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PLAY PRETEND...

Let's make believe we're packing our bags and jetting off to a tropical locale. Which of these suits makes it into your carry-on?!






The J.Crew scalloped bikini and the bow bottoms are the no-brainer for me. I think I could buy them in multiple colors and then mix and match all imaginary vacation. What's your top pick?

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ISA TAPIA SCALLOPED SANDALS

If running around New York in the snow this past week has shown me anything, it's how desperate I am for spring to hurry up and get here. Anyone else totally cool with fast-forwarding through February and half of March? I was already over the snow/slush/ice combo when this goodness popped up in Shopbop's new arrivals and I decided I need to flee the city in search of warmer climes. Behold the scalloped leather loveliness... 




Obsessed doesn't begin to cover it. Designed by Isa Tapia, they kind of remind me of the classic Chloé scalloped ballet flats in summer form. Would you splurge on a pair of either?!

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KATE SPADE FALL 2013

It was such a treat to attend Kate Spade's fall presentation on Friday! I find I'm always happiest in a room full of bows, hot pink, and killer shoes ;) And I loved getting to catch up with blogger friends in from out of town. How gorgeous is Julia from Gal Meets Glam? Such a sweetheart. Stay tuned for pictures from other presentations and shows I'm attending this week — so proud of myself for actually lugging my real camera around for once! 

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CLASSIC CASHMERE WITH A TWIST

Few phrases make me happier than classic with a twist. Whether it's a bracelet, a handbag, or a head-to-look, if it can be described as an updated take on a timeless style I'll probably like it. Such was the case when these little numbers appeared in Shopbop's new arrivals this week:


The new-to-me brand is 360 Sweater and I have to say I'm coveting one of each. The obvious choice for me would be the navy and pink number but I'm sort of obsessed with the lime green skull on the first. Am I crazy?! Which one is your favorite? 

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LAND OF NOD LIGHTING

I love stumbling upon an unexpected source for awesome products I hadn't seen before. That was the case recently as I was browsing Land of Nod (one of the sites I recommended for affordable rugs) and happened to click on the lighting section. Oh hello, striped table lamp loveliness. Here are a few new-to-me favorites...

Adorable, no? I can't resist a good stripe. What fun products have you stumbled upon lately? 

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KATE SPADE NEW ARRIVALS


A trifecta of bows, navy, and stripes. In other words, game over ;)

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SHOPPING AT FAB

Casserole // Chair // Jug // Umbrella

I shared a list in this post of all the products and projects I'm contemplating for my apartment which means I'm constantly on the lookout for something I haven't seen before. One of my more recent obsessions is Fab, which is full of colorful finds for the home and beyond. How cute is the striped umbrella? And I can think of more than one table lamp in my place that could use a pretty little finial on top. Have you all shopped Fab before? Any other sites you're obsessed with right now?

This post is sponsored by Fab. All opinions, product selections, and writing are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Design Darling!

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DRESSING FOR VALENTINE'S DAY

I'm so happy it's February! One step closer to spring and summer ;) For the time being I'm happy to see lots of pink and red window displays popping up in my neighborhood. Here are a few favorites in festive pink and red, whether you're getting dolled up for a dinner date or dressing down for girls' night in...

Three Floor // Nicholas // Rachel Roy (that scalloped hem!)

Do you have any fun plans for Valentine's Day? Let's hear it! xx

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WEEK IN REVIEW

What. A. Week! I'll be working most of the weekend but I'm excited to squeeze in Sunday brunch with my girlfriends and a little quality time with Rory. Here are a few things going on in my world of late:


- Brunched at Schiller's with Alex, Amy, and Emily. How perfect is Amy's Instagram? She's a must-follow for pretty snaps around the city.

- Drooled over Loren Hope's new site designed by my talented friend Sarah. Whether you're looking for cute baubles or web design inspiration, I highly recommend you check it out! Gorgeous.

- Found so many awesome new products for my boutique at NYIGF. My mom and I were exhausted by the end of it but I can't wait to roll everything out on the site over the next couple months! 

- Rejoiced in seeing these adorable bras back at Madewell. They are so comfy and come in a ton of must-have colors!

- Shared a few snippets and sources of my apartment! Hoping I can commit to a few furniture purchases this weekend.

- Smiled every time I saw my new desk chair from Society Social. Navy upholstery with white piping and a big white bow? It was a no-brainer. Pictures to come!

- Started planning outfits for fashion week next week. I can't wait to share pictures! Follow along on Instagram and Twitter.

Have a great weekend, friends! xx

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J.CREW NEW ARRIVALS



Oh J.Crew, you've really done it this time. Anyone else reaching for their credit cards?!

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APARTMENT DETAILS

Several of you have asked when I'll be sharing a full apartment tour on the blog! I am absolutely dying to share everything with you but have so many finishing touches I'd like to wrap up before I whip out my fancy camera. Until it's 100% ready (I'm sorry to be so type A!), I thought I'd share sources for some of the items I've shared sneak peeks of on Instagram

My sofa is finally in place! It was an impulse purchase on Joss & Main, which I highly recommend checking daily — seriously it's my new addiction. If you're looking for something similar, it looks almost exactly like this one from West Elm. I bought the blanket on Joss & Main as well and the mirror was a vintage score given to me by my mom for my birthday. It totally makes the space! See this post for some of my favorite mirror recommendations. 

I'm using Ikea's Expedit shelves as a room divider with the Branas baskets to store jewelry, paper, and more for my boutique. My bed is on the other side of the shelves and I bought four of these Society Social chairs for around the table where I pack boxes. They're the perfect scale for the space and can be folded up and tucked away if I'm tight on space! The Diptyque candle was a little housewarming gift to myself while shopping with Alex, Amy, and Emily.

This CB2 acrylic console used to be underneath the mirror where the sofa is but now it sits in front of the window and functions as my desk. I need to add a couple end tables to the mix for storage but I love the look!

This Euro Style Lighting mirror is my newest addition. The leather trim kind of kills me in the best way possible. I'm not sure where I'll be hanging it permanently but I kind of like the reflection of the backs of my bookshelves!

Details from my bookshelves... Coral found on Nantucket, Design Darling matches and tortoiseshell bowl, and a few favorite reads including this and this.

I still have so much to do, including but not limited to:
1. Finding a teeny tiny table for next to my door. I desperately need a central spot for tossing keys and mail!
2. Deciding on bedding, headboard, etc. Right now I'm sleeping on the sheets I had a couple years ago in college... This is the definitely the "area" that feels the furthest from completion.
3. Figuring out storage for my office area. My printer is currently on the floor — so not cute or practical.
4. Trying to squeeze an end table on either side of the sofa... This might be mission impossible!
5. Hang a full-length mirror on the closet door and a push light above the clothing rod. I have a decent-sized closet but it's pretty useless when I can't see a thing inside it! 

I'm really trying to slow down and enjoy the process of decorating instead of rushing to make it feel "finished." Thanks for all your enthusiasm! Any other sources you want to know? Tweet me here!

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