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OUTFIT {PINK SCALLOPED SHORTS}

Looking for an affordable pair of pink scalloped shorts? I've been searching ever since stumbling upon this pin sometime last year. And I can finally say I've found them: the perfect pair of pink scalloped shorts for just $38. I can't resist preppy brights in the summer (more evidence herehere, and here) so this look is something of a seasonal uniform for me. Easy breezy top, bright shorts, comfy flats for walking. And an ice cold lemonade because, hi, have you stepped outside lately?

 

But back to the shorts. They're the perfect shade of hot pink — not bubblegum, not quite neon — and I can't get enough of the scalloped edge. Yes, linen is prone to wrinkling, but it's also one of the only fabrics I can fathom wearing when the temperature hits 90 in New York. The fact that they match perfectly with my colorblocked espadrilles is just the icing on the cake.


One of the biggest takeaways for me from your feedback a couple weeks ago was that a lot of you want to see more affordable finds mixed in with the more wishlist-worthy items I feature on Design Darling. And I want you to know: I read you loud and clear. Thankfully I'm past my days of scooping up $6 "going out tops" at Forever 21 (why? WHY?), but there are plenty of ways to look preppy, polished, and put together without breaking the bank. Am I still going to splurge on classic pieces I can't live without? 100%. But when I find an awesome $25 t-shirt or $54 dress, you're going to know about it. Deal? Deal.


Henri Bendel bag c/o ($478)  //  C. Wonder sunglasses (old, similar)


More scalloped finds:





WEEKEND READING


1. An easy summer recipe.

2. A must for summer entertaining.

3. Chic navy heels for $70.

4. Five iconic American designers you need to know.

5. Lindsay's engagement photos are stunning.

6. My favorite color combination.

7. Olivia Palermo's wedding pictures. Flawless, not that you'd expect anything else.

8. Prints by my all-time favorite photographer.

9. Seven things to do in July.

10. Will be picking up this skirt for fall (use code JULY for 30% off).


BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN

I crossed another goal off my 101 in 1001 list last weekend: spending the afternoon at a botanical garden! Will and I took the subway out to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and couldn't believe how gorgeous it was. It was definitely a little hot so I'd recommend actually looking at the forecast before you put on jeans putting it on your to do list for next spring or early summer. That said, there were still plenty of blooms (the climbing roses were my favorite!) and it was so nice to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.


This would be such a pretty color palette to recreate with a bunch of bodega blooms: white daisies, hot pink roses, and a touch of lavender.


Smiling and sweating profusely. #chic


Saving this to my dream home file... Here's hoping I'll inherit my parents' love of gardening as I get older. 


After a couple hours of strolling the different parts of the garden, we camped out under one of the cherry blossom trees in the middle of the park. It was such a peaceful little moment with birds chirping and kids playing tag that you almost wouldn't know we were just minutes outside Manhattan. (So that's why people move to Brooklyn...) This must have been even prettier during cherry blossom season in April. I'm making a mental note to head back next spring!

P.S. Happy Fourth, everyone!