GIVEAWAY: OH JOY FOR TARGET

Colorblocked cups, gold confetti, scalloped napkins... This is a giveaway for the hostess with the mostest. Blogger Joy Cho designed this party-ready capsule collection for Target and it's perfect for a casual summer get-together. My mom has a "gift closet" in our house where she keeps holiday decorations, party napkins, and wrapping paper... This collection would be just the ticket! Three lucky winners will win an assortment of goodies from the collection. Simply follow the steps in the widget below and I'll contact the winners on Friday. Good luck! xx

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Colorblocked cups, gold confetti, scalloped napkins... This is a giveaway for the hostess with the mostest. Blogger Joy Cho designed this party-ready capsule collection for Target and it's perfect for a casual summer get-together. My mom has a "gift closet" in our house where she keeps holiday decorations, party napkins, and wrapping paper... This collection would be just the ticket! Three lucky winners will win an assortment of goodies from the collection. Simply follow the steps in the widget below and I'll contact the winners on Friday. Good luck! xx

a Rafflecopter giveaway

AUSTIN RECOMMENDATIONS?

Because you were all so helpful in planning my trip to Atlanta in January, I thought I'd defer to you again for your dining and shopping recommendations in Austin! My boyfriend and I are headed there this weekend as it's one of his favorite cities and I've never been! I'm so excited to see what the city has to offer. So far I've been told not to miss Elizabeth Street Café (pictured above) and Josephine House. What are your Austin favorites? Thank you in advance! xx

*all photos via A Piece of Toast

Because you were all so helpful in planning my trip to Atlanta in January, I thought I'd defer to you again for your dining and shopping recommendations in Austin! My boyfriend and I are headed there this weekend as it's one of his favorite cities and I've never been! I'm so excited to see what the city has to offer. So far I've been told not to miss Elizabeth Street Café (pictured above) and Josephine House. What are your Austin favorites? Thank you in advance! xx

*all photos via A Piece of Toast

WEEKEND WARDROBE

pearls  //  lip gloss  //  notepad  //  cosmetic case  //  dress  //  weekender  //  heels

I'm packing my bags for a day trip to Rhode Island, where Carly and I will be talking about the building blocks of blogging at the Lady Project Summit. (And I'm excited to use my cute new little cosmetic case — please check out the new arrivals if you haven't already!) This week really did a number on me so I'm excited to get out of the city for a day and clear my head — road trips are good for that, aren't they? I hope you have a wonderful weekend as well. xx

pearls  //  lip gloss  //  notepad  //  cosmetic case  //  dress  //  weekender  //  heels

I'm packing my bags for a day trip to Rhode Island, where Carly and I will be talking about the building blocks of blogging at the Lady Project Summit. (And I'm excited to use my cute new little cosmetic case — please check out the new arrivals if you haven't already!) This week really did a number on me so I'm excited to get out of the city for a day and clear my head — road trips are good for that, aren't they? I hope you have a wonderful weekend as well. xx

WOULD YOU JUMP OUT OF A PLANE?

{Hang gliding with Grayson in the Swiss Alps}

{Bridge jumping with my dad outside of Barcelona}

{Skydiving with Grayson in upstate Connecticut}

A little known fact about me: I am a tiny bit obsessed with adventure sports. You know that feeling you get during the drop of a really scary roller coaster? I know some people (hi, Mom!) hate that feeling... but I can't get enough! I knocked a couple adventures off my bucket list during my semester abroad in college and went skydiving with my brother (and thrill-seeking partner-in-crime!) for my last birthday. 

So far I've done bridge jumping, hang gliding, skydiving, trapeze, and zip lining — and I would honestly do all five of them again. That adrenaline rush is unlike any other feeling in the world! Would you bridge jump or sky dive? What's the craziest adventure sport you've done so far? What's next on your list? Would love to know how many of you are adrenaline junkies as well! :)

P.S. If you're more like my mom, we've gone parasailing a couple times as part of our family goal to see all fifty states and it's a much more low-key but equally fun activity. Highly recommend!

{Hang gliding with Grayson in the Swiss Alps}

{Bridge jumping with my dad outside of Barcelona}

{Skydiving with Grayson in upstate Connecticut}

A little known fact about me: I am a tiny bit obsessed with adventure sports. You know that feeling you get during the drop of a really scary roller coaster? I know some people (hi, Mom!) hate that feeling... but I can't get enough! I knocked a couple adventures off my bucket list during my semester abroad in college and went skydiving with my brother (and thrill-seeking partner-in-crime!) for my last birthday. 

So far I've done bridge jumping, hang gliding, skydiving, trapeze, and zip lining — and I would honestly do all five of them again. That adrenaline rush is unlike any other feeling in the world! Would you bridge jump or sky dive? What's the craziest adventure sport you've done so far? What's next on your list? Would love to know how many of you are adrenaline junkies as well! :)

P.S. If you're more like my mom, we've gone parasailing a couple times as part of our family goal to see all fifty states and it's a much more low-key but equally fun activity. Highly recommend!

NEW YORK CITY GUIDE: FREEMANS

What: Sunday brunch at Freemans with Will

Where: Freeman Alley between Chrystie Street and The Bowery, Lower East Side

Why: This bustling brunch spot is perfect for people watching on a rainy day. The long wait was worth it: we got the best table for two in the house (just ask the hostess!) and ordered way too much food. The artichoke dip and mac and cheese were super healthy out of this world — I already can't wait to go back. More NYC recommendations here!

Keep up with Design Darling

Boutique / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter

What: Sunday brunch at Freemans with Will

Where: Freeman Alley between Chrystie Street and The Bowery, Lower East Side

Why: This bustling brunch spot is perfect for people watching on a rainy day. The long wait was worth it: we got the best table for two in the house (just ask the hostess!) and ordered way too much food. The artichoke dip and mac and cheese were super healthy out of this world — I already can't wait to go back. More NYC recommendations here!

Keep up with Design Darling

Boutique / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter

10 UNDER $100

*image

I have to say: these 10 under $100 posts are becoming a fun personal challenge for me. Every week I scour my favorite sites to find affordable items that prove you don't have to have an unlimited budget to decorate and dress the way you want. I think I found some real goodies this week: a couple dreamy dresses, the new tote I just added to my closet, and a side table I can't get out of my head. Go ahead and treat yourself!

*image

I have to say: these 10 under $100 posts are becoming a fun personal challenge for me. Every week I scour my favorite sites to find affordable items that prove you don't have to have an unlimited budget to decorate and dress the way you want. I think I found some real goodies this week: a couple dreamy dresses, the new tote I just added to my closet, and a side table I can't get out of my head. Go ahead and treat yourself!

HOW TO DRESS FOR A JOB INTERVIEW

I get a lot of emails asking what to wear for a job interview or how to spruce up a professional wardrobe. The truth is that, if I'm not shooting an outfit post, I can usually wear an oxford shirt and jeans and get through my daily to dos without a wardrobe change. I've never bought a suit and every office I've ever worked in was the opposite of business formal. (My stint in PR as well as my internships at Jonathan Adler and Ralph Lauren all emphasized personal style over corporate dress code.) 

But I know not all my readers are self-employed or working in fashion and I hate to leave anyone hanging. So I was pretty excited when I stumbled upon the new-to-me blog The Classy Cubicle. Mary works in corporate America and does an amazing job dressing for it. She looks appropriately conservative and perfectly polished in every post, exactly the way I'd like to look if I didn't work from home. Here are a few of my favorite outfits to elevate and inspire your next office look:

If you're taking notes, the following items are must-haves:

1. A bevy of sharp button-down shirts. 

splurge  //  spend  //  save

2. Dress pants tailored to fit perfectly.

splurge  //  spend  //  save

3. A classic trench coat.

splurge  //  spend  //  save

4. A few colorful sweaters for layering.

splurge  //  spend  //  save

5. Sensible heels with flattering pointed toes. 

splurge  //  spend  //  save

I hope that helps you get dressed for your next interview or meeting! I really do try to answer all my readers' style questions so shoot me an email if there's something you'd like to see next. And don't forget to pop over to The Classy Cubicle for more work wardrobe inspiration — I know you'll enjoy her archives as much as I did! 

I get a lot of emails asking what to wear for a job interview or how to spruce up a professional wardrobe. The truth is that, if I'm not shooting an outfit post, I can usually wear an oxford shirt and jeans and get through my daily to dos without a wardrobe change. I've never bought a suit and every office I've ever worked in was the opposite of business formal. (My stint in PR as well as my internships at Jonathan Adler and Ralph Lauren all emphasized personal style over corporate dress code.) 

But I know not all my readers are self-employed or working in fashion and I hate to leave anyone hanging. So I was pretty excited when I stumbled upon the new-to-me blog The Classy Cubicle. Mary works in corporate America and does an amazing job dressing for it. She looks appropriately conservative and perfectly polished in every post, exactly the way I'd like to look if I didn't work from home. Here are a few of my favorite outfits to elevate and inspire your next office look:

If you're taking notes, the following items are must-haves:

1. A bevy of sharp button-down shirts. 

splurge  //  spend  //  save

2. Dress pants tailored to fit perfectly.

splurge  //  spend  //  save

3. A classic trench coat.

splurge  //  spend  //  save

4. A few colorful sweaters for layering.

splurge  //  spend  //  save

5. Sensible heels with flattering pointed toes. 

splurge  //  spend  //  save

I hope that helps you get dressed for your next interview or meeting! I really do try to answer all my readers' style questions so shoot me an email if there's something you'd like to see next. And don't forget to pop over to The Classy Cubicle for more work wardrobe inspiration — I know you'll enjoy her archives as much as I did! 

GO GET 'EM

I'm loving this quote lately (and any excuse to practice my newly acquired Photoshop skills). It's Sunday — get fired up! xx

I'm loving this quote lately (and any excuse to practice my newly acquired Photoshop skills). It's Sunday — get fired up! xx

WEEKEND READING

*image

1. 33 totally surreal places to visit before you die.

2. An adorable Instagram account.

3. Chic summer sandals.

4. I'd like this affordable monogrammed sweater in every color.

5. In case you missed it: a new career spotlight and where to buy affordable art.

6. My favorite bikini is back in stock.

7. My iPhone has a knack for dying when I need it most. I need to take notes on these 13 reasons your phone keeps running out of battery.

8. Really enjoying Jess Lively's podcasts with creative women.

9. St. Germaine margaritas, anyone? Yum.

10. The cutest gingham skirt for $66.

*image

1. 33 totally surreal places to visit before you die.

2. An adorable Instagram account.

3. Chic summer sandals.

4. I'd like this affordable monogrammed sweater in every color.

5. In case you missed it: a new career spotlight and where to buy affordable art.

6. My favorite bikini is back in stock.

7. My iPhone has a knack for dying when I need it most. I need to take notes on these 13 reasons your phone keeps running out of battery.

8. Really enjoying Jess Lively's podcasts with creative women.

9. St. Germaine margaritas, anyone? Yum.

10. The cutest gingham skirt for $66.

WEEKEND WARDROBE

hat  //  earrings  //  dress  //  luminizer  //  clutch  //  sandals

Hello, April! So good to see you. I'd like to put on a pretty dress and a chic hat (safe sunning, always!) and skip through the sunshine. I'm headed to Rhode Island for the weekend (follow along on Instagram!) but I'm insanely grateful for the sunshine in New York this week. I can already tell spring in the West Village is going to be a magical thing. Brilliant sunsets and iced coffee dates and outdoor cafés, oh my! Wishing you a warm and wonderful weekend! xx 

hat  //  earrings  //  dress  //  luminizer  //  clutch  //  sandals

Hello, April! So good to see you. I'd like to put on a pretty dress and a chic hat (safe sunning, always!) and skip through the sunshine. I'm headed to Rhode Island for the weekend (follow along on Instagram!) but I'm insanely grateful for the sunshine in New York this week. I can already tell spring in the West Village is going to be a magical thing. Brilliant sunsets and iced coffee dates and outdoor cafés, oh my! Wishing you a warm and wonderful weekend! xx