Review – Page 2

Introducing Larimar Jewelry

June 2, 2016 by jessica 9 Comments

If there’s one stone that can capture the ease of summer, it’s larimar with its variations of white, light blue, and blue-green hues that are reminiscent of the ocean. It’s a silicate mineral that can found only in the Dominican Republic and is typically used to create jewelry in the Caribbean. Fortunately, you don’t need to travel that far to add a piece to your own jewelry collection! Larimar Fine Jewelry (http://larimar.com/), a company specializing in the stone, offers a wide variety of pieces handcrafted by artisans in the “cradle of Larimar” in the Dominican Republic. The organization boasts ethical work standards and a fair-wage-policy to ensure the craftsmen are able to provide for their families.

Larimar offered me a first-hand look at one of their pieces: the Gridden Stone Cuff (http://larimar.com/collections/larimar-bracelets/products/larimar-cuff-gridden-stone). The item was posted in Germany and arrived within a week of being shipped. It came in high-quality gift packaging, nestled into a box with a padded pillow. While I’m a sucker for good packaging, the bracelet is the real star of the show. The larimar stone is just as beautiful as it appears online with natural variations in the stone, and the sterling silver cuff is thick. The bracelet was able to bend just enough for me to adjust it to my wrist. The quality of workmanship is impeccable, and it’s clear the artisans Larimar Fine Jewelry parts with are passionate about their work.

Dress: BB Dakota (it might pop back here)
Sandals: Ann Taylor
Clutch: Kayu
Bracelet: c/o Larimar (http://larimar.com/collections/larimar-bracelets/products/larimar-cuff-gridden-stone)
Rings: c/o Vrai & Oro; Lulu Frost; c/o Anjolee
Sunglasses: Karen Walker c/o Shopbop (sale styles here)

Perfect Present: Onecklace Jewelry

December 11, 2015 by jessica 5 Comments

If you’re in need of a last-minute present that doesn’t appear to be an afterthought, look no further than Onecklace, an online retailer offering personalized jewelry with free guaranteed Christmas delivery right now. I’ve actually collaborated with Onecklace in the past and I was thrilled when they reached out again this year. I still wear my “Bonjour” necklace every so often. It has held up beautifully over the last two years and the gold plating hasn’t faded. This time around, I still stayed away from having my named engraved on the necklace and opted for a holiday-appropriate “falala” with the same “Alegro” script. Not only can you personalize the word, you can select the chain style and length, and specify any special instructions. (For my necklace, I wanted all of the letters to be lowercase.) I also selected a monogram ring. A signet ring has been on my wishlist for awhile, but I haven’t convinced myself to splurge on the real deal just yet. This modern monogram feels fresh and the understated profile doesn’t compete with my other daily rings. Both items come in at under $70, making them affordable keepsakes to give this holiday season.

Thanks to Onecklace for sponsoring this post!

Try Ditto’s Endless Eyewear For Free

November 17, 2015 by jessica 4 Comments

With the advent of the holiday season, many of us — myself included — are strapped for cash. Going on a strict sartorial diet isn’t fun at the most joyful time of the year, however, which is why I’m fond of DITTO’s Endless Eyewear subscription service. For $24 a month, you can swap out your sunnies as often as you’d like with free shipping each way. It’s a great way to try out designer sunglasses that you may curious about, like Karen Walker’s signature shades, this bejeweled Miu Miu pair I’ve been borrowing (and could never afford), or a beautiful bordeaux pair for holiday shoots in the snow.

HOW IT WORKS

After you sign up, pick out your favorite pair and the DITTO team will let you know if they’re ready to ship. In some cases, popular styles maybe temporarily unavailable and DITTO will notify you when they’re back in stock. You’ll receive your sunglasses in a few days. Wear them as often as you’d like before swapping them for another pair. Simply pick out the next pair online and ship the old pair back within five days of receiving the new style. All sunglasses are sterilized and arrive in like-new condition. If you fall in love with your pair and can’t bear to part with them, you can opt to purchase them at a 15% discount off the retail price.

RECEIVE A FREE MONTH

You can try your first month free with code BEDKNOBS. I’m normally on the fence about subscription boxes (we all know how I felt about Try the World), but I think this one is worth trying out for at least the first month. (You can always cancel if you don’t think the service is for you.) Wearing a new pair of sunglasses for a couple of weeks will give you a better idea of whether or not they’re a good investment for you. It’s also just a fun way to freshen up your holiday outfit photos!

Customize Your Jewelry With Stella & Dot

October 14, 2015 by jessica 4 Comments

This post is in partnership with Stella & Dot. If you make a purchase through a link within this post, I will receive a small compensation. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Bedknobs & Baubles!

Many of us have no problem shelling out big bucks on wardrobe staples like the ubiquitous little black dress because it can be worn with different accessories and for countless occasions. Versatility makes it worth the splurge. However, we rarely have that mentality when it comes to jewelry. There’s either subtle everyday pieces or the statement-makers that make infrequent appearances. That doesn’t have to be the case. Stella & Dot’s Versatility Shop boasts nearly 100 items that can be worn multiple ways, making costume jewelry just as versatile as your LBD.

I was recently given the opportunity to review a piece from the collection and chose the Aida Tassel Necklace. The geometric design is inspired by the architecture of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and crafted with an antique gold finish. But, as you’ll see below, its versatility is most appealing. Along with the tassel, each “fan” is removable to allow you to change the length of the pendant. I prefer the longest setting with three links and the opulent tassel (obviously), but you could go to the opposite end of the spectrum and pull all of the embellishments off. Without the pendant, the collar necklace adds a sleek hint of gold for a minimalist ensemble.

…and because no tassel goes unnoticed by Bacon:

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Thanks to Stella & Dot for partnering on this post!

Review: JCOS Messenger Bag With Lock

October 1, 2015 by jessica 14 Comments

I recently purchased this JCOS crossbody bag, a knockoff of the ubiquitous Chloe “Drew” bag. Now that I’ve been using it for a month (outfit photos coming soon), I wanted to share my thoughts on the piece for anyone interested in snagging this trendy style for a fraction of the price. (Though, I’m jealous of those who have $1,850 laying around for the original!)

Shipping took a ridiculously long time. I placed my order on July 29. It shipped on Aug. 21 and arrived on Aug. 24.
The quality is fantastic. The leather is thick, the hardware is sturdy, and the stitching is uniform. The metal clasp is attached with screws and, as you’ll see in a photo below, there’s a leather strip under the flap that reinforces the handles.
The clasp didn’t get as scratched as I thought it would over the course of the month.
On the original bag, there’s a turnlock that secures the bag before you slide in the metal bar. That’s not the case here. Sometimes the bar slides out and the bag hangs open. It’s not often enough to be a nuisance and nothing has fallen out when it happens. I’ve found that putting more items in the bag makes it less likely to occur.
The knotted chain at the handles can sometimes undo itself if the bag is tossed around too much. It’s easy to retie.
Of course, there’s the concern about “being inspired by” (::cough::knocking off::cough::) an iconic design. I struggled with this a bit, but decided that it didn’t bother me too much because it doesn’t pretend to be an original and, as I said, I’m in no position to spend almost two grand on the original. You can judge my questionable ethics, though.

Bottom Line: If you’re crazy about the design, but can’t fork out $1,850, go for it. It’s a fun ’70s-inspired saddle bag for fall.