PAJAMA PARTY

Aren't Sundays the best? At least when they're followed by a Monday off ;) I'd like to be lounging around in this...

Super cute and totally comfy. And am I crazy to say that I'd roll up the sleeves and wear this as a beach cover-up as well? Get yours here and have a wonderful Sunday!

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Aren't Sundays the best? At least when they're followed by a Monday off ;) I'd like to be lounging around in this...

Super cute and totally comfy. And am I crazy to say that I'd roll up the sleeves and wear this as a beach cover-up as well? Get yours here and have a wonderful Sunday!

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HOW TO DECORATE A SMALL SPACE

...I'd say that's a pretty fair assessment of this apartment tour published a couple years ago in Traditional Home. The decorating process was a collaboration between mother-and-daughter team Suzanne and Lauren McGrath. Lauren's first apartment called for decorating on a budget in a small space, a reality to which most of us can relate! I love the seamless mix of inexpensive Ikea finds and storied family heirlooms.

I also love that Lauren's nightstand doubles as a vanity! Such a smart use of space. And lucky for all of us the McGrath ladies have a fabulous blog and a brand new book so we can learn their style secrets. What are your favorite tips and tricks for small space living?

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...I'd say that's a pretty fair assessment of this apartment tour published a couple years ago in Traditional Home. The decorating process was a collaboration between mother-and-daughter team Suzanne and Lauren McGrath. Lauren's first apartment called for decorating on a budget in a small space, a reality to which most of us can relate! I love the seamless mix of inexpensive Ikea finds and storied family heirlooms.

I also love that Lauren's nightstand doubles as a vanity! Such a smart use of space. And lucky for all of us the McGrath ladies have a fabulous blog and a brand new book so we can learn their style secrets. What are your favorite tips and tricks for small space living?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

WEEK IN REVIEW

Thank God it's Friday! And for most of you the start of a long weekend. Cheers to that! Here are a few snapshots from the past week...

Spent an afternoon in Rowayton complete with ice cream cones and puppies. Oh, summer, I love thee.

Proved that Rory fits inside my K. Slademade clutch. I mean... I will be carrying both with me everywhere this summer.

Reading material for the train? I prefer the newest J.Crew catalog. I'm particularly coveting these! 

Chassity was kind enough to book Drybar appointments before the start of Blogfest! Seriously this place is my current obsession. You choose your desired look off of a menu (I went with the Mai Tai!) and pay just $40 to walk out the door feeling like a rockstar. And Drybar founder Alli Webb happened to be in New York that day! Meg, Erika, and I even got to pose for a picture. Hello, starstruck!

Insanely gorgeous peonies at a Blogfest event at Hearst Tower. So inspiring to listen to panels hosted by the editors-in-chief of House Beautiful and Veranda!

The Elle Decor show house was nothing short of amazing. And I got to chat with Lee Kleinhelter, owner of Atlanta boutique Pieces and designer of this fabulous space just off the foyer. She even remembered me from our occasional chats on Twitter! Maybe it's because I was wearing the same top as in my profile picture ;)

Meandered through the National Stationery Show with the darling Sarah and stopped at her friend Catherine's booth. Her shop Printerette is just as charming as she is!

Since then I've been catching up on sleep, orders, and emails, in that order. My sweet dad picked these peonies from our garden and put them on my desk in a Design Darling vase! It's the little things :)

What have you been up to this week and what are your plans for Memorial Day weekend? Have a good one!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

Thank God it's Friday! And for most of you the start of a long weekend. Cheers to that! Here are a few snapshots from the past week...

Spent an afternoon in Rowayton complete with ice cream cones and puppies. Oh, summer, I love thee.

Proved that Rory fits inside my K. Slademade clutch. I mean... I will be carrying both with me everywhere this summer.

Reading material for the train? I prefer the newest J.Crew catalog. I'm particularly coveting these! 

Chassity was kind enough to book Drybar appointments before the start of Blogfest! Seriously this place is my current obsession. You choose your desired look off of a menu (I went with the Mai Tai!) and pay just $40 to walk out the door feeling like a rockstar. And Drybar founder Alli Webb happened to be in New York that day! Meg, Erika, and I even got to pose for a picture. Hello, starstruck!

Insanely gorgeous peonies at a Blogfest event at Hearst Tower. So inspiring to listen to panels hosted by the editors-in-chief of House Beautiful and Veranda!

The Elle Decor show house was nothing short of amazing. And I got to chat with Lee Kleinhelter, owner of Atlanta boutique Pieces and designer of this fabulous space just off the foyer. She even remembered me from our occasional chats on Twitter! Maybe it's because I was wearing the same top as in my profile picture ;)

Meandered through the National Stationery Show with the darling Sarah and stopped at her friend Catherine's booth. Her shop Printerette is just as charming as she is!

Since then I've been catching up on sleep, orders, and emails, in that order. My sweet dad picked these peonies from our garden and put them on my desk in a Design Darling vase! It's the little things :)

What have you been up to this week and what are your plans for Memorial Day weekend? Have a good one!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

HOW MUCH MAKEUP DO YOU WEAR?

I don't know about you but cosmetics and skincare are just not my specialty. Ask me what dress to wear to dinner or which pillow looks best on your sofa and I can come to a decisive conclusion in seconds. But reading beauty recommendations in a magazine makes me completely overwhelmed. There's blush, bronzer, eyeliner, eyeshadow, foundation, highlighter, lip gloss, lipstick, mascara, moisturizer, toner... Which brings me to the question: how much makeup do you wear?

I'm usually a blush, chapstick, and mascara kind of girl... on a good day. But I received a sample of NARS tinted moisturizer when I bought my Clarisonic Mia (which I highly recommend) and I loved the way it made my skin look and feel — less pale, more smooth, and not too heavy. Added bonus: I was discussing makeup with my friend Sarah and she confessed that she loves NARS for its pretty packaging as much as I do.

Now because I've tried the sample I'm debating ordering the full size but I really have a hard time splurging on beauty products! But then I see makeup tutorials by some of my favorite bloggers and think I must be missing out since everyone has at least a ten-step morning routine and looks way more put together than I ever do. 

So tell me: how many of the blush / bronzer / eyeliner / eyeshadow / foundation / highlighter / lip gloss / lipstick / mascara / moisturizer / toner / whatever else I'm forgetting categories do you touch upon? What's your morning and evening regimen? And how did you go about discovering your can't-live-without products?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

*Images one / two 

I don't know about you but cosmetics and skincare are just not my specialty. Ask me what dress to wear to dinner or which pillow looks best on your sofa and I can come to a decisive conclusion in seconds. But reading beauty recommendations in a magazine makes me completely overwhelmed. There's blush, bronzer, eyeliner, eyeshadow, foundation, highlighter, lip gloss, lipstick, mascara, moisturizer, toner... Which brings me to the question: how much makeup do you wear?

I'm usually a blush, chapstick, and mascara kind of girl... on a good day. But I received a sample of NARS tinted moisturizer when I bought my Clarisonic Mia (which I highly recommend) and I loved the way it made my skin look and feel — less pale, more smooth, and not too heavy. Added bonus: I was discussing makeup with my friend Sarah and she confessed that she loves NARS for its pretty packaging as much as I do.

Now because I've tried the sample I'm debating ordering the full size but I really have a hard time splurging on beauty products! But then I see makeup tutorials by some of my favorite bloggers and think I must be missing out since everyone has at least a ten-step morning routine and looks way more put together than I ever do. 

So tell me: how many of the blush / bronzer / eyeliner / eyeshadow / foundation / highlighter / lip gloss / lipstick / mascara / moisturizer / toner / whatever else I'm forgetting categories do you touch upon? What's your morning and evening regimen? And how did you go about discovering your can't-live-without products?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

*Images one / two 

SUMMER SHOPPING LIST

A pretty sundress, the perfect wedges, and stripes galore... That about sums it up:

(1) Topshop pink dress (2) Lilly Pulitzer gold wedges (3) Loren Hope studs

(4) Kate Spade wicker basket (now on sale!) (5) Tibi striped tank

(6) J.Crew striped top (7) J.Crew striped shorts (8) Madewell pencil case

(9) Paloma Barceló espadrilles (10) Milly bow dress

What's one item you're itching to add to your summer wardrobe?

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A pretty sundress, the perfect wedges, and stripes galore... That about sums it up:

(1) Topshop pink dress (2) Lilly Pulitzer gold wedges (3) Loren Hope studs

(4) Kate Spade wicker basket (now on sale!) (5) Tibi striped tank

(6) J.Crew striped top (7) J.Crew striped shorts (8) Madewell pencil case

(9) Paloma Barceló espadrilles (10) Milly bow dress

What's one item you're itching to add to your summer wardrobe?

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SHOPBOP PROMOTION

You already know about my obsession with Shopbop so I'll spare you the lovey dove and cut to the chase:

That's some serious saving! Personally I'm contemplating this maxi dress, this peplum top and this pretty green number. Shop to your heart's content here with code BIGEVENT at checkout and be sure to let me know what you get!

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You already know about my obsession with Shopbop so I'll spare you the lovey dove and cut to the chase:

That's some serious saving! Personally I'm contemplating this maxi dress, this peplum top and this pretty green number. Shop to your heart's content here with code BIGEVENT at checkout and be sure to let me know what you get!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

#BLOGFEST2012

This week I'm excited to spend three days in New York meeting some of my very favorite bloggers who have flown in from all over the country for Blogfest. We kicked off with cocktails last night and let's just say I have a feeling it's going to be a very fun three days!

{Clémence Poésy in darling Miu Miu pumps for British Glamour}

What's one thing you're looking forward to this week?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

This week I'm excited to spend three days in New York meeting some of my very favorite bloggers who have flown in from all over the country for Blogfest. We kicked off with cocktails last night and let's just say I have a feeling it's going to be a very fun three days!

{Clémence Poésy in darling Miu Miu pumps for British Glamour}

What's one thing you're looking forward to this week?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

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!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

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!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

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! 

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

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! 

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

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 

(4) Kenneth Jay Lane pearls, aqua stripe bangle, Kenneth Jay Lane earrings (purchased on Gilt), and Loren Hope necklace on white lacquer tray

(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? 

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

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 

(4) Kenneth Jay Lane pearls, aqua stripe bangle, Kenneth Jay Lane earrings (purchased on Gilt), and Loren Hope necklace on white lacquer tray

(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? 

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter