WHAT ARE YOU READING?

{Gwyneth Paltrow in Vogue}

Several of the tasks on my 101 in 1001 list relate to reading. I read all the Harry Potter books (#21) because, you know, how could you not? Now I'm in the process of reading every Jane Austen novel (#60), which I like to space out with a couple months between each one. But then there's just general reading I'd like to make time for (#69): twenty new books, of which I can say I've crossed off only eight. I imagine that won't sound particularly ambitious to some of you and yet I know if it were easier I'd have crossed it off the list a long time ago! ;) Do you make time to read for fun? Any must-reads you'd recommend to help me cross #69 off my list?

{Gwyneth Paltrow in Vogue}

Several of the tasks on my 101 in 1001 list relate to reading. I read all the Harry Potter books (#21) because, you know, how could you not? Now I'm in the process of reading every Jane Austen novel (#60), which I like to space out with a couple months between each one. But then there's just general reading I'd like to make time for (#69): twenty new books, of which I can say I've crossed off only eight. I imagine that won't sound particularly ambitious to some of you and yet I know if it were easier I'd have crossed it off the list a long time ago! ;) Do you make time to read for fun? Any must-reads you'd recommend to help me cross #69 off my list?

LEATHER ACCESSORIES I'M LOVING

(1) Serapian leather iPad case (2) K. Slademade monogrammed leather key fob

(3) Madewell leather backpack (4) Tory Burch reversible leather belt (5) Coach legacy satchel 

(6) Brooks Brothers ballet loafers  (7) Loeffler Randall pointed toe flats (8) J.Crew wide leather belt 

(9) ONE by Thela leather bag (10) J.Crew leather pumps (11) Baggu leather drawstring bag

Bags, belts, shoes... What leather accessories do you have your eye on for fall?

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(1) Serapian leather iPad case (2) K. Slademade monogrammed leather key fob

(3) Madewell leather backpack (4) Tory Burch reversible leather belt (5) Coach legacy satchel 

(6) Brooks Brothers ballet loafers  (7) Loeffler Randall pointed toe flats (8) J.Crew wide leather belt 

(9) ONE by Thela leather bag (10) J.Crew leather pumps (11) Baggu leather drawstring bag

Bags, belts, shoes... What leather accessories do you have your eye on for fall?

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RECENT OUTFITS

I've been trying to remember to take quick outfit snaps each morning (when I'm not working in pajamas, that is). This is what I've been wearing this week... 

Rugby oxford // BDG jeans (only $39 right now!) // Cole Haan loafers (on sale!)

Loren Hope bracelet // Design Darling bangle

J.Crew signet ring (similar) // Loren Hope bracelet // Design Darling bangle // J.Crew bangle

J.Crew t-shirt // BDG jeans (I live in these...) // Ballet flats ordered on HauteLook

Coach ring (similar) // Design Darling bangle

It's fun to play dress-up since I have lots of goodies from the boutique stored ever-so-glamorously in my family's dining room ;) But really it's fun to mix and match the bangles to coordinate with any outfit — plus they have a hinge closure so they're easy to snap on and off when I'm at my computer. Working girl approved!

P.S. For those who have asked, the rug is from Rugs USA!

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I've been trying to remember to take quick outfit snaps each morning (when I'm not working in pajamas, that is). This is what I've been wearing this week... 

Rugby oxford // BDG jeans (only $39 right now!) // Cole Haan loafers (on sale!)

Loren Hope bracelet // Design Darling bangle

J.Crew signet ring (similar) // Loren Hope bracelet // Design Darling bangle // J.Crew bangle

J.Crew t-shirt // BDG jeans (I live in these...) // Ballet flats ordered on HauteLook

Coach ring (similar) // Design Darling bangle

It's fun to play dress-up since I have lots of goodies from the boutique stored ever-so-glamorously in my family's dining room ;) But really it's fun to mix and match the bangles to coordinate with any outfit — plus they have a hinge closure so they're easy to snap on and off when I'm at my computer. Working girl approved!

P.S. For those who have asked, the rug is from Rugs USA!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

ON MY RADAR...

Michael Kors wrap watch // Jules Smith necklace (so cool!) // Tory Burch card cases // Kors Michael Kors wedges (my pick!)

Milly bow top // A.L.C. top // Tory Burch peplum sweater (I'm obsessed!)

Diane von Furstenberg dress // Club Monaco trench coat // Alice + Olivia dress (how great is this color?)

My goodness, fall makes me want to shop. Tell me I'm not the only one?!

Michael Kors wrap watch // Jules Smith necklace (so cool!) // Tory Burch card cases // Kors Michael Kors wedges (my pick!)

Milly bow top // A.L.C. top // Tory Burch peplum sweater (I'm obsessed!)

Diane von Furstenberg dress // Club Monaco trench coat // Alice + Olivia dress (how great is this color?)

My goodness, fall makes me want to shop. Tell me I'm not the only one?!

OLIVIA PALERMO'S STYLE

There are few people who never get it wrong when it comes to fashion. That said, I'm pretty sure Olivia Palermo has never left the house in a sweatshirt and yoga pants because every single picture of her is polished perfection. Here are a few favorite snaps of this style icon and key pieces to help you get the look...

Cat eye sunglasses // Sparkly studs // Basic cardigan

Utility jacket // Skinny jeans // Tan ballet flats

Striped peplum top // Tan bag // Bow heels

Leopard jacket // Denim shorts // Bow ballet flats

Seriously, can she do no wrong? Whether she's walking her dog or the step-and-repeat, her style is on point. Who are some of your style role models?

There are few people who never get it wrong when it comes to fashion. That said, I'm pretty sure Olivia Palermo has never left the house in a sweatshirt and yoga pants because every single picture of her is polished perfection. Here are a few favorite snaps of this style icon and key pieces to help you get the look...

Cat eye sunglasses // Sparkly studs // Basic cardigan

Utility jacket // Skinny jeans // Tan ballet flats

Striped peplum top // Tan bag // Bow heels

Leopard jacket // Denim shorts // Bow ballet flats

Seriously, can she do no wrong? Whether she's walking her dog or the step-and-repeat, her style is on point. Who are some of your style role models?

NEXT UP...

No. 71 on my 101 in 1001 list is to go camping which, as you might imagine, is not a strong suit of mine. In fact, I really only want to go if it looks something like this...

I won't hold my breath ;) Have any of you been (and enjoyed!) camping? Teach me your ways! 

*all images by Sarah Kehoe

No. 71 on my 101 in 1001 list is to go camping which, as you might imagine, is not a strong suit of mine. In fact, I really only want to go if it looks something like this...

I won't hold my breath ;) Have any of you been (and enjoyed!) camping? Teach me your ways! 

*all images by Sarah Kehoe

INSTAGRAM UPDATES

J.Crew ballet flats (now on sale!) // Bloch ballet flats (also on sale) via Rue La La // Tuckernuck espadrilles // Cole Haan loafers (also on sale)

An old inspiration board // Design Darling packaging // Bumblebee matches // A walk in the park

Tortoiseshell highballs (kind of obsessed with these...)

Zara striped peplum jacket // An afternoon in Rowayton // Gratuitous picture of Rory // Times Square as seen from the top of the Empire State Building

The most darling birthday present from K. Slademade (in my favorite colors no less!)

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

J.Crew ballet flats (now on sale!) // Bloch ballet flats (also on sale) via Rue La La // Tuckernuck espadrilles // Cole Haan loafers (also on sale)

An old inspiration board // Design Darling packaging // Bumblebee matches // A walk in the park

Tortoiseshell highballs (kind of obsessed with these...)

Zara striped peplum jacket // An afternoon in Rowayton // Gratuitous picture of Rory // Times Square as seen from the top of the Empire State Building

The most darling birthday present from K. Slademade (in my favorite colors no less!)

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

101 IN 1001 UPDATE

I have a little more than a year left to accomplish everything on my 101 in 1001 list and I'd say it's officially time to kick things into high gear! This summer I've been able to cross off the following...

{Monogrammed notecards}

18. Buy my parents an Apple computer. (They love it!)

22. See all the Harry Potter movies. (Super important, right?)

23. Send fifty handwritten notes. (I include a handwritten note with every Design Darling order so this should have been crossed off a long time ago!)

37. See a new Cirque du Soleil performance. (Michael and I saw Zarkana in June!)

{Recycled leather notebook}

48. Take a cooking lesson. (Remember that?)

50. Invest in at least ten coffee table books. (I have way exceeded ten thanks to amazing sales on Joss & Main and One Kings Lane!)

76. Go to the top of the Empire State Building. (One of my birthday presents from Michael and so much fun!)

79. Go zip lining. (A birthday present from my parents and also a blast, especially in the rain!)

{To do list}

90. Upgrade to a DSLR camera. (A birthday present to myself!)

99. Participate in a flash mob. (My sister organized one to say good bye to her best friend who moved to the midwest and it. was. awesome!)

That comes to 39 completed tasks and — eeek! — 62 to go. Check out the rest of my goals here. Is anyone else working on a similar list? Leave a link in the comments!

I have a little more than a year left to accomplish everything on my 101 in 1001 list and I'd say it's officially time to kick things into high gear! This summer I've been able to cross off the following...

{Monogrammed notecards}

18. Buy my parents an Apple computer. (They love it!)

22. See all the Harry Potter movies. (Super important, right?)

23. Send fifty handwritten notes. (I include a handwritten note with every Design Darling order so this should have been crossed off a long time ago!)

37. See a new Cirque du Soleil performance. (Michael and I saw Zarkana in June!)

{Recycled leather notebook}

48. Take a cooking lesson. (Remember that?)

50. Invest in at least ten coffee table books. (I have way exceeded ten thanks to amazing sales on Joss & Main and One Kings Lane!)

76. Go to the top of the Empire State Building. (One of my birthday presents from Michael and so much fun!)

79. Go zip lining. (A birthday present from my parents and also a blast, especially in the rain!)

{To do list}

90. Upgrade to a DSLR camera. (A birthday present to myself!)

99. Participate in a flash mob. (My sister organized one to say good bye to her best friend who moved to the midwest and it. was. awesome!)

That comes to 39 completed tasks and — eeek! — 62 to go. Check out the rest of my goals here. Is anyone else working on a similar list? Leave a link in the comments!

WHAT'S ONE THING YOU WISH YOU KNEW...

...before moving out and living on your own? I mentioned in Monday's post that so many friends are making the move to New York which is making me all the more eager to do the same. I'm crossing my fingers to make it happen in early 2013 which means I have a few months to save my pennies and soak up all the advice you have to give...

{Lynn Nigro in Lonny}

What's one thing (or two or three) you wish you knew before moving into your first apartment?

...before moving out and living on your own? I mentioned in Monday's post that so many friends are making the move to New York which is making me all the more eager to do the same. I'm crossing my fingers to make it happen in early 2013 which means I have a few months to save my pennies and soak up all the advice you have to give...

{Lynn Nigro in Lonny}

What's one thing (or two or three) you wish you knew before moving into your first apartment?

BORROWED FROM THE (LITTLE) BOYS

One of my favorite styling tricks lately (seen here and here) is to take an oversized shirt and tie it at the hem. The best part? It's easy to do with a slightly boxier boys' shirt like these...

Brooks Brothers gingham shirt // Crewcuts tuxedo shirt

Ralph Lauren big pony shirt // Ralph Lauren stripe shirt (on crazy sale!)

Crewcuts gingham shirt // Brooks Brothers tennis shirt (also on sale!)

The fit is perfect for scrunching up the sleeves and knotting the bottom! You'd be surprised at how generous the fit is (particularly with Ralph Lauren where the fit goes up to size 20!) and how much lower the price can be relative to comparable women's designs. Just be sure to check the size chart before you order! Have any of you ever worn boys' shirts before? Don't knock it 'til you try it! :)

One of my favorite styling tricks lately (seen here and here) is to take an oversized shirt and tie it at the hem. The best part? It's easy to do with a slightly boxier boys' shirt like these...

Brooks Brothers gingham shirt // Crewcuts tuxedo shirt

Ralph Lauren big pony shirt // Ralph Lauren stripe shirt (on crazy sale!)

Crewcuts gingham shirt // Brooks Brothers tennis shirt (also on sale!)

The fit is perfect for scrunching up the sleeves and knotting the bottom! You'd be surprised at how generous the fit is (particularly with Ralph Lauren where the fit goes up to size 20!) and how much lower the price can be relative to comparable women's designs. Just be sure to check the size chart before you order! Have any of you ever worn boys' shirts before? Don't knock it 'til you try it! :)

BAR CART DETAILS

Isn't it funny how pretty packaging on certain items totally makes the look? I'll never look at a bottle of Absolut the same way again ;)

P.S. On the subject of beautiful bar carts, did you see that Society Social's manifesto magalog launched today? Check it out for great entertaining tips and styling ideas from some of my favorite bloggers.

*Photo from Ivy & Piper

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Isn't it funny how pretty packaging on certain items totally makes the look? I'll never look at a bottle of Absolut the same way again ;)

P.S. On the subject of beautiful bar carts, did you see that Society Social's manifesto magalog launched today? Check it out for great entertaining tips and styling ideas from some of my favorite bloggers.

*Photo from Ivy & Piper

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

TRENDSPOTTING: COLORED SOLE OXFORDS

For me, a key component of honing great personal style is knowing how to pick and choose which trends work for you. Cleaning out your wardrobe and starting fresh every season isn't really an option so it's important to invest in basic pieces you'll love forever and sprinkle in on-trend pieces that are still true to your taste. Lately I've been seeing lots of oxfords with colored soles and — while they might be "in" right now — they're the perfect updated classic for this tried-and-true prep...

(1) Crewcuts suede bucks — size K4 is equivalent to a women's size 6! (2) Del Toro suede wingtips (3) Splendid oxfords — a way to test out the trend for less than $100!

What do you think of this twist on classic oxfords? Is this trend for you?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

For me, a key component of honing great personal style is knowing how to pick and choose which trends work for you. Cleaning out your wardrobe and starting fresh every season isn't really an option so it's important to invest in basic pieces you'll love forever and sprinkle in on-trend pieces that are still true to your taste. Lately I've been seeing lots of oxfords with colored soles and — while they might be "in" right now — they're the perfect updated classic for this tried-and-true prep...

(1) Crewcuts suede bucks — size K4 is equivalent to a women's size 6! (2) Del Toro suede wingtips (3) Splendid oxfords — a way to test out the trend for less than $100!

What do you think of this twist on classic oxfords? Is this trend for you?

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KATE MIDDLETON'S OLYMPICS STYLE

I'm not usually one to ooh and ahh over celebrity fashion but this look was too perfect not to recreate...

Kenneth Jay Lane studs // J.Crew schoolboy blazer // Alice + Olivia side peplum dress

K. Slademade navy foldover clutch // Diane von Furstenberg suede pumps

This combination of classic navy and hydrangea blue is pretty much all I want to wear right now. Anyone else?!

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I'm not usually one to ooh and ahh over celebrity fashion but this look was too perfect not to recreate...

Kenneth Jay Lane studs // J.Crew schoolboy blazer // Alice + Olivia side peplum dress

K. Slademade navy foldover clutch // Diane von Furstenberg suede pumps

This combination of classic navy and hydrangea blue is pretty much all I want to wear right now. Anyone else?!

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KATIE ARMOUR'S HOME IN MATCHBOOK

I was delighted to contribute to Matchbook's August issue with an interview of the über-talented Lisa Salzer of Lulu Frost. Equally delightful were these snaps of editor Katie Armour's darling San Francisco abode. Does she not make you want to recover everything you own in navy blue buffalo check? Cute as it is, I'm quite happy to have her on the east coast now! See the complete tour here and read the issue here.

I was delighted to contribute to Matchbook's August issue with an interview of the über-talented Lisa Salzer of Lulu Frost. Equally delightful were these snaps of editor Katie Armour's darling San Francisco abode. Does she not make you want to recover everything you own in navy blue buffalo check? Cute as it is, I'm quite happy to have her on the east coast now! See the complete tour here and read the issue here.

CITY NIGHTS

It's crazy how many people I love have moved to New York lately. It makes me that much more excited to make the move myself in a few months! In the mean time I find myself hopping on the train to the city ever more frequently, which calls for easy outfits that are comfy for the commute but cute enough for dinner...

Acne dress // J.Crew earrings // Kate Spade bow belt // Dani Notes monogrammed iPhone case

K. Jacques leather sandals // Barneys New York clutch

Tonight I'm off to meet Alex, Jane, Katie, Sarah, and Sarah for dinner in the West Village. Matchbook girls unite! ;)

It's crazy how many people I love have moved to New York lately. It makes me that much more excited to make the move myself in a few months! In the mean time I find myself hopping on the train to the city ever more frequently, which calls for easy outfits that are comfy for the commute but cute enough for dinner...

Acne dress // J.Crew earrings // Kate Spade bow belt // Dani Notes monogrammed iPhone case

K. Jacques leather sandals // Barneys New York clutch

Tonight I'm off to meet Alex, Jane, Katie, Sarah, and Sarah for dinner in the West Village. Matchbook girls unite! ;)

PREPPY STYLING

You'll rarely see me in red (red jeans being the exception) but there's a lot to love about Mango's fall campaign: oxford shirts layered under blazers, leather belts over polka dot skirts, and trench coats on top of cable knit sweaters. I'm excited for the temperature to drop 30 degrees so I can start pulling fall basics to the front of my closet...!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

You'll rarely see me in red (red jeans being the exception) but there's a lot to love about Mango's fall campaign: oxford shirts layered under blazers, leather belts over polka dot skirts, and trench coats on top of cable knit sweaters. I'm excited for the temperature to drop 30 degrees so I can start pulling fall basics to the front of my closet...!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

HAPPY SUNDAY

Wishing you a fun-filled day with friends, sunshine, and striped beach towels.

*Photo by Amanda Pratt

Wishing you a fun-filled day with friends, sunshine, and striped beach towels.

*Photo by Amanda Pratt

WEEKEND WARDROBE

We had so much fun zip lining yesterday and now I can cross that one off my 101 in 1001 list! My sweet aunt also gave me five Audrey Hepburn DVDs so I can get cracking on that task as well! Here's a classic look that seems right up Audrey's alley...

Loren Hope earrings // Madewell oxford shirt // Tory Burch sunglasses // Topshop skirt

By Malene Birger pearl necklace // Charles Philip striped slippers // Longchamp medium tote

Classic studs, a strand of pearls, and the Longchamp tote I carry with me everywhere I go... The definition of classics and the very pieces I want filling up my wardrobe! What are two or three of your favorite closet classics?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

We had so much fun zip lining yesterday and now I can cross that one off my 101 in 1001 list! My sweet aunt also gave me five Audrey Hepburn DVDs so I can get cracking on that task as well! Here's a classic look that seems right up Audrey's alley...

Loren Hope earrings // Madewell oxford shirt // Tory Burch sunglasses // Topshop skirt

By Malene Birger pearl necklace // Charles Philip striped slippers // Longchamp medium tote

Classic studs, a strand of pearls, and the Longchamp tote I carry with me everywhere I go... The definition of classics and the very pieces I want filling up my wardrobe! What are two or three of your favorite closet classics?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

GOOD BONES GOOD PIECES GIVEAWAY WINNER

Thank you for all the birthday wishes yesterday and to everyone who entered this week's giveaway! The winner is...

Renée of Crossed and Dotted! Please email me so I can ship you your new book. Thanks to Suzanne and Lauren for the generous giveaway! I'm taking today off to go zip lining with my family (a birthday surprise from my 101 in 1001 list, eeek!) and I couldn't be more excited. Have any of you been? Tell me all about it!

Thank you for all the birthday wishes yesterday and to everyone who entered this week's giveaway! The winner is...

Renée of Crossed and Dotted! Please email me so I can ship you your new book. Thanks to Suzanne and Lauren for the generous giveaway! I'm taking today off to go zip lining with my family (a birthday surprise from my 101 in 1001 list, eeek!) and I couldn't be more excited. Have any of you been? Tell me all about it!

I'M 23!

Today is my 23rd birthday and I want to celebrate with all of you! Today only you'll get 23% off all designdarling.com orders with code BIRTHDAY at checkout. Offer is not valid for any previous orders and expires tonight at midnight EST. Shop to it! 

Today is my 23rd birthday and I want to celebrate with all of you! Today only you'll get 23% off all designdarling.com orders with code BIRTHDAY at checkout. Offer is not valid for any previous orders and expires tonight at midnight EST. Shop to it! 

INSTAGRAM UPDATES

Favorite snaps from last week's trip to Nantucket...

A new read I'm loving // My new favorite ballet flats (now on sale!) // Bangles from Design Darling and J.Crew // Carrying Coach onto the ferry

Exterior inspiration // Waking up to this little guy // The needlepoint belt my grandmother is making for me!

Flowers, lobster, and my grandmother's lightship basket

Iced coffee // Rachel Pally dress // Shopping in town (loved this picnic basket and this bedding)

It's funny how many pictures I take when I'm out and about! Believe me when I say my daily life looks more like me in front of my laptop wearing pajamas ;) Do you have any summer trips planned?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

Favorite snaps from last week's trip to Nantucket...

A new read I'm loving // My new favorite ballet flats (now on sale!) // Bangles from Design Darling and J.Crew // Carrying Coach onto the ferry

Exterior inspiration // Waking up to this little guy // The needlepoint belt my grandmother is making for me!

Flowers, lobster, and my grandmother's lightship basket

Iced coffee // Rachel Pally dress // Shopping in town (loved this picnic basket and this bedding)

It's funny how many pictures I take when I'm out and about! Believe me when I say my daily life looks more like me in front of my laptop wearing pajamas ;) Do you have any summer trips planned?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

MINNIE MORTIMER'S HOME TOUR

Still smitten with this home tour from APT with LSD... a year later. That's how you know it's good, right?!

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Still smitten with this home tour from APT with LSD... a year later. That's how you know it's good, right?!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter