SO TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF (PART FOUR)

I participated in a Twitter chat over the weekend about reader engagement and remembered that one of my all-time favorite features is this one where I get to learn all about y-o-u!

*image source

Your style in three words:

Highlight of your summer:

Favorite thing about fall:

A recent splurge:

Something you’re looking forward to this week:

Something you want to do in the next three years:

Copy and paste to leave your answers in the comments! Here are my answers:

Your style in three words: Classic, picky (ha!), preppy
Highlight of your summer: Weekend trips to Nantucket
Favorite thing about fall: Dressing in layers — my idea of perfect weather!
A recent splurge: Tickets to Alt NYC and IFB
Something you’re looking forward to this week: My birthday on Thursday!
Something you want to do in the next year: Get into a regular exercise routine

Now go ahead and tell me about yourself! I can't wait to read each response :)

I participated in a Twitter chat over the weekend about reader engagement and remembered that one of my all-time favorite features is this one where I get to learn all about y-o-u!

*image source

Your style in three words:

Highlight of your summer:

Favorite thing about fall:

A recent splurge:

Something you’re looking forward to this week:

Something you want to do in the next three years:

Copy and paste to leave your answers in the comments! Here are my answers:

Your style in three words: Classic, picky (ha!), preppy
Highlight of your summer: Weekend trips to Nantucket
Favorite thing about fall: Dressing in layers — my idea of perfect weather!
A recent splurge: Tickets to Alt NYC and IFB
Something you’re looking forward to this week: My birthday on Thursday!
Something you want to do in the next year: Get into a regular exercise routine

Now go ahead and tell me about yourself! I can't wait to read each response :)

SHOPPING FOR BASICS

My August calendar is quickly filling up with blog conferences, dinner dates, and trade shows and it's hard not to want to buy a new outfit for every occasion. Instead I'll be investing in and replenishing my wardrobe basics: a few solid pieces that can be worn myriad ways. Case in point:

Madewell blazer (a must on my wishlist for fall) // J.Crew t-shirt

Design Darling tortoiseshell necklace // Diane von Furstenberg skirt (similar here) Cleobella card holder // See by Chloe bag // Loren Hope cocktail ring // J.Crew ballet flats

The blazer would work just as well with my go-to skinny jeans and the skirt would be adorable with a classic blue oxford tucked in. And yes, this is the way I justify all my purchases ;) Do you shop the same way I do?!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

My August calendar is quickly filling up with blog conferences, dinner dates, and trade shows and it's hard not to want to buy a new outfit for every occasion. Instead I'll be investing in and replenishing my wardrobe basics: a few solid pieces that can be worn myriad ways. Case in point:

Madewell blazer (a must on my wishlist for fall) // J.Crew t-shirt

Design Darling tortoiseshell necklace // Diane von Furstenberg skirt (similar here) Cleobella card holder // See by Chloe bag // Loren Hope cocktail ring // J.Crew ballet flats

The blazer would work just as well with my go-to skinny jeans and the skirt would be adorable with a classic blue oxford tucked in. And yes, this is the way I justify all my purchases ;) Do you shop the same way I do?!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

GIVEAWAY: GOOD BONES GREAT PIECES

I love a good mother/daughter duo and Suzanne and Lauren McGrath are no exception. I've been reading their blog for years and they've become my go-to girls for classic interiors with a modern twist. I'm thrilled to be giving away a copy of their first book Good Bones Great Pieces this week! It's a great read (with lots of pretty pictures!) on seven pieces of furniture "that will carry you through a lifetime." What's not to love about that?! 

To enter, please become a follower of Design Darling and leave a comment below. For extra entries, do any of the following and leave a separate comment for each:

- Like Design Darling and Good Bones Great Pieces on Facebook

- Follow Design Darling and Good Bones Great Pieces on Pinterest

- Follow Design Darling and Good Bones Great Pieces on Twitter

The winner will be announced on Friday morning. Good luck!

I love a good mother/daughter duo and Suzanne and Lauren McGrath are no exception. I've been reading their blog for years and they've become my go-to girls for classic interiors with a modern twist. I'm thrilled to be giving away a copy of their first book Good Bones Great Pieces this week! It's a great read (with lots of pretty pictures!) on seven pieces of furniture "that will carry you through a lifetime." What's not to love about that?! 

To enter, please become a follower of Design Darling and leave a comment below. For extra entries, do any of the following and leave a separate comment for each:

- Like Design Darling and Good Bones Great Pieces on Facebook

- Follow Design Darling and Good Bones Great Pieces on Pinterest

- Follow Design Darling and Good Bones Great Pieces on Twitter

The winner will be announced on Friday morning. Good luck!

DESK DU JOUR

Elizabeth Blitzer in Lonny

Fresh flowers, a pretty candle, and stacks of books make for a super cozy workspace, don't you think? I'm also coveting her Sharpie collection ;)

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

Elizabeth Blitzer in Lonny

Fresh flowers, a pretty candle, and stacks of books make for a super cozy workspace, don't you think? I'm also coveting her Sharpie collection ;)

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

WEEKEND WARDROBE

This is the first weekend in a while that I haven't made any plans and I plan to power through lots of laundry, packing and shipping, etc. — probably in pajamas most of the time. But if I had my way I'd be donning something more like this...

Ray-Ban sunglasses // Loren Hope necklace (with hot pink ribbon!) // J.Crew dress

Essie "Geranium" // Rebecca Minkoff iPhone case // Lulu Frost rings (love these!)

Loeffler Randall sandals (now on sale!) // Tory Burch bag

You can't go wrong with cute sandals and a flowy dress! What will you be wearing this weekend?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

This is the first weekend in a while that I haven't made any plans and I plan to power through lots of laundry, packing and shipping, etc. — probably in pajamas most of the time. But if I had my way I'd be donning something more like this...

Ray-Ban sunglasses // Loren Hope necklace (with hot pink ribbon!) // J.Crew dress

Essie "Geranium" // Rebecca Minkoff iPhone case // Lulu Frost rings (love these!)

Loeffler Randall sandals (now on sale!) // Tory Burch bag

You can't go wrong with cute sandals and a flowy dress! What will you be wearing this weekend?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

SUMMER WEEKENDS

Dossier Journal

Noa Griffel

Paul Costello

Source unknown

Cool Girl Style

I hope your weekend is full of cute clothes, ocean views, and picnics in the park.

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

Dossier Journal

Noa Griffel

Paul Costello

Source unknown

Cool Girl Style

I hope your weekend is full of cute clothes, ocean views, and picnics in the park.

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

SEQUINS FOR DAY

A sparkly look in honor of all the Olympians going for gold this week...

Madewell oxford shirt // Kenneth Jay Lane pearl studs // Tory Burch leather satchel

J.Crew ballet flats // Michael Kors tortoiseshell watch // Topshop sequin skirt

Are you keeping up with the Olympics as obsessively enthusiastically as I am?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

A sparkly look in honor of all the Olympians going for gold this week...

Madewell oxford shirt // Kenneth Jay Lane pearl studs // Tory Burch leather satchel

J.Crew ballet flats // Michael Kors tortoiseshell watch // Topshop sequin skirt

Are you keeping up with the Olympics as obsessively enthusiastically as I am?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

COLLECTIONS

I'm noticing a trend in my recent pins: collections! Books, paintbrushes, racquets, trophies, vases...

Kate Osborne

Side note: you could totally start an instant collection with these vases!

Lonny

Lotta Anderson

There's no more personal way to decorate! Tell me, what do you collect?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

I'm noticing a trend in my recent pins: collections! Books, paintbrushes, racquets, trophies, vases...

Kate Osborne

Side note: you could totally start an instant collection with these vases!

Lonny

Lotta Anderson

There's no more personal way to decorate! Tell me, what do you collect?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

9 NEUTRALS I LOVE RIGHT NOW

Cat eye sunglasses, the perfect leather satchel, and two dreamy pairs of shoes... Here are a few classic neutrals I'm coveting at the moment:

(1) Design Darling tortoiseshell necklace (2) Stella McCartney cat-eye sunglasses (3) Tory Burch satchel

(4) Paul & Joe Sister tweed jacket (5) Weekend by Maxmara sweater (6) J.Crew cashmere tee

(7) Madewell leather belt (8) Loeffler Randall wedges (9) J.Crew t-strap ballet flats

What neutrals are you stocking up on for fall?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

Cat eye sunglasses, the perfect leather satchel, and two dreamy pairs of shoes... Here are a few classic neutrals I'm coveting at the moment:

(1) Design Darling tortoiseshell necklace (2) Stella McCartney cat-eye sunglasses (3) Tory Burch satchel

(4) Paul & Joe Sister tweed jacket (5) Weekend by Maxmara sweater (6) J.Crew cashmere tee

(7) Madewell leather belt (8) Loeffler Randall wedges (9) J.Crew t-strap ballet flats

What neutrals are you stocking up on for fall?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

EXTERIORS & HYDRANGEAS

One of my favorite things to do on Nantucket is buy an iced coffee in town (or an ice cream cone in 'Sconset!) and walk around looking at all the pretty houses and gardens. This trip's takeaway? You can never have too many hydrangeas!

Vicente Wolf in Veranda

Deborah Silver

New England Home

Veranda

Source unknown

On that note, I think I have a new favorite color: hydrangea blue. Toss it in the mix with hot pink, navy blue, and white and that's my dream color palette at the moment. Do you love hydrangeas as much as I do?

P.S. You can always find more exterior inspiration here!

One of my favorite things to do on Nantucket is buy an iced coffee in town (or an ice cream cone in 'Sconset!) and walk around looking at all the pretty houses and gardens. This trip's takeaway? You can never have too many hydrangeas!

Vicente Wolf in Veranda

Deborah Silver

New England Home

Veranda

Source unknown

On that note, I think I have a new favorite color: hydrangea blue. Toss it in the mix with hot pink, navy blue, and white and that's my dream color palette at the moment. Do you love hydrangeas as much as I do?

P.S. You can always find more exterior inspiration here!

WEEKEND WARDROBE

This weekend will be a little hectic and a lot of fun. Tonight is my college roommate's birthday party in New York, tomorrow is our annual family reunion in Rhode Island, and Sunday through Tuesday I'll be out on Nantucket! Here's what I have in mind for my weekend travels...

Marley Lilly monogrammed floppy hat // Design Darling necklace // J.Crew striped shirt

J.Crew shorts // Tretorn sneakers // J.Crew weekend bag (how cute is this for only $36?!)

Casual, comfy, and just right for family barbecues, ferry rides, and running around after Rory. What will your weekend wardrobe look like?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

This weekend will be a little hectic and a lot of fun. Tonight is my college roommate's birthday party in New York, tomorrow is our annual family reunion in Rhode Island, and Sunday through Tuesday I'll be out on Nantucket! Here's what I have in mind for my weekend travels...

Marley Lilly monogrammed floppy hat // Design Darling necklace // J.Crew striped shirt

J.Crew shorts // Tretorn sneakers // J.Crew weekend bag (how cute is this for only $36?!)

Casual, comfy, and just right for family barbecues, ferry rides, and running around after Rory. What will your weekend wardrobe look like?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

DECORATING IN BLUE AND WHITE

You'll be the first to know when I set a date for moving out but in the mean time let's set our sights on a teeny tiny apartment that's decorated floor to ceiling in classic blue and white...

Serena & Lily rug // Design Darling boxwood topiary // Serena & Lily border sham

Design Darling Greek key pillow cover // Diptyque candle // Annechovie ginger jar matches

Pottery Barn Teen chair // Bludot table

What's the predominant color palette chez vous?

You'll be the first to know when I set a date for moving out but in the mean time let's set our sights on a teeny tiny apartment that's decorated floor to ceiling in classic blue and white...

Serena & Lily rug // Design Darling boxwood topiary // Serena & Lily border sham

Design Darling Greek key pillow cover // Diptyque candle // Annechovie ginger jar matches

Pottery Barn Teen chair // Bludot table

What's the predominant color palette chez vous?

OLIVIA PALERMO IN TATLER RUSSIA

I hope you all won't kill me for jumping the gun and posting about fall fashion but these looks on Design Darling fashion favorite Olivia Palermo were too perfect not to share...

I can definitely get behind this punchy palette for fall. Who else loves Olivia's style as much as I do?! Here are a few pieces to help recreate the looks (if you're in Google Reader you'll have to click over to see the slideshow!)... 

I hope you all won't kill me for jumping the gun and posting about fall fashion but these looks on Design Darling fashion favorite Olivia Palermo were too perfect not to share...

I can definitely get behind this punchy palette for fall. Who else loves Olivia's style as much as I do?! Here are a few pieces to help recreate the looks (if you're in Google Reader you'll have to click over to see the slideshow!)... 

RAINY DAY ESSENTIALS

I'm not a fan of spring showers but there's something about a summer storm that always a little fun and unexpected — if you're wearing the right outfit. Last week I found myself hopping over puddles in leather wedges (I don't particularly recommend it) so today I thought I'd whip up a little inspiration for staying dry in style.

(1) Kate Spade "Under The Sun" bangle (2) ModCloth umbrella (3) Design Darling cocktail ring

(4) Cambridge Satchel neon bag (5) Topshop jersey scarf (6) Hunter rainboots

(7) Overstock porcelain umbrella stand (8) J.Crew colorblock socks (9) Barneys dog rain slicker

I just ordered that exact umbrella stand off of Joss & Main (it's even prettier in person!) and would pair any of the above with this darling trench. How precious is the rain coat for your four-legged friend? ;)

I'm not a fan of spring showers but there's something about a summer storm that always a little fun and unexpected — if you're wearing the right outfit. Last week I found myself hopping over puddles in leather wedges (I don't particularly recommend it) so today I thought I'd whip up a little inspiration for staying dry in style.

(1) Kate Spade "Under The Sun" bangle (2) ModCloth umbrella (3) Design Darling cocktail ring

(4) Cambridge Satchel neon bag (5) Topshop jersey scarf (6) Hunter rainboots

(7) Overstock porcelain umbrella stand (8) J.Crew colorblock socks (9) Barneys dog rain slicker

I just ordered that exact umbrella stand off of Joss & Main (it's even prettier in person!) and would pair any of the above with this darling trench. How precious is the rain coat for your four-legged friend? ;)

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS

New flats from Tuckernuck // Monogrammed ice buckets headed off to their new homes // Making an effort to cook (I've tried this, this, and this) // Rory sitting on my feet during a summer storm // Striped espadrilles from J.Crew (on mega sale) // Le Pens in my monogrammed pencil cup // A preppy pillow pairing (here and here) // Neon pink shorts from J.Crew // Ginger jar matches in a tortoiseshell bowl // New arrivals in the boutique // Still in love with this little face

New flats from Tuckernuck // Monogrammed ice buckets headed off to their new homes // Making an effort to cook (I've tried this, this, and this) // Rory sitting on my feet during a summer storm // Striped espadrilles from J.Crew (on mega sale) // Le Pens in my monogrammed pencil cup // A preppy pillow pairing (here and here) // Neon pink shorts from J.Crew // Ginger jar matches in a tortoiseshell bowl // New arrivals in the boutique // Still in love with this little face

MIX AND MATCH

It's not all that often I stumble upon a color combination that's truly unexpected and suited for real life but of course, leave it to J.Crew...

Top knot // Men's shirt // Schoolboy blazer // Colorblock pants // Leopard heels

Blue and green and leopard? Call me crazy but I'm kind of digging it!

It's not all that often I stumble upon a color combination that's truly unexpected and suited for real life but of course, leave it to J.Crew...

Top knot // Men's shirt // Schoolboy blazer // Colorblock pants // Leopard heels

Blue and green and leopard? Call me crazy but I'm kind of digging it!

SUBWAY TILE KITCHENS

I just don't think I'll ever tire of certain design elements. French doors. Herringbone floors. White moulding. And then of course there's subway tile...

Better Homes & Gardens

Apartment Therapy

Elle Decor

Phoebe Howard

Ashley Goforth

Our local Starbucks recently got a little facelift and now there's an entire wall of subway tile right when you walk through the door. I can't get enough! Definitely a must for the dream home file ;)

I just don't think I'll ever tire of certain design elements. French doors. Herringbone floors. White moulding. And then of course there's subway tile...

Better Homes & Gardens

Apartment Therapy

Elle Decor

Phoebe Howard

Ashley Goforth

Our local Starbucks recently got a little facelift and now there's an entire wall of subway tile right when you walk through the door. I can't get enough! Definitely a must for the dream home file ;)

DAY AT THE DOCK

A little nautical look that has me looking forward to the weekend already...

Topshop tie-up shirt (only $45!) // Selima for J.Crew sunglasses // Kenneth Jay Lane pearl necklace

J.Crew striped shorts // Sperry Top-Sider boat shoes // Kiel James Patrick bag (the perfect summer tote!)

Tory Burch wallet (a year-round staple)

I'm headed back to Nantucket for a couple days next week and couldn't be more excited. Now who wants to sit on the water and sip Arnold Palmers with me?!

A little nautical look that has me looking forward to the weekend already...

Topshop tie-up shirt (only $45!) // Selima for J.Crew sunglasses // Kenneth Jay Lane pearl necklace

J.Crew striped shorts // Sperry Top-Sider boat shoes // Kiel James Patrick bag (the perfect summer tote!)

Tory Burch wallet (a year-round staple)

I'm headed back to Nantucket for a couple days next week and couldn't be more excited. Now who wants to sit on the water and sip Arnold Palmers with me?!

DO YOU PAINT YOUR OWN NAILS?

I have a funny question for you today but it's one I'm actually quite curious about. But first, a confession: I cannot paint my own nails for the life of me! Painting with my left hand is not pretty. Plus my very favorite indulgence (as I admitted here!) is to go to the nail salon and get a mani/pedi. And I always, always stick to pinks and reds...

You'll find all these Essie colors right here but my current favorites are Fiesta, Geranium, and Mademoiselle. Tell me: (1) what's your favorite nail polish color and (2) do you paint your own nails?!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

I have a funny question for you today but it's one I'm actually quite curious about. But first, a confession: I cannot paint my own nails for the life of me! Painting with my left hand is not pretty. Plus my very favorite indulgence (as I admitted here!) is to go to the nail salon and get a mani/pedi. And I always, always stick to pinks and reds...

You'll find all these Essie colors right here but my current favorites are Fiesta, Geranium, and Mademoiselle. Tell me: (1) what's your favorite nail polish color and (2) do you paint your own nails?!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

ZOLIE DESIGNS

Welcome back to Design Darling sponsor Zolie Designs! I'm loving all of Larissa's colorful new arrivals, especially the color-blocked Mackenzie necklace in (what else?) hot pink and navy blue. Toss any of her creations over a fitted white t-shirt and you've got effortless summer style in the bag. Shop these pretty necklaces and more right here!

P.S. Interested in sponsoring Design Darling? Email me for an ad kit today!

Welcome back to Design Darling sponsor Zolie Designs! I'm loving all of Larissa's colorful new arrivals, especially the color-blocked Mackenzie necklace in (what else?) hot pink and navy blue. Toss any of her creations over a fitted white t-shirt and you've got effortless summer style in the bag. Shop these pretty necklaces and more right here!

P.S. Interested in sponsoring Design Darling? Email me for an ad kit today!

WEEKEND WARDROBE

Nars "Schiap" lipstick // J.Crew bubble necklace // Pencey eyelet dress // Ray-Ban sunglasses

J.Crew bangle set // Madewell belt // J.Crew satchel // Michael Kors ring // Loeffler Randall wedges

White eyelet dress, classic tan accessories, and the most fabulous navy wedges I ever did see. What would you like to be wearing this weekend?

Nars "Schiap" lipstick // J.Crew bubble necklace // Pencey eyelet dress // Ray-Ban sunglasses

J.Crew bangle set // Madewell belt // J.Crew satchel // Michael Kors ring // Loeffler Randall wedges

White eyelet dress, classic tan accessories, and the most fabulous navy wedges I ever did see. What would you like to be wearing this weekend?

DESIGN DARLING IN LUXE MAGAZINE

I was so excited to be featured as the design insider for Luxe Magazine's summer issue! They were kind enough to feature the monogrammed acrylic tray from my boutique as well as a few of my local favorites. It was my first bit of print press and a fun surprise to see myself in illustrated form — now if only my bicycle were this pretty in real life! ;)

I was so excited to be featured as the design insider for Luxe Magazine's summer issue! They were kind enough to feature the monogrammed acrylic tray from my boutique as well as a few of my local favorites. It was my first bit of print press and a fun surprise to see myself in illustrated form — now if only my bicycle were this pretty in real life! ;)