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PAINTBOX NAILS NYC

A few of you requested more beauty-related content on Design Darling and, while it's admittedly not (yet) my area of expertise, I'm excited to try out a few new-to-me products and services and bring you the best of what I find!


First up is Paintbox Nails, a chic-as-can-be manicure studio in SoHo that specializes in nail art. Now I'm normally not a big fan of nail art (some of the designs I've seen remind me of the little flowers I requested during manicures circa age seven) but Paintbox has a range of designs that are more minimal and sophisticated than anything my elementary school self would have sought after. I brought my Design Darling summer interns, Mary Claire and Taryn, during an extra productive work week and it was such a fun way to celebrate! 


The decor inside is to die for: bright white walls, navy leather banquette seating, and modern fixtures that are a serious step up from my usual neighborhood nail spot. And the manicurists were super friendly and had lots of advice on which colors and designs would look best. The three of us wound up choosing three different looks — I imagine it would take years to get through their full range of options!


I got navy and white colorblocking, Mary Claire got lavender with a pink stripe, and Taryn got coral with a white stripe. I think I'd get something more subtle next time but it was fun to try something a little outside my usual pink and red comfort zone!


(Side note: how hilarious is this candid of Mary Claire and Taryn? I trained them well ;) I am going to miss these two SO much!!!)


A close-up of my manicure (worn with a cameo ring from Sweet & Spark!). Have you ever tried your hand at nail art? Would you give Paintbox a go? You can book an appointment online here!


WEEKEND READING


1. A great outerwear purchase for fall.

2. Casual Friday done right.

3. Eat clean in August.

4. I loved reading all your advice on eyelash enhancers! 

5. I might scoop up this rain jacket before the Nordstrom anniversary sale ends!

6. Introducing Tory Burch Home! Blue and white perfection.

7. The right way to conceal under-eye circles.

8. Three perfect button-down shirts: one, two, three.

9. What to wear to sorority recruitment. (I was an Alpha Chi at Bucknell!)

10. Your guide to decor lingo.

COFFEE TABLE BOOKS ON SALE


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To me, there are few things more inspiring than getting lost in a great book with gorgeous photos. My coffee table book collection has grown quite a bit since I moved into my first apartment, thanks in huge part to scooping up multiple titles on sale at One Kings Lane. They have the best assortment of books on art, fashion, food, and interiors... I'd buy one every week if I could! Right now they have the Kate Spade book, my favorite Slim Aarons book, and the Barefoot Contessa cookbooks. Below is just a small assortment of books they have on sale right now but do check out the full selection right here!