6 Gift Ideas for Spring

For some reason, I feel like half the people in my life celebrate their birthdays in the springtime. Between birthdays for my boyfriend, my brother, and my parents — not to mention Mother's Day and Father's Day around the corner! — my brain is definitely on finding the perfect gift for each person.

The other night I was dashing out the door to a friend's birthday dinner and decided to whip up a little something with items I have in stock for the boutique. It inspired me to share a few gift-giving ideas with all of you in the hopes you'll find that perfect something at Design Darling! 

FOR THE GIRLS: Earrings and a bangle in her favorite colors.

FOR YOUR MOM: A votive holder and a matchbox (or two!).

FOR THE BOYS: A kill-proof topiary for his place and a monogrammed key fob.

FOR YOUR COWORKERS: A budget-friendly monogrammed pencil cup or business card holder to brighten their cubicle (and your view).

FOR THE HOSTESS: A monogrammed tray for her bar cart.

FOR YOUR BFF: Pearl hoops and a colorblock clutch were made for girls' night out!

- - -

What are your favorite gift ideas for spring?

For some reason, I feel like half the people in my life celebrate their birthdays in the springtime. Between birthdays for my boyfriend, my brother, and my parents — not to mention Mother's Day and Father's Day around the corner! — my brain is definitely on finding the perfect gift for each person.

The other night I was dashing out the door to a friend's birthday dinner and decided to whip up a little something with items I have in stock for the boutique. It inspired me to share a few gift-giving ideas with all of you in the hopes you'll find that perfect something at Design Darling! 

FOR THE GIRLS: Earrings and a bangle in her favorite colors.

FOR YOUR MOM: A votive holder and a matchbox (or two!).

FOR THE BOYS: A kill-proof topiary for his place and a monogrammed key fob.

FOR YOUR COWORKERS: A budget-friendly monogrammed pencil cup or business card holder to brighten their cubicle (and your view).

FOR THE HOSTESS: A monogrammed tray for her bar cart.

FOR YOUR BFF: Pearl hoops and a colorblock clutch were made for girls' night out!

- - -

What are your favorite gift ideas for spring?

J.Crew Eyelet Dress

You know when you see a piece of clothing and immediately picture yourself living out your fantasy life in it? (No? Just me?) When I see this J.Crew eyelet dress, I picture myself frolicking, picnicking, sipping cocktails, and most likely reenacting The Sound of Music. Here's how I'd style it:

Marley Lilly monogrammed hat / Loren Hope turquoise necklace / J.Crew eyelet dress

Madewell wristlet / Jacquie Aiche letter rings / Ras espadrilles

Every girl needs an eyelet dress and a monogrammed hat, right? (I just ordered this one!) Side note: how fun are these letter rings? Hello, perfect gift for birthdays, graduations, etc.! I'm also envisioning a set of three to spell out your monogram. If only they'd get the E and the H back in stock! I'll be waiting ;)

You know when you see a piece of clothing and immediately picture yourself living out your fantasy life in it? (No? Just me?) When I see this J.Crew eyelet dress, I picture myself frolicking, picnicking, sipping cocktails, and most likely reenacting The Sound of Music. Here's how I'd style it:

Marley Lilly monogrammed hat / Loren Hope turquoise necklace / J.Crew eyelet dress

Madewell wristlet / Jacquie Aiche letter rings / Ras espadrilles

Every girl needs an eyelet dress and a monogrammed hat, right? (I just ordered this one!) Side note: how fun are these letter rings? Hello, perfect gift for birthdays, graduations, etc.! I'm also envisioning a set of three to spell out your monogram. If only they'd get the E and the H back in stock! I'll be waiting ;)

New arrivals in the boutique!!!

All I can say is...bring on the bangles! Shop these new arrivals and more right HERE. 

All I can say is...bring on the bangles! Shop these new arrivals and more right HERE. 

Topiary Love

I can't explain the cause of my recent infatuation with topiaries but I can share some of my favorite evidence...

{Michelle Adams in Lonny}

{Melanie Turner Interiors}

{Herve Pierre on The Selby}

{Cathy Kincaid Interiors}

{Martha Stewart Living}

I'm obsessed! Shop Design Darling topiaries here and here.

I can't explain the cause of my recent infatuation with topiaries but I can share some of my favorite evidence...

{Michelle Adams in Lonny}

{Melanie Turner Interiors}

{Herve Pierre on The Selby}

{Cathy Kincaid Interiors}

{Martha Stewart Living}

I'm obsessed! Shop Design Darling topiaries here and here.

Saturday Eye Candy

I'm sure lots of you are entertaining, planning parties, traveling for weddings, etc. this spring — plus it's almost peony season — so I thought I'd share this inspiring image...

Pink peonies and tulips in mercury glass vases, photographed at a wedding by Carla Ten Eyck. Gorgeous, don't you think?

I'm sure lots of you are entertaining, planning parties, traveling for weddings, etc. this spring — plus it's almost peony season — so I thought I'd share this inspiring image...

Pink peonies and tulips in mercury glass vases, photographed at a wedding by Carla Ten Eyck. Gorgeous, don't you think?

Easy Breezy

There's something about this look that feels perfectly suited for a Friday afternoon: the loose-fitting top, the perfect navy tote, and the platform sandals that will take you from day to night...

Loren Hope necklace / Elizabeth & James top / Rugby belt

Kate Spade watch / Zara tote / See by Chloé sandals / J Brand jeans

It's precisely what I'd like to be wearing this weekend. (I'm desperate for a budget-friendly alternative to the shoes!) What are your big plans? Have a good one!


P.S. Ashley Brooke Designs is hosting a Design Darling giveaway! That's right — you could win a monogrammed business card holder and monogrammed pencil cup. What are you waiting for? Enter HERE.


P.P.S. I was interviewed by Jen from Your Style and I'd love for you to check it out!

There's something about this look that feels perfectly suited for a Friday afternoon: the loose-fitting top, the perfect navy tote, and the platform sandals that will take you from day to night...

Loren Hope necklace / Elizabeth & James top / Rugby belt

Kate Spade watch / Zara tote / See by Chloé sandals / J Brand jeans

It's precisely what I'd like to be wearing this weekend. (I'm desperate for a budget-friendly alternative to the shoes!) What are your big plans? Have a good one!


P.S. Ashley Brooke Designs is hosting a Design Darling giveaway! That's right — you could win a monogrammed business card holder and monogrammed pencil cup. What are you waiting for? Enter HERE.


P.P.S. I was interviewed by Jen from Your Style and I'd love for you to check it out!

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?