FRIENDS WITH STYLE {EDDY'S VINEYARD VINES VEST}

Vineyard Vines vest (hello, great guy gift!)  //  J.Crew flannel shirt  //  Dang sunglasses

Gap jeans  //  J.Crew desert boots  //  Swiss Army watch

It's been way too long since the last Friends With Style post! I took these pictures of Eddy on a coffee break from work — this is as close to #navyornothing as it gets. Pretty sharp, don't you think? The Vineyard Vines vest is such an easy piece to pull together a look and it's a great gift at under $100. Oh and I'm convinced every boy should own a pair or two of desert boots for year-round wear... As you know, I live in mine ;)

Vineyard Vines vest (hello, great guy gift!)  //  J.Crew flannel shirt  //  Dang sunglasses

Gap jeans  //  J.Crew desert boots  //  Swiss Army watch

It's been way too long since the last Friends With Style post! I took these pictures of Eddy on a coffee break from work — this is as close to #navyornothing as it gets. Pretty sharp, don't you think? The Vineyard Vines vest is such an easy piece to pull together a look and it's a great gift at under $100. Oh and I'm convinced every boy should own a pair or two of desert boots for year-round wear... As you know, I live in mine ;)

JACK ROGERS & SAIL TO SABLE

Last week Carly and I had the pleasure of hosting a party at the Jack Rogers store, where our friends from Sail To Sable debuted their holiday and resort collections. We both wore this dress — Carly in black, me in navy — and I wore these shoes (now on sale!). 

The store is basically the cutest place on earth! Hot pink upholstery, lime green and turquoise dressing rooms, oversized photos of Jackie O... I mean, I could move in tomorrow. 

Carly and I with the ladies of Jack Rogers and Sail To Sable! I love that three of us were wearing the same dress — the fit is just so, so good. I only picked up my dress a half hour before the event (#livedangerously) and I was so worried it wouldn't fit properly... But anything that involves a fit-and-flare silhouette, navy velvet stripes, and mandatory twirling throughout the night is basically a no-brainer. If you need a dress for holiday parties, I highly recommend it!  

My next Sail To Sable purchase? This navy sequin dress. One of the girls from Sail To Sable wore it to the party and people actually bought the dress off her body multiple times throughout the night... Too funny.

Of course the best part was getting to catch up with blog friends and to meet lots of friendly new faces! Carly and I had so many awesome conversations with our readers and I just feel so darn lucky to have you guys in my life. Such a special night! xx

Last week Carly and I had the pleasure of hosting a party at the Jack Rogers store, where our friends from Sail To Sable debuted their holiday and resort collections. We both wore this dress — Carly in black, me in navy — and I wore these shoes (now on sale!). 

The store is basically the cutest place on earth! Hot pink upholstery, lime green and turquoise dressing rooms, oversized photos of Jackie O... I mean, I could move in tomorrow. 

Carly and I with the ladies of Jack Rogers and Sail To Sable! I love that three of us were wearing the same dress — the fit is just so, so good. I only picked up my dress a half hour before the event (#livedangerously) and I was so worried it wouldn't fit properly... But anything that involves a fit-and-flare silhouette, navy velvet stripes, and mandatory twirling throughout the night is basically a no-brainer. If you need a dress for holiday parties, I highly recommend it!  

My next Sail To Sable purchase? This navy sequin dress. One of the girls from Sail To Sable wore it to the party and people actually bought the dress off her body multiple times throughout the night... Too funny.

Of course the best part was getting to catch up with blog friends and to meet lots of friendly new faces! Carly and I had so many awesome conversations with our readers and I just feel so darn lucky to have you guys in my life. Such a special night! xx

J.CREW GREENWICH EVENT!

YOU GUYS! I am so excited. If you've read Design Darling for, oh, five minutes, you've probably gathered that I basically live in J.Crew: easy jackets, cozy sweaters, monogrammed cashmere, statement shoes, my favorite navy blazer, winter coats, even a leather t-shirt... The list goes on. I've pinned probably every outfit that Jenna Lyons has ever worn and I shamelessly stalk style.com waiting for images of their new collection during fashion week. Suffice it to say I'm picking up what J.Crew is putting down (and usually quite literally!).

So I was pretty elated when the J.Crew store in Greenwich, Connecticut (close to my hometown of Darien!), reached out and asked me to partner with them for a holiday style session. It was a happy dance heard 'round the Upper East Side, I'll tell you that much! If you happen to find yourself in Greenwich tomorrow (Wednesday) evening between 6 and 8 p.m., I would love to see you! There will be styling, shopping, light refreshments, and you'll save 25% on orders over $150. Who's excited?!

P.S. If you can't make it to the event, you can still shop my J.Crew holiday favorites right here:

YOU GUYS! I am so excited. If you've read Design Darling for, oh, five minutes, you've probably gathered that I basically live in J.Crew: easy jackets, cozy sweaters, monogrammed cashmere, statement shoes, my favorite navy blazer, winter coats, even a leather t-shirt... The list goes on. I've pinned probably every outfit that Jenna Lyons has ever worn and I shamelessly stalk style.com waiting for images of their new collection during fashion week. Suffice it to say I'm picking up what J.Crew is putting down (and usually quite literally!).

So I was pretty elated when the J.Crew store in Greenwich, Connecticut (close to my hometown of Darien!), reached out and asked me to partner with them for a holiday style session. It was a happy dance heard 'round the Upper East Side, I'll tell you that much! If you happen to find yourself in Greenwich tomorrow (Wednesday) evening between 6 and 8 p.m., I would love to see you! There will be styling, shopping, light refreshments, and you'll save 25% on orders over $150. Who's excited?!

P.S. If you can't make it to the event, you can still shop my J.Crew holiday favorites right here:

OUTFIT {HOW TO WEAR A PONCHO}

C. Wonder cat eye sunglasses  //  Jigsaw London poncho c/o  //  Jack Wills faux fur snood  Rag & Bone jeans  //  Alice & Olivia pumps

I've been something of a sweater fiend lately — all I want to wear are elbow patch sweaters and oversized cashmere. I wasn't entirely sure how to wear a poncho before Jigsaw sent me this pretty knit option but now it's seriously the comfiest item of clothing I own. I wore mine over a plain navy t-shirt but I also think it would be pretty cute over an oxford shirt! What do you think? Would you wear a poncho? Let's hear it! 

P.S. Check back here this afternoon for an exciting announcement! 

C. Wonder cat eye sunglasses  //  Jigsaw London poncho c/o  //  Jack Wills faux fur snood  Rag & Bone jeans  //  Alice & Olivia pumps

I've been something of a sweater fiend lately — all I want to wear are elbow patch sweaters and oversized cashmere. I wasn't entirely sure how to wear a poncho before Jigsaw sent me this pretty knit option but now it's seriously the comfiest item of clothing I own. I wore mine over a plain navy t-shirt but I also think it would be pretty cute over an oxford shirt! What do you think? Would you wear a poncho? Let's hear it! 

P.S. Check back here this afternoon for an exciting announcement! 

JACK ROGERS NAVY GLITTER GIVEAWAY!

My friend Anne wore this dress to our Sail To Sable party last week and it was basically love at first sight. Navy and sequins in one pretty little dress? Yes please. Suddenly I found myself wanting to plan a winter vacation just so I had an excuse to add it to my closet. #normal

We hosted the party at the Jack Rogers store on the Upper East Side (it couldn't be cuter!) and these navy glitter sandals also totally caught my eye... You could say I'm a little predictable ;) I'm extra excited that Jack Rogers is generously giving away a pair of them to one of you! Simply follow the steps in the widget below and I'll draw the lucky winner on Friday! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My friend Anne wore this dress to our Sail To Sable party last week and it was basically love at first sight. Navy and sequins in one pretty little dress? Yes please. Suddenly I found myself wanting to plan a winter vacation just so I had an excuse to add it to my closet. #normal

We hosted the party at the Jack Rogers store on the Upper East Side (it couldn't be cuter!) and these navy glitter sandals also totally caught my eye... You could say I'm a little predictable ;) I'm extra excited that Jack Rogers is generously giving away a pair of them to one of you! Simply follow the steps in the widget below and I'll draw the lucky winner on Friday! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

WINTER WEEKEND

You. Guys. This week was insane. Blogger events, emails up to my eyeballs, inventory everywhere, orders waiting to be picked up, running on way too little sleep... I feel totally burnt out and need to take better care of myself this weekend. It was definitely one of those weeks where I felt the growing pains of owning a small business — I can't wait to be able to think about securing office space, hiring more helping hands, and really kicking things up a notch in 2014.

This weekend my friend Wes (follow him on Twitter, he's hilarious) is visiting from D.C. and I'm so excited to spend some quality time with him in between a few really exciting projects for the blog. I'm so grateful for friends who put up with my craziness and help me poke fun at myself... As they say, laughter is the best medicine! I hope you all have a good one and I'll see you back here — hopefully feeling a little more like myself — on Monday! xx

* hat  //  bun  //  coffee  //  book  //  blanket  //  puppy

You. Guys. This week was insane. Blogger events, emails up to my eyeballs, inventory everywhere, orders waiting to be picked up, running on way too little sleep... I feel totally burnt out and need to take better care of myself this weekend. It was definitely one of those weeks where I felt the growing pains of owning a small business — I can't wait to be able to think about securing office space, hiring more helping hands, and really kicking things up a notch in 2014.

This weekend my friend Wes (follow him on Twitter, he's hilarious) is visiting from D.C. and I'm so excited to spend some quality time with him in between a few really exciting projects for the blog. I'm so grateful for friends who put up with my craziness and help me poke fun at myself... As they say, laughter is the best medicine! I hope you all have a good one and I'll see you back here — hopefully feeling a little more like myself — on Monday! xx

* hat  //  bun  //  coffee  //  book  //  blanket  //  puppy

OUTFIT {ELIZABETH MCKAY}

Oh man, these pictures bring back the best memories from our trip to Boston! Carly and I took these outfit pictures the day after one too many gin and tonics my beloved Red Sox advanced to the World Series on the most perfect fall day in Beacon Hill. We're both wearing pieces from our friend Elizabeth McKay's beautiful collection — I can't get enough of this navy cropped jacket and its hot pink silk lining. It feels like it was made just for me! 

I'm wearing:

Elizabeth McKay jacket c/o  //  American Apparel t-shirt  //  Rag & Bone jeans (last seen here)

Krewe du Optic sunglasses c/o  //  Tory Burch bag  //  Madewell desert boots (old, similar here and here)

To see more pictures and sources for Carly's outfit, check out her post right here!

*Photos by Amy Stone

Oh man, these pictures bring back the best memories from our trip to Boston! Carly and I took these outfit pictures the day after one too many gin and tonics my beloved Red Sox advanced to the World Series on the most perfect fall day in Beacon Hill. We're both wearing pieces from our friend Elizabeth McKay's beautiful collection — I can't get enough of this navy cropped jacket and its hot pink silk lining. It feels like it was made just for me! 

I'm wearing:

Elizabeth McKay jacket c/o  //  American Apparel t-shirt  //  Rag & Bone jeans (last seen here)

Krewe du Optic sunglasses c/o  //  Tory Burch bag  //  Madewell desert boots (old, similar here and here)

To see more pictures and sources for Carly's outfit, check out her post right here!

*Photos by Amy Stone

WEDNESDAY WISHLIST

one  //  two  //  three  //  four  //  five  //  six  //  seven (yes, that is a bow waistband and yes, I have died and gone to heaven)  //  eight (hello, monogrammed leather gloves, you will be mine)  //  nine  //  ten

Is anyone else just totally overwhelmed this week?! This is the craziest time of year for my business which means less sleep, lots of cardboard boxes all over the apartment, and working overtime to make sure everyone gets their holiday orders on time. Most days I forget to eat lunch until it's dinnertime, let personal errands like grocery shopping and dry cleaning fall by the wayside, watch unread emails and text messages pile up while I work... But I truly wouldn't have it any other way. This is my first Christmas season in New York and I intend to make the most of it! My favorite diversion of all? Retail therapy, of course. Say it with me: one for you and two for me! ;)

one  //  two  //  three  //  four  //  five  //  six  //  seven (yes, that is a bow waistband and yes, I have died and gone to heaven)  //  eight (hello, monogrammed leather gloves, you will be mine)  //  nine  //  ten

Is anyone else just totally overwhelmed this week?! This is the craziest time of year for my business which means less sleep, lots of cardboard boxes all over the apartment, and working overtime to make sure everyone gets their holiday orders on time. Most days I forget to eat lunch until it's dinnertime, let personal errands like grocery shopping and dry cleaning fall by the wayside, watch unread emails and text messages pile up while I work... But I truly wouldn't have it any other way. This is my first Christmas season in New York and I intend to make the most of it! My favorite diversion of all? Retail therapy, of course. Say it with me: one for you and two for me! ;)

LULU & GEORGIA $100 GIVEAWAY!

Who wants $100 to Lulu & Georgia?! I'm kind of jealous I can't enter this one because I have my eye on quite a few things on their site: the ceramic Haleigh lamp, a leather Moroccan pouf, a coffee table book or two... Thankfully they're offering all of us 10% off today only with code DESIGNDARLING10 at checkout.

To enter to win a $100 gift card, leave a comment telling me how you'd spend your winnings and follow the steps in the widget below. I'll contact the winner tomorrow! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Who wants $100 to Lulu & Georgia?! I'm kind of jealous I can't enter this one because I have my eye on quite a few things on their site: the ceramic Haleigh lamp, a leather Moroccan pouf, a coffee table book or two... Thankfully they're offering all of us 10% off today only with code DESIGNDARLING10 at checkout.

To enter to win a $100 gift card, leave a comment telling me how you'd spend your winnings and follow the steps in the widget below. I'll contact the winner tomorrow! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NEW ARRIVALS IN THE BOUTIQUE!

Drumroll please... Say hello to Design Darling's newest arrivals! There are four iPhone cases by Emily Ley that you'll only find at designdarling.com, a couple custom trinket trays in my favorite patterns, and as always a few great giftables. I hope you find the perfect present for that tricky person on your list (I find this is an awesome gender-neutral gift) or something pretty to add to your own holiday wishlist. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your enthusiastic support this holiday season — you guys make my world go round. xx

Drumroll please... Say hello to Design Darling's newest arrivals! There are four iPhone cases by Emily Ley that you'll only find at designdarling.com, a couple custom trinket trays in my favorite patterns, and as always a few great giftables. I hope you find the perfect present for that tricky person on your list (I find this is an awesome gender-neutral gift) or something pretty to add to your own holiday wishlist. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your enthusiastic support this holiday season — you guys make my world go round. xx

MUST-HAVE: THE CAMEL COAT

Last week we talked about wanting a cape coat; this week let's talk about my favorite coat I already own. Every girl needs a classic camel coat — mine was a gift from my mom last Christmas and you can see it right here. Here are a few options if you're looking to scoop one up this season!

Mango military coat ($189)

ASOS leather trim coat ($195 — obsessed!)

Gerald & Stewart pea coat ($329)

J.Crew cocoon coat ($350)

Club Monaco quilted sleeve coat ($398)

Club Monaco calf hair coat ($529)

Nanette Lepore leather detail coat ($598)

Lafayette 148 leather trim coat ($1,298)

*Images 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

Last week we talked about wanting a cape coat; this week let's talk about my favorite coat I already own. Every girl needs a classic camel coat — mine was a gift from my mom last Christmas and you can see it right here. Here are a few options if you're looking to scoop one up this season!

Mango military coat ($189)

ASOS leather trim coat ($195 — obsessed!)

Gerald & Stewart pea coat ($329)

J.Crew cocoon coat ($350)

Club Monaco quilted sleeve coat ($398)

Club Monaco calf hair coat ($529)

Nanette Lepore leather detail coat ($598)

Lafayette 148 leather trim coat ($1,298)

*Images 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

TORY BURCH SALE!

Vanessa jacket  //  Mae bootie

Thea zip continental wallet  //  Ivana jacket

Hattie jacket  //  Lawrie riding boot  

I've been searching high and low for the perfect tweed jacket and I have a Tory Burch gift card that's been burning a hole in my pocket. So new items added to the Tory Burch sale with tweed jackets galore means the universe is giving me a sign, don't you think? 

Now here's the moment of truth: would you choose this one or this one? Help me choose! And don't forget to check out the sale for yourself — the shoe selection is off the hook ;)

Vanessa jacket  //  Mae bootie

Thea zip continental wallet  //  Ivana jacket

Hattie jacket  //  Lawrie riding boot  

I've been searching high and low for the perfect tweed jacket and I have a Tory Burch gift card that's been burning a hole in my pocket. So new items added to the Tory Burch sale with tweed jackets galore means the universe is giving me a sign, don't you think? 

Now here's the moment of truth: would you choose this one or this one? Help me choose! And don't forget to check out the sale for yourself — the shoe selection is off the hook ;)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

New York ladies, mark your calendars! Carly and I are hosting an event on Tuesday night and you're all invited. It's at the adorable Jack Rogers store on the Upper East Side and our friends at Sail To Sable will be unveiling their gorgeous holiday and resort collections. You won't want to miss! (Remember how much fun last year was?) Hope to see you there!

New York ladies, mark your calendars! Carly and I are hosting an event on Tuesday night and you're all invited. It's at the adorable Jack Rogers store on the Upper East Side and our friends at Sail To Sable will be unveiling their gorgeous holiday and resort collections. You won't want to miss! (Remember how much fun last year was?) Hope to see you there!

LULU & GEORGIA BOOKENDS

It's been too long since I shared any apartment updates! I kind of took a break from decorating after my apartment tour went live but I've added a couple new items and restyled here and there. This spot is on top of the radiator underneath my gallery wall and I recently restyled it with these horse bookends courtesy of Lulu & Georgia. It's right next to my desk so I wanted it to be a colorful little vignette that would brighten my work day! Paired with a few of my favorite books, my go-to candle, and some matches from my boutique, the bookends are the perfect equestrian accent. Check out how some of my blogger friends styled their bookends on the Lulu & Georgia blog and shop a few of my favorite books in the slideshow below.

P.S. Want some bookends of your own? Use code BOOKWORM for free shipping with your order!

P.P.S. How gorgeous is the painting by Theresa Drapkin?! Her Etsy shop is full of gorgeous original paintings — I can't wait to see what she creates next!

It's been too long since I shared any apartment updates! I kind of took a break from decorating after my apartment tour went live but I've added a couple new items and restyled here and there. This spot is on top of the radiator underneath my gallery wall and I recently restyled it with these horse bookends courtesy of Lulu & Georgia. It's right next to my desk so I wanted it to be a colorful little vignette that would brighten my work day! Paired with a few of my favorite books, my go-to candle, and some matches from my boutique, the bookends are the perfect equestrian accent. Check out how some of my blogger friends styled their bookends on the Lulu & Georgia blog and shop a few of my favorite books in the slideshow below.

P.S. Want some bookends of your own? Use code BOOKWORM for free shipping with your order!

P.P.S. How gorgeous is the painting by Theresa Drapkin?! Her Etsy shop is full of gorgeous original paintings — I can't wait to see what she creates next!

ARE YOU A BAG, JEWELRY, OR SHOE PERSON?

I have a new theory that Eddy is probably sick of hearing me talk about so I thought I'd share it with all of you: I think all women are innately either bag or jewelry or shoe people. You can appreciate all three, sure, but there's one category that always draws you in more than the others. Do you think that's true? Which one are you? Here's my answer...

Shoes all the way! A new pair of shoes makes me totally reconsider my whole wardrobe; I start playing dress-up with pieces I haven't worn in a while and suddenly even my most boring outfits feel fresh and fun again. I've never worn a ton of jewelry — usually just one or two pieces from my boutique — and switching handbags always feels like such a chore. What about you? Are you a bag, jewelry, or shoe person? I'm dying to know! 

P.S. If you're a fellow "shoe person," you might enjoy a few of my favorite pairs at the moment...

*Photos 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11

I have a new theory that Eddy is probably sick of hearing me talk about so I thought I'd share it with all of you: I think all women are innately either bag or jewelry or shoe people. You can appreciate all three, sure, but there's one category that always draws you in more than the others. Do you think that's true? Which one are you? Here's my answer...

Shoes all the way! A new pair of shoes makes me totally reconsider my whole wardrobe; I start playing dress-up with pieces I haven't worn in a while and suddenly even my most boring outfits feel fresh and fun again. I've never worn a ton of jewelry — usually just one or two pieces from my boutique — and switching handbags always feels like such a chore. What about you? Are you a bag, jewelry, or shoe person? I'm dying to know! 

P.S. If you're a fellow "shoe person," you might enjoy a few of my favorite pairs at the moment...

*Photos 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11

CURRENT OBSESSIONS

1. Diptyque Baies candle

I've gone through three of them since moving to New York and I don't think I'll ever find another scent I love quite so much. Every time I run out, I skip over to the Diptyque store on Madison Ave. for a replacement. Bonus: I use the empty candles to hold makeup brushes and my toothbrush!

2. Brandy Pham Lovely Ring

Brandy and I follow each other on Instagram and I'm obsessed with her classic-with-a-twist style. When she sent me this ring, I immediately put it on and haven't taken it off since. So many people have asked where I've gotten it — it's perfectly dainty, unique, and apparently a good conversation starter to boot! See it in action here.

3. Henry & Belle Super Skinny in Spruce

I don't know what it is but these jeans are magic. They're a little long on me (I'm 5'1") and I'm worried to have them hemmed with the zipper so I've been tucking them into my riding boots. Confession: I totally wore them all day Saturday and Sunday and have a feeling they'll be in heavy rotation when it comes time for snow boots too.

4. Jack Wills faux fur snood

I picked this up during our trip to Boston and it's been hard to resist wearing it every single day. I've been pairing it with my J.Crew field jacket (as seen here) or just throwing it on top of a sweater if it's not too chilly out. Cozy and super cute... What's not to love?

5. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes 

If I were to write a lazy girl's guide to makeup, these would be the pièce de résistance. I picked them up at the drugstore for $5 and now I have no excuse to sleep in makeup when I'm too tired to do my whole nighttime skincare regimen. They're great at removing eye makeup (always the hardest part, no?) and leave my skin feeling fresh and soft. Yes, please!

- - - 

Any products you're obsessed with right now? I'd love to hear from you!

  

1. Diptyque Baies candle

I've gone through three of them since moving to New York and I don't think I'll ever find another scent I love quite so much. Every time I run out, I skip over to the Diptyque store on Madison Ave. for a replacement. Bonus: I use the empty candles to hold makeup brushes and my toothbrush!

2. Brandy Pham Lovely Ring

Brandy and I follow each other on Instagram and I'm obsessed with her classic-with-a-twist style. When she sent me this ring, I immediately put it on and haven't taken it off since. So many people have asked where I've gotten it — it's perfectly dainty, unique, and apparently a good conversation starter to boot! See it in action here.

3. Henry & Belle Super Skinny in Spruce

I don't know what it is but these jeans are magic. They're a little long on me (I'm 5'1") and I'm worried to have them hemmed with the zipper so I've been tucking them into my riding boots. Confession: I totally wore them all day Saturday and Sunday and have a feeling they'll be in heavy rotation when it comes time for snow boots too.

4. Jack Wills faux fur snood

I picked this up during our trip to Boston and it's been hard to resist wearing it every single day. I've been pairing it with my J.Crew field jacket (as seen here) or just throwing it on top of a sweater if it's not too chilly out. Cozy and super cute... What's not to love?

5. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes 

If I were to write a lazy girl's guide to makeup, these would be the pièce de résistance. I picked them up at the drugstore for $5 and now I have no excuse to sleep in makeup when I'm too tired to do my whole nighttime skincare regimen. They're great at removing eye makeup (always the hardest part, no?) and leave my skin feeling fresh and soft. Yes, please!

- - - 

Any products you're obsessed with right now? I'd love to hear from you!