'Tis the season for outdoor entertaining and colorful outdoor decor! A fresh makeover can lift your mood and make you *feel* like you're on vacay, even if the current situation keeps you close to home. Here are colorful accessories and furniture — all $100 and less — to give your yard, deck, balcony a style upgrade.
Add some fun color to your table with a variety of pastel plates and bowls.
Every evening get together needs some lighting! String lights (or fairy lightsif you prefer to call them that) are a great way to add a little bit of light to any space.
Whether you're birdwatching or delving into your favorite summer read, this is the perfect place to rest your feet.
Trade your somewhat uncomfortable outdoor seating with a hanging basket egg chair that will have you taking naps everyday of summer. Talk about cozy outdoor decor!
Brunch, baby showers, and family reunions deserve cute outdoor seating.
Throw pillows are one of our favorite ways to add some pizzazz to any space, and these fun picks are no exception.
We'll take any home decor that's a shade of pink. We love the way the baby pink softens the fun, modern design.
We're all smiles this summer, especially when this cute cat inflatable pool is involved!
We all need a reminder to soak up the sun so choose this cute doormat to brighten up your outdoor decor!
Fun colors, silhouettes, and details make this glassware a summery addition to any and every table.
If you ask us, it's more important for a lantern to look pretty than provide a ton of light. We're in love with these decorative ceramic ones!
Swap your plain napkins for some fun printed ones instead.
Floor cushions are a much better alternative to just sitting on the ground, and this fun print makes us love it even more.
Planters are always a good idea, and this bird one will add extra character to your window sill or table.
Check out our online newsletter for more outdoor decor inspo!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Additional reporting by Chloe Williams.
This post has been updated.
I'll admit out of the many teen dramas I've consumed, Outer Banks is one of the most ridiculous. But the insanity surrounding the plot is half the reason it's enjoyable! John B. wrestling an alligator with his bare hands? Kiara getting kidnapped then making a daring escape in her PJ's? John B. and Sarah getting married (kind of) by the power of "the sky, the stars, and the sea" after escaping the SBI?
Considering my favorite fan theory for the future is that Madelyn Cline's Sarah and Rudy Pankow's JJ learn they're secret siblings, I know the crazy train isn't slowing down anytime soon. I took to Reddit to find the wildest Outer Bankshot takes and I was not disappointed. Keep reading to see if you agree with any!
Image via Netflix
While JJ and Kiara is one of the most popular ships on the show, a lot of Outer Banks fans think the "no Pogue-on-Pogue macking" rule from the pilot should have stayed in effect. The individual romances between Kiara and JJ, John B., and Pope make the story really messy, and the fact the show writes Kiara to be with all three of them in the span of three years gives a lot of viewers the ick.
I'll be team #Jiara forever (and literally screamed when The Backseat Lovers' "Kilby Girl" started playing during the motorcycle ride in season 3), but I'll say it would incredibly compelling to see a friend group take care of each other as much as the Pogues do without ever crossing over into romantic territory. That's found family, after all!
Image via Netflix
One Reddit user is convinced that "Pope should’ve focused on his future in school instead of giving everything up to search for treasure." And TBH, I totally agree.
In season 1, Pope has a breakthrough about the hidden treasure in the middle of his scholarship interview. He ditches the scholarship committee to tell the rest of the Pogues, throwing away a crazy educational opportunity. Pope beats himself up for it, and his parents definitely aren't pleased, but at least it meant he got to stay in the show instead of leaving for college, which leads me to...
Image via Netflix
As one of the only people alive who loves the post-time jump One Tree Hill, I would have loved to see OBX start off with the characters in their 20s (although it looks like that's where Outer Banks season 4 will pick up!). This would eliminate SO MANY problems from the jump because the Pogues wouldn't have to worry about missing school, they'd be more self-sufficient, and instead of being the same old high school drama, it could have provided a commentary on figuring out life in your 20s the same way Friends did.
Image via Netflix
Drew Starkey the man that you are. According to one Reddit user, "Rafe should not have a love interest or a redemption arc" like we see in season 3. We spent all of season 1 and season 2 establishing that Rafe (played by Drew) would do anything it took to get what he wanted (including one successful murder and two other attempts?!). He shows next to no remorse for his actions, and exploring his literal psychopathic tendencies would take the show to a whole new level.
Image via Netflix
John B.'s dad's disappearance is the catalyst for the Pogues' journey at the beginning of Outer Banks, and Big John's return means the story feels somewhat repetitive in the third season, and it undoes a lot of the growth we've seen from John B. Plus, Big John is just SO chaotic, selfish, and dramatic. If he had truly died in season 1, we could have seen John B. wrestle with that finality, and how to cope with loss in the face of finding the treasure and falling in love with Sarah.
Image via Netflix
Outer Banks season 1 was exactly what we needed at the height of the pandemic. It was escapist — both in terms of the beach vacation vibes, but also because the '00s aesthetic took us right back to simpler times — and it had such a wonderfully resolved finale that some fans think nothing has matched it.
Do you agree with any of these Outer Banks opinions? I'm such a romance fan, I don't know what I'd do if the show didn't have JJ and Kiara get together! Check out all the best New TV Shows coming this year for more.
Lead image via Netflix
It's that time of year again when the virtual aisles of Amazon are bursting with unbelievable deals and discounts. Yes, you guessed it right – Amazon is currently hosting their Big Spring Sale!
We've searched high and low to find the top fashion deals you won't want to miss. From more high-end, designer steals to basic wardrobe essentials, we've got you covered with the inside scoop to help you score some fantastic Amazon deals.
With spring and summer break just around the corner, this is the perfect time to revamp your wardrobe (without breaking the bank). Here are the best picks in shoes, accessories, and clothing!
The simple double-banded look on these springy sandals provides style and practicality, snugly holding your feet in. The low block heel means you won't be fussing about foot or toe pain like you would with high heels. They're so much easier to put on and walk in with a lightly-padded insole.
$219.98, was $$298
Knee-high boots are all the rage this season and these Frye boots are the perfect addition to any spring wardrobe. Sport 'em with a mini dress or even some causal denim shorts, and you'll be rocking the chic cowgirl look in no time. This pull-on boot design is crafted from 100% Italian leather that ensures top-notch quality with every step!
$39.98, was $59.99
Denim shoes are another huge shoe trend as springtime approaches. Embrace the jean look with these playful slingback flats that feature a contrasting strap detail! The pointed toe is super chic, and the fact that you can snag this pair for 33% off with Amazon's Big Spring Sale is quite fab.
$33.99, was $47.99
Sing, dance, and splash around in the rain with these waterproof boots! They land around the ankle to keep your feet nicely secured and dry. Since April showers bring May flowers, you'll need a sturdy shoe to get you through the wetter months this spring – these cozy ones stand up to the job!
$34.99, was $39.99
We rarely see such good deals on shoes as cute as this, but the Amazon Big Spring Sale has brought our sandal dreams to life with these flats! The slide-on silhouette makes perfect sense for lazy spring weekends and outdoor hangs! These sandals from Ankis also come in black, white, beige, and brown, so you can find the neutral color that speaks to you.
$28.79, was $39.99
I'm a firm believer that everyone needs a pair of shoes like these: black, basic, and beyond comfy! No-fuss pumps like these 28% off ones from Amazon are the perfect solution to making date night, dinner party, and wedding guest outfits a bit more formal and upscale. These are fixed with black suede, but also come in tens of other fun colors if you're searching for something more colorful to slide your feet into!
$55, was $85
Take $30 off these casual clogs from Hunter! Other than the fact that they're the cutest Barbie pink color, these rugged soles are designed to withstand all the wear and tear. They're the perfect shoe for springtime gardening, or just giving your 'fits a bit of quirky style!
$20.93, was $34.90
We've said it once and we'll say it again: animal print is a neutral. Give your spring outfit a little extra oomph with this adorable faux-croc belt bag. It'll be great for daytime outings to keep your stuff stylishly within reach!
These gold hoop earrings bring a unique element to your run-of-the-mill ear accessories with a sleek knotted design. They're a great option for any sort of spring look, from casual to more formal occasions. Save 20% on these hoops that *also* come in silver and black with the Big Spring Sale now!
When you're out and about, whether it be grocery shopping or park walking, a hands-free moment is always welcome. This baby blue sling bag is your ultimate companion for storing everything from your phone to your keys and even your fave lip balm. The shoulder strap is completely adjustable for easy wear.
$9.99, was $13.99
The bow trend may be past its prime, but I won't let it die! Anything cute and feminine that has a bow is instantly stylish. Take these lightweight gold earrings for example: they delicately dangle off your lobes for an understated look, adding a dash of playfulness, too. They'd be cute with everything from jeans to dresses!
Every warm-weather outfit needs a chic pair of shades to match! These tortoiseshell sunnies boast big, round lenses that not only shade out the sun, but also make you look like the coolest person on the block. You can also buy them in playful colors like purple and leopard print!
$19.80, was $34.99
This trendy crescent bag is a whopping 43% off right now! It's crafted from sturdy leather that'll hold up to years of use. Its medium size makes this purse practical for nights out with the gals and stepping out to take care of errands. Either way, you'll feel super cute and confident carrying this number around!
$17.99, was $22.99
An affordable swap for those more luxe "It" girl bags, this woven purse is currently 22% off. With the adjustable strap, you're more likely to find the perfect length for toting it around! The olive green is a gorgeous color to snag for year-round wear, but you can also shop this style in black, brown, and khaki.
$25.99, was $28.89
This sultry off-the-shoulder top is the perfect going out top for spring and summer! When those nights turn a little bit chillier, you'll be wanting a long-sleeved style to keep you warm. The detailed ruching that runs along the sides of this stretchy top add some visually interesting texture to your 'fit.
Well, if it isn't the most perfect denim short for summer! A medium wash will always look good, especially since it's easily matchable to other colors in your wardrobe, and the fact that this quality pair is now 20% off is too good to be true. These shorts from The Drop boast a stylish cuff at the bottom hem for a more tailored vibe. Not too tight or too loose, the waistline on this style hits a little higher for a classic high-waisted fit.
$39.07, was $50.84
This 23% off dress style would make a wonderful spring wedding guest dress! The one-shoulder effect lends your look to sheer elegance, while the ruching throughout the material amps up your figure. This bright orange color certainly caught my eye for the warmer season, but this midi bodycon also comes in a wide variety of other colors.
$55.65, was $79.50
One of the greatest gifts that Levi's has ever given us is these ribcage-rise jeans. For the girlies who refuse to surrender to the low-rise pants trend, these are *the* high-waisted jeans to have. Though structured to accomodate the high waist, these pants are still pretty stretchy with a bit of elastane!
$18.99, was $32.99
This viral top will steal your heart from the moment you put it on. The spandex material it's made of is meant to complement your figure in the most flattering way, also lending some femininity to your look with a flirty v-neck design and open back. Lightweight tops reign supreme in the spring and summer, which is exactly why you'll want this seamless style in your closet.
$49.99, was $72.99
Who doesn't love a cozy matching set that you can snuggle up on the couch in? Plus, this one looks *just* like something you'd find at Free People. Gotta love a dupe! Just because this set feels like pajamas, doesn't mean you're not getting dressed for the day. Plus, you can wear the two pieces separately for endless outfit combos.
$19.98, was $24.98
This bodysuit legit feels like a second skin, melding to your figure while also shaping and snatching it with a material made from rayon and spandex. The square neckline on this piece makes it all the more trendy, too! You can easily sport this silky-smooth bodysuit with jeans, skirts, and shorts this spring. It comes in so many colors.
$23.18, was $39.99
These buttery-soft yoga pants will soon become the only thing you wear, because they're extremely comfortable! The wide, high-waisted waistband fits more snug, while the pant legs are super flowy. The lounge pants feature a very breathable material that'll keep you cool even in the spring and summer heat. Snag 'em in 18 different colors!
$18.39, was $26.99
A sports bra that can also double as a crop top? Sign us up! This top is totally wire-free, but it includes a light layer of padding on the chest. If you don't jive with padded inserts (I def don't), you can easily take 'em out! The stretchy material is perfect for workouts and weekend outings alike. This style's also available in tons of other bright colors.
$19.99, was $30
Having a dependable pair of black leggings in your arsenal for lazy days is crucial, so if your current pair needs an upgrade, now's the time to hit refresh! These 7/8-length leggings with convenient side pockets are available for 33% off with the Amazon Big Spring Sale. The lightly-compressive fabric will stretch and move with you, plus it snatches in your tummy for a super confident fit. They're great for exercising and lounging around alike!
Looking for more awesome deals? Sign up for our shopping newsletter, and be sure to check out our Amazon storefront for more editor-approved products!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Images via Amazon.
This post has been updated.
Mariska Hargitay is the woman of the hour anywhere she goes, with her iconic Law & Order: SVUrole as Olivia Benson under her belt for the last 25 years. The character is an absolute advocate to women — and assault victims of any gender — through her words, actions, and powerful convictions of each perpetrator on the show. She takes great care with her victims and pursues perpetrators with fervor, and slowly as you watch the show..the line blurs between Olivia and Mariska.
This isn't anything new — just recently Mariska literally stopped production on the show to help a child (who mistook her for an actual police officer) find her mom. It's just who Mariska is. She walks the walk and talks the talk — including during her speech at Variety's Power of Women's Power of Women event.
Image via NBC Universal
As a Power of Women honoree, Mariska was recognized in regards to her work as an advocate for sexual assault survivors. She took the stage and used her platform to discuss rape and assault conviction reversals, shining a light on the recent overturned ruling in Harvey Weinstein's landmark NYC case. Here's what she said:
Today I want to talk about reversing convictions, and more specifically I want to talk to you about how impossible it is to reverse mine. It’s impossible to reverse my conviction that survivors matter. It is impossible to reverse my conviction that what happens to us matters, and that our society must respond to survivors with a more a compassionate, holistically, deeper, and more nuanced understanding of what healing means.
It is impossible to reverse my conviction that after a trauma, survivors can reclaim lives of hope, of possibility, of audacious risk, beautiful intimacy, and glorious, glorious abundant joy. And I stand before you as evidence of that statement.
It is impossible to reverse my conviction that we must listen to survivors as experts on what justice means. It is extraordinary how little their voices are consulted, let alone incorporated, in the process of deciding how to repair harm. Justice is not a one-size-fits-all journey.
It is impossible to reverse my conviction that patriarchal impunity has to end. Patriarchal impunity is when a male-dominated system exempts perpetrators from punishment. Studies show that only 20% of all rape cases in the U.S. are reported to the police, and that between 5 and 0% of all rapes result in a guilty plea or a conviction. So why do 80% of victims not report? Because they're met with a system that grants impunity to perpetrators; a system that blames victims; a system that accepts only those victims who are experienced as "real" rape; a system that completely misunderstands the neurobiology of trauma, which causes behavior in women that doesn't fit the picture of how a "real victim" would act.
Is that change needed that victims should just pull themselves together? Just buck up and report anyway? No. No, it's the system that receives them that needs to change
It is impossible to reverse my conviction — and the conviction of my extraordinary team, The Joyful Heart — that the backlog of untested rape kits can be brought to zero; that the testing of all new kits must be mandated; that we need a statewide kit tracking system; and that survivors have the right to access the status of their kits.
It is impossible to reverse my conviction that grammar — yes, grammar — that we use when we speak about rape must change. In the sentence, "A woman is raped," there's a crime and there's a victim, but there's no perpetrator. Where's the perpetrator? Where is he? Statistically, as we know, most likely he's walking free. He's so free that he doesn't even appear in the language about the crime that he committed. Is that not extraordinary? It's extraordinary that in the very grammar, the perpetrator goes free. Reintroducing perpetrators in the language of rape will make some very unwieldy grammar, but that's the nature of change. It's unwieldy, it's messy, it's uncomfortable, but it's necessary.
Image via NBC Universal
Hargitay continued on in her prolific speech to describe that rape shouldn't be considered a "crime of passion" because it's "not simply the next step in the trajectory of his passion" when a man takes a consensual hookup too far and assaults a woman against her will. She stated that it's "an exercise of power," doubling down that the language we use is important.
The speech went on to address that rape is both about power and control, as a "construct" that was "built, and assembled, and reinforced over time." She noted that there are people with these positions of power — and she specifically called out those in the entertainment industry — that could make a difference and aligned themselves to victims and survivors.
After this and some other remarks, Hargitay specifically called out the Weinstein conviction reversal. She said:
I do want to say something about the Harvey Weinstein conviction, specifically about the reason that it was overturned: too many women's voices. Too many women's voices were allowed to speak. Hallelujah! Amen! I can't imagine anything more beautiful than that. The Daily podcast episode talked about how it was so risky for the prosecution to have that many women testify. Risky to let women speak? You're damn right it is!
Too many women speaking brings change. Too many women speaking shakes the establishment. Too many women means we get listened to more, and people might actually hear what we have to say. Look what happened when women started saying just two words, right? Me too — just as an example — a tidal wave of change. Me too.
And then of course, there was the response: the Me Too Movement. The backlash. The examination of whether the changes that have come are lasting, or are even positive. Of course there's a backlash! What did they expect? For women to speak repeatedly, loudly, together, with a purpose — for there to be no backlash? The backlash is evidence of how powerful those voices were, how powerful those voices ARE.
Turns out that your TV heroes really can be your IRL heroes after all. Long live Olivia Benson! Long live Mariska Hargitay!
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Header image via NBC Universal
After Emily in Paris season 3 dropped on Netflix in December of 2022, we were hoping to get the fourth installment of the hit show in 2023. But production halted when the WGA writers' strike, then the SAG-AFTRA actors' strike went to affect, and our beloved cast and crew campaigned for better wages and industry protection. But with the end of the writers' strike, and new SAG negotiations, Emily in Paris season 4 finally began production in February 2024 — and I can already tell you there's sure to be plenty of drama and French fashion this time around.
Not only will we see Emily in Paris (see what I did there?!) but she's also pulling an Audrey Hepburn and taking a little Roman Holiday. That's right — our favorite Parisians are heading to Italy! If that doesn't sound like a dreamy comfort show then I don't know what does. Here's everything we know about the upcoming season of your favorite TV brain candy!!
Image via Lily Collins/Instagram
Via Variety, Emily in Paris season 4 began production in Paris the week of January 15! "Did someone say Saison Quatre?!" Lily Collins says in her Instagram post announcing production. "Finally reunited with my @emilyinparis fam back in Paris and it feels so good. Although, I may need to brush up on my selfie skills for Emily’s sake…"
Now the wait is over! According to the official announcementfor Emily in Paris, we know part one drops on Netflix August 15, followed by part 2 on September 12. I've been impatiently waiting for this considering we didn't know how filming would be impacted by things like the WGA writers strike!
Image via Lily Collins/Instagram
Yes, Emily in Paris is filmed on location in Paris! We got our first look at Emily in Paris season 4 when Lily Collins and Ashley Park were seen filming in the City of Love (via Daily Mail). The costumes for the series are still as bold and bright as ever, with Ashley's Mindy wearing cobalt and metallic boots, and Lily's Emily dressed head-to-toe in lemon yellow. I can't wait to see what these best friends get up to this season! Check out our Paris travel recommendations to live out your own Emily in Paris dreams ;).
On April 27, Lily Collins confirmed Emily in Paris season 4 had wrapped its France shoot and that the cast & crew have swapped the City of Love for the Eternal City! "When you’re the first ones on the dance floor at the Paris wrap party. Next stop: Rome!" she says on Instagram. Late spring is literally the perfect time to film in Italy and I just know this season is going to give me more wanderlust than ever before. I need gelato!
Image via Netflix
Season 3 left us with a huge cliffhanger: Alfie breaks up with Emily, Camille learns she's pregnant with Gabriel's baby, Benoit's "Mon Soleil" has been chosen for the Eurovision Song Contest, and Emily and Gabriel realize they've been in love with each other the whole time. Whew.
Emily in Paris season 4 will have a ton of cliffhangers to bring full circle, and a bunch of damage that all the characters need to heal. We know from the Netflix TUDUM fan event that we might also see Emily have to deal with an ultimatum head-on, as well as an unexpected twist. Plus, it looks like she's heading on a "Roman holiday," according to lead actress Lily Collins. We'll take any nod to an Audrey Hepburn movie, please and thank you!
Image via Netflix
We don't have OFFICIAL word on whether Alfie (played by Lucien Laviscount) will return for Emily in Paris season 4, but we're hoping for his sake that he gets some closure. Lucien wants to come back as well! "[The dream is] to keep this gravy train going and just to kind of really live in this world a little bit longer," he says in an interview with Elle. " The writers on the show and the creators behind it and everyone that comes into contact with it is so amazing and fantastic. Their minds [have] way, way, way, way surpassed mine. So, yeah. I’ll let them do their thing.”
Image via Netflix
We can expect the rest of the cast — Lily Collins as Emily, Lucas Bravo as Gabriel, Ashley Park as Mindy, Camille Razat as Camille, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie, Samuel Arnold as Julian, and Bruno Gouery as Luc — to return.
Image via Marie Etchegoyen/Netflix
It looks like Emily in Paris season 4 will not be the final season, according to creator Darren Star. “There’s a lot more story to tell here and we’re not wrapping things up anytime soon,” Star tells Elle. “And also hopefully season four isn’t the end either. I feel like we’re all creatively feeling like we’re in the middle of something not heading towards the end.”
Darren also told Deadline season 4 is "not necessarily conceived as a final chapter. I think like every other show, it’s a rich ensemble. There’s no end in sight until everybody feels like it’s time to end. And I don’t think this show is limited by a number of seasons, I think it’s limited by everybody’s enthusiasm and excitement about doing it and telling stories about these characters."
We'll take as many seasons of Emily in Paris as they'll give us!!
Image via Marie Etchegoyen/Netflix
Lucas Bravo told People he's excited for a coming-of-age for Gabriel. "When you start a character, then there's a year where you experience the world and you mature, you become another person and you come back and it's exactly the day you left off," he says. "I'm happy that in season four I'll be able to bring more of what I became and what I've experienced in the past four years."
Even though Lily Collins is now an executive producer, she doesn't want to know TOO much about the future of the show. “Darren and I speak, on occasion, about where he’s thinking of going, but he also doesn’t wanna spoil too much for me because there is a fine line,” she tells Collider. “I don’t wanna know everything because I want to be led with the writing, but I am also curious because, as a producer wanting to celebrate the other characters, I’m very curious to see what their trajectories are."
Image via Netflix
To be fully prepared for Emily in Paris season 4, it's important to remember just what happened during season 3! The junior season was a bumpy ride for Emily, and it ends with the craziest finale yet. After Camille and Gabriel decide to get married, Camille stops the wedding, saying she knows Gabriel is in love with Emily instead of her. This declaration leads Alfie to break up with our leading lady because he refuses to be her second choice (and honestly, I respect it). That's not the only shocker because Camille also reveals that she's pregnant with Gabriel's child, which comes as a surprise to everyone. Meanwhile, Mindy learns Benoit has submitted a song (specifically "Mon Soleil") to the Eurovision Song Contest and Laurent has his heart set on opening a club in Paris.
Are you excited for Emily in Paris Season 4? Give us your craziest theory in the comments, and check out our Facebook for more pop culture news. Read up on how This Emily In Paris Theory Could Be Why Emily And Gabriel Aren’t Together (Yet).
Lead image via Netflix.
This post has been updated.
