THINGS I'M AFRAID TO TELL YOU

You may have noticed a number of bloggers participating in a little movement called "Things I'm Afraid To Tell You." It started with this post on Makeunder My Life and expanded with this post on Creature Comforts. I sort of did a version of this here but when Meg emailed me about participating in a second wave of posts, you can bet I hopped on that bandwagon! So without further ado, some things I'm afraid to tell you...

I have no idea when I'll be moving out. I'm lucky to live within an hour of New York and even luckier to have parents who put up with having me at home. Inventory for the boutique used to be stored in the closet off my bedroom but as I've added new arrivals has taken over the dining room... which means wherever I move will likely have to have an extra room to house it all... which is totally unrealistic. Unless...

My dream for the next few years is to organize an office space for fellow creatives who run their own businesses. Bri does this in Los Angeles and Erin has a similar set-up in Boston. To be able to store my inventory outside my home and to stop working when I leave the office sound pretty great right now!

Running a small business is stressful. Behind the new arrivals and pretty Instagrams, there's a 22-year-old girl who's trying to figure it all out as she goes. I still feel a little surge of joy every time a new sale comes in... but also a little surge of anxiety every time I have a slow sales day. But compared to what I was doing eight or ten months ago? I wouldn't trade it for the world.

I take things personally. An anonymous comment, an upset email, or a tersely worded text message have all made me cry at some point or another. I wish I weren't so sensitive but I also like to think it makes me more empathetic.

I worry often about not being "enough." I'm not creative enough. My blog isn't big enough. My sales aren't strong enough. I'm constantly having to remind myself that nothing good can come of that train of thought — and this series in particular has helped me see how many of those people I compare myself to are actually feeling the same way.

- - -

Well, there you have it! I hope I haven't scared you off by keeping it real. And if you feel so inclined, leave a comment below sharing one thing you're afraid to tell!

You may have noticed a number of bloggers participating in a little movement called "Things I'm Afraid To Tell You." It started with this post on Makeunder My Life and expanded with this post on Creature Comforts. I sort of did a version of this here but when Meg emailed me about participating in a second wave of posts, you can bet I hopped on that bandwagon! So without further ado, some things I'm afraid to tell you...

I have no idea when I'll be moving out. I'm lucky to live within an hour of New York and even luckier to have parents who put up with having me at home. Inventory for the boutique used to be stored in the closet off my bedroom but as I've added new arrivals has taken over the dining room... which means wherever I move will likely have to have an extra room to house it all... which is totally unrealistic. Unless...

My dream for the next few years is to organize an office space for fellow creatives who run their own businesses. Bri does this in Los Angeles and Erin has a similar set-up in Boston. To be able to store my inventory outside my home and to stop working when I leave the office sound pretty great right now!

Running a small business is stressful. Behind the new arrivals and pretty Instagrams, there's a 22-year-old girl who's trying to figure it all out as she goes. I still feel a little surge of joy every time a new sale comes in... but also a little surge of anxiety every time I have a slow sales day. But compared to what I was doing eight or ten months ago? I wouldn't trade it for the world.

I take things personally. An anonymous comment, an upset email, or a tersely worded text message have all made me cry at some point or another. I wish I weren't so sensitive but I also like to think it makes me more empathetic.

I worry often about not being "enough." I'm not creative enough. My blog isn't big enough. My sales aren't strong enough. I'm constantly having to remind myself that nothing good can come of that train of thought — and this series in particular has helped me see how many of those people I compare myself to are actually feeling the same way.

- - -

Well, there you have it! I hope I haven't scared you off by keeping it real. And if you feel so inclined, leave a comment below sharing one thing you're afraid to tell!

SUMMER STYLE

Happy Monday everyone! This weekend I snuck in a little time under the sun, watching my sister play softball and eating dinner in the backyard for Mother's Day. I can't tell you how happy I am that summer is truly around the corner! Here's a little style inspiration for the coming months...

Loren Hope Sophia studs // Bop Basics clutch // Anthropologie heart ring // Banana Republic cuff 
Rag & Bone t-shirt // Citizens of Humanity jeans // Devon Baer Designs elephant belt // J.Crew sandals

Cool blues in complementary hues! Also let's discuss how this looks like the softest t-shirt ever. Right? Yes please. What are some of your summer staples?

Happy Monday everyone! This weekend I snuck in a little time under the sun, watching my sister play softball and eating dinner in the backyard for Mother's Day. I can't tell you how happy I am that summer is truly around the corner! Here's a little style inspiration for the coming months...

Loren Hope Sophia studs // Bop Basics clutch // Anthropologie heart ring // Banana Republic cuff 
Rag & Bone t-shirt // Citizens of Humanity jeans // Devon Baer Designs elephant belt // J.Crew sandals

Cool blues in complementary hues! Also let's discuss how this looks like the softest t-shirt ever. Right? Yes please. What are some of your summer staples?

INSTAGRAM UPDATES

What I've been up to lately, according to my iPhone.

Relishing in a little outdoor time, complete with fresh flowers and this Jonathan Adler vase.

Trying to work while Coach rests his head on my keyboard... Not easy but very cute.

Wearing every striped shirt in my wardrobe, including this one paired with an old J.Crew rain jacket for my sister Reilly's softball game.

Eating outside and drinking from mason jars... Definitely saving this idea for future parties!

And most of all soaking up every second with our new little puppy, Rory! Yes, he's a boy and yes, that's a bow. Hey, real men wear pink! (P.S. The pillows are coming soon to the boutique—who's excited?!)

Stay tuned for a recap of the Jack Rogers party last night!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

What I've been up to lately, according to my iPhone.

Relishing in a little outdoor time, complete with fresh flowers and this Jonathan Adler vase.

Trying to work while Coach rests his head on my keyboard... Not easy but very cute.

Wearing every striped shirt in my wardrobe, including this one paired with an old J.Crew rain jacket for my sister Reilly's softball game.

Eating outside and drinking from mason jars... Definitely saving this idea for future parties!

And most of all soaking up every second with our new little puppy, Rory! Yes, he's a boy and yes, that's a bow. Hey, real men wear pink! (P.S. The pillows are coming soon to the boutique—who's excited?!)

Stay tuned for a recap of the Jack Rogers party last night!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

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!