will remain exactly what it's always been: a place to share fashion and interiors that inspire me and tidbits about what's going on in my world. So please continue to tune in for two daily posts and plenty of inspiration. I promise I'll only blab about the boutique sometimes :) 

Now, back to business, er, new arrivals at J.Crew...

Leopard cardigan ($88) Canvas tote ($325) Suede heels ($198) Café capris ($88)

This little get-up is something I'd wear for a day in the city, meeting with bloggers or brands and transitioning for dinner in the evening. I also think it's a great look for most creative work environments! How fab is the navy leopard cardigan? Even saying the words makes me happy ;) What new arrivals are you eyeing? Have a fantastic weekend and thank you again!!!

DESIGN DARLING {THE BOUTIQUE} IS LIVE!!!

I am absolutely over the moon to announce that the new boutique is live at www.designdarling.com!!!

Check it out HERE and let me know what you think!!!

I am absolutely over the moon to announce that the new boutique is live at www.designdarling.com!!!

Check it out HERE and let me know what you think!!!

{SNEAK PEEKS}

I am over-the-top excited to share that five of my favorite bloggers have posted sneak peeks of Design Darling {The Boutique} today! Each sneak peek features three products that will be available on the site when it launches first thing tomorrow morning. Can you believe it's TOMORROW?!!!

Effortless Style

I Love Your Crazy

Luella & June

Note To Self

Things That Sparkle

Check them out and be sure to let me know what you think with hashtag #designdarlinglaunch on Twitter!

I am over-the-top excited to share that five of my favorite bloggers have posted sneak peeks of Design Darling {The Boutique} today! Each sneak peek features three products that will be available on the site when it launches first thing tomorrow morning. Can you believe it's TOMORROW?!!!

Effortless Style

I Love Your Crazy

Luella & June

Note To Self

Things That Sparkle

Check them out and be sure to let me know what you think with hashtag #designdarlinglaunch on Twitter!

The Finishing Touches

I'm happy to say that I'm very close to finishing the site and taking a big deep breath before the boutique launch first thing Thursday morning! Now it's just lots of little finishing touches. As they say, design is in the details!

Aubin & Wills dress ($155) BaubleBar tortoiseshell studs ($110) See by Chloé wallet ($195) Essie "Fiesta" ($8)  Madewell bracelet ($117) Urban Outfitters flats ($29)

This outfit is full of lovely little details: the brass buttons on the striped dress (which is a must-have for spring!), the scalloped trim on the wallet, and the lace-up detail on the ballet flats. It's precisely what I wish I were wearing as I run around getting things in order!

I'm happy to say that I'm very close to finishing the site and taking a big deep breath before the boutique launch first thing Thursday morning! Now it's just lots of little finishing touches. As they say, design is in the details!

Aubin & Wills dress ($155) BaubleBar tortoiseshell studs ($110) See by Chloé wallet ($195) Essie "Fiesta" ($8)  Madewell bracelet ($117) Urban Outfitters flats ($29)

This outfit is full of lovely little details: the brass buttons on the striped dress (which is a must-have for spring!), the scalloped trim on the wallet, and the lace-up detail on the ballet flats. It's precisely what I wish I were wearing as I run around getting things in order!