Shopping Guide

Friday Five Under $55

April 3, 2015 by jessica 4 Comments

When I had my first blog, one of the most popular features was a weekly “Five Friday Finds Under $50.” I stopped doing it when I launched this one because my budget no longer necessitated it. However, I’ve been receiving more and more comments about featured items being outside everyone’s budget. So, it’s time to bring it back! Here’s your first roundup of the best budget buys (this time under $55) that don’t look inexpensive:

A simple white dress
A colorful Rebecca Minkoff pouch for $35
The cutest striped tank with a ruffled hem
A summer statement necklace from Kenneth Jay Lane
Bright blue sunglasses

Sale Alert // Tory Burch Private Sale

March 19, 2015 by jessica 3 Comments

The Tory Burch Private Sale launched today, which means it’s time to pick up a few fantastic summer items for the coming months and a few cold-weather must-haves to tuck away until fall (like these gloves — sigh!). I adore this tote from last year’s limited collection to celebrate the opening of the Rodeo Drive store. I already own a Tory Burch smartphone wristlet (it was my birthday gift from Dave last year) and it’s incredibly handy for travel. This patent leather version comes in light oak and black. Need a new piece of jewelry to breathe new life into your wardrobe? Try this green and turquoise necklace. And, for $29, this key fob is a steal. It conceals a bottle opener and there’s a subtle embossed “Cheers” on one side. I’ll drink to that!

The Biggest Sale of the Season

March 3, 2015 by jessica 29 Comments

Alright, ladies, it’s time to get your trigger finger ready for Shopbop’s biggest sale of the season! And these aren’t last-season’s castoffs. Starting at 6:30 a.m., you’ll save on the newest items from your favorite brands!

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DURATION

Tuesday, March 3 at 6:30 a.m. EST through Sunday, March 8, 2015 4:00 a.m. EST

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DISCOUNT

Save 15% with a purchase over $250

Save 20% with a purchase over $500

Save 25% with a purchase over $1,000

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CODE

Click here.

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BEST BETS

Classic items you’ll wear season after season.

New spring items that you’ll wear all season long.

Brands that rarely go on sale. (Ahem, Ferragamos.)

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SHOPPING STRATEGIES

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.

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.

TOP TEN

I spent a lot of time the other night scouring the Shopbop website to find the ten best items worthy of a pre-season sale splurge:

A classic pair of Ferragamo Varinas or Varas. I own two pairs of Varinas and they’re by far my favorite shoe. They’ll never go out of style and they rarely go on sale. This is the time to order a pair to try for yourself. (And, yes, I am buying them in black today. Can’t. Wait.)
Tory Burch’s colorful Kerrington pieces are my favorite take on the ’70s trend. (I’m also snagging this tote.)
I think it’s safe to say that Michael Kors watches have finally reached icon status. This simple silver watch with a white face is another piece you won’t tire of quickly.
Loeffler Randall’s “Starla” sandals keep making a comeback year after year. Pair them with simple summer dresses.
Looking for an add-on item you’ll actually use? Opt for any of Gorjana’s pieces.
Keepsake is a new-to-me brand with ultra feminine clothes. I adore this white frilly romper.
This swimsuit has the perfect mix of sex appeal and athleticism.
A DVF wrap dress is a no-brainer. A black jersey option takes you from the office to date night with ease.
Style and UV protection? Yes, please!
A Tory Burch smart phone wristlet. Dave gave one to me last year for my birthday and I used it a ton last summer. It’s especially great for nights out on vacation when you only have a hotel keycard to stow. (Seriously consider this. You’ll use it more than you realize.)

This post is in collaboration with Shopbop.

Top 10 | Spring Mules

February 24, 2015 by jessica 8 Comments

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This ’90s throwback made an appearance last year and it’s back again for 2015. I honestly didn’t think I’d warm up to this trend, until I saw this pin. Pairing an easy-to-slip-into mule with her breezy dress just screams summer chic. Cone heels still look outdated (sorry, Kate Spade), but a chunky heel or wedge with unexpected details (like braided faux leather) feels fresh. My favorite is this pair from Tory Burch with the geometric design on the wedge. Not really into heels? How cute would these slides look with a pair of slim pants?

Does Your Wardrobe Spark Joy?

January 23, 2015 by jessica 12 Comments

I’m due for another closet cleanout soon. It’s a daunting annual task and a humbling come-to-Jesus moment when I try on almost every item and ask myself three questions:

Does it fit?
Is it flattering?
Is it right for my lifestyle?

I recently discovered that I was missing one crucial question: Does it spark joy?

Last week, I came across an article that described the organization secret of Marie Kondo, the author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. She suggests cleansing your home–in this case, wardrobe–by asking one simple question: Does it spark joy? If it doesn’t, simply thank the item for the role it has played in your life and move on.

Yes, it does seem pretty hokey at first blush. However, the more I thought about it over the past week, the more I found myself using it as a litmus test for purchases. And you know what? It has been freeing. Take the striped DVF dress, for instance. It had all the hallmarks of something I’d love. It’s striped. It’s by my favorite designer. It’s a dress. It’s well made. It fit well. However, something about it didn’t spark joy for me. I tried on another dress I ordered from Shopbop (which is sadly sold out, but you can find the maxi dress version here) and I was over the moon. I was giddy and I couldn’t wait to show Dave.

It sparked joy.

What I love most about this process is that it doesn’t suggest giving items the heave-ho if they haven’t been worn in a year (the usual closet cleaning mantra). If an item resonates with you, you’ll wear it again eventually. Maybe last year wasn’t the right time. Maybe the year prior wasn’t even the right time. Maybe this year will be.

It’s really about getting rid of the items that feel like an emotional burden, allowing your closet to be a joyful space. It brings emotion back to clothing. I don’t want to “curate” a closet (and God forbid I ever have a capsule wardrobe). I want my purchases to be joyful. If that means a hot pink dress one month and a boyish button down the next, so be it.