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.

Monday was the swinging sixties and today I feel like a ’50s housewife in this dress from eShakti. eShakti offers an array of vintage-inspired designs that are fully customizable. 

Every item on the site can be altered to fit your exact measurements. You can also alter hemlines or remove pockets (although, I’m not sure why anyone would forgo pockets). I actually chose a standard size on the site instead of entering my measurements, which probably wasn’t the best idea. While it fits perfectly around the waist, the bust is too large. (I have this problem in many items, so it’s not a surprise.) 

The cotton dress is light and airy with a thin cotton voile lining. Given that eShakti prides itself on customized tailoring, I didn’t expect the construction issues that I discovered. There was some puckering along the seams that I couldn’t iron out and the black waistband wasn’t perfectly aligned at the sides, which could have been avoided with a back zipper instead of a side one.

These are small criticisms, however. I do think eShakti is a great option for those who want a customized fit without the high price of a bespoke piece. It’s also the ideal e-shop for ladies with a feminine, ’50s aesthetic. (I’ll admit that this tunic is more my style if I’m going for a retro vibe.)

Exclusive Discount! Take 20% off your order with code BKANDB through April 30, 2013. If you’re a new customer, register on the site first to receive a $25 coupon. These discounts can be stacked together. 

Featured: gifted eShakti dress // Kate Spade shoes // vintage bracelet // Forever21 rings // Kate Spade earrings

Now that summer is right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to invest in a new pair of sunglasses. I always thought that an in-store visit was the only fool-proof way to find a flattering pair. And, really, that was the case until DITTO came along. DITTO is revolutionizing the way we shop for sunglasses by allowing customers to virtually try them on. 

Before we get into what makes DITTO so unique, let’s just take a moment to admire the wide array of designer sunglasses available. There are classic standbys like Ray-Ban and Persol and adventurous designs from 3.1 Phillip Lim and Jason Wu. (If you’re looking for prescription frames, they have those too.)

Now that you’ve found a few favorites, it’s time to create your “DITTO.” With your webcam, take a video of yourself slowly moving your head from side to side. This allows you to virtually try on sunglasses from all angles. You can also try on styles side-by-side and send your DITTO to friends.

Fair warning: this is addictive. I spent nearly an hour trying on sunglasses. I tried classic aviators, retro bug-eyed pairs and this pair with Mickey Mouse ears, but I fell for the ’60s-inspired Chloe sunglasses. 

You won’t have to wait long to enjoy your purchase. Shipping was incredibly fast. I ordered them on a Monday morning and received them Wednesday. Before I even peeked at my new sunglasses, I was struck by the high quality packaging. (Seriously, great packaging gets me every time.) The materials are heavy and well-made, there’s red edging on the white card stock, and they include an additional lens cloth. 

If all went well, the sunglasses should be as flattering as they were online. But if you’re unhappy for any reason, they have a generous return policy. DITTO will accept returns for 90 days and they offer a two-year warranty. 

Exclusive Discount! DITTO is extending a 30% discount off of anything with coupon code BEDKNOBS&BAUBLES30. (It’s a good excuse to buy a pair of rose-colored aviators.)

Disclosure: I received a pair of sunglasses courtesy of DITTO for purposes of this review. This doesn’t influence my opinion of the company. 

I’ve always loved how oversize chronograph watches look on women, but nothing matches the refined elegance of a Daniel Wellington watch. 

Before I even received the watch for review, I was taken with the story of the company’s history: 

The story behind Daniel Wellington begins with a trip half way around the globe where Filip Tysander, the founder of Daniel Wellington, met an intriguing gentleman from the British Isles. The man had the inspiring ability to be gentlemanly but still relaxed and unpretentious. He had an impeccable style, and loved to wear his Rolexes on old weathered Nato straps, which he’d kept from his years in the British army. His name? Well, Daniel Wellington, of course.

I was given the “Classic St. Andrews” watch in rose gold and the style really does live up to its namesake. The large watch face (36 mm diameter) has the irreverence of wearing a men’s watch, but it’s done in a beautifully understated way. The strap already has the patina of a well-loved piece. It’s a bit rigid, but it’s starting to become more pliable with continued wear. (Which won’t be a problem, since it has already become my go-to timepiece.)

Shop Daniel Wellington: Women’s Watches // Men’s Watches // Watch Straps 

Sartorial Summary: Daniel Wellington watch (c/o) // vintage bracelet // J.Crew bag

The holidays are the perfect excuse to pile on the baubles (also my M.O. for the Christmas tree) and purchase new gems. I try to stick to a single new standout piece each season, but I’m easily tempted along the way - especially when it comes to affordable ways to upgrade a look. Alilang is a must-visit resource for jewelry that won’t blow your December budget. 

Shopping at Alilang can be a little overwhelming; there are a lot of options to choose from. The time it takes to sift through everything is worthwhile, though. I’m very happy with the quality of the items Alilang sent over for me to try (above). Unlike some other ultra-affordable retailers, the rhinestones are secure and the pieces are free of that telltale metallic smell of a cheap piece. Of the items I tried, the crystal cluster necklace is my favorite. It’s versatile and looks more expensive than $25. 

Have you tried anything from Alilang? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Shop It: Bow Ring // Crystal Necklace // Floral Necklace // Owl Ornament

P.S. Head over to La vie…J’aime today to see what I’d like to find in my stocking! 

Usually anything that shimmers or glitters tops my list of sartorial standouts, but this pair of “Joanna” heels from ShoeMint have the added perk of being versatile. (That’s not an adjective you’d expect for metallic, bow-topped shoes, right?) They effortlessly polish a cocktail dress or elevate a pair of worn-in jeans.

They’re also my first experience with ShoeMint. If you’re unfamiliar with ShoeMint, here’s the overview: ShoeMint is basically a subscription-based shoe store. When you sign up, you’ll take a style quiz to identify the options best suited to you. After you make your first purchase, you’ll receive a monthly credit for $79.98 (one pair of shoes). However, there’s no obligation to make a monthly purchase and you can cancel at any time. (Bonus: new members receive a 20% discount.)

Even with the opt-out option, I was still hesitant to give it a whirl without seeing the quality first-hand. The ShoeMint team graciously sent over a pair for me to try and you know what? I had nothing to worry about. These shoes are absolutely gorgeous. I suspect a second pair will be on their way soon enough.

(You can also see the “Joanna” pumps at Christine in Color in teal.)

P.S. You’ll have a chance to win a pair of shoes from ShoeMint during the 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways!

Sartorial Summary
Coat: LOFT // Skirt: J.Crew Factory // Tights: Hue // Shoes: c/o ShoeMint // Earrings: J.Crew

Much to Dave’s dismay, I wear my hair up a lot. My hair just can’t retain body without the help of a curling iron, Velcro rollers and a miracle. It’s precisely why I can’t leave the house without a hair elastic slipped around my wrist or a dozen tucked into my bag and my car (in lieu of money in the change drawer). These hair ties from Kitsch are so much prettier than the standard elastic and make a midday ponytail look like an intentional beauty choice. (I’m partial to the glittery “Berry Bling” set.)

Stay tuned for information on how to win a set of your own during the 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways! It all starts Friday.

Sartorial Summary
Clutch: Diane von Furstenberg // Earrings: Kate Spade (check eBay) // Top: J.Crew // Hair Elastics: c/o Kitsch 

If it’s mint, turquoise or stripes, I’m sold. What can I say? The heart wants what it wants, so it’s no surprise that this necklace from Outfit Additions is my latest go-to gem. Outfit Additions is a California-based accessory store that offers unique designs and quality workmanship at affordable prices. In fact, everything in the shop is under $60 with free shipping. (Seriously, free shipping gets me every time.) You’ll want to keep this one in mind for your holiday shopping, even if it’s just for yourself.

Exclusive Discount! For today only, take 25% off your Outfit Additions purchase of $50 or more. Code: baubles

Sartorial Summary
Necklace: c/o Outfit Additions // Ring: c/o Gorjana // Coat: Ann Taylor // Dress: J.Crew // Clutch: Diane von Furstenberg // Shoes: Kate Spade (this season’s version has a bow - swoon! - but I can’t find it online yet)

One of the best things about the cooler temperatures is snuggling inside with a luxurious candle and a pair of cozy slippers. I jumped at the chance to upgrade my old pair of slippers when Daniel Green offered to send over a pair for review (especially since I’ve been wearing a moccasin-style pair that has seen much better days  - and are far too embarrassing to take a photo of).

I chose this pair of traditional smoking slippers in metallic gold: a bit playful, a bit elegant, and completely appropriate for running outside to grab the mail. And I suspect that the leather upper will keep these in good shape through the coming years.

Giveaway! Daniel Green is offering U.S. readers a chance to win a pair of slippers. Just visit the Daniel Green website and let me know which pair you’d like to win! Good luck!

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