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Black & White Beach

These two pictures have me yearning to escape the chilly Pennsylvania winter and head for warmer climes. What's the weather like where you are?

Jil Sander Spring 2011

It might be yesterday's news in the fashion industry, but Jil Sander's spring collection is everything I want to wear this upcoming season: whites, pinks, navy; ruffles, solids, stripes. If, that is, it ever warms up around here!
{photos via style.com}

I'm A Winner And So Are You!

Big thanks to Sara Kate of Dwelling & Design, Victoria of vmac+cheese, Annie and Elizabeth of The Now Stylebook, and Allie of Desire Design Delight for gifting me with the Stylish Blogger Award! I'm supposed to share seven things about myself and pass it along to ten more people but I can't think of seven surprising things and truthfully I hate to choose so I'm going to do this instead:
1. If you'd like to learn more about me, head here or here (or simply stay tuned for my about page!).
2. If you're so inclined to reveal seven things about yourself, consider yourself a winner! I would love to see your posts so simply comment with a link here once you've posted.

Thank you, ladies!

Signature Scent

No. 74 on my 101 in 1001 list is to find my signature scent. Doesn't that seem like something every young lady should know? I feel silly for not having one and never replaced my last bottle when it ran out. Of course it seems like a fairly frivolous task but in reality I imagine it might be rather daunting. Tell me, what is your preferred perfume?
{picture from Rue}

Shake It Like A Polaroid Picture

I cannot for the life of me remember where I found this picture but I do know I'm very much in favor of taping hundreds of polaroid snaps within a larger-than-life frame. Can you imagine family and friends stopping to stare at each of the photos? The display would be truly mesmerizing!

Rue Hues

Please swing by the Rue blog when you have a moment — this week's palette is a punchy one!

Two By Train

These romantic shots captured by Michelle Holden remind me of the six months I spent in France last year. From the people to the transportation, everything is prettier and sexier in Europe! Do take a spin through the travel blog I kept if you're interested in seeing where I've been.

Quote Du Jour


I love this one.
{one | two}

Styling S.O.S.

I've promised pictures of my boudoir for too long and now that I have a willing photographer and a few angles in mind, I'm freezing on the styling. It's already a big step for me to have the room clean enough to shoot — but ready for its close-up? We're not quite there. Does anyone care to share their fail-safe tips for styling interiors?
{one | two}

J.Crew Spring 2011

If this post didn't convince you that I love this collection, allow me to count the ways: head-to-toe white, different shades of pink-on-pink, studs on a sweater, pleats here, ruffles there, sequins everywhere. Yes, yes, and yes.

P.S. Thank you all for your compliments about my new look courtesy of Gadabout. I am so excited you love it as much as I do!


Don't Be Tardy For The Party

I apologize for ducking out early today but it's time for me to get dolled up for the Rue issue three party! I'll be stopping by Jonathan Adler's stall at NYIGF and meeting Miss Roxy for dinner and drinks before the soirée at The New Traditionalists' showroom this evening. Enjoy the new site and I'll see you back here tomorrow!

{image via the adorable Crush Cul De Sac}

Redesign Is Live!

Pardon my stating the obvious but for those reading via Bloglovin', email, or RSS, please come check out Design Darling's new look! Courtesy of the incredibly sweet and tremendously talented Hanna Nation of Gadabout, the new site is much more my style: a classic shift, a costume necklace, and of course a little bit of fun with the shoes. Stay tuned for information to be added in the header menu and, in the mean time, please be sure to like Design Darling on Facebook and follow Design Darling on Twitter

Now tell me, what do you think of Design Darling's new look?! 

The Look For Less {Shoe Closet}


I can't help you with the shoe collection (lie: I totally can, but we'll save that for a later date) but I'm thinking Ikea's Expedit unit ($129) unit is a dead ringer for the built-in shoe closet of Teen Vogue Fashion News Director Jane Keltner de Valle. See more of her wardrobe, featuring the likes of Jason Wu and Peter Som, at my new favorite fashion blog, The Coveted.

Design Darling {Kinda Sorta} On Elle Decor





Contributing to Rue has been one of the most exciting opportunities I have had in the past year. I'm sure you can imagine my delight when Crystal emailed me to let me know that one of my posts for the Rue blog was mentioned on elledecor.com! Big thanks to Amy of Shelterpop for the shout-out that completely made my day/week/life. The online mention is definitely tiding me over until the real deal ;) Happy weekend everyone!

These Streets Will Make You Feel Brand New

I'm driving back to Connecticut this Sunday to catch up with my family before heading into New York for the launch party for Rue's third issue. Please flip through the issue if you haven't done so already; I know I'm biased but it's truly the best one yet. Pay special attention to the pieces on Brooke Giannetti, Margot Austin, Susanna Salk, and Jim Josephson and Erik Retzer — written by yours truly! I can't wait to celebrate with Crystal, Anne, Bri, and the gang at The New Traditionalists' showroom come Monday night. Will I be seeing any of you there?
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Forget-Me-Not

My dear friend and darling housemate Sara has agreed to take pictures of my bedroom to share with you all and I'm keeping a tidy to do list of things to get done before our little impromptu photo shoot:
1. Wait for sunshine. Natural light is everything.
2. Keep things clean until then. Easier said than done.
3. It's time for some fresh flowers in here. I'm convinced they'll make all the difference!
{photo from Black & Spiro}

Classy & Cozy

One of the greatest struggles of getting dressed this time of year is striking a balance between looking good and keeping warm. Filipa Fino, senior accessories editor for Vogue, shows us how it's done in a Chloé bodysuit and winter accroutrements like her fur vest and leather gloves. Let's all channel her look as we face our next snowfall, shall we?

Quote Du Jour

No. 59

The 59th item on my 101 in 1,001 list is to find the perfect little black dress. Do you prefer Sienna Miller's sleek sheath, Naomi Watts' sharp shift, or Rachel Zoe's floaty frock? 

Pink & Floral

I love the versatility of this soft pink. It electrifies the delicate embroidery worn by Vanessa Paradis in her campaign for Coco Chanel and steals the spotlight in the peony centerpieces of this table setting. Paired with fair skin or khaki chairs, anchored by dark eyes or wood accents, its bubblegum hue transitions from cosmetics to interiors seamlessly.

The Coveted.


Have you discovered The Coveted? According to founders Erin Kleinberg and Stephanie Mark, their blog is "a new way of looking at the creative process and influences of some of today's most recognized global tastemakers. The Coveted takes you inside the closets of internationally influential cultural forecasters, showing us what culminates in their personal style — one item at a time." Featuring the closets and curations of the likes of Joanna Hillman (see here) and Mary Kate Steinmiller, need I say more?

Oh You Pretty Little Things

Ladylike arrangements of glass perfume bottles, sunlight hitting the bodice of a dainty dress, and a pretty girl picking out pretty flowers. Three pretty things, just because.
{one | two | three}

Just Peachy

The unusual combination of peachy pink and slate gray creates a decidedly dreamy atmosphere in this Katherine Newman-designed living room. The white walls and neutral carpet balance out the two stronger colors, gray anchoring the fireplace and furniture while the pink Arne Jacobsen egg chair injects a bit of whimsy. And don't think I missed the quartz-colored accent table — if that's not dreamy, I don't know what is! 

Sartorial Sparkle

These pictures make me happy to be a girl.
{one | two}

McGill Design Group

There is a very familiar quality about this master bedroom with its blank walls, white linens, and built-in shelving. Proving that design is in the details, however, McGill Design Group incorporated luxurious accents like floor-to-ceiling curtains, a glass chandelier, and ikat throw pillows to take the space from drab to fab.

Jewel Tones

I love this oldie but goodie of Natalie Portman in a variety of jewel tones: a sapphire dress belted in teal, a canary-hued clutch, and amethyst peep-toe pumps. It's an alluring and unexpected combination that even those with fair skin or a pale winter complexion could rock.