IN THE KITCHEN

I am the first to admit my inability to cook. I'm generally picky, I've been a vegetarian for four years, and I rely pretty heavily on my ability to make guacamole and/or toss a salad. But for someone who's decidedly pathetic in the kitchen, I sure do like to look at them...

Ryan Korban in Lonny

Deulonder via Dustjacket Attic

Jennifer Dyer in Lonny

Are you comfortable in the kitchen? I suppose it's not too late for me to pick up a few skills... In fact this past weekend Michael and I took a cooking lesson at Aux Délices (one of the tasks on my 101 in 1001 list!) thanks to a generous Christmas gift from my sister Reilly. We had a blast working on our knife skills and mastering a couple new dishes. You know what they say, practice makes perfect! ;)

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

I am the first to admit my inability to cook. I'm generally picky, I've been a vegetarian for four years, and I rely pretty heavily on my ability to make guacamole and/or toss a salad. But for someone who's decidedly pathetic in the kitchen, I sure do like to look at them...

Ryan Korban in Lonny

Deulonder via Dustjacket Attic

Jennifer Dyer in Lonny

Are you comfortable in the kitchen? I suppose it's not too late for me to pick up a few skills... In fact this past weekend Michael and I took a cooking lesson at Aux Délices (one of the tasks on my 101 in 1001 list!) thanks to a generous Christmas gift from my sister Reilly. We had a blast working on our knife skills and mastering a couple new dishes. You know what they say, practice makes perfect! ;)

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

SUMMER STYLE

Summer is a time for simplicity — fewer layers, less makeup, and the kind of clothes you can toss in a bag for a spontaneous weekend trip. This take on the plain white t-shirt is precisely what I have in mind...

ASOS peplum t-shirt (only $24!) // Fallon lion studs // Modcloth striped scarf

Incase iPhone case // K. Slademade leather key fob // Tory Burch tortoiseshell cuff

Tory Burch ballet flats // Baggu leather bag (now on sale!)

I love this laid-back take on the peplum trend and the versatility of the navy flats (which I'd wear well into fall!). What are some of your summer style tricks?

P.S. Speaking of summer style, don't forget to enter the Alice & Trixie giveaway!

Summer is a time for simplicity — fewer layers, less makeup, and the kind of clothes you can toss in a bag for a spontaneous weekend trip. This take on the plain white t-shirt is precisely what I have in mind...

ASOS peplum t-shirt (only $24!) // Fallon lion studs // Modcloth striped scarf

Incase iPhone case // K. Slademade leather key fob // Tory Burch tortoiseshell cuff

Tory Burch ballet flats // Baggu leather bag (now on sale!)

I love this laid-back take on the peplum trend and the versatility of the navy flats (which I'd wear well into fall!). What are some of your summer style tricks?

P.S. Speaking of summer style, don't forget to enter the Alice & Trixie giveaway!

INSTAGRAM UPDATES

Lately I've been Instagramming way more frequently and getting lots of questions about where certain items are from. Consider this post your one-stop-shop! ;)

Monogrammed acrylic pencil cup (or a new home for makeup brushes!)

Moroccan Oil treatment / Revlon Stormy Pink / Covergirl Spellbound / NARS Jungle Red / Maybelline Falsies mascara

Tall topiary / small topiary (I'm a little obsessed...)

J.Crew / Design Darling / J.Crew (old) / Design Darling / Lilly Pulitzer (old) / J.Crew (old)

You can see all my pictures at @mackenziehoran. Are you as into Instagram as I am?!

Lately I've been Instagramming way more frequently and getting lots of questions about where certain items are from. Consider this post your one-stop-shop! ;)

Monogrammed acrylic pencil cup (or a new home for makeup brushes!)

Moroccan Oil treatment / Revlon Stormy Pink / Covergirl Spellbound / NARS Jungle Red / Maybelline Falsies mascara

Tall topiary / small topiary (I'm a little obsessed...)

J.Crew / Design Darling / J.Crew (old) / Design Darling / Lilly Pulitzer (old) / J.Crew (old)

You can see all my pictures at @mackenziehoran. Are you as into Instagram as I am?!

DESIGN DARLING ON SHOPBOP'S SHOPTALK

As a full-time blogger I write a lot of guest posts (sometimes it feels like a full-time job in and of itself!). Every now and then a really cool opportunity comes along — like the chance to post on Shopbop's blog Shoptalk! 

I decided to put together a little packing list for my upcoming trip to Nantucket. I already own the dress and the sunglasses but I'm definitely eyeing the tote and the wedges for the Fourth of July! Shop the full post on Shopbop's blog here and let me know what you think!  

As a full-time blogger I write a lot of guest posts (sometimes it feels like a full-time job in and of itself!). Every now and then a really cool opportunity comes along — like the chance to post on Shopbop's blog Shoptalk! 

I decided to put together a little packing list for my upcoming trip to Nantucket. I already own the dress and the sunglasses but I'm definitely eyeing the tote and the wedges for the Fourth of July! Shop the full post on Shopbop's blog here and let me know what you think!  

HIS & HERS / ALICE & TRIXIE GIVEAWAY!

It's been way too long since our last outfit post so we're bringing it back with a bang! Nothing like an Alice & Trixie giveaway to get back into the swing of things...

ON HER: Devon Baer Designs turquoise earrings // Ray-Ban sunglasses c/o Sunglasses Shop // Ryder shirt c/o Alice & Trixie // Zara jeans // Ash wedges via Gilt Groupe

ON HIM: Ray-Ban sunglasses // Land's End shirt // Ralph Lauren shorts 

Alice & Trixie is generously giving one lucky reader a $250 gift card to their site!

- To enter, leave a comment below telling me which item would be your first purchase. 

- For a second entry, like Alice & Trixie and Design Darling on Facebook. 

- For a third entry, follow Alice & Trixie and Design Darling on Twitter.

The winner will be announced on Friday morning. And everyone gets 20% off their Alice & Trixie order with code DARLING at checkout! Good luck!

It's been way too long since our last outfit post so we're bringing it back with a bang! Nothing like an Alice & Trixie giveaway to get back into the swing of things...

ON HER: Devon Baer Designs turquoise earrings // Ray-Ban sunglasses c/o Sunglasses Shop // Ryder shirt c/o Alice & Trixie // Zara jeans // Ash wedges via Gilt Groupe

ON HIM: Ray-Ban sunglasses // Land's End shirt // Ralph Lauren shorts 

Alice & Trixie is generously giving one lucky reader a $250 gift card to their site!

- To enter, leave a comment below telling me which item would be your first purchase. 

- For a second entry, like Alice & Trixie and Design Darling on Facebook. 

- For a third entry, follow Alice & Trixie and Design Darling on Twitter.

The winner will be announced on Friday morning. And everyone gets 20% off their Alice & Trixie order with code DARLING at checkout! Good luck!

FRAMED SILK SCARVES

Finding art is tricky: it's personal, it can be pricey, and it's usually a process to find the perfect frame and actually assemble it. I have three vintage silk scarves, already framed and ready to be hung, on sale in the boutique starting at just $100. They're big, graphic, and definitely statement-making — the perfect piece to hang above a bed or a sofa! Which one do you prefer, fabulous stripes in fuchsia and marigold, a Vera Neumann number in pink and red, or this blue, pink, and green beauty?

*Room by Krista Salmon, framed scarves here

Finding art is tricky: it's personal, it can be pricey, and it's usually a process to find the perfect frame and actually assemble it. I have three vintage silk scarves, already framed and ready to be hung, on sale in the boutique starting at just $100. They're big, graphic, and definitely statement-making — the perfect piece to hang above a bed or a sofa! Which one do you prefer, fabulous stripes in fuchsia and marigold, a Vera Neumann number in pink and red, or this blue, pink, and green beauty?

*Room by Krista Salmon, framed scarves here

WEEKEND WARDROBE

It seems each Friday I find myself posting about what I'd like to be wearing into the weekend so I've decided to dub the feature Weekend Wardrobe. In the hopes of a cool breeze blowing through Connecticut this weekend, I'd like to be channeling this breezy look...

Devon Baer Designs gem earrings // Topshop dress // French Connection waist belt

Topshop straw bag // ASOS peep toe ballet flats 

Oh and everything in this look costs under $100! Happy weekend indeed ;) 

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

It seems each Friday I find myself posting about what I'd like to be wearing into the weekend so I've decided to dub the feature Weekend Wardrobe. In the hopes of a cool breeze blowing through Connecticut this weekend, I'd like to be channeling this breezy look...

Devon Baer Designs gem earrings // Topshop dress // French Connection waist belt

Topshop straw bag // ASOS peep toe ballet flats 

Oh and everything in this look costs under $100! Happy weekend indeed ;) 

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

JANICE PARKER LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Confession: I have a new obsession. In addition to perusing the portfolios of interior designers, I've realized I love looking at the work of landscape architects. In case you couldn't tell from my exteriors board, I love looking at homes, gardens, pools, you name it — and this portfolio in particular is keeping me extra inspired...

Insanely gorgeous, right? Check out the rest of Janice's work here. Who else shares this obsession with pretty exteriors?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

Confession: I have a new obsession. In addition to perusing the portfolios of interior designers, I've realized I love looking at the work of landscape architects. In case you couldn't tell from my exteriors board, I love looking at homes, gardens, pools, you name it — and this portfolio in particular is keeping me extra inspired...

Insanely gorgeous, right? Check out the rest of Janice's work here. Who else shares this obsession with pretty exteriors?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

NEW ARRIVALS!

One of the best parts of owning an online boutique is the feeling that comes with rolling out new arrivals every few weeks. I love the challenge of sourcing new products, the fun of getting to collaborate with new designers, and the excitement I get from all of you when (hopefully!) you like the products as much as I do! I'm thrilled to have collaborated with the darling Keely (whose own site launches very soon!) on all the new paper goods to hit the boutique today. I hope you love what you see!

The monogrammed and personalized options just went live this morning, including a Design Darling exclusive in hot pink and navy blue Greek key! Shop the complete collection here and be sure to let me know what you think!

One of the best parts of owning an online boutique is the feeling that comes with rolling out new arrivals every few weeks. I love the challenge of sourcing new products, the fun of getting to collaborate with new designers, and the excitement I get from all of you when (hopefully!) you like the products as much as I do! I'm thrilled to have collaborated with the darling Keely (whose own site launches very soon!) on all the new paper goods to hit the boutique today. I hope you love what you see!

The monogrammed and personalized options just went live this morning, including a Design Darling exclusive in hot pink and navy blue Greek key! Shop the complete collection here and be sure to let me know what you think!

A DAY AT THE BEACH

That's wishful thinking, of course. It's supposed to hit 97° in Connecticut today (ick!) and naturally I wish I could transport to my favorite beach on Nantucket and set up shop beneath an umbrella for the day. In the mean time, my countdown to spending the Fourth of July on the island is alive and well...

Melissa Odabash cover-up // Zimmermann bandeau bikini // Echo Design ikat beach towels

Topshop cover-up // J.Crew stripe bikini // Chance Co. Cali beach towel

T-Bags embellished tunic // ASOS one-piece swimsuit // WOW! beach towel

If you could snap your fingers and appear on any beach right now, where would you go?

That's wishful thinking, of course. It's supposed to hit 97° in Connecticut today (ick!) and naturally I wish I could transport to my favorite beach on Nantucket and set up shop beneath an umbrella for the day. In the mean time, my countdown to spending the Fourth of July on the island is alive and well...

Melissa Odabash cover-up // Zimmermann bandeau bikini // Echo Design ikat beach towels

Topshop cover-up // J.Crew stripe bikini // Chance Co. Cali beach towel

T-Bags embellished tunic // ASOS one-piece swimsuit // WOW! beach towel

If you could snap your fingers and appear on any beach right now, where would you go?

SWEATER + SHORTS

Kenneth Jay Lane earrings // Vince striped sweater // Loren Hope tassel necklace

Clare Vivier iPad case // J.Crew shorts // K. Slademade limited edition clutch

Loren Hope cocktail ring // Tuckernuck pointed toe espadrilles

Inspired by this pin, I decided to create a look around pairing sweaters and shorts. It might seem counterintuitive but for chilly nights (or excessively air-conditioned buildings) it makes quite a bit of sense. What do you think of this pairing?

Kenneth Jay Lane earrings // Vince striped sweater // Loren Hope tassel necklace

Clare Vivier iPad case // J.Crew shorts // K. Slademade limited edition clutch

Loren Hope cocktail ring // Tuckernuck pointed toe espadrilles

Inspired by this pin, I decided to create a look around pairing sweaters and shorts. It might seem counterintuitive but for chilly nights (or excessively air-conditioned buildings) it makes quite a bit of sense. What do you think of this pairing?

DESK DU JOUR

It's been much too long since I've shared one of my favorite workspaces! This one comes from Catherine Sheppard's home tour on Glitter Guide today and I must say I'm enamored with the inspiration board hanging over her desk. Catherine says she sometimes removes everything and starts from scratch. How fun is that? I can't think of a prettier place to get productive!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

It's been much too long since I've shared one of my favorite workspaces! This one comes from Catherine Sheppard's home tour on Glitter Guide today and I must say I'm enamored with the inspiration board hanging over her desk. Catherine says she sometimes removes everything and starts from scratch. How fun is that? I can't think of a prettier place to get productive!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

DO YOU WEAR LIPSTICK?

I have a question about lipstick. Bloggers and celebrities wear it daily and I think the well-placed pop of pink or red can do wonders. But when I wear it myself, I feel... I don't know, a little over the top? Number 86 on my 101 in 1001 list was to find the right shade of red lipstick for me which, thanks to a trusty Sephora employee, turned out to be NARS jungle red. But I wear it very infrequently and sometimes even put it on and take it off before leaving the house! Am I crazy? Tell me, do you wear lipstick on a daily basis? If so, which brands and hues do you swear by?

*images Sephora, Jamie Beck, Wall Street Journal

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

I have a question about lipstick. Bloggers and celebrities wear it daily and I think the well-placed pop of pink or red can do wonders. But when I wear it myself, I feel... I don't know, a little over the top? Number 86 on my 101 in 1001 list was to find the right shade of red lipstick for me which, thanks to a trusty Sephora employee, turned out to be NARS jungle red. But I wear it very infrequently and sometimes even put it on and take it off before leaving the house! Am I crazy? Tell me, do you wear lipstick on a daily basis? If so, which brands and hues do you swear by?

*images Sephora, Jamie Beck, Wall Street Journal

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

ANNABEL TOLLMAN'S APARTMENT

One of the more recent additions to my Google Reader is Tales of Endearment, a blog by Natalie Joos featuring photos of her friends and their fabulous homes and wardrobes. This sneak peek into fashion stylist Annabel Tollman's West Village apartment was certainly brimming with inspiration...

Things I loved: her book collection, the peonies, the sofa, the topiary (similar to the one I carry in my boutique!), and the largely white and off-white color palette. Isn't it lovely?

*all photos Natalie Joos for Tales of Endearment

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

One of the more recent additions to my Google Reader is Tales of Endearment, a blog by Natalie Joos featuring photos of her friends and their fabulous homes and wardrobes. This sneak peek into fashion stylist Annabel Tollman's West Village apartment was certainly brimming with inspiration...

Things I loved: her book collection, the peonies, the sofa, the topiary (similar to the one I carry in my boutique!), and the largely white and off-white color palette. Isn't it lovely?

*all photos Natalie Joos for Tales of Endearment

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

WORKOUT CHIC

Let me first admit that I do not like to exercise. I was a competitive gymnast through high school and never had any use for a real gym. Of course now I'm kicking myself that I didn't pay more attention in gym class because I'm desperate to find a workout regime that sticks. Does it count if I'm a lousy athlete but great at dressing the part?

(ONE) Tuckernuck t-shirt (TWO) Bop Basics hair tie set (THREE) Bkr water bottle

(FOUR) Nike shorts (FIVE) Marley Lilly monogrammed yoga mat (SIX) Addidas sneakers

Aerobics, pilates, power walking, running, yoga, Zumba... Tell me, what's your preferred form of exercise?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

Let me first admit that I do not like to exercise. I was a competitive gymnast through high school and never had any use for a real gym. Of course now I'm kicking myself that I didn't pay more attention in gym class because I'm desperate to find a workout regime that sticks. Does it count if I'm a lousy athlete but great at dressing the part?

(ONE) Tuckernuck t-shirt (TWO) Bop Basics hair tie set (THREE) Bkr water bottle

(FOUR) Nike shorts (FIVE) Marley Lilly monogrammed yoga mat (SIX) Addidas sneakers

Aerobics, pilates, power walking, running, yoga, Zumba... Tell me, what's your preferred form of exercise?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

PINK + TAN

Hot pink, tan leather, and a pop of pretty blue... This is what I'd like to be wearing this weekend!

Tibi silk tank // Devon Baer Designs tassel necklace // Rebecca Minkoff iPad case

Rag & Bone white jeans // Madewell leather satchel // Loren Hope link bangle // Madewell wedges

What's one thing you're looking forward to this weekend?!

Hot pink, tan leather, and a pop of pretty blue... This is what I'd like to be wearing this weekend!

Tibi silk tank // Devon Baer Designs tassel necklace // Rebecca Minkoff iPad case

Rag & Bone white jeans // Madewell leather satchel // Loren Hope link bangle // Madewell wedges

What's one thing you're looking forward to this weekend?!

LAUREN GOODMAN'S APARTMENT

Former Domino fashion director Lauren Goodman recently opened the doors of her San Francisco home to Refinery 29 and it was everything I could do not to pin every last one of these spaces on the spot...

Of course I'm most coveting the English roll arm sofa in her living room. Isn't it such a beautiful shape? And the coffee table styling is flawless, but then I'd expect nothing less from Lauren's decorator Lili Diallo, whose book is a personal favorite of mine. What do you like most about the space?

*all images Andrew Paynter for Refinery 29

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

Former Domino fashion director Lauren Goodman recently opened the doors of her San Francisco home to Refinery 29 and it was everything I could do not to pin every last one of these spaces on the spot...

Of course I'm most coveting the English roll arm sofa in her living room. Isn't it such a beautiful shape? And the coffee table styling is flawless, but then I'd expect nothing less from Lauren's decorator Lili Diallo, whose book is a personal favorite of mine. What do you like most about the space?

*all images Andrew Paynter for Refinery 29

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

WHITE WALLS + WINDOWS

The interior of this San Francisco home is a little more contemporary than my usual taste but I couldn't help falling in love with the big windows and little architectural details...

The dining room looking out on an ivy-covered wall? Seriously to die for. What do you think — could you live here?

*all images Dave Lauridsen for Dwell, discovered here

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

The interior of this San Francisco home is a little more contemporary than my usual taste but I couldn't help falling in love with the big windows and little architectural details...

The dining room looking out on an ivy-covered wall? Seriously to die for. What do you think — could you live here?

*all images Dave Lauridsen for Dwell, discovered here

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter