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ROYGBIV

Like your middle school science lesson...but better.

P.S. What exactly is indigo?

{all images via Day Old News and InStyle}

Quote Du Jour

"Leopard is my favorite color." I can never hear that enough.
Derek Blasberg

Coffee Coffee Coffee

I inherited my parents' addiction to love of coffee and find ordering my drink and catching up on email to be the most delightful morning ritual. We have a charming coffee shop on campus but when I'm back home Starbucks very much does the trick. This lovely little café would be a perfect spot this chilly Monday morning! One grande vanilla skim two Splenda latté please ; ) Do you share my morning routine? What do you order?

Thank God It's Friday.

I was a less-than-stellar blogger today and yesterday and for that I apologize. It's been one of those weeks where there just aren't enough hours in a day. I'll be back in action come Monday and I hope to see you then. In the mean time, stay warm, let loose, and look good doing it!

Rue Hues

Here's a little sneak peek of what I blogged about yesterday on the Rue blog. Please stop by if you haven't already!

Party Planning

I'm in the mood to plan a party. Not a fraternity function or a night on the town but a real event — a cocktail hour or a dinner party or, eek, a wedding! I watched a lot of wedding shows when I was home for the holidays and I can't get the idea out of my head. Keeping a busy calendar, focusing on the details, seeing my vision come to life — a future career path, perhaps?

Quote Du Jour

"Girls look beautiful when they feel beautiful."
Jenna Lyons

Back To, Um, School

First day of classes! I'm giving myself a little leeway in this final semester and starting off with dance conditioning, a mix of pilates and yoga that counts as a half credit course! Now if only I looked as flawless as Miranda Kerr...

Style Icon {Taylor Sterling}

She's as cute as they come and embodies California cool to the max. Ladies and gentlemen, Taylor Sterling of Sterling Style! I love that she sticks to the classics (ahem, J.Crew) but works in trendier pieces like the maxi skirt above — and I'm seriously coveting her Rebecca Minkoff bag! What do you think of this California girl's laid-back look?

Blue & Yellow For The Boys

There is something surprisingly masculine about the combination of navy blue and rich yellow in these two spaces. Paired with gold accents and herringbone floors, these are the sort of spaces upon which a husband and wife might just agree.
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Bucknell-Bound

Today my boyfriend and I are driving back to Bucknell for our final semester of college. I feel so old! It's the first time in my life I can truthfully say I have no idea where I'll be a year from now. It's a very exciting and yet completely nerve-wracking feeling.

Domestic Goddess

Cooking and cleaning have never been more glamorous than in the photography of Pamela Hanson. Matching bra and panty sets, serious bling, and perfectly disheveled hair make this shoot a personal favorite. If only my chores looked this good!

If Only

If I had to dress myself exclusively in one collection this season, it would be, hands down, that of Emersonmade. It's everything I'm craving right now: blouses with bows, dark denim, and tailored silhouettes. If you're as smitten as I am, new arrivals are available for pre-order now. I don't know how long I'll be able to resist — that tuxedo jacket is just killing me!

Desk Du Jour


Hey you, happy Monday! Here's to a productive week for the both of us. I think this workspace would give us both a jump start, for navy velvet is sure to get those creative juices flowing. Designed and styled by Emily Henderson, the office finds that happy medium between rigid organization (I'm talking to you, magazine holders) and lived-in personality (that's you, inspiration board). I had the pleasure of meeting Emily at the Rue party in September and can't wait to see her forthcoming HGTV show Secrets of a Stylist. Are you impressed by this peek into her portfolio?

Our Weekend

Behold the ice rink my dad built on our front lawn! I tweeted a few of these already but I think he deserves all the credit he can get. It's such fun to see my boyfriend Michael and my little brother Camden playing together — I only wish we had ice skates for our puppies, Coach and Fenway! Wouldn't that be the cutest? I hope your weekend is filled with lots of ice time and hot chocolate. See you back here on Monday!

101 in 1001 {Fun & Frivolous}

39. Ride on a sailboat.
67. Buy a pretty bicycle.
85. Have a picnic.

P.S. If you're new to Design Darling (welcome!) and totally lost, I've explained my 101 in 1,001 initiative here.

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Hello Yellow

Can you tell I'm ready for spring? On the subject of brights, I am loving the pop of the yellow dress in this otherwise subdued bathroom from the Domino archives. How pretty is the skirted sink? I love that the homeowner placed a folding mirror in front of the out-of-place window. Awkward to awesome, just like that!

Real Men Wear Pink

...or orange, as the case may be. It could be my Connecticut roots piping up, but I will never tire of men in preppy brights paired with crisp oxfords and brown dress shoes. I bought my littlest brother yellow cords from Ralph Lauren many birthdays ago and, while I can't say he was thrilled, I think they're even worth saving for my [way-in-the-] future offspring. 

{images via Unabashedly Prep}

A New York Minute

Things in my neck of the woods are moving a mile a minute. What was yesterday a pipe dream of launching an inspiring interview series is now a forthcoming reality with an incredible line-up in the works! Trust me when I say these ladies will not disappoint. Thanks to your help yesterday, I am thrilled to officially announce...
The Design Dialogues! Credit for the name goes to my dear friend and lovely sponsor Roxy who went above and beyond, sending lists and lists of possibilities my way. When will it begin? As soon as my redesign with the immensely talented and totally darling Hanna of Gadabout is complete. And when will that be? I hate to leave you hanging but let's just say it's a lot sooner than you think. New design and new series before the month is over? A New York minute indeed.

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Jay Godfrey

When my lovely reader Courtney mentioned Jay Godfrey as a potential name for my new interview series, I knew right away I had to check him out! I was hardly prepared to fall in love, however, with his covetable collection of cocktail dresses! Aren't they fabulous? Do check out his Spring 2011 collection as well — to die for!

Python Pillows

How exotic are these python pillows? Textured neutrals are a great way to keep a monochromatic palette aesthetically interesting. My darling reader Annsley from Houston sent me these pictures and I was only too happy to share them with you all! Her sure-to-be-chic home will be featured in the first issue of High Gloss Magazine and her e-commerce site should be up and running soon! If you can't wait another moment to introduce one of her python pillows into your abode, however, simply contact either 4510 in Dallas or Perch in New Orleans. Thank you, Annsley!