Design Darling

Color Palette {Blue & Green}

Just a little lovely from me to you on this fine Saturday morning. I hope you're up to something perfectly fabulous!

*fashion photograph by Dean Isidro for Cosmopolitan,

interior design by Melanie Turner in Veranda,

both layouts by Mackenzie Horan

Friday Finds (Everything Under $40!)

Who's happy it's Friday?! I sure am. If only this weekend entailed some real relaxation...

Marley Lilly floppy hat ($30) Juliet & Company stud earrings ($25)

Essie "Really Red" ($8) Old Navy boatneck top ($14)

Old Navy bikini top ($14) Bayan Hippo tote bag ($33)

Old Navy linen pants ($29)

Summer, come sooner! Do any of you have a vacation coming up?

Bikini Beauties

Who's going on a warm weather vacation and wants to pack me in their suitcase?

(1) Kamini swimsuit top (2) Loures bow bikini top

(3) Dear Marlene bikini top — just wait until you see the neon pink bottoms! (4) Ashei bikini top

Because really I'd like an excuse to wear any one of these darling bikini tops from Anthropologie. Which one tickles your fancy?

I discovered the portfolio of Los Angeles interior designer Schuyler Samperton on one of my favorite blogs, Absolutely Beautiful Things, and thought her work was too gorgeous not to share. Is it any wonder with all the blue, pink, and white?

It's definitely a more bohemian take on my favorite palette but I kind of love it! Really, that first room makes me giddy. Bamboo mirror, natural light, pink flowers, striped rug, suzani chairs... Be still my heart! What do you think of Schuyler's work?

Pink Striped Perfection

Dear Pottery Barn Teen,

It is very apparent that you designed this chair just for me and I must say I'm tickled pink! A more rational person would acknowledge that I already have an excess of furniture stored in our garage and that I couldn't possibly find a place for this one chair but not you — you get me. Thank you for designing with my pink, preppy, stripe-loving heart in mind.

All my best,

Design Darling

Pretty In Pink

I noticed recently that a disproportionate number of my obsessions on Currently Obsessed happen to be pink. For someone who loves the color as much as I do, I don't have nearly enough of it in my wardrobe!

Elizabeth & James blazer ($445) Kate Spade earrings ($38) L'Occitane lip balm ($12)

Alice's Adventures In Wonderland ($19) Essie "Fiesta" nail polish ($8)

Gallery Leather planner ($13) Cambridge Satchel Co. bag ($154)

Michael Michael Kors passport holder ($60) NARS "Funny Face" lipstick ($24)

Tory Burch ballet flats ($195)

What color are you most drawn to lately?

Meg Braff

You all know I love a blue and white interior and these spaces by designer Meg Braff are no exception. It's the perfect palette for her work in the likes of Bermuda, the Hamptons, and Newport (can you say jealous?). Get the look by combining wares in various shades of blue — a navy seat cushion, a light blue lampshade, a ginger jar on each end table — all set off by white accents and a pop of pretty pink flowers. So... when can I move in?

Welcome, Emma Graham Designs!

I'm absolutely ecstatic to introduce Design Darling's newest sponsor, Emma Graham Designs. You are seriously going to flip for this line!

The site is brimming with dresses in figure-flattering silhouettes with feminine details like cutouts and ruffles. If you're dress shopping for a birthday party, a graduation, a wedding, etc. you'll find what you need! I love the Ellie ($158) and especially the Jenn ($172).

Perhaps you'd prefer the Leah ($202) or the Sammi ($98)? Personally I'd like one of everything on the site. Oh and there's a "design your own" section where you can customize the color and the piping of your dress. Seriously? I think it's safe to say I'll never buy a dress anywhere else. Get your shop on HERE!

Day to night...

Happy Friday! What are your plans for the long weekend? I'll be ~~forcing everyone in my family to watch Downton Abbey~~ running around making last minute preparations for my new boutique! Can you believe the launch is less than two weeks away?!!! The suspense is killing me.

Tibi jacket ($495) Kenneth Jay Lane pearls ($14) Michael Kors watch ($250) K. Slademade tote ($160) Topshop jeans ($76) ASOS platforms ($134)

Here's what I'd like to be wearing: a striped peplum jacket that's too cute for words, a versatile pony leather tote from my girl Kelsea, and tan platforms that will take you from day to night, whatever you're up to. Have a good one!

Welcome, Sarah Swanson Design!

I'm so excited to introduce Sarah Swanson Design as my newest sponsor on Design Darling. Sarah is the talented tour de force behind the design blog Flourish Design + Style, the art shop Gallery Wall, and now her very own interior design firm Sarah Swanson Design.

Sarah's focus is creating floor-to-ceiling design boards, enabling her to work with clients all over the world. Whether you're moving into your first apartment or ready to decorate your family home, Sarah can help you put together a plan you'll be excited to execute.

Sarah is intent on blending her aesthetic with her clients', helping make what they love work in their home. Her services include any desired revisions, meaning her work isn't done until you love what you see! And did I mention she's one of the kindest people in the blogosphere?

The very best part? Sarah charges just $150 for a complete design board tailored to your space and your taste, as well as any revisions needed to make it absolutely perfect for you. Visit her site here and tackle those decorating dilemmas once and for all!

Bookshelf Styling

This makes me want to buy a million design books from Joss & Main and One Kings Lane, start collecting ginger jars off of Etsy, and go to town restyling my bookshelves. How about you?

{Design by Mark Sikes, photograph by Heather Clawson}

Color For His Closet

Today I thought we'd add a little menswear to the mix here on Design Darling. It's not often I see something that my boyfriend, my brothers, or my dad just have to have so when I do I'm compelled to share!

I started a "for the boys" board on Pinterest and quickly noticed that all the boys in my life need a khaki pant intervention. I mean, why wear khaki when there's pink to be had?

And then I found Bonobos. Pants and shorts in every color under the sun, all under $100. Can't you already hear your boyfriends and husbands rejoicing? ;)

Shopbop Favorites

I know many of you are as addicted to Shopbop as I am but do you use their "heart" tool to keep track of your favorites? If not, you must start! I love seeing everything I like in one place. It will make my post-boutique launch shopping spree that much easier! ;)

Amore & Sorvete ($168) Rag & Bone/JEAN ($198) Fallon Jewelry ($176)

This bikini might be the prettiest thing I've ever laid eyes on. And that tuxedo stripe on the jeans! Swoon.

Juicy Couture ($38) Vince ($245) Avec Moderation ($345)

This scarf tie key fob would prevent me from ever losing my keys again! It could be a good DIY project as well. And the tortoiseshell detail on the sandals? You already know I'm obsessed.

Michael Kors ($85) 3.1 Phillip Lim ($750) Pour La Victoire ($298)

This ring is topping my wishlist at the moment. I swear I would never take it off! But if you really want to throw your budget to the wind, might I recommend navy blue leopard print? Even saying the words makes me happy.

Pencey Standard ($110) Julie Haus ($270) Pencey Standard ($110)

Stripes and peplums... That pretty much sums up what I plan on wearing all spring and summer!

Mother ($196) Porter Grey ($295) Alice + Olivia ($198)

White jeans are a ~~summer~~ year-round staple but it's the back of this Porter Grey tank that's doing me in. Perfection in navy blue.

What do you have your eye on?!

Guest Posting

I'm excited to share a few recent features that I think you'll all enjoy! Many thanks to these lovely ladies for hosting me!

I'm chatting about my inspiration for my new boutique on The Urban Slant...

Inspiration for a Valentine's Day celebration on Cupcakes for Breakfast...

And my favorite things that start with "R" on A Simple Affair! I hope you'll stop by and check them out.

Design Darling on Unabashedly Prep

Yesterday the impeccably dressed Fred held the subway door for me and took my picture at Lincoln Center. I do look rather happy, don't I?

J.Crew blazer, Rugby chambray shirt (similar here), Longchamp tote, J.Crew signet ring, Dani Notes iPhone case, Rugby jeans (similar here), Madewell boots (similar here and here).

Lela Rose & Chris Benz

Did you know that #17 on my 101 in 1001 list was to attend one show at New York Fashion Week? Leave it to the Matchbook girls to make my dreams come true this week!

The weather in New York has been c-o-l-d. I swear the plaza Lincoln Center was a wind tunnel... #brrr

On Sunday, Jane and I attended the Lela Rose show. Lots of florals, navy, and sparkle — I couldn't have been happier!

On Monday, we headed to the Chris Benz presentation. A true Matchbook boy if there ever were one! His girly silhouettes and 60s styling provided lots of eye candy.

I rather liked my outfit yesterday! J.Crew blazer (are you sick of seeing me wear this yet?), Rugby chambray shirt (similar here), Rugby yellow jeans (similar here).

- - -

What a week! Now I need a serious catch-up date with my laptop, a latté, and a roaring fire. P.S. Happy Valentine's Day!

New York Fashion Week!

Is it Monday already? I've had such a busy few days that I swear I'm losing track of time. My new boutique will be here before you know it! In the mean time, here's what I've been up to...

On Friday morning, I met up with Carly from The College Prepster! We've been emailing back and forth for a year now so it was great to finally connect in person. We are kindred spirits in more ways than one! {Wearing J.Crew pants and Zara pumps (similar here).}

I was so thrilled to attend the Kate Spade presentation with Jane on behalf of Matchbook. Bows, polka dots, and stripes... I was in Matchbook girl heaven!

I was totally starstruck to meet Brad Goreski. I told him my mom and I watch his show every week and he said, "Tell her I say hi — I love moms!" Too cute and so down-to-earth.

Carly and I had our hair done at Drybar, a blowout salon where you pay just $40 and choose your style from a menu. I got the "Mai Tai" and loved my loose curls! {Wearing Ralph Lauren sweater, Zara vest (similar here), and H&M belt (similar here).}

We then had dinner with Alex from Dreams + Jeans at Café Gitane. An adorable spot and even cuter company (albeit a lousy photo!). {Wearing J.Crew blazer, J.Crew t-shirt, and Old Navy skirt.}

- - -

It was so much fun to connect with lots of amazing people! I'll be back tomorrow with a few snaps from Lela Rose and Chris Benz as well ;) Seriously pinching myself!

The Little Pink Dress

No offense to the little black dress but I'm craving a little more color these days. This picture of hottie Miranda Kerr has me thinking about investing in a little pink dress of my own...

Alice + Olivia ($198) Naven ($330) ASOS ($62)

Who's with me?!

Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference

Yesterday I was fortunate to attend the Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference (#IFBcon) in New York. It was a treat to hang with some of my favorite bloggers and meet several of my awesome readers! I even worked up the nerve to ask Emily of Cupcakes & Cashmere a question on editorial calendars after her panel:

Thankfully you can't tell that I was shaking like a leaf! I wore my J.Crew blazer, J.Crew pants, and ASOS flats. Here are a few of the things I learned...

- The blog is the new résumé and the ultimate calling card. What does yours say about you?

- Bloggers and editors have hired their assistants after reading particularly insightful blog comments. Comment away!

- Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, Twitter... It’s too much for one person to utilize every single platform effectively without duplicating content. Focus on a few platforms and do them really well.

- When it comes to social media, would you be interested in reading what you write? That’s always a good filter to determine if you’re putting out meaningful content.

- Take the extra two seconds to spell out b-e or y-o-u-r, even when you’re facing a 140 character limit. It’s so much more professional!

- Don't jump at the first opportunity that comes your way. The brands you partner with are a reflection of your brand and your taste. Quality over quantity is key!

- Work with brands whose clothes you actually wear. And don't be afraid to pitch your favorite brands when you have a great idea for a partnership!

- When you blog, you’re creating a brand and a persona. Whether you want a book deal, a styling gig, or a TV show, you can market that personal brand and parlay it into whatever you want.

- Bloggers need to make money too. Don't be afraid to ask for what you're worth!

- When it comes to advertising, here’s a good rule of thumb: if three people will pay it, it’s time to increase your rate!

- - -

All in all, I had a great time and came home with lots to think about in terms of my own personal brand. I hope these tips will come in handy for some of you too!