AROUND THE HOUSE

Pairing colors for a new product I'm working on // My new favorite planner and pen

Coach and Rory's usual perch // New turquoise tray on my bedside table

Pillows galore // Tidying my closet and realizing just how much blue I really own

I think most people who read my blog would be surprised at how messy I am in real life. While I'm drawn to organized office spaces, my own is absolutely out of control, especially with new inventory for the holidays arriving each day. Maybe I'll start a new organizing feature here on the blog? In the mean time, do tell me: Are you messy or tidy? What are the most and least organized spaces in your home? Where could you use the most help?

Pairing colors for a new product I'm working on // My new favorite planner and pen

Coach and Rory's usual perch // New turquoise tray on my bedside table

Pillows galore // Tidying my closet and realizing just how much blue I really own

I think most people who read my blog would be surprised at how messy I am in real life. While I'm drawn to organized office spaces, my own is absolutely out of control, especially with new inventory for the holidays arriving each day. Maybe I'll start a new organizing feature here on the blog? In the mean time, do tell me: Are you messy or tidy? What are the most and least organized spaces in your home? Where could you use the most help?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY REILLY!

Happy birthday to my sister Reilly! Thank you for being your funny, quirky, and wonderful self. You are wise beyond your years and I can't wait to watch you change the world after graduation this spring. I am so grateful for your can-do attitude, your above-and-beyond thoughtfulness, and this dazzling array of childhood photos too good not to share. Happy happy birthday, I love you!

Happy birthday to my sister Reilly! Thank you for being your funny, quirky, and wonderful self. You are wise beyond your years and I can't wait to watch you change the world after graduation this spring. I am so grateful for your can-do attitude, your above-and-beyond thoughtfulness, and this dazzling array of childhood photos too good not to share. Happy happy birthday, I love you!

NEW ARRIVALS!

There's no better way to kick off a new month than with a fresh batch of new arrivals in the boutique, don't you think? Business card cases, office supplies, a couple cute pillows... Go take a look and let me know what you think! Be sure to swing by the sale section too as we make way for lots more goodies in the weeks to come!

P.S. With the holidays approaching, I want to be sure the boutique is looking its best! If you wouldn't mind answering five quick questions, I would really appreciate it. Thank you! :)

There's no better way to kick off a new month than with a fresh batch of new arrivals in the boutique, don't you think? Business card cases, office supplies, a couple cute pillows... Go take a look and let me know what you think! Be sure to swing by the sale section too as we make way for lots more goodies in the weeks to come!

P.S. With the holidays approaching, I want to be sure the boutique is looking its best! If you wouldn't mind answering five quick questions, I would really appreciate it. Thank you! :)

TRUE BLUE

Boutique 9 suede heels // Lulu Frost for J.Crew earrings // J.Crew necklace

Design Darling cosmetic cases // Bounkit earrings // Inslee Greek key notecards

J.Crew cashmere tee // A.L.C. cutout top // J.Crew skirt

Is there a color you feel most you in? For me it's always a shade of blue. There are other colors that feel too boring or too bright but blue is almost always just right. Tell me I'm not the only one!

Boutique 9 suede heels // Lulu Frost for J.Crew earrings // J.Crew necklace

Design Darling cosmetic cases // Bounkit earrings // Inslee Greek key notecards

J.Crew cashmere tee // A.L.C. cutout top // J.Crew skirt

Is there a color you feel most you in? For me it's always a shade of blue. There are other colors that feel too boring or too bright but blue is almost always just right. Tell me I'm not the only one!

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Can you believe it's the last weekend in September? I plan to treat myself to a few fresh blooms before we shift focus to carving pumpkins. Who's with me?

P.S. J.Crew's 25% off promo ends Sunday. See my picks here!

Images 1/2/3 (please let me know if you recognize 2 & 3!)

Can you believe it's the last weekend in September? I plan to treat myself to a few fresh blooms before we shift focus to carving pumpkins. Who's with me?

P.S. J.Crew's 25% off promo ends Sunday. See my picks here!

Images 1/2/3 (please let me know if you recognize 2 & 3!)

J.CREW SALE PICKS

Jackie Pullover // Biennial Satchel // Classic Mini

Macalister Wedge Boots // Tie Top // Booker Buckle Boots

Schoolboy Blazer // Pearl Twisted Necklace // Blythe Blouse

J.Crew is offering 25% off and free shipping with code STYLE25 at checkout through Sunday! This is the perfect time to invest in a few staples and refresh your closet for fall (or get ahead on holiday shopping). The monogrammed pullover and this quilted vest are headed my way! What's in your shopping cart? Do tell!

Jackie Pullover // Biennial Satchel // Classic Mini

Macalister Wedge Boots // Tie Top // Booker Buckle Boots

Schoolboy Blazer // Pearl Twisted Necklace // Blythe Blouse

J.Crew is offering 25% off and free shipping with code STYLE25 at checkout through Sunday! This is the perfect time to invest in a few staples and refresh your closet for fall (or get ahead on holiday shopping). The monogrammed pullover and this quilted vest are headed my way! What's in your shopping cart? Do tell!

OUTFIT PLANNING

J.Crew striped sweater // J.Crew quilted vest (obsessed!) // AG skinny jeans

J.Crew leather bag // Design Darling tortoisesehell cuff // Marais ankle booties

I swear it went from summer to winter in less than a week! It was forty degrees when I woke up yesterday, so naturally I broke out the faux fur... until it hit seventy-five in the afternoon. Here's a look I plan to wear well through fall: a lightweight sweater and jeans with a cute vest I can ditch once it warms up.

P.S. J.Crew is offering 25% off and free shipping with code STYLE25 at checkout!

P.P.S. Michael was game to participate in Victoria's hilarious "The Man Behind The Blog" feature! Click on over to find out when I told him I'd started a blog, what he likes about dating a blogger, and what he still totally doesn't get about girls in high heels ;)

J.Crew striped sweater // J.Crew quilted vest (obsessed!) // AG skinny jeans

J.Crew leather bag // Design Darling tortoisesehell cuff // Marais ankle booties

I swear it went from summer to winter in less than a week! It was forty degrees when I woke up yesterday, so naturally I broke out the faux fur... until it hit seventy-five in the afternoon. Here's a look I plan to wear well through fall: a lightweight sweater and jeans with a cute vest I can ditch once it warms up.

P.S. J.Crew is offering 25% off and free shipping with code STYLE25 at checkout!

P.P.S. Michael was game to participate in Victoria's hilarious "The Man Behind The Blog" feature! Click on over to find out when I told him I'd started a blog, what he likes about dating a blogger, and what he still totally doesn't get about girls in high heels ;)

A FEW FAVORITE ROOMS...

Emily Summers

 Original source unknown

Better Homes & Gardens

Ali Schwarz

Catie Marron in Vogue

I'll never tire of classic white interiors with blue accents. The last space makes me so happy — the books, the fabrics, the layout! Find more interior inspiration here.

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

Emily Summers

 Original source unknown

Better Homes & Gardens

Ali Schwarz

Catie Marron in Vogue

I'll never tire of classic white interiors with blue accents. The last space makes me so happy — the books, the fabrics, the layout! Find more interior inspiration here.

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

FALL SHOE GUIDE

BALLET FLATS: J.Crew // Tory Burch // Ann Taylor 

HEELS & WEDGES: J.Crew // Kors Michael Kors // J.Crew

ANKLE & RIDING BOOTS: J.Crew // Madewell // Tory Burch

ALL-WEATHER WEAR: Hunter // Loeffler Randall // Sergio Rossi

Every outfit looks better with the right pair of shoes! My must-haves for fall include comfy ballet flats, playful pumps, equestrian-inspired boots, and updated rain gear. What's your favorite pair?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

BALLET FLATS: J.Crew // Tory Burch // Ann Taylor 

HEELS & WEDGES: J.Crew // Kors Michael Kors // J.Crew

ANKLE & RIDING BOOTS: J.Crew // Madewell // Tory Burch

ALL-WEATHER WEAR: Hunter // Loeffler Randall // Sergio Rossi

Every outfit looks better with the right pair of shoes! My must-haves for fall include comfy ballet flats, playful pumps, equestrian-inspired boots, and updated rain gear. What's your favorite pair?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

AN OUTFIT FOR A RAINY DAY

Altuzarra for J.Crew gingham shirt // BDG jeans // Rainboots c/o Jack Rogers

Design Darling tortoiseshell bangles // K. Slademade clutch

Tomorrow marks the official first day of fall but here in Connecticut we've had the weather to prove it all week. We decided to let Rory play in the river before it gets too cold and I'm pretty sure it was the best afternoon of his life. Is it starting to feel like fall where you are? Time for me to switch over to hot lattés in the morning :)

P.S. I'm sharing a few tidbits about organization on Lexi's blog today if you'd like to check it out!

Altuzarra for J.Crew gingham shirt // BDG jeans // Rainboots c/o Jack Rogers

Design Darling tortoiseshell bangles // K. Slademade clutch

Tomorrow marks the official first day of fall but here in Connecticut we've had the weather to prove it all week. We decided to let Rory play in the river before it gets too cold and I'm pretty sure it was the best afternoon of his life. Is it starting to feel like fall where you are? Time for me to switch over to hot lattés in the morning :)

P.S. I'm sharing a few tidbits about organization on Lexi's blog today if you'd like to check it out!

101 IN 1001 UPDATE

Later this month is the one-year mark until the end of my 101 in 1001 list and suffice it to say I have a lot of things to cross off in the final 365 days! Because I'm addicted to making lists it can be a little overwhelming to look at all my uncompleted tasks at once, here's a mini list of tasks I'd like to cross off before the end of 2012. 

19. Drink eight glasses of water every day for one week. 

Why oh why is this so hard for me?

39. Ride on a sailboat.

Preferably in September or October...

41. Try acupuncture.

So looking forward to this one.

44. Throw a murder mystery party.

Hello, Halloween!

55. See a comedy show.

Any recommendations?

60. Read every Jane Austen novel.

Three down, three to go!

74. Find my signature scent.

Time to shop! ;)

87. See a double feature.

Maybe at Christmastime?

95. See five Audrey Hepburn films.

Thanks to my Aunt Jill for helping this one along!

101. Continue to put $10 into savings for every goal accomplished.

Cha-ching!

What's one thing you hope to accomplish before the end of 2012?!

Later this month is the one-year mark until the end of my 101 in 1001 list and suffice it to say I have a lot of things to cross off in the final 365 days! Because I'm addicted to making lists it can be a little overwhelming to look at all my uncompleted tasks at once, here's a mini list of tasks I'd like to cross off before the end of 2012. 

19. Drink eight glasses of water every day for one week. 

Why oh why is this so hard for me?

39. Ride on a sailboat.

Preferably in September or October...

41. Try acupuncture.

So looking forward to this one.

44. Throw a murder mystery party.

Hello, Halloween!

55. See a comedy show.

Any recommendations?

60. Read every Jane Austen novel.

Three down, three to go!

74. Find my signature scent.

Time to shop! ;)

87. See a double feature.

Maybe at Christmastime?

95. See five Audrey Hepburn films.

Thanks to my Aunt Jill for helping this one along!

101. Continue to put $10 into savings for every goal accomplished.

Cha-ching!

What's one thing you hope to accomplish before the end of 2012?!

BOOKWORM

Graphic Image leather dictionary // Design Darling quartz bookends // Elizabeth & James eyeglasses

Jonathan Adler mug // Penguin Classics hardcovers // Serena & Lily table // Anthropologie chair

Everything about fall makes me want to curl up in a comfy chair with a good book (or a pink leather dictionary, as the case may be). What's your favorite classic read?

P.S. A few cute new arrivals in the boutique!

Graphic Image leather dictionary // Design Darling quartz bookends // Elizabeth & James eyeglasses

Jonathan Adler mug // Penguin Classics hardcovers // Serena & Lily table // Anthropologie chair

Everything about fall makes me want to curl up in a comfy chair with a good book (or a pink leather dictionary, as the case may be). What's your favorite classic read?

P.S. A few cute new arrivals in the boutique!

A FEW UPDATES...

I'm working hard to add new products to the boutique as often as possible! Did you see these cosmetic bags? I'm smitten with the blue set.

We sold through two of the new trays but we still have two of the tan zebra! I hope to have the others back in stock later this week. Isn't this pretty with the tortoiseshell glasses? *UPDATE: All trays are sold out but will be back in stock asap.

I wore my favorite peplum tank with new leopard flats for a dinner date — gotta wear those summer clothes before it's too late! ;)

The horn sculpture is back in stock! I love it atop a stack of books or hanging out on a bedside table. And I never tire of these pretty little matches!

My parents moved this campaign dresser (a favorite Craigslist find!) into my workspace to house some of the smaller items for the boutique. Functional and pretty makes me happy.

A few favorite baubles on my bathroom counter... Asha turquoise studs, Loren Hope earrings and necklace, Kenneth Jay Lane cocktail ring (similar), and Design Darling stripe bangle and tortoiseshell bangles.

I celebrated a friend's birthday brunch in my Zara peplum jacket, J.Crew signet ring (similar), tortoiseshell bangles (can you tell I never take them off?), and tortoiseshell cuff. Also can you believe there are less than 100 days until Christmas? I know I'm getting ahead of myself but stay tuned for lots of new arrivals (including gift cards, wooohooo!) as well as gift guides here on the blog. Every year I say I'll get my shopping finished early... ;)

I'm working hard to add new products to the boutique as often as possible! Did you see these cosmetic bags? I'm smitten with the blue set.

We sold through two of the new trays but we still have two of the tan zebra! I hope to have the others back in stock later this week. Isn't this pretty with the tortoiseshell glasses? *UPDATE: All trays are sold out but will be back in stock asap.

I wore my favorite peplum tank with new leopard flats for a dinner date — gotta wear those summer clothes before it's too late! ;)

The horn sculpture is back in stock! I love it atop a stack of books or hanging out on a bedside table. And I never tire of these pretty little matches!

My parents moved this campaign dresser (a favorite Craigslist find!) into my workspace to house some of the smaller items for the boutique. Functional and pretty makes me happy.

A few favorite baubles on my bathroom counter... Asha turquoise studs, Loren Hope earrings and necklace, Kenneth Jay Lane cocktail ring (similar), and Design Darling stripe bangle and tortoiseshell bangles.

I celebrated a friend's birthday brunch in my Zara peplum jacket, J.Crew signet ring (similar), tortoiseshell bangles (can you tell I never take them off?), and tortoiseshell cuff. Also can you believe there are less than 100 days until Christmas? I know I'm getting ahead of myself but stay tuned for lots of new arrivals (including gift cards, wooohooo!) as well as gift guides here on the blog. Every year I say I'll get my shopping finished early... ;)

SAIL TO SABLE FALL 2012

Some of you may remember my blog sponsor Sail to Sable's adorable tunics from this post and I'm happy to say their fall collection is even better! Here are three of my favorite pieces and how I'd style them...

EARRINGS: Juliet & Co. // J.Crew // Loren Hope

DRESSES: Perfect Prep // Slinky Silk // Pretty Pink

SANDALS: Jack Rogers // Loeffler Randall // Jack Rogers

The new colors and cuts are to die for! The floor-length number is also available in seersucker and has me wanting to plan a vacation this instant. What's your favorite new arrival? Shop the full collection here.

Some of you may remember my blog sponsor Sail to Sable's adorable tunics from this post and I'm happy to say their fall collection is even better! Here are three of my favorite pieces and how I'd style them...

EARRINGS: Juliet & Co. // J.Crew // Loren Hope

DRESSES: Perfect Prep // Slinky Silk // Pretty Pink

SANDALS: Jack Rogers // Loeffler Randall // Jack Rogers

The new colors and cuts are to die for! The floor-length number is also available in seersucker and has me wanting to plan a vacation this instant. What's your favorite new arrival? Shop the full collection here.

A WALK WITH RORY

Our puppy Rory is the subject of many Instagrams and tweets but I decided it was high time for him to get his own blog post. The kind folks at Waggo sent him a few goodies so we took a walk around the block to test them out... 

I'm kind of obsessed with the fact that his new collar and leash match my cardigan and leggings from Thomas Kelly. We were meant to be ;)

The cutest face I ever did see.

Posing with his brother Coach.

"I'd rather walk myself, thank you very much." Someone needs to go to puppy school ;)

Finally winding down...

...and asleep on his new bed which, by the way, is cuter than mine. Thank you Waggo for spoiling him rotten! Who else is obsessed with their pet(s)?!

Our puppy Rory is the subject of many Instagrams and tweets but I decided it was high time for him to get his own blog post. The kind folks at Waggo sent him a few goodies so we took a walk around the block to test them out... 

I'm kind of obsessed with the fact that his new collar and leash match my cardigan and leggings from Thomas Kelly. We were meant to be ;)

The cutest face I ever did see.

Posing with his brother Coach.

"I'd rather walk myself, thank you very much." Someone needs to go to puppy school ;)

Finally winding down...

...and asleep on his new bed which, by the way, is cuter than mine. Thank you Waggo for spoiling him rotten! Who else is obsessed with their pet(s)?!

PRADMAN JEWELS MONOGRAM NECKLACE GIVEAWAY

You all know I love anything that can be monogrammed: business card holders, clothing, key fobs, pencil cups, sandals, stationery... and, yes, jewelry. I'm happy to introduce one of my newest sponsors, Pradman Jewels, and kick things off with a giveaway you're sure to love!

One lucky winner will receive a 14-karat gold disc necklace monogrammed in the style of your choice! To enter, please follow the steps in the Rafflecopter widget below (if you're in Google Reader, you'll have to click over to enter). The winner will be contacted on Friday morning. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You all know I love anything that can be monogrammed: business card holders, clothing, key fobs, pencil cups, sandals, stationery... and, yes, jewelry. I'm happy to introduce one of my newest sponsors, Pradman Jewels, and kick things off with a giveaway you're sure to love!

One lucky winner will receive a 14-karat gold disc necklace monogrammed in the style of your choice! To enter, please follow the steps in the Rafflecopter widget below (if you're in Google Reader, you'll have to click over to enter). The winner will be contacted on Friday morning. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FASHION WEEK TOP FIVE

I thought it would be fun to wade through some of the crazy makeup, over-the-top hair, and totally-not-me looks from NYFW to select a few favorites that are completely my style. After much editing, here are my fashion week top five...

The mix of patterns and textures at J.Crew and Rachel Roy was too good for words. And what's not to love about a solid shift from Jenni Kayne or Tibi's little white dress? But Marissa Webb was definitely the fashion week darling in my book. Her debut collection is full of easy separates and the prettiest shoes you ever did see!

P.S. Apparently I have a thing for ankle straps. Get the look with these and these!

I thought it would be fun to wade through some of the crazy makeup, over-the-top hair, and totally-not-me looks from NYFW to select a few favorites that are completely my style. After much editing, here are my fashion week top five...

The mix of patterns and textures at J.Crew and Rachel Roy was too good for words. And what's not to love about a solid shift from Jenni Kayne or Tibi's little white dress? But Marissa Webb was definitely the fashion week darling in my book. Her debut collection is full of easy separates and the prettiest shoes you ever did see!

P.S. Apparently I have a thing for ankle straps. Get the look with these and these!

I WISH I WERE WEARING...

The adorable Molly and Sally of A Piece of Toast invited me to participate in their She Wishes She Was Wearing series and I love the way it turned out! I was thrilled to meet this talented sister duo during fashion week and let me tell you, they are just as sweet in person! I hope you'll stop by to check out my outfit and read the interview about my most recent purchase, best style advice, and more! Check it out here.

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

The adorable Molly and Sally of A Piece of Toast invited me to participate in their She Wishes She Was Wearing series and I love the way it turned out! I was thrilled to meet this talented sister duo during fashion week and let me tell you, they are just as sweet in person! I hope you'll stop by to check out my outfit and read the interview about my most recent purchase, best style advice, and more! Check it out here.

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

MARK D. SIKES // WEST HOLLYWOOD GARDEN

We've had what I consider absolutely perfect weather (low 70s, sunshine, a cool breeze) all week and naturally I wish I could spend every waking moment outdoors. When I stumbled upon this garden space designed by Mark D. Sikes (who also pens a fabulous lifestyle blog) I knew it was too good not to share. Climbing ivy, French doors, and more topiaries than I can count? Dear Mark, you've created heaven on earth.

P.S. Click here for more inspiring exteriors!

We've had what I consider absolutely perfect weather (low 70s, sunshine, a cool breeze) all week and naturally I wish I could spend every waking moment outdoors. When I stumbled upon this garden space designed by Mark D. Sikes (who also pens a fabulous lifestyle blog) I knew it was too good not to share. Climbing ivy, French doors, and more topiaries than I can count? Dear Mark, you've created heaven on earth.

P.S. Click here for more inspiring exteriors!

NEW ARRIVALS

I hope you'll pop over to my boutique today to check out what's new! Cosmetic bags, hand-painted trays, tortoiseshell goodness... This might be my favorite batch of new arrivals to date!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

I hope you'll pop over to my boutique today to check out what's new! Cosmetic bags, hand-painted trays, tortoiseshell goodness... This might be my favorite batch of new arrivals to date!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

ASHLEY BROOKE DESIGNS GIVEAWAY

You're all going to love today's giveaway because, well, it's all about you! Ashley Brooke Designs is giving away custom stationery — designed around your favorite things!

I emailed Ashley a list of my current favorites (many from my boutique!) and she sent me an illustrated version complete with the name of my blog/business and gorgeous lined envelopes. Want to win your own set? Simply click into the Rafflecopter widget below (if you're in Google Reader you'll have to click over to see it) and follow the steps to rack up extra entries!

The giveaway closes at midnight Thursday night and the winner will be announced Friday morning at 8 a.m. EST. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You're all going to love today's giveaway because, well, it's all about you! Ashley Brooke Designs is giving away custom stationery — designed around your favorite things!

I emailed Ashley a list of my current favorites (many from my boutique!) and she sent me an illustrated version complete with the name of my blog/business and gorgeous lined envelopes. Want to win your own set? Simply click into the Rafflecopter widget below (if you're in Google Reader you'll have to click over to see it) and follow the steps to rack up extra entries!

The giveaway closes at midnight Thursday night and the winner will be announced Friday morning at 8 a.m. EST. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NAVY SHOES

Club Monaco t-strap heels // Loeffler Randall wedges

Kate Spade polka dot heels // Ann Taylor bow heels

Tory Burch suede flats // Joie colorblock booties

After running around in the city all last week, it's a wonder I can even look at a pair of shoes without wincing ;) Still I'm loving all the navy shoes we're seeing this season! I wore the bow heels on Saturday and can't wait to add a couple more of these to my closet this fall. Which pair is your favorite?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

Club Monaco t-strap heels // Loeffler Randall wedges

Kate Spade polka dot heels // Ann Taylor bow heels

Tory Burch suede flats // Joie colorblock booties

After running around in the city all last week, it's a wonder I can even look at a pair of shoes without wincing ;) Still I'm loving all the navy shoes we're seeing this season! I wore the bow heels on Saturday and can't wait to add a couple more of these to my closet this fall. Which pair is your favorite?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter