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NEW YORK CITY GUIDE: TOBY'S ESTATE COFFEE


What: Toby's Estate Coffee, the chicest coffee shop you ever did see. A Brooklyn favorite brought to the city and nestled within Club Monaco's stunning flagship store. 


Where: 160 5th Avenue, Flatiron

Why: Antiqued mirror menu, bistro chairs for catching up with a friend (or the New York Times), delicious cold brew coffee, dreamy white subway tile, conveniently located next to The Strand for leisurely book shop browsing. In other words, how soon can I move in? More New York City recommendations here.

Keep up with Design Darling

COME SEE WHAT'S NEW!


Happy June! I'm excited to unveil our first batch of new arrivals for summer... Baubles and matches and paper, oh my! This assortment is a colorful mix of some of my favorite designers like Julie Vos, Loren Hope, and — brand new to the boutique — Kate Spade! Personally I'm most excited about the tube matches (bright and summery in lime green or chic and neutral in taupe) and the Greek key scarves (a unique layering piece for the excessively air conditioned Starbucks where I bring my laptop). It's truly a privilege to work with so many brands I love and every new collection we roll out feels like a mini milestone (even two and a half years in!). 

I hope you'll find a moment to click over and see what's new. As always, I welcome your feedback on what's working, what else you're looking for, and any brands, categories, products, or website functionalities you'd like to see us incorporate. Your insight, constructive feedback, and continued support mean the world to me. xx

HOW TO MAKE A PEONY WREATH



Want to make a peony wreath for spring and summer? Inspired by my friends Kelsea, Loren, and Sara Kate, I set out to create my own peony wreath before my sister came to spend the night at my apartment. What's more welcoming than a fragrant wreath made with everyone's favorite flower? Nothing, that's what. Here's how to make your own: 


1. Gather your materials.
You'll need the following:
- Green chicken wire
- Green floral wire
- Wire cutters
- Wire clothing hanger
- Greenery of your choice (I used a combination of boxwood and plant stems)
- Flower of your choice (I went with hot pink and white peonies)


2. Bend your chicken wire into the shape of your choice. 
Secure with floral wire.


3. Cut a wire clothing hanger and weave the ends into your chicken wire.
Secure with floral wire. If you have a strong hook or nail, you may skip this step.


4. Arrange greenery into your chicken wire.
Longer stems can be woven through the wire. Smaller pieces should be secured with floral wire. This would be especially easy with garland during the holiday season.


5. Place your peonies.
This is the fun part! I wound up using one and a half dozen blooms but you can adjust depending on your color scheme, whether you prefer an organic or structured look, etc. Secure with floral wire as necessary.


6. Hang and enjoy.
I almost wish I made this with artificial flowers so it would last forever but the smell is too good to resist. These wreaths would be perfect decor for a party or a wedding and definitely make a thoughtful touch for house guests. If you decide to make one, tag me on Instagram (@mackenziehoran #designdarling) so I can check it out! 




WEEKEND WARDROBE

hat  //  sunglasses  //  bracelet  //  anchor dress  //  bag  //  bow sandals (also available as wedges!)

This weekend Will and I are off to Princeton reunions. I've never been (and feel a little out of place as a Bucknell grad...) but I'll get to hang with a bunch of our friends and spend some time in the sunshine so no complaints here. I'm obsessed with this darling little anchor dress and I can't wait to get my hands on these bow sandals — just need to decide whether I'd get more use out of the flats or the wedge version. Any opinions? 

I'm sad to be missing the big polo match this weekend but it's crazy how quickly my summer is filling up with seasonal festivities: baseball games, jaunts to Nantucket, wedding weekends... In my opinion t's the most wonderful time of the year! And not just because I have a summer birthday ;) Have a great weekend and before you go, tell me: what's one thing you're looking forward to this summer?


10 UNDER $100


Ten fashion and home finds for less than $100. Have you scored any good deals recently?





CAKE STAND PERFUME DISPLAY


I ran out of serving pieces the morning of my housewarming brunch and dashed to Sur La Table an hour before the party to pick up a few extras. One of the pieces I bought was this white cake stand, which we used for serving macarons. While doing dishes after everyone left, I realized that the cake stand was too pretty to live inside a cabinet. So I put it to use displaying pretty perfume bottles instead! I love a piece that does double duty... Ahem ;) Do you have any similar tips or tricks? I always love to hear from you!


CAREER SPOTLIGHT: LINDSAY WAGNER, JEWELRY DESIGNER

One of the best parts of running my online boutique is seeking out fresh new designers whose creations I think my customers would enjoy. Lindsay and I first met for coffee a few months ago and I was instantly smitten with her colorful designs and, even more awesome, her mission to give back. Touched by a trip with her mom to Tanzania in 2004, Lindsay pledged to donate 10% of each sale to an orphanage there and has since put four kids through high school. As a teacher in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, she noticed students in need of reading help and transitioned to donating 10% toward literacy in Teton County. She recently relocated to New York and intends to contribute to nationwide literacy programs as her business grows. An eye for design, a desire to give back, and an obvious passion for what she does... Lindsay is a huge career inspiration to me and I can't wait to introduce her work to all of you!


Name: Lindsay Wagner
Age: 26
Title: Owner, Lindsay's Necklaces
Location: Upper East Side, New York City


What was your first job ever? Did you always want to design jewelry?
I started making necklaces ten years ago as a sophomore in high school. I made them for fun — graduation presents for friends. People would say, "Oh, my aunt owns a store in Caliornia, my mom has a boutique in Florida, have you thought of selling here or there?" All of a sudden, I was in thirty boutiques and had turned my hobby into a nice little business. I was so young! I had just gotten back from a trip to Africa where there was one boy who was really talented in architecture. As I started making money selling necklaces, I wanted to pay for him to get through school. We wound up putting two boys and two girls through secondary school in Tanzania. 


Congratulations! That's such an incredible cause. Have you been running this business for ten years straight?
The business tapered off in college and then I moved to Jackson Hole to teach for three years. But this year I decided I wanted to try New York and this is where I had to be to make the business work. There have been ups and downs and plenty of challenges but it's been an exciting process.


Tell me about the process of designing a new piece.
I love traveling — a lot of my designs are inspired by the people I meet and the colors I see in different places. I get inspired to do different things with different textiles... I'll even have friends bring back fabric from their trips! Each necklace is cut and sewn individually, beaded, and then sewn again at the end.


How do you stay organized?
If you clean up as you go, anything can be organized fast. The best time to do something is when you're thinking about it. 


That's awesome advice. What's inspiring you lately?
I just got back from Burma, Thailand, and Laos and came back with tons of new silks. I spent time in weaving villages and these incredible floating markets that we had to take a canoe to get to. I'm so inspired when I met the people who are working so hard to create the fabric that I get to work with.


How would you describe your average customer?
There are older women who are wearing Lindsay's Necklaces to bridge and little girls who wear them to school. We work with everything from Lilly prints that are super preppy to African prints that are a little edgier... There's really something for everyone! I'm all about a colorful woman who wants to make a statement. My grandmother was my biggest supporter!


What does a typical day look like for you?
I try to go for a run, drink a cup of coffee, and respond to all my emails. Then I sew, fill orders, ship everything out, and schedule a lunch or meeting to make sure I get out of my apartment every day!


What’s the most and least fun part of your job?
The least fun is bookkeeping and keeping track of receipts. The most fun is picking out the fabric and traveling to go get it all! And I love direct sales — it's pretty amazing to meet people who are just as excited about the product as I am.  


What’s one “pinch me” moment you’ve had so far?
I was walking down Lexington Ave. with my mom and there was a woman walking toward us speaking in French. I realized she was wearing my necklace so I ran down the block and was like, "I love your necklace!" and she went, "Oh! You have one too!" I wear them literally everywhere I go. I'll know I've made it when every woman in the world is wearing one!


Any advice for someone who wants to design jewelry?
You really have to love what you do — you can always see it when people don't. The second I lose excitement, so will Lindsay's Necklaces. Just stay true to yourself and keep your soul in it!

Keep up with Lindsay:



MEMORIAL DAY IN ROWAYTON

It's a pretty rare occasion that my three siblings and I are all at home at the same time. With me working in New York, Reilly working in Massachusetts, Grayson at school in Pennsylvania, and Camden in high school in Connecticut, it just doesn't happen nearly enough. The stars aligned this weekend, though, and we got to spend Sunday dinner and all day Monday as one big happy family. (Has anyone else found that they're even closer to their siblings now that they're a little bit older? All the petty arguments have stopped and it's pretty much constant storytelling and tears-rolling-down-your-face-can't-take-a-sip-of-water kind of laughter.)

On Sunday night, we sat outside on my parents' back deck and ate berries, corn on the cob, hamburgers and hotdogs for the non-vegetarians, yummy salad, and Brussels sprouts from my mom's garden... Easily the best meal I've had in months and the most I've laughed probably since we were all together at Christmas. On Monday morning, we woke up early, got coffee, and found seats for the Memorial Day parade. Camden is an EMT with the local ambulance crew (run by high school students... no big deal) so we were sure to embarrass him with lots of cheering when he walked by. I also ran into my old gymnastics coaches which was a welcomed blast from the past.

Then it was off to Rowayton for lunch by the water. We almost always skip lunch at a real restaurant in favor of grabbing a baguette, cheese, and fruit and eating on the back deck at Rowayton Market overlooking the water. Highly recommend! Then it was time for a leisurely stroll around my favorite Connecticut town. There are so many beautiful homes and views I figured it'd be rude not to share ;)

Patriotism at its finest.



Adore this little garden planted on top of a stone wall!




I'd like to camp out in these Adirondack chairs all afternoon, please and thank you.





If you live in the tristate area and you're looking to plan an easy weekend day trip, put Rowayton on your list! It's an hour long train ride from Grand Central and has the feel of Nantucket without the travel time. And don't forget an ice cream cone from 101... There's an amazing art gallery in the back and the Mount McKinley mint is not to be missed ;)

What's your favorite day trip in New England? Always love to hear your recs! xx



WHAT'S IN MY SUMMER BAG






wallet c/o Kate Spade  //  coral cuff  //  vintage sunglasses  //  beach blanket  //  bow wedges

As much as I love spending time in the city, I'm super excited to be hitting the road for the next couple weekends. We attended a wedding last weekend (so so so fun!), have my boyfriend's college reunion next weekend, and will finally be getting up to Nantucket the first weekend in June. This new travel tote from Kate Spade will definitely be making the rounds! I'm obsessed with the clear exterior (I'll never "lose" my phone again...!) and of course the bright red bow. It's available exclusively at their East Hampton boutique but you can find it online here and here. Among my other summer essentials? A monogrammed bikini, striped sundress, and Turkish towel for impromptu picnicking or sunbathing. 

If you're all packed with nowhere to go, be sure to enter Kate Spade's sweepstakes for a free trip to Rio! #yesplease. What summer trips do you have planned? Do tell!

kate spade new york summer favorites:


*This post is sponsored by kate spade new york.






WEEKEND READING


1. 8 tips for showing up on time.


2. 10 Memorial Day sales you won't want to miss.


3. Calling all Californians, Manhattanites, Nantucketers, and Texans...


4. Chandelier love.


5. Fruit ice cubes for your next party.

6. How to make the most of your small kitchen.


7. I could eat this salad all summer.

8. In case you missed it: 10 DIY projects worth trying.


9. Love at first sight.

10. Must recreate this look from my girl Chassity.

11. Purchased. Couldn't resist.

12. Rosé and flower arranging... Bookmarking this for my next girly get-together.

13. Studio envy.

14. Summer beauty inspiration.

15. The color of this maxi dress is to die for.



10 MEMORIAL DAY SALES YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS

New markdowns. My picks: bow jacket, navy and white jumpsuitsequined dress.

20% with code WEBEGRILLIN. My picks: anchor romper, colorblock shorts, scalloped skirt.

Bauble Bar
30% with code MEMORIALDAY. My picks: double pearl earrings, name bangle, oversized pearl pendant.

Club Monaco
New markdowns. My picks: leather shortsscalloped dress, striped skirt.

Joie
New markdowns. My picks: A-line skirt, perfect wedgespolka dot dress.

Loeffler Randall
New markdowns. My picks: cap toe espadrillesscalloped heels, starry sandals.

Madewell
30% off sale with code OHYES. My picks: perforated flats, silk tanktassel loafers.

Nordstrom
New markdowns. My picks: bow espadrillescat eye sunglasses, chevron tank

Ralph Lauren
30% off sale with code RLMEM14. My picks: cashmere sweater, leather sandalsoxford shirt.

Serena & Lily
20% with code SUMMER 20. My picks: buoy pendantstriped duvet, tassel curtains.

Shopbop
New markdowns. My picks: my new espadrilles, perfect picnic dresspink wedges.


WEEKEND WARDROBE



Road trip! We're hitting the road and heading to Philadelphia for a wedding. (I'll be wearing the dress you all picked out for me!) I'm excited to get out of town for a couple days, meet a bunch of new people, and hit the dance floor. I'd like to wear the above outfit for the drive out there... I saw this dress on a girl at an event with Sleepy Jones this week and immediately had to have it. We might have time for brunch on Sunday before heading back to the city so Philadelphia peeps, please leave your suggestions in a comment! Happy weekending and thanks for reading! xx

WISHLISTED


one  //  two  //  three  //  four (j'adore)  //  five  //  six  //  seven  //  eight (back in stock!)
nine  //  ten  //  eleven  //  twelve (only $20!) //  thirteen  //  fourteen  //  fifteen (on sale!)

Bring on the brights! You know I'm all about #navyornothing but one of the things I love most about my favorite color is that it pairs so well with many others. This navy tank (love the cut!) with these seersucker shorts, a colorful tassel necklace, a powder blue bag, this bright yellow iPad case... You get the idea! In a way, navy is my favorite neutral. What's yours?

P.S. Do not even get me started on this art print (or anything in this sale for that matter). Hung next to a hot pink map? Y-E-S.