I've been bit by the entertaining bug lately (blogger brunch, derby party, housewarming...) and definitely didn't need another excuse to throw a party but here it is anyway: J.Crew for Paperless Post. That's right, your favorite retailer designed digital invitations that you can email straight to family and friends. Gather the girls? Don't mind if I do.
I've been bit by the entertaining bug lately (blogger brunch, derby party, housewarming...) and definitely didn't need another excuse to throw a party but here it is anyway: J.Crew for Paperless Post. That's right, your favorite retailer designed digital invitations that you can email straight to family and friends. Gather the girls? Don't mind if I do.
I don't know about you but it seems like all anyone ever talks about these days in New York is what workout they're doing. (Fun fact: when I lived in San Francisco, the go-to question was what restaurants I'd been frequenting lately!). Bikram, boot camp, Flywheel, Pure Barre, SLT, SoulCycle... It's honestly a totally new vocabulary! With summer coming up and several trips to the beach on the horizon, I've definitely been more motivated to work out. I went for a run along the Hudson River on Monday and became totally aware of two things: 1) I am totally out of cardio shape and 2) my workout wardrobe needs a lot of work. Half of being motivated to work out is looking the part, right? My mismatched shorts-and-sneakers combo paired with a ratty college t-shirt isn't exactly inspiring. This is more like it...
I'm thinking it's time to make my activewear selection a wardrobe priority: leggings and tops from Thomas Kelly, running shorts from Krass & Co., and a rainbow of Nike sneakers. They've always been my favorite sneaker (we're talking since middle school gym class here, people) and I'm excited to slip into a new pair of the Nike Free 5.0 this summer. Have you ever seen cooler color options in your life? I know it's not all about fashion but, actually, wait, isn't it? Which is your favorite color?!
Shop the post:
*Thanks to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post!
I don't know about you but it seems like all anyone ever talks about these days in New York is what workout they're doing. (Fun fact: when I lived in San Francisco, the go-to question was what restaurants I'd been frequenting lately!). Bikram, boot camp, Flywheel, Pure Barre, SLT, SoulCycle... It's honestly a totally new vocabulary! With summer coming up and several trips to the beach on the horizon, I've definitely been more motivated to work out. I went for a run along the Hudson River on Monday and became totally aware of two things: 1) I am totally out of cardio shape and 2) my workout wardrobe needs a lot of work. Half of being motivated to work out is looking the part, right? My mismatched shorts-and-sneakers combo paired with a ratty college t-shirt isn't exactly inspiring. This is more like it...
I'm thinking it's time to make my activewear selection a wardrobe priority: leggings and tops from Thomas Kelly, running shorts from Krass & Co., and a rainbow of Nike sneakers. They've always been my favorite sneaker (we're talking since middle school gym class here, people) and I'm excited to slip into a new pair of the Nike Free 5.0 this summer. Have you ever seen cooler color options in your life? I know it's not all about fashion but, actually, wait, isn't it? Which is your favorite color?!
I'm not much for arts and crafts but every now and then I stumble upon a do-it-yourself project that looks, well, doable. I love to paint furniture (past projects here and here) but I think it would be fun to branch out and try some paper or party decor projects. Here are a few ideas that caught my eye on Pinterest...
Are you a big DIY-er? What's the last project you tackled?
I'm not much for arts and crafts but every now and then I stumble upon a do-it-yourself project that looks, well, doable. I love to paint furniture (past projects here and here) but I think it would be fun to branch out and try some paper or party decor projects. Here are a few ideas that caught my eye on Pinterest...
I was so excited when Dallas blogger Katey McFarlan emailed me asking if I'd be interested in featuring her home tour on my blog. Not only is her space filled with books, color, and personality, but she decorated with a few Design Darling goodies in the mix! It's the most rewarding feeling to see how my readers incorporate Design Darling into their lives so this home tour is extra special. Without further ado, Katey's apartment eye candy...
Note to self: buy hot pink cocktail napkins for next party!
You know you're in a girly girl's apartment when there are sweet treats in glass jars. Yes please!
I saw these bright lacquer boxes on One Kings Lane the other day and already regret not snatching one of them up. It's the perfect topper to a pretty stack of books!
Nothing says Southern hospitality like a couple pineapples in the entry.
Katey and I even have the same bar cart! Love how she styled hers with a mirror for pretty reflections and a stack of books for height.
I can't even stand how chic this sequined maxi skirt is... I wish I had an excuse or an occasion! Love it with her turquoise tassel earrings, a best-seller in the boutique. They're the perfect pop of color on a blonde!
Such a pretty bedside vignette. I always light candles before bedtime (this scent reminds me of my first year in New York and these ones smell sooo good without breaking the bank). Bonus: you can reuse both containers after they burn through.
Organization makes me so happy. Katey, come do my makeup collection next?!
Would pretty much kill for the space to have a mirrored vanity in my apartment. Girly glam at its best! If you think your home is a good fit for Design Darling, email me photos here! Thanks, Katey!
I was so excited when Dallas blogger Katey McFarlan emailed me asking if I'd be interested in featuring her home tour on my blog. Not only is her space filled with books, color, and personality, but she decorated with a few Design Darling goodies in the mix! It's the most rewarding feeling to see how my readers incorporate Design Darling into their lives so this home tour is extra special. Without further ado, Katey's apartment eye candy...
Note to self: buy hot pink cocktail napkins for next party!
You know you're in a girly girl's apartment when there are sweet treats in glass jars. Yes please!
I saw these bright lacquer boxes on One Kings Lane the other day and already regret not snatching one of them up. It's the perfect topper to a pretty stack of books!
Nothing says Southern hospitality like a couple pineapples in the entry.
Katey and I even have the same bar cart! Love how she styled hers with a mirror for pretty reflections and a stack of books for height.
I can't even stand how chic this sequined maxi skirt is... I wish I had an excuse or an occasion! Love it with her turquoise tassel earrings, a best-seller in the boutique. They're the perfect pop of color on a blonde!
Such a pretty bedside vignette. I always light candles before bedtime (this scent reminds me of my first year in New York and these ones smell sooo good without breaking the bank). Bonus: you can reuse both containers after they burn through.
Organization makes me so happy. Katey, come do my makeup collection next?!
Would pretty much kill for the space to have a mirrored vanity in my apartment. Girly glam at its best! If you think your home is a good fit for Design Darling, email me photos here! Thanks, Katey!
I am so, so, so excited to unveil the newest products on Design Darling because — drumroll, please! — we designed them ourselves! My mom had the idea to create bright, colorful, oversized, preppy maps of some of our favorite destinations as well as the places where lots of my customers live. I loved the idea, knowing I would hang the maps for Manhattan and Nantucket in my new apartment. We set to work finding a local artist who could do the map renderings and a local printer who could work with the colors I had in mind. Et voilà! I am so proud of how they turned out, so grateful for my mom's encouragement along the way, and so excited to hear what you think!
They are available either framed or unframed — the prints themselves are 12" x 18" and the frames make them 16" x 22", an ideal size for hanging over a console table, headboard, sofa, or workspace. Each piece makes a colorful statement and is a happy reminder of where you're from (or where you'd rather be!). I sincerely hope you love them as much as I do!Shop them all here and be sure to let me know your thoughts in the comments. Any votes on which city or state we should add next?!
I am so, so, so excited to unveil the newest products on Design Darling because — drumroll, please! — we designed them ourselves! My mom had the idea to create bright, colorful, oversized, preppy maps of some of our favorite destinations as well as the places where lots of my customers live. I loved the idea, knowing I would hang the maps for Manhattan and Nantucket in my new apartment. We set to work finding a local artist who could do the map renderings and a local printer who could work with the colors I had in mind. Et voilà! I am so proud of how they turned out, so grateful for my mom's encouragement along the way, and so excited to hear what you think!
They are available either framed or unframed — the prints themselves are 12" x 18" and the frames make them 16" x 22", an ideal size for hanging over a console table, headboard, sofa, or workspace. Each piece makes a colorful statement and is a happy reminder of where you're from (or where you'd rather be!). I sincerely hope you love them as much as I do!Shop them all here and be sure to let me know your thoughts in the comments. Any votes on which city or state we should add next?!
TGIF. It's been a busy week around here and it's definitely not slowing down anytime soon. I'm headed to the National Stationery Show on Monday, have my first intern for the boutique starting on Wednesday, and will be out of town the following three weekends. Sooo this is my last weekend in New York for a little while and I plan to make the most of it by laying low in the park (Turkish towel in tow) and frequenting a couple of my favorite brunch spots. Whatever you're up to, make it a good one! xx
TGIF. It's been a busy week around here and it's definitely not slowing down anytime soon. I'm headed to the National Stationery Show on Monday, have my first intern for the boutique starting on Wednesday, and will be out of town the following three weekends. Sooo this is my last weekend in New York for a little while and I plan to make the most of it by laying low in the park (Turkish towel in tow) and frequenting a couple of my favorite brunch spots. Whatever you're up to, make it a good one! xx
Next weekend we're headed to a wedding outside of Philadelphia for a couple who's been living in Dallas for three years. They've asked their guests to don cowboy boots at the reception (thankfully I've held on to these!) so I need a dress that will look cute with heels at the ceremony and with boots for dancing. After sending an email full of options to my mom and girlfriends, I remembered: I happen to have thousands of stylish readers who might love to weigh in as well! Here are my top choices...
Cast your vote below and I'll order the dress that gets the most votes! This should be fun :)
Shop the post:
Next weekend we're headed to a wedding outside of Philadelphia for a couple who's been living in Dallas for three years. They've asked their guests to don cowboy boots at the reception (thankfully I've held on to these!) so I need a dress that will look cute with heels at the ceremony and with boots for dancing. After sending an email full of options to my mom and girlfriends, I remembered: I happen to have thousands of stylish readers who might love to weigh in as well! Here are my top choices...
It feels like everyone I know is graduating. I have college girlfriends who are finishing up grad school, sorority sisters who are somehow seniors, and friends' siblings who are off to college in the fall. After a couple emails from readers asking what to give new grads in their lives, I decided to round up my best ideas for pretty and practical gifts they'll actually use in their next chapter.
1. Luggage
Whether they're headed off to campus or moving to a new city, every new grad could use a little luggage upgrade. This vegan leather weekender is only $70 but you'll find more splurge-worthy options here and here.
2. Furniture
Chances are they're moving to a new place and decorating it on a budget. Be careful to give them a piece that's easy to incorporate into any decorating style. My parents gave me this acrylic console for my college graduation and I like knowing I'll always have a place for it either as a console or a desk.
3. Leather goods
Bonus points for adding a monogram. This is a great option for treating them to something they might not buy themselves, like a classic briefcase for a guy or a timeless clutch for a girl.
Dorm rooms and apartment rentals aren't known for their flattering overhead lighting. Instead of adding lamps to their shopping list at Ikea or Target, give them something special (like this Dana Gibson beauty) that will last them more than one year's lease.
6. A reminder of where they come from... or where they're headed
A meaningful piece of art always makes a great gift. I love this New York print for anyone who's bound for the Big Apple but this Etsy shop has gorgeous pieces for every city.
...or maybe a really generous Starbucks card just in case.
It feels like everyone I know is graduating. I have college girlfriends who are finishing up grad school, sorority sisters who are somehow seniors, and friends' siblings who are off to college in the fall. After a couple emails from readers asking what to give new grads in their lives, I decided to round up my best ideas for pretty and practical gifts they'll actually use in their next chapter.
1. Luggage
Whether they're headed off to campus or moving to a new city, every new grad could use a little luggage upgrade. This vegan leather weekender is only $70 but you'll find more splurge-worthy options here and here.
2. Furniture
Chances are they're moving to a new place and decorating it on a budget. Be careful to give them a piece that's easy to incorporate into any decorating style. My parents gave me this acrylic console for my college graduation and I like knowing I'll always have a place for it either as a console or a desk.
3. Leather goods
Bonus points for adding a monogram. This is a great option for treating them to something they might not buy themselves, like a classic briefcase for a guy or a timeless clutch for a girl.
Dorm rooms and apartment rentals aren't known for their flattering overhead lighting. Instead of adding lamps to their shopping list at Ikea or Target, give them something special (like this Dana Gibson beauty) that will last them more than one year's lease.
6. A reminder of where they come from... or where they're headed
A meaningful piece of art always makes a great gift. I love this New York print for anyone who's bound for the Big Apple but this Etsy shop has gorgeous pieces for every city.
All you aspiring interior designers are in for a treat today! So far the career spotlights have covered women in clothing, home decor, jewelry, social media, and weddings so I felt it was high time to share one of my favorite interior design duos. I "met" Alyssa Kapito and Vivian Muller through Instagram, where they tagged a Design Darling business card holder on Alyssa's desk which led me to discover their beautiful design work. I was so excited to meet them in person and just as excited to see Alyssa's home / office in person — serious inspiration for anyone who's self-employed! I love that they met while working for another designer and knew one day they'd collaborate and launch their own firm. I hope you enjoy their story as much as I did!
Alyssa: I started out in the art world. As I was doing my Master's thesis on Renaissance art, I realized I loved interior design and really wanted to try it. I applied to intern at Bunny Williams, which was a perfect first job — I loved it there. Then I met Vivian and we clicked immediately. We knew if we ever started our own firm, we would do it together. We've been at it now for a year and a half!
That's so exciting! What does a typical day look like for you?
Alyssa: We wake up pretty early and have a client meeting in the morning; we try to space them out throughout the day. We go to the D&D building to look at fabrics or to different showrooms depending on the project — Waterworks for a bathroom, a marble yard for a kitchen, etc.
Vivian: It's very busy! Sometimes we divide and conquer. But we're on the phone with each other until at least nine o'clock at night.
It must be awesome to have each other as a sounding board for every project. Where do you start when you're working with a new client?
Vivian: The first thing we do is get a sense of the client's personality and style. We actually send them over to Pinterest and ask them to start pinning spaces they like. It's a very visual platform and an easy way to get a feel for someone's aesthetic, what they respond to, and what they don't.
Alyssa: Once we see the space, we always know exactly what we want to do with it and tailor that plan to what the client wants. We don't like to rush it — we want people to have the perfect pieces, which requires searching and waiting. A small design project might take three months, whereas a gut renovation could take a year and a half.
Is it hard to juggle so many different projects at once? How do you stay organized?
Vivian: Everything is online — we're totally paperless. It's so much easier to find a purchase order on your laptop than in a closet full of papers.
Alyssa: Vivian's incredibly organized. She makes Excel spreadsheets for our clients with schedules, timelines, budgets... She really makes sure each project is on track.
Besides Pinterest, how else do you get inspired?
Vivian: We both love discovering new places, whether that's traveling to a new city or trying a new restaurant. Commercial spaces can be really inspiring. We'll see something at a new hotel and think, "Could this work in someone's apartment?"
Alyssa: And we love Instagram. The design community is small and really engaged — we can see what other designers are doing and get immediate feedback from our audience.
Is your average client pretty active on social media?
Alyssa: They're all young and fun — late twenties to mid thirties, some with young kids... We love our clients! They have different personalities and tastes but come to us for a certain aesthetic.
And how would you describe your aesthetic?
Alyssa: Clean, tailored, chic, with something a little eclectic for good measure.
That's really the perfect description. Take your apartment: lots of neutrals but with interesting texture and cool details like Hermès boxes and that Kate Moss illustration. I love it! What are some of your goals for the business in the coming years?
Vivian: We definitely want to do a product line eventually but right now we're just developing our signature style. We're all about slow and steady progress!
Alyssa: I think we're doing pretty well. Right now we're primarily based in Manhattan but we'd love to expand nationally and internationally. If we could do an apartment in Paris, I think I'd die happy.
Is that when you know you've made it?
Vivian: Yes! And decorating for the cover of Elle Decor or Architectural Digest.
Where there's a will, there's a way! What's one "pinch me" moment you've had so far?
Alyssa: When we met Steven Gambrel. I love his work.
Vivian: Or Martyn Lawrence Bullard. Sweetest person ever!
What's your advice for someone who wants to go into the design business? Alyssa: Be prepared to wear a lot of hats. Talk to people, learn from their experience and what they found hard in the beginning. And if you're motivated and talented, at some point you just have to go for it! Vivian: If you have a business partner, bounce everything off each other. That's the best part of having a partner — having a second opinion and getting to be two places at once so that every client gets the proper attention. Alyssa: Vivian's more business-minded and I'm more focused on design, but we both ask each other questions constantly. It's a little like a marriage — you have to find someone who really complements you!
What's the most fun part of your job? Alyssa: The best part is the moment when your colors and fabrics come tighter, right before you present it to your client, when you know it's really good. Vivian: Our job really is fun. It's probably half design work and half paperwork, but it never gets old. The design industry is constantly changing, which keeps it exciting. Alyssa: We really love it. It doesn't always feel like we're working. Sometimes it does, but definitely not always!
All you aspiring interior designers are in for a treat today! So far the career spotlights have covered women in clothing, home decor, jewelry, social media, and weddings so I felt it was high time to share one of my favorite interior design duos. I "met" Alyssa Kapito and Vivian Muller through Instagram, where they tagged a Design Darling business card holder on Alyssa's desk which led me to discover their beautiful design work. I was so excited to meet them in person and just as excited to see Alyssa's home / office in person — serious inspiration for anyone who's self-employed! I love that they met while working for another designer and knew one day they'd collaborate and launch their own firm. I hope you enjoy their story as much as I did!
Alyssa: I started out in the art world. As I was doing my Master's thesis on Renaissance art, I realized I loved interior design and really wanted to try it. I applied to intern at Bunny Williams, which was a perfect first job — I loved it there. Then I met Vivian and we clicked immediately. We knew if we ever started our own firm, we would do it together. We've been at it now for a year and a half!
That's so exciting! What does a typical day look like for you?
Alyssa: We wake up pretty early and have a client meeting in the morning; we try to space them out throughout the day. We go to the D&D building to look at fabrics or to different showrooms depending on the project — Waterworks for a bathroom, a marble yard for a kitchen, etc.
Vivian: It's very busy! Sometimes we divide and conquer. But we're on the phone with each other until at least nine o'clock at night.
It must be awesome to have each other as a sounding board for every project. Where do you start when you're working with a new client?
Vivian: The first thing we do is get a sense of the client's personality and style. We actually send them over to Pinterest and ask them to start pinning spaces they like. It's a very visual platform and an easy way to get a feel for someone's aesthetic, what they respond to, and what they don't.
Alyssa: Once we see the space, we always know exactly what we want to do with it and tailor that plan to what the client wants. We don't like to rush it — we want people to have the perfect pieces, which requires searching and waiting. A small design project might take three months, whereas a gut renovation could take a year and a half.
Is it hard to juggle so many different projects at once? How do you stay organized?
Vivian: Everything is online — we're totally paperless. It's so much easier to find a purchase order on your laptop than in a closet full of papers.
Alyssa: Vivian's incredibly organized. She makes Excel spreadsheets for our clients with schedules, timelines, budgets... She really makes sure each project is on track.
Besides Pinterest, how else do you get inspired?
Vivian: We both love discovering new places, whether that's traveling to a new city or trying a new restaurant. Commercial spaces can be really inspiring. We'll see something at a new hotel and think, "Could this work in someone's apartment?"
Alyssa: And we love Instagram. The design community is small and really engaged — we can see what other designers are doing and get immediate feedback from our audience.
Is your average client pretty active on social media?
Alyssa: They're all young and fun — late twenties to mid thirties, some with young kids... We love our clients! They have different personalities and tastes but come to us for a certain aesthetic.
And how would you describe your aesthetic?
Alyssa: Clean, tailored, chic, with something a little eclectic for good measure.
That's really the perfect description. Take your apartment: lots of neutrals but with interesting texture and cool details like Hermès boxes and that Kate Moss illustration. I love it! What are some of your goals for the business in the coming years?
Vivian: We definitely want to do a product line eventually but right now we're just developing our signature style. We're all about slow and steady progress!
Alyssa: I think we're doing pretty well. Right now we're primarily based in Manhattan but we'd love to expand nationally and internationally. If we could do an apartment in Paris, I think I'd die happy.
Is that when you know you've made it?
Vivian: Yes! And decorating for the cover of Elle Decor or Architectural Digest.
Where there's a will, there's a way! What's one "pinch me" moment you've had so far?
Alyssa: When we met Steven Gambrel. I love his work.
Vivian: Or Martyn Lawrence Bullard. Sweetest person ever!
What's your advice for someone who wants to go into the design business? Alyssa: Be prepared to wear a lot of hats. Talk to people, learn from their experience and what they found hard in the beginning. And if you're motivated and talented, at some point you just have to go for it! Vivian: If you have a business partner, bounce everything off each other. That's the best part of having a partner — having a second opinion and getting to be two places at once so that every client gets the proper attention. Alyssa: Vivian's more business-minded and I'm more focused on design, but we both ask each other questions constantly. It's a little like a marriage — you have to find someone who really complements you!
What's the most fun part of your job? Alyssa: The best part is the moment when your colors and fabrics come tighter, right before you present it to your client, when you know it's really good. Vivian: Our job really is fun. It's probably half design work and half paperwork, but it never gets old. The design industry is constantly changing, which keeps it exciting. Alyssa: We really love it. It doesn't always feel like we're working. Sometimes it does, but definitely not always!
