.A Darling Dream Valentine's Day Giveaway.

The love and support I have received since I started this little blog two months ago has seriously been overwhelming. You all are AMAZING! I wish I could hug each and every one of you. But since I can't, I thought why not do a giveaway!? I decided to make it Valentine's Day themed because who doesn't love hearts, candy, pink and red!! These are a couple goodies that have quickly became my favorites over the past couple weeks!  The rules to enter the giveaway are below, good luck! :)

Scarf, Charlotte Russe // Essie Nail Polish, Lollipop & Cascade Cool // Heart Straws & Candy, Target

You have until Saturday, February 1, 2014 12:00pm Pacific Standard Time to enter the giveaway!

Winner will be announced Monday, February 3, 2014

All you have to do to enter is:

* Follow A Darling Dream on Bloglovin'
* Follow A Darling Dream via Blogger
* Like A Darling Dream on Facebook
* Follow A Darling Dream on Instagram
* Follow A Darling Dream on Pinterest
(If you're already doing these things make sure to let me know because that counts too!)

For Additional Entries:

* Repost this picture on Instagram using the hastag #adarlingdreamgiveaway
* Pin this picture on Pinterest

Leave a comment below letting me know what you did because each one counts as an entry, so you could earn up to 7! Fingers crossed :)

XOXO, Kayla

.Minted.

Blouse, Forever 21 (old) Love This One // Sweater, Jcrew // Jeans, Target (sold out) Similar // Sandals, Forever 21 (old) Obsessed With These  // Sunnies, Anthropologie // Necklace, Jane c/o // Watch, Kate Spade // Bracelets, Jcrew & Jcrew Factory // Purse, Forever 21 (not online) Similar 

This past Saturday, Tyler and I took a trip down to the Little Italy Farmers Market here in San Diego. If you live in the area, you have to check it out! It is amazing and you can easily spend most of your day there indulging in delicious treats and looking at all the beautiful fresh flowers! Well, that's what we did any ways :) Earlier that morning, when we were discussing possibly going down there, I immediately started putting outfits together in my head. I know I'm not the only one that does that, right?! Since it was such a beautiful day, I felt like dressing like it was spring! Which isn't that far off, because it feels like spring everyday in San Diego. Naturally I was drawn towards my favorite color mint. I actually planned this outfit around the gorgeous necklace I am wearing. When the sweet people from Jane sent me this necklace, I knew I was in LOVE! It's such a fun piece and even more stunning in person. I have a feeling I'll be wearing it a lot in the next couple months!!

XOXO, Kayla

.Daytime Glam.

Happy Monday, loves! I hope everyone had a great weekend. Here's a look at what I am talking about today on Mindy Mae's Market blog. Go check it out, you need this necklace in your life :)

XOXO, Kayla

.Button Up Love.

Shirt, Gap (on mega sale online!) // Sweater, Target // Skirt, Forever 21 // Booties, Target // Sunnies, Chanel // Purse, Forever 21 (not online) Similar // Necklace, Jcrew (sold out) Similar (clear version)& Forever 21 // Watch, Kate Spade // Bracelets, Jcrew

I love a good button up shirt. They can easily be dressed up with a skirt or paired with jeans for a chic causal look. This boyfriend shirt I found on sale at Gap this past weekend is my new favorite! It's honestly so comfortable, it feels like you are wearing your favorite pajama shirt! Who doesn't love that?? I would love one in every color please :)

XOXO, Kayla

.Anchor.

Sweater, Old Navy // Faux Fur Vest, Target // Jeans, Hudson (style not online) Similar // Boots, Hunter // Purse, Forever 21(not online) Similar // Sunnies, Anthropologie // Necklaces, Jcrew (old) Similar & Mindy Mae's Market // Watch, Kate Spade // Bracelets, Jcrew & Forever 21 (old)

Ok, can we just talk about how adorable this anchor sweater by Old Navy is?! I have to say they are on their game lately. If you go in there right now they have so many cute blouses, dresses and sweaters covered in anchors! It all screams Jcrew, but thankfully for your wallet, it doesn't have the same price tag:)  I couldn't resist the urge to pair it with my favorite red Hunters & faux fur vest. They all just seemed like a match made in heaven!

XOXO, Kayla

.Blushing.

Happy Friday eve, friends!  I'm guest posting & talking about the perfect armparty over at  Mindy Mae's Market today.  Head on over to check out all the details for this look.

XOXO, Kayla

Follow A Darling Dream: Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest 

.Polka Dot Blazer.

Blazer, Target // Blouse, Nordstrom (old) Similar // Jeans, Jcrew (not online) Similar // Bow Wedges, Steve Madden (old) Similar // Necklace, Jcrew // Bracelets, Jcrew & Forever 21 // Sunnies, Anthropologie // Lips, Revlon 'Sweetheart Valentine'

I have had my eye on this blazer for months! Polka dot blazer, I mean, does it get much cuter than that?! I just never pulled the trigger on actually buying it because it is white, I just couldn't justify it. But, the other day my aunt informed me that it went on sale! You better believe I ran to our nearest Target to pick this baby up before it sold out! I'm pretty happy I did. Since it's endless summer here in Southern California I know I will get a lot of use out of it. Thanks again Kia for the heads up on the sale :)

P.S. I had to throw in the last picture because my sweet boyfriend opened a bottle of much needed wine while we were taking these! I know it's only Tuesday but it's already a long week! Cheers to another week and working for the weekend :)

XOXO, Kayla

.Pink Pop.

Dress, Sans Souci via Marshalls, Similar // Jacket, Forever 21 (old) // Sunnies, Anthropologie // Necklace, Jcrew (sold out) Similar & Loving This One// Watch, Kate Spade // Bracelets, Jcrew // Tights, Target // Booties, Target 

Strangely enough I have never been drawn to hot pink. Don't get me wrong, I love the color, I just have never mixed it in with my wardrobe. That all changed when I was walking through Marshalls the other day killing some time. This dress was hanging all by itself and quickly caught my eye. It happened to be in my size, so I threw it in my cart, thinking why not just try it to see what it looks like. I instantly fell in love the second I put it on!! It's so simple yet so stunning at the same time. I love the statement it makes without having to put too much effort into it. I also adore the way it looks against the black and shades of gray I paired it with today!  I am feeling ready for Valentine's day :)

XOXO, Kayla

.Friday Favs.

Whooo!! Happy Friday, everyone :) Can you believe we are already wrapping up the second week of 2014?! Time seriously flies by these days. I am looking forward to another relaxing and productive weekend with my hunny...and hopefully (for the sake of Ty's sanity) another Chargers win!! If you're in San Diego, you know the excitement that's been in the air! I love it :) I'm not a huge football fan but I do have a soft spot for the Chargers, I blame Tyler for that. He's the most dedicated fan there is and when you live with him you can't help but join in :) I hope you have a lovely weekend planned. Here's a look at the little at what I've been loving this week.....

Bar Cart, Target // Bow Stopper, BHLDN // Cheers Glasses, Target (sold out) 

Truthfully, I have been in LOVE with this bar cart for months!! From the moment I was walking through Target, I knew I had to have it! I've always wanted a bar cart. I think they are just so darling! I talked myself out of buying this cart multiple times because I could justify the purchase around the holidays. Well, as luck would have it, I was at Target this Monday browsing the isles for hidden treasures when I noticed a bar-cart in the sale section buried under Christmas mark downs!! I quickly threw everything off and wheeled it up to the register! Since it was about a 1/4 of the original price, I didn't even think twice!! It was fate, if you ask me. I immediately came home and started a Pinterest board with different decorating ideas. This is going to be a fun process! Stay tuned, maybe I'll post the finished product :)

(Source)

 This sounds like heaven to me, haha :) I died laughing when I came aross this online! If you're a fellow Target lover, you can relate!!

Bow Bracelet, Forever 21 // Crystal Bracelet, Jcrew // Ring, Groopdealz

Earlier this week I attended opening night of Beauty & the Beast with my Grandma. It was amazing! All the characters were just like the ones out of the cartoon! I felt like a little kid, I was in awe the entire time! My favorite scene was "be my guest" it was unreal to watch it come to life!! The Disney lover in me was a very happy camper that night!!

Print, Pearls & Pastries // Crystal Bracelet, Mindy Mae's Market // Polka Dot Bow, Brickyard Buffalo 

Honestly, how cute is this print from Pearls & Pastries?! I loved it so much I bought another one to give to my bestie as a Christmas present. I decided before the year started that this is going to be my motto for 2014. I am working daily at making this come true :) It is such a simple yet beautiful idea!

Cheers to the weekend!!

XOXO, Kayla 

.Weekend Wear.

Jacket, Forever 21 (sold out online) Similar & Love this One for Spring! // Blouse, Old Navy // Jeans, Gap // Sunnies, Tory Burch (old) Similar // Purse, Jcrew (old) love this & this // Flats, Old Navy (sold out) Similar // Necklaces, Pave (Jcrew, old) Similar here and here & Pearls (sold out online, on sale in stores!) Similar // Watch, Kate Spade // Bracelets, Jcrew & Jcrew (old) Similar // Lips, Mac 'Lickable' // Nails, Essie 'Mod Squad'

In my eyes this is the perfect weekend outfit! Boyfriend jeans, polka dots and layered jewels topped off with a pop of color.  It's extremely comfortable but still chic and pulled together at the same time! Perfect for running my errands shopping!  

Also, I think I need to talk about this long sleeve creepe blouse from Old Navy. Yes, I do have it in two other colors! (seen here & here) It's that awesome :) I originally started with the pantone color, but quickly had to go back and grab more! I strongly recommend you go grab one or two for yourself! 

XOXO, Kayla

.Statement Necklace.

Good morning, loves! What goes better with bows & a pop of color?! A gorgeous statement necklace! My red Hunter Boots and statement jewelry have been my go to pieces when I want to jazz up any outfit. I'm loving the two together!! 

Happy Tuesday!

XOXO, Kayla

.Friday Favs.

Happy Friday, loves! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season & a Happy New Year. It went by so fast, looking back it feels like a blur. A very beautiful blur :) Tyler and I are so blessed to have such an amazing group of friends & family. I am sad like always to see the holidays go but I am very excited for the new year. 2013 was really good to us, but I have a feeling 2014 is going to be even better :) I have big plans for 'A Darling Dream' this year so stay tuned!

Teacup, Home Goods // Bow Bracelet, Forever 21 // Chain Bracelet, Jcrew Factory (not online) Similar

// Crystal Bracelet, Jcrew // Watch, Kate Spade

When I unwrapped this beautiful treasure on Christmas morning I was thinking "Oh, my heart be still". A leopard teacup?! Does my mom know me or what? I can't even explain how much I love this cup! It's so sassy, I just can't get enough!!

Giant Mason Jar, Target // Red Straws, Target // Gold Straws, Dearest Jane

I meant to share this picture a couple weeks ago, but I'm still loving it! At the beginning of the month I hosted my first Christmas tea party at our house. I planned it for months! I had a lot of fun doing it. Even though it was a tea, of course we had to have a glass (or two) of champagne! I loved the way the little champagne bar turned out. It was one of my favorite parts. I'm obsessed with my mason jars, so I bust them out any chance I can get. My absolute favorite part of the whole thing was the jar holding the most adorable straws, ever! The red ones are from Target & my personal fav, the gold are from Dearest Jane. You have to check out her etsy shop! 

Pearls, Peach Necklace & Bow Earrings

I did make a pact with myself that I need to work on saving and not shopping so much this month. Which is very convenient since I got a handful of gift cards for Christmas. I made my first trip to Forever 21 in 2014 today and found some cute new baubles. These pieces are going to transition right into spring perfectly.
(Shout out to my awesome brother for the Forever 21 gift card :)...he just moved to Hawaii and I'm missing him like crazy!)

(Via, Pinterest)

I absolutely love this. I have always struggled with over thinking and stressing myself out. It's just one of my faults. I decided about six months ago that it wasn't worth it & a made a conscious decision to work on this. I have gotten so much better & I have to tell you, you really don't realize the weight of things you carry around until you let them go. Sometimes we just have to take a moment out of life and just take a deep breath & let it go! I hope this helps you as much as it helped me :)

Thank you for taking a moment out of your day to reading about what I've been loving this week! Cheers to the first weekend of 2014!!

XOXO, Kayla

.New Year Sparkle.

Skirt, Gap (girls, XL) // Blouse, Old Navy // Heels, Banana Republic (old) Dying Over These // Purse, Target (last Christmas) Similar //Sunnies, Ray-Ban //Necklaces, The Limited (not online) Similar & Jcrew // Bracelets Jcrew & Jcrew Factory


Happy New Year, Friends!!! Are you excited for 2014?! I am! 2013 was great but I can't wait to see what the new year has in store for us :)

I thought it would only be appropriate to feature something sparkly today. This is the exact same outfit I wore to my Grandparents for Christmas Eve. I loved it so much I knew I wanted to share it with you guys! I felt very festive and patriotic at the same time! Winning :) I have been searching high and low for the perfect sequins skirt this season and when I came across this one, I felt like I hit the jackpot! Do you remember that little shopping secret I let you in on a couple months back?  If you missed it, I love shopping in the girls department and that's where I found this beauty! I love the Navy blue because I can dress it up for going out but I can also wear it with a V Neck  for a more causal feel. Believe me when I say, it honestly looked great with every blouse/tee in my closet! You might be seeing it again soon!

P.S. It was EXTREMELY windy when we took these pics! Please don't judge my hair :)

Again, Happy New Year!!

XOXO, Kayla