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Baublerella Bling Brush Review

April 28, 2015 by jessica 9 Comments

As often as I talk about jewelry and choosing pieces with longevity, I rarely talk about keeping your collection pristine. Wearing your favorites is usually enough to keep tarnish at bay, but it doesn’t do anything for the soap residue and dust particles that can make jewelry lose its luster. Enter the Bling Brush by Baublerella.

The Bling Brush is an all-natural jewelry cleanser that comes in a mascara-size tube. The convenient size makes it easy to tote on vacation or tuck into a handbag. It also makes a perfect gift for a newly engaged gal obsessed with keeping the sparkle in her stone.

Simply twist the bottom of the tube to dispense the cleaner and get to work. It’s safe to use on both fine and costume gems.

To put the Bling Brush to the test, I sifted through my jewelry box for the most tarnished piece and turned up this pair of amethyst and diamond earrings. (I’m actually embarrassed to admit that I haven’t worn these in awhile. They were a gift from my parents that took a backseat to oversize costume gems in recent years.)

It didn’t take long to erase years of buildup with a few quick swipes of the Bling Brush. After wiping the excess jewelry cleanser away with a soft cloth, the earrings looked new.

Bottom Line: Love it. It’s much more convenient–and chic–than using those cleansing tubs. It is on the pricier side, setting you back $16 plus $5 shipping, but the portability is worth it. Baublerella also makes a cleansing glove for precious metals, which comes in at $12.

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In partnership with Baublerella.

Tax Return Splurge

January 14, 2015 by jessica 12 Comments

We’re narrowing in on the most wonderful time of the year: tax return season! Now, if I were more fiscally prudent, I’d adjust my withholding so I wouldn’t get taxes back nor would I have to pay in. However, I rather enjoy kicking off the year with a cash windfall. And, what better time to splurge on something utterly indulgent and designer-y? (After bills are paid, of course.)

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I’ve actually been indulging in a “Tax Return Splurge” for the last seven years. The first item I purchased was a Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress. I had recently finished college and lost a lot of weight. (It was the first time I could actually fit into a designer item!) I couldn’t justify the $355 price tag with my meager salary, so I convinced myself that a tax return could be a savings plan for something special. It was the most money I had ever spent on an item of clothing and, yet, it was a purchase I never once regretted. I still cherish the dress and wear it from time to time. (That’s the beauty of a wrap dress. The adjustable tie can be cinched tighter or looser depending on how well your diet is going.) After that gateway item, there was a YSL arty ring (when “Yves” was still part of the name), Ferragamo “Varina” flats (Best. Ever.), a Rebecca Minkoff “MAC” bag, two years of Kate Spade pumps, and the Coach purse I wore nearly everyday last year.

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That last part is worth highlighting. The “Tax Return Splurge” seems frivolous, but it doesn’t have to be. I’ve used this opportunity to invest in a good quality, signature item from a classic brand. The items elevate my wardrobe, fit my lifestyle, and become those I wear the most. They’re thoughtful purchases. So, what am I daydreaming about this year? A pair of Tod’s loafers is high on my list (in white, even though they’re terribly impractical), as are the following items:

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BUCKET BAG
We have Mansur Gavriel to thank for making the bucket bag cool again. Last summer’s must-have silhouette promises to be a hit again this year. The drawstring carryalls are ultra practical and, when it’s done in a rich fire engine red (like Rebecca Minkoff’s version exclusive to Shopbop), it’s undeniably luxe.

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KAREN WALKER SUNGLASSES
After eschewing sunglasses for so long, I finally embraced them in 2014 for two reasons: UV protection (obvi) and I no longer have to worry about blinking mid-photo! I adore Karen Walker’s bold, playful designs and would go with the “Number One” style in tortoise shell.

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DVF WRAP DRESS
A gal can never have too many DVF dresses! If you don’t already own one, start saving your pennies. One of her curve-hugging, flattering dresses is a huge confidence booster and you’ll wear it for years. I’ve got my eye on the mini Julian style with the short, flirty hemline. (May I also suggest wearing a half slip underneath? It’s not the sexiest thing, but it keeps you from having a Marilyn moment on a windy day.)

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FERRAGAMO VARINA FLATS
I feel like such a brat yearning for another pair of Ferragamo shoes, but I love the Varina style so much! They fit me perfectly and I’m giddy whenever I put them on. I already own red and turquoise, so I’d like to go with a classic black pair.

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Disclaimer: I receive a shopping credit to Shopbop in exchange for sharing sale alerts and must-have items with you. However, my opinions and the content I choose to share are not influenced by this partnership. If you ever have questions about the brands I collaborate with, please let me know.

Outfit | Elie Tahari x DesigNation

October 1, 2014 by jessica 9 Comments

[dropcap custom_class=”normal”]A[/dropcap]long with the taxi print sweatshirt and graphic tees, this dress is one of the most literal representations of Elie Tahari’s New York City inspiration for his DesigNation line. It’s also one of the most charming pieces from the collection with a fit-and-flare silhouette and the NYC skyline printed along the hem. It reminded me so much of Kate Spade’s skirt from a few years back that I couldn’t help but play up the femininity with a pair of heels and a bow belt. I’m anxious to keep this dress in rotation when the temperatures finally fall and I can pair it with the collection’s neoprene and faux fur jacket (seen earlier this week) or a beautiful white wool coat like this one.

Outfit | Elie Tahari x DesigNation

September 29, 2014 by jessica 13 Comments

[dropcap custom_class=”normal”]W[/dropcap]ould you believe I’ve never been to New York? A trip to the city comes up each time we plan a vacation, but another destination always seems to capture my imagination by the time we’re ready to purchase plane tickets. (Truth be told, I’m a little nervous that once I visit, I’ll never want to head back to the Midwest again!)

Until we actually make plans to jet set to the city that never sleeps, I’m embracing the spirit of New York through Elie Tahari’s collaboration with DesigNation. If you’re not familiar with DesigNation, it’s a biannual collaboration from Kohl’s that brings a designer’s signature looks to an expanded audience with a fun twist: each collection is inspired by a different locale. (Next up: Milly in spring 2015 with a collection inspired by Capri, Italy.)

I teamed up with Kohl’s to share two looks incorporating pieces from the collection. I’m not one to run out and purchase a new head-to-toe ensemble, so I was pleased to discover Elie Tahari’s collection is filled with versatile items punctuated with subtle textures and luxe details. In short, the perfect way to update your wardrobe without sacrificing your signature look. The neoprene pieces are really the standouts of the collection and this jacket is by far my favorite item. The faux fur inset adds just the right amount of daytime glam. Check back on Wednesday to see this dress in action.

On an unrelated note, Julie Vos recently relaunched her website and I’m thrilled to style a few of my favorite pieces to celebrate the launch. I’ll talk about it more later this week, but if you’re antsy to expand your jewelry collection, use code bedknobsandbaubles for 20% off sitewide.

Uncommon Jewelry

September 9, 2014 by jessica 7 Comments

[dropcap custom_class=”normal”]B[/dropcap]efore the days of unbridled Internet shopping (high schoolers and college kids have it good these days), I looked forward to visiting my Aunt Linda. She always had a stack of the best catalogs to pour over: Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, and, of course, UncommonGoods.

Founded in 1999, UncommonGoods was a mission-driven company before Toms and Warby Parker made it a popular business venture. The company was founded with the mission to provide “unique designs and handcrafted gifts created in harmony with the environment without harm to animals or people.” Most of the available products are made in the U.S., half are made by hand, and a third incorporate recycled or upcycled materials. And now that e-commerce has made made significant leaps since the late ’90s, it’s even easier to find a unique, unexpected gift for yourself or others.

The jewelry on UncommonGoods stays true to the retailer’s roots with personalized items and handmade pieces you can’t find just anywhere. I’m most drawn to the astrology lockets handcrafted by artist Julie Nolan. A series of dots create constellations to subtly share your sign.

If you’re on the lookout for gift-giving ideas and the woman in your life isn’t won over by jewelry, UncommonGoods carries plenty of alternatives. Try a perfectly preserved dandelion poof paperweight for the romantic, the cutest baby booties for the mom-to-be, embroidered state pillows for the traveler, or dish towels with a convenient wine pairing cheat sheet for the gourmand. Take a peek at the full lineup here.

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