Statement Sparklers

Struggling to find the perfect outfit for your Saturday evening outing? Imagine having a jewelry box brimming with beauties like these... #dreamcometrue

Top row: Kenneth Jay Lane / HSN (only $15!) / Topshop (only $28!)

Middle row: Kate Spade / Trina Turk / Bauble Bar

Bottom row: Bauble Bar / JG (only $45!) / Bounkit

What does your dream jewelry box contain?

Struggling to find the perfect outfit for your Saturday evening outing? Imagine having a jewelry box brimming with beauties like these... #dreamcometrue

Top row: Kenneth Jay Lane / HSN (only $15!) / Topshop (only $28!)

Middle row: Kate Spade / Trina Turk / Bauble Bar

Bottom row: Bauble Bar / JG (only $45!) / Bounkit

What does your dream jewelry box contain?

The shoe every design darling needs...

It's never too early to start stocking up for summer (or vacation if you're lucky!). I own these in lime green and silver and I can't wait to add these three colors to my repertoire!

Blue / Navy / Platinum

P.S. See everything I'm currently coveting right HERE! Stalk away :)

It's never too early to start stocking up for summer (or vacation if you're lucky!). I own these in lime green and silver and I can't wait to add these three colors to my repertoire!

Blue / Navy / Platinum

P.S. See everything I'm currently coveting right HERE! Stalk away :)

Good things come in threes...

Belts, wallets, watches — a simple assortment of some of my favorite accessories right now. 

(1) Diane von Furstenberg Julie belt

(2) J.Crew skinny calf hair belt

(3) Madewell perfect leather belt

(1) Kate Spade black leather wallet

(2) Diane von Furstenberg leopard print wallet

(3) Tory Burch leather zip wallet

(1) J.Crew traveler watch

(2) Michael Kors tortoiseshell watch

(3) J.Crew Andros watch

Belts, wallets, watches — a simple assortment of some of my favorite accessories right now. 

(1) Diane von Furstenberg Julie belt

(2) J.Crew skinny calf hair belt

(3) Madewell perfect leather belt

(1) Kate Spade black leather wallet

(2) Diane von Furstenberg leopard print wallet

(3) Tory Burch leather zip wallet

(1) J.Crew traveler watch

(2) Michael Kors tortoiseshell watch

(3) J.Crew Andros watch

Adorable + Affordable

Perfect polka dots in my favorite color palette. Elbow sleeves, a belted waist, and a swingy skirt. A charming keyhole back. I can't imagine $50 better spent, can you? No, seriously, only $50! Get yours HERE.

Perfect polka dots in my favorite color palette. Elbow sleeves, a belted waist, and a swingy skirt. A charming keyhole back. I can't imagine $50 better spent, can you? No, seriously, only $50! Get yours HERE.

Singin' the blues...

But only because it is c-h-i-l-l-y in Connecticut! Thankfully a handful of new arrivals at West Elm has me ready to curl up with a comfy throw and hibernate in style...

(1) Cotton rug, $29+

(2) Mercury glass votive, $5

(3) Throw blanket, $29

(4) Alphabet tray, $8

(5) Linen/cotton pillow cover, $19

If you're looking for me, I'll be lighting that mercury glass votive and snuggling up in the striped throw ;) How are you keeping cozy in your neck of the woods?

But only because it is c-h-i-l-l-y in Connecticut! Thankfully a handful of new arrivals at West Elm has me ready to curl up with a comfy throw and hibernate in style...

(1) Cotton rug, $29+

(2) Mercury glass votive, $5

(3) Throw blanket, $29

(4) Alphabet tray, $8

(5) Linen/cotton pillow cover, $19

If you're looking for me, I'll be lighting that mercury glass votive and snuggling up in the striped throw ;) How are you keeping cozy in your neck of the woods?

Uniform of the self-employed ;)

When I started working from home, I was convinced I'd wake up, get dressed, and put on makeup every single morning. Suffice it to say I have failed to live up to those expectations and my look is generally more like this — comfy pants, cozy vest, a piece or two of jewelry — and that's on a good day! Perhaps another new year's resolution in the works?

(1) J.Crew striped tee, $85

(2) Tory Burch logo studs, $58

(3) Topshop leggings, $24

(4) J.Crew leather iPhone case, $38 — love this for guys and girls!

(5) Juicy Couture faux fur vest, $140

(6) Report booties, $110

(7) Vince Camuto leopard bracelet, $98

Any other self-employed folks have the same "problem?"

When I started working from home, I was convinced I'd wake up, get dressed, and put on makeup every single morning. Suffice it to say I have failed to live up to those expectations and my look is generally more like this — comfy pants, cozy vest, a piece or two of jewelry — and that's on a good day! Perhaps another new year's resolution in the works?

(1) J.Crew striped tee, $85

(2) Tory Burch logo studs, $58

(3) Topshop leggings, $24

(4) J.Crew leather iPhone case, $38 — love this for guys and girls!

(5) Juicy Couture faux fur vest, $140

(6) Report booties, $110

(7) Vince Camuto leopard bracelet, $98

Any other self-employed folks have the same "problem?"

Matchbook January 2012

If you haven't already, you must go read Matchbook's January issue right this instant! In addition to the brilliant work of my dear friend Shannon, you'll find two pieces written by yours truly! It was an honor to sit down with Jessie Randall in her SoHo office and chat about her bustling shoe company, Loeffler Randall. Then artist Ashley Longshore had me in stitches over the phone with tales of her celebrity encounters (ahem, Blake Lively and Salma Hayek!). It's thrilling to see my name in one of my very favorite publications, next to some of my very favorite people — and I couldn't be happier that I'm officially a Matchbook girl! :)

If you haven't already, you must go read Matchbook's January issue right this instant! In addition to the brilliant work of my dear friend Shannon, you'll find two pieces written by yours truly! It was an honor to sit down with Jessie Randall in her SoHo office and chat about her bustling shoe company, Loeffler Randall. Then artist Ashley Longshore had me in stitches over the phone with tales of her celebrity encounters (ahem, Blake Lively and Salma Hayek!). It's thrilling to see my name in one of my very favorite publications, next to some of my very favorite people — and I couldn't be happier that I'm officially a Matchbook girl! :)

Shoe Dreams

Let's pretend for a moment that it's not freezing outdoors and that it's almost time to wear all the pretty spring shoes that stores are already putting on their shelves. Because these three [pricey] pairs make for some very lovely daydreams...

RED Valentino   /   KORS Michael Kors

See by Chloe   /   RED Valentino

Isn't your dream closet filled with bows, espadrilles, and scallops? Ahhh, shoes ;)

Let's pretend for a moment that it's not freezing outdoors and that it's almost time to wear all the pretty spring shoes that stores are already putting on their shelves. Because these three [pricey] pairs make for some very lovely daydreams...

RED Valentino   /   KORS Michael Kors

See by Chloe   /   RED Valentino

Isn't your dream closet filled with bows, espadrilles, and scallops? Ahhh, shoes ;)

Ikea Favorites

My parents are in the midst of redoing our family room and it's been fun to help them update the look from washed out beiges and tans to preppy navy blue and white. (Perhaps I need to take a few Instagram shots to share on Twitter!) When it came time to replace the sofa, they actually found two they love from Ikea — for just $399 each! And since Ikea is a budget-friendly option for so many shoppers, I decided it was high time I share a few of my favorite pieces.

(1) Expedit bookcase, $129

(2) Tobias chair, $80

(3) Rens faux sheepskin rug, $29

(4) Lack high gloss side table, $13

(5) Docksta dining table, $179

(6) Kivik sofa section, $199

I would never use all of these pieces in the same space but they are a great foundation for layering in different colors and textures — or tackling a few DIY projects! (Remember these? I'm also dying to try this, this, and this.) Have you used Ikea pieces in your home? I'd love to hear from you!

My parents are in the midst of redoing our family room and it's been fun to help them update the look from washed out beiges and tans to preppy navy blue and white. (Perhaps I need to take a few Instagram shots to share on Twitter!) When it came time to replace the sofa, they actually found two they love from Ikea — for just $399 each! And since Ikea is a budget-friendly option for so many shoppers, I decided it was high time I share a few of my favorite pieces.

(1) Expedit bookcase, $129

(2) Tobias chair, $80

(3) Rens faux sheepskin rug, $29

(4) Lack high gloss side table, $13

(5) Docksta dining table, $179

(6) Kivik sofa section, $199

I would never use all of these pieces in the same space but they are a great foundation for layering in different colors and textures — or tackling a few DIY projects! (Remember these? I'm also dying to try this, this, and this.) Have you used Ikea pieces in your home? I'd love to hear from you!

And so it begins...

...2012, of course, but also my post-holiday commitment to cutting down on the desserts and getting my butt to the gym. And, really, is there any better motivator than an adorable new bikini that beckons to be taken to the beach?

One-shouldered ruffled perfection, don't you think? Find it HERE.

...2012, of course, but also my post-holiday commitment to cutting down on the desserts and getting my butt to the gym. And, really, is there any better motivator than an adorable new bikini that beckons to be taken to the beach?

One-shouldered ruffled perfection, don't you think? Find it HERE.

Happy New Year!

2011 has been a big year: I graduated from college, moved to San Francisco, moved back to Connecticut, landed a job in New York, quit that job in New York, and decided to start my own business. All the while I was crossing things off my 101 in 1001 list, which I've now organized HERE so you can see every goal I've ever shared all in one place. Check it out and let me know which goals you hope to accomplish in the next 2.75 years!

I have big things in store for 2012 and I can't wait to share them with you every step of the way! I'll be launching my business, tackling more 101 in 1001 tasks, and of course sharing lots of pretty clothes and rooms as we go. Thank you for stopping by each day and lending your support in comments, emails, tweets, etc. I couldn't ask for better readers and I'm so excited for what this next year will bring! Thank you and Happy New Year!!!

2011 has been a big year: I graduated from college, moved to San Francisco, moved back to Connecticut, landed a job in New York, quit that job in New York, and decided to start my own business. All the while I was crossing things off my 101 in 1001 list, which I've now organized HERE so you can see every goal I've ever shared all in one place. Check it out and let me know which goals you hope to accomplish in the next 2.75 years!

I have big things in store for 2012 and I can't wait to share them with you every step of the way! I'll be launching my business, tackling more 101 in 1001 tasks, and of course sharing lots of pretty clothes and rooms as we go. Thank you for stopping by each day and lending your support in comments, emails, tweets, etc. I couldn't ask for better readers and I'm so excited for what this next year will bring! Thank you and Happy New Year!!!

Rachel Pally Stripe Cutout Dress

Navy and white stripes, universally flattering jersey, and easy to throw on for a dose of instant chic. Someway, somehow, I must own this dress!

Navy and white stripes, universally flattering jersey, and easy to throw on for a dose of instant chic. Someway, somehow, I must own this dress!

A few things...

1. I might have to let our dog Coach wear bows on a regular basis because I've decided this shot from Christmas morning is frame-worthy.

2. My Joss & Main sale ends in 24 hours! A few of my favorite items are still available: this hot pink slipper chair ($109), this aqua linen pillow ($79), and this Jonathan Adler lamp ($154). Sign up HERE and check it out!

3. Design Darling, L.L.C. became official this morning!!! I can't wait to fill you all in on what I've been working on. Let's just say there's a BIG surprise coming your way!

1. I might have to let our dog Coach wear bows on a regular basis because I've decided this shot from Christmas morning is frame-worthy.

2. My Joss & Main sale ends in 24 hours! A few of my favorite items are still available: this hot pink slipper chair ($109), this aqua linen pillow ($79), and this Jonathan Adler lamp ($154). Sign up HERE and check it out!

3. Design Darling, L.L.C. became official this morning!!! I can't wait to fill you all in on what I've been working on. Let's just say there's a BIG surprise coming your way!

Ski Bunny Chic

Did anyone have a white Christmas? It's been very mild on the east coast thus far but my boyfriend is skiing in Montana this week and it made me think to whip up a little winter look for those of you combatting cooler climes.

(1) Helene Berman vest (2) West Avenue monogram necklace (3) Ray-Ban sunglasses 
(4) Topshop leggings (5) Old Navy sweater (6) Sorel boots

(7) Anne Klein bracelet (8) ASOS coin purse


Perfectly cozy, whether you're braving the cold or brewing coffee indoors!

Did anyone have a white Christmas? It's been very mild on the east coast thus far but my boyfriend is skiing in Montana this week and it made me think to whip up a little winter look for those of you combatting cooler climes.

(1) Helene Berman vest (2) West Avenue monogram necklace (3) Ray-Ban sunglasses 
(4) Topshop leggings (5) Old Navy sweater (6) Sorel boots

(7) Anne Klein bracelet (8) ASOS coin purse


Perfectly cozy, whether you're braving the cold or brewing coffee indoors!

Coral, Lavender, + Lucite

Amanda Ross on The Coveteur. Obsessed.

Amanda Ross on The Coveteur. Obsessed.

Joss & Main Curator's Collection! ***UPDATE

I'm thrilled to announce that I've partnered with home decor sample sale site Joss & Main to bring you a curator's collection of playful, preppy items for your space. Whether you're ready to invest in a dining room table or to treat yourself to a colorful throw, I hope you'll find something you love!

Please sign up HERE and check back tomorrow to shop to your heart's content!


***UPDATE: My sale should go live this evening around 9 p.m. Thank you for your patience and support!

Disclosure: I earn $15 credit for each person who signs up and makes a purchase. Sign up and invite your friends to earn the same!

I'm thrilled to announce that I've partnered with home decor sample sale site Joss & Main to bring you a curator's collection of playful, preppy items for your space. Whether you're ready to invest in a dining room table or to treat yourself to a colorful throw, I hope you'll find something you love!

Please sign up HERE and check back tomorrow to shop to your heart's content!


***UPDATE: My sale should go live this evening around 9 p.m. Thank you for your patience and support!

Disclosure: I earn $15 credit for each person who signs up and makes a purchase. Sign up and invite your friends to earn the same!

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and yours a very merry weekend filled with Christmas traditions...

twinkling lights,

festive decorations,

your favorite foods,

and lots of special moments you'll cherish for years to come.

*all photos taken by me with Instagram; bokeh effect added with Picfx

Wishing you and yours a very merry weekend filled with Christmas traditions...

twinkling lights,

festive decorations,

your favorite foods,

and lots of special moments you'll cherish for years to come.

*all photos taken by me with Instagram; bokeh effect added with Picfx

Madewell Shoes

I generally identify more with J.Crew than Madewell but the latter has been nailing it in the shoe department lately. (Don't even get me started on these leopard pumps — too perfect for words!)

(1) Almanac Boot (2) Archive Leather Boot

(3) Suede Sandstorm Boot — I have these and love them! (4) Leopard Print Film Noir Pump

(5) Watchtower Boot (6) Suede Sidewalk Skimmer — only $88!

Seriously, how's a girl to choose?

I generally identify more with J.Crew than Madewell but the latter has been nailing it in the shoe department lately. (Don't even get me started on these leopard pumps — too perfect for words!)

(1) Almanac Boot (2) Archive Leather Boot

(3) Suede Sandstorm Boot — I have these and love them! (4) Leopard Print Film Noir Pump

(5) Watchtower Boot (6) Suede Sidewalk Skimmer — only $88!

Seriously, how's a girl to choose?

Girly Girl

A monogrammed shade, quilted boots, and sequins galore! I'm sensing a trend in the items I'm saving to Currently Obsessed and Pinterest. Who says prepsters can't be girly girls as well?

(1) Nicole Cohen print (2) Sperry Top-Sider boots — only $88! 

(3) Shades of Light lampshade — I'm obsessed! (4) Moleskine notebook 

(5) Urban Outfitters pillow (6) Michael Kors flats (7) ASOS bow stripe top

(8) Michael Kors passport case (9) Kate Spade heels — a forever favorite!

I don't care to toot my own horn but I'm rather convinced that monogrammed lampshade is the find of the year — and a must-have for design darlings everywhere ;) Which is your favorite?

A monogrammed shade, quilted boots, and sequins galore! I'm sensing a trend in the items I'm saving to Currently Obsessed and Pinterest. Who says prepsters can't be girly girls as well?

(1) Nicole Cohen print (2) Sperry Top-Sider boots — only $88! 

(3) Shades of Light lampshade — I'm obsessed! (4) Moleskine notebook 

(5) Urban Outfitters pillow (6) Michael Kors flats (7) ASOS bow stripe top

(8) Michael Kors passport case (9) Kate Spade heels — a forever favorite!

I don't care to toot my own horn but I'm rather convinced that monogrammed lampshade is the find of the year — and a must-have for design darlings everywhere ;) Which is your favorite?

Bring On The Brights

I might not wear them all at once but I sure do love each and every one of them! Here are a few colorful favorites from my current Shopbop hearts...

Cuff / Necklace / Pants

iPhone Case / Necklace / Skirt  

Shopbop is so dangerous! Anything fun you have your eye on?

I might not wear them all at once but I sure do love each and every one of them! Here are a few colorful favorites from my current Shopbop hearts...

Cuff / Necklace / Pants

iPhone Case / Necklace / Skirt  

Shopbop is so dangerous! Anything fun you have your eye on?

The Ultimate Souvenir

One of the interior design dilemmas that seems to be plaguing some of you (as per this post) is what to hang on the walls. So when I stumbled upon this William Abranowicz photograph (featuring work by Thomas Struth) on a new-to-me favorite blog The Aestate, I knew I had to share! It made me think about blowing up and framing one of my favorite photos from the time I spent abroad (more on that here).

Centre Pompidou in Paris.

Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

The house from The Sound of Music in Salzburg, Austria.

The Louvre in Paris.

The sculpture garden at the Louvre in Paris.

View from Hohensalzburg Castle in Salzburg, Austria.

Château de Villandry in the Loire Valley.  

- - -

Which one shall I frame? Do you have any travel photos framed in your home?

One of the interior design dilemmas that seems to be plaguing some of you (as per this post) is what to hang on the walls. So when I stumbled upon this William Abranowicz photograph (featuring work by Thomas Struth) on a new-to-me favorite blog The Aestate, I knew I had to share! It made me think about blowing up and framing one of my favorite photos from the time I spent abroad (more on that here).

Centre Pompidou in Paris.

Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

The house from The Sound of Music in Salzburg, Austria.

The Louvre in Paris.

The sculpture garden at the Louvre in Paris.

View from Hohensalzburg Castle in Salzburg, Austria.

Château de Villandry in the Loire Valley.  

- - -

Which one shall I frame? Do you have any travel photos framed in your home?

Hello Sunshine

Everyone loves a handwritten note and every girl needs a wealth of options when it comes time to pick up the pen! I'm quite convinced that these Kate Spade notecards from Crane belong among my collection...

{All Wrapped Up}

{Confetti}

{Hello Sunshine}

Aren't they darling? At just $20, they may very well find their way to my desktop!

Everyone loves a handwritten note and every girl needs a wealth of options when it comes time to pick up the pen! I'm quite convinced that these Kate Spade notecards from Crane belong among my collection...

{All Wrapped Up}

{Confetti}

{Hello Sunshine}

Aren't they darling? At just $20, they may very well find their way to my desktop!

Bows On Sale!

I am smitten with this green bow top from ASOS. It's perfectly preppy in a very Kate Spade way, don't you think? I love the way it's styled with all black and a retro 'do but I can see myself pairing it with white jeans in the summer too. The fact that it's on super sale is only inching it closer to my cart! Find it here.

I am smitten with this green bow top from ASOS. It's perfectly preppy in a very Kate Spade way, don't you think? I love the way it's styled with all black and a retro 'do but I can see myself pairing it with white jeans in the summer too. The fact that it's on super sale is only inching it closer to my cart! Find it here.

White On White

Do you ever seen an outfit or a room and think, "Why didn't I think of that?" That's precisely how I felt when I saw this look on stylist Elin Kling. White on white with a bright red lip and simple accessories — what's not to love about that? 

(1) J.Crew t-shirt (2) NARS Jungle Red lipstick

(3) K. Slademade clutch (4) J.Crew pants

(5) Leif cuff (6) ASOS shoes

It'd certainly help to have her model-esque frame but I'd like to think we could all replicate this look with a few simple ingredients. (I know I've blogged about this lipstick before but it really is the perfect red!) Has a plain white t-shirt ever looked so good? I think not! 

Do you ever seen an outfit or a room and think, "Why didn't I think of that?" That's precisely how I felt when I saw this look on stylist Elin Kling. White on white with a bright red lip and simple accessories — what's not to love about that? 

(1) J.Crew t-shirt (2) NARS Jungle Red lipstick

(3) K. Slademade clutch (4) J.Crew pants

(5) Leif cuff (6) ASOS shoes

It'd certainly help to have her model-esque frame but I'd like to think we could all replicate this look with a few simple ingredients. (I know I've blogged about this lipstick before but it really is the perfect red!) Has a plain white t-shirt ever looked so good? I think not! 

Etsy Exploring

I'm sure other bloggers will relate to the excitement of stumbling upon a new-to-you blog, designer, project, or shop. It's why we click through other people's blogrolls, spend so much time on Pinterest, and window shop online. One of my favorite sites to peruse is Etsy. In addition to the amazing small businesses who sponsor Design Darling (see them over there in the right column?!), these are a few of my recent favorites.

{Devon Baer Designs}

{Lemka B}

{Louise's Art}

{Noble House Designs}

{The Belle and the Beau}

Bright separates, leather tassels, sea glass-inspired art, vintage baubles, and gingham bowties... J'adore! What are your favorite Etsy shops?

I'm sure other bloggers will relate to the excitement of stumbling upon a new-to-you blog, designer, project, or shop. It's why we click through other people's blogrolls, spend so much time on Pinterest, and window shop online. One of my favorite sites to peruse is Etsy. In addition to the amazing small businesses who sponsor Design Darling (see them over there in the right column?!), these are a few of my recent favorites.

{Devon Baer Designs}

{Lemka B}

{Louise's Art}

{Noble House Designs}

{The Belle and the Beau}

Bright separates, leather tassels, sea glass-inspired art, vintage baubles, and gingham bowties... J'adore! What are your favorite Etsy shops?