J.Crew Style Guide

Did you know that J.Crew's famed catalogs will now be available online, starting with this month's darling style guide? Carly was the one who first informed me of Google Catalogs and recommended that I style and photograph a catalog for my boutique. How fun would that be?

In the mean time, I'm content to peruse some of my favorite catalogs online! These outfits have me wanting to try wearing one color from head to toe. Speaking of J.Crew, have you seen this color block sweater in pink and navy? I'm convinced it was made for yours truly ;)

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

Did you know that J.Crew's famed catalogs will now be available online, starting with this month's darling style guide? Carly was the one who first informed me of Google Catalogs and recommended that I style and photograph a catalog for my boutique. How fun would that be?

In the mean time, I'm content to peruse some of my favorite catalogs online! These outfits have me wanting to try wearing one color from head to toe. Speaking of J.Crew, have you seen this color block sweater in pink and navy? I'm convinced it was made for yours truly ;)

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

Ten ways to have a good day...

Happy Monday! Here's a little encouragement to get you off to a good start this week...

...just ten little things designed to help you have a happier day today :) Does anyone else find that Pinterest almost always does the trick? Follow my boards here (and leave a link to yours in the comments!).

P.S. I also love Carly's list of five things that make her happy!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

Happy Monday! Here's a little encouragement to get you off to a good start this week...

...just ten little things designed to help you have a happier day today :) Does anyone else find that Pinterest almost always does the trick? Follow my boards here (and leave a link to yours in the comments!).

P.S. I also love Carly's list of five things that make her happy!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

Sarah Swanson Design Giveaway!

Have you ever thought of hiring an interior designer but decided you couldn't afford it? You might remember Sarah Swanson Design from this post and I'm thrilled to announce that she's offering a giveaway of her design services to one lucky reader — a $150 value! Here are some sample boards she's whipped up...

I'm sure lots of you have an interior design project in mind that could use the help of a professional! I love the above board she did using the monkey candlestick and Worcester jar matchboxes from my boutique. 

Think you might like to work with Sarah on a project for your place? All you have to do is become a follower of Design Darling at right and leave a comment below explaining what you'd like her help on. The winner will be selected at random on Friday morning. Good luck!

Have you ever thought of hiring an interior designer but decided you couldn't afford it? You might remember Sarah Swanson Design from this post and I'm thrilled to announce that she's offering a giveaway of her design services to one lucky reader — a $150 value! Here are some sample boards she's whipped up...

I'm sure lots of you have an interior design project in mind that could use the help of a professional! I love the above board she did using the monkey candlestick and Worcester jar matchboxes from my boutique. 

Think you might like to work with Sarah on a project for your place? All you have to do is become a follower of Design Darling at right and leave a comment below explaining what you'd like her help on. The winner will be selected at random on Friday morning. Good luck!

Bangles + Monogrammed Tray

I thought we'd cap off the week with an extra pretty picture I styled of a customer's monogrammed acrylic tray and a few of the new bangles added to the site this week...

Every girl needs this little vignette in her life! I hope you all have lots of fun plans for the weekend... I'm off to a Matchbook shoot, a friend's birthday party, my sister's softball games, all over the place! Have a good one! 

I thought we'd cap off the week with an extra pretty picture I styled of a customer's monogrammed acrylic tray and a few of the new bangles added to the site this week...

Every girl needs this little vignette in her life! I hope you all have lots of fun plans for the weekend... I'm off to a Matchbook shoot, a friend's birthday party, my sister's softball games, all over the place! Have a good one! 

Kenneth Jay Lane on Gilt Groupe

A spontaneous afternoon post to share a few sparkly somethings I'd like to add to my jewelry box from the Kenneth Jay Lane sale on Gilt Groupe today...

Coral and pink drops, lapis and turquoise sparklers, and a turquoise statement maker with the prettiest clasp I ever did see! Sign up HERE to shop the sale.

A spontaneous afternoon post to share a few sparkly somethings I'd like to add to my jewelry box from the Kenneth Jay Lane sale on Gilt Groupe today...

Coral and pink drops, lapis and turquoise sparklers, and a turquoise statement maker with the prettiest clasp I ever did see! Sign up HERE to shop the sale.

His & Hers

We've had absolutely delightful weather in Connecticut, the kind of temperatures that lend themselves to playing fetch, reading outdoors, and wearing easy breezy tunic dresses like so...

ON HIM: Ralph Lauren shirt / Needlepoint belt / J.Crew shorts / Sperry Top-Sider shoes ON HER: Devon Baer Designs dress / K. Slademade colorblock clutch / Ralph Lauren sunglasses (similar) / Dani Notes iPhone case / Julie elephant bangle

My puppy Coach had to make a cameo this week ;) How fun is my new elephant bangle from the lovely ladies at Julie? It will be a perfection addition to my summer stack, which of course includes lots of these! The Devon Baer Designs dress is a new personal favorite... You may remember that I interviewed Devon for her feature in Matchbook (recap here) and she was kind enough to create her Greek key tunic dress in a custom color — Design Darling hot pink ;) I absolutely adore the way it turned out and can't wait to add more of her collection to my closet!  

We've had absolutely delightful weather in Connecticut, the kind of temperatures that lend themselves to playing fetch, reading outdoors, and wearing easy breezy tunic dresses like so...

ON HIM: Ralph Lauren shirt / Needlepoint belt / J.Crew shorts / Sperry Top-Sider shoes ON HER: Devon Baer Designs dress / K. Slademade colorblock clutch / Ralph Lauren sunglasses (similar) / Dani Notes iPhone case / Julie elephant bangle

My puppy Coach had to make a cameo this week ;) How fun is my new elephant bangle from the lovely ladies at Julie? It will be a perfection addition to my summer stack, which of course includes lots of these! The Devon Baer Designs dress is a new personal favorite... You may remember that I interviewed Devon for her feature in Matchbook (recap here) and she was kind enough to create her Greek key tunic dress in a custom color — Design Darling hot pink ;) I absolutely adore the way it turned out and can't wait to add more of her collection to my closet!  

Shopbop Friends & Family Sale!

Shopbop's friends and family sale is here! That means 20% off with code INTHEFAMILY20 at checkout and you can bet I'll be taking advantage. In fact, I think I'll ask your opinion before I click "add to cart" ;) Here are five items I've kept my eye on...

1. Rachel Pally striped cutout dress

2. Ras open toe wedge espadrilles

3. Rag & Bone low rise flare jeans

4. Karen Walker perfect day sunglasses

5. Club Monaco striped scarf

If you were to pick two of these items, which ones would make the cut? You might just see your picks in future His & Hers posts! Shop here and make the most of that 20% off!

Shopbop's friends and family sale is here! That means 20% off with code INTHEFAMILY20 at checkout and you can bet I'll be taking advantage. In fact, I think I'll ask your opinion before I click "add to cart" ;) Here are five items I've kept my eye on...

1. Rachel Pally striped cutout dress

2. Ras open toe wedge espadrilles

3. Rag & Bone low rise flare jeans

4. Karen Walker perfect day sunglasses

5. Club Monaco striped scarf

If you were to pick two of these items, which ones would make the cut? You might just see your picks in future His & Hers posts! Shop here and make the most of that 20% off!

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.