IVY & VINE GIVEAWAY

My friend Heather from Ivy & Vine is curating a sale on One Kings Lane this coming Thursday and all the items in this post will be for sale! (How unreal are the hot pink chairs?!) To celebrate, she's giving away this pair of hot pink and navy blue pillows (valued at $450!) to one lucky Design Darling reader!

To enter, simply follow the steps in the Rafflecopter widget below. I'll contact the winner on Friday morning! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My friend Heather from Ivy & Vine is curating a sale on One Kings Lane this coming Thursday and all the items in this post will be for sale! (How unreal are the hot pink chairs?!) To celebrate, she's giving away this pair of hot pink and navy blue pillows (valued at $450!) to one lucky Design Darling reader!

To enter, simply follow the steps in the Rafflecopter widget below. I'll contact the winner on Friday morning! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NEW ORLEANS FASHION WEEK

This past weekend I had the opportunity to travel with Amy, Julia, Liz, Molly and Sally to attend New Orleans Fashion Week. We had all met through various blogging events over the years but we don't get to see each other nearly enough since we're spread out across the country in Chicago, Dallas, New York, and San Francisco. Here are a few snapshots from our fun-filled weekend:

Liz and I hosted an in-store event at Haute, a cute boutique that carries Mara Hoffman, Mason by Michelle Mason, and Tibi among others. I was seriously smitten with these colorful chairs in the front of the store!

Liz and I with the lovely ladies of The Grove Street Press. 

We couldn't resist a trip to Jackson Square for beignets. We didn't have time to wait at Café du Monde (next time!) so we found a spot around the corner that was just as good. Fried dough and powdered sugar... You can't really go wrong.

Easily the highlight of the fashion week events was Camilyn Beth's first ever runway show. The 1960s styling, drop waist dresses, and ruffles galore? Girly girl heaven.

Sitting next to Julia at the show. How chic are her Valentino Rockstuds? I pretty much lived in these all weekend.

Cami's sister actually walked in the show! I think we all teared up when Cami came out and gave her a squeeze. Such a touching sister moment!

And Cami herself! It was so much fun getting to meet her and spend three whole days with my blogging buds... so much so that we're already planning our next girls' trip to an equally fun city. Stay tuned and in the mean time visit their blogs here, here, here, and here :)

This past weekend I had the opportunity to travel with Amy, Julia, Liz, Molly and Sally to attend New Orleans Fashion Week. We had all met through various blogging events over the years but we don't get to see each other nearly enough since we're spread out across the country in Chicago, Dallas, New York, and San Francisco. Here are a few snapshots from our fun-filled weekend:

Liz and I hosted an in-store event at Haute, a cute boutique that carries Mara Hoffman, Mason by Michelle Mason, and Tibi among others. I was seriously smitten with these colorful chairs in the front of the store!

Liz and I with the lovely ladies of The Grove Street Press. 

We couldn't resist a trip to Jackson Square for beignets. We didn't have time to wait at Café du Monde (next time!) so we found a spot around the corner that was just as good. Fried dough and powdered sugar... You can't really go wrong.

Easily the highlight of the fashion week events was Camilyn Beth's first ever runway show. The 1960s styling, drop waist dresses, and ruffles galore? Girly girl heaven.

Sitting next to Julia at the show. How chic are her Valentino Rockstuds? I pretty much lived in these all weekend.

Cami's sister actually walked in the show! I think we all teared up when Cami came out and gave her a squeeze. Such a touching sister moment!

And Cami herself! It was so much fun getting to meet her and spend three whole days with my blogging buds... so much so that we're already planning our next girls' trip to an equally fun city. Stay tuned and in the mean time visit their blogs here, here, here, and here :)

WEEKEND READING

1. Always a treat to see a little Design Darling in a lovely blogger friend's home. Thanks Victoria!

2. Get the look for less: if you liked this leather top, you'll love this $75 alternative.

3. Killer booties for $110... And 15 other pairs I love right here.

4. I ordered these Marais bow slippers and I'm obsessed. The pictures don't do them justice — they're stunning and look like they cost way more than they do. 

5. I totally want a pink sofa after seeing the Ruby Press office (pictured above) featured on Lonny this week.

6. New pencil sets in the boutique (and new items added to sale).

7. Tory Burch rain boots. Need I say more?!

8. Who else is obsessed with Pinterest? I'm on a quest for some fun new people to follow and would love to check out your boards. Leave a link to your Pinterest in the comments and check out my pins here!

P.S. This weekend I'm in New Orleans with Amy, Julia, Liz, Molly, and Sally! If you're in town, I'll be at Haute today from 1-5 and would love to meet you! If not, be sure to follow along on Instagram! Have a good one, friends.

1. Always a treat to see a little Design Darling in a lovely blogger friend's home. Thanks Victoria!

2. Get the look for less: if you liked this leather top, you'll love this $75 alternative.

3. Killer booties for $110... And 15 other pairs I love right here.

4. I ordered these Marais bow slippers and I'm obsessed. The pictures don't do them justice — they're stunning and look like they cost way more than they do. 

5. I totally want a pink sofa after seeing the Ruby Press office (pictured above) featured on Lonny this week.

6. New pencil sets in the boutique (and new items added to sale).

7. Tory Burch rain boots. Need I say more?!

8. Who else is obsessed with Pinterest? I'm on a quest for some fun new people to follow and would love to check out your boards. Leave a link to your Pinterest in the comments and check out my pins here!

P.S. This weekend I'm in New Orleans with Amy, Julia, Liz, Molly, and Sally! If you're in town, I'll be at Haute today from 1-5 and would love to meet you! If not, be sure to follow along on Instagram! Have a good one, friends.

NEW YORK CITY GUIDE: LAFAYETTE

Thank you all for your comments on the first post in this series! Amy and I loved reading about all your favorite New York spots and can't wait to try them all firsthand. Here's where we went this weekend...

Who: Amy of course!

What: Sunday brunch at Lafayette

Where: 380 Lafayette Street, NoHo

Why: Excellent people watching, pretty business cards and matchbooks, and the best almond croissant you've ever tasted. 

Wearing: Annie Griffin dress c/o, Tory Burch bag, J.Crew heels 

*All photos by Amy Stone

Keep up with Design Darling

Boutique / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter

Thank you all for your comments on the first post in this series! Amy and I loved reading about all your favorite New York spots and can't wait to try them all firsthand. Here's where we went this weekend...

Who: Amy of course!

What: Sunday brunch at Lafayette

Where: 380 Lafayette Street, NoHo

Why: Excellent people watching, pretty business cards and matchbooks, and the best almond croissant you've ever tasted. 

Wearing: Annie Griffin dress c/o, Tory Burch bag, J.Crew heels 

*All photos by Amy Stone

Keep up with Design Darling

Boutique / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter

LILLY PULITZER FALL

When I think of Lilly Pulitzer, I think of summery shifts, trips to Nantucket, white jeans... Not exactly my go-tos for fall. (Although they sure were fun this summer!) But I checked out their site on a whim this week and was totally blown away by their fall collection. Cute little jackets, pretty knits, and all my favorite colors in one place. These were my three favorite pieces:

Peplum sweater (you need to see the back!)  //  Tweed jacket  //  Colorblock sweater (under $100!)

Really fun, don't you think? I also love this cashmere cardigan and this navy sweater dress. Annnd it sounds like I'll be stalking their new arrivals year-round. Way to go, Lilly!

When I think of Lilly Pulitzer, I think of summery shifts, trips to Nantucket, white jeans... Not exactly my go-tos for fall. (Although they sure were fun this summer!) But I checked out their site on a whim this week and was totally blown away by their fall collection. Cute little jackets, pretty knits, and all my favorite colors in one place. These were my three favorite pieces:

Peplum sweater (you need to see the back!)  //  Tweed jacket  //  Colorblock sweater (under $100!)

Really fun, don't you think? I also love this cashmere cardigan and this navy sweater dress. Annnd it sounds like I'll be stalking their new arrivals year-round. Way to go, Lilly!

AMY STONE'S APARTMENT TOUR

I'm excited beyond belief that my friend Amy let me photograph her apartment to share with you all! She lives in the cutest one-bedroom in the West Village — I'm seriously obsessed with all her little treasures and trinkets. Isn't her desk set-up to die for? Don't be surprised when my Pinterest is covered in pictures of her place. Shop the slideshow below for a few pieces to recreate Amy's look chez vous:

I'm excited beyond belief that my friend Amy let me photograph her apartment to share with you all! She lives in the cutest one-bedroom in the West Village — I'm seriously obsessed with all her little treasures and trinkets. Isn't her desk set-up to die for? Don't be surprised when my Pinterest is covered in pictures of her place. Shop the slideshow below for a few pieces to recreate Amy's look chez vous:

DESIGN DARLING FALL BOOT GUIDE

There's no more important fall purchase than the perfect pair of boots. In my mind, if you're going to invest in one thing this season, it should be a quality pair of leather boots. They'll last you season after season (with a little resoling in between, of course) and the cost-per-wear is essentially pennies... at least when you live in the northeast. Here are the pairs that have caught my eye this fall:

(1) Steven  (2) Madewell  (3) Jean-Michel Cazabat  (4) J.Crew  (5) J.Crew

(6) Club Monaco  (7) Kate Spade  (8) J.Crew  (9) Tory Burch  (10) Loeffler Randall

(11) Plomo  (12) Diane von Furstenberg  (13) Tory Burch  (14) Loeffler Randall  (15) Mulberry

My two favorites are these and these. Again, leather booties and riding boots are something I recommend splurging on for better quality but, if you're looking for a pair under $200, I recommend this brand. 

Do you live in fall boots too? What's your go-to pair?

P.S. If any of the J.Crew boots strike your fancy, use SHOPFALL to save 25% at checkout (ends tomorrow!).

There's no more important fall purchase than the perfect pair of boots. In my mind, if you're going to invest in one thing this season, it should be a quality pair of leather boots. They'll last you season after season (with a little resoling in between, of course) and the cost-per-wear is essentially pennies... at least when you live in the northeast. Here are the pairs that have caught my eye this fall:

(1) Steven  (2) Madewell  (3) Jean-Michel Cazabat  (4) J.Crew  (5) J.Crew

(6) Club Monaco  (7) Kate Spade  (8) J.Crew  (9) Tory Burch  (10) Loeffler Randall

(11) Plomo  (12) Diane von Furstenberg  (13) Tory Burch  (14) Loeffler Randall  (15) Mulberry

My two favorites are these and these. Again, leather booties and riding boots are something I recommend splurging on for better quality but, if you're looking for a pair under $200, I recommend this brand. 

Do you live in fall boots too? What's your go-to pair?

P.S. If any of the J.Crew boots strike your fancy, use SHOPFALL to save 25% at checkout (ends tomorrow!).

WHAT'S IN MY BEAU BAG

One of the things I love most about the Beau bag I wore on the blog last week is its size. It's roomy enough for a laptop, iPad, textbooks, you name it... But not so big that it totally overpowers me. To give you an idea of how much it holds, here's what I was toting around last weekend...

Kate Spade Beau bag c/o  //  Macbook Pro  //  Maybelline mascara

C. Wonder sunglasses  //  K. Slademade key fob  //  NARS bronzer

Design Darling notebook  //  Design Darling hair ties  //  Lafayette matchbook

C. Wonder cuff   //  Le Pens  //  Tory Burch wallet  //  Ray-Ban eyeglasses  //  iPhone

Also, let's be serious: taking these pictures forced me to empty out some things that I definitely did not need to be carrying around (see ya, dry cleaning receipts and five pounds of pennies). If you do one thing this week, empty the contents of your purse and do a little tidying. It only takes a couple minutes and it's an instant mood booster! Especially when the bag is this cute ;)

*Photos by Amy Stone

One of the things I love most about the Beau bag I wore on the blog last week is its size. It's roomy enough for a laptop, iPad, textbooks, you name it... But not so big that it totally overpowers me. To give you an idea of how much it holds, here's what I was toting around last weekend...

Kate Spade Beau bag c/o  //  Macbook Pro  //  Maybelline mascara

C. Wonder sunglasses  //  K. Slademade key fob  //  NARS bronzer

Design Darling notebook  //  Design Darling hair ties  //  Lafayette matchbook

C. Wonder cuff   //  Le Pens  //  Tory Burch wallet  //  Ray-Ban eyeglasses  //  iPhone

Also, let's be serious: taking these pictures forced me to empty out some things that I definitely did not need to be carrying around (see ya, dry cleaning receipts and five pounds of pennies). If you do one thing this week, empty the contents of your purse and do a little tidying. It only takes a couple minutes and it's an instant mood booster! Especially when the bag is this cute ;)

*Photos by Amy Stone

INTERIOR INSPIRATION

A few of the things inspiring me in the interior realm lately: gold picture frames, hot pink dining chairs, lucite tables, pale blue slipper chairs, and the cutest striped sofa I ever did see. For more interior inspiration, follow me here. I hope you have a happy and inspired Sunday! xx

*Photos 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

A few of the things inspiring me in the interior realm lately: gold picture frames, hot pink dining chairs, lucite tables, pale blue slipper chairs, and the cutest striped sofa I ever did see. For more interior inspiration, follow me here. I hope you have a happy and inspired Sunday! xx

*Photos 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

WHICH SWEATER IS YOUR FAVORITE?

Sweater weather is officially here and I'm pretty excited about it. I haven't done much fall shopping yet but here's my ultimate wishlist for fall sweaters. Bring on the comfy, cozy goodness:

(1) Rebecca Taylor  (2) J.Crew

(3) Joie  (4) Equipment

(5) Rebecca Taylor  (6) 360 Cashmere

My top three are this casual option, this cozy pullover, and this embellished number. Help me decide! Which sweater is your favorite? 

P.S. A few more I love under $100: a cable knit cardigan that would be adorable with a belt, a cute colorblock crewneck, an easy basic you can monogram, a pretty peplum in winter white, and a thermal cardigan that's perfect for errands and the gym.

Sweater weather is officially here and I'm pretty excited about it. I haven't done much fall shopping yet but here's my ultimate wishlist for fall sweaters. Bring on the comfy, cozy goodness:

(1) Rebecca Taylor  (2) J.Crew

(3) Joie  (4) Equipment

(5) Rebecca Taylor  (6) 360 Cashmere

My top three are this casual option, this cozy pullover, and this embellished number. Help me decide! Which sweater is your favorite? 

P.S. A few more I love under $100: a cable knit cardigan that would be adorable with a belt, a cute colorblock crewneck, an easy basic you can monogram, a pretty peplum in winter white, and a thermal cardigan that's perfect for errands and the gym.

NEW YORK CITY GUIDE: JACK'S WIFE FREDA

Practically everyone I've met in New York has a list of restaurants they're anxious to try. I started mine after reading your comments on this post and have been adding to it based on friends' recommendations and pretty Instagram photos ever since. As a challenge to myself to a) try new places in new neighborhoods and b) branch out into more lifestyle content without posting recipes I can't cook, I decided to start sharing some of my newfound favorites here on the blog with the help of my friend Amy's fabulous photography!

Who: Miss Amy Stone

What: Sunday brunch at Jack's Wife Freda

Where: 224 Lafayette Street, SoHo

Why: Adorable branding, avocado toast, cute waiters, outdoor seating, waffles made with rosewater... Yum. 

Have any of you been to Jack's Wife Freda? What are some of your favorite brunch spots in the city? You know I'm taking notes!

Keep up with Design Darling

Boutique / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter

Practically everyone I've met in New York has a list of restaurants they're anxious to try. I started mine after reading your comments on this post and have been adding to it based on friends' recommendations and pretty Instagram photos ever since. As a challenge to myself to a) try new places in new neighborhoods and b) branch out into more lifestyle content without posting recipes I can't cook, I decided to start sharing some of my newfound favorites here on the blog with the help of my friend Amy's fabulous photography!

Who: Miss Amy Stone

What: Sunday brunch at Jack's Wife Freda

Where: 224 Lafayette Street, SoHo

Why: Adorable branding, avocado toast, cute waiters, outdoor seating, waffles made with rosewater... Yum. 

Have any of you been to Jack's Wife Freda? What are some of your favorite brunch spots in the city? You know I'm taking notes!

Keep up with Design Darling

Boutique / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter

5 TRAVEL BAGS I LOVE

(1) Sole Society  (2) J. McLaughlin  (3) Longchamp  (4) Tory Burch  (5) Frank Clegg

As I gear up for my month of travel, I need a travel bag that's big enough to accommodate my overpacking tendencies, small enough to tuck in an overhead compartment, and stylish enough that I'm not embarrassed to lug it around the airport. You might remember my monogrammed luggage from this post but I figured I'd do a little round-up for anyone else who might be traveling this month (or the holidays — how is it fall already?!). Seriously lusting after the Tory Burch but the $70 option is too good to resist!

(1) Sole Society  (2) J. McLaughlin  (3) Longchamp  (4) Tory Burch  (5) Frank Clegg

As I gear up for my month of travel, I need a travel bag that's big enough to accommodate my overpacking tendencies, small enough to tuck in an overhead compartment, and stylish enough that I'm not embarrassed to lug it around the airport. You might remember my monogrammed luggage from this post but I figured I'd do a little round-up for anyone else who might be traveling this month (or the holidays — how is it fall already?!). Seriously lusting after the Tory Burch but the $70 option is too good to resist!

KATE SPADE BEAU BAG

J.Crew cashmere boyfriend sweater  //  Kate Spade Beau bag c/o

J. Brand jeans c/o  //  Elizabeth & James booties (similar)  //  Ray-Ban eyeglasses

Christmas came early last week when Kate Spade sent me the black and tan version of their new Beau bag! It was the perfect end to fashion week and I'm absolutely obsessed with the color combo (especially given my plans to mix black and navy all fall). I spent most of yesterday wandering around SoHo and the West Village with Amy — the weather was seriously perfect for ducking in and out of stores and having lunch (and coffee... and dinner...) outside. Fall weather, spontaneous girlfriends, and a little Kate Spade... Weekends don't get much better than that!

*Photos by Amy Stone

*This post is sponsored by Kate Spade, a brand I genuinely love. Thank you for supporting the companies that make Design Darling possible!

J.Crew cashmere boyfriend sweater  //  Kate Spade Beau bag c/o

J. Brand jeans c/o  //  Elizabeth & James booties (similar)  //  Ray-Ban eyeglasses

Christmas came early last week when Kate Spade sent me the black and tan version of their new Beau bag! It was the perfect end to fashion week and I'm absolutely obsessed with the color combo (especially given my plans to mix black and navy all fall). I spent most of yesterday wandering around SoHo and the West Village with Amy — the weather was seriously perfect for ducking in and out of stores and having lunch (and coffee... and dinner...) outside. Fall weather, spontaneous girlfriends, and a little Kate Spade... Weekends don't get much better than that!

*Photos by Amy Stone

*This post is sponsored by Kate Spade, a brand I genuinely love. Thank you for supporting the companies that make Design Darling possible!

WEEKEND READING

1. An adorable LBD for only $58.

2. Carly and I had the best time hanging with Julia from Gal Meets Glam during fashion week. How insanely chic is this look of hers?

3. Could I pull off this crazy cool gold ring?

4. I know I'm not the only one who worships at the altar of Jenna Lyons... Read ten of her essentials on GQ.

5. I spotted someone wearing this white skirt at Lincoln Center and now I'm convinced I need it.

6. I've gotten totally sucked into this blog by two graphic designer friends who decide to date for forty days. I've read through day thirty and I'm pacing myself because I know I'll be sad once it's over!

7. New arrivals in the boutique! If you're looking for a pretty print or new stationery, we've got you covered.

8. OMG OMG OMG. Tory Burch is launching a beauty collection on September 26. Pre-order all the goodness right here!

9. This pretty sweater looks like my favorite ginger jars in clothing form... Yes please.

10. Wise words for today and every day.

*Photos 1 / 2 / 3

1. An adorable LBD for only $58.

2. Carly and I had the best time hanging with Julia from Gal Meets Glam during fashion week. How insanely chic is this look of hers?

3. Could I pull off this crazy cool gold ring?

4. I know I'm not the only one who worships at the altar of Jenna Lyons... Read ten of her essentials on GQ.

5. I spotted someone wearing this white skirt at Lincoln Center and now I'm convinced I need it.

6. I've gotten totally sucked into this blog by two graphic designer friends who decide to date for forty days. I've read through day thirty and I'm pacing myself because I know I'll be sad once it's over!

7. New arrivals in the boutique! If you're looking for a pretty print or new stationery, we've got you covered.

8. OMG OMG OMG. Tory Burch is launching a beauty collection on September 26. Pre-order all the goodness right here!

9. This pretty sweater looks like my favorite ginger jars in clothing form... Yes please.

10. Wise words for today and every day.

*Photos 1 / 2 / 3