Thursday, September 9, 2010

Shop like a Design Blogger: Design Darling

Today I'm thrilled to welcome the fabulous and talented Mackenize from Design Darling. I remember when I first found her blog I was absolutely astounded to learn that Mackenzie was still in college -- indeed, her style is far more sophisticated and refined than her college age status would suggest. And I'll admit that I was just a tad jealous over her fabulous internship this past summer with one of my all-time favorite design gurus and personalities, Jonathan Adler. But Mackenzie's sweet and sparkling personality makes both her youth and her enviable C.V. hard to hold against her.

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Hi everyone! I’m so excited to share my shopping secrets with you on Odi et Amo today. I just recently completed my first interior design project — the bedroom of my off-campus house for my senior year at Bucknell — so this subject is certainly fresh in my mind!

Without further ado, number one on my list: Craigslist. In a perfect world, I’d have gads of time to scour flea markets for hidden gems — thankfully that’s where Craigslist comes in! This is undoubtedly my go-to for quality pieces at a reasonable price point. Remember Emily’s gorgeous green campaign dresser project? I don’t want to ruin any surprises but I recently scored a similar dresser off of Craigslist and gave it a new lease on life... Anglophile style ;)

My second stop is the apartment section of Urban Outfitters. If you’re looking for bohemian bedding, chic occasional chairs, or inexpensive rugs, this is a must-click!

For throw pillows — hands down the easiest and least expensive way to update a space! — I turn to two of my wonderful sponsors, Elegant Touch and Fabricadabra. Olga at Elegant Touch carries beautiful suzani pillow covers and Fabricadabra has the best online selection of ikat fabric in a variety of colors.

I love to support my blogging friends’ small businesses so I spend more time than I care to admit on Etsy — and at Jamie’s new online boutique Furbish! I’ve long admired her quirky sense of style and her talent in turning plain wood pieces into painted works of art so it’s a treat to be able to shop her wares online. For those not in the market for découpaged dressers or seashell print ottomans, she also carries fabulous pillows and prints and plenty of goodies for under $100!

There are plenty of amazing Etsy shops but one of my favorites is Katie Armour Home. She has a great eye (and an adorable blog, of course!) and her vintage finds are not to be missed. She also happens to share my love of elephants so I know I’ll find a few brassy miniatures each time I click over :)

I’m a little biased having interned for him this summer but I know Averill is a fan so here goes: Jonathan Adler is stop number three! If you’ve never been to one of his stores, you must! Color and styling inspiration abound. Thankfully for those of us in the suburbs (or rural Pennsylvania, as the case may currently be) his site features all the same gorgeousness — tongue-in-cheek pottery, graphic needlepoint pillows, design-your-own rugs... Clearly I’m a little obsessed!

Thank you so much to Averill for having me here today — it’s been a pleasure!

Next week's guest blogger: Lindsay of EverythingLEB.

11 comments:

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

Yes, this (she)is impressive, great style and great picks! Loving this series as always, usually am reminded of a resource and always introduced to new ones. I have to say, though, I miss your other posts, hope all is well! Janell

Dayka Robinson said...

what great style she has--can't wait to see her made over dresser. thanks for the new resources--i'm bookmarking her blog now. :)

René said...

She is a girl ahead of her time. Love the picks and enjoy her blog as well.

-Rene

Carpet Pro Guy said...

Thanks for sharing Mackenize's design tips and tricks. I have heard of sooo many people finding great items on Craigslist, I have to jump in that band wagon!

Sanity Fair said...

These are fantastic choices, and I can't wait to check out these pillows. Because the one thing in my life I can't have too much of is Ikat pillows... :)

Connie @ Sogni e Sorrisi said...

Great suggestions Mackenize--can't wait to see what you've done to your dresser.

Fran said...

Thanks Mackenzie - dying to see what you've done to your campaign dresser!! Love Katie Armour's finds and her blog too!!

Laura@JourneyChic said...

What a fun blog she has! Thanks for sharing new Etsy shops to check out.

Hope all's well, Averill!

Anonymous said...

Wow - Urban Outfiller! Who knew? I can't wait to check out Katie Armour's etsy shop and blog.

Another great post in this series!

Kelly@40isthenew30

Kathysue said...

Another great post, I love this series, but I am like Janell I miss my Averill fix too!! I will definitely check out her blog, since she is new to me. Fun to find some new blogs! Happy weekend,Kathysue

Sarah Klassen said...

I'm seriously stuck on that adorable pup and that pretty chair! A lovely post from one of my favorite bloggers :)

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