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Living in the present...

In a break from our usual topics of discussion here on Design Darling, I thought I'd share an epiphany I experienced this afternoon. Lately I've found myself feeling inadequate, wanting more, and thinking I could should be doing everything better/faster/smarter. It doesn't help that I'm 22 and following bloggers who are 3, 5, 10 years older than I am — young women I admire and who seem to have it "all figured out."


The fact that I'm lucky to do what I love is not lost on me. I am so blessed to have a successful blog and online business — and I mean successful in the sense that I am proud of both projects and excited for where I plan to take them in the future. But it's easy to look around and feel like I'm not doing well at all. I live at home to save money. I'm lousy at making time for life outside of work. My inbox is out of control and my parents' dining room is a mess of boxes, inventory, and packing supplies.


I had a mini meltdown earlier thinking about all the things I could be doing differently. It's taken me three years to get my blog to where it is now (how envious I am of all the overnight success stories!) and still I wish it were bigger. How do I become one of those young women who affords a gorgeous apartment, blogs original photos every day, cooks homemade meals every night (frozen pizza doesn't count), exercises five days a week, fills her closet with new clothes, keeps a tidy workspace, makes time for happy hour every night, and gets eight hours of sleep a night to boot?


The reality, of course, is that that woman doesn't exist. We all put our best selves out there on our blogs, but there are of course bad days (mean comments, technological difficulties, and mini meltdowns alike) behind the scenes. But when I take a moment to count the blessings I have right now — when I remind myself I'm doing the best that I can — I realize I'm actually doing just fine.


All that said, I'm going to make a bigger effort to live in the present and appreciate all the awesome things I've got going for me right now. Who's with me?

Hello, Yellow

When it comes to happy hues, I think it's a tie between bright yellow and hot pink. Just looking at them constitutes a mood boost! Here are a few yellow lovelies to brighten your day...



While yellow isn't a color I generally gravitate to in my wardrobe, I definitely think I could pull off a pair of yellow pants (remember these?) and certainly the ballet flats. But what I'm most excited for is bringing a bit of yellow into my decor this summer. How fun would four of those chairs be grouped around a round white table? Very fun indeed.

His & Hers

Yesterday Michael and I had a nice lunch by the water and took pictures with his dog J.J. It's slowly warming up in Connecticut so let's cross our fingers for lots more skirt weather in the weeks to come!

I was so excited to work with Mezzmer, an awesome eyewear company that sends you five pairs of glasses to try on and doesn't charge you until you've selected the pair you like best! Each pair is just $99 and I'm wearing the Town Hall, a light tortoiseshell that works well with my fair complexion.

P.S. I'm obsessed with these bangles, coming on Monday to the boutique! New arrivals are the best :)

Claudia Stephenson in Adore Home Magazine

Just a little interior eye candy to brighten your afternoon! Courtesy of Australian digital magazine Adore Home, this pretty vignette has my name written all over it!
Jute rug, lucite bar cart, and pink ikat pillows... yes please! Read the entire issue here.

Everyday Accessories

When I shop — whether it's for clothes, decor, or something for my boutique — I'm constantly on the lookout for investment pieces. I love items I know can be used or worn in multiple ways across multiple seasons. (That probably explains my obsession with all things navy blue.) When I saw this image, I started thinking about a few wardrobe essentials that could be worn all day, every day...



Gold jewelry, tan leather, and a splash of leopard... Classic essentials you can style over and over again! What are your everyday accessories?

Devon Baer Designs in Matchbook

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of hopping on a train to New York and meeting up with Jane, Rima, and Sarah for a Matchbook photo shoot. I interviewed Devon Haire of Devon Baer Designs, which was doubly fun since she is one of my sponsors here on Design Darling! It was a treat to finally meet in person and inspiring to chat with her about making her design dreams a reality. Not to mention the fact that she has the cutest apartment ever...
Devon modeling her Color Block Ruffle Dress. Can you believe she stenciled and painted the foyer herself?
The gallery wall above her sofa makes me want to spend hours on Etsy looking for fun plates and prints.
Doesn't this make you want to start collecting ginger jars? Oh and waltz around in the Caitlyn Dress?
The Ibiza Silk Pant slung over the door.
Devon also makes her own jewelry which you can shop here. I'm eyeing these coral studs and these hot pink gems!
Have you ever seen a prettier bar setup? The scarf print can be found here and all the vintage barware was found on Etsy.
Isn't she adorable? In love with her lucite tray and the Coral Ball Skirt.
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Thank you to Devon and Matchbook for such a fun day!

Saturday Eye Candy

Every weekend should start with something pretty, whether it's a walk in the park or twenty minutes on Pinterest. This outdoor space is definitely making my morning...
My favorite palette, plenty of greenery, and fabulously unexpected numbered pillows? Yes please. Have a good one!

*Ana Antunes discovered here

How To Style A Coffee Table

I was thrilled to see a few Design Darling products showcased in a recent feature on The Everygirl on how to style your coffee table. Here are a few of my favorite shots:
{Do you spy my gold lacquer tray and leopard matches on the right?}
I love that they worked Design Darling products into two totally different spaces. The first is my favorite but I'm curious to hear which one you love so go check it out!

Jack Rogers Giveaway Winner

Big thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway for a pair of monogrammed Jack Rogers! Without further ado, the winner is...


Entry #93, Stephanie Parkins! Please email me to redeem your new sandals. Congratulations!

Don't forget that everyone can order their own monogrammed Jack Rogers right HERE!

Spring Stripes

I know many of you loved this dress as much as I do so I have a feeling you're going to like these pants by the same designer...



I'm loving the easy breezy vibe of striped pants for spring... but I really can't get my mind off the dress! Which would you choose?