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The Design Dialogues {Will Taylor}

The man needs no introduction: Will Taylor of Bright Bazaar is hands down the loveliest chap in the blogosphere. His blog is brimming with colorful inspiration and he is even more charming in real life. I had the pleasure of meeting Will at the Rue party in September and cherish the memory of bonding over funny accents and our love of blogging. He is an inspiration and a true friend. Without further ado, Will Taylor!

{Clocks styled by Will. His understanding of color and composition is unrivaled!}

Who you are:
Will Taylor

What you do:
Freelance prop stylist

Where you do it:
London, UK

{How could I not love Will when we share a design icon?}


Five words to describe yourself... 
Bubbly, empathetic, indefatigable, impatient, approachable

How do you define your aesthetic? 
Colour, pattern and a healthy dash of prep.

Who are your style icons? 
Jonathan Adler, Tom Ford, Chace Crawford. All three dress impeccably.


Favorite destination: 
Greek islands.

Favorite quote: 
"Dare to be remarkable" - Jane Gentry

Favorite site: 
Totally and utterly hooked on Pinterest.

{I must stop by Jack Spade the next time I'm in New York!}

Favorite store: 
I love Jonathan Adler's stores. Jack Spade in SoHo, New York, is pretty special, too.

Favorite thing to read: 
Martha Stewart Living has been publishing some top notch issues recently.

Favorite thing to watch: 
Brothers & Sisters. I love it and have watched from the very start. I love Nora Walker's home.

Favorite thing to wear: 
Breton stripes.

{Office supplies styled by Will. I told you he knows color!}

How did you decide that designing/styling/writing is what you wanted to do? 
One cold winter's day, when I was about twelve years old, I snuck out on my bike and rode to the local store to buy chocolate. And there it was, the plastic wrapper glinting under the clinical strip lighting of the store: my first ever issue of Livingetc, complete with a free foldout fabric wardrobe organiser(!). Pennies handed over, and magazine hidden away in my rucksack, I hurriedly cycled back home. I still remember that night when I hid under the covers with a torch and read the whole issue, cover-to-cover. From then on, each month I would look forward to slipping into its pages. This was my time to dive headfirst into what I've come to love; back then I never thought it would turn out to shape who I am today!

What is the most glamorous aspect of your work? 
Getting to work with gorgeous products and inspiring creatives.

And the least glamorous aspect? 
Tidying up after a shoot - it takes ages!

What is the best advice you’ve ever received? 
Treat others as you would like to be treated yourself.

And the advice you’d offer aspiring creatives? 
Trust your instinct and roll with it; making mistakes and learning from them is what makes our work that much better over time.

What's next for you and your career? 
There are some potential projects in the pipeline, all of which I am keeping my fingers crossed for!

{I have no doubt Will will pick up floristry as seamlessly as he did styling!}

Three tasks on your to do list. 
1. Finish the art wall in our dining area. 
2. Read at least two books this month. 
3. Write to my grandmother.


Three items on your wishlist.
 1. Nathalie Lete plates from Anthropologie. 
2. Linens from the Brook Farm General Store
3. Bright blue shorts from H&M.

{Please come this summer!}


Three tasks on your bucket list. 
1. Visit San Francisco and cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge. 
2. Learn how to sew properly. 
3. Take a floristry class.

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Thank you so much for joining us, Will! Everyone do stop by Bright Bazaar to say hello and explore. I'm certain you will fall in love!

Summer in San Francisco {Packing List}


I booked my flight to San Francisco this weekend (June 4 — so soon!) and I have been thinking of all the little things I want to pack ever since: notebooks to jot down ideas for blog posts and names of restaurants to try, my iPhone and monogrammed cover to share my adventures with you all, an eco-friendly bag for groceries, stationery for sending letters back east, sunglasses to stay safe in the sun, and of course a darling striped picnic blanket for my days off!

First Impressions {Graphic Design}

First impressions are everything — and not just in the "real world." Your blog is your online portfolio and should therefore reflect your style to a T. Content is key, but so is good design; an attractive header, a streamlined layout, clear pictures, and easy-to-read text are just as necessary as original content and properly cited images. Anything else is just selling yourself short. Here are a few of my favorite blog headers these days.


I love that Sally and Molly change out the images in their header depending on the season. The layout remains the same, but the subtle change feels fresh every time. 

Will is all about colorful interiors, so his subtitle is practically a personal manifesto. I love the simplicity and the easy-to-read font.

Like Sally and Molly, graphic designer Bri swaps out the patterns behind the word "LOVE" to keep up with her current inspirations. 


Kelly is a graphic designer so it makes sense that her header would wow! I love that she switches up the color palette every so often, though this navy and pink number is naturally my favorite.

In addition to the fact that I adore orange and pink together, I love the quirky combination of fonts in Bradley and Alison's header.

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What would you add to the list of must-haves for a blog design? What are some of your contenders for best designed blogs? By the way, if you're looking to hire a graphic designer for your own blog or website, I have a fantastic list of recommendations I would love to share!

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P.S. Notice something new? My dear friend Chassity taught me how to install the Facebook "like" button under each post. (HTML is not my strong suit!) If you like what you see, do let me know ;)

Home Tour {Shop Talk}

I was so happy when my daily stop by Full House led me to Shop Talk, a new-to-me blog about written by Erika, a brand stylist who also has a keen eye for fashion and interiors. Her home is so, so good. 
{A vintage concert poster, furry chair, and Jonathan Adler pillow create a glam 1970s-inspired workspace.}
{How chic is her dining room? I love the gold lamp against the slate gray walls.}
{The recently completed gallery wall in her office, complete with her daughter's artwork (right). Can you imagine a more inspiring place to buckle down and get it done? Love.}

Quote du Jour

We all know those people. Instead, let's be great together. Happy Monday!

On the subject of Pinterest...

I'm not entirely sure why I've devoted my day to convincing you to join Pinterest (oh wait, because I'm addicted) but nonetheless I'll give you another reason...
Pinning an image onto one of your boards automatically saves the link where you found the image. For anyone who knows how to cook (please note all my saved foods are salad) reads lots of foodie blogs, it would be a great way to save recipes you're dying to try! See? Brilliant, I tell you.

{all via my food board}

And the winner is...

A big thank you to everyone who entered the $75 Luxury Monograms giveaway. I was blown away by your support for Melanie's new business venture! Without further ado, the winner is...
Entry #11, Melissa from Veranda Interiors! Melissa, please email me and I will put you in touch with Melanie to redeem your gift code. Congratulations! 
As an added bonus, Melanie would like to extend a 10% discount to all of you when you use the code "Darling" at checkout! Get shopping as the discount expires Sunday — and don't forget to tell me what you buy :)

Pink Packs A Punch.

One of the many reasons I love Pinterest is that it functions as a virtual inspiration board for all the looks I'm loving of late. Today my fashion board made it clear I'm craving a pop of pink in clothing, makeup, and accessories. I highly recommend the site, which comes with a "Pin It" bookmarklet so you can instantly save any image from any site onto any one of your inspiration boards. And did you hear that a Pinterest iPhone app is on its way? Brilliant. Here are a few things on my mind:



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P.S. I'm sharing my [totally cheesy] musical stylings on Kalyn Johnson's blog Possess Your Style today. Please stop by if you have the chance!

No. 23

It's been a little while since I shared an item on my 101 in 1001 list so I thought I'd return with a simple and sweet resolution today. In my remaining 878 days, I intend to write at least fifty thank you notes. I've already written eight so I'd like to think I'm on my way! Time to invest in some pretty new stationery like these from Mr. Boddington's Studio ;)

A Little Leopard

These two spaces featured in Elle Decor have me jonesing to reupholster a little occasional chair with a splash of leopard print. Place it on a neutral rug, add a big abstract painting, and you're good to go!

P.S. Happy birthday, Dad! I love you so much.

Pour L'Artiste

The Glamourai described these inspiration photos for her apartment redo as "one part inspirational office space and several parts exotic opium den." While that's never how I would describe my own style, there is something delightfully off-kilter about this interior. A tribal rug, vintage leather chair, brassy lamp with a red shade, aqua bolster, and unhung art never looked so harmonious together, don't you agree?

Crunch Time!

A little glimpse at my weekly to do list...


1. A ten-page paper about the theme of betrayal in 17th century French theater. Yikes.

2. A quick presentation about the failure of FEMA to respond to Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

3. An eight-page paper about non-traditional family structures and sex trafficking around the world.

4. A "Meet The Designer" piece for Rue.

5. A "Rue Shops [insert surprise city here]" piece.

6. A home tour piece for Rue.

7. Another home tour piece for Rue.

8. Book my flight to San Francisco.

9. Send out emails for a super fun, top secret project for Roxy's forthcoming Society Social furniture line.

10. Throw something together for Dad's birthday (tomorrow), my brother's birthday (Friday), and Mother's Day (Sunday).

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What's keeping you busy this week? Deep breaths.

New arrivals at Loren Hope!!!

My favorite jewelry designer just released her summer collection and, let me just tell you, I. Am. Obsessed.  You know when you see something you must have and get all giddy inside? That just happened... about ten times.
{Well somebody just skyrocketed to the top of my wishlist. How pretty is she?! Dabney bib necklace, $175.}

{I mean, hello. Gold + bling + pink jade = perfection. Layer it with other gold pieces or let it shine on its own. Chloe necklace, $115.}
{Just look at all that tassle-y goodness! Your plain white t-shirt will never look the same. Need. Farrah necklace, $185.}

{You'll never need to buy another necklace again. Statement-making, totally unique, and just a little bit edgy... What more could you ask for? Cleopatra necklace, $90.}
Okay, now this is brilliant. You can buy a plain clasp necklace for $45 and then attach and switch out pendants separately! Lately I've been rocking this one:
{And I swear it transforms every outfit! Deco pendant, $45.}
{I also own this pretty sparkler (can you tell I'm a little obsessed?) and throw it on whenever I feel like my outfit is missing that special something. It hasn't failed me yet! Sophie bib necklace, $75.}
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I could rave about Loren Hope all day, every day. It's fantastic to have sponsors whose work I truly love and covet for myself. I hope you'll enjoy her baubles as much as I do!

Sabrina Linn

I had blogged about the second row right image before and was delighted to stumbled upon more of this Sabrina Linn-designed penthouse. Isn't it stunning? 
{I love the neutral scheme of this living area. The combination of orange velvet and white upholstery is unexpectedly chic, but it's the large abstract art that steals the show.}
{How opulent is this workspace? I can only imagine looking out onto that kind of view in between blog posts!}
{A round mirror is an unexpected alternative over the bathroom sink. I adore the oversized idea board in what looks to be the foyer, proving that inspiration is indeed everywhere!}

P.S. Luxury Monograms giveaway happening here!

$75 Luxury Monograms Giveaway!

I am inspired to share my friend Melanie's new business venture, Luxury Monograms. Frustrated by the lack of personalized fashion for the home, Melanie started her own business selling monogrammed pillows, placemats, napkins, and bags. 
In addition to feeling inspired by Melanie's entrepreneurial example, what I love about Luxury Monograms is that you pick the pattern, the monogram (choosing from 12 styles), and the thread color (choosing from 24 colors). Ultimate creative control? I'm in!

Melanie recently teamed up with my friend Ashlina from The Decorista to style her photo shoot. I think the results are pretty fantastic, don't you?

I love the playful, preppy vibe of her products. Why not let orange Greek key, hot pink chevron, or purple suzani set the tone for your next soirée?

Melanie is graciously extending a $75 gift card to one Design Darling reader. To enter, please follow Design Darling, like Luxury Monograms on Facebook, and leave a comment letting me know one of your favorite items from her shop.

I'll be drawing the winner at random on Friday morning. Thank you to Melanie and good luck to all of you!

Happy Birthday.

Happy 22nd birthday to my boyfriend Michael.

{Still my favorite picture. London, March 2010.}

I know you don't make as many Design Darling cameos as you might like but I figured today we could make an exception. Thank you for being such a happy part of my four years at Bucknell. Whether we're dressed up as 1920s gangsters for Halloween or ATVing in the Greek islands during our semester abroad, I've had the time of my life. You are funny and quirky and wonderful and I love you. Happy happy birthday!

Thank You.

Thank you all for your kind words on my big announcement yesterday. You have me feeling more confident than ever that I'm making the right choice in moving to San Francisco.
This weekend I'll be spending time with a dear friend who's in town after her semester abroad and celebrating the 22nd birthday of a very special someone. I hope you all have a fantastic weekend — you deserve it!

{photos via Sarah Klassen and Camille Styles}