WOULD YOU WEAR A ROMPER?

Haute Hippie  //  Rory Beca  //  Ramy Brook

Some of my favorite posts are when you all chime in on whether you paint your own nails, wear lipstick, etc. Today I thought I'd throw you a fashion question: would you wear a jumpsuit or romper?

Right now I can't get enough of them. Yes, it takes me ten minutes to wiggle into it and it's wildly impractical when you have to use the ladies' room... But they are just so effortless and playful! Like an equally comfortable and infinitely chicer version of the footie pajamas I wore on Christmas morning we all wore as kids.

Want more options? 1) belted romper perfect for summer, 2) budget-friendly number in black, 3) easy-breezy version in white, and 4)  sophisticated colorblock option for nights out.

So tell me: what are your thoughts on rompers? Do you own one? Would you? Let's discuss!

Haute Hippie  //  Rory Beca  //  Ramy Brook

Some of my favorite posts are when you all chime in on whether you paint your own nails, wear lipstick, etc. Today I thought I'd throw you a fashion question: would you wear a jumpsuit or romper?

Right now I can't get enough of them. Yes, it takes me ten minutes to wiggle into it and it's wildly impractical when you have to use the ladies' room... But they are just so effortless and playful! Like an equally comfortable and infinitely chicer version of the footie pajamas I wore on Christmas morning we all wore as kids.

Want more options? 1) belted romper perfect for summer, 2) budget-friendly number in black, 3) easy-breezy version in white, and 4)  sophisticated colorblock option for nights out.

So tell me: what are your thoughts on rompers? Do you own one? Would you? Let's discuss!

PARKER NEW YORK

Edie jumper  //  Nicole dress

Karmen dress  //  Lulu dress

Lately it's been so hot in New York that I've had no choice but to wear dresses and skirts every day. You know I would live in jeans year-round if I could but right now I'm reaching for the easy-breeziest pieces in my closet. I'm pretty obsessed with these options from Parker, a Manhattan-based brand that designs beautiful basics with girly details like bow closures, exposed zippers, and gold buttons. The Nicole dress would be perfect for daytime meetings and the Lulu dress was made for nights on the town! And of course I can't resist a good romper. 

Do you own anything from Parker? Which one of the above would you be most likely to add to your wardrobe?

Keep up with Design Darling

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Edie jumper  //  Nicole dress

Karmen dress  //  Lulu dress

Lately it's been so hot in New York that I've had no choice but to wear dresses and skirts every day. You know I would live in jeans year-round if I could but right now I'm reaching for the easy-breeziest pieces in my closet. I'm pretty obsessed with these options from Parker, a Manhattan-based brand that designs beautiful basics with girly details like bow closures, exposed zippers, and gold buttons. The Nicole dress would be perfect for daytime meetings and the Lulu dress was made for nights on the town! And of course I can't resist a good romper. 

Do you own anything from Parker? Which one of the above would you be most likely to add to your wardrobe?

Keep up with Design Darling

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FRIENDS WITH STYLE {EDDY}

Gingham shirt c/o Hugh & Crye  //  North Face backpack  //  J.Crew pants

Swiss Army watch  //  Sperry Top-siders

Look who's back! Truthfully I love styling boys as much as I like getting dressed myself. Menswear is just as much fun to shop for if you know where to look! That's why I was so excited when my friend Nikki introduced me to Hugh & Crye, a D.C.-based brand whose dress shirts are sized by body type: athletic, lean, tall, etc. It's kind of genius for those of us buying shirts for our boyfriends, brothers, and dads — get rid of the confusing numbers (who knows their dad's neck size anyway?) and shop by build and height. Umm, why didn't I think of that?

Note to boys everywhere: you pretty much can't go wrong with complementary shades of blue. Navy, light blue, and brown boat shoes is kind of as good as it gets — and it's a look that works everywhere from a business casual office to happy hour with your college pals to date night with your lucky lady. Bonus points for navy gingham — I love gingham on boys as much as I love stripes on girls.

Do you dress your beau or your guy friends? (Or in this case, your male coworkers?) What do you love to see them in? Do tell! 

Keep up with Design Darling

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Gingham shirt c/o Hugh & Crye  //  North Face backpack  //  J.Crew pants

Swiss Army watch  //  Sperry Top-siders

Look who's back! Truthfully I love styling boys as much as I like getting dressed myself. Menswear is just as much fun to shop for if you know where to look! That's why I was so excited when my friend Nikki introduced me to Hugh & Crye, a D.C.-based brand whose dress shirts are sized by body type: athletic, lean, tall, etc. It's kind of genius for those of us buying shirts for our boyfriends, brothers, and dads — get rid of the confusing numbers (who knows their dad's neck size anyway?) and shop by build and height. Umm, why didn't I think of that?

Note to boys everywhere: you pretty much can't go wrong with complementary shades of blue. Navy, light blue, and brown boat shoes is kind of as good as it gets — and it's a look that works everywhere from a business casual office to happy hour with your college pals to date night with your lucky lady. Bonus points for navy gingham — I love gingham on boys as much as I love stripes on girls.

Do you dress your beau or your guy friends? (Or in this case, your male coworkers?) What do you love to see them in? Do tell! 

Keep up with Design Darling

Boutique / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter

NEW ARRIVALS!

We just added a handful of new products to Design Darling {The Boutique} and I hope you'll click over and take a peek! I'm crazy about these summery statement necklaces (this one in particular) and I think this business card holder is kind of the cutest thing ever. Check out all the new goodies here and let me know what you think! xx

Keep up with Design Darling

Boutique / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter

We just added a handful of new products to Design Darling {The Boutique} and I hope you'll click over and take a peek! I'm crazy about these summery statement necklaces (this one in particular) and I think this business card holder is kind of the cutest thing ever. Check out all the new goodies here and let me know what you think! xx

Keep up with Design Darling

Boutique / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter

SUPERGA SNEAKERS

I sort of hesitate to admit this... But sneakers have totally become part of my weekend look. Before you cringe at the thought of me in athletic sneakers and skinny jeans (seriously, why is this legal?) let's clarify. There's something playful and maybe just a teensy bit hipster about wearing sneakers with a dress or shorts (yes, I realize pink gingham negates any notion of hipsterdom here). 

I have these in gray and these in white but lately I've been craving a little color. If I wear neon ballet flats, why shouldn't I have hot pink sneakers too? Enter Superga: an Italian company known for its classic tennis sneakers in a bevy of colors, currently creative directed by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Colorful, comfy, and cute as can be — need I say more?

Keep up with Design Darling

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I sort of hesitate to admit this... But sneakers have totally become part of my weekend look. Before you cringe at the thought of me in athletic sneakers and skinny jeans (seriously, why is this legal?) let's clarify. There's something playful and maybe just a teensy bit hipster about wearing sneakers with a dress or shorts (yes, I realize pink gingham negates any notion of hipsterdom here). 

I have these in gray and these in white but lately I've been craving a little color. If I wear neon ballet flats, why shouldn't I have hot pink sneakers too? Enter Superga: an Italian company known for its classic tennis sneakers in a bevy of colors, currently creative directed by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Colorful, comfy, and cute as can be — need I say more?

Keep up with Design Darling

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WORK IN PROGRESS.

I went on a date a couple weeks ago and the guy (boy? date? kid? man? none of these sound right...) asked me the one trait I'd most like to improve about myself. I thought it was a great question, especially for someone you don't know very well. He said he's trying to be less judgmental before getting to know people. I thought about it for a moment and decided on...

Patience. I might be the least patient person in the world. Waiting in line at Starbucks is a daily exercise in restraint. Walking behind an elderly person/woman on a cell phone with a stroller and two small dogs/person with zero body awareness (aren't those the worst?) gets me more worked up than I care to admit. I'm not proud of it... but there are times I've actually had to stop myself from hitting my computer because my Internet connection was so infuriatingly slow. I'm impatient with myself, with others, and with inanimate objects... Not good.

What do you do to try to be patient? Sometimes I think it's just a question of stepping back, taking a deep breath, and realizing it's not really worth getting worked up over... Easier said than done, of course. If you have any tips or tricks, you know I'm all ears.

This isn't a pity party but I do think it's important to acknowledge that we're all works in progress and that there's always room for improvement. What's one trait you'd like to work on? I'd love to hear!

*more images here

Keep up with Design Darling

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I went on a date a couple weeks ago and the guy (boy? date? kid? man? none of these sound right...) asked me the one trait I'd most like to improve about myself. I thought it was a great question, especially for someone you don't know very well. He said he's trying to be less judgmental before getting to know people. I thought about it for a moment and decided on...

Patience. I might be the least patient person in the world. Waiting in line at Starbucks is a daily exercise in restraint. Walking behind an elderly person/woman on a cell phone with a stroller and two small dogs/person with zero body awareness (aren't those the worst?) gets me more worked up than I care to admit. I'm not proud of it... but there are times I've actually had to stop myself from hitting my computer because my Internet connection was so infuriatingly slow. I'm impatient with myself, with others, and with inanimate objects... Not good.

What do you do to try to be patient? Sometimes I think it's just a question of stepping back, taking a deep breath, and realizing it's not really worth getting worked up over... Easier said than done, of course. If you have any tips or tricks, you know I'm all ears.

This isn't a pity party but I do think it's important to acknowledge that we're all works in progress and that there's always room for improvement. What's one trait you'd like to work on? I'd love to hear!

*more images here

Keep up with Design Darling

Boutique / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter 

FOFLOR RUG GIVEAWAY + EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT

I've mentioned before that I think rugs are one of the hardest parts of a room to source affordably (see some of my suggestions here). I'm excited to share a fun new site called FoFlor with lots of bright, preppy options that would work in a number of spaces. Dorm room, kitchen, powder room... There's something for everyone! Here are a few of my favorite patterns:

Cute, right? The patterns are an exclusive collaboration with SCOUT by Bungalow which explains why they're so fun and happy. The best part? FoFlor is giving one lucky Design Darling reader the runner of his or her choice! To enter, follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter widget below (you'll have to click over to the blog to enter). 

Oh! And if you find something that strikes your fancy, they're also generously offering 20% off all orders placed before June 23 with code DESIGN4FLOOR at checkout! Get shopping here. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I've mentioned before that I think rugs are one of the hardest parts of a room to source affordably (see some of my suggestions here). I'm excited to share a fun new site called FoFlor with lots of bright, preppy options that would work in a number of spaces. Dorm room, kitchen, powder room... There's something for everyone! Here are a few of my favorite patterns:

Cute, right? The patterns are an exclusive collaboration with SCOUT by Bungalow which explains why they're so fun and happy. The best part? FoFlor is giving one lucky Design Darling reader the runner of his or her choice! To enter, follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter widget below (you'll have to click over to the blog to enter). 

Oh! And if you find something that strikes your fancy, they're also generously offering 20% off all orders placed before June 23 with code DESIGN4FLOOR at checkout! Get shopping here. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

OUTFIT {NAVY AND WHITE AND TIED WITH A BOW}

J.Crew top (on sale!)  //  Design Darling necklace  //  Club Monaco shorts

Tory Burch satchel  //  Tassel c/o Cinco Powell  //  Ann Taylor bow sandals

Can I just say that I think Club Monaco is absolutely killing it right now? Carver, Emily, and I were lamenting the loss of Rugby the other night but all agreed that Club Monaco has really stepped up its game. These shorts. This sweater. Next on my list? This dress, this skirt, or maybe even this vest. Oh, and this jacket has a total Olivia Pope thing happening. Like I said, killing it. 

A word on the shoes: yes, technically they're in the wedding section but I think they're the perfect statement shoe for birthday parties or even just dinner with friends. And if you do happen to get married in them, all the better! :)

Keep up with Design Darling

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J.Crew top (on sale!)  //  Design Darling necklace  //  Club Monaco shorts

Tory Burch satchel  //  Tassel c/o Cinco Powell  //  Ann Taylor bow sandals

Can I just say that I think Club Monaco is absolutely killing it right now? Carver, Emily, and I were lamenting the loss of Rugby the other night but all agreed that Club Monaco has really stepped up its game. These shorts. This sweater. Next on my list? This dress, this skirt, or maybe even this vest. Oh, and this jacket has a total Olivia Pope thing happening. Like I said, killing it. 

A word on the shoes: yes, technically they're in the wedding section but I think they're the perfect statement shoe for birthday parties or even just dinner with friends. And if you do happen to get married in them, all the better! :)

Keep up with Design Darling

Boutique / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter

GIRL CRUSH

Elena's blog Classy & Fabulous is brimming with outfit inspiration and the most beautiful photography.  Isn't she stunning? The perfect reminder that classics are classics for a reason. Grab your blue oxford, white jeans, and nude shoes and have a perfect Sunday! xx

Keep up with Design Darling

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Elena's blog Classy & Fabulous is brimming with outfit inspiration and the most beautiful photography.  Isn't she stunning? The perfect reminder that classics are classics for a reason. Grab your blue oxford, white jeans, and nude shoes and have a perfect Sunday! xx

Keep up with Design Darling

Boutique / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter 

TORY BURCH CLARA SATCHEL

{Tory Burch Clara satchel}

With all the navy I wear, it seems sort of silly that I don't own a navy handbag. If I were budgeting for a new bag at the moment, this would be my top choice. And if you don't care for navy, you must hate my blog it's available in a fabulous shade of army green that would look killer with a pop of hot pink.

Are you saving up for any exciting purchases? Do tell, do tell! xx

Keep up with Design Darling

Boutique / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter 

{Tory Burch Clara satchel}

With all the navy I wear, it seems sort of silly that I don't own a navy handbag. If I were budgeting for a new bag at the moment, this would be my top choice. And if you don't care for navy, you must hate my blog it's available in a fabulous shade of army green that would look killer with a pop of hot pink.

Are you saving up for any exciting purchases? Do tell, do tell! xx

Keep up with Design Darling

Boutique / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter