Grateful.

First things first! Your comments yesterday were literally the highlight of my week. It was such a joy to get to know each one of you a little better and to read all about your bucket lists, dream jobs, and weekend plans. I read every single questionnaire with a smile on my face. You are such an inspiring bunch and I am so grateful that you show up here each day! Thank you so much.

Moving right along, the lucky winner of the Effie's Paper giveaway is #46, Tamra of Walks With Bella! Please email me so I can put you in touch with the lovely Kalyn. Congratulations! 

Lastly, thank God it's Friday. Can you say "longest week ever?" A couple late nights at work and the subsequent shortage of sleep have me more eager than ever for the weekend! I'll be reuniting with lots of Bucknell friends for a birthday party tonight and spending the rest of my weekend hanging with my family and tackling what seems to be a never-ending weekend to do list. Based on yesterday's responses, it sounds like you'll all have plenty to keep you busy as well! Have a good one, friends!

{images via the darling Patterson Maker}

First things first! Your comments yesterday were literally the highlight of my week. It was such a joy to get to know each one of you a little better and to read all about your bucket lists, dream jobs, and weekend plans. I read every single questionnaire with a smile on my face. You are such an inspiring bunch and I am so grateful that you show up here each day! Thank you so much.

Moving right along, the lucky winner of the Effie's Paper giveaway is #46, Tamra of Walks With Bella! Please email me so I can put you in touch with the lovely Kalyn. Congratulations! 

Lastly, thank God it's Friday. Can you say "longest week ever?" A couple late nights at work and the subsequent shortage of sleep have me more eager than ever for the weekend! I'll be reuniting with lots of Bucknell friends for a birthday party tonight and spending the rest of my weekend hanging with my family and tackling what seems to be a never-ending weekend to do list. Based on yesterday's responses, it sounds like you'll all have plenty to keep you busy as well! Have a good one, friends!

{images via the darling Patterson Maker}

So tell me about yourself.

One of the many reasons why I blog is that I love connecting with like-minded people. Nearly every blogger I have met in real life has turned out to be a dear friend and a true inspiration. Most of them are extremely caring, driven, and passionate people and I am lucky to have them in my life. Since it's impossible to be able to connect with every single one of you, I thought it would be fun to turn the tables today and ask you a few questions about yourself so I can get to know you and you can get to know each other. Maybe if you dig it we'll make it a regular event around here!

Current location:

Day job:

Dream job:

How you'd describe your style:

Favorite clothing company:

Favorite TV show:

Favorite way to procrastinate:

Something you're looking forward to this week:

Something on your bucket list:

Feel free to copy and paste the questions into the comments section. Here are my answers...

Current location: New York, NY

Day job: Digital coordinator 

Dream job: Freelance writer

How you'd describe your style: Casual, classic, preppy

Favorite clothing company: Emersonmade, J.Crew

Favorite TV show: The Office

Favorite way to procrastinate: Twitter

Something you're looking forward to this week: A friend's birthday party

Something on your bucket list: Skydiving

That's it. Nine questions so we can all get to know each other a little better. I can't wait to read everyone's responses!

{image}

One of the many reasons why I blog is that I love connecting with like-minded people. Nearly every blogger I have met in real life has turned out to be a dear friend and a true inspiration. Most of them are extremely caring, driven, and passionate people and I am lucky to have them in my life. Since it's impossible to be able to connect with every single one of you, I thought it would be fun to turn the tables today and ask you a few questions about yourself so I can get to know you and you can get to know each other. Maybe if you dig it we'll make it a regular event around here!

Current location:

Day job:

Dream job:

How you'd describe your style:

Favorite clothing company:

Favorite TV show:

Favorite way to procrastinate:

Something you're looking forward to this week:

Something on your bucket list:

Feel free to copy and paste the questions into the comments section. Here are my answers...

Current location: New York, NY

Day job: Digital coordinator 

Dream job: Freelance writer

How you'd describe your style: Casual, classic, preppy

Favorite clothing company: Emersonmade, J.Crew

Favorite TV show: The Office

Favorite way to procrastinate: Twitter

Something you're looking forward to this week: A friend's birthday party

Something on your bucket list: Skydiving

That's it. Nine questions so we can all get to know each other a little better. I can't wait to read everyone's responses!

{image}

Weather Report

There's a post-Labor Day tendency to tuck your summer clothing into the back of your closet and to embrace your favorite new trends for fall. But the temperature rarely changes as quickly as our wardrobe inclinations do. It feels just as wrong to sport a sundress in September as it does to rock wool pants in 80° weather. How to stay chic in between seasons? Let's look to a few of my favorite style bloggers.

Anh combines looks from two seasons with a pale lace dress and a neutral infinity scarf. The dress and sandals say summer, but her lightweight scarf and dark leather bag make her look equally appropriate for fall.

A maxi dress or skirt is a great piece for both summer and fall. Nicole's one-shoulder option is a summer staple paired with silver jewelry and will look equally chic layered underneath a cardigan come fall.

Who says shorts are just for summer? Helena's look transitions seamlessly into fall with a white oxford shirt and navy schoolboy blazer. Want to make it office-appropriate? Swap the jean shorts for a pair in leather or silk. 

- - - 

What are your tricks for transitional dressing?

There's a post-Labor Day tendency to tuck your summer clothing into the back of your closet and to embrace your favorite new trends for fall. But the temperature rarely changes as quickly as our wardrobe inclinations do. It feels just as wrong to sport a sundress in September as it does to rock wool pants in 80° weather. How to stay chic in between seasons? Let's look to a few of my favorite style bloggers.

Anh combines looks from two seasons with a pale lace dress and a neutral infinity scarf. The dress and sandals say summer, but her lightweight scarf and dark leather bag make her look equally appropriate for fall.

A maxi dress or skirt is a great piece for both summer and fall. Nicole's one-shoulder option is a summer staple paired with silver jewelry and will look equally chic layered underneath a cardigan come fall.

Who says shorts are just for summer? Helena's look transitions seamlessly into fall with a white oxford shirt and navy schoolboy blazer. Want to make it office-appropriate? Swap the jean shorts for a pair in leather or silk. 

- - - 

What are your tricks for transitional dressing?

Inside Marie Claire

Nobody's coverage of New York Fashion Week is more compelling than photographer Jamie Beck's. As detailed on her blog From Me To You, Jamie has been shooting various presentations, shows, and — lucky for us! — a behind-the-scenes look at my very favorite magazine, Marie Claire.

Tell me that's not the stuff dreams are made of. What's your favorite magazine these days?

Nobody's coverage of New York Fashion Week is more compelling than photographer Jamie Beck's. As detailed on her blog From Me To You, Jamie has been shooting various presentations, shows, and — lucky for us! — a behind-the-scenes look at my very favorite magazine, Marie Claire.

Tell me that's not the stuff dreams are made of. What's your favorite magazine these days?

Effie's Paper Giveaway!

There are few things I love more than a handwritten note or a stack of stationery just waiting to be used. I'm excited to be partnering with the darling Kalyn to bring you this giveaway from her stationery company Effie's Paper! 

One of you will receive personalized stationery in your choice of color and pattern! And everyone gets 15% off with the code "DARLING" at checkout now through Friday. I might have to grab that ikat set for myself!

- - -

To enter, become a follower of Design Darling and leave a comment below. For an extra entry (please comment again!), like Effie's Paper on Facebook. Good luck!

There are few things I love more than a handwritten note or a stack of stationery just waiting to be used. I'm excited to be partnering with the darling Kalyn to bring you this giveaway from her stationery company Effie's Paper! 

One of you will receive personalized stationery in your choice of color and pattern! And everyone gets 15% off with the code "DARLING" at checkout now through Friday. I might have to grab that ikat set for myself!

- - -

To enter, become a follower of Design Darling and leave a comment below. For an extra entry (please comment again!), like Effie's Paper on Facebook. Good luck!

Tell Me About It, Stud

By the way, need an end-of-the-weekend pick-me-up? I'd like to direct your attention to these pretty baubles among the new arrivals at Loren Hope Designs...

Sparkly costume studs, just $32 a pair available in every color under the sun. (Find them here.) I'll take these four and more...

By the way, need an end-of-the-weekend pick-me-up? I'd like to direct your attention to these pretty baubles among the new arrivals at Loren Hope Designs...

Sparkly costume studs, just $32 a pair available in every color under the sun. (Find them here.) I'll take these four and more...

Spring 2012, Continued

Just dropping in with a little more weekend eye candy...

{ADAM}

Delightful polka dots and sweet silhouettes.

{Erin Fetherston}

The perfect party frock times three.

{Lela Rose}

Divine details and romantic everything. The blue dress in the center is particularly breathtaking, no?

{images by Style.com, layouts by Mackenzie Horan}

Just dropping in with a little more weekend eye candy...

{ADAM}

Delightful polka dots and sweet silhouettes.

{Erin Fetherston}

The perfect party frock times three.

{Lela Rose}

Divine details and romantic everything. The blue dress in the center is particularly breathtaking, no?

{images by Style.com, layouts by Mackenzie Horan}

Spring 2012

Partially because I'm in denial that summer has come to an end and partially because it's hard to work in New York and not get caught up in spring Fashion Week buzz, I'm popping in today to share a few looks from three of my favorite collections to date.

{Jenni Kayne}

Enamored though I am with fashion, it's refreshing to see a collection in which I would wear literally any and every piece. This beautifully detailed collection in saturated navy, heathered gray, and crisp white would be in constant rotation in my wardrobe. Paired with metallic heels or glittery flats, what's not to love?

{Peter Som}

For days when I'm craving a burst of color, I'll be channeling the royal blue and hot pink standouts in Peter Som's collection. The retro-fit zebra bikini is what I'd call tongue-in-chic.

{10 Crosby Derek Lam}

I have trouble finding patterns and prints I love, but the bold graphics of Derek Lam's diffusion line had me at hello. Pink and white stripes with an enlarged and isolated geometric detail? It's pure pattern perfection.

- - -

Have you been following the spring shows? What is your favorite collection to date?

{images by Style.com, layouts by Mackenzie Horan}

Partially because I'm in denial that summer has come to an end and partially because it's hard to work in New York and not get caught up in spring Fashion Week buzz, I'm popping in today to share a few looks from three of my favorite collections to date.

{Jenni Kayne}

Enamored though I am with fashion, it's refreshing to see a collection in which I would wear literally any and every piece. This beautifully detailed collection in saturated navy, heathered gray, and crisp white would be in constant rotation in my wardrobe. Paired with metallic heels or glittery flats, what's not to love?

{Peter Som}

For days when I'm craving a burst of color, I'll be channeling the royal blue and hot pink standouts in Peter Som's collection. The retro-fit zebra bikini is what I'd call tongue-in-chic.

{10 Crosby Derek Lam}

I have trouble finding patterns and prints I love, but the bold graphics of Derek Lam's diffusion line had me at hello. Pink and white stripes with an enlarged and isolated geometric detail? It's pure pattern perfection.

- - -

Have you been following the spring shows? What is your favorite collection to date?

{images by Style.com, layouts by Mackenzie Horan}

Bloggers' Night Out!

I'd like every week to be four days long and have a weekend blogger event for me to look forward to. These lovely ladies have planned an evening out for style bloggers and I'm excited to mix and mingle with old favorites and new friends! Here's a little girls' night outfit inspiration for those of us who naturally have no idea to what to wear...

Black-on-black, big pearls, metallic sandals courtesy of Blair at Atlantic-Pacific.

Elin of Style by Kling is the undisputed master of downtown cool.

And Karla of Karla's Closet makes the sequin-leopard combo look good. What are your weekend plans? Or, more importantly, what are you wearing? Have a good one!

I'd like every week to be four days long and have a weekend blogger event for me to look forward to. These lovely ladies have planned an evening out for style bloggers and I'm excited to mix and mingle with old favorites and new friends! Here's a little girls' night outfit inspiration for those of us who naturally have no idea to what to wear...

Black-on-black, big pearls, metallic sandals courtesy of Blair at Atlantic-Pacific.

Elin of Style by Kling is the undisputed master of downtown cool.

And Karla of Karla's Closet makes the sequin-leopard combo look good. What are your weekend plans? Or, more importantly, what are you wearing? Have a good one!

Ideas For Your Office

1. Hang clipboards in a grid to keep your desk clear and your walls chic.

2. Surround yourself with art, books, and flowers to keep the creative juices flowing. A little leopard print never hurt anyone.

3. Use translucent pieces like a glass desk and lucite lamp to make your colorful inspiration board a strong focal point.

 - - -

Clean/cluttered, colorful/neutral, modern/traditional? What does your workspace (real or imaginary) look like?

{all images here}

1. Hang clipboards in a grid to keep your desk clear and your walls chic.

2. Surround yourself with art, books, and flowers to keep the creative juices flowing. A little leopard print never hurt anyone.

3. Use translucent pieces like a glass desk and lucite lamp to make your colorful inspiration board a strong focal point.

 - - -

Clean/cluttered, colorful/neutral, modern/traditional? What does your workspace (real or imaginary) look like?

{all images here}

What I'd Like To Be Wearing Today

I'm having one of those "I have nothing to wear" days...

Equipment blouse, $188

Tory Burch wallet, $195

Elizabeth and James sandals, $295

Tory Burch sunglasses, $149

Marc by Marc Jacobs bracelet, $68

I'd like to hit refresh in a striped blouse, color-blocked sandals, and timeless accessories. What do you wish you were wearing today?

I'm having one of those "I have nothing to wear" days...

Equipment blouse, $188

Tory Burch wallet, $195

Elizabeth and James sandals, $295

Tory Burch sunglasses, $149

Marc by Marc Jacobs bracelet, $68

I'd like to hit refresh in a striped blouse, color-blocked sandals, and timeless accessories. What do you wish you were wearing today?

Apartment Essentials {The Headboard}

My ideal first apartment has white walls and wood floors. In other words, it's a blank canvas for whatever colors, patterns, and textures I decide to bring in. As we've discussed, the easiest way to break up those white walls is by adding colorful art. But in the bedroom, my favorite way to break up a big blank expanse is to add a beautiful headboard.

{Sasha Adler}

{Rue Magazine}

Headboards create a chic focal point and add instant elegance to an otherwise generic space. I love the prices and the selection at More Headboards, especially from the brand Skyline Furniture (which I know many design bloggers love!).

I picture this tufted khaki headboard ($345) paired with pale blue linens in a very elegant boudoir. 

You know my all-time favorite color combination is navy blue with hot pink. Why not pair this navy headboard ($235) with crisp white bedding and a hot pink throw?

If it's a gender neutral look you're after, this black nailhead trim headboard ($270) is perfect! The nailhead trim is more masculine, the curvy shape is more feminine, and the black hue appeases everybody!

- - -

My three favorites are priced as headboards for full size beds but available in any size your apartment will fit! What's your favorite headboard look?

My ideal first apartment has white walls and wood floors. In other words, it's a blank canvas for whatever colors, patterns, and textures I decide to bring in. As we've discussed, the easiest way to break up those white walls is by adding colorful art. But in the bedroom, my favorite way to break up a big blank expanse is to add a beautiful headboard.

{Sasha Adler}

{Rue Magazine}

Headboards create a chic focal point and add instant elegance to an otherwise generic space. I love the prices and the selection at More Headboards, especially from the brand Skyline Furniture (which I know many design bloggers love!).

I picture this tufted khaki headboard ($345) paired with pale blue linens in a very elegant boudoir. 

You know my all-time favorite color combination is navy blue with hot pink. Why not pair this navy headboard ($235) with crisp white bedding and a hot pink throw?

If it's a gender neutral look you're after, this black nailhead trim headboard ($270) is perfect! The nailhead trim is more masculine, the curvy shape is more feminine, and the black hue appeases everybody!

- - -

My three favorites are priced as headboards for full size beds but available in any size your apartment will fit! What's your favorite headboard look?

Neither Here Nor There

Just a few life updates and fleeting thoughts on this lovely long weekend... 

1. My first week of work is behind me and I can't tell you how much I love Bollare. I'm working with really cool people and really cool brands (here, here, and here — lend them a "like," won't you?) and I'm learning something new every day. Isn't that what it's all about?

2. My brother Grayson is getting ready to apply to college and it's bringing back all sorts of memories. I want him to wind up at Bucknell so badly but I think it's best not to push the issue.

3. Knowing that some of my friends are back at school and I'm out in the real world is such a strange feeling. Seeing pictures of rush festivities pop up on Facebook definitely tugged at my heartstrings. But I'm really happy with where I am right now — and there's always Homecoming!

4. Confession: I've spent hours researching apartments in New York even though I know I can't afford to move into the city right away. It's just fun to know what's out there! 

5. On a related note, the worst part of working in New York is my commute from Connecticut. An hour train ride each way plus time on the subway. The bright side, though, is plenty of time to read books and magazines. I finished Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell this week and I highly recommend it.

6. I'm insanely and unattractively jealous of everyone who's going to New York Fashion Week. Seeing a show is on my 101 in 1001 list and I'm determined to make it happen in time for next year.

7. I'm not sure where my new Tumblr is headed but I'm loving it so far! Won't you follow along? Remember, you can ask me anything! I've already gotten a few questions ranging from advice for studying abroad to how to store makeup.

8. I have a couple really fun interviews lined up to bring Design Dialogues back with a bang this fall. It's my way of bringing you original content without having my boyfriend follow me around with a camera documenting my outfit changes ;)

- - -

I'm kind of all over the place today, huh? What's new with all of you?

Just a few life updates and fleeting thoughts on this lovely long weekend... 

1. My first week of work is behind me and I can't tell you how much I love Bollare. I'm working with really cool people and really cool brands (here, here, and here — lend them a "like," won't you?) and I'm learning something new every day. Isn't that what it's all about?

2. My brother Grayson is getting ready to apply to college and it's bringing back all sorts of memories. I want him to wind up at Bucknell so badly but I think it's best not to push the issue.

3. Knowing that some of my friends are back at school and I'm out in the real world is such a strange feeling. Seeing pictures of rush festivities pop up on Facebook definitely tugged at my heartstrings. But I'm really happy with where I am right now — and there's always Homecoming!

4. Confession: I've spent hours researching apartments in New York even though I know I can't afford to move into the city right away. It's just fun to know what's out there! 

5. On a related note, the worst part of working in New York is my commute from Connecticut. An hour train ride each way plus time on the subway. The bright side, though, is plenty of time to read books and magazines. I finished Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell this week and I highly recommend it.

6. I'm insanely and unattractively jealous of everyone who's going to New York Fashion Week. Seeing a show is on my 101 in 1001 list and I'm determined to make it happen in time for next year.

7. I'm not sure where my new Tumblr is headed but I'm loving it so far! Won't you follow along? Remember, you can ask me anything! I've already gotten a few questions ranging from advice for studying abroad to how to store makeup.

8. I have a couple really fun interviews lined up to bring Design Dialogues back with a bang this fall. It's my way of bringing you original content without having my boyfriend follow me around with a camera documenting my outfit changes ;)

- - -

I'm kind of all over the place today, huh? What's new with all of you?

And the winner is...

My apologies for the delay in announcing the winner of the Plum Pretty Sugar giveaway. Here we go...

Congratulations to entry #3, Alex of Things That Sparkle! Please email me so I can put you in touch with the lovely Charlotte to redeem your beautiful new robe. Thanks to everyone who entered and have a wonderful long weekend!

My apologies for the delay in announcing the winner of the Plum Pretty Sugar giveaway. Here we go...

Congratulations to entry #3, Alex of Things That Sparkle! Please email me so I can put you in touch with the lovely Charlotte to redeem your beautiful new robe. Thanks to everyone who entered and have a wonderful long weekend!

Desk du Jour {Back to Black}

In complete contrast to Tuesday's light and bright office tour, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite black and white spaces. As much as I adore white walls, there is something so graphic about colorful book spines tucked into black bookcases. Maybe it's all about striking a balance, like the black and white stripes in the second space or the black moulding and white ceiling in the third. What do you think — would you dare to paint your walls black?

{via here}

In complete contrast to Tuesday's light and bright office tour, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite black and white spaces. As much as I adore white walls, there is something so graphic about colorful book spines tucked into black bookcases. Maybe it's all about striking a balance, like the black and white stripes in the second space or the black moulding and white ceiling in the third. What do you think — would you dare to paint your walls black?

{via here}

Apartment Essentials {Art}

When I announced this series, an overwhelming number of you expressed the need for affordable art options to cover bare walls and introduce color without breaking the bank. Here are a few of the tricks up my sleeve...

{Christian Chaize, $50+}

20x200 is an excellent source for limited edition prints in various sizes. A 14"x11" print like this ubiquitous Christian Chaize number (which, for the record, I still love) will run you $50.

{Janet Hill, $26}

I adore the Etsy offerings of painter Janet Hill, whose vintage-inspired prints would be a playful addition to any interior. Nothing in her shop costs more than $55 and this charming print of a well-clad redhead is just $26! Frame it in gold with a green matte and you're good to go.

{Sarah Tucker, $18}

This Swiss blogger stocks her shop with travel photography that will lend an esteemed air to a simple studio. These peonies, which Sarah photographed in Zurich, are a personal favorite.

{Emma Leonard, $25}

Prefer sketches to paintings and photos? This Australian illustrator's work is breathtakingly precise. I'm drawn to this messy topknot — how perfect for in a closet or powder room!

{Leah Goren, $40}

One of my favorite solutions is to frame a colorful scarf. This hand-painted option (currently sold out but I believe can be custom ordered) would be particularly cheery in a breakfast nook or a foyer.

{Vera Neumann, $46}

Framable options abound at The Lucky Fish. This vintage Vera Neumann scarf is a graphic statement piece that could easily inspire the color palette for your entire space. 

{Amber Interiors}

I have featured Amber's dining room before but the fact that she took pictures of clouds and blew them up for her dining room continues to strike my fancy. In fact she makes me want to run to Kinko's with some of my Instagram snaps. Think travel pictures, family portraits, the sky's the limit!

- - -

If you'd prefer a DIY project, I might suggest painting panels or framing wallpaper. What's your favorite art resource and how are you covering your walls these days?

When I announced this series, an overwhelming number of you expressed the need for affordable art options to cover bare walls and introduce color without breaking the bank. Here are a few of the tricks up my sleeve...

{Christian Chaize, $50+}

20x200 is an excellent source for limited edition prints in various sizes. A 14"x11" print like this ubiquitous Christian Chaize number (which, for the record, I still love) will run you $50.

{Janet Hill, $26}

I adore the Etsy offerings of painter Janet Hill, whose vintage-inspired prints would be a playful addition to any interior. Nothing in her shop costs more than $55 and this charming print of a well-clad redhead is just $26! Frame it in gold with a green matte and you're good to go.

{Sarah Tucker, $18}

This Swiss blogger stocks her shop with travel photography that will lend an esteemed air to a simple studio. These peonies, which Sarah photographed in Zurich, are a personal favorite.

{Emma Leonard, $25}

Prefer sketches to paintings and photos? This Australian illustrator's work is breathtakingly precise. I'm drawn to this messy topknot — how perfect for in a closet or powder room!

{Leah Goren, $40}

One of my favorite solutions is to frame a colorful scarf. This hand-painted option (currently sold out but I believe can be custom ordered) would be particularly cheery in a breakfast nook or a foyer.

{Vera Neumann, $46}

Framable options abound at The Lucky Fish. This vintage Vera Neumann scarf is a graphic statement piece that could easily inspire the color palette for your entire space. 

{Amber Interiors}

I have featured Amber's dining room before but the fact that she took pictures of clouds and blew them up for her dining room continues to strike my fancy. In fact she makes me want to run to Kinko's with some of my Instagram snaps. Think travel pictures, family portraits, the sky's the limit!

- - -

If you'd prefer a DIY project, I might suggest painting panels or framing wallpaper. What's your favorite art resource and how are you covering your walls these days?