RAOUL SPRING/SUMMER 2013

A few favorite shots from Raoul's spring presentation on Friday. I couldn't get enough of all the little details: silk bows on shoulders, skirts with pockets, sweet scalloped hemlines... And now I'm dying to add this darling top to my closet! Have you been keeping up with all the presentations and shows? Do tell if you have a favorite!

*Photos by me for Design Darling

A few favorite shots from Raoul's spring presentation on Friday. I couldn't get enough of all the little details: silk bows on shoulders, skirts with pockets, sweet scalloped hemlines... And now I'm dying to add this darling top to my closet! Have you been keeping up with all the presentations and shows? Do tell if you have a favorite!

*Photos by me for Design Darling

A FEW THINGS...

The IFB conference was awesome. I got to catch up with a few ladies who flew in from out of town (Bri, Erin, Taylor) as well as meet a few favorites (Julia, Kate, Lauren, Rachel) for the first time. I carried my K. Slademade clutch and wore this Loren Hope bracelet and tortoiseshell bangles coming soon to Design Darling. Alex, Sarah, and I also ran into Dakota Fanning at lunch... NBD ;)

Two hours a day on the train in and out of the city this week gave me plenty of time to catch up on some of my favorite reads. Don't you wish every month were as good as the September issue?

Alex, Sarah, and I popped into C. Wonder and noticed lots and lots of hot pink and navy (my favorite!). Aren't these flats adorable? I still have my heart set on this picnic basket.

Speaking of shoes, I got lots of compliments on my new heels last night! (You can get 30% off with code FALL30 at checkout.) Don't they look like the shoes in my blog header?!

Last night Tamra and I celebrated Fashion's Night Out at Alice & Trixie. I wore the super sparkly Georgie top and now have my eye on this and these as well! Huge thanks to Alex, Kat, and Viviana for swinging by. 

And finally Alex and I met Brad Goreski at the Kate Spade event. Is he not the cutest ever?!

- - -

I hope you are all having a lovely fashion week whether you're in New York or elsewhere! I'm off to the Raoul presentation this afternoon and have a few blogger get-togethers tomorrow before I come home Sunday and sleep for 24 hours straight ;) Have a great weekend!

  

The IFB conference was awesome. I got to catch up with a few ladies who flew in from out of town (Bri, Erin, Taylor) as well as meet a few favorites (Julia, Kate, Lauren, Rachel) for the first time. I carried my K. Slademade clutch and wore this Loren Hope bracelet and tortoiseshell bangles coming soon to Design Darling. Alex, Sarah, and I also ran into Dakota Fanning at lunch... NBD ;)

Two hours a day on the train in and out of the city this week gave me plenty of time to catch up on some of my favorite reads. Don't you wish every month were as good as the September issue?

Alex, Sarah, and I popped into C. Wonder and noticed lots and lots of hot pink and navy (my favorite!). Aren't these flats adorable? I still have my heart set on this picnic basket.

Speaking of shoes, I got lots of compliments on my new heels last night! (You can get 30% off with code FALL30 at checkout.) Don't they look like the shoes in my blog header?!

Last night Tamra and I celebrated Fashion's Night Out at Alice & Trixie. I wore the super sparkly Georgie top and now have my eye on this and these as well! Huge thanks to Alex, Kat, and Viviana for swinging by. 

And finally Alex and I met Brad Goreski at the Kate Spade event. Is he not the cutest ever?!

- - -

I hope you are all having a lovely fashion week whether you're in New York or elsewhere! I'm off to the Raoul presentation this afternoon and have a few blogger get-togethers tomorrow before I come home Sunday and sleep for 24 hours straight ;) Have a great weekend!

  

PERFECTLY ORGANIZED

{Jill Robertson}

A place for everything and everything in its place. What I wouldn't give to feel this organized right about now...! Today I'm shipping orders, preparing new arrivals, and getting ready for Fashion's Night Out with Alice & Trixie! Please stop by if you're around :)

{Jill Robertson}

A place for everything and everything in its place. What I wouldn't give to feel this organized right about now...! Today I'm shipping orders, preparing new arrivals, and getting ready for Fashion's Night Out with Alice & Trixie! Please stop by if you're around :)

SO TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF (PART FIVE)

I'm in New York today enjoying the second day of IFB panels so I thought I'd turn it over to you all for one of my favorite columns! See all previous features here...

Blog(s) rocking your world lately:
Food you're known for making:
Saving up for:
Something you want to cross off today's to do list:
The last book you read:

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

Blog(s) rocking your world lately: Pink Peonies and Sous Style

Food you're known for making: Guacamole? I'm not much of a chef ;)

Last book you finished: Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Saving up for: A classic leather handbag (thinking something Tory Burch)

Something you want to cross off today's to do list: Updating all my iPhone apps

*Image source

I'm in New York today enjoying the second day of IFB panels so I thought I'd turn it over to you all for one of my favorite columns! See all previous features here...

Blog(s) rocking your world lately:
Food you're known for making:
Saving up for:
Something you want to cross off today's to do list:
The last book you read:

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

Blog(s) rocking your world lately: Pink Peonies and Sous Style

Food you're known for making: Guacamole? I'm not much of a chef ;)

Last book you finished: Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Saving up for: A classic leather handbag (thinking something Tory Burch)

Something you want to cross off today's to do list: Updating all my iPhone apps

*Image source

{OUTFIT} LOREN HOPE LOOKBOOK

Loren Hope Roxy earrings // Chance Co. boatneck tee 

Loren Hope lion head door knocker cuff // Loren Hope Lindsay bracelet

Loren Hope Clara bracelet // Devon Baer Designs tulip skirt (now on sale!)

A few outtakes from the Loren Hope lookbook. Stripes, skirt, and statement baubles... I have a feeling I'll be wearing this look well into fall! 

In other news, I'm in New York today for the Independent Fashion Bloggers conference and can't wait to report back. If you're here, please say hello — and if not, be sure to follow along on Twitter! 

Loren Hope Roxy earrings // Chance Co. boatneck tee 

Loren Hope lion head door knocker cuff // Loren Hope Lindsay bracelet

Loren Hope Clara bracelet // Devon Baer Designs tulip skirt (now on sale!)

A few outtakes from the Loren Hope lookbook. Stripes, skirt, and statement baubles... I have a feeling I'll be wearing this look well into fall! 

In other news, I'm in New York today for the Independent Fashion Bloggers conference and can't wait to report back. If you're here, please say hello — and if not, be sure to follow along on Twitter! 

{INTERVIEW} BRADLEY AGATHER

I'm revamping my interview series in order to invite more of my favorite people to tell you a little about themselves. Today I'm delighted to be hosting Bradley Agather, a 25-year-old Dallas fashion maven whose blog Luella & June is one of the first I check in my Google Reader each morning. Bradley is a fashion editor for the Dallas Morning News and has killer personal style (hello, have you seen her What I Love Right Now feature?). Most importantly she's one of the sweetest people I've gotten to know through blogging and I'm thrilled to have her kick off this next wave of interviews on Design Darling! 

It's a mix. I’m definitely drawn to classic pieces (a tailored blazer in my closet or D. Porthault linens in my home) but I always mix it up. I’ll add a touch of femininity along with some edge too. And of course I love to incorporate color whenever I can. 

It's home. I was born and raised in Dallas. Even when I wasn’t living here, Dallas always felt like home. I love all of the fun stuff that Dallas has to offer (and there's plenty of that!) but, at the end of the day, what I love most is the feeling of home. It's where my roots are. 

{Design Darling vases in Bradley's home office!}

I'm so blessed to get to do what I do. Between the blog and my job at Dallas Morning News, I'm constantly in this creative environment. I get to work with some of the most talented people. I'm always learning new things from them.

To stay organized, I use all sorts of tools. iCal is my best friend, and I'm never without my notebook that keeps my to-do list. I also really try to set aside time (usually Sunday afternoons) every week simply for organizing. The inspiration part comes easily. Pinterest, blogs, magazines, just taking a walk around Dallas — there's no shortage of inspiration! 

{Bradley's coffee table. Quite the collection!}

Coffee table books. 

An iced coffee and a crossword. 

I wish I had a three year plan! I know I should but right now I'm just focusing on this year. And my goal for 2012 is balance. I want to figure out just the right recipe for my work/life balance. I'm just starting my new job at the Dallas Morning News and it's one that allows more time to focus on Luella & June projects. So I guess that's a good start!

Keep up with Bradley on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

I'm revamping my interview series in order to invite more of my favorite people to tell you a little about themselves. Today I'm delighted to be hosting Bradley Agather, a 25-year-old Dallas fashion maven whose blog Luella & June is one of the first I check in my Google Reader each morning. Bradley is a fashion editor for the Dallas Morning News and has killer personal style (hello, have you seen her What I Love Right Now feature?). Most importantly she's one of the sweetest people I've gotten to know through blogging and I'm thrilled to have her kick off this next wave of interviews on Design Darling! 

It's a mix. I’m definitely drawn to classic pieces (a tailored blazer in my closet or D. Porthault linens in my home) but I always mix it up. I’ll add a touch of femininity along with some edge too. And of course I love to incorporate color whenever I can. 

It's home. I was born and raised in Dallas. Even when I wasn’t living here, Dallas always felt like home. I love all of the fun stuff that Dallas has to offer (and there's plenty of that!) but, at the end of the day, what I love most is the feeling of home. It's where my roots are. 

{Design Darling vases in Bradley's home office!}

I'm so blessed to get to do what I do. Between the blog and my job at Dallas Morning News, I'm constantly in this creative environment. I get to work with some of the most talented people. I'm always learning new things from them.

To stay organized, I use all sorts of tools. iCal is my best friend, and I'm never without my notebook that keeps my to-do list. I also really try to set aside time (usually Sunday afternoons) every week simply for organizing. The inspiration part comes easily. Pinterest, blogs, magazines, just taking a walk around Dallas — there's no shortage of inspiration! 

{Bradley's coffee table. Quite the collection!}

Coffee table books. 

An iced coffee and a crossword. 

I wish I had a three year plan! I know I should but right now I'm just focusing on this year. And my goal for 2012 is balance. I want to figure out just the right recipe for my work/life balance. I'm just starting my new job at the Dallas Morning News and it's one that allows more time to focus on Luella & June projects. So I guess that's a good start!

Keep up with Bradley on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

QUOTE DU JOUR

Should you find yourself particularly curious this long weekend, here are a few favorite links for your perusal:

- Cara of A Fashion Love Affair has great personal style and seriously covetable waves

- These boots from Tuckernuck are a fall must-have

- I want to attempt this DIY monogram project on a pair of vintage chairs I'm reupholstering

- It will come as no surprise that I can't stop clicking through this Tumblr

- I bought these shoes because they remind me of the ones in my blog header

Any links you're loving? Share them in the comments!

Should you find yourself particularly curious this long weekend, here are a few favorite links for your perusal:

- Cara of A Fashion Love Affair has great personal style and seriously covetable waves

- These boots from Tuckernuck are a fall must-have

- I want to attempt this DIY monogram project on a pair of vintage chairs I'm reupholstering

- It will come as no surprise that I can't stop clicking through this Tumblr

- I bought these shoes because they remind me of the ones in my blog header

Any links you're loving? Share them in the comments!

WEEKEND WARDROBE

Juliet & Co. knot earrings (only $25!) // J.Crew silk tee // Diane von Furstenberg Harper bag

Loren Hope gold link bracelet // Joie silk smoking slippers (how fabulous are these?) // AG skinny jeans

Michael and I are off to Nantucket for the holiday weekend with a few friends and I couldn't be more excited for the break. The forecast is definitely more fall-like and I for one will be embracing the chance to wear long sleeves and cute flats! How are you all spending the long weekend? Have a good one!

Juliet & Co. knot earrings (only $25!) // J.Crew silk tee // Diane von Furstenberg Harper bag

Loren Hope gold link bracelet // Joie silk smoking slippers (how fabulous are these?) // AG skinny jeans

Michael and I are off to Nantucket for the holiday weekend with a few friends and I couldn't be more excited for the break. The forecast is definitely more fall-like and I for one will be embracing the chance to wear long sleeves and cute flats! How are you all spending the long weekend? Have a good one!

OUTFIT {PRETTY IN PINK}

Ellie Kai top // J.Crew pearls (similar) // Zara skirt (similar)

Julie Collection ring // Design Darling bangles in navy and pink

Kaylen heels c/o ShoeMint

Can I just say I'm so happy that pointed toe shoes are having a moment? They're so flattering and ladylike. I was so excited when ShoeMint sent me this bright pink pair — totally girly with pearls and a skirt but versatile enough to pair with pants. I'm picturing them with a camel sweater and skinny jeans for fall. Definitely check out the rest of ShoeMint's collection here (bonus: everything is super affordable!). What trends are you sporting lately?

P.S. I shared my essentials on Camille Styles this week and would love for you to drop in!

Ellie Kai top // J.Crew pearls (similar) // Zara skirt (similar)

Julie Collection ring // Design Darling bangles in navy and pink

Kaylen heels c/o ShoeMint

Can I just say I'm so happy that pointed toe shoes are having a moment? They're so flattering and ladylike. I was so excited when ShoeMint sent me this bright pink pair — totally girly with pearls and a skirt but versatile enough to pair with pants. I'm picturing them with a camel sweater and skinny jeans for fall. Definitely check out the rest of ShoeMint's collection here (bonus: everything is super affordable!). What trends are you sporting lately?

P.S. I shared my essentials on Camille Styles this week and would love for you to drop in!

FASHION'S NIGHT OUT WITH ALICE & TRIXIE

I'm hoping some of you will be in town for New York Fashion Week because I would love to see you at Alice & Trixie's Fashion's Night Out event next Thursday, September 6. Join us for complimentary beverages, blowouts, manicures, and more! I'll be the one wearing this pretty pink and navy top ;) See you there!

I'm hoping some of you will be in town for New York Fashion Week because I would love to see you at Alice & Trixie's Fashion's Night Out event next Thursday, September 6. Join us for complimentary beverages, blowouts, manicures, and more! I'll be the one wearing this pretty pink and navy top ;) See you there!

THREE FAVORITE LOOKS FOR FALL

I've been pinning up a storm lately on my fashion board in anticipation of September weather. (By the way, if it could stay September year-round I'd be totally on board.) Whether you're headed back to class or off to fashion week, here are three of my current favorite looks and pieces to help you recreate them!

White blazer // Gray t-shirt // Cap toe heels (now on sale!)

Ray-Ban Clubmasters // White t-shirt // Tan skirt

Aviators // Navy blazer // Leather heels (now on sale!)

Who else is excited for fall layers?!

*Photos one, two, three

I've been pinning up a storm lately on my fashion board in anticipation of September weather. (By the way, if it could stay September year-round I'd be totally on board.) Whether you're headed back to class or off to fashion week, here are three of my current favorite looks and pieces to help you recreate them!

White blazer // Gray t-shirt // Cap toe heels (now on sale!)

Ray-Ban Clubmasters // White t-shirt // Tan skirt

Aviators // Navy blazer // Leather heels (now on sale!)

Who else is excited for fall layers?!

*Photos one, two, three

INTRODUCING THOMAS KELLY

This new sponsor is one you're going to love. Thomas Kelly was founded by a husband-and-wife team who saw a need for preppy activewear and sought out to design versatile pieces that can be worn for exercise, errands, and beyond. The duo sent me a few pieces to try out and suffice it to say I am smitten...

{The Malaga Mix top... Who could say no to gingham and ruffles?}

{How cute is the back?!}

{The gingham detail carries onto the Ladera leggings.}

{Trampoline approved.}

{Now go show Thomas Kelly some love!}

This new sponsor is one you're going to love. Thomas Kelly was founded by a husband-and-wife team who saw a need for preppy activewear and sought out to design versatile pieces that can be worn for exercise, errands, and beyond. The duo sent me a few pieces to try out and suffice it to say I am smitten...

{The Malaga Mix top... Who could say no to gingham and ruffles?}

{How cute is the back?!}

{The gingham detail carries onto the Ladera leggings.}

{Trampoline approved.}

{Now go show Thomas Kelly some love!}

LOREN HOPE LOOKBOOK

Loren Hope's fall/winter lookbook went live yesterday and it is brimming with beautiful brand new baubles and styling inspiration. I was delighted to make a cameo styling some of my favorite pieces alongside several talented bloggers and highly recommend checking out all of Loren Hope's new arrivals. She's outdone herself this time!

Loren Hope's fall/winter lookbook went live yesterday and it is brimming with beautiful brand new baubles and styling inspiration. I was delighted to make a cameo styling some of my favorite pieces alongside several talented bloggers and highly recommend checking out all of Loren Hope's new arrivals. She's outdone herself this time!

SHOPBOP SUMMER SALE PICKS

Splendid shirt dress // Equipment striped blouse // Juicy Couture silk dress

Alice + Olivia silk dress // Zimmermann bikini // Parker shirt dress

Theory shift dress // Shoshanna strapless dress // Theory pocket dress

Rebecca Minkoff eyelet dress // Juicy Couture halter dress // Milly eyelet shift dress

Tibi silk camisole // Alice + Olivia neon jeans // Shoshanna silk dress

You can't beat this time of year for scooping up summer sale pieces while it's still warm enough to wear them! What sale successes have you had lately?

P.S. Hanna from Gadabout (who designed the Design Darling header!) asked me what I've been up to and I was all too happy to share. If you're not reading her blog yet, you must! 

Splendid shirt dress // Equipment striped blouse // Juicy Couture silk dress

Alice + Olivia silk dress // Zimmermann bikini // Parker shirt dress

Theory shift dress // Shoshanna strapless dress // Theory pocket dress

Rebecca Minkoff eyelet dress // Juicy Couture halter dress // Milly eyelet shift dress

Tibi silk camisole // Alice + Olivia neon jeans // Shoshanna silk dress

You can't beat this time of year for scooping up summer sale pieces while it's still warm enough to wear them! What sale successes have you had lately?

P.S. Hanna from Gadabout (who designed the Design Darling header!) asked me what I've been up to and I was all too happy to share. If you're not reading her blog yet, you must! 

COACH'S LEGACY LEATHER COLLECTION

Legacy Leather Tanner Tote // Legacy Leather Metallic Leather Large Duffle

Therese Boot // Legacy Leather Duffle // Legacy Leather Rory Satchel (clearly I need this one — my puppy's name is Rory!)

There's nothing I love more than an updated classic and Coach's new legacy leather is just that: "a modern collection inspired by timeless styles in the Coach archives." It's a total departure from their past few seasons and I love it. Classic shapes, vibrant colors, and tassels galore? It has Design Darling written all over it. Which bag is your top pick?

Legacy Leather Tanner Tote // Legacy Leather Metallic Leather Large Duffle

Therese Boot // Legacy Leather Duffle // Legacy Leather Rory Satchel (clearly I need this one — my puppy's name is Rory!)

There's nothing I love more than an updated classic and Coach's new legacy leather is just that: "a modern collection inspired by timeless styles in the Coach archives." It's a total departure from their past few seasons and I love it. Classic shapes, vibrant colors, and tassels galore? It has Design Darling written all over it. Which bag is your top pick?

GOOD ADVICE.

More quote inspiration here.

*Photograph by Penelope Waits

More quote inspiration here.

*Photograph by Penelope Waits

ALT SUMMIT NYC

Yesterday I attended Alt Summit at the Martha Stewart offices in New York, soaking up inspiration from dazzling speakers and spending time with my favorite blogger ladies (and getting to meet a few fans of Design Darling — pinch me!). I tweeted as much as I could and took notes in a recycled leather notebook that I monogrammed for the occasion (email me to place a custom order!). Here are a few notes from my favorite speaker, Tina Roth-Eisenberg, on living a creative life:

1. Find what you love and don't stop until you find it.

2. Don't complain — make things better.

3. Trust your intuition.

4. If an opportunity scares you, take it.

5. Find likeminded people. (Tina's Creative Mornings might help!)

6. Collaborate. (A little envious of her Studiomates set-up!)

7. Ignore haters.

8. Inspire others.

This really hit home for me as I've worked insanely hard to find what I love and trusted my intuition to make it happen, even when it scared the hell out of me. Now to get cracking on everything else on Tina's list! Thank you to everyone at Alt for putting on such an inspiring conference. Oh and if you want to sell your ticket to the sold-out Salt Lake City conference in January, I may very well be interested ;)

Yesterday I attended Alt Summit at the Martha Stewart offices in New York, soaking up inspiration from dazzling speakers and spending time with my favorite blogger ladies (and getting to meet a few fans of Design Darling — pinch me!). I tweeted as much as I could and took notes in a recycled leather notebook that I monogrammed for the occasion (email me to place a custom order!). Here are a few notes from my favorite speaker, Tina Roth-Eisenberg, on living a creative life:

1. Find what you love and don't stop until you find it.

2. Don't complain — make things better.

3. Trust your intuition.

4. If an opportunity scares you, take it.

5. Find likeminded people. (Tina's Creative Mornings might help!)

6. Collaborate. (A little envious of her Studiomates set-up!)

7. Ignore haters.

8. Inspire others.

This really hit home for me as I've worked insanely hard to find what I love and trusted my intuition to make it happen, even when it scared the hell out of me. Now to get cracking on everything else on Tina's list! Thank you to everyone at Alt for putting on such an inspiring conference. Oh and if you want to sell your ticket to the sold-out Salt Lake City conference in January, I may very well be interested ;)