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{OUTFIT} LOREN HOPE LOOKBOOK


A few outtakes from the Loren Hope lookbook. Stripes, skirt, and statement baubles... I have a feeling I'll be wearing this look well into fall! 

In other news, I'm in New York today for the Independent Fashion Bloggers conference and can't wait to report back. If you're here, please say hello — and if not, be sure to follow along on Twitter

{INTERVIEW} BRADLEY AGATHER

I'm revamping my interview series in order to invite more of my favorite people to tell you a little about themselves. Today I'm delighted to be hosting Bradley Agather, a 25-year-old Dallas fashion maven whose blog Luella & June is one of the first I check in my Google Reader each morning. Bradley is a fashion editor for the Dallas Morning News and has killer personal style (hello, have you seen her What I Love Right Now feature?). Most importantly she's one of the sweetest people I've gotten to know through blogging and I'm thrilled to have her kick off this next wave of interviews on Design Darling! 


bradley agather interview

bradley agather interview
It's a mix. I’m definitely drawn to classic pieces (a tailored blazer in my closet or D. Porthault linens in my home) but I always mix it up. I’ll add a touch of femininity along with some edge too. And of course I love to incorporate color whenever I can. 

bradley agather interview
It's home. I was born and raised in Dallas. Even when I wasn’t living here, Dallas always felt like home. I love all of the fun stuff that Dallas has to offer (and there's plenty of that!) but, at the end of the day, what I love most is the feeling of home. It's where my roots are. 



bradley agather interview
{Design Darling vases in Bradley's home office!}

bradley agather interview
I'm so blessed to get to do what I do. Between the blog and my job at Dallas Morning News, I'm constantly in this creative environment. I get to work with some of the most talented people. I'm always learning new things from them.

bradley agather interview
To stay organized, I use all sorts of tools. iCal is my best friend, and I'm never without my notebook that keeps my to-do list. I also really try to set aside time (usually Sunday afternoons) every week simply for organizing. The inspiration part comes easily. Pinterest, blogs, magazines, just taking a walk around Dallas — there's no shortage of inspiration! 


bradley agather interview
{Bradley's coffee table. Quite the collection!}

bradley agather interview
Coffee table books. 

bradley agather interview
An iced coffee and a crossword. 

bradley agather interview
I wish I had a three year plan! I know I should but right now I'm just focusing on this year. And my goal for 2012 is balance. I want to figure out just the right recipe for my work/life balance. I'm just starting my new job at the Dallas Morning News and it's one that allows more time to focus on Luella & June projects. So I guess that's a good start!

Keep up with Bradley on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

QUOTE DU JOUR


Should you find yourself particularly curious this long weekend, here are a few favorite links for your perusal:

- Cara of A Fashion Love Affair has great personal style and seriously covetable waves
- These boots from Tuckernuck are a fall must-have
- I want to attempt this DIY monogram project on a pair of vintage chairs I'm reupholstering
- It will come as no surprise that I can't stop clicking through this Tumblr
- I bought these shoes because they remind me of the ones in my blog header

Any links you're loving? Share them in the comments!

WEEKEND WARDROBE



Michael and I are off to Nantucket for the holiday weekend with a few friends and I couldn't be more excited for the break. The forecast is definitely more fall-like and I for one will be embracing the chance to wear long sleeves and cute flats! How are you all spending the long weekend? Have a good one!

OUTFIT {PRETTY IN PINK}

Ellie Kai top // J.Crew pearls (similar) // Zara skirt (similar)
Julie Collection ring // Design Darling bangles in navy and pink

Can I just say I'm so happy that pointed toe shoes are having a moment? They're so flattering and ladylike. I was so excited when ShoeMint sent me this bright pink pair — totally girly with pearls and a skirt but versatile enough to pair with pants. I'm picturing them with a camel sweater and skinny jeans for fall. Definitely check out the rest of ShoeMint's collection here (bonus: everything is super affordable!). What trends are you sporting lately?

P.S. I shared my essentials on Camille Styles this week and would love for you to drop in!

FASHION'S NIGHT OUT WITH ALICE & TRIXIE

I'm hoping some of you will be in town for New York Fashion Week because I would love to see you at Alice & Trixie's Fashion's Night Out event next Thursday, September 6. Join us for complimentary beverages, blowouts, manicures, and more! I'll be the one wearing this pretty pink and navy top ;) See you there!

THREE FAVORITE LOOKS FOR FALL

I've been pinning up a storm lately on my fashion board in anticipation of September weather. (By the way, if it could stay September year-round I'd be totally on board.) Whether you're headed back to class or off to fashion week, here are three of my current favorite looks and pieces to help you recreate them!
Aviators // Navy blazer // Leather heels (now on sale!)

Who else is excited for fall layers?!

*Photos one, two, three

INTRODUCING THOMAS KELLY

This new sponsor is one you're going to love. Thomas Kelly was founded by a husband-and-wife team who saw a need for preppy activewear and sought out to design versatile pieces that can be worn for exercise, errands, and beyond. The duo sent me a few pieces to try out and suffice it to say I am smitten...
{The Malaga Mix top... Who could say no to gingham and ruffles?}
{How cute is the back?!}
{The gingham detail carries onto the Ladera leggings.}
{Trampoline approved.}
{Now go show Thomas Kelly some love!}

LOREN HOPE LOOKBOOK

Loren Hope's fall/winter lookbook went live yesterday and it is brimming with beautiful brand new baubles and styling inspiration. I was delighted to make a cameo styling some of my favorite pieces alongside several talented bloggers and highly recommend checking out all of Loren Hope's new arrivals. She's outdone herself this time!

SHOPBOP SUMMER SALE PICKS


You can't beat this time of year for scooping up summer sale pieces while it's still warm enough to wear them! What sale successes have you had lately?

P.S. Hanna from Gadabout (who designed the Design Darling header!) asked me what I've been up to and I was all too happy to share. If you're not reading her blog yet, you must