Design Darling

Kate Spade Carousel Watches

I might as well have titled this post "Kate Spade Does It Again" because it seems this beloved brand can do no wrong when it comes to accessories. Case in point? These charmed new arrivals: glossy enamel wristwatches in some of my very favorite colors...

White / Pink / Navy

The definition of darling. What are you feeling — crème de la crème, tickled pink, or the calm before the storm? Shop the entire collection at Nordstrom.

How To Decorate Your Foyer

It's the first thing you see when you walk in the door — so it might as well be pretty, right? There are a few things to keep in mind while decorating this compact but heavily trafficked part of your apartment or home. Here's a pretty little foyer I've envisioned...

Design Darling framed vintage scarf ($225) West Elm lamp ($149) Design Darling gold lacquer tray ($20) Design Darling boxwood topiary ($58) CB2 acrylic console table ($379) Ballard Designs chair ($429) West Elm console basket ($24) West Elm rug ($19+)

1. Create a focal point. This graphic silk scarf dictates the color palette for the space and directs the eye toward a pretty tabletop vignette and not that unsightly ceiling fixture your landlord refuses to replace.

2. Be practical. Fresh flowers get expensive! This topiary is a great cost-effective and long-term alternative for those with a black thumb (you only have to spritz it once a month!). If you have the space, an extra dining chair is perfect for pulling on rain boots and can be dragged elsewhere when you're entertaining.

3. Use stylish storage. A small lacquer tray is a great place to toss keys and mail when you walk in the door while a braided basket keeps backpacks, shoes, etc. tucked out of sight!

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What are your favorite tricks for tackling your foyer?

Anna Dello Russo on The Coveteur

Does it get any dreamier? Check out the full feature here.

Ras Open Toe Wedge Espadrilles

In tan, hot pink, and navy, these shoes have my name written all over them. If only they weren't quite so pricey...

...Get yours here.

Plain Shift Dresses

There's something delightfully retro about a simple shift dress in navy blue or, better yet, hot pink. Here are two ways I'd style the look:

Kate Spade studs ($38) Topshop shift dress ($80) Elizabeth & James glasses ($180) Phillip Lim pouch ($295) Tommy Hilfiger espadrilles ($89) Bauble Bar earrings ($110) Topshop shift ($80) Lisa Stewart cuff ($53) Design Darling exclusive K. Slademade clutch ($68) Tory Burch wedges ($195)

As it warms up this week in Connecticut, I could definitely swing either of these looks! Which one do you prefer?

Lonny March 2012

If you're itching for a little eye candy this Monday afternoon, let me direct your attention to the newest issue of Lonny, my go-to digital magazine for interior inspiration.

Gorgeous, right? Check out the entire issue here. Enjoy!

His & Hers

This past Saturday, Michael and I hopped in the car and drove up to a little inn in Concord, Massachusetts, that we booked through Living Social. The next day we stopped in Boston and took some outfit pictures in the Boston Common before grabbing a bite to eat at Quincy Market.

ON HIM: Castaway Clothing sweater / Land's End shirt / Brooks Brothers pants / New Balance sneakers ON HER: Ralph Lauren shirt (similar here) / H&M belt (similar here) / Loren Hope bracelet / Urban Outfitters jeans / Longchamp bag / Tory Burch flats (similar here and here)

It was so nice to get away (even just for one night!) and makes me want to plan more day trips in the area. Do any of you New Englanders have any recommendations?

Week One

Well, Design Darling {The Boutique} has officially been in business for one week and I'm happy to report that these first seven days have exceeded my every expectation! I've been packing shipments, placing reorders, and running to the post office all day, every day, and I've never been happier. Here are a few snaps of items in action — of course I had to keep a few pretties for myself! ;)

My monogrammed acrylic tray. I want one for every room!

This quartz votive holder is major eye candy on a stack of design books on our coffee table.

This was one of the first orders I shipped out: a monogrammed acrylic business card holder (one of my best-selling items!) and two matchboxes in leopard and zebra.

To everyone who has blogged, commented, purchased, tweeted, etc., thank you from the bottom of my heart. Cheers to an amazing first week and many, many, many more!

Top It Off

I'm a skinny jeans kind of girl. I wear them with boots, flats, heels, you name it. I usually equate dresses and skirts with getting dolled up — as in I don't gravitate to them on a daily basis when I'm running errands or working from home. To keep my skinny jean obsession (with this pair in particular) from getting stale, I'm determined to add a few more colorful tops to my closet...