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Saks Friends & Family Sale

If you're not still reeling from Shopbop's friends and family sale last week, you're in for quite a treat! Saks is offering 20% off with code FRIENDS at checkout. Here are some of the lovelies I'd like to be adding to my cart...




I'm in love with the packaging of Nars blush and lipstick so those two are the most likely to come live with me! I have the lipstick in jungle red (the perfect red lipstick for redheads!) and would love to add Funny Face and Schiap to my collection. What goodies will you be scooping up? Shop Saks here and don't forget to enter FRIENDS for 20% off through April 29!



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Flower Power

Yesterday Michael and I were running errands and popped into a local florist where I spent an inordinate amount of money on flowers with which to photograph some new products for the boutique. Sticker shock aside, I can't tell you how happy it makes me to have some fresh blooms around here...




Whether you're entertaining or just treating yourself to something pretty for your desktop or your dresser, there's nothing like a fresh bouquet to put a skip in your step! I went with blue and white hydrangea and pink peonies. What's your bloom of choice?

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Colored Denim

When it comes to describing my style, I definitely veer more toward "classic" than "trendy." But that doesn't mean I don't keep up with what's new in the fashion world. I just pick and choose which trends are right for me as opposed to replenishing my wardrobe every season with items that will be "out" in a few months. One current trend I can definitely get behind is colored denim. Here's a decidedly classic spin on the look:


Tory Burch sunglassesDesign Darling link bangle in navy and white (only $25 each!)

For me the trick is to pair the trendier piece (in this case the light blue denim) with classic accessories like these link bangles and tortoiseshell sunglasses. Note that you could easily wear this same outfit with colored denim in pink, red, or yellow! What do you think of this look — and does your style tend to be more classic or trendy?



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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 ;)

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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!

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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!

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! 

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.

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!  

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...


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!