BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

The Coveted

November 7, 2017 by jessica 4 Comments

It seems that every year I’m itching to buy a new winter coat as soon as the temperature dips — and this year was no different. J.Crew is one of the retailers I typically look to when I’m itching for a cold-weather update and I fell in love with their new “swingy coat.” I love the relaxed shape, which allows for bulky sweaters, and the warm sherpa-lined hood. There’s even a button tab at the neck to keep the cold air out. In addition to this coat, I’ve ordered this faux fur jacket to try. I already have a longer furry coat in navy, but I love the waist length of the H&M version. I’m also saving up for an insulated coat from Aether. It’s a huge investment, but so worth it. Dave bought one a couple of years ago and he’s always bragging about how warm and cozy he is on even the coldest days! Either way, a new coat is such a smart purchase for your annual winter wardrobe mostly because it’s all anyone is going to see for the next six months!

J.Crew coat | Gap jeans | Banana Republic long-sleeve t-shirt (old; similar) | Ferragamo flats (similar budget-friendly version) | Rebecca Minkoff purse (old; also love this one)

Weekend Reading

November 3, 2017 by jessica Leave a Comment

Weekend Reading:

Ninja cats.
I just love the unique shape of this satin special occasion bag. It’s like a present for all of your essentials.
Ugh, this is not a good PR moment for Zara.
Have you ever wondered why you don’t purchase vanilla extract in the liquor store considering it’s alcohol?
Part of the reason I haven’t been shopping very much lately (or at least keeping what I’ve ordered) is because I’ve set the bar pretty high for things to purchase. If I’m on the fence about it, it goes back. If it needs more than just a simple alteration (or Spanx), it goes back. If I’m not having a “Holy sh*t! This is even better in person/on me!” moment, it goes back. I don’t want to have a wardrobe of things that I talked myself into. One of those “OMG, I love it!” moments happened when I tried on this coat. It doesn’t look like much online, but it’s so cute in person, and the fit is incredibly flattering especially if you have full hips. When you have the hood up, there’s a little tab to button to keep the chill out. Ah! I’m just over the moon with it! (I went with grey and my regular size 8 for J.Crew coats. I’m typically a small in their sweaters and a size 10 in pants, so the swing shape is appreciated.)
Within two seconds of meeting you, this is what people are judging you on. (It’s not your clothes.)
Target is getting a Sephora-esque makeover! (Let’s just hope no one sues for a herpes outbreak like this woman. Use those testers at your own risk!)
Lele Sadoughi’s newest earrings are gorgeous!
Thank you, Emily, for making me feel like our wood paneling is on point. (Learn how to paint wood paneling here!)
Raspberries are unexpected addition to your Thanksgiving meal.

Five Under $50:

A dark floral shirt dress.
If you’re not much of a dress girl, how about a velvet jumpsuit for the holidays?
Add some prep to your ponytail with these velvet bows. Go with the”golden brandy” color to keep it from looking juvenile.
“Fiction” is the perfect fall nail color.
A polka dot wrap dress in emerald green.

Earlier This Week:

The one thing I purchased last month.
Coveting pieces to kick off the holiday season.
What we were up to in October. (Plus, a snapshot of Dave’s Halloween costume. You can see mine on Instagram.)
I had the opportunity to stop by the Google Home Mini pop-up donut shop and take home one of the gadgets (c/o). It’s the size of a donut and basically takes care of many of the tasks Siri would. My favorite feature is having it read recipes. It’ll dictate each step and wait for you to finish working on that one before continuing. It’s easier than checking your phone with food-covered fingers throughout your meal prep!

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image via Collage Vintage

The Coveted

October 31, 2017 by jessica 1 Comment

I knew I didn’t have a lot of time for the blog over the last month while I was busy with my 9-to-5, but I didn’t realize how true that was until I started putting this post together and realized at the last “The Coveted” post went up on Sept. 19! How did time fly by that quickly?! Regardless, I’m thrilled to be getting back into the blogging groove just in time for the holidays. There are so many party perfect pieces at various price points to drool over! Take this dress for instance. Can you believe it’s just $28? I’ve already ordered it to try!

Wardrobe Update: October 2017

October 30, 2017 by jessica Leave a Comment

I can’t believe that I only purchased one item this month — and it wasn’t for lack of trying. This coat looked like a stuffed animal carcass, these boots weren’t comfortable in the least, this dress was too slim through the waist and way too big in the chest and shoulders, and then Tory Burch cancelled my order for a bag I was crushing on a few months ago. This girl couldn’t catch a sartorial break! The upside, of course, was that this helped offset the spending that I had done on a few home items, most notably the media console/credenza. Our living room is starting to come together, which makes that area of the house feel more like home.

PURCHASED
See all of this year’s sartorial purchases here.

Ann Taylor ‘Gretel’ slide sandals in black: These are just so comfortable! I purchased the tan pair earlier this summer and wore them often enough to justify the black version. I was able to wear them once before it became too cold and I had to tuck them away for next year!

DIDN’T WORK OUT
Things I tried and didn’t love.

Velvet leopard-print jacket: The quality of this jacket doesn’t justify the price tag. It feels limp and looks like a deflated stuffed animal. Runs large.
Paul & Joe Sister dress: This dress was ultra slim in the waist and hips and then much too large in the chest. Give it a shot if you’re blessed with an hourglass figure; the colors are pretty and it’s a great take on a vintage-esque dress.
Vince Camuto ‘Destilly 2’ ankle boot: I wanted to love these, but there’s virtually no padding at the ball of the foot, so I imagine they’ll hurt after a few hours. I didn’t think I’d wear them enough to spend the money. Go up a half size.

DAYDREAMING ABOUT
The items I just might add to my wardrobe next month.

Sophisticated ankle socks to wear with cropped pants and loafers.
I love the vintage floral pattern on this dress, and I appreciate that it comes with a waist-cinching tie.
This might be a good option for my work wardrobe.
I love these loafers so much that now I want them in black.
How pretty are these bow-topped flats? I’m not one for wearing heels very often and these are so tempting for holiday outfits!