bedknobs & baubles

For Home | For You

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:01:12 -0500

I think it’s safe to assume that I’ll never tire of the nautical trend. (Though, I doubt it can be called a “trend” when it comes back year after year. Perhaps “classic nautical motifs” is more accurate.) Add an anchor bottle opener to your summer bar cart or set sail in an anchor-print swimsuit.

Inspire It | Wear It

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:01:15 -0500

I purchased this quirky banana-print top moments after featuring it in last week’s “Color Crush.” It’s scheduled to ship at the beginning of June, but I’m already dreaming of ways to wear it that are inspired by colorful Palm Beach.

Shop It: Anya Hindmarch clutch* // Julie Vos earrings // Reiss sandals // J.Crew top // Gerard Yosca necklace // J.Crew shorts

*I’ve said it before, but eBay is a stellar source for vintage straw clutches. This one is similar to the clutch I found earlier this year.

Bauble of the Week

Sun, 19 May 2013 05:00:59 -0500

This feature is dangerously close to becoming the “Necklace of the Week,” but can you really blame me when there are so many stunning options? This week’s bauble is one of my favorites from designer Gerard Yosca. You’ll get to know more about him in an upcoming “Behind the Baubles” and have a chance to win one of his beautiful designs. (Yes, I’m jealous. And, yes, I do expect the winner to take lots of photos to share with me on Instagram!) Stay tuned for more info.

Cheers to a Colorful Weekend!

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:28:28 -0500

Forget the stodgy crystal glassware. Summer soirees are going to be a lot more fun with this colorful set of tumblers courtesy of Buyer At Large.

Buyer At Large is an online boutique brimming with unique gifts for women. While there are plenty of jewelry and personal care gifts, my favorites are the kitchen and dining options. How cute are these cheese plates? Pair those with a slate cheese board and you have the perfect hostess gift. And, do you remember those heart-shaped teacups that made the rounds on Pinterest? Yep, they have those too.

Friday Find Under $50

Fri, 17 May 2013 06:45:56 -0500

Ruche dress, $48.99

Look poised and polished in this easy-to-wear print dress. I have a hard time not introducing color into a black and white ensemble, so I’d add cobalt sandals. Perhaps this pair?

Congratulations to Andrea D. for winning the NOVICA giveaway! And a huge thanks to everyone for entering and continuing to support this blog! There’s another giveaway coming up that you won’t want to miss.

Currently Coveting

Thu, 16 May 2013 07:03:12 -0500

Right now, I’m coveting:

A coat of glossy turquoise painted on a ceiling
A simple shift in a punchy hue
This colorful cluster of gems
A gilded lily candle holder
Flamingo glasses that are motivating enough to brave the crowd at Ikea (thanks to Laura Bear’s post!)
Updating tuxedo pants with a floral lace stripe
A turquoise statement necklace

Remember the pineapple stirrers from last week’s post? They’re currently part of C. Wonder’s flash sale and available for $19.99.

In the Know

Wed, 15 May 2013 21:52:00 -0500

I usually buy a new travel-size perfume before we head on vacation. It’s a small (yet effective) way to bring back vivid memories of the getaway long after we’ve come home. It’s also why Philosophy’s margarita body wash conjures up memories of a harsh California sunburn and Pucci’s Acqua 330 takes me back to the first vacation I took with Dave just months after meeting.

I’ve recently been introduced to Callio Fragrance, a NYC-based company founded on the belief that scent can bring back special moments. Callio Fragrance offers seven signature scents, all concocted by hand. I was given the opportunity to try Melee and Kiele. I knew I’d fall for Melee’s combination of lime, coconut and lemongrass (three of my favorite fragrances), but I didn’t expect to prefer the lush florals of Kiele. I usually avoid florals since they can be a bit matronly, but this one is young and fresh. In fact, it’s already packed in my travel bag for South Carolina (we leave in 10 days!). I can’t wait for the memories this one brings back months later.

Featured: gifted Callio fragrance // gifted Julie Vos earrings

For Home | For You

Tue, 14 May 2013 06:06:00 -0500

I was ecstatic to see that Kate Spade’s “Queen of the Nile” clutch ($129) was part of the surprise sale that launched last night. So much so that I actually yelled for Dave to grab a credit card (any credit card!) so I could order it as soon as possible. (He handed over his own AmEx and told me it was an early birthday present.) I had fallen for the clutch last year, added it to my cart numerous times, but just couldn’t pull the $348 trigger. If you’d rather not carry a camel clutch, this ceramic plate ($38) adds a touch of exoticism to your coffee table.

Giveaway Reminder:

Win a $40 gift certificate to NOVICA. Enter here.

Color Crush: Banana

Mon, 13 May 2013 06:45:00 -0500

Shop It: Miu Miu sandals // Alexis Bittar bracelet // Issa dress // Lulu & Georgia vases // J.Crew top // Mulberry key fob // A.J. Morgan sunglasses // Kate Spade earrings

Giveaway Reminder:

Win a $40 gift certificate to NOVICA. Enter here.

Bauble of the Week

Sun, 12 May 2013 05:01:00 -0500

I have a huge crush on this JewelMint necklace. It’s a bit like a Lulu Frost piece with the metal leaves and crystal elements, but for much, much less. (If you’re not already signed up for JewelMint, you can do so here.)

Giveaway Reminder:

Win a $40 gift certificate to NOVICA. Enter here.

Friday Find Under $50

Fri, 10 May 2013 08:22:00 -0500

LOFT dress, $47.70
(use code LOVEMOM to take 40% off the original price of $79.50)

This shift dress has a lot going for it: pockets (!), a bias-cut inset that creates flattering lines, and it comes in saturated hues of violet or navy. It’s under $50 with the current promotion, which is a steal for a dress that goes from the workweek to the weekend with ease.

Giveaway Reminder:

Win a $40 gift certificate to NOVICA. Enter here.

Currently Coveting

Thu, 09 May 2013 06:23:00 -0500

Right now, I’m coveting:

A set of colorful cordial glasses
The pretty print along the top of this shell
A unique pair of earrings by House of Lavande
A pair of woven flats for just $52
Emerald wallpaper in an Art Deco design
Pineapple cocktail accessories
The geometric design on this beaded clutch

Giveaway Reminders:

Win a $40 gift certificate to NOVICA. Enter here.

Congratulations to Nicole H., winner of the Sequin giveaway! I’ll send you an email shortly. Thank you to everyone for entering and continuing to support Bedknobs & Baubles.

Behind the Baubles: Julie Vos

Wed, 08 May 2013 05:01:00 -0500

It’s not a secret that I adore Julie Vos’ jewelry. (Actually, “adore” might be too subtle. “Covet,” “obsessed with” and “head-over-heels for” are more accurate.) Julie expertly mixes colored gemstones with classic styles to create pieces that look like precious souvenirs from a faraway marketplace.

Keep in touch with Julie on Twitter and Facebook!

Shop the Highlights: Calypso cuff // Amalfi pendant // Camel ring // Piccolo Cozumel studs // Santorini ring // Byzantine cuff

Splurge or Save?

Tue, 07 May 2013 05:01:20 -0500

I’ve always been fond of Lemlem’s multiple stripes and color combinations, but $170 is a bit steep for a gauzy scarf. Get the look with this Mango version for a fraction of the price. I also found lovely versions at Gap ($29.95) and Old Navy ($12.94).

Giveaway Reminders:

Win two bangle bracelets (your choice!) from Sequin. Enter here.
Win a $40 gift certificate to NOVICA. Enter here.

Perfect Pairings

Mon, 06 May 2013 06:32:00 -0500

Shop It: J.Crew heels // Tory Burch tunic // Zara tunic // Dolce & Gabbana flats

Giveaway Reminders:

Win two bangle bracelets (your choice!) from Sequin. Enter here.
Win a $40 gift certificate to NOVICA. Enter here.

Bauble of the Week

Sun, 05 May 2013 08:12:25 -0500

A statement pendant is a key layering piece for summer and I love the colorful rhinestones crowning the top of this one. It’s a steal at just $24 with LOFT’s current 40% off promotion.

Giveaway Reminders:

Win two bangle bracelets (your choice!) from Sequin. Enter here.
Win a $40 gift certificate to NOVICA. Enter here.

Win $40 to NOVICA

Sat, 04 May 2013 09:51:00 -0500

Finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift can be a challenge when something from a large retailer doesn’t seem special enough. I usually plan months ahead and purchase gifts from art fairs and galleries to tuck away for special occasions.

Luckily, the need to stockpile presents is lessened with NOVICA. In association with National Geographic, NOVICA features the work from artisans around the world. The site is expansive, featuring everything from Mexican blown glass to West African jewelry. To make your shopping easier, there’s a curated Mother’s Day section to guide you to the perfect gift for mom.

Here are my favorites:

Glass Pitcher, $39.49
Porcelain Jar, $124.95
Amethyst Earrings, $57.95
Mirror, $172.95
Stacking Rings, $94.95
Cocktail Ring, $57.95
Beaded Box, $62.95
Glass Bowl, $47.95

NOVICA is giving one reader a $40 gift certificate to put toward an artisan pick of your own. To enter, just scour the site and let me know what you’d love to give (or get!). As always, there are bonus entries for your continued support. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday Find Under $50

Fri, 03 May 2013 05:55:23 -0500

Zara clutch, $35.90

Contrary to popular advice, I don’t mind investing in a trendy statement piece when it’s something so perfect for my closet that a cheaper alternative just won’t do. My standout was a YSL arty ring long before Yves was dropped from the name. $195 was a lot to pay for a metal and glass cocktail ring (now it’s $290), but it was “the one” and I still wear it regularly. A metallic clutch (or a lucite one, for that matter) is not that type of purchase for me. I’d rather experiment with this budget-friendly Zara version.

Reminder! Win a pair of bangle bracelets from Sequin!

Currently Coveting

Thu, 02 May 2013 05:01:07 -0500

Right now, I’m coveting:

A woven clutch for just the essentials
Pointed tips on a pair of retro-inspired shades
Dainty enamel floral studs
A sneak peek at Lulu Frost’s summer line for J.Crew
A refreshing summer cocktail
The goldenrod background of these floral pants
Last year’s must-have sandals in a wear-with-everything hue
Jonathan Adler for JCP (especially this pillow)

Reminder! Win a pair of bangle bracelets from Sequin!

Instant Replay: April 2013

Wed, 01 May 2013 12:00:00 -0500

Went mod. Admired the first signs of spring. Enjoyed a clear day after weeks of rain. Spent an afternoon at local watering holes. Finally found the perfect pair of pointy black flats. Scooped up a pair of floral shorts. Went to Milwaukee for an overnight getaway. Visited the Milwaukee Brewing Company. Giggled my way through Mindy Kaling’s book. Adored a surprise bouquet of daisies from Dave. Wore this necklace a lot. Pulled out a few springtime accessories.

I’d love to keep in touch with you on Instagram! You can find me at @bedknobsandbaubles.

Reminder! Win a pair of bangle bracelets from Sequin!