BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Top Trend :: Pastel Handbags

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Pastel Handbags for Spring

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Spring weather has been absent from Wisconsin after the unseasonably warm temperatures we experienced in February and March. I suppose we had it coming, but it hasn’t stopped me from yearning for springlike accessories to beat the why-won’t-winter-end? blues. My suitcase for Denmark and Belgium is full of sundresses, pastels, and florals; and I’m optimistic that Mother Nature will take pity on me. (I grudgingly threw in a sweater and a pair of jeans juuust in case.) If not? Well, at least there are candy-colored accessories, like these gorgeous handbags, to keep me in sunny spirits.

 

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This post is in collab with House of Fraser, but my unapologetic love of warm-weather clothing and accessories is all me!

It’s the Last Day of the Shopbop Sale

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Shopbop Sale Picks

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Rise and shine, ladies, and get those trigger fingers ready to breeze through the rest of your shopping list on the last day of the Shopbop sale. This is the best time to stock up on spring merchandise that you’ll wear all season, classic pieces you’ll reach for throughout the year, and items that rarely go on sale. (I’m looking at you, Ferragamo.) My top picks are above, but I’m staying strong and saving that money for our trip (even though I’ve wanted those Loeffler Randall sandals forever and the tassels on this bag are incredible). Let me live vicariously through you! What did you buy?

DISCOUNT
Spend $250+ Save 15%
Spend $500+ Save 20%
Spend $1000+ Save 25%

CODE
BIGEVENT16

Before you start clicking away, here are a few strategies to make sure you make the most out of this sale event:

  • Check in with your loved ones to see if they have any items on their wishlists from Shopbop or East Dane. You can combine orders to get up to that $1,000 threshold for 25% off.
  • Log in with your Amazon Prime account for fast two-day shipping.
  • If something doesn’t work out, no sweat. Shopbop has a great return policy. (And it’s free.)
  • Items are reserved in your cart for 30 minutes. Add everything you love–especially if there’s low stock–and edit before you check out.

Note: The following brands are excluded from the offer: Canada Goose, Hanky Panky, and Kate Spade New York. Other items excluded from the promotion will have language stating “Shopbop Staple,” “East Dane Staple,” and/or “this item is excluded from the current promotion.” These items are excluded on their product information pages. Such items do not qualify, regardless of the nature of the item.

Last Day of the Shopbop Sale

Yes, You Finally Need a Winter Coat

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Winter-Coats-On-Sale

The warm start to the season was costly for retailers. Reports indicate that specialty stores lost $572 million due to the lessened demand for winter coats and boots. That staggering number doesn’t even take into account department stores and sporting goods stores. While the weather has finally shifted in their favor, that’s still a lot of puffer coats and faux fur to move to make room for the spring merchandise. But, bad news for retailers means good news for shoppers. Winter’s best coats and accessories are finally on sale — just when we finally need them!

Winter-Coats-Wrap1
WRAP: A wrap coat is pajama dressing at its finest. There are no buttons, no snaps, and no clips. Just a sash to make you feel like you’re wearing your warmest throw blanket out of the house. Be wary of overly fuzzy styles or fleece. Those are straying too far into bathrobe territory.

Top Row: Ganni, $231 | Intermix, $269 | Ralph Lauren, $220
Bottom Row: Ivanka Trump, $210 | MICHAEL Michael Kors, $130 | Johnston & Murphy, $190

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FAUX FUR: If you already have a solid collection of outerwear, it’s time to add a little luxe to your life with a cozy, faux fur topper. At first blush, these seem like they would have been better suited for the holiday season. They’re ultra glam and add a warm layer to your party dresses without sacrificing style. However, they’re still a practical purchase with two months left of brutal winter. And, they might be the only thing to make bundling up more bearable! I just placed an order for the navy Eliza J coat, which is the one I’d recommend if you’re looking for longevity with this purchase. The understated color with short “fur” makes it a classic piece you’ll want to wear next year. It also comes in burgundy and silver.

Top Row: Eliza J, $150 | ASOS, $93 | ASOS, $83
Bottom Row: Topshop, $130 | Ann Taylor, $209 | MICHAEL Michael Kors, $200

Winter-Coats-Peacoats
PEACOAT: A classic peacoat is a wardrobe staple. If you don’t already own one, chose versatile black or navy this sale season. Already checked that off your sartorial list? Try something unexpected like this preppy plaid version. Me? I’d go with olive green. It’s not a color I’m normally drawn to, but I think the coat would look darling with a scarf in either aqua or pink.

Top Row: Tommy Hilfiger, $95 | Via Spiga, $80 | Boden, $206
Bottom Row: J.Crew, $200 | Lands’ End, $90 | Gap, $119

Best of The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

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Best-Nordstrom-Anniversary-Sale-2015

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Alright, I’m following the sage advice offered in yesterday’s post and I’m planning to return the Tory Burch purse. As much as I wanted to fall madly in love with it, there was something I just wasn’t sold on. I can’t pinpoint it, but I know there’s a girl out there who is going to wear it more than I ever would. Now, if only I could follow that mature, money-saving advice for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, which opens to the public tomorrow. Get your trigger finger ready, ladies, because there are tons of beautiful fall pieces to add to your wardrobes.

My favorite piece from the sale is this bouclé fit-and-flare dress from Theory. Wear it at the end of summer with a pair of loafers (I just snagged these) or layer a pretty silk blouse underneath for cooler days.

For those of you committed to ’70s-inspired trends, try this burnt orange suede a-line mini skirt.

For those who can only afford one thing from the sale, don’t hesitate to buy this DVF clutch. Mine is in a slightly different texture, but it’s one of the most elegant and timeless pieces I own. It also holds a surprising amount–a nice feature in a clutch.

And for those too antsy to wait for tomorrow, buy this gorgeous maxi. I don’t care if you don’t have a place to wear it. You will eventually.

We’re going to Louisville next weekend, a slightly impromptu road trip to celebrate the removal of my Aircast, and my fingers are crossed that this cute sundress arrives in time. I also ordered simple white sneakers to pair with the rest of my summer dresses since I won’t be able to wear sandals for another month. You can’t imagine how difficult it is to find simple white leather sneakers that don’t look too athletic. The athleisure trend was never my thing.

 

Friday Five Under $55

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  • It’s a great time to stock up on J.Crew’s lightweight striped tees for spring. With code SALETREAT, the price is only $27.65.
  • How fun is the color combination on this scarf?! It also comes in pink with orange pom poms and black with turquoise.
  • It’s not always easy to find interesting jewelry at a great price point, but these understated ear jackets are gorgeous. They also come in rose gold.
  • I’m itching for a pair of Soludos espadrilles this summer. Has anyone tried them? Thoughts?
  • A classic faux leather crossbody bag in a wear-with-everything color.