CHARM & CHAIN MONOGRAM SHOP

I love costume jewelry as much as the next girl but I think it's important to have a few special pieces, whether gifts from loved ones or presents to yourself to celebrate a certain milestone. Case in point: these personalized pieces from Charm & Chain. The simple gold and subtle personalization mean you can wear them with every outfit or layer them with some of your more colorful pieces. Here are five of my favorites: 

{Sarah Chloe personalized cuff}

{Mannin monogrammed signet ring}

{Sarah Chloe block monogram necklace}

{Mannin monogrammed ID cuff}

{Soixante Neuf monogrammed cuff}

Gorgeous, no? I love the idea of giving one for your birthday, engagement (hello, new monogram!), or graduation. Can you believe the first one is only $119? Too good to resist.

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I love costume jewelry as much as the next girl but I think it's important to have a few special pieces, whether gifts from loved ones or presents to yourself to celebrate a certain milestone. Case in point: these personalized pieces from Charm & Chain. The simple gold and subtle personalization mean you can wear them with every outfit or layer them with some of your more colorful pieces. Here are five of my favorites: 

{Sarah Chloe personalized cuff}

{Mannin monogrammed signet ring}

{Sarah Chloe block monogram necklace}

{Mannin monogrammed ID cuff}

{Soixante Neuf monogrammed cuff}

Gorgeous, no? I love the idea of giving one for your birthday, engagement (hello, new monogram!), or graduation. Can you believe the first one is only $119? Too good to resist.

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WHAT TO WEAR ON A FIRST DATE

Girls are so funny. We get all excited about going on dates, hyping it up with our girlfriends, doing the compulsory Facebook stalking... Only to let panic set in the day of as we stand in front of our closets, agonizing over what to wear. Sound familiar? Here's my go-to look of late: an easy dress, something cute to throw on if it's chilly, a classic accessory, and a pair of killer shoes. 

Joie striped dress  //  Joie chambray blazer  //  Tory Burch cuff  //  DVF sandals

Oh and can you tell I'm loving on Joie lately? I'd like one of everything to appear in my closet. This fuchsia dress has the most darling drop-waist detail, this minty silk number was made for white jeans, and this navy lace top would be perfect for date nights.

What's your go-to look for a first date? What's the best (or worst!) first date you've been on? Do tell! 

Girls are so funny. We get all excited about going on dates, hyping it up with our girlfriends, doing the compulsory Facebook stalking... Only to let panic set in the day of as we stand in front of our closets, agonizing over what to wear. Sound familiar? Here's my go-to look of late: an easy dress, something cute to throw on if it's chilly, a classic accessory, and a pair of killer shoes. 

Joie striped dress  //  Joie chambray blazer  //  Tory Burch cuff  //  DVF sandals

Oh and can you tell I'm loving on Joie lately? I'd like one of everything to appear in my closet. This fuchsia dress has the most darling drop-waist detail, this minty silk number was made for white jeans, and this navy lace top would be perfect for date nights.

What's your go-to look for a first date? What's the best (or worst!) first date you've been on? Do tell! 

OLIVIA POPE'S STYLE

Is anyone else obsessed with the show Scandal? My cousin Emily got me hooked last week and we're already halfway through the second season. (Don't you love when that happens?) Characters and plot aside, I'm absolutely obsessed with Kerry Washington's Olivia Pope's style. Here are a few choice looks from season two:

Have you ever seen a more stylish assortment of outerwear? I've collected a few of my favorite blazers/coats/jackets (okay, and one perfect boucle dress) in the slideshow below so we can all work a little Olivia Pope style into our everyday looks (you'll have to click over to the blog to see it!).

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Is anyone else obsessed with the show Scandal? My cousin Emily got me hooked last week and we're already halfway through the second season. (Don't you love when that happens?) Characters and plot aside, I'm absolutely obsessed with Kerry Washington's Olivia Pope's style. Here are a few choice looks from season two:

Have you ever seen a more stylish assortment of outerwear? I've collected a few of my favorite blazers/coats/jackets (okay, and one perfect boucle dress) in the slideshow below so we can all work a little Olivia Pope style into our everyday looks (you'll have to click over to the blog to see it!).

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QUOTE DU JOUR

Welcome back! I had an incredible weekend at my sister Reilly's graduation (plenty of pictures on Instagram!) and I have a three-day work week thanks to Sarah's wedding this weekend. Here's a clever little quote to ease us back into the swing of things... Cheers to a productive week and one hell of a good time getting through it!

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Welcome back! I had an incredible weekend at my sister Reilly's graduation (plenty of pictures on Instagram!) and I have a three-day work week thanks to Sarah's wedding this weekend. Here's a clever little quote to ease us back into the swing of things... Cheers to a productive week and one hell of a good time getting through it!

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MADEWELL SILK BOW-BACK TANK

My friend Alex is a graphic designer at Madewell and hinted a month or so ago that they'd be coming out with a top I couldn't live without. Lo and behold the silk bow-back tank is here and I'm trying to talk myself out of buying the navy, the hot pink, and the periwinkle. Classic in the front with plenty of personality in the back... I'm in love. Check it out right here and tell me which color I should choose!  

P.S. Speaking of Madewell's new arrivals, I'm smitten with the shape (and the price!) of this mini satchel.

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My friend Alex is a graphic designer at Madewell and hinted a month or so ago that they'd be coming out with a top I couldn't live without. Lo and behold the silk bow-back tank is here and I'm trying to talk myself out of buying the navy, the hot pink, and the periwinkle. Classic in the front with plenty of personality in the back... I'm in love. Check it out right here and tell me which color I should choose!  

P.S. Speaking of Madewell's new arrivals, I'm smitten with the shape (and the price!) of this mini satchel.

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HOT PINK & TURQUOISE

I've probably posted about this color combination more than a dozen times but I can't help it. It's so good! Nothing screams summertime like hot pink and turquoise paired with easy neutrals like the perfect straw clutch or white jeans.

Kenneth Jay Lane spike necklace  //  J.Crew linen sweater  //  Juicy Couture tassel necklace

Kate Spade bow ring holder  //  Design Darling necklace  //  Tory Burch straw clutch

Sole Society weekender (only $70!)  //  Kate Spade watch  //  Club Monaco tassel earrings

P.S. Planning on doing a little Memorial Day sale shopping? I recommend this silk top and this striped dress from J.Crew (use code SHOPNOW), these Ray-Bans and tassel sandals from Nordstrom, and these striped loafers and suede wedges from Shopbop. Let me know if you find anything good! xx

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I've probably posted about this color combination more than a dozen times but I can't help it. It's so good! Nothing screams summertime like hot pink and turquoise paired with easy neutrals like the perfect straw clutch or white jeans.

Kenneth Jay Lane spike necklace  //  J.Crew linen sweater  //  Juicy Couture tassel necklace

Kate Spade bow ring holder  //  Design Darling necklace  //  Tory Burch straw clutch

Sole Society weekender (only $70!)  //  Kate Spade watch  //  Club Monaco tassel earrings

P.S. Planning on doing a little Memorial Day sale shopping? I recommend this silk top and this striped dress from J.Crew (use code SHOPNOW), these Ray-Bans and tassel sandals from Nordstrom, and these striped loafers and suede wedges from Shopbop. Let me know if you find anything good! xx

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(LONG) WEEKEND WARDROBE

J.Crew floppy hat  //  Ray-Ban sunglasses (now on sale!)  //  Joie dress

Design Darling picnic blanket  //  J.Crew sandals

Happy Memorial Day weekend! I hope you'll all be donning your favorite little white dresses and heading to the beach. I'm off to my sister's graduation from Amherst where — oh my gosh! — she's giving the commencement address. I couldn't be more proud of her! Have a good one. xx

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J.Crew floppy hat  //  Ray-Ban sunglasses (now on sale!)  //  Joie dress

Design Darling picnic blanket  //  J.Crew sandals

Happy Memorial Day weekend! I hope you'll all be donning your favorite little white dresses and heading to the beach. I'm off to my sister's graduation from Amherst where — oh my gosh! — she's giving the commencement address. I couldn't be more proud of her! Have a good one. xx

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SO TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF.

Bringing back one of my favorite features today!

All-time favorite movie(s): Love Story

Blog(s) rocking your world lately: The Sketch Book

Favorite nail color: Essie's Fiesta or Geranium

Now playing while you work: Country music and/or The Great Gatsby soundtrack

The last thing you bought: Besides my morning coffee, this perfect summer top

What you have planned for summer: As many weekend trips to Nantucket as are humanly possible

Now copy and paste the below questionnaire and share your responses in the comments! I can't wait to read :)

All-time favorite movie(s): 

Blog(s) rocking your world lately:

Favorite nail color:

Now playing while you work:

The last thing you bought:

What you have planned for summer:

*Image credit

Bringing back one of my favorite features today!

All-time favorite movie(s): Love Story

Blog(s) rocking your world lately: The Sketch Book

Favorite nail color: Essie's Fiesta or Geranium

Now playing while you work: Country music and/or The Great Gatsby soundtrack

The last thing you bought: Besides my morning coffee, this perfect summer top

What you have planned for summer: As many weekend trips to Nantucket as are humanly possible

Now copy and paste the below questionnaire and share your responses in the comments! I can't wait to read :)

All-time favorite movie(s): 

Blog(s) rocking your world lately:

Favorite nail color:

Now playing while you work:

The last thing you bought:

What you have planned for summer:

*Image credit

JAMIE BECK IN CANNES

Do you all follow fashion photographer Jamie Beck? I'm a teensy bit obsessed with her work. These gorgeous pictures from her recent trip to Cannes have me filled with travel envy... 

See the rest of her photos here and here and be sure you're following her on Instagram as well! Do you have any favorite photographers I should know about? Do tell!

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Do you all follow fashion photographer Jamie Beck? I'm a teensy bit obsessed with her work. These gorgeous pictures from her recent trip to Cannes have me filled with travel envy... 

See the rest of her photos here and here and be sure you're following her on Instagram as well! Do you have any favorite photographers I should know about? Do tell!

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"YOU DON'T HAVE TO FIND OUT YOU'RE DYING TO START LIVING."

If you do one thing today, take twenty minutes and watch this video. Such a lovely reminder of what's really important.

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If you do one thing today, take twenty minutes and watch this video. Such a lovely reminder of what's really important.

Keep up with Design Darling

Boutique / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter