10 UNDER $100

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I'm back with ten more affordable finds for your closet and your home! From the neon shorts I'm coveting for summer to the perfect little striped bikini, there's a lot to love in this round-up. The best part? Not one of them costs over $100 — well, $91 to be exact. I hope you find something to treat yourself to this week! xx

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I'm back with ten more affordable finds for your closet and your home! From the neon shorts I'm coveting for summer to the perfect little striped bikini, there's a lot to love in this round-up. The best part? Not one of them costs over $100 — well, $91 to be exact. I hope you find something to treat yourself to this week! xx

INTRODUCING JWS INTERIORS

Making a new place feel like home is no small feat. I personally love getting into a new space and brainstorming how all my existing furnishings should be arranged... but I've certainly had to call in a second opinion from girlfriends and my mom when I hit a roadblock. That's why I think e-decorating is such a genius concept: you can phone a friend (who's actually a pro with a great eye!), explain what you're working with, and hear their ideas for your space — without spending a fortune.

When Jennifer Schmidt asked for my help spreading the word about her e-decorating services, I immediately clicked over to her portfolio to check out some of her work. Well, it was love at first sight. Here are a few of my personal favorites:

Having seen her work, I was definitely curious about what she would cook up for my new studio. I asked for her help with a little entry space and my new kitchen, which I've been using a lot more than I did in my last place. She whipped up three inspiration boards that were totally true to my aesthetic. Here's what she came up with for the kitchen:

I love the idea of placing ginger jars on top of my cabinets and bringing in marble accessories to dress up the countertop. And it was pretty cool that she incorporated tortoiseshell tumblers from my boutique and my favorite flowers. Here were her thoughts for creating an entry area:

The first board is full of splurge-worthy pieces like a classic demilune table and a fun chandelier (can you imagine?!). She also put together a second board with more budget-friendly finds:

Can we talk about that scalloped light fixture?! Such a good find. I really love all three inspiration boards that Jennifer put together and I'll definitely be incorporating some of her ideas — extra seating, more mirrors, a navy rug — into my space as I continue the decorating process. She's generously offering a complete shopping list for the above inspiration boards (yes please!) for all readers who sign up for her blog and send her an email. And if you hire her to help decorate your space, do let me know — I would love to see the before and after! 

*This post is sponsored by JWS Interiors. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Design Darling possible!

Making a new place feel like home is no small feat. I personally love getting into a new space and brainstorming how all my existing furnishings should be arranged... but I've certainly had to call in a second opinion from girlfriends and my mom when I hit a roadblock. That's why I think e-decorating is such a genius concept: you can phone a friend (who's actually a pro with a great eye!), explain what you're working with, and hear their ideas for your space — without spending a fortune.

When Jennifer Schmidt asked for my help spreading the word about her e-decorating services, I immediately clicked over to her portfolio to check out some of her work. Well, it was love at first sight. Here are a few of my personal favorites:

Having seen her work, I was definitely curious about what she would cook up for my new studio. I asked for her help with a little entry space and my new kitchen, which I've been using a lot more than I did in my last place. She whipped up three inspiration boards that were totally true to my aesthetic. Here's what she came up with for the kitchen:

I love the idea of placing ginger jars on top of my cabinets and bringing in marble accessories to dress up the countertop. And it was pretty cool that she incorporated tortoiseshell tumblers from my boutique and my favorite flowers. Here were her thoughts for creating an entry area:

The first board is full of splurge-worthy pieces like a classic demilune table and a fun chandelier (can you imagine?!). She also put together a second board with more budget-friendly finds:

Can we talk about that scalloped light fixture?! Such a good find. I really love all three inspiration boards that Jennifer put together and I'll definitely be incorporating some of her ideas — extra seating, more mirrors, a navy rug — into my space as I continue the decorating process. She's generously offering a complete shopping list for the above inspiration boards (yes please!) for all readers who sign up for her blog and send her an email. And if you hire her to help decorate your space, do let me know — I would love to see the before and after! 

*This post is sponsored by JWS Interiors. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Design Darling possible!

WEEKEND READING

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1. A pretty navy dress on one of my most favorite blog friends.

2. A yummy quinoa salad.

3. Bow wedges for summer.

4. Give your laptop a new look.

5. Hallie's outfit outtakes have me in stitches. So true.

6. If you're looking for pretty dresses for upcoming weddings, don't miss this site. I love this, this, this, this, and this.

7. In case you missed it: the ultimate guide to summer sandals.

8. I want to go here.

9. Mani and pedi polish colors for summer.

10. My favorite cuff for summer.

11. The perfect cocktail to cheers to the weekend.

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1. A pretty navy dress on one of my most favorite blog friends.

2. A yummy quinoa salad.

3. Bow wedges for summer.

4. Give your laptop a new look.

5. Hallie's outfit outtakes have me in stitches. So true.

6. If you're looking for pretty dresses for upcoming weddings, don't miss this site. I love this, this, this, this, and this.

7. In case you missed it: the ultimate guide to summer sandals.

8. I want to go here.

9. Mani and pedi polish colors for summer.

10. My favorite cuff for summer.

11. The perfect cocktail to cheers to the weekend.

WEEKEND WARDROBE

scalloped tank  //  necklace  //  blush  //  jeans  //  sandals (on sale!)

Happy Friday, friends! I'm getting ready for a housewarming brunch at my apartment tomorrow (time to stuff everything I own into one closet...) and hoping to cross something off my 101 in 1001 list on Sunday... Maybe walking Rory across the Brooklyn Bridge if the thunderstorms hold off? I spent some quality time with my mom in Connecticut on her day off yesterday and couldn't ask for a smarter, more caring, or more beautiful role model. Happy Mother's Day to all the mamas out there! xx

scalloped tank  //  necklace  //  blush  //  jeans  //  sandals (on sale!)

Happy Friday, friends! I'm getting ready for a housewarming brunch at my apartment tomorrow (time to stuff everything I own into one closet...) and hoping to cross something off my 101 in 1001 list on Sunday... Maybe walking Rory across the Brooklyn Bridge if the thunderstorms hold off? I spent some quality time with my mom in Connecticut on her day off yesterday and couldn't ask for a smarter, more caring, or more beautiful role model. Happy Mother's Day to all the mamas out there! xx

OUTFIT {GO BRIGHT OR GO HOME}

J.Crew blazer  //  BB Dakota tank top  //  Sole Society necklace c/o

Henry & Belle jeans c/o  //  J.Crew wedges

These pictures make me so happy! New York is truly in bloom right now — cherry blossom trees, tulips in every color under the sun, and window boxes starting to look alive again. It's perfect inspiration to introduce more color into my life so I started with pairing this hot pink silky tank (under $50!) with this bright orange statement necklace (only $35!). 

I don't usually wear orange as a redhead but I do think affordable costume jewelry is a great place to step a little outside your color comfort zone. Sole Society is definitely best known for their affordable shoes but I was really pleasantly surprised with their jewelry assortment. There are plenty of brights to choose from! This necklace will be just as cute with a blue oxford shirt or a classic striped tee. And I can't wait to replicate this look sans blazer with white jeans for dinner dates this summer. Are you a brights or neutrals kind of girl?

*Rebecca Dale Photography 

More affordable baubles from Sole Society:

J.Crew blazer  //  BB Dakota tank top  //  Sole Society necklace c/o

Henry & Belle jeans c/o  //  J.Crew wedges

These pictures make me so happy! New York is truly in bloom right now — cherry blossom trees, tulips in every color under the sun, and window boxes starting to look alive again. It's perfect inspiration to introduce more color into my life so I started with pairing this hot pink silky tank (under $50!) with this bright orange statement necklace (only $35!). 

I don't usually wear orange as a redhead but I do think affordable costume jewelry is a great place to step a little outside your color comfort zone. Sole Society is definitely best known for their affordable shoes but I was really pleasantly surprised with their jewelry assortment. There are plenty of brights to choose from! This necklace will be just as cute with a blue oxford shirt or a classic striped tee. And I can't wait to replicate this look sans blazer with white jeans for dinner dates this summer. Are you a brights or neutrals kind of girl?

*Rebecca Dale Photography 

More affordable baubles from Sole Society:

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SUMMER SANDALS!

I tend to wear my shoes into the ground and New York is especially hard on footwear — I feel like I have to replace my shoe wardrobe at the beginning of every season. In addition to these and these (must-haves for weekends in the city!), here's my ultimate guide to the pairs I'm eyeing this summer. Flats, gladiators, heels, t-straps, wedges... You're sure to find something you love!

one  //  two  //  three  //  four  //  five  //  six

seven  //  eight  //  nine  //  ten //  eleven  //  twelve

thirteen  //  fourteen  //  fifteen  //  sixteen  //  seventeen  // eighteen

I already own these (everyone should have at least one pair!) and I just purchased these (they. are. perfect!) and these (this season's update to the pair I wore here). I think my next two favorites would be these pretty blue ones and this budget-friendly pair. Maybe the more shoes I buy, the less often I'll have to wear each pair, and the longer they'll all last? ;) Yup, that sounds good to me.

I tend to wear my shoes into the ground and New York is especially hard on footwear — I feel like I have to replace my shoe wardrobe at the beginning of every season. In addition to these and these (must-haves for weekends in the city!), here's my ultimate guide to the pairs I'm eyeing this summer. Flats, gladiators, heels, t-straps, wedges... You're sure to find something you love!

one  //  two  //  three  //  four  //  five  //  six

seven  //  eight  //  nine  //  ten //  eleven  //  twelve

thirteen  //  fourteen  //  fifteen  //  sixteen  //  seventeen  // eighteen

I already own these (everyone should have at least one pair!) and I just purchased these (they. are. perfect!) and these (this season's update to the pair I wore here). I think my next two favorites would be these pretty blue ones and this budget-friendly pair. Maybe the more shoes I buy, the less often I'll have to wear each pair, and the longer they'll all last? ;) Yup, that sounds good to me.

INSTAGRAM UPDATES

You know it's a good mail day when there's a Tory Burch box waiting for you. I'm obsessed with my new crossbody bag and espadrilles!

If you're looking for a new blog to obsess over, you must check out Southern Curls & Pearls. Isn't Caitlin stunning in these turquoise tassel earrings?

We're busy shipping out lots of orders in time for Mother's Day! The smell of these candles is out. of. this. world. 

Last week I attempted to cook dinner for Will and I only set the smoke alarm off once (making pasta... how is that possible?). Perfect excuse to bring out my new napkins and favorite serving platter.

For those who asked, this nail polish is a gel color called Tutti Frutti and my new must for spring. Lots more colorful arm candy here!

A sweet customer (who has a super chic design service!) sent me this photo of her monogrammed desk accessories and I just about passed out from the prettiness. Time to tidy my desk for real. Follow me on Instagram here! 

P.S. Twelve people I love following on Instagram.

P.P.S. Any favorite Insta accounts I should be following? Do tell! 

You know it's a good mail day when there's a Tory Burch box waiting for you. I'm obsessed with my new crossbody bag and espadrilles!

If you're looking for a new blog to obsess over, you must check out Southern Curls & Pearls. Isn't Caitlin stunning in these turquoise tassel earrings?

We're busy shipping out lots of orders in time for Mother's Day! The smell of these candles is out. of. this. world. 

Last week I attempted to cook dinner for Will and I only set the smoke alarm off once (making pasta... how is that possible?). Perfect excuse to bring out my new napkins and favorite serving platter.

For those who asked, this nail polish is a gel color called Tutti Frutti and my new must for spring. Lots more colorful arm candy here!

A sweet customer (who has a super chic design service!) sent me this photo of her monogrammed desk accessories and I just about passed out from the prettiness. Time to tidy my desk for real. Follow me on Instagram here! 

P.S. Twelve people I love following on Instagram.

P.P.S. Any favorite Insta accounts I should be following? Do tell! 

ANNIE GRIFFIN SUMMER COLLECTION (+ 20% DISCOUNT!)

I'm obsessed with every last look from Annie Griffin's new arrivals for summer. Leopard shorts, perfect prints, striped skirts, and the most darling summer silhouettes... This collection has my name written all over it. I met Annie and her team at a blogger brunch last fall and I remember oohing and ahhing at the sneak peek of the summer collection on her iPhone. Now that it's here, I'm saving my pennies to add as many pieces as possible to my summer wardrobe! To. Die. For. Oh and don't forget — you get 20% off with code DARLING20 at checkout!

P.S. The Annie Griffin blouse I wore last week!

I'm obsessed with every last look from Annie Griffin's new arrivals for summer. Leopard shorts, perfect prints, striped skirts, and the most darling summer silhouettes... This collection has my name written all over it. I met Annie and her team at a blogger brunch last fall and I remember oohing and ahhing at the sneak peek of the summer collection on her iPhone. Now that it's here, I'm saving my pennies to add as many pieces as possible to my summer wardrobe! To. Die. For. Oh and don't forget — you get 20% off with code DARLING20 at checkout!

P.S. The Annie Griffin blouse I wore last week!

KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY

As I shared last week, we hosted a Kentucky Derby-themed birthday party at my boyfriend's apartment this weekend and had so much fun! We got these chairs for a steal from Joss & Main (hands down my favorite flash sale site) and hung three strands of globe lights. Not bad for a guys' apartment, right? Jury's out on how they liked the pink tulips.

I'm not much for bourbon but I did whip up a batch of mint juleps for our friends. Design Darling inventory to the rescue! Amy and I stuck to sangria.

I wore this navy gingham dress which I'm sure will be repurposed for a few friends' weddings this summer. Remember my cousin Emily? :)

Amy brought the most darling flower arrangement in a vintage creamer. She is so creative, that one!

Will's mom is insanely talented and made these horsie cookies for the festivities. Almost too cute to eat. I wish I'd remembered to take pictures once the "backyard" filled up with friends (or when we all had to squeeze inside due to the rain!) but it was one of those days where I remembered just how much I love New York and all the people who make it so special. I don't think anyone caught more than a few minutes of the actual derby coverage but hey, priorities. ;) Entertaining in New York apartments isn't the easiest but I definitely want to make an effort after having so much fun with the blogger brunch this winter. What's the last party you hosted? Anything fun coming up?!

As I shared last week, we hosted a Kentucky Derby-themed birthday party at my boyfriend's apartment this weekend and had so much fun! We got these chairs for a steal from Joss & Main (hands down my favorite flash sale site) and hung three strands of globe lights. Not bad for a guys' apartment, right? Jury's out on how they liked the pink tulips.

I'm not much for bourbon but I did whip up a batch of mint juleps for our friends. Design Darling inventory to the rescue! Amy and I stuck to sangria.

I wore this navy gingham dress which I'm sure will be repurposed for a few friends' weddings this summer. Remember my cousin Emily? :)

Amy brought the most darling flower arrangement in a vintage creamer. She is so creative, that one!

Will's mom is insanely talented and made these horsie cookies for the festivities. Almost too cute to eat. I wish I'd remembered to take pictures once the "backyard" filled up with friends (or when we all had to squeeze inside due to the rain!) but it was one of those days where I remembered just how much I love New York and all the people who make it so special. I don't think anyone caught more than a few minutes of the actual derby coverage but hey, priorities. ;) Entertaining in New York apartments isn't the easiest but I definitely want to make an effort after having so much fun with the blogger brunch this winter. What's the last party you hosted? Anything fun coming up?!

SAN FRANCISCO DREAM HOME

Have you ever seen a more gorgeous exterior in your life? This home tour on the newly relaunched Lonny stopped me in my tracks. I love the Georgian architecture, glossy lacquer door, and OMG those windows. Of course the interior is just as stunning...

Simple art and ginger jars galore. 

Antiqued mirror (great DIY instructions here!) and yellow wingbacks. Hellooo gorgeous.

Marble and navy and perfect all over. The only part of this room I can afford is this. ;)

Say hello to the chicest bunk beds you've ever seen. I want to sleep here!

Framed skateboards in the bathroom because obviously these kids are cooler than I am.

Cozy little bed nook. Yes please.

Too pretty for words. Don't miss the full home tour here. 

P.S. Does anyone else feel totally motivated looking at crazy real estate? No, just me? ;)

Have you ever seen a more gorgeous exterior in your life? This home tour on the newly relaunched Lonny stopped me in my tracks. I love the Georgian architecture, glossy lacquer door, and OMG those windows. Of course the interior is just as stunning...

Simple art and ginger jars galore. 

Antiqued mirror (great DIY instructions here!) and yellow wingbacks. Hellooo gorgeous.

Marble and navy and perfect all over. The only part of this room I can afford is this. ;)

Say hello to the chicest bunk beds you've ever seen. I want to sleep here!

Framed skateboards in the bathroom because obviously these kids are cooler than I am.

Cozy little bed nook. Yes please.

Too pretty for words. Don't miss the full home tour here. 

P.S. Does anyone else feel totally motivated looking at crazy real estate? No, just me? ;)