WEEKEND WARDROBE

scalloped tank  //  necklace  //  blush  //  jeans  //  sandals (on sale!)

Happy Friday, friends! I'm getting ready for a housewarming brunch at my apartment tomorrow (time to stuff everything I own into one closet...) and hoping to cross something off my 101 in 1001 list on Sunday... Maybe walking Rory across the Brooklyn Bridge if the thunderstorms hold off? I spent some quality time with my mom in Connecticut on her day off yesterday and couldn't ask for a smarter, more caring, or more beautiful role model. Happy Mother's Day to all the mamas out there! xx

scalloped tank  //  necklace  //  blush  //  jeans  //  sandals (on sale!)

Happy Friday, friends! I'm getting ready for a housewarming brunch at my apartment tomorrow (time to stuff everything I own into one closet...) and hoping to cross something off my 101 in 1001 list on Sunday... Maybe walking Rory across the Brooklyn Bridge if the thunderstorms hold off? I spent some quality time with my mom in Connecticut on her day off yesterday and couldn't ask for a smarter, more caring, or more beautiful role model. Happy Mother's Day to all the mamas out there! xx

OUTFIT {GO BRIGHT OR GO HOME}

J.Crew blazer  //  BB Dakota tank top  //  Sole Society necklace c/o

Henry & Belle jeans c/o  //  J.Crew wedges

These pictures make me so happy! New York is truly in bloom right now — cherry blossom trees, tulips in every color under the sun, and window boxes starting to look alive again. It's perfect inspiration to introduce more color into my life so I started with pairing this hot pink silky tank (under $50!) with this bright orange statement necklace (only $35!). 

I don't usually wear orange as a redhead but I do think affordable costume jewelry is a great place to step a little outside your color comfort zone. Sole Society is definitely best known for their affordable shoes but I was really pleasantly surprised with their jewelry assortment. There are plenty of brights to choose from! This necklace will be just as cute with a blue oxford shirt or a classic striped tee. And I can't wait to replicate this look sans blazer with white jeans for dinner dates this summer. Are you a brights or neutrals kind of girl?

*Rebecca Dale Photography 

More affordable baubles from Sole Society:

J.Crew blazer  //  BB Dakota tank top  //  Sole Society necklace c/o

Henry & Belle jeans c/o  //  J.Crew wedges

These pictures make me so happy! New York is truly in bloom right now — cherry blossom trees, tulips in every color under the sun, and window boxes starting to look alive again. It's perfect inspiration to introduce more color into my life so I started with pairing this hot pink silky tank (under $50!) with this bright orange statement necklace (only $35!). 

I don't usually wear orange as a redhead but I do think affordable costume jewelry is a great place to step a little outside your color comfort zone. Sole Society is definitely best known for their affordable shoes but I was really pleasantly surprised with their jewelry assortment. There are plenty of brights to choose from! This necklace will be just as cute with a blue oxford shirt or a classic striped tee. And I can't wait to replicate this look sans blazer with white jeans for dinner dates this summer. Are you a brights or neutrals kind of girl?

*Rebecca Dale Photography 

More affordable baubles from Sole Society:

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SUMMER SANDALS!

I tend to wear my shoes into the ground and New York is especially hard on footwear — I feel like I have to replace my shoe wardrobe at the beginning of every season. In addition to these and these (must-haves for weekends in the city!), here's my ultimate guide to the pairs I'm eyeing this summer. Flats, gladiators, heels, t-straps, wedges... You're sure to find something you love!

one  //  two  //  three  //  four  //  five  //  six

seven  //  eight  //  nine  //  ten //  eleven  //  twelve

thirteen  //  fourteen  //  fifteen  //  sixteen  //  seventeen  // eighteen

I already own these (everyone should have at least one pair!) and I just purchased these (they. are. perfect!) and these (this season's update to the pair I wore here). I think my next two favorites would be these pretty blue ones and this budget-friendly pair. Maybe the more shoes I buy, the less often I'll have to wear each pair, and the longer they'll all last? ;) Yup, that sounds good to me.

I tend to wear my shoes into the ground and New York is especially hard on footwear — I feel like I have to replace my shoe wardrobe at the beginning of every season. In addition to these and these (must-haves for weekends in the city!), here's my ultimate guide to the pairs I'm eyeing this summer. Flats, gladiators, heels, t-straps, wedges... You're sure to find something you love!

one  //  two  //  three  //  four  //  five  //  six

seven  //  eight  //  nine  //  ten //  eleven  //  twelve

thirteen  //  fourteen  //  fifteen  //  sixteen  //  seventeen  // eighteen

I already own these (everyone should have at least one pair!) and I just purchased these (they. are. perfect!) and these (this season's update to the pair I wore here). I think my next two favorites would be these pretty blue ones and this budget-friendly pair. Maybe the more shoes I buy, the less often I'll have to wear each pair, and the longer they'll all last? ;) Yup, that sounds good to me.

INSTAGRAM UPDATES

You know it's a good mail day when there's a Tory Burch box waiting for you. I'm obsessed with my new crossbody bag and espadrilles!

If you're looking for a new blog to obsess over, you must check out Southern Curls & Pearls. Isn't Caitlin stunning in these turquoise tassel earrings?

We're busy shipping out lots of orders in time for Mother's Day! The smell of these candles is out. of. this. world. 

Last week I attempted to cook dinner for Will and I only set the smoke alarm off once (making pasta... how is that possible?). Perfect excuse to bring out my new napkins and favorite serving platter.

For those who asked, this nail polish is a gel color called Tutti Frutti and my new must for spring. Lots more colorful arm candy here!

A sweet customer (who has a super chic design service!) sent me this photo of her monogrammed desk accessories and I just about passed out from the prettiness. Time to tidy my desk for real. Follow me on Instagram here! 

P.S. Twelve people I love following on Instagram.

P.P.S. Any favorite Insta accounts I should be following? Do tell! 

You know it's a good mail day when there's a Tory Burch box waiting for you. I'm obsessed with my new crossbody bag and espadrilles!

If you're looking for a new blog to obsess over, you must check out Southern Curls & Pearls. Isn't Caitlin stunning in these turquoise tassel earrings?

We're busy shipping out lots of orders in time for Mother's Day! The smell of these candles is out. of. this. world. 

Last week I attempted to cook dinner for Will and I only set the smoke alarm off once (making pasta... how is that possible?). Perfect excuse to bring out my new napkins and favorite serving platter.

For those who asked, this nail polish is a gel color called Tutti Frutti and my new must for spring. Lots more colorful arm candy here!

A sweet customer (who has a super chic design service!) sent me this photo of her monogrammed desk accessories and I just about passed out from the prettiness. Time to tidy my desk for real. Follow me on Instagram here! 

P.S. Twelve people I love following on Instagram.

P.P.S. Any favorite Insta accounts I should be following? Do tell! 

ANNIE GRIFFIN SUMMER COLLECTION (+ 20% DISCOUNT!)

I'm obsessed with every last look from Annie Griffin's new arrivals for summer. Leopard shorts, perfect prints, striped skirts, and the most darling summer silhouettes... This collection has my name written all over it. I met Annie and her team at a blogger brunch last fall and I remember oohing and ahhing at the sneak peek of the summer collection on her iPhone. Now that it's here, I'm saving my pennies to add as many pieces as possible to my summer wardrobe! To. Die. For. Oh and don't forget — you get 20% off with code DARLING20 at checkout!

P.S. The Annie Griffin blouse I wore last week!

I'm obsessed with every last look from Annie Griffin's new arrivals for summer. Leopard shorts, perfect prints, striped skirts, and the most darling summer silhouettes... This collection has my name written all over it. I met Annie and her team at a blogger brunch last fall and I remember oohing and ahhing at the sneak peek of the summer collection on her iPhone. Now that it's here, I'm saving my pennies to add as many pieces as possible to my summer wardrobe! To. Die. For. Oh and don't forget — you get 20% off with code DARLING20 at checkout!

P.S. The Annie Griffin blouse I wore last week!

KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY

As I shared last week, we hosted a Kentucky Derby-themed birthday party at my boyfriend's apartment this weekend and had so much fun! We got these chairs for a steal from Joss & Main (hands down my favorite flash sale site) and hung three strands of globe lights. Not bad for a guys' apartment, right? Jury's out on how they liked the pink tulips.

I'm not much for bourbon but I did whip up a batch of mint juleps for our friends. Design Darling inventory to the rescue! Amy and I stuck to sangria.

I wore this navy gingham dress which I'm sure will be repurposed for a few friends' weddings this summer. Remember my cousin Emily? :)

Amy brought the most darling flower arrangement in a vintage creamer. She is so creative, that one!

Will's mom is insanely talented and made these horsie cookies for the festivities. Almost too cute to eat. I wish I'd remembered to take pictures once the "backyard" filled up with friends (or when we all had to squeeze inside due to the rain!) but it was one of those days where I remembered just how much I love New York and all the people who make it so special. I don't think anyone caught more than a few minutes of the actual derby coverage but hey, priorities. ;) Entertaining in New York apartments isn't the easiest but I definitely want to make an effort after having so much fun with the blogger brunch this winter. What's the last party you hosted? Anything fun coming up?!

As I shared last week, we hosted a Kentucky Derby-themed birthday party at my boyfriend's apartment this weekend and had so much fun! We got these chairs for a steal from Joss & Main (hands down my favorite flash sale site) and hung three strands of globe lights. Not bad for a guys' apartment, right? Jury's out on how they liked the pink tulips.

I'm not much for bourbon but I did whip up a batch of mint juleps for our friends. Design Darling inventory to the rescue! Amy and I stuck to sangria.

I wore this navy gingham dress which I'm sure will be repurposed for a few friends' weddings this summer. Remember my cousin Emily? :)

Amy brought the most darling flower arrangement in a vintage creamer. She is so creative, that one!

Will's mom is insanely talented and made these horsie cookies for the festivities. Almost too cute to eat. I wish I'd remembered to take pictures once the "backyard" filled up with friends (or when we all had to squeeze inside due to the rain!) but it was one of those days where I remembered just how much I love New York and all the people who make it so special. I don't think anyone caught more than a few minutes of the actual derby coverage but hey, priorities. ;) Entertaining in New York apartments isn't the easiest but I definitely want to make an effort after having so much fun with the blogger brunch this winter. What's the last party you hosted? Anything fun coming up?!

SAN FRANCISCO DREAM HOME

Have you ever seen a more gorgeous exterior in your life? This home tour on the newly relaunched Lonny stopped me in my tracks. I love the Georgian architecture, glossy lacquer door, and OMG those windows. Of course the interior is just as stunning...

Simple art and ginger jars galore. 

Antiqued mirror (great DIY instructions here!) and yellow wingbacks. Hellooo gorgeous.

Marble and navy and perfect all over. The only part of this room I can afford is this. ;)

Say hello to the chicest bunk beds you've ever seen. I want to sleep here!

Framed skateboards in the bathroom because obviously these kids are cooler than I am.

Cozy little bed nook. Yes please.

Too pretty for words. Don't miss the full home tour here. 

P.S. Does anyone else feel totally motivated looking at crazy real estate? No, just me? ;)

Have you ever seen a more gorgeous exterior in your life? This home tour on the newly relaunched Lonny stopped me in my tracks. I love the Georgian architecture, glossy lacquer door, and OMG those windows. Of course the interior is just as stunning...

Simple art and ginger jars galore. 

Antiqued mirror (great DIY instructions here!) and yellow wingbacks. Hellooo gorgeous.

Marble and navy and perfect all over. The only part of this room I can afford is this. ;)

Say hello to the chicest bunk beds you've ever seen. I want to sleep here!

Framed skateboards in the bathroom because obviously these kids are cooler than I am.

Cozy little bed nook. Yes please.

Too pretty for words. Don't miss the full home tour here. 

P.S. Does anyone else feel totally motivated looking at crazy real estate? No, just me? ;)

OUTFIT {HARVEY FAIRCLOTH STRIPED SKIRT}

J.Crew shirt  //  Harvey Faircloth skirt  

Bauble Bar bracelet c/o  //  Kate Spade bag c/o  //  Alice & Olivia heels

Every now and then I stumble upon a pricier piece of clothing and my instant reaction is, "want it, need it, have to have it." The last time this happened was with my Alice & Olivia bow jacket... I saw it, fell in love, and couldn't bear the thought of passing it up only to regret not having it later on (reverse buyer's remorse, anyone?). The same was true for this skirt: navy and white stripes, tulip shape, WITH pockets?! I couldn't resist. I actually bought it right after Christmas (and followed the purchase with a month of no shopping) so I'm ecstatic that it's finally warm enough to wear it in public! I'm so in love with it that I can safely say it was a sound investment for my wardrobe. What was your last investment purchase? Do you still love it? I'm dying to hear! xx

*photos by Rebecca Dale

J.Crew shirt  //  Harvey Faircloth skirt  

Bauble Bar bracelet c/o  //  Kate Spade bag c/o  //  Alice & Olivia heels

Every now and then I stumble upon a pricier piece of clothing and my instant reaction is, "want it, need it, have to have it." The last time this happened was with my Alice & Olivia bow jacket... I saw it, fell in love, and couldn't bear the thought of passing it up only to regret not having it later on (reverse buyer's remorse, anyone?). The same was true for this skirt: navy and white stripes, tulip shape, WITH pockets?! I couldn't resist. I actually bought it right after Christmas (and followed the purchase with a month of no shopping) so I'm ecstatic that it's finally warm enough to wear it in public! I'm so in love with it that I can safely say it was a sound investment for my wardrobe. What was your last investment purchase? Do you still love it? I'm dying to hear! xx

*photos by Rebecca Dale

SUNDAY INSPIRATION

Just a little eye candy for your Sunday. Make it a good one, friends! xx

*photos 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

Just a little eye candy for your Sunday. Make it a good one, friends! xx

*photos 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

WEEKEND READING

*image

11 words that don't translate in other languages. The French major in me found this fascinating!

A great pair of heels that won't break the bank.

Ever wanted to design your own product line? Read this.

Freaking out over this navy top. Want, need, have to have.

Inside the home offices of three stylish start-ups.

I've been searching high and low and finally found the perfect espadrilles for summer.

Secret destinations most travelers don't know about.

Style inspiration for guys. Love this look!

The all-time best-selling item in my boutique. (Every desk needs one!)

Today's your last day to enter to win this monogrammed necklace!

*image

11 words that don't translate in other languages. The French major in me found this fascinating!

A great pair of heels that won't break the bank.

Ever wanted to design your own product line? Read this.

Freaking out over this navy top. Want, need, have to have.

Inside the home offices of three stylish start-ups.

I've been searching high and low and finally found the perfect espadrilles for summer.

Secret destinations most travelers don't know about.

Style inspiration for guys. Love this look!

The all-time best-selling item in my boutique. (Every desk needs one!)

Today's your last day to enter to win this monogrammed necklace!

WEEKEND WARDROBE

monogrammed earrings  //  sun hat  //  floral dress  //  clutch  //  sandals

Happy Derby weekend! One day I hope I'll get to head down to Kentucky and experience the real deal but this weekend I'm putting my party inspiration to use and throwing a little backyard get-together! I'm excited to don a pretty dress (I'll be sure to snap a few pictures!) and try my hand at making mint juleps (who has a favorite recipe?). I hope you have a wonderful weekend! xx

P.S. Want more styling ideas? Check out past weekend wardrobe posts here.

monogrammed earrings  //  sun hat  //  floral dress  //  clutch  //  sandals

Happy Derby weekend! One day I hope I'll get to head down to Kentucky and experience the real deal but this weekend I'm putting my party inspiration to use and throwing a little backyard get-together! I'm excited to don a pretty dress (I'll be sure to snap a few pictures!) and try my hand at making mint juleps (who has a favorite recipe?). I hope you have a wonderful weekend! xx

P.S. Want more styling ideas? Check out past weekend wardrobe posts here.

101 IN 1001 UPDATE!

Today I am beyond excited to be attending the TED Conference in Times Square. Seeing a TED Talk live is one of the goals on my 101 in 1001 list so I thought a little update would be timely! Here's what I've crossed off since my list started on January 1:

{all items available here}

1. Reconnect with my French host mom.

I lived with a host family in Tours, France, my junior year of college and became super close with my host mom, Marine. I may or may not have had to pull out my French-English dictionary to double check my first email to her but it was so great to hear about what's new with her (two of my host sisters are now married with kids!) and get to tell her what the tiny little study abroad blog I started four years ago has become. 

2. Reconnect with my favorite high school teacher.

Is anyone else terrible at keeping in touch? I really recommend this one to anyone and everyone who's thinking of writing a 101 in 1001 list. Such a happy goal!

5. Go one month without shopping.

You can read all about that right here!

26. Switch to Gmail and unsubscribe from unwanted email lists.

Gmail is a game-changer (don't ask what took me so long) and unroll.me is great for getting rid of pesky newsletters.

27. Upgrade to the iPhone 5S and update all my apps.

I promptly shattered the screen, but that's beside the point...

30. Host a blogger brunch in the city.

This was such a special day. See all the pictures here!

31. Start a new blog series.

The career spotlights have become such a highlight of my week and a point of pride for Design Darling. The feedback from you all has been phenomenal (keep the emails and tweets coming!) and I'm excited to keep bringing you new features every other Wednesday. Read the first five interviews here!

32. Buy Photoshop and take Blogshop.

I loved this class! I walked in having never opened the program on my desktop and left two days later with a newly acquired wealth of knowledge I didn't know was possible in such a short period of time. By the way, you can download a free 30-day trial of Photoshop and then pay $19.99 a month! It's a great alternative to one big expense and it ensures you'll always have the most up-to-date version.

53. Move downtown.

Oh how I love my new apartment!

75. Visit my friend Sara in Atlanta.

Such a fun trip. I can't wait to go back!

79. Visit Austin with Will. 

Ditto!

83. Leave a 100% tip for great service.

Will and I eat at Café Cluny at least a couple times a month and one time he ordered a drink that neither of us cared for. The waiter asked if everything was okay and we just said it wasn't our favorite, no big deal. The waiter then erased the drink from our bill — a thoughtful gesture that promptly warranted him getting the cost of the drink and then some as an extra tip. This is now one of my favorite random acts of kindness — waiters and waitresses work so hard and it makes me happy to reward them for a job exceptionally well done. (P.S. More random acts of kindness here!) 

87. See three Broadway plays.

Check out which ones I saw here!

- - - 

I continue to really enjoy keeping my 101 in 1001 list and encourage all of you to write one too! As always, if you tweet me the link to your list, I'll add a link to your blog at the end of my list. I LOVE this little community of goal-setters and it's so much fun for me to watch you all tackle your lists as I chip away at mine! Oh and I'll be tweeting from the TED conference today so be sure to follow along here! xx

Today I am beyond excited to be attending the TED Conference in Times Square. Seeing a TED Talk live is one of the goals on my 101 in 1001 list so I thought a little update would be timely! Here's what I've crossed off since my list started on January 1:

{all items available here}

1. Reconnect with my French host mom.

I lived with a host family in Tours, France, my junior year of college and became super close with my host mom, Marine. I may or may not have had to pull out my French-English dictionary to double check my first email to her but it was so great to hear about what's new with her (two of my host sisters are now married with kids!) and get to tell her what the tiny little study abroad blog I started four years ago has become. 

2. Reconnect with my favorite high school teacher.

Is anyone else terrible at keeping in touch? I really recommend this one to anyone and everyone who's thinking of writing a 101 in 1001 list. Such a happy goal!

5. Go one month without shopping.

You can read all about that right here!

26. Switch to Gmail and unsubscribe from unwanted email lists.

Gmail is a game-changer (don't ask what took me so long) and unroll.me is great for getting rid of pesky newsletters.

27. Upgrade to the iPhone 5S and update all my apps.

I promptly shattered the screen, but that's beside the point...

30. Host a blogger brunch in the city.

This was such a special day. See all the pictures here!

31. Start a new blog series.

The career spotlights have become such a highlight of my week and a point of pride for Design Darling. The feedback from you all has been phenomenal (keep the emails and tweets coming!) and I'm excited to keep bringing you new features every other Wednesday. Read the first five interviews here!

32. Buy Photoshop and take Blogshop.

I loved this class! I walked in having never opened the program on my desktop and left two days later with a newly acquired wealth of knowledge I didn't know was possible in such a short period of time. By the way, you can download a free 30-day trial of Photoshop and then pay $19.99 a month! It's a great alternative to one big expense and it ensures you'll always have the most up-to-date version.

53. Move downtown.

Oh how I love my new apartment!

75. Visit my friend Sara in Atlanta.

Such a fun trip. I can't wait to go back!

79. Visit Austin with Will. 

Ditto!

83. Leave a 100% tip for great service.

Will and I eat at Café Cluny at least a couple times a month and one time he ordered a drink that neither of us cared for. The waiter asked if everything was okay and we just said it wasn't our favorite, no big deal. The waiter then erased the drink from our bill — a thoughtful gesture that promptly warranted him getting the cost of the drink and then some as an extra tip. This is now one of my favorite random acts of kindness — waiters and waitresses work so hard and it makes me happy to reward them for a job exceptionally well done. (P.S. More random acts of kindness here!) 

87. See three Broadway plays.

Check out which ones I saw here!

- - - 

I continue to really enjoy keeping my 101 in 1001 list and encourage all of you to write one too! As always, if you tweet me the link to your list, I'll add a link to your blog at the end of my list. I LOVE this little community of goal-setters and it's so much fun for me to watch you all tackle your lists as I chip away at mine! Oh and I'll be tweeting from the TED conference today so be sure to follow along here! xx

OUTFIT {ANNIE GRIFFIN BLOUSE}

Annie Griffin blouse c/o  //  Henry & Belle jeans c/o  //  Moyna clutch c/o Tuckernuck

Anna Beck ring c/o  //  Lele Sadoughi turquoise bangle c/o Tuckernuck  //  Jack Rogers sandals

I just love this color combination of French blue, grass green, and turquoise. It feels so summery! Just sub in white jeans (for some reason, I can't find mine anywhere...) and you'd be Nantucket-ready. The proportions of this billowy top are just right with skinny jeans and make it the perfect silhouette for a big brunch (Café Cluny is right down the street from where we took these pictures, ahem!). I can't get enough of Annie Griffin's girly gorgeous designs (last seen here and here) and I can't wait to show you what she has in store for summer — SO GOOD. Exciting news: use code DARLING20 at checkout for 20% off your whole purchase!

P.S. More turquoise jewelry here, here, and here.

*Photos by Rebecca Dale

Annie Griffin blouse c/o  //  Henry & Belle jeans c/o  //  Moyna clutch c/o Tuckernuck

Anna Beck ring c/o  //  Lele Sadoughi turquoise bangle c/o Tuckernuck  //  Jack Rogers sandals

I just love this color combination of French blue, grass green, and turquoise. It feels so summery! Just sub in white jeans (for some reason, I can't find mine anywhere...) and you'd be Nantucket-ready. The proportions of this billowy top are just right with skinny jeans and make it the perfect silhouette for a big brunch (Café Cluny is right down the street from where we took these pictures, ahem!). I can't get enough of Annie Griffin's girly gorgeous designs (last seen here and here) and I can't wait to show you what she has in store for summer — SO GOOD. Exciting news: use code DARLING20 at checkout for 20% off your whole purchase!

P.S. More turquoise jewelry here, here, and here.

*Photos by Rebecca Dale