Styled by Mackenzie | Design Darling

While in New York for Fashion Week last week, we finally got to meet a lot of our favorite blogger friends face-to-face and Mackenzie Horan, the Design Darling, was one of them…  The redhead behind the famed pretty and preppy blog was everything we expected and more – polite, fun, gorgeous, and so easy to talk to.  Basically, a blog friend we would be friends with if we lived near each other  Design Darling has become a recognizable fixture and a favorite of many in the blog world due to Mackenzie’s unwavering good taste and style…  Her eye for interiors, all things stripes and monograms, and classics with a twist combined with her authentic writing voice is what hooked us from the beginning.  And because her blog wasn’t keeping her busy enough, she launched Design Darling {the boutique} this past March.  If you haven’t checked out the assortment of goodness you need to – there is everything from these incredible pens and other desking accessories, to jewelry and home decor stuffs.  It’s a well curated shop with something for everyone and it’s probably where we will do a lot of our holiday gift shopping!  I’m so happy Mackenzie took a break from her hectic business lady schedule to show us what She Wishes She Was Wearing – hot pink and navy included!

QUESTIONS of STYLE:

.Describe your personal style in five words or less:  Modern prep.

.Who/What inspires your personal style, influencing what you’re drawn to and what you end up wearing?  Blogs are a constant source of style inspiration. Some perennial favorites are Atlantic-Pacific, Classy Girls Wear Pearls, Damsel in Dior, From Me To You, and Unabashedly Prep. Beyond that I love J.Crew’s “looks we love” feature, Matchbook Magazine, Pinterest…

.What is an item you cannot live without or what are some of your wardrobe essentials?  This is so predictable but dark blue skinny denim is the starting point for 99% of my outfits. Whether I’m pairing them with an oxford shirt for day or a sequined tee for evening, they never let me down. I also couldn’t live without ballet flats, my iPhone, and a navy blazer — it goes with everything!

.What is your most recent purchase?  These camel suede wedges. After fashion week I vowed never to torture my feet like that again! Thankfully these are a comfier option that still gives me a little height.

.Where have you found some of your most treasured style items?  Honestly I’m a big online shopper! Perhaps that’s why I opened an online boutique When I shop in stores I’m more prone to impulse buys. But when I can add something to my cart and think on it for a day or two, I wind up with pieces I really want and love!

.What is your go-to jewelry routine?  Simple studs, two or three bangles, and a cocktail ring. Statement earrings are fun for special occasions but I like that I can fall asleep in studs and totally forget I have them on. I spend a lot of my day either on my laptop or packing orders for the boutique so it’s important that any bracelets can be slipped on and off easily. And a fun ring is kind of the icing on the cake, especially if I’ve had time to do my nails that week!

.What are some of your make-up must haves?  I don’t like to think about life before my Clarisonic. I’m obsessed! And NARS tinted moisturizer with SPF was kind of a game-changer. Beyond that I’m all about drugstore lip balm and mascara. Having clean, healthy skin is #1!

.If you could meet any designer who would it be and why?  Tory Burch. She’s a classic beauty, insanely talented, and well-traveled — I feel like she’d have some amazing stories!

.What’s the best style advice you’ve ever given or received?  Buy only what you love. If you love it, you’ll always find a place to wear it!

Love that she admitted the torture her feet endured during NYFW… We had a similar situation  We hope you loved getting to know this sweet girl a little bit better – now go stop by {the boutique} and tell her we sent you!! Thank you, Mackenzie!  xx

(Photo via Design Darling .  01. Stella McCartney Oversized Cat Eye Sunnies // 02. J.Crew Pearl Studs // 03. J.Crew Heavyweight Silk Bow Top // 04. Tory Burch Robinson Dome Satchel // 05. Lulu Frost Code Rings // 06. Tortoise Bangles via Design Darling Boutique // 07. J Brand 910 Ankle Skinny Jeans // 08. Loeffler Randall Lucie Wedge // 09. Essie Secret Stash Polish)