A FEW UPDATES...

I'm working hard to add new products to the boutique as often as possible! Did you see these cosmetic bags? I'm smitten with the blue set.

We sold through two of the new trays but we still have two of the tan zebra! I hope to have the others back in stock later this week. Isn't this pretty with the tortoiseshell glasses? *UPDATE: All trays are sold out but will be back in stock asap.

I wore my favorite peplum tank with new leopard flats for a dinner date — gotta wear those summer clothes before it's too late! ;)

The horn sculpture is back in stock! I love it atop a stack of books or hanging out on a bedside table. And I never tire of these pretty little matches!

My parents moved this campaign dresser (a favorite Craigslist find!) into my workspace to house some of the smaller items for the boutique. Functional and pretty makes me happy.

A few favorite baubles on my bathroom counter... Asha turquoise studs, Loren Hope earrings and necklace, Kenneth Jay Lane cocktail ring (similar), and Design Darling stripe bangle and tortoiseshell bangles.

I celebrated a friend's birthday brunch in my Zara peplum jacket, J.Crew signet ring (similar), tortoiseshell bangles (can you tell I never take them off?), and tortoiseshell cuff. Also can you believe there are less than 100 days until Christmas? I know I'm getting ahead of myself but stay tuned for lots of new arrivals (including gift cards, wooohooo!) as well as gift guides here on the blog. Every year I say I'll get my shopping finished early... ;)

I'm working hard to add new products to the boutique as often as possible! Did you see these cosmetic bags? I'm smitten with the blue set.

We sold through two of the new trays but we still have two of the tan zebra! I hope to have the others back in stock later this week. Isn't this pretty with the tortoiseshell glasses? *UPDATE: All trays are sold out but will be back in stock asap.

I wore my favorite peplum tank with new leopard flats for a dinner date — gotta wear those summer clothes before it's too late! ;)

The horn sculpture is back in stock! I love it atop a stack of books or hanging out on a bedside table. And I never tire of these pretty little matches!

My parents moved this campaign dresser (a favorite Craigslist find!) into my workspace to house some of the smaller items for the boutique. Functional and pretty makes me happy.

A few favorite baubles on my bathroom counter... Asha turquoise studs, Loren Hope earrings and necklace, Kenneth Jay Lane cocktail ring (similar), and Design Darling stripe bangle and tortoiseshell bangles.

I celebrated a friend's birthday brunch in my Zara peplum jacket, J.Crew signet ring (similar), tortoiseshell bangles (can you tell I never take them off?), and tortoiseshell cuff. Also can you believe there are less than 100 days until Christmas? I know I'm getting ahead of myself but stay tuned for lots of new arrivals (including gift cards, wooohooo!) as well as gift guides here on the blog. Every year I say I'll get my shopping finished early... ;)

SAIL TO SABLE FALL 2012

Some of you may remember my blog sponsor Sail to Sable's adorable tunics from this post and I'm happy to say their fall collection is even better! Here are three of my favorite pieces and how I'd style them...

EARRINGS: Juliet & Co. // J.Crew // Loren Hope

DRESSES: Perfect Prep // Slinky Silk // Pretty Pink

SANDALS: Jack Rogers // Loeffler Randall // Jack Rogers

The new colors and cuts are to die for! The floor-length number is also available in seersucker and has me wanting to plan a vacation this instant. What's your favorite new arrival? Shop the full collection here.

Some of you may remember my blog sponsor Sail to Sable's adorable tunics from this post and I'm happy to say their fall collection is even better! Here are three of my favorite pieces and how I'd style them...

EARRINGS: Juliet & Co. // J.Crew // Loren Hope

DRESSES: Perfect Prep // Slinky Silk // Pretty Pink

SANDALS: Jack Rogers // Loeffler Randall // Jack Rogers

The new colors and cuts are to die for! The floor-length number is also available in seersucker and has me wanting to plan a vacation this instant. What's your favorite new arrival? Shop the full collection here.

A WALK WITH RORY

Our puppy Rory is the subject of many Instagrams and tweets but I decided it was high time for him to get his own blog post. The kind folks at Waggo sent him a few goodies so we took a walk around the block to test them out... 

I'm kind of obsessed with the fact that his new collar and leash match my cardigan and leggings from Thomas Kelly. We were meant to be ;)

The cutest face I ever did see.

Posing with his brother Coach.

"I'd rather walk myself, thank you very much." Someone needs to go to puppy school ;)

Finally winding down...

...and asleep on his new bed which, by the way, is cuter than mine. Thank you Waggo for spoiling him rotten! Who else is obsessed with their pet(s)?!

Our puppy Rory is the subject of many Instagrams and tweets but I decided it was high time for him to get his own blog post. The kind folks at Waggo sent him a few goodies so we took a walk around the block to test them out... 

I'm kind of obsessed with the fact that his new collar and leash match my cardigan and leggings from Thomas Kelly. We were meant to be ;)

The cutest face I ever did see.

Posing with his brother Coach.

"I'd rather walk myself, thank you very much." Someone needs to go to puppy school ;)

Finally winding down...

...and asleep on his new bed which, by the way, is cuter than mine. Thank you Waggo for spoiling him rotten! Who else is obsessed with their pet(s)?!

PRADMAN JEWELS MONOGRAM NECKLACE GIVEAWAY

You all know I love anything that can be monogrammed: business card holders, clothing, key fobs, pencil cups, sandals, stationery... and, yes, jewelry. I'm happy to introduce one of my newest sponsors, Pradman Jewels, and kick things off with a giveaway you're sure to love!

One lucky winner will receive a 14-karat gold disc necklace monogrammed in the style of your choice! To enter, please follow the steps in the Rafflecopter widget below (if you're in Google Reader, you'll have to click over to enter). The winner will be contacted on Friday morning. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You all know I love anything that can be monogrammed: business card holders, clothing, key fobs, pencil cups, sandals, stationery... and, yes, jewelry. I'm happy to introduce one of my newest sponsors, Pradman Jewels, and kick things off with a giveaway you're sure to love!

One lucky winner will receive a 14-karat gold disc necklace monogrammed in the style of your choice! To enter, please follow the steps in the Rafflecopter widget below (if you're in Google Reader, you'll have to click over to enter). The winner will be contacted on Friday morning. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FASHION WEEK TOP FIVE

I thought it would be fun to wade through some of the crazy makeup, over-the-top hair, and totally-not-me looks from NYFW to select a few favorites that are completely my style. After much editing, here are my fashion week top five...

The mix of patterns and textures at J.Crew and Rachel Roy was too good for words. And what's not to love about a solid shift from Jenni Kayne or Tibi's little white dress? But Marissa Webb was definitely the fashion week darling in my book. Her debut collection is full of easy separates and the prettiest shoes you ever did see!

P.S. Apparently I have a thing for ankle straps. Get the look with these and these!

I thought it would be fun to wade through some of the crazy makeup, over-the-top hair, and totally-not-me looks from NYFW to select a few favorites that are completely my style. After much editing, here are my fashion week top five...

The mix of patterns and textures at J.Crew and Rachel Roy was too good for words. And what's not to love about a solid shift from Jenni Kayne or Tibi's little white dress? But Marissa Webb was definitely the fashion week darling in my book. Her debut collection is full of easy separates and the prettiest shoes you ever did see!

P.S. Apparently I have a thing for ankle straps. Get the look with these and these!

I WISH I WERE WEARING...

The adorable Molly and Sally of A Piece of Toast invited me to participate in their She Wishes She Was Wearing series and I love the way it turned out! I was thrilled to meet this talented sister duo during fashion week and let me tell you, they are just as sweet in person! I hope you'll stop by to check out my outfit and read the interview about my most recent purchase, best style advice, and more! Check it out here.

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

The adorable Molly and Sally of A Piece of Toast invited me to participate in their She Wishes She Was Wearing series and I love the way it turned out! I was thrilled to meet this talented sister duo during fashion week and let me tell you, they are just as sweet in person! I hope you'll stop by to check out my outfit and read the interview about my most recent purchase, best style advice, and more! Check it out here.

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

MARK D. SIKES // WEST HOLLYWOOD GARDEN

We've had what I consider absolutely perfect weather (low 70s, sunshine, a cool breeze) all week and naturally I wish I could spend every waking moment outdoors. When I stumbled upon this garden space designed by Mark D. Sikes (who also pens a fabulous lifestyle blog) I knew it was too good not to share. Climbing ivy, French doors, and more topiaries than I can count? Dear Mark, you've created heaven on earth.

P.S. Click here for more inspiring exteriors!

We've had what I consider absolutely perfect weather (low 70s, sunshine, a cool breeze) all week and naturally I wish I could spend every waking moment outdoors. When I stumbled upon this garden space designed by Mark D. Sikes (who also pens a fabulous lifestyle blog) I knew it was too good not to share. Climbing ivy, French doors, and more topiaries than I can count? Dear Mark, you've created heaven on earth.

P.S. Click here for more inspiring exteriors!

NEW ARRIVALS

I hope you'll pop over to my boutique today to check out what's new! Cosmetic bags, hand-painted trays, tortoiseshell goodness... This might be my favorite batch of new arrivals to date!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

I hope you'll pop over to my boutique today to check out what's new! Cosmetic bags, hand-painted trays, tortoiseshell goodness... This might be my favorite batch of new arrivals to date!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

ASHLEY BROOKE DESIGNS GIVEAWAY

You're all going to love today's giveaway because, well, it's all about you! Ashley Brooke Designs is giving away custom stationery — designed around your favorite things!

I emailed Ashley a list of my current favorites (many from my boutique!) and she sent me an illustrated version complete with the name of my blog/business and gorgeous lined envelopes. Want to win your own set? Simply click into the Rafflecopter widget below (if you're in Google Reader you'll have to click over to see it) and follow the steps to rack up extra entries!

The giveaway closes at midnight Thursday night and the winner will be announced Friday morning at 8 a.m. EST. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You're all going to love today's giveaway because, well, it's all about you! Ashley Brooke Designs is giving away custom stationery — designed around your favorite things!

I emailed Ashley a list of my current favorites (many from my boutique!) and she sent me an illustrated version complete with the name of my blog/business and gorgeous lined envelopes. Want to win your own set? Simply click into the Rafflecopter widget below (if you're in Google Reader you'll have to click over to see it) and follow the steps to rack up extra entries!

The giveaway closes at midnight Thursday night and the winner will be announced Friday morning at 8 a.m. EST. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NAVY SHOES

Club Monaco t-strap heels // Loeffler Randall wedges

Kate Spade polka dot heels // Ann Taylor bow heels

Tory Burch suede flats // Joie colorblock booties

After running around in the city all last week, it's a wonder I can even look at a pair of shoes without wincing ;) Still I'm loving all the navy shoes we're seeing this season! I wore the bow heels on Saturday and can't wait to add a couple more of these to my closet this fall. Which pair is your favorite?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

Club Monaco t-strap heels // Loeffler Randall wedges

Kate Spade polka dot heels // Ann Taylor bow heels

Tory Burch suede flats // Joie colorblock booties

After running around in the city all last week, it's a wonder I can even look at a pair of shoes without wincing ;) Still I'm loving all the navy shoes we're seeing this season! I wore the bow heels on Saturday and can't wait to add a couple more of these to my closet this fall. Which pair is your favorite?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

RAOUL SPRING/SUMMER 2013

A few favorite shots from Raoul's spring presentation on Friday. I couldn't get enough of all the little details: silk bows on shoulders, skirts with pockets, sweet scalloped hemlines... And now I'm dying to add this darling top to my closet! Have you been keeping up with all the presentations and shows? Do tell if you have a favorite!

*Photos by me for Design Darling

A few favorite shots from Raoul's spring presentation on Friday. I couldn't get enough of all the little details: silk bows on shoulders, skirts with pockets, sweet scalloped hemlines... And now I'm dying to add this darling top to my closet! Have you been keeping up with all the presentations and shows? Do tell if you have a favorite!

*Photos by me for Design Darling

A FEW THINGS...

The IFB conference was awesome. I got to catch up with a few ladies who flew in from out of town (Bri, Erin, Taylor) as well as meet a few favorites (Julia, Kate, Lauren, Rachel) for the first time. I carried my K. Slademade clutch and wore this Loren Hope bracelet and tortoiseshell bangles coming soon to Design Darling. Alex, Sarah, and I also ran into Dakota Fanning at lunch... NBD ;)

Two hours a day on the train in and out of the city this week gave me plenty of time to catch up on some of my favorite reads. Don't you wish every month were as good as the September issue?

Alex, Sarah, and I popped into C. Wonder and noticed lots and lots of hot pink and navy (my favorite!). Aren't these flats adorable? I still have my heart set on this picnic basket.

Speaking of shoes, I got lots of compliments on my new heels last night! (You can get 30% off with code FALL30 at checkout.) Don't they look like the shoes in my blog header?!

Last night Tamra and I celebrated Fashion's Night Out at Alice & Trixie. I wore the super sparkly Georgie top and now have my eye on this and these as well! Huge thanks to Alex, Kat, and Viviana for swinging by. 

And finally Alex and I met Brad Goreski at the Kate Spade event. Is he not the cutest ever?!

- - -

I hope you are all having a lovely fashion week whether you're in New York or elsewhere! I'm off to the Raoul presentation this afternoon and have a few blogger get-togethers tomorrow before I come home Sunday and sleep for 24 hours straight ;) Have a great weekend!

  

The IFB conference was awesome. I got to catch up with a few ladies who flew in from out of town (Bri, Erin, Taylor) as well as meet a few favorites (Julia, Kate, Lauren, Rachel) for the first time. I carried my K. Slademade clutch and wore this Loren Hope bracelet and tortoiseshell bangles coming soon to Design Darling. Alex, Sarah, and I also ran into Dakota Fanning at lunch... NBD ;)

Two hours a day on the train in and out of the city this week gave me plenty of time to catch up on some of my favorite reads. Don't you wish every month were as good as the September issue?

Alex, Sarah, and I popped into C. Wonder and noticed lots and lots of hot pink and navy (my favorite!). Aren't these flats adorable? I still have my heart set on this picnic basket.

Speaking of shoes, I got lots of compliments on my new heels last night! (You can get 30% off with code FALL30 at checkout.) Don't they look like the shoes in my blog header?!

Last night Tamra and I celebrated Fashion's Night Out at Alice & Trixie. I wore the super sparkly Georgie top and now have my eye on this and these as well! Huge thanks to Alex, Kat, and Viviana for swinging by. 

And finally Alex and I met Brad Goreski at the Kate Spade event. Is he not the cutest ever?!

- - -

I hope you are all having a lovely fashion week whether you're in New York or elsewhere! I'm off to the Raoul presentation this afternoon and have a few blogger get-togethers tomorrow before I come home Sunday and sleep for 24 hours straight ;) Have a great weekend!

  

PERFECTLY ORGANIZED

{Jill Robertson}

A place for everything and everything in its place. What I wouldn't give to feel this organized right about now...! Today I'm shipping orders, preparing new arrivals, and getting ready for Fashion's Night Out with Alice & Trixie! Please stop by if you're around :)

{Jill Robertson}

A place for everything and everything in its place. What I wouldn't give to feel this organized right about now...! Today I'm shipping orders, preparing new arrivals, and getting ready for Fashion's Night Out with Alice & Trixie! Please stop by if you're around :)

SO TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF (PART FIVE)

I'm in New York today enjoying the second day of IFB panels so I thought I'd turn it over to you all for one of my favorite columns! See all previous features here...

Blog(s) rocking your world lately:
Food you're known for making:
Saving up for:
Something you want to cross off today's to do list:
The last book you read:

Copy and paste to leave your answers in the comments! Here are my answers:

Blog(s) rocking your world lately: Pink Peonies and Sous Style

Food you're known for making: Guacamole? I'm not much of a chef ;)

Last book you finished: Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Saving up for: A classic leather handbag (thinking something Tory Burch)

Something you want to cross off today's to do list: Updating all my iPhone apps

*Image source

I'm in New York today enjoying the second day of IFB panels so I thought I'd turn it over to you all for one of my favorite columns! See all previous features here...

Blog(s) rocking your world lately:
Food you're known for making:
Saving up for:
Something you want to cross off today's to do list:
The last book you read:

Copy and paste to leave your answers in the comments! Here are my answers:

Blog(s) rocking your world lately: Pink Peonies and Sous Style

Food you're known for making: Guacamole? I'm not much of a chef ;)

Last book you finished: Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Saving up for: A classic leather handbag (thinking something Tory Burch)

Something you want to cross off today's to do list: Updating all my iPhone apps

*Image source

{OUTFIT} LOREN HOPE LOOKBOOK

Loren Hope Roxy earrings // Chance Co. boatneck tee 

Loren Hope lion head door knocker cuff // Loren Hope Lindsay bracelet

Loren Hope Clara bracelet // Devon Baer Designs tulip skirt (now on sale!)

A few outtakes from the Loren Hope lookbook. Stripes, skirt, and statement baubles... I have a feeling I'll be wearing this look well into fall! 

In other news, I'm in New York today for the Independent Fashion Bloggers conference and can't wait to report back. If you're here, please say hello — and if not, be sure to follow along on Twitter! 

Loren Hope Roxy earrings // Chance Co. boatneck tee 

Loren Hope lion head door knocker cuff // Loren Hope Lindsay bracelet

Loren Hope Clara bracelet // Devon Baer Designs tulip skirt (now on sale!)

A few outtakes from the Loren Hope lookbook. Stripes, skirt, and statement baubles... I have a feeling I'll be wearing this look well into fall! 

In other news, I'm in New York today for the Independent Fashion Bloggers conference and can't wait to report back. If you're here, please say hello — and if not, be sure to follow along on Twitter! 

{INTERVIEW} BRADLEY AGATHER

I'm revamping my interview series in order to invite more of my favorite people to tell you a little about themselves. Today I'm delighted to be hosting Bradley Agather, a 25-year-old Dallas fashion maven whose blog Luella & June is one of the first I check in my Google Reader each morning. Bradley is a fashion editor for the Dallas Morning News and has killer personal style (hello, have you seen her What I Love Right Now feature?). Most importantly she's one of the sweetest people I've gotten to know through blogging and I'm thrilled to have her kick off this next wave of interviews on Design Darling! 

It's a mix. I’m definitely drawn to classic pieces (a tailored blazer in my closet or D. Porthault linens in my home) but I always mix it up. I’ll add a touch of femininity along with some edge too. And of course I love to incorporate color whenever I can. 

It's home. I was born and raised in Dallas. Even when I wasn’t living here, Dallas always felt like home. I love all of the fun stuff that Dallas has to offer (and there's plenty of that!) but, at the end of the day, what I love most is the feeling of home. It's where my roots are. 

{Design Darling vases in Bradley's home office!}

I'm so blessed to get to do what I do. Between the blog and my job at Dallas Morning News, I'm constantly in this creative environment. I get to work with some of the most talented people. I'm always learning new things from them.

To stay organized, I use all sorts of tools. iCal is my best friend, and I'm never without my notebook that keeps my to-do list. I also really try to set aside time (usually Sunday afternoons) every week simply for organizing. The inspiration part comes easily. Pinterest, blogs, magazines, just taking a walk around Dallas — there's no shortage of inspiration! 

{Bradley's coffee table. Quite the collection!}

Coffee table books. 

An iced coffee and a crossword. 

I wish I had a three year plan! I know I should but right now I'm just focusing on this year. And my goal for 2012 is balance. I want to figure out just the right recipe for my work/life balance. I'm just starting my new job at the Dallas Morning News and it's one that allows more time to focus on Luella & June projects. So I guess that's a good start!

Keep up with Bradley on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

I'm revamping my interview series in order to invite more of my favorite people to tell you a little about themselves. Today I'm delighted to be hosting Bradley Agather, a 25-year-old Dallas fashion maven whose blog Luella & June is one of the first I check in my Google Reader each morning. Bradley is a fashion editor for the Dallas Morning News and has killer personal style (hello, have you seen her What I Love Right Now feature?). Most importantly she's one of the sweetest people I've gotten to know through blogging and I'm thrilled to have her kick off this next wave of interviews on Design Darling! 

It's a mix. I’m definitely drawn to classic pieces (a tailored blazer in my closet or D. Porthault linens in my home) but I always mix it up. I’ll add a touch of femininity along with some edge too. And of course I love to incorporate color whenever I can. 

It's home. I was born and raised in Dallas. Even when I wasn’t living here, Dallas always felt like home. I love all of the fun stuff that Dallas has to offer (and there's plenty of that!) but, at the end of the day, what I love most is the feeling of home. It's where my roots are. 

{Design Darling vases in Bradley's home office!}

I'm so blessed to get to do what I do. Between the blog and my job at Dallas Morning News, I'm constantly in this creative environment. I get to work with some of the most talented people. I'm always learning new things from them.

To stay organized, I use all sorts of tools. iCal is my best friend, and I'm never without my notebook that keeps my to-do list. I also really try to set aside time (usually Sunday afternoons) every week simply for organizing. The inspiration part comes easily. Pinterest, blogs, magazines, just taking a walk around Dallas — there's no shortage of inspiration! 

{Bradley's coffee table. Quite the collection!}

Coffee table books. 

An iced coffee and a crossword. 

I wish I had a three year plan! I know I should but right now I'm just focusing on this year. And my goal for 2012 is balance. I want to figure out just the right recipe for my work/life balance. I'm just starting my new job at the Dallas Morning News and it's one that allows more time to focus on Luella & June projects. So I guess that's a good start!

Keep up with Bradley on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

QUOTE DU JOUR

Should you find yourself particularly curious this long weekend, here are a few favorite links for your perusal:

- Cara of A Fashion Love Affair has great personal style and seriously covetable waves

- These boots from Tuckernuck are a fall must-have

- I want to attempt this DIY monogram project on a pair of vintage chairs I'm reupholstering

- It will come as no surprise that I can't stop clicking through this Tumblr

- I bought these shoes because they remind me of the ones in my blog header

Any links you're loving? Share them in the comments!

Should you find yourself particularly curious this long weekend, here are a few favorite links for your perusal:

- Cara of A Fashion Love Affair has great personal style and seriously covetable waves

- These boots from Tuckernuck are a fall must-have

- I want to attempt this DIY monogram project on a pair of vintage chairs I'm reupholstering

- It will come as no surprise that I can't stop clicking through this Tumblr

- I bought these shoes because they remind me of the ones in my blog header

Any links you're loving? Share them in the comments!

WEEKEND WARDROBE

Juliet & Co. knot earrings (only $25!) // J.Crew silk tee // Diane von Furstenberg Harper bag

Loren Hope gold link bracelet // Joie silk smoking slippers (how fabulous are these?) // AG skinny jeans

Michael and I are off to Nantucket for the holiday weekend with a few friends and I couldn't be more excited for the break. The forecast is definitely more fall-like and I for one will be embracing the chance to wear long sleeves and cute flats! How are you all spending the long weekend? Have a good one!

Juliet & Co. knot earrings (only $25!) // J.Crew silk tee // Diane von Furstenberg Harper bag

Loren Hope gold link bracelet // Joie silk smoking slippers (how fabulous are these?) // AG skinny jeans

Michael and I are off to Nantucket for the holiday weekend with a few friends and I couldn't be more excited for the break. The forecast is definitely more fall-like and I for one will be embracing the chance to wear long sleeves and cute flats! How are you all spending the long weekend? Have a good one!