COLOR-COORDINATED

When I first saw this pretty picture, I thought to myself three things... 

1. Displaying clothes on clothing racks is totally underrated. 

It's a great solution for apartment dwellers who are short on closet space — just hang your favorites in the bedroom! (This one is just $23!) Plus it adds color to white walls you can't paint. Speaking of color...

2. Organizing by color is kind of genius.

Need a blue top to go with that green skirt? Coming right up. Think of all the new combinations you'd dream up by having your clothes in plain view! Which of course brings me to #3...

3. My wardrobe is seriously lacking in color.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I inherited my mother's love of navy blue and white. But it's time to start branching out, at least in colors that pair well with my tried-and-true basics!


What do you think? How do you organize your clothes?! 

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

When I first saw this pretty picture, I thought to myself three things... 

1. Displaying clothes on clothing racks is totally underrated. 

It's a great solution for apartment dwellers who are short on closet space — just hang your favorites in the bedroom! (This one is just $23!) Plus it adds color to white walls you can't paint. Speaking of color...

2. Organizing by color is kind of genius.

Need a blue top to go with that green skirt? Coming right up. Think of all the new combinations you'd dream up by having your clothes in plain view! Which of course brings me to #3...

3. My wardrobe is seriously lacking in color.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I inherited my mother's love of navy blue and white. But it's time to start branching out, at least in colors that pair well with my tried-and-true basics!


What do you think? How do you organize your clothes?! 

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

JACK ROGERS PREPPY PARTY

You know how I feel about my Jack Rogers (remember this?) so I'm positively thrilled to be co-hosting the brand's Preppy Party with Carly of The College Prepster and Fred of Unabashedly Prep. The event is tomorrow night at the Jack Rogers store in New York and I am crossing my fingers that I'll get to meet some of you lovely readers in person!

Do stop in and say hello if you're in the neighborhood. I'll be the one with red hair, this navy dress, and these monogrammed Jacks ;) And if you're not in NYC, be sure to follow along on Twitter using #lovemyjacks!

You know how I feel about my Jack Rogers (remember this?) so I'm positively thrilled to be co-hosting the brand's Preppy Party with Carly of The College Prepster and Fred of Unabashedly Prep. The event is tomorrow night at the Jack Rogers store in New York and I am crossing my fingers that I'll get to meet some of you lovely readers in person!

Do stop in and say hello if you're in the neighborhood. I'll be the one with red hair, this navy dress, and these monogrammed Jacks ;) And if you're not in NYC, be sure to follow along on Twitter using #lovemyjacks!

COLOR ME CORAL

You won't see me in a coral dress anytime soon but I will say I find myself gravitating toward this summery hue more and more when it comes to accessories and interiors (where I don't have to worry about how the color clashes with my hair!). Here are a few of my picks for rocking coral in small doses:

Virginia Johnson "Coral" print // Loren Hope necklace // Anthropologie ceramic basket
 Topshop tassel // Design Darling coral matches // Tipsy Skipper clutch
Design Darling mini vase // Devon Baer Designs earrings //Diane von Furstenberg wedges

PB Teen rug // Privet House at Target bowl // Poppy King for J.Crew lipstick

The coral vase is part of Monday's batch of new arrivals and the clutch is one of my friend Kearsley's darling creations. Have any of you worked this color into your closet or your home lately? I think I'm slowly becoming a coral convert!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

You won't see me in a coral dress anytime soon but I will say I find myself gravitating toward this summery hue more and more when it comes to accessories and interiors (where I don't have to worry about how the color clashes with my hair!). Here are a few of my picks for rocking coral in small doses:

Virginia Johnson "Coral" print // Loren Hope necklace // Anthropologie ceramic basket
 Topshop tassel // Design Darling coral matches // Tipsy Skipper clutch
Design Darling mini vase // Devon Baer Designs earrings //Diane von Furstenberg wedges

PB Teen rug // Privet House at Target bowl // Poppy King for J.Crew lipstick

The coral vase is part of Monday's batch of new arrivals and the clutch is one of my friend Kearsley's darling creations. Have any of you worked this color into your closet or your home lately? I think I'm slowly becoming a coral convert!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

INSTANT ORGANIZATION

I grew up with a sister, traveled with ten girls during my semester abroad, and lived in a house of eight girls for my senior year. The one constant? Girls have a lot of stuff. It's hard for a place to ever really feel clean when every surface is covered with baubles, cosmetics, and various knick knacks (and that's the good stuff). One trick I'm learning for instant organization? Say it with me: trays are the answer.

{Cassandra Lavalle in Rue Magazine}

Placing items on a tray instantly makes them feel like part of a collection, whether it's glassware or liquor or makeup. Doesn't the gold tray remind you of this one in my boutique?

{Cupcakes and Cashmere}

Place one on your bedside table to corral jewelry you wear every day and one in your bathroom to display makeup. (Side note: have you seen how Grace from Stripes + Sequins stores her makeup brushes? In the monogrammed pencil cup from my boutique! Genius.) This tray would be perfect for either purpose!

{Nicole's Guide To Style}

I love how Nicole uses her Tilly Maison tray! It makes me want to stock up on Chanel nail polish and Tom Ford lipstick ;)

{Kate Young on Into The Gloss}

I love these silver pieces! You could find similar vintage items on Etsy or go for a modern take with the silver lacquer tray in my boutique. Why didn't I learn the tray trick before I graduated from college? ;)

- - - 

Shop all the trays available at Design Darling here and tell me — what are your tips and tricks for feeling better organized?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

I grew up with a sister, traveled with ten girls during my semester abroad, and lived in a house of eight girls for my senior year. The one constant? Girls have a lot of stuff. It's hard for a place to ever really feel clean when every surface is covered with baubles, cosmetics, and various knick knacks (and that's the good stuff). One trick I'm learning for instant organization? Say it with me: trays are the answer.

{Cassandra Lavalle in Rue Magazine}

Placing items on a tray instantly makes them feel like part of a collection, whether it's glassware or liquor or makeup. Doesn't the gold tray remind you of this one in my boutique?

{Cupcakes and Cashmere}

Place one on your bedside table to corral jewelry you wear every day and one in your bathroom to display makeup. (Side note: have you seen how Grace from Stripes + Sequins stores her makeup brushes? In the monogrammed pencil cup from my boutique! Genius.) This tray would be perfect for either purpose!

{Nicole's Guide To Style}

I love how Nicole uses her Tilly Maison tray! It makes me want to stock up on Chanel nail polish and Tom Ford lipstick ;)

{Kate Young on Into The Gloss}

I love these silver pieces! You could find similar vintage items on Etsy or go for a modern take with the silver lacquer tray in my boutique. Why didn't I learn the tray trick before I graduated from college? ;)

- - - 

Shop all the trays available at Design Darling here and tell me — what are your tips and tricks for feeling better organized?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

NEW ARRIVALS!

It's always a happy day when I get to roll out a few new arrivals in the boutique! This week we've expanded our monogrammed offerings and introduced mini vases that make Mother's Day gifting a walk in the park:

Check out all the new arrivals HERE and let me know what you love most!

P.S. Do pardon the tardy post this afternoon... We have an adorable brand new puppy who is making it very difficult to get anything done around here! Instagram pictures to follow ;)

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

It's always a happy day when I get to roll out a few new arrivals in the boutique! This week we've expanded our monogrammed offerings and introduced mini vases that make Mother's Day gifting a walk in the park:

Check out all the new arrivals HERE and let me know what you love most!

P.S. Do pardon the tardy post this afternoon... We have an adorable brand new puppy who is making it very difficult to get anything done around here! Instagram pictures to follow ;)

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

EASY LIKE SUNDAY MORNING

Part of Pinterest's genius is the format, the way it fits so many inspiring images into one frame. After pinning these three beauties I noticed that they really are prettier together, don't you think?

The perfect ponytail, gorgeous long stem peonies, and casual cuffed denim with leopard heels... Find out what else I'm loving on Pinterest here!

*Images one / two / three

Part of Pinterest's genius is the format, the way it fits so many inspiring images into one frame. After pinning these three beauties I noticed that they really are prettier together, don't you think?

The perfect ponytail, gorgeous long stem peonies, and casual cuffed denim with leopard heels... Find out what else I'm loving on Pinterest here!

*Images one / two / three

SPONSOR LOVE

I have some truly amazing sponsors here on Design Darling and I've decided to showcase them today by sharing one of my favorite items from each! I hope you'll fall in love with a few things and go check out what else they have to offer. Huge thanks to all of them for their support!

Tortoiseshell bracelet from Loren Hope Designs / Pearl button skirt from Emma Graham Designs
Piper chair from Society Social / Original watercolor by Sarah Swanson Design
Polka dot cross-body bag from K. Slademade / Paige necklace from Spike The Punch
Striped tote from See Design / Gem earrings from Devon Baer Designs
Striped iPhone case from Dani Notes / Beaded bracelet from Zolie Designs
Party invitations from Tiny Prints / Cocktail skirt from Castaway Clothing
Moroccan Oil gift set from Misikko / Antique chair from Ruby Lane 


Interested in joining these businesses and sponsoring Design Darling? Email me to receive an ad kit today!

I have some truly amazing sponsors here on Design Darling and I've decided to showcase them today by sharing one of my favorite items from each! I hope you'll fall in love with a few things and go check out what else they have to offer. Huge thanks to all of them for their support!

Tortoiseshell bracelet from Loren Hope Designs / Pearl button skirt from Emma Graham Designs
Piper chair from Society Social / Original watercolor by Sarah Swanson Design
Polka dot cross-body bag from K. Slademade / Paige necklace from Spike The Punch
Striped tote from See Design / Gem earrings from Devon Baer Designs
Striped iPhone case from Dani Notes / Beaded bracelet from Zolie Designs
Party invitations from Tiny Prints / Cocktail skirt from Castaway Clothing
Moroccan Oil gift set from Misikko / Antique chair from Ruby Lane 


Interested in joining these businesses and sponsoring Design Darling? Email me to receive an ad kit today!

PACK ME IN YOUR SUITCASE

We had a two week teaser of warm weather in Connecticut before we reverted to spring showers and I dare say I've never been more in the mood for a vacation. If any of you have a trip planned, would you mind stowing me in your luggage pretty please?

Marc by Marc Jacobs reversible bikini top / Loren Hope Maui color block necklace
Loren Hope Sophia studs / Target striped bandeau top / Neutrogena sunscreen (I swear by this stuff!)
Topshop cover-up / Tory Burch straw tote / Splendid flip flops

See, my bags are all packed and ready to go ;) 

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

We had a two week teaser of warm weather in Connecticut before we reverted to spring showers and I dare say I've never been more in the mood for a vacation. If any of you have a trip planned, would you mind stowing me in your luggage pretty please?

Marc by Marc Jacobs reversible bikini top / Loren Hope Maui color block necklace
Loren Hope Sophia studs / Target striped bandeau top / Neutrogena sunscreen (I swear by this stuff!)
Topshop cover-up / Tory Burch straw tote / Splendid flip flops

See, my bags are all packed and ready to go ;) 

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

101 IN 1001 {EXPERIENCES}

When I wrote out my 101 in 1001 list back in January 2011, I tried to place emphasis on having various experiences as opposed to indulging in various purchases. It sounds good but in reality those are the items I have the most trouble crossing off. Why? Because, truthfully, it's hard to resist the allure of a new dress to save up for something more meaningful. I hope by writing out a few such experiences I'll be more inclined to follow through and start checking these experiences off my list...

16. Take a ballroom dance class.

I'm embarrassed to admit that I've never properly learned and I think it's high time I master it, don't you? You know, before I start embarrassing my friends at their weddings ;)

37. See a new Cirque du Soleil performance.

My family has been three or four times and every single show has taken my breath away! This is a serious must for any of you who haven't yet been. 

39. Ride on a sailboat.

This should be easy enough to cross off on Nantucket this summer, don't you think?

41. Try acupuncture.

I'm curious! How many of you have given it a go?

46. Spend a day with each of my siblings doing what they want, paid for by me.

Since there are four of us it's rare that we spend any one-on-one time together. (Does that sound like it's from an episode of The Bachelor? Oops.)

48. Take a cooking class.

Another skill I've failed to pick up. My sister Reilly kindly treated Michael and I to a vegetarian cooking lesson for Christmas — I just need to follow through and book the class!

61. Learn calligraphy.

Remember my faux calligraphy here? 

71. Go camping.

I'm sure it will come as no surprise that I'm not exactly the outdoorsy type but I do think it's something I should experience at least once!

98. Go skydiving.

Outdoorsy stuff aside, I do love adventure. I've been bungee jumping and hang gliding so this just feels like the next step!  

- - -

What experiences are you saving up for? Do any of you have a 101 in 1001 list or something similar? Leave a link in the comments so I can check it out!

Images one / two / three

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

When I wrote out my 101 in 1001 list back in January 2011, I tried to place emphasis on having various experiences as opposed to indulging in various purchases. It sounds good but in reality those are the items I have the most trouble crossing off. Why? Because, truthfully, it's hard to resist the allure of a new dress to save up for something more meaningful. I hope by writing out a few such experiences I'll be more inclined to follow through and start checking these experiences off my list...

16. Take a ballroom dance class.

I'm embarrassed to admit that I've never properly learned and I think it's high time I master it, don't you? You know, before I start embarrassing my friends at their weddings ;)

37. See a new Cirque du Soleil performance.

My family has been three or four times and every single show has taken my breath away! This is a serious must for any of you who haven't yet been. 

39. Ride on a sailboat.

This should be easy enough to cross off on Nantucket this summer, don't you think?

41. Try acupuncture.

I'm curious! How many of you have given it a go?

46. Spend a day with each of my siblings doing what they want, paid for by me.

Since there are four of us it's rare that we spend any one-on-one time together. (Does that sound like it's from an episode of The Bachelor? Oops.)

48. Take a cooking class.

Another skill I've failed to pick up. My sister Reilly kindly treated Michael and I to a vegetarian cooking lesson for Christmas — I just need to follow through and book the class!

61. Learn calligraphy.

Remember my faux calligraphy here? 

71. Go camping.

I'm sure it will come as no surprise that I'm not exactly the outdoorsy type but I do think it's something I should experience at least once!

98. Go skydiving.

Outdoorsy stuff aside, I do love adventure. I've been bungee jumping and hang gliding so this just feels like the next step!  

- - -

What experiences are you saving up for? Do any of you have a 101 in 1001 list or something similar? Leave a link in the comments so I can check it out!

Images one / two / three

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

SPRING IN YOUR STEP

I love the feeling of looking down and catching a glimpse of cute shoes on my feet. Now that we can all tuck our riding boots back in our closets until the fall, it's time to put some spring in your step with a bevy of beautiful ballet flats!

(1) J.Crew Cece colorblock flats (2) Marc by Marc Jacobs slingback glitter flats (3) J.Crew Jayne t-strap ballet flats (4) Bloch Megan snake effect leather ballet flats (5) Carven flat suede slingbacks (6) J.Crew Mila ballet flats (7) Madewell leopard print sidewalk skimmer (8) J.Crew classic leather ballet flats (9) Madewell leather sidewalk skimmer (10) J.Crew Lula glitter ballet flats

I have to say, I had quite a bit of fun "shopping" for ten pretty pairs to include in this post! Which shoe finds are on your must-have list for spring?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

I love the feeling of looking down and catching a glimpse of cute shoes on my feet. Now that we can all tuck our riding boots back in our closets until the fall, it's time to put some spring in your step with a bevy of beautiful ballet flats!

(1) J.Crew Cece colorblock flats (2) Marc by Marc Jacobs slingback glitter flats (3) J.Crew Jayne t-strap ballet flats (4) Bloch Megan snake effect leather ballet flats (5) Carven flat suede slingbacks (6) J.Crew Mila ballet flats (7) Madewell leopard print sidewalk skimmer (8) J.Crew classic leather ballet flats (9) Madewell leather sidewalk skimmer (10) J.Crew Lula glitter ballet flats

I have to say, I had quite a bit of fun "shopping" for ten pretty pairs to include in this post! Which shoe finds are on your must-have list for spring?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter