Stacked Books

I love an idea that translates well in virtually any interior and this is one of the easiest: stacking your books for a look that's lived in and personal. Pick your favorite titles and deck out your bookshelves or prop them next to your bedside. For a little inspiration, look no further:

Different, right? I love all the little boxes they're styled with too. No matter where you live or how tight you are on space, it's an easy way to inject a little personal style.

P.S. Design books are one of my ultimate indulgences — but I always buy them on sale at Joss & Main or One Kings Lane. Sign up to be kept in the loop on upcoming deals!

*image from the portfolio of Westbrook Interiors

I love an idea that translates well in virtually any interior and this is one of the easiest: stacking your books for a look that's lived in and personal. Pick your favorite titles and deck out your bookshelves or prop them next to your bedside. For a little inspiration, look no further:

Different, right? I love all the little boxes they're styled with too. No matter where you live or how tight you are on space, it's an easy way to inject a little personal style.

P.S. Design books are one of my ultimate indulgences — but I always buy them on sale at Joss & Main or One Kings Lane. Sign up to be kept in the loop on upcoming deals!

*image from the portfolio of Westbrook Interiors

Design Darling on DailyCandy!

This week I had the pleasure of seeing one of my Design Darling products featured in the (virtual) pages of DailyCandy, one of my daily newsletter reads. Here's what they had to say about the boutique and my #ThingsWeLove pencil set...

Thanks, DailyCandy! I love that they highlighted what great gifts we have for weddings because I've worked with a few fabulous brides to whip up custom orders for their big day — monogrammed pencil cups in white for bridesmaids, monogrammed key fobs for groomsmen, matchboxes for favors, you name it! I'll also be expanding the monogrammed acrylic assortment very soon so stay tuned! (Make sure you're on the mailing list here.)

This week I had the pleasure of seeing one of my Design Darling products featured in the (virtual) pages of DailyCandy, one of my daily newsletter reads. Here's what they had to say about the boutique and my #ThingsWeLove pencil set...

Thanks, DailyCandy! I love that they highlighted what great gifts we have for weddings because I've worked with a few fabulous brides to whip up custom orders for their big day — monogrammed pencil cups in white for bridesmaids, monogrammed key fobs for groomsmen, matchboxes for favors, you name it! I'll also be expanding the monogrammed acrylic assortment very soon so stay tuned! (Make sure you're on the mailing list here.)

Shopbop Favorites

For those of you who might be tackling a little spring cleaning, I thought I'd suggest a few favorites from Shopbop for when the time comes to, er, replenish ;)

Marc by Marc Jacobs peplum top / Diane von Furstenberg metallic wedges / Rachel Pally striped dress

Parker colorblock dress / Alexis Bittar resin cuff / Porter Grey peplum romper  

Diane von Furstenberg silk top / Steven leather wedges / Splendid striped dress 

It seems I'm up to my usual tricks with plenty of blue hues, classic accessories, and stripes galore. What are your Shopbop faves right now?

For those of you who might be tackling a little spring cleaning, I thought I'd suggest a few favorites from Shopbop for when the time comes to, er, replenish ;)

Marc by Marc Jacobs peplum top / Diane von Furstenberg metallic wedges / Rachel Pally striped dress

Parker colorblock dress / Alexis Bittar resin cuff / Porter Grey peplum romper  

Diane von Furstenberg silk top / Steven leather wedges / Splendid striped dress 

It seems I'm up to my usual tricks with plenty of blue hues, classic accessories, and stripes galore. What are your Shopbop faves right now?

Recent snaps...

Thank you all for your kind words on yesterday evening's impromptu post. What would I do without all of you?! Moving right along, here's what I've been up to the past couple weeks, according to my trusty iPhone...

- Introduced new arrivals in the boutique, including this baby topiary and this monkey candlestick (which makes me want to throw a party!)

- Wrote thank you notes (on stationery that's coming soon to the boutique)

- Organized my baubles (including this bracelet and these earrings) on my gold lacquer tray

- Rocked my new monogrammed Jack Rogers every time the temperature hit 50 degrees

- Took time for date night and admired these unseasonal tree lights

- Shipped some pretty orders, including ginger jar and leopard matches (and got a new order from a bride!)

- Ate way more Easter candy than I had previously thought possible (oops)

- "Tested" new bangles that I'll be adding to the boutique on Monday

- Speaking of Jack Rogers, got coffee with their social media guru and got to peek into their amazing studio

- Sent more pretty orders, including the ever-popular monogrammed acrylic pencil cup (great gift for Mother's Day, graduation, etc. — just sayin')

What have you been up to lately?

Thank you all for your kind words on yesterday evening's impromptu post. What would I do without all of you?! Moving right along, here's what I've been up to the past couple weeks, according to my trusty iPhone...

- Introduced new arrivals in the boutique, including this baby topiary and this monkey candlestick (which makes me want to throw a party!)

- Wrote thank you notes (on stationery that's coming soon to the boutique)

- Organized my baubles (including this bracelet and these earrings) on my gold lacquer tray

- Rocked my new monogrammed Jack Rogers every time the temperature hit 50 degrees

- Took time for date night and admired these unseasonal tree lights

- Shipped some pretty orders, including ginger jar and leopard matches (and got a new order from a bride!)

- Ate way more Easter candy than I had previously thought possible (oops)

- "Tested" new bangles that I'll be adding to the boutique on Monday

- Speaking of Jack Rogers, got coffee with their social media guru and got to peek into their amazing studio

- Sent more pretty orders, including the ever-popular monogrammed acrylic pencil cup (great gift for Mother's Day, graduation, etc. — just sayin')

What have you been up to lately?

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?

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...

(1) Alice + Olivia dress (2) Aubin & Wills striped tee (3) J.Crew silk pants

(4) Anthropologie coral necklace (5) Kendra Scott earrings 

(6) Tory Burch ballet flats (7) Design Darling matches (8) Conran Shop chair 

(9) Design Darling pillow (10) Rebecca Minkoff iPhone case

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.

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...

(1) Alice + Olivia dress (2) Aubin & Wills striped tee (3) J.Crew silk pants

(4) Anthropologie coral necklace (5) Kendra Scott earrings 

(6) Tory Burch ballet flats (7) Design Darling matches (8) Conran Shop chair 

(9) Design Darling pillow (10) Rebecca Minkoff iPhone case

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!

ON HIM: Land's End shirt / Brooks Brothers pants / Sperry Top-Sider shoes ON HER: Eyeglasses c/o Mezzmer / J.Crew shirt / H&M belt (similar) / Zara skirt (similar) / Tory Burch wallet / Design Darling bangles (coming soon) / ASOS ballet flats

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 :)

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!

ON HIM: Land's End shirt / Brooks Brothers pants / Sperry Top-Sider shoes ON HER: Eyeglasses c/o Mezzmer / J.Crew shirt / H&M belt (similar) / Zara skirt (similar) / Tory Burch wallet / Design Darling bangles (coming soon) / ASOS ballet flats

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.

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...

Loren Hope necklace / Luxury Rebel sandals / Jacquie Aiche initial ring / Tory Burch wallet

Tory Burch satchel / Kenneth Jay Lane pearls / Tory Burch leopard flats

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

Loren Hope necklace / Luxury Rebel sandals / Jacquie Aiche initial ring / Tory Burch wallet

Tory Burch satchel / Kenneth Jay Lane pearls / Tory Burch leopard flats

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.

- - - 

Thank you to Devon and Matchbook for such a fun day!

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.

- - - 

Thank you to Devon and Matchbook for such a fun day!