BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Weekend Reading

September 16, 2017 by jessica 1 Comment

I have to admit that I look forward to the weekend mostly so I can work on more house projects. My favorite is changing out old outlets from the almond-colored and dark brown ones in favor of white. The amount of satisfaction I get from finishing each one makes me wonder if I should have been an electrician instead! Each one takes around a half hour to do, so I’ve just been doing a couple a weekend while I’m waiting for Dave to get ready for the day. Other than that, we’re antsy to start decorating place. Our sofa and bar cabinet should both arrive next week. (Fingers crossed!) We purchased this chair and blanket, which look perfect together in a corner of the living room, and we can pull the chair forward for extra seating when we have guests. We also ordered this light fixture for our entryway. I would have loved this version, but we need to cut costs in a few places so we’ll start with an affordable schoolhouse light and possibly change it out down the road when we’re not spending quite so much. And in less exciting purchases, a new mailbox. The one that came with the house is rusting and simply sitting on the porch, unattached the wall. (Side note: mailboxes are stupidly expensive for what they are.)

Weekend Reading:

Tips to declutter your kitchen for fall cooking.
Twenty things you can do to improve your life.
Architects weigh in on American buildings they wish had never been demolished.
Has anyone spotted this jacket in stores? It looks way more expensive than $70!
There’s a lot of controversy over Hillary Clinton’s new book. I loved this Vogue piece on why she doesn’t need to shut up about the loss.
The Onion perfectly describes what it’s like to shop at T.J. Maxx.
We all know this dress is destined for my closet.
I disagree that vertical paneling is making a comeback, but hey, if it makes our office and bedroom seem more modern, I’m in! (Here’s our guide on how to paint wood paneling. It’s way easier that I thought it would be, but you need to spend time prepping the walls first.)
A classic fit-and-flare tweed dress is the work staple we all need.
The 12 most fashionable colors for 2018.
Perfect photos on Instagram don’t create the engagement they used to.

Five Under $50:

Loose boho-style blouses are my favorite thing to wear with jeans when I’m having a “nothing-to-wear” moment. The embroidery on this one looks so pretty and it’s just $25 this weekend!
I’m curious about Madewell’s new candle collection, mostly because of the cute jar this one comes in. (Use it to plant a succulent when you’re done with the candle!)
Refreshing your wardrobe with a new striped long-sleeve t-shirt is always a smart purchase. This one is cute, too!
I’m hopeless at tying a scarf around my head, which makes this headband appealing.
This pouch makes me so happy.

Earlier This Week:

The pieces I’d love to add to my fall wardrobe. (I needed a list so I can stay on track and curb impulse purchases!)
A selection of housewarming gifts I would have loved to receive.

Housewarming Gifts with UncommonGoods

September 12, 2017 by jessica 1 Comment

I know you’re going to hate me after this comment: I’m looking forward to the holidays.

I know, right?! I kind of hate myself for that, too. There are still hot late-summer days to bask in and crisp fall days to enjoy, plus no one is actually looking forward to winter and snow. But I can’t help it. Now that we’re in our first house, I find myself eager for the holiday season to start so we can celebrate our first Halloween, our first Thanksgiving, and our first Christmas in our home! Since I can’t actually bring myself to shop for holiday decor and gifts just yet, I’m doing the next best thing: shopping for belated housewarming gifts for ourselves! Holiday gifts and housewarming gifts are basically the same thing when you’re shopping for yourself, right?

When UncommonGoods reached out to me earlier this month regarding their gift collections, I went down an entertaining rabbit hole of, well, uncommon gift ideas ranging from personalized presents to thoughtful anniversary ideas. But it wasn’t my first introduction to this unique Brooklyn-based retailer. My adoration of UncommonGoods actually goes back to my teenage years when we received the brand’s catalog in the mail and I spent entirely too long pouring over the interesting gifts and gadgets inside! I’ve always loved that half of what UncommonGoods carries is made my hand, and a majority of the jewelry, home decor, and table-top items are created in the United States. Beyond that, a third of the collection incorporates recycled or upcycled materials, so not only can you find an uncommon gift, you can find one that does an uncommonly impressive amount of good to the environment!

Alright, let’s get back to the goods! I’ve put together a roundup of a few items we would have loved to receive as housewarming gifts when we moved in — and would be more than happy to receive for the holidays this year to make our new home extra cozy!

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In partnership with UncommonGoods.
Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog!

Fall Wardrobe Planning

September 11, 2017 by jessica 2 Comments

I’m trying to get better at planning my seasonal wardrobes so that my purchases are less impulsive and more deliberate. This is largely due to the move and realizing just how many clothes I had while I was unpacking! But I also realized just how many items I no longer wear because they were impulsive purchases and weren’t quite right to begin with. I’ve been slowly purging pieces that I don’t wear and packing away the “maybes” in a box in the basement, which has helped me pinpoint the items I’d love to add to my wardrobe this year to fill gaps in my collection. Additionally, keeping myself on track with a list will help ensure that I spend money on high-quality pieces I’ll wear well beyond this season.

Here’s what I’m looking for this fall:

Seasonal colors: I look best in warm, rich autumnal hues and it’s time to finally start embracing that. I’ve already purchased this sweater and I just love this dress. Neither are pictured above, however.
Drop earrings bedecked with balls: I can’t get enough of ball earrings! I just purchased this black pair for my fall wardrobe and I’m crazy about the brass version from Jenny Bird.
Camel-colored coat: I just love how pretty a classic camel-colored coat looks on other people. It’s a versatile color that goes with everything, and won’t show lint as easily as black! I like this coat from J.Crew Factory. I actually own the emerald-green version of the coat that was available at J.Crew a few years ago and I still wear it throughout winter. I’m hoping that the Factory version has the double zipper because I need the extra room at my hips. Has anyone tried it? If money wasn’t an issue, I’d try this coat instead. This coat is also pretty fun with the unexpected pink fur trim.
Printed long-sleeve dress: If I could pick any dress to own and wear all season, this would be it. However, I’m not spending that much no matter how dreamy it is. I’d like to find a dress with similar elements: printed design, figure-flattering seam at the waist, flouncy skirt, long sleeves, and v-neck with a tie.
Denim mini skirt: I have so many dresses in my wardrobe, but not many separates which sometimes makes getting dressed difficult. I decided to purchase a denim mini because of how versatile it is during transitional weather.
Loafers: I’m the worst at practical footwear when it’s chilly outside. I’ve finally decided to try something more sensible than ballet flats and opted for these loafers. I absolutely love how they look with jeans and dresses, but beyond that, they’re so comfortable. There’s enough room to wear a loafer sock with them as the temperature dips. Plus, they seem like they’ll be perfect for traipsing around London in the spring!
Chic pumps: I’m not one to wear heels, but I keep finding myself opening a browser tab to peek at these. The black textured version looks perfectly versatile for work.
Classic bag: I’m a long way off from buying the Gucci bag I’m crushing on, but I’m keeping it on every seasonal wish list until I finally get my hands on it! I’ve been setting aside $25 per paycheck and some blog earnings in a separate savings account in order to slowly save up for it. It’ll take awhile, but I wanted to set aside an amount that I won’t notice is missing. Going in debt for a handbag isn’t worth it!
Flowy blouses: Whenever I have a “nothing-to-wear” day, I typically reach for jeans and a loose blouse. However, I only have two blouses that I sort of like. I just purchased this one, which is adorable in person (runs large), but I’d like to add a few more. This one has such pretty details and would look cute with jeans or dress pants, and this black one would be cute under a sleeveless shift dress.

I’d love to know what’s on your wish list!

Weekend Reading

September 8, 2017 by jessica Leave a Comment

Happy Friday! I’m so excited for the weekend. In part because I have this blouse on its way to me today, but also because I’m looking forward to fall-like temperatures. Few things are better than making a hearty meal when it’s chilly outside! We don’t have any plans other than tinkering with a few house projects and squeezing in bike rides, but something always comes up! What are you up to?

Weekend Reading:

Why a short work week makes it difficult to remember what day it is.
‘Tis the season of pumpkin-flavored everything. I typically get excited about the return of the #PSL, only to be disgusted by how sweet it is and ditch my latte halfway through! That said, I’m all about pumpkin for other things like these scones with cinnamon butter.
Jenny Bird’s latest release is topping my wish list.
A “State of the Blog” address over at Design*Sponge explores how blogging is changing.
Start planning a trip to see the fall colors! Evidently this year’s foliage is going to be even more stunning than usual.
This long-sleeve dress is lovely for fall, and the color is perfectly retro. At $59 with free returns, it’s worth a try!
Equifax was hacked and they’re completely dropping the ball in the aftermath. Keep an eye on your transactions and credit report.
Just because you weren’t invited to any Fashion Week shows doesn’t mean you can’t partake in the festivities! Here’s a list of Fashion Week events that are open to everyone.
A surprising insight into L’Oréal’s past.
I just bought these and they are perfect.

Five Under $50:

Dainty flowers and little bows make for one pretty blouse.
Oversize architectural earrings.
A striped pajama set that’s perfect for lazy Sunday mornings.
I can’t get enough stripes, especially when there’s a sweater with a little ruffle detail at the sleeve.
A coffee table book that’s equal parts amazing and bizarre.

Earlier This Week:

A snapshot from our Labor Day adventure.
This week’s most coveted. I’ve got my eye on that mirror for our bedroom.
Sweater weather is my favorite, especially when it’s still warm enough to wear my new denim mini skirt.
Sharing our living room plans. (I’m hopeful that wallpaper is as amazing in person as it looks online!)

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photo via

Sweater Weather

September 6, 2017 by jessica 1 Comment

This time of year is my style sweet spot. There are few things I love more than being able to wear a lightweight sweater with a mini skirt or a pair of shorts, and this sweater that Garnet Hill sent over is just perfect for the transitional weather. It’s a breathable linen-cotton blend that offers just enough warmth for breezy days without being too warm when the weather heats up in the afternoon. Labor Day in Madison was on the chilly side, which made this the perfect ensemble for running errands and meandering around our new neighborhood. (I picked up this amazing brass ram on our outing. Anthro has a similar one.) The sweater runs a big large, so size down if you want a more fitted look.