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Notable Purchases, Vol. 10

April 1, 2025 by jessica Leave a Comment

Madewell linen shift dress in Bright Flame – Last summer, I wore a black linen shift dress from J.Crew every week (it’s available in white this year). It was my go-to item for work with my favorite ballet flats and it was casual enough to dress down with sandals or sneakers on the weekends. It has been — by far — the lowest cost-per-wear I’ve gotten from a single item in a long time. Madewell’s version might be better with the addition of pockets. The bright, red-orange flame color is a fun jolt of color for my summer wardrobe, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I snagged the black one before the season is over.

Old Navy oversized water-resistant mac coat – Old Navy is back at it again this season with another selection of surprisingly great coats. I was on the lookout for an oversized khaki jacket, and had actually tried Sezane’s cult-favorite Carter jacket and the shorter Bobby jacket first. They were both fine, but they really didn’t seem worth the $300+ price tag. The fit was okay, but I felt the collar was a big large and raglan sleeves aren’t my favorite. I realized that what I loved most about them is the charming lining, which hardly seems like a reason to keep a jacket. I decided to try the Old Navy jacket, which is a fraction of the price, on a whim and I’m very pleased with it. If you’re curvy or have hips, stick with your regular size. If you have a straight figure, you could likely go down a size because it is generously cut.

Madewell seashell pendant necklace (and a couple of vintage necklaces) – I’ve been into the seashell jewelry trend this year, favoring pieces that are sculptural rather than literal takes on a shell. This Madewell piece has a nice heft to it, which I was pleasantly surprised by. The shell design is embossed on both sides with one side flatter than the other to rest comfortably against your chest. There’s no side seam joining the halves, which makes it look more refined and leads me to believe that the pendant is solid brass. It’s really a lovely item. It looks more expensive than it is and it’s such a great way to dabble in the seashell trend without looking like you’re headed to the beach. Plus, I picked up two additional vintage necklaces on eBay to freshen up my jewelry box.

Hill House ‘Cosmina’ nap dress – Smocked dresses have likely overstayed their welcome, but sometimes it’s nice to prioritize comfort for an easy summer dress. I like this one because it can be easily dressed up or down, plus it can be worn to work with a cardigan.

Old Navy linen-blend button downs – On days I wasn’t wearing the aforementioned J.Crew linen dress last summer, I was wearing linen-blend button downs. I picked up this shirt in three colors (all at 50% off) to rotate throughout the upcoming season. It runs larger than last year’s version.

Quince cashmere boatneck sweater – I had been looking for a casual cashmere sweater that I could throw on with jeans. I wanted something that was nice enough for impromptu Teams calls on work-from-home days, but casual enough for weekend get togethers. This was my first time ordering from Quince and so I ordered up one size, but probably could have taken my usual size in this particular piece as it’s cut wide. It’s incredibly soft and lightweight, and the rolled neckline is a nice departure from a regular crewneck. I’ve only worn it three times since it arrived, so I can’t speak to how well it holds up just yet.

J.Crew mid-rise kickout jean – I have the “penny basil” wash already and thought that the “Elaine wash” would be a nice lighter color pair for warm weather. It is, but this color stretches out much faster than the other. You can likely go down a size.

Schoolhouse popcorn grid coverlet – I had considered this vintage-inspired coverlet for our own bed for years, but never purchased it because we have other bedding we like just as much. But now that I have a proper guest room, it was enough of an excuse to buy this blanket when it was recently on sale. (I also had a Visa gift card from a rebate that I used toward it, so it felt like even more of a steal.) It’s so darn cute and I find myself smiling whenever I pass the guest room and see it.

Lulu and Georgia velvet disc pillow in Amber – To go along with the guest room refresh, I bought this round pillow during Lulu and Georgia’s recent Friends & Family sale. It’s such a fun shape, but I’m not sure if the caramel color is right for the room I had in mind. I’m happy with it otherwise and have no doubt I’ll find a spot for it soon enough. Fair warning, though, the tag is sewn into the seam and you’ll need a small, sharp pair of sewing scissors to cut it close enough where you won’t see it. It’s incredibly annoying for the price point.

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As a reminder, I may earn an affiliate commission if you buy an item through my links. This is at no cost to you.
I appreciate your continued support!

Filed Under: Recent Purchases Tagged With: Bought and Loved, Notable Purchases

On the Right Foot: Paczki for Fat Tuesday, A Rattan Fruit Bowl, A Home Renovation With Preservation in Mind & More!

March 3, 2025 by jessica Leave a Comment

Recent Snapshots: the best iced orange latte with oat milk from Ledger; brownies from the Dessert Person cookbook on one of my new East Fork pottery bowls in Big Sky; Lily keeping warm next to the air vent under the bathroom sink; date night at Lallande.

A poet’s guide to Venice in the winter.

The history of eating paczki on Fat Tuesday.

A renovation that preserved this home’s historic and relaxed charm.

Rounding up recent purchases here and here.

I forgot to add another recent item to the latest “Notable Purchases” post: this $25 solar lamp. Such a great midcentury-inspired design. I bought it in black because it hides the solar panel and charging port the best.

I finally watched Martha, the Netflix documentary about Martha Stewart. Perfection.

I’ll be snapping up this necklace the moment it’s available.

Recapping the 48 hours we spent in York, England last fall.

The most iconic chairs in design.

Meet the person who makes the red carpet.

A rattan fruit bowl to add texture to your table or a bookshelf.

Enjoy your week!

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: On the Right Foot

Travel Diary: 48 Hours in York, England

February 28, 2025 by jessica Leave a Comment

Last October, we took our third trip to London. I felt a bit guilty about returning to a city we’ve been to a few times already, but there was something so tempting (and relaxing) about revisiting a familiar place. The only condition we had when booking was that we’d spend at least part of the time in another city, which would be easy since we hadn’t really explored other parts of the U.K. beyond London. We chose to spend two nights in the medieval city of York. Rumored to be the most haunted city in Europe, we chose York for its rich history, walkable city center, ancient architecture, and cozy pubs — not ghosts.

DAY ONE – While Dave was getting ready for the day, I popped over to Bangers in London to get breakfast (get the bacon butty with the bright, herby green sauce and hash browns on the side) before the two-hour train ride from the King’s Cross station to York. It was raining when we arrived at the York station around 11:30 a.m., so we made a beeline for the Hotel Indigo York to drop off our bags before exploring.

Our first stop was Brew York for a beer and lunch from their in-house restaurant, YUZU Street Food, where we shared the chicken katsu curry bowl and a serving of the salt and pepper fries. Our room wouldn’t be ready until 3 p.m., which gave us time to stroll through The Shambles, see to the Roman Column, gawk at the exterior of the York Minster, pop into The Red House Antique Center, and have another pint at House of the Trembling Madness before it was time to head back to check-in.

And this is where our first day in York took a bit of a turn. We received the keys to the room and it, well, wasn’t what I expected. The room was cramped and dusty, the bathroom smelled like sewage, and the bed couldn’t have been much bigger than a full-sized bed. I had booked a king room on the IHG website with points, not knowing that there were two types of “king” rooms at the hotel: a “standard room” with a British king-size bed (similar to an American queen, in theory) or a “premium room” with an American king. (The website doesn’t actually clarify this as both rooms have the bed sized listed simply as “king.”) I called to the front desk to ask for clarification on my booking and to see if another room was available. There wasn’t. We spent about an hour weighing our options and ultimately decided to book a room at the nearby Hampton by Hilton. The Hampton was basic, but it was clean and spacious, had an actual king-size bed and a massive window, and the staff was so kind. Plus, a full breakfast was included. It was the right decision, even if we had to pay for two hotel rooms. (I really hate coming off as a prima donna, but the Hotel Indigo room was so far from what I had anticipated based on reviews and photos. I was so frustrated and needed a reset — and a bigger bed.)

Having that debacle behind us, we set out to Pivni, a freehouse in a three-story 16th century building, and then to Cresci for Neapolitan pizza (make a reservation; there was a line when we left) before turning in for the night.

DAY TWO – My singular mission the next morning was to procure a set of ghost figurines from The York Ghost Merchants. York Ghost Merchants creates small, charming ghosts in an array of colors and they’ve really become a hot commodity. (Plus, they were the ideal souvenir from York as we were just weeks away from Halloween.) There are two locations: one in the Shambles and another called “The Dispensary” located in St. Anthonys Garden. Both have long lines, so you’ll be in it for the long haul. I was fortunate to only have an hour wait, which gave me time to enjoy a to-go coffee from a local café and work on the morning’s New York Times crossword. Dave, less enthused about the wait, walked around the gardens and snapped photos of the wiremesh “ghosts” he found that were part of a citywide annual installation called Ghosts in the Gardens.

Ghosts procured, we set out to the nearest access point of the York City Walls. The city walls were originally established in 71 AD by the Romans and were later expanded and fortified during the medieval period. They’re the longest medieval town walls in England, circling the city center with a 2.11-mile loop that’s free to access. We continued along the walls for about a mile before heading back to the city center in search of a break at Trembling Madness before going to the York Minster where we’d ascend 275 stairs to the top for views of the city.

We’re no strangers to climbing hundreds of stairs for a birds-eye view. However, unlike many other cathedral towers we’ve climbed, this only had one rest stop roughly halfway up where you pop back outside near the flying buttresses. If that’s not your speed, the Minster itself is still worth a visit inside for the impressive Gothic architecture.

Having had our fill exercise for awhile, we were past due for lunch and stopped by Ye Olde Starre Inn. It’s believed to be the oldest public house in York and, apparently, haunted — although we didn’t see any indication of the latter. We grabbed a table outside and shared the battered halloumi bites and a steak and ale pie that I’m still thinking about.

Afterward, we set out to the Museum Gardens to see the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey and Saint Olave’s Church, snaking through the garden toward River Ouse. We stumbled across The Star Inn, which has an expansive outdoor patio overlooking the river — the perfect spot for an evening G&T before continuing along the river and back up to continue walking along the city walls.

By the time we lost daylight, we pub hopped to The Phoenix (they have an outdoor patio next to the city walls that would have been charming in the afternoon), back to Brew York for a pint and dumplings, and The Blue Bell. The Blue Bell is really worth a stop. It was established in 1798 and was last decorated in 1903 with its now signature Edwardian character. It’s a cozy, intimate space with a list of house rules: no swearing, no mobile phone noise (thank goodness), no groups, and no patrons under 18.

DAY THREE – Our train back to London was scheduled for 2 p.m. While there were still museums on our list that could visit, the weather was too nice and York too beautiful to be cooped up indoors. Instead, we grabbed a latte at 200 Degrees (which was mediocre at best; we struggled to find good coffee in York) and let ourselves get lost along the cobblestone roads and public gardens. We made a quick stop at the Nutcracker Christmas Shop for a York-themed souvenir ornament before collecting our bags at the hotel and hopping on a bus to the train station where we waited for our departure time at York Tap.

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Filed Under: Travel, Travel Guide Tagged With: England, Travel Diary, Travel Guide, York

Notable Purchases, Vol. 9 (Plus, $20 off for new East Fork Pottery customers!)

February 26, 2025 by jessica Leave a Comment

East Fork breakfast bowls in Big Sky – I’m such a fan of East Fork pottery. The pieces are thoughtfully designed and have a pleasant weight to them. I had been eyeing up the seasonal glaze Big Sky since it’s autumn debut and finally sprung for a set of six breakfast bowls before the color goes back into retirement to make way for spring glazes. It’s such a beautiful periwinkle shade that I’m thrilled to have in my slowly growing collection. (P.S. For new East Fork customers, you can take $20 off an order of $40 or more with my referral link. Their signature mug is a great first piece.)

Sezane ‘Marzia’ shirt – Last year’s summer uniform was an oversized button down with shorts and it seems that this year won’t be much different now that I added this shirt to my wardrobe. It’s the perfect shade of green in a linen-cotton blend with embroidered insets to make it far more interesting than a typical shirt. Plan to go down a size or two as it runs large.

Braised by Jenny Goycochea-Marker – Jenny’s coconut braised beef recipe is one of our absolute favorites. It’s genuinely restaurant-quality and I daydream about it more often than I should. Since it’s been such a hit, I wanted to support her by purchasing her cookbook. Everything looks amazing, so I’ll be cooking my way through it this year.

Tuckernuck ‘Nina’ flats in oxblood – If you’ve been around here for awhile, you know how much I love a ballet flat. The higher, almond-shaped vamp on these give them an updated silhouette. They run true to size, but I did have to add a heel pad like this to keep them from slipping.

Find previous “Notable Purchases” here and click here to see what I’ve added to my wardrobe this year.

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As a reminder, I may earn an affiliate commission if you buy an item through my links. This is at no cost to you.
I appreciate your continued support!

Filed Under: Recent Purchases Tagged With: Bought and Loved, Notable Purchases

Notable Purchases, Vol. 8

January 29, 2025 by jessica Leave a Comment

Diane von Furstenberg ‘Didi’ wrap dress – I’ve always been fond of DVF dresses due to their figure-flattering shapes and vibrant patterns, but they’ve been missing from my closet over the past few years. Looking back, I’m sure that has a lot to do with the pandemic when I lost touch with my personal style. I’ve been rediscovering my love of getting dressed again, which has left me feeling lackluster about my existing wardrobe — especially in terms of workwear. On my search for fit-and-flare jersey dresses, I came across the “Didi” dress on The Outnet and immediately ordered it. It’s a shirtdress-meets-wrap style so you still have the waist-cinching (and size accommodating) benefit of a wrap, but it eliminates the worry of the top gaping open. I love it so much that I wanted another one and saw the pattern above on the DVF site — which was on sale, but sold out online before I was able to buy it. Fortunately, an incredibly helpful sales associate at the New York flagship store was able to locate one and ship it to me.

Schoolhouse ‘Owen’ side table – I actually purchased this side table right before Christmas during Schoolhouse’s generous holiday sale. I found myself coming back to it over and over to admire the industrial-inspired design and saturated enameled colors. Beyond that, I feel like small moveable tables are always useful to have around. The table comes flat-packed for self-assembly. The center tube has two channels that steel rods go through to connect the base to the top, so it ends up being really sturdy.

Amazon chunky gold hoops – I’ve been debating this pair of Mejuri earrings for a few months now, but I don’t really need another pair of chunky earrings. I talked myself out of them, only to come across this $10 pair on Amazon that are a decent dupe. The dimensions are almost identical and the Amazon pair claims to be sterling silver (which I have doubts about). The gold plating is pretty light and they look more silver than gold sometimes.

Margaux ‘The Demi’ in silver – When my favorite ballet flats were on sale, how could I say no to the silver version that I had been eyeing up? This color does run a bit smaller than my other pairs. I’m not sure if they’ll stretch out as much with additional wear. I’ll report back.

Danner ‘Arctic 600’ winter boots – If you’re in need of a truly practical winter boot, look no further. These are supremely comfortable, waterproof, and have excellent traction. Obviously, you’d want to buy a taller boot if you think you’ll be traipsing through deep snow, but for less accumulation or shoveled surfaces, these are well worth the money.

Find previous “Notable Purchases” here and click here to see what I’ve added to my wardrobe this year.

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Let’s keep in touch!
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As a reminder, I may earn an affiliate commission if you buy an item through my links. This is at no cost to you.
I appreciate your continued support!

Filed Under: Recent Purchases Tagged With: Bought and Loved, Notable Purchases

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Hello!


Jessica Hamm
Hello there! I'm a first-time homeowner updating a 1920s house in Madison, Wisconsin. I have a penchant for travel and a love of costume jewelry.

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I’m challenging myself to get through a backlog I’m challenging myself to get through a backlog of travel photos before we book our next trip. First up, photos of the gothic York Minster. I’m not religious in the slightest but I can’t resist stunning architecture and the opportunity to climb hundreds of cathedral stairs for a city view. This one only had a single rest stop about halfway up the flight of 275 steps for a closeup view of the flying buttresses — and a waiver you had to sign before your ascent to promise you’re healthy enough to make it.
Can you hear meow? 😸 Lily is putting the phone Can you hear meow? 😸 Lily is putting the phone nook to good use.
Christmassy mornings. Christmassy mornings.
Thanksgiving Bake: Flourless Chocolate Wave Cake f Thanksgiving Bake: Flourless Chocolate Wave Cake from Dessert Person by @csaffitz

#dessertperson #thanksgiving #eastfork #eastforkdoesmydishes #eastforkpottery #dansk #food52 #dessert
Visiting York earlier this month put us in the Hal Visiting York earlier this month put us in the Halloween spirit. While it claims to be the most haunted place in Europe and is dubbed the city of a thousand ghosts, we only encountered the wire-mesh sculptures of Ghosts in the Gardens (@the_york_bid) and the family of souvenir ghosts I brought home from @yorkghostmerchants. 

#ghostsinthegardens #york #hauntedyork #yorkmuseumgardens #yorkghostmerchants
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