WHAT I LEARNED FROM ONE MONTH OF NO SHOPPING

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It's been my experience that girls love to shop. My guy friends have asked when I'll be adding more men's gifts to the boutique but (while we've added a few great guy gifts here) I know that my target audience has been and likely always will be women. We women love clothes, decorating, shoes... Boys just don't shop the way girls do, myself included.

But I do live in a teeny tiny apartment and sometimes I get bogged down by all the stuff. (How is there no more hanging space in my closet?) I should preface this by saying I don't have a shopping addiction, have zero credit card debt, etc., but was simply up for a challenge (#5 on my 101 in 1001 list) to see if I could go thirty days without buying a single thing — no new arrivals on J.Crew or Shopbop, no sale finds, no spontaneous purchases while out with friends. The month after Christmas shopping overdrive seemed like as good a time as any.

Two things: 1) I made it and 2) I kind of loved it! Yes, I missed the feeling of waiting excitedly for the UPS guy to show up. Yes, I felt like I had "nothing to wear" for outfit posts on the blog. And yes, shopping with my girlfriends was a little less fun knowing I couldn't act on anything I fell in love with. But it forced me to rediscover a few old favorites (like a pair of suede jodhpur leggings from Rugby, RIP) and it made me think about which pieces I tend to wear over and over (blue oxford shirts, this navy blazer, this silk shirt). By the time the month was up, I was much more excited to add quality items to my repertoire of tried-and-true wardrobe favorites than any impulse purchases I'd truthfully only wear a handful of times.

So the verdict? Totally in favor. I felt like I proved something to myself, my checking account felt a little cushier at the end of the month, and I think I could totally do it again (maybe even once a season!). It's made me think more about each purchase since then, contemplate new items in terms of cost-per-wear (I'm dying to invest in some of these perfect everyday shirts), and hold off on one-off purchases for special occasions (this site is a huge help for that).

Could you go a month without shopping for clothes, decor, or makeup? Have you done it before? Tell me everything!

*images 1 / 2 / 3

It's been my experience that girls love to shop. My guy friends have asked when I'll be adding more men's gifts to the boutique but (while we've added a few great guy gifts here) I know that my target audience has been and likely always will be women. We women love clothes, decorating, shoes... Boys just don't shop the way girls do, myself included.

But I do live in a teeny tiny apartment and sometimes I get bogged down by all the stuff. (How is there no more hanging space in my closet?) I should preface this by saying I don't have a shopping addiction, have zero credit card debt, etc., but was simply up for a challenge (#5 on my 101 in 1001 list) to see if I could go thirty days without buying a single thing — no new arrivals on J.Crew or Shopbop, no sale finds, no spontaneous purchases while out with friends. The month after Christmas shopping overdrive seemed like as good a time as any.

Two things: 1) I made it and 2) I kind of loved it! Yes, I missed the feeling of waiting excitedly for the UPS guy to show up. Yes, I felt like I had "nothing to wear" for outfit posts on the blog. And yes, shopping with my girlfriends was a little less fun knowing I couldn't act on anything I fell in love with. But it forced me to rediscover a few old favorites (like a pair of suede jodhpur leggings from Rugby, RIP) and it made me think about which pieces I tend to wear over and over (blue oxford shirts, this navy blazer, this silk shirt). By the time the month was up, I was much more excited to add quality items to my repertoire of tried-and-true wardrobe favorites than any impulse purchases I'd truthfully only wear a handful of times.

So the verdict? Totally in favor. I felt like I proved something to myself, my checking account felt a little cushier at the end of the month, and I think I could totally do it again (maybe even once a season!). It's made me think more about each purchase since then, contemplate new items in terms of cost-per-wear (I'm dying to invest in some of these perfect everyday shirts), and hold off on one-off purchases for special occasions (this site is a huge help for that).

Could you go a month without shopping for clothes, decor, or makeup? Have you done it before? Tell me everything!

SO TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF...

Thank you all for your sweet comments on yesterday's post. You really know how to make a girl's day! Now it's time for one of my favorite features — getting to know more about y-o-u!

*photo by Tim Walker

Favorite feature about yourself: My red hair! 

Favorite color combination: Navy blue and hot pink... or hydrangea blue... or white #navyornothing

Favorite flower: Pink peonies, white tulips, and blue hydrangeas

You never leave the house without: My iPhone and this chapstick

You're secretly addicted to: Coffee and croissants ;) 

Now copy and paste the below questionnaire and share your responses in the comments! I'll be reading :)

Favorite characteristic about yourself:

Favorite color combination:

Favorite flower:

You never leave the house without:

You're secretly addicted to:

Thank you all for your sweet comments on yesterday's post. You really know how to make a girl's day! Now it's time for one of my favorite features — getting to know more about y-o-u!

*photo by Tim Walker

Favorite feature about yourself: My red hair! 

Favorite color combination: Navy blue and hot pink... or hydrangea blue... or white #navyornothing

Favorite flower: Pink peonies, white tulips, and blue hydrangeas

You never leave the house without: My iPhone and this chapstick

You're secretly addicted to: Coffee and croissants ;) 

Now copy and paste the below questionnaire and share your responses in the comments! I'll be reading :)

Favorite characteristic about yourself:

Favorite color combination:

Favorite flower:

You never leave the house without:

You're secretly addicted to:

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK {FEELING LUCKY}

Oh boy. This week has been full of bad weather, endless errands, heavy traffic, you name it. Fashion Week starts on Thursday, conveniently following my month of no shopping (help!). I'm hosting a blogger brunch during Fashion Week that feels a little like planning a small wedding (the flowers! the food! the guest list!). I need to start looking at apartments since I have to move out in, oh, three weeks. I went out to walk Rory this morning and slipped on a patch of ice outside my door... It's just that kind of week.

But honestly I just feel super lucky right now. This is my fifth — fifth! — Fashion Week. Two years ago, attending a NYFW show was nothing more than a pipe dream on my first 101 in 1001 list. And now I'm stressed out about what to wear?! Forget it! I'm so giddy just to be a tiny part of it all. A new apartment means a slightly larger space in which my business can grow and our team can expand to include the people we need to really take things to the next level around here. And Rory... well, he's pretty much the light of my life, icy sidewalks and all. 

And last but not least, there's you guys. Design Darling — the blog, the boutique, all of it — would be nothing without you. Because unlike the street style stars who will flock to Lincoln Center this week, I know at my core I'm still that 19-year-old girl pressing "publish" from my sorority dorm room at Bucknell, hoping my friends wouldn't make fun of me and wondering if anyone but my mom would ever read what I wrote. It's pretty wild what this space has become since then — I'll never stop thanking my lucky stars for all of it and all of you. All "what to wear?" moments aside, I have nothing but excitement for what the future has in store and I can't wait to have you along for the ride. Thank you to infinity and beyond — and NYFW, bring it on!

*images 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 

Oh boy. This week has been full of bad weather, endless errands, heavy traffic, you name it. Fashion Week starts on Thursday, conveniently following my month of no shopping (help!). I'm hosting a blogger brunch during Fashion Week that feels a little like planning a small wedding (the flowers! the food! the guest list!). I need to start looking at apartments since I have to move out in, oh, three weeks. I went out to walk Rory this morning and slipped on a patch of ice outside my door... It's just that kind of week.

But honestly I just feel super lucky right now. This is my fifth — fifth! — Fashion Week. Two years ago, attending a NYFW show was nothing more than a pipe dream on my first 101 in 1001 list. And now I'm stressed out about what to wear?! Forget it! I'm so giddy just to be a tiny part of it all. A new apartment means a slightly larger space in which my business can grow and our team can expand to include the people we need to really take things to the next level around here. And Rory... well, he's pretty much the light of my life, icy sidewalks and all. 

And last but not least, there's you guys. Design Darling — the blog, the boutique, all of it — would be nothing without you. Because unlike the street style stars who will flock to Lincoln Center this week, I know at my core I'm still that 19-year-old girl pressing "publish" from my sorority dorm room at Bucknell, hoping my friends wouldn't make fun of me and wondering if anyone but my mom would ever read what I wrote. It's pretty wild what this space has become since then — I'll never stop thanking my lucky stars for all of it and all of you. All "what to wear?" moments aside, I have nothing but excitement for what the future has in store and I can't wait to have you along for the ride. Thank you to infinity and beyond — and NYFW, bring it on!

*images 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 

EMERSON FRY SPRING 2014

Obsessed with this little white topper. That single white button — so chic!

You can never have too many comfy knits. This luxe crewneck is a perfect layering piece this time of year.

The search for the perfect white tee ends here.

No lie: I would wear a light blue oxford shirt every day if I could.

I can't get enough of tulip skirts for spring — I already have this one hanging in my closet begging to be worn!

I know these aren't new to her collection but I'm still head over heels (hehe) for this pair of slingbacks... Would you not wear them every day?! It's safe to say I'd like one of everything to appear in my closet ASAP.

Obsessed with this little white topper. That single white button — so chic!

You can never have too many comfy knits. This luxe crewneck is a perfect layering piece this time of year.

The search for the perfect white tee ends here.

No lie: I would wear a light blue oxford shirt every day if I could.

I can't get enough of tulip skirts for spring — I already have this one hanging in my closet begging to be worn!

I know these aren't new to her collection but I'm still head over heels (hehe) for this pair of slingbacks... Would you not wear them every day?! It's safe to say I'd like one of everything to appear in my closet ASAP.

TOP TEN RAIN COATS

*No one does rainy day chic better than Blair from Atlantic Pacific!

We had a glimpse of spring in New York on Sunday and I made the most of every minute: dog park in the morning, a late brunch with Amy and Carly, outfit pictures, and a long walk with Rory. It was warm enough that I could get away with wearing my field jacket instead of my cocoon coat — definitely made me look forward to spring! One item that's clearly lacking in my spring wardrobe is a good rain coat so I scoured all my go-to sites for the best of the best:

P.S. Speaking of rain gear, I need these rain boots in both colorways. Navy/hydrangea blue and navy/hot pink? They've got Design Darling written all over them!

*No one does rainy day chic better than Blair from Atlantic Pacific!

We had a glimpse of spring in New York on Sunday and I made the most of every minute: dog park in the morning, a late brunch with Amy and Carly, outfit pictures, and a long walk with Rory. It was warm enough that I could get away with wearing my field jacket instead of my cocoon coat — definitely made me look forward to spring! One item that's clearly lacking in my spring wardrobe is a good rain coat so I scoured all my go-to sites for the best of the best:

P.S. Speaking of rain gear, I need these rain boots in both colorways. Navy/hydrangea blue and navy/hot pink? They've got Design Darling written all over them!

GET THE LOOK: ASHLEY WHITTAKER DINING ROOM

I love every last detail of this Ashley Whittaker-designed dining room, from the bistro chairs to the French doors to the striped rug. If you're as lovestruck as I am (how could you not be?!), I've rounded up a few pieces to help you get the look:

Tuckernuck topiaries  //  Serena & Lily chandelier  //  World Market turquoise glasses

Design Darling nautical coasters  //  Ikea dining table  //  Mark & Graham grosgrain napkins

Serena & Lily bistro chairs  //  Dash & Albert striped rug

I'll never tire of blue, green, and white. What about you — could you live in this space?

I love every last detail of this Ashley Whittaker-designed dining room, from the bistro chairs to the French doors to the striped rug. If you're as lovestruck as I am (how could you not be?!), I've rounded up a few pieces to help you get the look:

Tuckernuck topiaries  //  Serena & Lily chandelier  //  World Market turquoise glasses

Design Darling nautical coasters  //  Ikea dining table  //  Mark & Graham grosgrain napkins

Serena & Lily bistro chairs  //  Dash & Albert striped rug

I'll never tire of blue, green, and white. What about you — could you live in this space?

VALENTINE'S DAY GIFTS FOR HER

(1) Diptyque candle  (2) J.Crew bow flats  (3) Design Darling leather clutch

(4) Kenneth Jay Lane pearls  (5) Love Poems by Pablo Neruda  (6) Mary Green sleep mask

(7) Carven bow pumps  (8) Chanel lipstick  (9) Wildfox heart sunglasses 

(10) Gigi monogrammed iPhone case  (11) Sugar Paper Hello Darling print  (12) Hanky Panky thongs

Can you believe it's February already? It feels like we were just celebrating Christmas and New Year's but honestly I'm pretty happy we're one month closer to spring! Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day with a significant other or doing a gift exchange with your girlfriends (or both!), we've rounded up a few of our favorite girly gifts in the boutique and would love for you to check them out! Above are a few more ideas at a bunch of different price points — stay tuned for a gift guide for guys! 

Shop the post:

(1) Diptyque candle  (2) J.Crew bow flats  (3) Design Darling leather clutch

(4) Kenneth Jay Lane pearls  (5) Love Poems by Pablo Neruda  (6) Mary Green sleep mask

(7) Carven bow pumps  (8) Chanel lipstick  (9) Wildfox heart sunglasses 

(10) Gigi monogrammed iPhone case  (11) Sugar Paper Hello Darling print  (12) Hanky Panky thongs

Can you believe it's February already? It feels like we were just celebrating Christmas and New Year's but honestly I'm pretty happy we're one month closer to spring! Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day with a significant other or doing a gift exchange with your girlfriends (or both!), we've rounded up a few of our favorite girly gifts in the boutique and would love for you to check them out! Above are a few more ideas at a bunch of different price points — stay tuned for a gift guide for guys! 

Shop the post:

ABSTRACT ART

Cy Twombly

Helen Frankenthaler

Jenny Prinn

Kerri Rosenthal

Lana Williams

Mark Rothko

Rebecca Klementovich

How's that for a bright start to your Monday? I took a bunch of art history classes in college but I'm embarrassed to say it's been months since I set foot in a museum. And I live in New York! Something I need to work on for sure. Who are your favorite artists? Do you enjoy abstract art as much as I do? And what are your favorite museums, especially in NYC? I'll be taking notes!

Keep up with Design Darling

Boutique / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter

Cy Twombly

Helen Frankenthaler

Jenny Prinn

Kerri Rosenthal

Lana Williams

Mark Rothko

Rebecca Klementovich

How's that for a bright start to your Monday? I took a bunch of art history classes in college but I'm embarrassed to say it's been months since I set foot in a museum. And I live in New York! Something I need to work on for sure. Who are your favorite artists? Do you enjoy abstract art as much as I do? And what are your favorite museums, especially in NYC? I'll be taking notes!

Keep up with Design Darling

Boutique / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter

WEEKEND READING

*image

1. Acrylic staplers are back in stock! They are selling fast (woohooo!) so don't wait.

2. A super flattering dress for only $46.

3. Constellation prints, pretty pillows, and turquoise baubles... New arrivals in the boutique.

4. Fake it 'til you become it. This TED talk is a must-see!

5. How to decorate on a budget.

6. I might kill for this striped dress.

7. I signed up for this as part of my new 101 in 1001 list. Anyone else going?!

8. My next J.Crew shoe purchase.

9. Ten questions to ask your mother.

10. The cutest video of all time.

*image

1. Acrylic staplers are back in stock! They are selling fast (woohooo!) so don't wait.

2. A super flattering dress for only $46.

3. Constellation prints, pretty pillows, and turquoise baubles... New arrivals in the boutique.

4. Fake it 'til you become it. This TED talk is a must-see!

5. How to decorate on a budget.

6. I might kill for this striped dress.

7. I signed up for this as part of my new 101 in 1001 list. Anyone else going?!

8. My next J.Crew shoe purchase.

9. Ten questions to ask your mother.

10. The cutest video of all time.

WEEKEND WARDROBE

NARS blush  //  Dior lip balm  //  Topshop blazer  //  Cynthia Rowley bow top

Sophie Hulme clutch  //  J Brand jeans  //  Coach ring  //  Michael Antonio heels (on sale for $44!)

Can you believe it's the last day of January? I have no idea where this month went but I'm pretty excited to be that much closer to warmer weather. I'm dying for an excuse to splurge on this Cynthia Rowley bow top... You know when you're shopping online and something kind of stops you in your tracks? This top is a little outside my usual comfort zone (let's be serious, when's the last time you saw me wear a print that wasn't stripes? umm, never) but click over to see it on the model and I think you'll agree it's a showstopper. I do need to get shopping for fashion week... ;) Have a great weekend, friends!

Shop the post:

NARS blush  //  Dior lip balm  //  Topshop blazer  //  Cynthia Rowley bow top

Sophie Hulme clutch  //  J Brand jeans  //  Coach ring  //  Michael Antonio heels (on sale for $44!)

Can you believe it's the last day of January? I have no idea where this month went but I'm pretty excited to be that much closer to warmer weather. I'm dying for an excuse to splurge on this Cynthia Rowley bow top... You know when you're shopping online and something kind of stops you in your tracks? This top is a little outside my usual comfort zone (let's be serious, when's the last time you saw me wear a print that wasn't stripes? umm, never) but click over to see it on the model and I think you'll agree it's a showstopper. I do need to get shopping for fashion week... ;) Have a great weekend, friends!

Shop the post: