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I BOUGHT A BAG...


You may recall that one of the tasks on my 101 in 1001 list was to invest in a "grown-up" handbag and if you follow me on Twitter you know that I think I've found the one! I bought this bag during Tory Burch's friends and family sale over the weekend and I can hardly wait for it to show up on my doorstep. Hopefully it's absolutely perfect and you'll be seeing it in many outfit posts to come ;) What's your everyday bag? Is it a purchase you saved up for? Do any of you carry the bag I just ordered? Fill me in!

BLANK CANVAS

I'm dying to know: if you could completely start over in your home (budget be damned) how would you decorate? A painted ceiling? A pink sofa? A striped powder room? Let's hear it!

OUTFIT {OFF TO THE MOVIES}


This weekend was too cold for sandals and just a little too warm for boots, which means my obsession with ballet flats was in full swing. I wore this outfit to see Butter with my mom and sister (loved the company, didn't love the movie). Sole Society sent me these adorable glittery flats and they're great quality for what they cost — just $49.95! They release a new pair of shoes every day and right now they're offering all Design Darling readers in the U.S. $20 off your first purchase with code DARLING20 through October 31. Check it out and let me know what you find!

I'D LIKE TO SPEND MY SUNDAY HERE...

Have you ever seen a prettier home/pool/yard/anything? Way to go, Ali Schwarz.

P.S. As always, lots more exterior inspiration here!

QUOTE DU JOUR

Wishing you a weekend that's brimming with adventure! A few noteworthy links:

- Absolutely drooling over the contrast trim on this skirt.
- Loved every page of Matchbook's October issue, but especially the new checklists.
- Making my way through this list of 12 TED talks every entrepreneur should watch. 
- Finally remembering to bring my business cards thanks to this pretty new case!
- Totally hooked on this blog full of inspiration for tiny apartments.

Have a fun link you think Design Darling readers would love? Leave it in a comment below!


WHY DON'T YOU...?

...paint your nails navy blue? Joanna recommends Essie's "Midnight Cami."
...monogram a sweater? This one will cost you a pretty penny but you can get the same look by adding a $10 monogram to this sweater.
...pair classic navy stripes with playful gold baubles? (And check out my list of must-have jewelry here!)
...class up your morning coffee run? I'm eyeing this J.Crew jacket to recreate Olivia Palermo's effortless look.
...tie a bow in your hair? The weekend is the perfect time to go all-out girly. 

My brother and sister are coming home from college this weekend and I couldn't be more excited to catch up and spend some quality time together! What are your plans? Have a good one!


10 CLASSIC PIECES OF JEWELRY EVERY GIRL SHOULD OWN

I'm so excited to be featured on Charm & Chain's website this week sharing ten favorite pieces of jewelry. I adore the Bounkit lapis earrings and the Lulu Frost code ring and encourage you to check out the full post here! What's one piece of jewelry you think every girl should own?!

P.S. They're offering 25% off site-wide with code FRIENDS12 this week!


AROUND THE HOUSE

Pairing colors for a new product I'm working on // My new favorite planner and pen
Coach and Rory's usual perch // New turquoise tray on my bedside table
Pillows galore // Tidying my closet and realizing just how much blue I really own

I think most people who read my blog would be surprised at how messy I am in real life. While I'm drawn to organized office spaces, my own is absolutely out of control, especially with new inventory for the holidays arriving each day. Maybe I'll start a new organizing feature here on the blog? In the mean time, do tell me: Are you messy or tidy? What are the most and least organized spaces in your home? Where could you use the most help?


HAPPY BIRTHDAY REILLY!

Happy birthday to my sister Reilly! Thank you for being your funny, quirky, and wonderful self. You are wise beyond your years and I can't wait to watch you change the world after graduation this spring. I am so grateful for your can-do attitude, your above-and-beyond thoughtfulness, and this dazzling array of childhood photos too good not to share. Happy happy birthday, I love you!


NEW ARRIVALS!

There's no better way to kick off a new month than with a fresh batch of new arrivals in the boutique, don't you think? Business card cases, office supplies, a couple cute pillows... Go take a look and let me know what you think! Be sure to swing by the sale section too as we make way for lots more goodies in the weeks to come!

P.S. With the holidays approaching, I want to be sure the boutique is looking its best! If you wouldn't mind answering five quick questions, I would really appreciate it. Thank you! :)