A Blogger's Abode

I was blown away by this sneak peek into the darling Megan's home. Megan is one of my most loyal readers and her blog Honey We're Home is a total treat! From her beautifully lit kitchen to her color-coordinated closet, I'm seriously smitten. See more of her gorgeous home here.

P.S. Circle back here this afternoon for a fabulous giveaway from one of my sponsors!

I was blown away by this sneak peek into the darling Megan's home. Megan is one of my most loyal readers and her blog Honey We're Home is a total treat! From her beautifully lit kitchen to her color-coordinated closet, I'm seriously smitten. See more of her gorgeous home here.

P.S. Circle back here this afternoon for a fabulous giveaway from one of my sponsors!

Desk Du Jour {A Clean Slate}

Entering a new year is all about hitting refresh and starting over with a clean slate. In keeping with that philosophy, I'd like to be starting 2011 in the airy atelier of interior designer Suzanne Kasler. White furnishings and a jute rug provide a blank canvas for Kasler's creative genius to shine through.

{Atlanta Homes Magazine}

Entering a new year is all about hitting refresh and starting over with a clean slate. In keeping with that philosophy, I'd like to be starting 2011 in the airy atelier of interior designer Suzanne Kasler. White furnishings and a jute rug provide a blank canvas for Kasler's creative genius to shine through.

{Atlanta Homes Magazine}

"Vintage" Shopbop

Please tell me I'm not the only one who saves old Shopbop lookbooks! If you ask me, they have some of the best stylists in the business — so it's really like saving magazine clippings, right? I always come back to this ballet-inspired editorial for its ultra-feminine appeal. Bows, pale pinks, ruffles, and topknots... What more could a girl ever need?

Please tell me I'm not the only one who saves old Shopbop lookbooks! If you ask me, they have some of the best stylists in the business — so it's really like saving magazine clippings, right? I always come back to this ballet-inspired editorial for its ultra-feminine appeal. Bows, pale pinks, ruffles, and topknots... What more could a girl ever need?

Fresh Face

This photo of Leighton Meester in InStyle stopped me in my tracks. Doesn't she look stunning? Her makeup is my idea of perfection: glowing complexion, subtle eyeliner, long lashes, and a pretty pout. This brings me to two items on my 101 in 1,001 list:

47.  Find my makeup must-haves.

78. Find the skincare regimen that works best for me.

Tell me, darlings, do you have any recommendations for products you simply can't live without?

This photo of Leighton Meester in InStyle stopped me in my tracks. Doesn't she look stunning? Her makeup is my idea of perfection: glowing complexion, subtle eyeliner, long lashes, and a pretty pout. This brings me to two items on my 101 in 1,001 list:

47.  Find my makeup must-haves.

78. Find the skincare regimen that works best for me.

Tell me, darlings, do you have any recommendations for products you simply can't live without?

Joanna Hillman

Senior Fashion Market Editor Joanna Hillman is currently chronicling thirty days of personal style on the Harper's Bazaar blog. The long blond hair and red lips are her signature but it's fun to see how she mixes up different pieces over the course of one month. Surely you all remember the sequin harem pants from Jenna Lyons's appearance on Oprah and I have to say I'm still loving them! What do you think of Ms. Hillman's workwear?

Senior Fashion Market Editor Joanna Hillman is currently chronicling thirty days of personal style on the Harper's Bazaar blog. The long blond hair and red lips are her signature but it's fun to see how she mixes up different pieces over the course of one month. Surely you all remember the sequin harem pants from Jenna Lyons's appearance on Oprah and I have to say I'm still loving them! What do you think of Ms. Hillman's workwear?

Your New Cup Of Te(a)

I get so excited when I stumble upon a beautiful new blog. But I'll admit I usually just stick to my 50 or so favorites and comment back when people leave me especially sweet comments here. So I'm thanking my lucky stars that this habit led me to my new friend Roxy's glamorous blog, A Cup of Te.

Trust me on this one: read it, bookmark it, love it, this girl's gonna be big!

Roxy recently styled this photo shoot (in her own totally fabulous apartment) to commemorate the launch of her redesigned blog, which is nothing short of g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s. In short, the girl's got good taste. For 2011, she's focusing on a different category for each day of the week: photography, fashion, furnishing, fêtes, and fabulous quotes from her cup of "Te" (her last name!). I hope you'll follow my lead and show her a warm welcome — and discover a new personal favorite in the process!

I get so excited when I stumble upon a beautiful new blog. But I'll admit I usually just stick to my 50 or so favorites and comment back when people leave me especially sweet comments here. So I'm thanking my lucky stars that this habit led me to my new friend Roxy's glamorous blog, A Cup of Te.

Trust me on this one: read it, bookmark it, love it, this girl's gonna be big!

Roxy recently styled this photo shoot (in her own totally fabulous apartment) to commemorate the launch of her redesigned blog, which is nothing short of g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s. In short, the girl's got good taste. For 2011, she's focusing on a different category for each day of the week: photography, fashion, furnishing, fêtes, and fabulous quotes from her cup of "Te" (her last name!). I hope you'll follow my lead and show her a warm welcome — and discover a new personal favorite in the process!

Because I Love Lists...

...I thought I would share a few more tasks on my 101 in 1,001 list. To do in the next 2.75 years:

13. Go skinny dipping.

18. Buy my parents an Apple computer. Because, really, everyone should have one.

26. Watch the Mad Men series from start to present.

37. See a new Cirque du Soleil performance. (Ah-mazing.)

48. Take a cooking lesson.

{image source}

...I thought I would share a few more tasks on my 101 in 1,001 list. To do in the next 2.75 years:

13. Go skinny dipping.

18. Buy my parents an Apple computer. Because, really, everyone should have one.

26. Watch the Mad Men series from start to present.

37. See a new Cirque du Soleil performance. (Ah-mazing.)

48. Take a cooking lesson.

{image source}

Currently Coveting

A darling pair of earrings ($37)...

...And a coral coffee table topper (say that five times fast — $60) to remind me that summer's not so far off.

A darling pair of earrings ($37)...

...And a coral coffee table topper (say that five times fast — $60) to remind me that summer's not so far off.

Not-Too-Girly Gray

I love the understated femininity of this vanity designed by Amy D. Morris. The use of gray is glamorous but neutral; it's the shape of the chair that feels most graceful. It's a look that any boyfriend or husband could appreciate, don't you think?

I love the understated femininity of this vanity designed by Amy D. Morris. The use of gray is glamorous but neutral; it's the shape of the chair that feels most graceful. It's a look that any boyfriend or husband could appreciate, don't you think?

Preppy Is Pretty

I pledge to remember forever that preppy is pretty, no matter your age. Oxford shirts, riding boots, and tailored blazers — you have always done me right.

{one | two | three}

I pledge to remember forever that preppy is pretty, no matter your age. Oxford shirts, riding boots, and tailored blazers — you have always done me right.

{one | two | three}

Rue Blog!

Here's a sneak peek of what I'm blogging about today over at Rue! It's hard to live up to the blogging greats (ahem, Cassie and Erin) but I'm certainly going to do my best. 

I'm beyond flattered to be on this talented team of Rue bloggers; I do hope you'll check us out and bookmark it for future reference! With a lineup this good, it's sure to become your go-to for design inspiration between issues ; )

Here's a sneak peek of what I'm blogging about today over at Rue! It's hard to live up to the blogging greats (ahem, Cassie and Erin) but I'm certainly going to do my best. 

I'm beyond flattered to be on this talented team of Rue bloggers; I do hope you'll check us out and bookmark it for future reference! With a lineup this good, it's sure to become your go-to for design inspiration between issues ; )

Ilse Jacobsen & Splendid Willow!

I am elated to announce my dear friend and January sponsor Monika's newest venture! Mon is the sweetheart behind Splendid Willow and recently began selling gorgeous Ilse Jacobsen rainwear in her own online shop. I could not be more proud of her — or more in love with her product! The lace-up boots ($149-$179) are handmade in Denmark and available in a variety of happy colors sure to turn even your darkest day around. Consider the investment a one-way ticket to European effortless chic!

I am elated to announce my dear friend and January sponsor Monika's newest venture! Mon is the sweetheart behind Splendid Willow and recently began selling gorgeous Ilse Jacobsen rainwear in her own online shop. I could not be more proud of her — or more in love with her product! The lace-up boots ($149-$179) are handmade in Denmark and available in a variety of happy colors sure to turn even your darkest day around. Consider the investment a one-way ticket to European effortless chic!

The Tonal Table

These table settings from Style Me Pretty are a reminder that monochromatic minimalism can be devastatingly chic. Whether you employ the dusty pink palette of the first or the earthy khaki hues of the last, just add a dose of sparkle and then let the food and your guests provide the color.

These table settings from Style Me Pretty are a reminder that monochromatic minimalism can be devastatingly chic. Whether you employ the dusty pink palette of the first or the earthy khaki hues of the last, just add a dose of sparkle and then let the food and your guests provide the color.

Front & Center

Style.com recently did a slideshow of behind-the-scenes pictures of Fashion Week regulars. How darling is this shot of supermodel Natalia Vodianova at Chanel? From her wavy bob to her ladylike heels, everything about it is perfection.

Style.com recently did a slideshow of behind-the-scenes pictures of Fashion Week regulars. How darling is this shot of supermodel Natalia Vodianova at Chanel? From her wavy bob to her ladylike heels, everything about it is perfection.

Redesign Update

Several of you have asked about the progress of my blog redesign. Well, after a bit of commotion around here, I'm changing the game plan and heading in an exciting new direction. Thanks to a recommendation from the darling Lindsay of The Pursuit of Style (whose new site is nothing short of stunning!), I am beyond thrilled to announce my collaboration with Hanna Nation of Gadabout.

In addition to launching her own iPhone app (genius!) and designing gorgeous custom stationery, Hanna is helping me breathe new life into Design Darling with a new header, new layout, new Twitter page, and my first business cards to boot! I am so excited to be working with her and so anxious to show you what we've got up our sleeves. In the meantime, do peruse her site and treat yourself to some new social paper — aren't her designs to die for?

Several of you have asked about the progress of my blog redesign. Well, after a bit of commotion around here, I'm changing the game plan and heading in an exciting new direction. Thanks to a recommendation from the darling Lindsay of The Pursuit of Style (whose new site is nothing short of stunning!), I am beyond thrilled to announce my collaboration with Hanna Nation of Gadabout.

In addition to launching her own iPhone app (genius!) and designing gorgeous custom stationery, Hanna is helping me breathe new life into Design Darling with a new header, new layout, new Twitter page, and my first business cards to boot! I am so excited to be working with her and so anxious to show you what we've got up our sleeves. In the meantime, do peruse her site and treat yourself to some new social paper — aren't her designs to die for?

Outfit Inspiration

It can be hard to stay stylish when the temperatures drop, but it would be wrong to welcome a new year in sweatpants and Ugg boots! Here's a little inspiration for a cozy outfit that looks pulled together without trying to hard. Just grab your winter coat on the way out the door and you're good to go!

{J.Crew painter cardigan, $45}

{Michael Kors gold watch, $225}

{J.Brand Houlihan twill cargo pant, on sale for $162}

{Madewell oiled suede Sandstorm boot, $188}

{Kendra Scott Carly botanical stud earrings, $55}

{Iomoi leather Parker bag, $395}

It can be hard to stay stylish when the temperatures drop, but it would be wrong to welcome a new year in sweatpants and Ugg boots! Here's a little inspiration for a cozy outfit that looks pulled together without trying to hard. Just grab your winter coat on the way out the door and you're good to go!

{J.Crew painter cardigan, $45}

{Michael Kors gold watch, $225}

{J.Brand Houlihan twill cargo pant, on sale for $162}

{Madewell oiled suede Sandstorm boot, $188}

{Kendra Scott Carly botanical stud earrings, $55}

{Iomoi leather Parker bag, $395}

Personal Style

{Dexter Hodges}

Style is a tricky thing, isn't it? It is so easy to pinpoint things I like and to reject those I do not — and yet it is so hard for me to define my style in terms of what's left. I thought I could start off the new year with a toast to personal style and a request from me to you, my darling readers, to help me define my style based on a few of my all-time favorite interiors.

{source unknown}

This architecture...

{Hus & Hem}

Those windows...

{Lonny}

These walls...

{Miles Redd}

Those shelves...

{Elle Decor}

And this, well, everything.

It's a hefty favor to ask of you, no doubt, and personal style is, er, personal. But you see, I can come up with a handful of buzz words... and would love your help in figuring out the rest. What do you think? Is my aesthetic maximalist or minimalist? Colorful or neutral? Classic or modern? Traditional or trendy? Over-the-top or understated? Lived-in or luxurious? I so appreciate your help and look forward to sharing all the style that 2011 will surely bring!

{Dexter Hodges}

Style is a tricky thing, isn't it? It is so easy to pinpoint things I like and to reject those I do not — and yet it is so hard for me to define my style in terms of what's left. I thought I could start off the new year with a toast to personal style and a request from me to you, my darling readers, to help me define my style based on a few of my all-time favorite interiors.

{source unknown}

This architecture...

{Hus & Hem}

Those windows...

{Lonny}

These walls...

{Miles Redd}

Those shelves...

{Elle Decor}

And this, well, everything.

It's a hefty favor to ask of you, no doubt, and personal style is, er, personal. But you see, I can come up with a handful of buzz words... and would love your help in figuring out the rest. What do you think? Is my aesthetic maximalist or minimalist? Colorful or neutral? Classic or modern? Traditional or trendy? Over-the-top or understated? Lived-in or luxurious? I so appreciate your help and look forward to sharing all the style that 2011 will surely bring!