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{OUTFIT} JAMES JEANS


You've probably noticed by now that I absolutely live in jeans. I like them in a dark blue wash with a little stretch — and I preferred skinny jeans right up until the moment I unwrapped this flared pair from James Jeans. I know denim shopping isn't usually the most enjoyable experience but I'm not exaggerating when I say these jeans are a total game-changer. They're comfy, soft, and the fit is so flattering that I can't believe I went so long thinking petite girls can't wear flared jeans. I'm a total convert! And even better news? James Jeans is offering all Design Darling readers 25% off their purchase with code JJ004 at checkout. What on earth are you waiting for? Check out the new collection and tell me which pair you can't live without!



#GOVOTE


Then come back and shop yesterday's new arrivals because 15% of this week's sales will be donated to Red Cross relief efforts in areas devastated by Hurricane Sandy. Devon Baer Designs, K. Slademade, and Society Social are all donating a portion of their sales as well. Shop for a good cause or donate here if you're able!



LULU & GEORGIA DOORMAT GIVEAWAY

How perfect is my new doormat? It seriously brightens my day every time I walk through the front door. It's from my friends at the new site Lulu & Georgia, an awesome resource for cool rugs, furniture, and lighting. I'm excited to be partnering with them to give away the doormat pictured above to one lucky winner! Here's hoping you all love navy and pink as much as I do ;) To enter simply follow the steps in the Rafflecopter widget below (you'll have to click over to the blog to see it). I'll be contacting the winner on Friday! Good luck!

SMEG REFRIGERATORS AT WEST ELM

{Pink}

If you didn't think it was possible to get excited about kitchen appliances, think again. West Elm is now carrying Italian brand Smeg refrigerators and they're all kinds of retro perfect (but totally modern on the inside). Could you live with a lime green fridge? I would do crazy things for the navy blue...!

HURRICANE SANDY UPDATE

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has emailed and tweeted in the wake of Hurricane Sandy earlier this week. We are safe and sound but it's heartbreaking to drive through town and see trees on top of houses and telephone poles snapped in half. I am doing my best to catch up on Design Darling orders and appreciate your patience these past few days. My thoughts are with my family, friends, and readers in the tristate area — please keep the east coast in your prayers this week!


DESK DU JOUR

This picture (found on this cool new site) makes me so happy. Clean white desktop, laptop open, lots of pretty little extras (like the ones I sell here). Yes please!

{AFFORDABLE ART} ELIZABETH MAYVILLE

I'm crazy picky when it comes to choosing art and the worst part is I can't even describe what I like and don't like — I just know it when I see it. That's why I get so excited when I stumble upon someone's work that I instantly fall in love with. Case in point: every single piece in Elizabeth Mayville's adorable — and completely affordable — Etsy shop. Imagine being so talented you could make lemons and George Washington look equally charming? I suppose I'll have to make do by purchasing as many of her prints as possible ;) Who are some of your favorite affordable artists? Two more I love right here and here.

JULEP MAVEN GIVEAWAY

Remember when I confessed that I am really, really awful at painting my own nails? I'm proud to report that I've improved my skills thanks in large part to Julep's Maven program, a subscription service that sends members new nail polishes (and a couple other beauty freebies!) every month. I chose the Classic-With-A-Twist package but there's definitely something for everyone! The winner of this giveaway will receive an intro box similar to what I received above. To enter, simply follow the steps in the Rafflecopter widget below. I'll be contacting the lucky winner on Friday morning!

P.S. If you can't wait to subscribe, Julep is giving all Design Darling readers 20% off their first box with code DESIGNDARLING at checkout. Enjoy!



WEEKEND WARDROBE



This weekend I'm headed back to Bucknell for homecoming weekend (and to see my brother Grayson who's in his first year there!). I can't wait to catch up with all my sorority sisters, meet Grayson's friends, and enjoy a perfect fall day on that beautiful campus. I hope you all have a good one!

SIGNATURE SCENT


You may recall that one of the tasks on my 101 in 1001 list is to find my signature scent. My sweet mom was kind enough to spend a recent afternoon searching with me and we had a lot of fun spritzing different bottles and either loving or wincing at each scent (though not half as glamorous as these photos). Isn't it funny how personal scent can be? Anyway we narrowed it down to this and this but now I'm completely torn. Is it possible to have not one but two signature scents? Is there a perfume you swear by? Do share — I'm thisclose to being able to cross this one off my list!

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