Summer to Fall Dresses with my girls and Garbarini

Hi Guys!!

Wow, am I glad to (see) you!! I tried to get this post up last night and my site was down for about 15 hours so thanks for your help and understanding, especially since things have been a little slow the last week while I was enjoying time with my family in the mountains. Every time I sat down to write a post all I could think was: I need to be outside with Stanley breathing the fresh air, soaking in every minute with my people, and enjoying the mountains. And the 8 year old in me just could not sit still longer than 5 minutes to get a post out.  But HIIIIIII, I am back!! I missed you all and can't wait to share more about my trip later this week.

Before heading to Aspen I spent the day with two of my favorite blog friends - Lacey, who you all know by now, and Ali, one of the lovely Chicago ladies Lacey and I met on our trip to Mexico last spring.  I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again (a million times) I am so thankful for all of the people that blogging has brought into my life.  First of all, all of you! And the wonderful friends that I wouldn't have met otherwise.

We partnered with Garbarini, one of the oldest, high end boutiques in Denver to share some dresses that are perfect for this awkward time of year... when it is too warm for fall clothes, but their is a hint of the season turning.

Location: Union Station/Cooper Lounge // Photography: Jenna Sparks

I'll be the first to say it, I was not "wow'ed" by my dress when I first saw it on the hanger.  You probably know by now, that I am drawn to bright colors and pretty patterns.  However, once I put this dress on I changed my tune... I love the feminine fit and flare and the ladylike lace trim and the fabric is perfect for these transition months.  My exact dress is available at Garbarini, but I also love this $37 option and this one too! 

Ali and Lacey are also wearing dresses from the same designer. I love the patterns, and flowy - lightweight fabric of both of their dresses.  They would be perfect layered with this $98 leather jacket as the days cool off, and great simply paired with a pair of fun earrings (I like these!, these and these) until then!

Get all of our looks at Garbarini (they ship worldwide!) or scroll the gallery below.  

This post is in collaboration with Garbarini. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible!

Master Bedroom Update and DIY Shoe Wall pt. 1

Hi Guys!!

I am finally feeling rested after our four days at the Aspen Food and Wine Classic today.  It was one of the funnest experiences I have had and can't wait to give you the full recap later this week, but it is always nice get home!  As I mentioned last week, Jonny and I are traveling quite a bit this summer and our master bedroom update has made for such a relaxing (and organized) space to come home to!

Until recently, for the last four years that Jonny and I have lived in our house, my shoes scattered our closet floor and various areas of our house.  Obviously not his favorite thing about me.  Now I (almost) look forward to unpacking because our home looks and feels so much more organized with the addition of some extra storage.

When I posted this photo of our new shoe wall on instagram a few weeks ago, I got a lot of questions about the specifics.  And I wanted to share exactly what we got because we did this update for a fraction of what I thought was possible.

I figured a ceiling high, book shelf would have to be custom built, which means $$$, but after a little research I found that this would be perfect! And we purchased and installed ours for under $200.  We bought the $69 Billy Bookshelf from Ikea, with the $35 extender for an extra shelf and 3 extra shelves $10 each.  I paid $80 for Ikea to deliver and assemble (so worth it!).  If you do not have an Ikea near you, it is also available on Amazon for a bit more!  I almost purchased this one originally (love the detail!), but I love the versatility of the Billy.

I added 3 extra shelves in addition to the extender on top which gives me plenty of storage.  I love that you we were able to move the shelves around and have space for heels, boots, and flats.  And we also made a shelf for that fits several baskets for my flip flops and slippers.  These are the baskets that I have, but I LOVE these and this 3 pack is great too.

Along with this $12 clothing rack I purchased that day to help with planning outfits for upcoming trips and shoots, our bedroom was instantly more organized and I can't believe that we have gone as long as we did without the extra storage (especially since it can be done so affordably!).  

I will be sharing the details from the rest of our bedroom update next week.  And as always please feel free to send along your questions!!

30th Birthday Lessons

Hi Friends,

Oh hi, its me.. I'm Abby and I'm 30??? WHHHAAAA, where has the time gone?!!! I remember crying in 5th grade because I didn't want to go to outdoor camp in 6th grade because after outdoor camp meant middle school, then high school, then college, then marriage, then you're 30!! Welp, 12 year old self, you were right!  I have been struggling all week with this birthday, but I woke up today and am so excited about this next chapter.  I think turning a new year older always brings a little reflection, transitioning into a new decade brings a whole lot of reflection.  Through these past few days I've come up with a list of advice that I would share with my younger self and thought I'd share as a reminder to me and hopefully helpful to you too:

Location: Sweet Cooies Ice Cream // Photography: Jenna Sparks

• Be Kind

This seems simple and obvious, I know.  I've found when I am having a bad day and the last thing in the world that I want to do is be friendly to anyone other than my dog, doing something nice for another human makes my day instantly better.  Kindness makes people happy - happiness makes you laugh - laughter is the best medicine and keeps you young.... so pretty much being kind is the fountain of youth! 

• Find Your Passion

They say that if you do something you love you will never work a day in your life.  I am not entirely sure that is correct.  I think once you find something you love you will work your a** off like never before to make sure that it succeeds.  Before starting Denver Darling I worked on The Hill in DC, in the non-profit space as a fundraiser, and also at a PR agency.  Each were great jobs, but never got me excited to wake up early or well into the night like I do now.  

• Be Active

Do something active every. single. day! Before I found workouts that I loved I would stress about working out.  I would plan a trip to the gym days or a week in advance.  I realize now that was because I never loved the exercise I was doing and was just so dang bored at the gym! I fell in love with CorePower Yoga, it turned into an every day thing for me and now I alternate, yoga, CycleBar, hiking, skiing, running, and walking with Sir Stanley.  

• Don't Diet (seriously)

Just don't do it! If you know me personally, you know that up until recently I was always on some crazy diet.  I realize now that I missed out on some fun times and delicious meals to a save a few extra cals.  I believe that my metabolism has finally kicked in at 30 because I am eating normally and enjoying what my body is craving.  Eat the damn ice cream cone and enjoy it (and this new spot Sweet Cooies just might be the cutest place to do that!)! #yolo

• Quality over Quantity

My early 20's self worried about doing as much in one day as humanly possible and spending little time with as many people that didn't mean all that much to me.  Now I spend more time doing the things I love with less people that I care the most about.

• Roadtrip

Jonny and I have been to some fun places for sure (last year we spent my birthday in Thailand which was a highlight!), but one of my favorite trips to date was a last minute road trip we took to Montana.  We took our time, and stopped for hikes, pictures, interesting biker bars and listened to Hamilton on repeat.  We can't wait to do another this summer!

• Know your go-to's

Find 2 favorite restaurants that you love that are perfect to recommend to friends for brunch, that you can always drop in and have a great meal and perfect for date night (we love Postino and Linger here in Denver).  Memorize a delicious, but easy recipe that you can whip up for guests or take to a friend's (this dessert is always a hit!). Know your go-to beverage orders... mine are prosecco, an oaky chardonnay (this one is sparkly and gives 15% back to charity!), and Cider!

Enjoy your weekend!! I would love to hear your favorite kernels of wisdom always feel free to email or share in the comments below.

xo

Bundled up in NYC

Happy President's Day, Friends,

This weekend was gorgeous in Colorado and Jonny and I spent the past few days soaking every bit of the springy weather in.  An unexpected warm week in the middle of winter always puts a little spring in my step.  I told you that I have really been craving sunshine, so the 70 degree weather was such a welcomed surprise after our week dealing with so many snow related set backs.

This was my second look of the day and wore it to some evening events at NYFW.  It is my favorite kind of outfit to put together - feminine with some unexpected edgy touches.  In normal every day life, I would wear a cami under this lace top ($79), but wanted to be a little edgier than I would typically.  My tweed jacket sold out super fast and I got a ton of questions about it so I searched high and low for you guys to find it! It looks like it is available in very few sizes here!  Sister Jane has a very similar option here.  I think they have the cutest stuff, while searching, I found this dress, this pink ruffle dress, this bow jacket, and this two piece set that I want in my closet for spring.

One of the perks of traveling with mom is getting to borrow her fun things... this pretty vest is hers, but I also love this similar one and this one!  We are heading to the mountains next weekend and I am always sure to pack my vest since it is so warm and is perfect to throw over any casual outfit.

Hope you are enjoying this gorgeous weather and your day off!!

xo

Snow Day in Keystone

Hi Friends,

I hope your new year is off to a wonderful start!! We had such a wonderful time with our family in the mountains over New Years.  The house was full with Jonny's three brothers and their wives, two babies, Jonny's parents, and one puppy which made for a lot of love and laughter.

We were so lucky to get quite a bit of skiing in last week, but one day was just bitter cold and there was no way I was going to attempt to get on the mountain.  I stayed in a coffee shop at the base and waited patiently for Jonny to finish so I could partake in Apres (since that is often the best part of skiing anyway).

I doubled up on layers because it was so chilly.  I wore my new coat that I got for Christmas (thanks Mom!), I also love this one and this one and wore my warmest puffy coat on top (also wore it here) btw its on sale!  I layered this metallic pink blouse under my dress for another added layer.  Both my dress and top are H&M - I always love stopping in and finding such great affordable pieces (this dress was $15!).  I got a few questions about my hat when I wore it last week - it is old, but I found a very similar one here!

Have a great day!

After Christmas Vacation

Hi Friends!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend filled with joy, family, and delicious treats.  Jonny and I had a such a laid back Christmas this year - we spent almost the entire day in our pajamas and changed into some of our new Christmas gifts, just before dinner.  It was was the perfect Christmas.

We are packing up and heading to the mountains to spend the remainder of the holiday with Jonny's family today.  Packing may be one of my least favorite things, but for this holiday week it always seems a bit easier because I just pack all of my new Christmas sweaters, like this one $79 (thanks mom!), the sparkliest pieces in my closet, my coziest sweatshirts and socks to curl up in after a long ski day, and all. the. fur. (I've been waiting for another occasion to wear this poncho!).

My blouse (comes in black too!) is an additional 50% off today only with CODE: thebest. My new sweater is also an additional 50% off with CODE: thebest.  Recently I have received a few questions about my favorite pink lipstick - I have been buying these Revlon ColorBurst Balm pencils like it's my job.  They are so easy, moisturizing and don't smudge... and $6.19 so I pretty much have one in every purse/clutch!  Let me know if you have any other questions, always happy to answer them.

Have a wonderful day! Jonny and I have a bet going to see if we will be able to fit in one car with all of our bags, Stanley, his kennel, and all of his belongings (he's like a baby).  I think we can do it, but Jonny is skeptical.  I'll let you know!

xo

Holiday Week of Chic: Tulle Skirt Giveaway!

Hi Friends!

I am so excited for this week! Lacey, from My Boring Closet and I are kicking off our Holiday Week of Chic giveaway series today and have some wonderful giveaways in store for you all.  During this season of giving we wanted to be sure to give back to all of you who are so supportive of us.  So we have collaborated with some of our favorite brands to give away some fun things for the holidays and just in time to check a few things off your list.  Look out for something for the beauty lover, hostess with the mostess, and of course, a few things for the fashion lover!

First up is a tulle skirt from Patterns and Pops! Lacey and I had so much fun twirling around in these.  Full disclosure, Stanley may have had even more fun with these skirts than we did.  The next day after we shot this look he escaped his kennel and and had a field day when he got a hold of one of the skirts... He's going through quite the faze guys (any advice please send it my way!).  

Anyway, I think every girl should wear a tulle skirt at least once! They  put an instant smile on your face and I am convinced they go with anything and everything - plaid shirts, leather jackets, crop tops, sequins, sweaters.... anything.  Patterns and Pops is offering our readers 50% off of skirts with code: TULLE (just in case you are not the lucky winner this week!).

Join the giveaway below!

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Gearing up for the Holidays!

Happy Friday!

I hope you had a wonderful week! It is finally feeling like November in Colorado.  We had our first snow yesterday (which is crazy late) so now I am officially ready for the holidays to begin.  Until yesterday there has been little need for coats or boots - or even sweaters which are usually standard attire during this time of year.

You guys all know that I love J Crew Factory, there is a location near our place in the mountains and Jonny and I stopped in last weekend and coincidentally were both decked out - head to toe in Factory apparel.  We always try and knock out some of our holiday shopping early there because they have fantastic sales and the good stuff always goes quickly! 

I got my coat ($134) on sale last year (also comes in festive red and black) and it so comfy and warm and is wonderful quality! It is pretty much an exact duplicate of the non factory version (I do love this plaid version on sale: with code Festive!).  I wear this shirt ($16.99) year round, with white jeans and skirts in the summer, and with tights/skirts or jeans and boots in the winter.  I think a scarf is always a lovely gift.  I bought this scarf in different patterns (like this one) for myself and my sisters and we are planning on wearing them for our family Christmas card this year.

What are you up to this weekend?! Hope its a great one!

Cha-Cha-Cha-Changes

Hi Friends.. Happy Wednesday!

I hope you had a wonderful start to your week and are enjoying the lovely fall weather! There have been some exciting and interesting changes going on in our world...  Although change is exciting, it always takes a little getting used to, you know?!

A few years ago we met the Masons (you met them here ,here, and here), they instantly became two of our best friends and one of our favorite couples to spend time with! Last week they packed up all of their things and moved back home to Australia.  We are so happy for them to be back home with their families, but selfishly will miss them and little miss Pippa a ton!

If you follow me on Instagram, you may already know, but we brought home a new puppy last week!  Clifford Stanley Miller (goes by Stanley) and we are loving (almost) every minute with this sweet little guy.  I have to admit, Jonny and I are both a little sleep deprived - haha.  It has been so nice to have a furry friend in the house once again.

Last week Jonny and I stopped by the brand new Denver Central Market before heading to the last home Rockies game.  I can't believe how Rino is continuing to grow.  We had so much fun exploring each unique space inside the market.  I would say the highlight was the flight of ice cream from High Point Creamery for $9.  I know! Such a steal!  I love little samplings instead of one big serving and it was perfect to share!

I have been visiting the beautiful Pandora store since it opened several years ago.  When it first opened, my sisters and I would stop by on a regular basis to check out their new charms and compare our purchases.  I recently stopped in to look for a gift and realized that Pandora has changed quite a bit too.  I fell in love with this necklace, a long chain with a feather charm and have been wearing it non stop.  And I love the that they have so many pieces in rose gold, like the bangle I am wearing from the Pandora Rose Collection.  I picked a charm with daisies that reminded me of Hawaii and my grandmother.  Also, the stackable rings are adorable and so delicate, I have been getting so many compliments on them.   Right now they are offering a pair of earrings with any purchase of $100 or more (and the earrings I got I haven't taken out of my ears... I love to have a simple earring that I never have to change even for workouts.).

If you are in the Denver area I hope you get the chance to try the new Central Market and check out the fun changes at Pandora.  What are some of your favorite new places in the area?  Also, you can shop the rest of my look below.

Have a great rest of your week!

xo

This post is in collaboration with Pandora. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible!

Colorful Colorado

Happy Friday, Friends!

I hope you have had a beautiful week.  It has been ggggg-orgeous here and we have just been eating it up! 

Last weekend Jonny and I headed to Vail to celebrate our anniversary.  We are both Colorado natives, but the beauty of peek leaf season in the mountains still amazes both of us.  We thought that this may have been the prettiest season we have ever seen, but I now realize, it is just that the beauty of seeing the colors transition will never get old and always seems more beautiful than the last.  That being said, there are probably only a few more days so if you are in CO you need to get up there!

We stayed at The Sebastian, which is where our wedding reception was held and going back always brings back such wonderful memories.  We hiked Booth Falls, the trail head is just outside of Vail Village so it is quite popular, but it didn't bother us one bit.  We also strolled through my favorite farmers market which ends this weekend, so if you have been hoping to do some leaf peeping and visit the farmers market this is would be the perfect time.   

I had quite a few questions about our matching fleeces... Jonny and I actually received them as a wedding gift and we both love them! They are so cozy and great for cool fall days and very cozy after skiing (also like this for him and this for her).  My vest is one of my favorite things to wear for hikes, sunny ski days, and after yoga.  Also, I pretty much live in these leggings - I love the high waist, so they don't slip down when I am running or hiking.

Hopefully this weekend is as beautiful as the last! Would love to hear your plans and favorite weekend getaways.

xo

Back to Basics

Happy Monday, Friends!

I hope your week is off to a fabulous start!! I have missed you all terribly!

Jonny and I just got back from Dan and Bethany's wedding weekend in Cape Charles, VA. Have you heard of it? It was such a sweet little town on the eastern shore of Virginia.  We got to spend a lot of time with them leading up to the wedding (here, here, and here too!) so it was so fun to spend the weekend in a beautiful place celebrating their love!  It felt even more special because Jonny and I will be celebrating our two year anniversary tomorrow and to see one of our favorite couples say i-do almost two years to the day after us, was such a treat!

Apologies for my absence here, there is no real explanation other than sheer business.  With the three foster puppies until a few days ago (um btw, the attachment was real guys! I cried my eyes out all day when they left), and several new clients life has been FUN, but oh so busy.  I have mentioned before that Fall is the perfect time for turning a knew leaf (hehe!), but really, for me, the crispness in the air and color change has always meant that it is time to start fresh and focus on what is truly important... and as I feel I have been neglecting my duties here with you my goal this fall is to get back to basics and focus on Denver Darling!  

As far as fall outfit basics go: cream sweaters, skinny jeans and flats have always been my go to.  I love this sweater from JCrew because it has some girly flare (love the ruffle sleeves in particular!), and the cable knit detailing is really pretty.  It is also a great weight for sunny, but cool evenings.  It also comes in several other colors - I also snagged it in powder blue.  My jeans are really old (Zara), but love these ($48) and these ($75) similar options! Last but not least, I wore these flats all weekend while we were out and about walking around and through the airport.  They are so comfy and come in two other fun colors (bonus: currently 25% off with code shopnow)!

I would love to hear what you guys are interested this fall? I know that a lot of you have some fun trips and moves to Denver planned and I can't wait to hear more about them!

xo

To Market to Market

Hi Guys,

I hope you have had a wonderful week so far! It has been so beautiful here - it has really been a hard week to get anything done because I just want to be outside enjoying the sunshine.  Does that ever happen to you?  When you feel like a 5th grader just gazing out the window yearning for recess - I have felt like that all week!

As most of you know, I have a serious thang for farmers markets.  Exploring a new one makes me giddy and wandering around a familiar one is always relaxing and brings a smile to my face.  I recently partnered with Cherry Creek Lifestyle Magazine to share some of my favorite things about the new farmers market at Union Station in Denver (read it here). 

This will forever be one of my favorite shoots, and favorite days.  It was one of our last outings with Mr. Brown and it was perfect.  I am so thankful to Cherry Creek Lifestyle Magazine for honoring our boy and making him the cover boy of their "Dog Days of Summer" issue this month.

Whenever I visit a farmers market I love chatting with the vendors and learning about the products that they are so passionate about and have clearly put their heart and soul into.  I was obviously immediately drawn to the beautiful peonies that The Fresh Herb Company had at their stand.  However, I was even more intrigued and loved learning about the Field to Vase dinner they host in their fresh flower farm annually... I am so jealous that Zoe is going next weekend (August 13th) , we will be out of town and I can't wait to see the pictures!

Read about the rest of my favorite vendors from the Union Station Farmers Market in the current issue of Cherry Creek Lifestyle Magazine.  I would love to hear about your favorite farmers markets or vendors around town!

My dress is out of stock, but I also love these (this, this, and this) similar white dresses (all on sale!).  And I have had these wedges forever - they are so comfy and I love that they still look brand new.

Have a great day!

xo

Sharing is Caring

Happy Monday, Friends!

Photography: Corey Anthony // Blazer // Jeans // Tote (found it at Jewelius) similar here// Shoes similar (here, here, and here)// Sunnies // Cami

I hope you enjoyed a beautiful weekend.  We stayed close to home and as I mentioned, reluctantly organized our garage (I know, exciting)!  Last weekend was a blast, but it was really nice to enjoy the beautiful weather from our own backyard (or deck!).  A few of you have reached out recently and asked about living in Lohi with our pup.  We absolutely love it!  We do not have a backyard, and I am sure Charlie Brown would love one, but there are plenty of parks within two blocks every direction of us and he loves sunning on the roof deck while I work.  He also gets pretty tuckered out from our long walks on the weekends. 

This weekend is also the first weekend that I have been able to spend with my little sister since she moved home a few weeks ago.  There is really nothing like spending time with sisters.  Zoe and I revert to our childhood selves when we are together - At 29 and 25 we still get excited when people think we are twins.  Luckily, Jonny and her boyfriend, Pete know we are a package deal :).  And since she just moved home (and I am such a nice big sister) we have been sharing my car while she decides on a new one. 

We have been using car sharing apps to help us out.  Luckily my office is Downtown, and car2go has designated parking locations which has made it convenient for both of us to visit some our favorite summer spots (while the other has the car) like Red Rocks, Botanic Gardens, and The Source.  Right now, car2go is offering free membership, which is typically $35 and 15 minutes of free drive time and goes through June 19th.

As I mentioned last week, my obsession with gingham is at an all time high.  I love this look for upcoming 4th festivities.  My blazer (also comes in pink) is currently on sale and an additional 30-50% off with code shopextra.  And I love these, these, and these for a for a perfect pop of red!  Shop my whole look below.

Have a wonderful week!!

xo

This post is in collaboration with car2go As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible!

The Joys of Summer

Good Morning, Friends,

I hope you had a wonderful long weekend filled with BBQ's, brunches, friends and family.  I stayed close to home and spent some quality time with my momma and girlfriends, while Jonny finished his series of spring bachelor parties before all of the summer wedding fun starts.  

Today I am am jumping for joy for several reasons:

1) Summer is finally here: Memorial Day weekend is always the unofficial launch to summer - I love that it kicks off the season of tan skin, tired pups, colorful flowers, and smiley neighbors.  On our walk yesterday, I noticed that everyone smiles and greets each other so much more when the sun is out.

2) MY SISTER MOVES HOME! Zoe, (meet her here, here, and here) has spent the last two years conquering the Big Apple and will finally be back in the 303 - I just can't wait.  I am so proud of her and what she has accomplished, but as a selfish big sister, I am beyond excited that she will be living close again. 

3) My dress is $25.99 and and an additional 40% off if it is your first time shopping on SheIn.

This dress is incredibly comfortable and the perfect dress for all kinds of summer fun.  I wore it to an afternoon baby shower and it was great to have a little extra coverage since afternoons and evenings are still a little breezy.  I am 5'3 so have to wear heels (or would need to get it hemmed), but it would even be great with sandals for a casual picnic.  Also, wearing my favorite summer heel again because they just go with EVERYTHING (also like these if you like a shorter heel)!

My sunnies are from Ditto: I love that I can change them as often as I'd like.  You can use code: DenverDarling to get your first month free when signing up ($24 a month after).  

Have a fantastic, short week!!

xo

Denver Darling turns 1 (and a few things I've learned along the way)

Happy Monday, Friends

I hope you had wonderful weekend!  Yesterday Denver Darling turned a year old - I started the day with a delicious brunch with some of my favorites at Postino (super excited they have brunch now!), then celebrated one of my favorite mommas to be, Jourdan (here) at one of the most beautiful showers I have ever seen.  It was such a wonderful day full of friends and love and I just felt so refreshed.

As a little kid, you know how you think about your birthday 9 months a year?  That is kind of how I thought about this day.  Starting something that was my very own was so important to me, and even more important that I saw it through, so this was a big milestone.  I never thought I would be a "blogger" I just wanted to create a place to share my favorite things with my girlfriends (and their friends) and fell into blogging along the way.

This whole year has been a wonderful time of self discovery and learning.  I really feel like I learn something new every day!  Before starting Denver Darling the only forms of social media I occasionally participated in were Facebook and Pinterest (a lot of Pinterest actually... my poor husband).  I accidentally stumbled on blogs through Pinterest, but didn't actively read any on a regular basis.  I joined Instagram about a month prior to our wedding (fall of 2014) just to ensure that I could see photos that people had hashtagged (also had no clue what that really meant).  

After our wedding, friends and family started coming to me for advice and suggestions for wedding dresses, boutiques, hair and nail salons, restaurants and photographers and I realized that I wanted to start "a girls guide to Denver".  I started using Instagram (not sure what I did each morning before this) on a regular basis and reading blogs to get ideas of how I wanted my blog to look and not look and sound and not sound.  This blog started as a place for my girlfriends to visit for ideas on where to go in Denver, but it has become so much more to me.  I come here to share my feelings, get inspired, hopefully share inspiration and have met some incredible people along the way.

I am so  thankful for this last year.  Denver Darling has taken me to some amazing places (here, here, here, and most recently here).  However, my favorite thing so far about blogging is the community and support system built within it.  I have met so many wonderful girls (and a couple of guys) and it is so refreshing to see the way everyone encourages each other.  I have met some of the sweetest people through blogging that I never in a million years would have connected with otherwise, and I am so glad that I have.

I receive a lot of questions about starting and maintaining a blog - below are 10 things that I have learned throughout the last year, and hopefully can be helpful to you too.

10 Things I've learned About Blogging

1. If you have been thinking about starting a blog, take the leap and just do it! Chances are if you have something to say, advice you want to give, something you want to share there is someone who wants to hear it.
2. Stay true to yourself.  This is my favorite piece of advice.  I don't share anything that I don't believe in or love, it would come across as inauthentic and I believe, if someone doesn't like it they don't have to read it.
3. Write what you want to write.  There is some truth that you should write what your readers want, but readers won't want to read something that you yourself are not excited about.
4. Use your voice. You know how Dr. Suess says, "There is no one alive who is Youer than You" - your voice sets you apart from everyone else.
5. It is ok to take a break.  I always get a little separation anxiety when we go on vacation, but it is good to take little breaks to refresh and come back with new ideas even if it means not posting as often as you normally would.  I used to get really stressed about this, but realized my blog would still be here when I got back :)
6. Work with other bloggers.  I have enjoyed meeting other Denver bloggers and making new friends through social media and it is amazing to see how supportive and encouraging other women can be.  
7. You don't have to post.  I used to think I had to post a certain number of times a day or week, but if it is not something you are excited about posting... don't.
8. Photos....  I work with a wonderful photographer Corey Anthony for most of the photos on my blog, about half of the photos on my instagram are taken with my iphone and I use VSCO for editing so all of pictures have a similar tone.
9. Use hashtags.  I didn't love using hashtags for a long time.  I thought listing too many looked silly, but it really does help people find you when they are searching for something specific.
10. It is your blog, no one can tell you what is right or wrong, make it what you want and have fun with it!

I loooove this dress BTW - it is another ChicWish style.  I love their affordable, yet high quality designs.  This little number is under $70!  As i mentioned last week, sometimes their clothes can take a little bit longer to arrive so if you order, plan accordingly with expedited shipping or a few weeks before your event.  Also, I wear (and wore) these shoes with pretty much every spring and summer dress and will be getting a new pair soon because I have worn them so much and I need a new pair for this wedding season... they are just so easy and go with everything from dresses to jeans and even shorts!

Have a wonderful week - would love to hear your feedback and happy to answer any questions below or through email abby@denverdarling.com.

xo

Spring Fling with Swoozies

Happy Derby Day, Friends

I don't know about you, but I get a little excited about frilly dressing and hat wearing all day.  I just learned that Denver is second only to Louisville when it comes to the amount of people celebrating the day.  Not sure why or how that happened, but I am guessing it has something to do with the fact that we just like an excuse to dress up and have a good time... why not?!

I started Denver Darling almost one week ago, next week, and the one thing that I didn't realize would be such an amazing perk of this blog ride, is the sweet and like minded friends I would make a long the way.  Recently I got to spend an evening with some of my favorite blogging gals and we could not have had a better time. 

We enjoyed some of the tastiest treats from Coohills and were delighted with the adorable table setting and other goodies from Swoozie's.  I love their assortment of disposable table runners, I have used them for several events and they are such a great way to add to your theme and give a great pop of color without breaking the bank.  I also love these mix and match Kate Spade appetizer and dessert dishes, I am so excited to use my set for Mother's Day brunch this weekend.

If you have been following along for a little while now, you know that I never met a monogram that I didn't like :)..  I think a monogram adds such a special touch to an everyday item.  I love our sun hats (which will also be doubling as my Derby hat this year) and totes  for a fun in the sun bachelorette party.  For my bachelorette my bridesmaids ordered personalized beach towels (like these) and matching bags, similar to these, and stuffed them full of weekend essentials (magazines, cheap sunglasses, sunscreen, and tons of water).  I also think these totes would be great for the new graduate heading to school.  I have been carrying my laptop around in my tote lately and know it would be perfect for my little cousin heading to college next year.... I never loved carrying a traditional backpack when I was in school.

I saw this dress and fell for it immediately (also cute without the cutout here).  I love investing in pretty pieces that can be dressed up or down and this dress certainly can be.  I have already worn it with these flat sandals, these chunky sandals, and these pumps to dress it up.  

Swoozie's is offering 20% off to Denver Darling readers in store and online with code DENVERDARLING through May 31st.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend - would love to hear about your Derby Day!

xo

Photography: Corey Anthony

This post is in collaboration with Swoozie's. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible!