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For The Soon-To-Be Grad

 When we did the Design Darling Reader Survey a month back, I was surprised to learn that nearly 50% of you are between the ages of 18 and 24, meaning that you're either in college yourself or likely have younger friends and siblings who are.
That's why I'm so excited to introduce you all to my newest sponsor, College Memory Book. It's essentially a blank canvas on which to record the memorable moments of your four years in college, from the friends you made to the parties you attended and everything in between.
It's also a cool way to capture all the things that Facebook doesn't, the day-to-day events you might not have pictures of but that you'd like to remember. Freshman year I attended a lecture by Bill Clinton and I so wish I had written down how moved by his speech I was that day!
I would also use it to make note of major sporting events that I attended. This year Bucknell's basketball team won the Patriot League championship — some of the most fun games I've ever seen!
The College Memory Book features blank templates that you can download and customize with your own anecdotes and pictures so you have space for football tailgates and spring break trips alike! 
The spiral book could also function as a planner for big dates. I always save my past notebooks because I love to look back at what I had on my plate that month! Exciting meetings, fun concerts, stressful assignments that seemed super important at the time...
In short, the College Memory Book is exactly whatever you make it to be — and isn't that true for college itself? The book costs just $25 and I love the idea of using it to catalog your own memories or gifting it to a graduating high school student to keep track of his or her next four years.
How did you (or will you) keep track of your college experience? I would love to hear from you!

Framed Shopping Bags, Part Deux

Do you remember when my friend Kelly sent me this picture of framed shopping bags? The idea was a big hit so when I spotted this collage over at The Coveteur, I knew I just had to share. Kinda cool, right?

Currently Coveting {Tory Burch}

Hi there and happy Monday! I'm starting the week off on a high note as I recently won a $100 Tory Burch giveaway on Linh's beautiful blog La-La Linh. Here are a few things I'm eyeing...

On a side note, the yellow pants and red belt are featured in this stunning shot from Tory's spring campaign. The styling takes my breath away!
On another side note, do you think I could magically look like Blair if I invested in a red leather belt?

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Which of these items is your favorite? Shall I spend it or save it for a rainy day?

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P.S. Did you know that Tory Burch offers 3.5% cash back on Ebates? It's not a lot but it definitely adds up! I've gotten $49 cash back since I joined the site this fall. If you're not yet familiar, sign up here and find out how many of your favorite stores offer cash back just for shopping through their site! Hint, hint: J.Crew is 2%, Shopbop 6%...

The One-Month Mark.

Today is the one-month mark to my college graduation and I'm experiencing a million different emotions at the thought. I'm in disbelief at how quickly these past four years have flown by and it makes my heart heavy to think that next month will mark what is, in many ways, the end of an era. This is the first time in my life that I find myself without a working plan for what comes next and it's exciting and nerve-wracking and scary all at once.
It honestly feels like yesterday that I was standing in the circle in front of my freshman year dorm waving good-bye to my parents, tears streaming down my face at the thought of being away from home for the first time. Since then, Bucknell has become my home away from home, a place where I feel happy and safe and loved. This weekend I'll be reflecting on my favorite college memories and reminding myself to make the most of what's left.
No matter how you plan to spend your weekend, I hope you'll join me in taking a moment to stop and smell the roses. It's important to keep your eye on the prize and to set goals for yourself, but I find that sometimes we could all use the reminder to just sit back and enjoy the ride. 

{photos one and two}

Behind The Scenes.

I've raved about The Coveteur before so this is a reminder that you must check it out if you haven't already. If you love fashion, accessories, styling, and charming behind-the-scenes anecdotes about how some of the industry's most famous names come by their covetable possessions, you will surely fall in love...
Some things get even better with age! I find new photos to add to my inspiration folder every time I stop by and I'm endlessly inspired by the quick success of this admirable blog. Bravo!

Joss & Main $100 Giveaway Winner!


I am so excited to announce the winner of the Joss & Main $100 giveaway! Thank you to everyone who entered! And the winner is...


Rashon of Mr. Goodwill HuntingCongratulations! I'll be putting you in touch with Alexandra from Joss & Main. I hope you buy something fabulous to share with your readers!

Pretty Pretty Pillows.

Anyone who's seen my closet knows that I generally prefer solid colors to busy prints. I do love the color-blocked look but truthfully I just have a hard time finding patterns I like! (Does anyone else have this problem?) That said, with spring and summer allegedly around the corner, I'm finding myself suddenly drawn to preppy punches of pattern...
And any one of these pillows from Layla Grayce would do the trick! I love the bright graphic patterns and think they'd be a lovely complement to all the solid-colored pieces in my current décor. Baby steps ;)

The White Dress Shirt

There are some pieces that every young woman should have in her wardrobe rotation: the little black dress, the perfect pair of skinny jeans, a khaki trench coat... Let's add to the list the classic white dress shirt, which has truly never looked better!
I'd be lying if I said this picture of Cameron Diaz didn't inspire my recent interview outfit: white dress shirt, white pants, brown leather belt, and (because it's not quite warm enough in New York!) a classic navy blazer. Head-to-toe white is a year-round "do" in my book!
The white dress shirt is a versatile piece, easily dressed down for daytime. Wear yours with white shorts for a lunch date or over a bikini as an unexpectedly chic cover-up at the beach!
And when the work week begins again, you'll have your white dress shirt to keep you looking prim and proper in the workplace... Or perfectly professional even on casual Friday!
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What are a few of your wardrobe staples?

{P.S. I'll be picking the winner of the Joss & Main $100 giveaway tomorrow so please enter if you haven't already!}

Mirrored Walls

You're all familiar with the transformative powers of a good mirror. Their reflective surface makes rooms look bigger (see this post), adding effortless glamour to any space. So if one mirror is good, surely more is even better? 
Antiqued mirror tiles provide an enchanting backdrop for this quirky vignette. The splash of red against the worn finish of the mirrors and table is delightful, isn't it? I love that the designer hung paintings right over the mirrored wall. Brilliant!
Plain mirror tiles completely transform this more modern space, creating the illusion of another room behind the console table. Even if you're not strapped for space, a mirrored wall is a great way to carve out a little nook and define it as separate from the rest of your space. Think how many architectural eyesores could be given new life with this easy trick!
The best part about this idea is how inexpensively it can be worked into your home. These Ikea mirrors are just $6 for a set of four — and you could antique them yourself using this genius tutorial
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This project is definitely going on my must-try DIY list! What do you think?

Images via Nuevo Estilo and thehousehome

Not Your Average Gallery Wall

While I object to anyone calling gallery walls "overdone," "passé," or "trendy," I do find myself drawn to these unconventional displays...
{Frame dozens of family photos in matching frames of different sizes and line them on shelves at eye level. The display is a unique alternative to hanging each frame individually and a delightfully modern complement to more ornate details like the chandelier, doors, and moulding.}
{Transform a plain jane hallway with framed portraits at every height. This option is for the collector who doesn't find a layered look too busy — and who has a few favorites that will get most of the attention!}
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How do you display artwork and photographs in your home?

{P.S. The Joss & Main $100 giveaway ends on Wednesday!}

My Interior Life

I love sharing pretty outfits and inspiring interiors here on Design Darling but it's always nice to dig a little deeper and get personal. That's why I was so excited when the adorable Keely of Luxe + Lillies asked me to kick off her new series, My Interior Life. I'm sharing design inspirations, gift-giving guidance, and a lousy iPhone photo of my bedside table. Check out my interview here and stay tuned for more in the series — Keely's planned quite the line-up!

P.S. Do enter the Joss & Main $100 giveaway if you haven't already! I'll be randomly selecting the winner on Wednesday.

Business Casual

I'm in my favorite city this morning interviewing for a job with one of my favorite companies. I'm trying to play it cool but on the inside I'm completely shaking in my boots! I'm reminded of this quote by Eleanor Roosevelt: "Do one thing every day that scares you." Hats off to you, Eleanor, and fingers tightly crossed for me! Do enter the ongoing Joss & Main giveaway if you haven't already and have a most delightful weekend!

{via my very favorite tumblr, Patterson Maker}

Giveaway: $100 Shopping Spree at Joss & Main!

Darlings, have you heard the buzz about Joss & Main? If not, I cannot wait to introduce you. If so, you are going to love this giveaway!


Joss & Main is a members-only sample sale site brimming with deals on gorgeous items for your home — and they're giving away a $100 shopping spree to one Design Darling reader! Here are some of my current favorites...
A spunky set of four polka dot Global Amici mugs for just $36 $18!
Monogrammed dinnerware by Preppy Plates — just $104 $59 for four!
A tongue-in-chic cluster of ceramic bananas by Gold Leaf Design for $67 $29!
This Bedford Cottage faux leopard throw for $129 $49! But, as you well know, the best part of having a gift card is being able to wait and spend it on something you truly love! Joss & Main features a handful of new sales daily so you're sure to find a way to get that $100 off your hands ;) 

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To enter:

1. Please follow or subscribe to Design Darling.


3. Leave a comment with what you're currently coveting!

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For extra entries:



The winner will be chosen at random next Wednesday, April 20. GOOD LUCK!

Two Guest Posts!

Just a short and sweet note to let you know that you'll find me elsewhere this morning and that I would love for you to stop by and say hello!
I'm sharing a few of my favorite vignettes over on the Rue blog...
And dishing on a few of my style icons over on The Iconic Blog! Please pop over if you have a moment and come back here this afternoon when I'll be launching a very fun giveaway!

Samantha Pynn

What is it with me and super feminine interiors lately? I can't seem to get my fill. This space by HGTV-featured interior designer Samantha Pynn is tugging at my heartstrings this morning...
{Dark wood floors ground white walls, a capiz chandelier, a white lacquer dining table, and airy striped curtains. I love the large framed sketch as an alternative to a bolder abstract or portrait. And is that chilled champagne I see on the buffet?}
{The adjoining living room is equally delightful. I love the continuity of using the same curtains — although who would want to block out all that natural light? The fact that the combination of white walls and wood floors is so common in rental apartments inspires me to think that my first place need not be boring simply because I won't be able to paint!}
{An alternate view of the living room reveals that Pynn brought in one of the dining chairs near the fireplace as occasional seating for entertaining. I might have used more colorful shades for the sconces on either side of the fireplace but I can't take my eyes off the pink chairs — the perfect conversation starter!}
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What do you think of this ultra-feminine abode? (And are you sick of all these girly spaces yet?)

I had to share...

I mean, how cute are these? Just in case you're as into elephants as I am.


Spring Has Sprung!

We're expecting a high of 82 degrees in Pennsylvania today and I for one couldn't be happier. It might be back to the 50s tomorrow but I'm living in the present and walking with an extra skip in my step to celebrate the unseasonable warmth. What's the weather like where you are?

{photo by Anna Spiro}

How To Spend Your Weekend

This weekend you must pop over to Amber Interiors. She is funny, likable, and talented to boot. If her dining room (and homemade art — not joking!) doesn't make you want to see more, I don't know what will! Have a good one!