Desk Du Jour

Hey you, happy Monday! Here's to a productive week for the both of us. I think this workspace would give us both a jump start, for navy velvet is sure to get those creative juices flowing. Designed and styled by Emily Henderson, the office finds that happy medium between rigid organization (I'm talking to you, magazine holders) and lived-in personality (that's you, inspiration board). I had the pleasure of meeting Emily at the Rue party in September and can't wait to see her forthcoming HGTV show Secrets of a Stylist. Are you impressed by this peek into her portfolio?

Hey you, happy Monday! Here's to a productive week for the both of us. I think this workspace would give us both a jump start, for navy velvet is sure to get those creative juices flowing. Designed and styled by Emily Henderson, the office finds that happy medium between rigid organization (I'm talking to you, magazine holders) and lived-in personality (that's you, inspiration board). I had the pleasure of meeting Emily at the Rue party in September and can't wait to see her forthcoming HGTV show Secrets of a Stylist. Are you impressed by this peek into her portfolio?

Our Weekend

Behold the ice rink my dad built on our front lawn! I tweeted a few of these already but I think he deserves all the credit he can get. It's such fun to see my boyfriend Michael and my little brother Camden playing together — I only wish we had ice skates for our puppies, Coach and Fenway! Wouldn't that be the cutest? I hope your weekend is filled with lots of ice time and hot chocolate. See you back here on Monday!

Behold the ice rink my dad built on our front lawn! I tweeted a few of these already but I think he deserves all the credit he can get. It's such fun to see my boyfriend Michael and my little brother Camden playing together — I only wish we had ice skates for our puppies, Coach and Fenway! Wouldn't that be the cutest? I hope your weekend is filled with lots of ice time and hot chocolate. See you back here on Monday!

101 in 1001 {Fun & Frivolous}

39. Ride on a sailboat.

67. Buy a pretty bicycle.

85. Have a picnic.

P.S. If you're new to Design Darling (welcome!) and totally lost, I've explained my 101 in 1,001 initiative here.

{one | two | three}

39. Ride on a sailboat.

67. Buy a pretty bicycle.

85. Have a picnic.

P.S. If you're new to Design Darling (welcome!) and totally lost, I've explained my 101 in 1,001 initiative here.

{one | two | three}

Hello Yellow

Can you tell I'm ready for spring? On the subject of brights, I am loving the pop of the yellow dress in this otherwise subdued bathroom from the Domino archives. How pretty is the skirted sink? I love that the homeowner placed a folding mirror in front of the out-of-place window. Awkward to awesome, just like that!

Can you tell I'm ready for spring? On the subject of brights, I am loving the pop of the yellow dress in this otherwise subdued bathroom from the Domino archives. How pretty is the skirted sink? I love that the homeowner placed a folding mirror in front of the out-of-place window. Awkward to awesome, just like that!

Real Men Wear Pink

...or orange, as the case may be. It could be my Connecticut roots piping up, but I will never tire of men in preppy brights paired with crisp oxfords and brown dress shoes. I bought my littlest brother yellow cords from Ralph Lauren many birthdays ago and, while I can't say he was thrilled, I think they're even worth saving for my [way-in-the-] future offspring. 

{images via Unabashedly Prep}

...or orange, as the case may be. It could be my Connecticut roots piping up, but I will never tire of men in preppy brights paired with crisp oxfords and brown dress shoes. I bought my littlest brother yellow cords from Ralph Lauren many birthdays ago and, while I can't say he was thrilled, I think they're even worth saving for my [way-in-the-] future offspring. 

{images via Unabashedly Prep}

A New York Minute

Things in my neck of the woods are moving a mile a minute. What was yesterday a pipe dream of launching an inspiring interview series is now a forthcoming reality with an incredible line-up in the works! Trust me when I say these ladies will not disappoint. Thanks to your help yesterday, I am thrilled to officially announce...

The Design Dialogues! Credit for the name goes to my dear friend and lovely sponsor Roxy who went above and beyond, sending lists and lists of possibilities my way. When will it begin? As soon as my redesign with the immensely talented and totally darling Hanna of Gadabout is complete. And when will that be? I hate to leave you hanging but let's just say it's a lot sooner than you think. New design and new series before the month is over? A New York minute indeed.

{one | two}

Things in my neck of the woods are moving a mile a minute. What was yesterday a pipe dream of launching an inspiring interview series is now a forthcoming reality with an incredible line-up in the works! Trust me when I say these ladies will not disappoint. Thanks to your help yesterday, I am thrilled to officially announce...

The Design Dialogues! Credit for the name goes to my dear friend and lovely sponsor Roxy who went above and beyond, sending lists and lists of possibilities my way. When will it begin? As soon as my redesign with the immensely talented and totally darling Hanna of Gadabout is complete. And when will that be? I hate to leave you hanging but let's just say it's a lot sooner than you think. New design and new series before the month is over? A New York minute indeed.

{one | two}

Jay Godfrey

When my lovely reader Courtney mentioned Jay Godfrey as a potential name for my new interview series, I knew right away I had to check him out! I was hardly prepared to fall in love, however, with his covetable collection of cocktail dresses! Aren't they fabulous? Do check out his Spring 2011 collection as well — to die for!

When my lovely reader Courtney mentioned Jay Godfrey as a potential name for my new interview series, I knew right away I had to check him out! I was hardly prepared to fall in love, however, with his covetable collection of cocktail dresses! Aren't they fabulous? Do check out his Spring 2011 collection as well — to die for!

Python Pillows

How exotic are these python pillows? Textured neutrals are a great way to keep a monochromatic palette aesthetically interesting. My darling reader Annsley from Houston sent me these pictures and I was only too happy to share them with you all! Her sure-to-be-chic home will be featured in the first issue of High Gloss Magazine and her e-commerce site should be up and running soon! If you can't wait another moment to introduce one of her python pillows into your abode, however, simply contact either 4510 in Dallas or Perch in New Orleans. Thank you, Annsley!

How exotic are these python pillows? Textured neutrals are a great way to keep a monochromatic palette aesthetically interesting. My darling reader Annsley from Houston sent me these pictures and I was only too happy to share them with you all! Her sure-to-be-chic home will be featured in the first issue of High Gloss Magazine and her e-commerce site should be up and running soon! If you can't wait another moment to introduce one of her python pillows into your abode, however, simply contact either 4510 in Dallas or Perch in New Orleans. Thank you, Annsley!

& the winner is...

Is the suspense killing you? I thought now would be an appropriate time to introduce 300&65 Ampersands, a tumblr that posted one ampersand every day in 2010. Isn't it such a handsome character? So handsome, in fact, that just last week I ordered an ampersand pillow from Jonathan Adler using his amazing Design Your Own feature. What's that? You'd rather know the winner of the Cory Renee giveaway? Well in that case, drumroll please...

The winner is #44, Shannon of What's Up Whimsy! I will put you in touch with the delightful Cory, who will have your pretty purse off to you in no time. Thank you so much to everyone who entered — you can find (or design your own!) lovely little clutch in Cory's beautiful shop right here!

Is the suspense killing you? I thought now would be an appropriate time to introduce 300&65 Ampersands, a tumblr that posted one ampersand every day in 2010. Isn't it such a handsome character? So handsome, in fact, that just last week I ordered an ampersand pillow from Jonathan Adler using his amazing Design Your Own feature. What's that? You'd rather know the winner of the Cory Renee giveaway? Well in that case, drumroll please...

The winner is #44, Shannon of What's Up Whimsy! I will put you in touch with the delightful Cory, who will have your pretty purse off to you in no time. Thank you so much to everyone who entered — you can find (or design your own!) lovely little clutch in Cory's beautiful shop right here!

Help Me Help You

I have long desired to start an interview series here on Design Darling. I'm all about fabulous fashion, intriguing interiors, and pretty paper, but I think it's high time to take things to the next level around here, don't you?

So I have three pressing questions for you, my darling readers. First of all, who do you want to see? Artists, bloggers, designers, editors, entrepreneurs? Fashion, interior, graphic? All the above? Toss some names out there!

And second, what do you want to know? Anecdotes, failures, triumphs? Inspiring advice, personal favorites, tricks of the trade? Let's hear it!

And lastly, what shall I name the series? Fallon rocked Behind The Curtain, Katie did Plucky Pioneers, Paloma started Style Files... Get those creative juices flowing for me, will you?

P.S. Perhaps you've heard there's a lovely leopard clutch that could very well become yours?

{all photos via the prettiest tumblr you ever did see}

I have long desired to start an interview series here on Design Darling. I'm all about fabulous fashion, intriguing interiors, and pretty paper, but I think it's high time to take things to the next level around here, don't you?

So I have three pressing questions for you, my darling readers. First of all, who do you want to see? Artists, bloggers, designers, editors, entrepreneurs? Fashion, interior, graphic? All the above? Toss some names out there!

And second, what do you want to know? Anecdotes, failures, triumphs? Inspiring advice, personal favorites, tricks of the trade? Let's hear it!

And lastly, what shall I name the series? Fallon rocked Behind The Curtain, Katie did Plucky Pioneers, Paloma started Style Files... Get those creative juices flowing for me, will you?

P.S. Perhaps you've heard there's a lovely leopard clutch that could very well become yours?

{all photos via the prettiest tumblr you ever did see}

Mary Katrantzou Spring 2011

How am I only now discovering the fashion genius that is Mary Katrantzou? For her spring collection, the designer printed dresses with photographs of 1970s interiors with the intent of putting "the room on the woman, not the woman in the room." What a cool and wearable concept! What do you think of her unique collection?

P.S. Only one more day to enter the Cory Renee leopard clutch giveaway!

P.P.S. I'm sharing my 2010 highlights and 2011 inspirations today at Imagine Create Play today! Please stop by if you have a moment.

How am I only now discovering the fashion genius that is Mary Katrantzou? For her spring collection, the designer printed dresses with photographs of 1970s interiors with the intent of putting "the room on the woman, not the woman in the room." What a cool and wearable concept! What do you think of her unique collection?

P.S. Only one more day to enter the Cory Renee leopard clutch giveaway!

P.P.S. I'm sharing my 2010 highlights and 2011 inspirations today at Imagine Create Play today! Please stop by if you have a moment.

A Self-Serving Resolution

Number 29 on my list of 101 things to do in 1,001 days? Subscribe to all those magazines I usually buy at newsstand prices anyway. What are your personal favorites these days?

P.S. Don't forget to enter the Cory Renee leopard clutch giveaway — I'll be drawing the lucky winner tomorrow!

Number 29 on my list of 101 things to do in 1,001 days? Subscribe to all those magazines I usually buy at newsstand prices anyway. What are your personal favorites these days?

P.S. Don't forget to enter the Cory Renee leopard clutch giveaway — I'll be drawing the lucky winner tomorrow!

A Table For Two

How does he do it? This Peter Dunham-designed dining space strikes that elusive balance between casual and elegant. The decadent furniture speaks to the homeowner's glamorous lifestyle but the haphazard tabletop vignette creates a very lived-in appeal. How would you like to hop over for dinner tonight? I know I would!

P.S. Remember to enter the Cory Renee leopard clutch giveaway!

How does he do it? This Peter Dunham-designed dining space strikes that elusive balance between casual and elegant. The decadent furniture speaks to the homeowner's glamorous lifestyle but the haphazard tabletop vignette creates a very lived-in appeal. How would you like to hop over for dinner tonight? I know I would!

P.S. Remember to enter the Cory Renee leopard clutch giveaway!

À Bientôt

I hope you've all had a chance to peruse the offerings at my lovely sponsor À Bientôt! A Houston-based boutique that carries the likes of Kenneth Jay Lane (love!), their website is my new go-to for costume jewelry and chic accessories like cosmetic cases and pashminas. Do give their site a spin!

P.S. Remember to enter the Cory Renee leopard clutch giveaway!

I hope you've all had a chance to peruse the offerings at my lovely sponsor À Bientôt! A Houston-based boutique that carries the likes of Kenneth Jay Lane (love!), their website is my new go-to for costume jewelry and chic accessories like cosmetic cases and pashminas. Do give their site a spin!

P.S. Remember to enter the Cory Renee leopard clutch giveaway!

Kirribilla

New-to-me brand Kirribilla seems to understand and share my love of bows. How chic is the navy sheath at top left? Or the fuchsia silk number at lower right? To die for! Now if only I had a spare $395-$495 lying around...

P.S. Remember to enter the Cory Renee leopard clutch giveaway!

New-to-me brand Kirribilla seems to understand and share my love of bows. How chic is the navy sheath at top left? Or the fuchsia silk number at lower right? To die for! Now if only I had a spare $395-$495 lying around...

P.S. Remember to enter the Cory Renee leopard clutch giveaway!

Cory Renee Giveaway!

I have voiced my adoration of all things Cory Renee before but this time I'm delighted to be offering this fabulous clutch to one lucky reader! The leopard print is lined with red on the interior and retails for $47 in her darling shop. To enter, simply become a follower of Design Darling and leave a comment below. Extra entries if you blog about it or tweet @mackenziehoran! The winner will be announced this Thursday, January 13. Good luck!

I have voiced my adoration of all things Cory Renee before but this time I'm delighted to be offering this fabulous clutch to one lucky reader! The leopard print is lined with red on the interior and retails for $47 in her darling shop. To enter, simply become a follower of Design Darling and leave a comment below. Extra entries if you blog about it or tweet @mackenziehoran! The winner will be announced this Thursday, January 13. Good luck!

Tiny Tassels

I'm in love with these darling tassel earrings from Urban Outfitters. They'll go with everything and — the best part? — they're only $18. Pick up your pair here.

I'm in love with these darling tassel earrings from Urban Outfitters. They'll go with everything and — the best part? — they're only $18. Pick up your pair here.