DEVON BAER SUMMER 2012

Just when I thought her collection couldn't get any better, the darling Devon outdoes herself with stunning new arrivals for summer. Let's just say my credit card won't be safe for long...

The St. Barts tunic is as chic as can be in hot pink and navy silk with contrast gold piping. 

The color block ruffle dress features an unexpected navy blue collar. Two pieces in my all-time favorite color combo? I think I've died and gone to heaven.

And then there's the tulip skirt (also available in aqua!). I don't think I would ever take it off! P.S. These and these just came to live with me and they are even more fabulous in person! Check out Devon's full collection here and let me know which pieces you're most anxious to add to your wardrobe!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

Just when I thought her collection couldn't get any better, the darling Devon outdoes herself with stunning new arrivals for summer. Let's just say my credit card won't be safe for long...

The St. Barts tunic is as chic as can be in hot pink and navy silk with contrast gold piping. 

The color block ruffle dress features an unexpected navy blue collar. Two pieces in my all-time favorite color combo? I think I've died and gone to heaven.

And then there's the tulip skirt (also available in aqua!). I don't think I would ever take it off! P.S. These and these just came to live with me and they are even more fabulous in person! Check out Devon's full collection here and let me know which pieces you're most anxious to add to your wardrobe!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

DARLING DETAIL

The little white dress is a summer essential as far as I'm concerned which is what drew me to this one-shouldered Shoshanna dress in the first place. But upon closer inspection it was the gorgeous bead detail that had me hooked...

Isn't this a stunning palette? Bubblegum pink, canary yellow, summery coral... They're not the colors I typically gravitate toward but there's something about this design that has me wanting this dress to come live with me. It might break your budget but I'm certain it would make me happen every time I opened my closet! Style it with this ring and these shoes and you're ready for cocktail parties, graduation ceremonies, and more. Check it out here and tell me you're as smitten as I am!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

The little white dress is a summer essential as far as I'm concerned which is what drew me to this one-shouldered Shoshanna dress in the first place. But upon closer inspection it was the gorgeous bead detail that had me hooked...

Isn't this a stunning palette? Bubblegum pink, canary yellow, summery coral... They're not the colors I typically gravitate toward but there's something about this design that has me wanting this dress to come live with me. It might break your budget but I'm certain it would make me happen every time I opened my closet! Style it with this ring and these shoes and you're ready for cocktail parties, graduation ceremonies, and more. Check it out here and tell me you're as smitten as I am!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

60s STYLING

I've shared the work of Australian photographer Corrie Bond before but I like to check in on her portfolio every now and then to check out what's new. This editorial shot for Sydney Magazine certainly provided some eye candy...

Major bling and winged liner... Inspiration for your next evening out! And I'm smitten with the Swiss dot detail. Get the look with this blouse or this dress.

How about a dramatic side part and a killer statement necklace? This one reminds me of something Elva Fields might make. 

I adore this cutout lace top. It reminds me of this eyelet peplum top I currently have my eye on!

Don't these printed pants belong in Jules Reid's collection? Palm Beach chic at its finest. 

The pièce de résistance and a must-have in your wardrobe for summer? The maxi dress. This one is perfect for an event and I love this one in aqua or pink for everyday wear. (P.S. This shot reminds me of the topiaries in my boutique!) Where are you finding style inspiration these days?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

I've shared the work of Australian photographer Corrie Bond before but I like to check in on her portfolio every now and then to check out what's new. This editorial shot for Sydney Magazine certainly provided some eye candy...

Major bling and winged liner... Inspiration for your next evening out! And I'm smitten with the Swiss dot detail. Get the look with this blouse or this dress.

How about a dramatic side part and a killer statement necklace? This one reminds me of something Elva Fields might make. 

I adore this cutout lace top. It reminds me of this eyelet peplum top I currently have my eye on!

Don't these printed pants belong in Jules Reid's collection? Palm Beach chic at its finest. 

The pièce de résistance and a must-have in your wardrobe for summer? The maxi dress. This one is perfect for an event and I love this one in aqua or pink for everyday wear. (P.S. This shot reminds me of the topiaries in my boutique!) Where are you finding style inspiration these days?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

#LOVEMYJACKS

Last Thursday I had the pleasure of co-hosting a party at the Jack Rogers store in New York with Carly and Fred. It was so much fun to meet several Design Darling readers (and customers!) as well as a couple blogger friends I'd been dying to meet forever!

Michael and I met up with Hannah, Stephanie, and Carly before the event to catch up and grab a drink before heading to the party. I hadn't met Hannah and Stephanie before and was so impressed they made the trip from D.C. and back for the party! How fun are everyone's dresses?

I gave the girls these bangles from the boutique and somehow everyone found one or two that worked with their outfit!

I wore this Emma Graham dress and a J.Crew pearl necklace that my mom gave me for graduation last year (similar here). And you can bet I was wearing my favorite pair of Jacks!

There was lots of shopping going on during the event and my biggest temptation (which I successfully resisted — for now!) was this pair from their collaboration with fabric house Quadrille. (They'll be available on the website in early June!)

Shoe shot! My monogrammed Jacks and Carly's platinum wedges.

I always have so much fun with this girl! Here's hoping we'll be invited back next year ;)

*all photos by Carly Heitlinger

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

Last Thursday I had the pleasure of co-hosting a party at the Jack Rogers store in New York with Carly and Fred. It was so much fun to meet several Design Darling readers (and customers!) as well as a couple blogger friends I'd been dying to meet forever!

Michael and I met up with Hannah, Stephanie, and Carly before the event to catch up and grab a drink before heading to the party. I hadn't met Hannah and Stephanie before and was so impressed they made the trip from D.C. and back for the party! How fun are everyone's dresses?

I gave the girls these bangles from the boutique and somehow everyone found one or two that worked with their outfit!

I wore this Emma Graham dress and a J.Crew pearl necklace that my mom gave me for graduation last year (similar here). And you can bet I was wearing my favorite pair of Jacks!

There was lots of shopping going on during the event and my biggest temptation (which I successfully resisted — for now!) was this pair from their collaboration with fabric house Quadrille. (They'll be available on the website in early June!)

Shoe shot! My monogrammed Jacks and Carly's platinum wedges.

I always have so much fun with this girl! Here's hoping we'll be invited back next year ;)

*all photos by Carly Heitlinger

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

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