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BLOGSHOP NEW YORK


Last week I got to cross off my tenth task on my 101 in 1001 list. Wooohoooo! I finally downloaded Photoshop and took Blogshop as a crash course in learning the program. All I can say is whoa. I didn't know my 24-year-old brain was capable of absorbing that much information in just two days (you know how they say the optimal age to learn a new language is around 10?) and I can't wait to incorporate some of what I learned into Design Darling over the coming weeks and months. Understanding layers, adding type, writing on images, applying actions, learning healing and stamping... I feel like I have a totally new vocabulary. Oh and we even made gifs:

{Wearing this top and this necklace}

If you're on the fence about taking Blogshop, here's my advice: do it. I've definitely paid for disappointing classes and workshops before but this was not one of them. The workshop was the perfect mix of fun and structure: mimosas, numbered lessons, photo opps, practice time, etc. There were interns walking around to make sure everyone was up to speed and we were given flash drives with every lesson as a takeaway for more practice at home. And the lessons are pertinent well beyond blogging — I know I'll be able to improve product photos for my boutique and even touch up our family Christmas cards thanks to everything I learned. If you've been wanting to learn Photoshop, this is the way to do it.

*This is not a sponsored post. I just loved the experience and had to share!


OUTFIT {NORDSTROM FAVORITES}

Julie Vos necklace  //  Clare Vivier clutch  //  Sole Society heels c/o (old, similar)

When Nordstrom asked me to help spread the word about some of their emerging designers,  I was excited to purchase something a little outside my comfort zone. That's what I love about Nordstrom: they carry my favorite basics (these jeans, for instance) but mix it up with lots of fun new-to-me designers as well. I settled on this Sandro top, a beige silk number with a cutout back and leather trim. It's a little dressier and more edgy than I typically wear but the quality is amazing and it's a fun piece for date night... or around town if you throw a navy blazer on top! Business in the front, party in the back. ;) Shop a few more of my Nordstrom favorites here:





*Thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post!

IVY & VINE GIVEAWAY!



My friends over at Ivy & Vine are gearing up for another sale on One Kings Lane and I'm dying over every piece in this sneak peek! The tastemaker tag sale starts tomorrow, Tuesday, March 25, at 11 a.m. EST (I'll link up when it's live!). In the mean time though, Ivy & Vine is giving away three sets of leopard throw pillows to three lucky Design Darling readers! To enter, simply follow the steps in the Rafflecopter widget below and I'll contact the winners on Friday. Good luck!