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EENY MEENY MINY MOE

You've probably noticed I tend to gravitate toward solid colors and simple patterns like polka dots and stripes. That's probably why — as much as I love the colors and shapes — I own very little Lilly Pulitzer. But when I saw these three skirts in pretty eyelet and classic stripes I had an instant change of heart toward the brand...


ONE // TWO // THREE

They all come in multiple color options and would look effortlessly cute with a plain white tee. Which one do you like best? I'm convinced the striped number belongs in my closet!


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POOL PARTY

This weekend I'm looking forward to a favorable forecast, a Preakness party at my friend Shelly's house (you can bet I'll be wearing my new hat!), and maybe even taking a dip in the pool. Speaking of...
...how gorgeous is this backyard by Amy Howard? Flowers, hedges, and the perfect pool — yes please. Happy weekend to all of you! 



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LITTLE MOMENTS

As part of my efforts to live in the moment, I've been making an effort to capture some of the lovely little moments in my day on Instagram. This week that's meant a favorite nail color, a family dinner, and lots of pretty products from the boutique...
(1) Leopard and zebra matches and the #ThingsWeLove pencil set packed up for a customer
(2) Essie Fiesta, navy link bangle, and sparkly Toms for my sister's softball game
(3) Coral candelabra and ginger jar matches for Mother's Day dinner 

(5) Rory is the cutest distraction, um, ever
(6) New Port Winsor tunic that I seriously cannot wait to wear
(7) Embroidered pillow from the boutique that's pretty perfect for summer
(8) Monogrammed salt and pepper shakers (in my parents' monogram!) that make me smile

Every now and then it's nice to stop what I'm doing and actually appreciate my surroundings. What's one little thing you're loving lately? 

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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!

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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!

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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?

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#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

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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.

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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...
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!

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