BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Top Trend :: Pastel Handbags

April 8, 2016 by jessica 5 Comments

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!

Inspiration Behind Lele Sadoughi’s Peking Opera Collection + Discount Code!

April 7, 2016 by jessica 4 Comments

A few weeks ago, I added Lele Sadoughi’s gorgeous Maraca necklace to my jewelry collection (it’s still available here), so you can imagine how thrilled I was when the designer sent over the Crystal Lily earrings I had on my wish list since their debut. The earrings are absolutely stunning, as you’ll see in the photos here and in a future outfit post, and I was curious to learn more about them. Below, you’ll find insight into Lele’s design process and the inspiration behind the luxe Peking Opera collection.

But first, here’s a bit more about Lele Sadoughi from the designer herself:

“Launching the jewelry at J Crew and directing a team at Tory Burch were both amazing experiences. I was fortunate to work for companies that liked my aesthetic and welcomed some risks that I took. I think the reason that J Crew jewelry has been such a success is because what I like and what J Crew represents was a good combination. With my line, I am able to design for the girl that wants to stand out and is not afraid to wear something that might elicit a conversation. Working for large brands, you always begin with the fabrics and prints because the mills have the longest lead time. Therefore, I started with colors, textures, and prints. I like to think I learned about the big picture; about a feeling and a mood. Once you research a world with a specific mood, time, and place, the pieces are easier to design. I love to have a theme and story for each season. Now, I am able to create my own storyboards and really initiate the concept for each season.

“My family just moved into a 6 story townhouse in West Chelsea and we moved our offices to the top floor. It is very sun filled and calm, and just high enough to be separated from the kids downstairs. With a 1 year old and 3 year old at home, I am so fortunate to get work done and run downstairs to have lunch with my kids. I can schedule meetings with an hour break in between to make time to run out to the park. My days are very different. Sometimes I take my son to school and start work around noon. Other days, I start with a meeting or press appointment and do not make it downstairs until the afternoon.”

Lele was also very kind to extend a 20% discount to Bedknobs & Baubles readers. Head to Lele Sadoughi’s website and use code BEDKNOBSANDBAUBLES to take 20% off of everything — including sale items! Then come back and let me know what you bought!

Psst…if you love the Lily earrings as much as I do, snag them for nearly half off at Bloomingdale’s right now. They’re on sale and you’ll save an extra 25% with code FRIENDS through April 10. (Thanks to Jenn for the hot tip during our conversation on this post yesterday!)

Straw Tassel necklace | Pendulum earrings | Straw Tassel earrings

Hand Fan Charm necklace | Peking Headdress earrings (next on my list!) | Golden Pagoda necklace

Behind the Baubles: ANMARÉ

April 6, 2016 by jessica Leave a Comment

ANMARÉ is the brainchild of three sisters who each lend part of their name to create the brand’s moniker: Anna, Marlenn and Rebecca. The sisters share a Egyptian and Syrian origin, which undoubtedly influences their work, but it’s always balanced with a contemporary approach to jewelry design. With roots in New York and a Brooklyn upbringing, the sisters sought to keep their creative process close to home with locally sourced materials. Each piece is handmade in New York

Follow ANMARÉ
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The Coveted

April 5, 2016 by jessica 7 Comments

Shopbop officially kicked off its Friends & Family sale today! Save 25% on most brands with code INTHEFAM. (For the full list of exclusions, click here.) The sale launched yesterday for email subscribers, which prompted me to purchase a dress and a pair of lace-up espadrilles. (I’m obsessed with Soludos after buying my first pair last week, as seen here.) Both items should arrive today (the perk of living in the same city as the Shopbop warehouse) and hopefully they’ll find themselves snuggled into my suitcase just in time for our Friday departure!

5 Best Drugstore Beauty Buys

April 4, 2016 by jessica 6 Comments

As much as I love a good luxury beauty item like Stila’s “Stay All Day” liquid lipstick and YSL nail polish, nothing beats the satisfaction of finding a budget beauty item that does the job just as well as a pricey alternative. Here are five drugstore beauty finds that are mainstays in my beauty routine.

Cover Girl Lashblast Mascara
I’m sure there are luxe brands of mascara that give you full, doe-eyed lashes, but why spend the money when you can just opt for Cover Girl’s Lashblast mascara? This stuff gives you the best “Are they fake?” lashes for a fraction of the price. I find that it’s a bit clumpy when I open a new tube, but it subsides after a few days. Besides, it’s easy to comb away clumps.

Maybelline Expert Eyes Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
This is the first and only eye makeup remover I’ve ever used. My mom introduced me to it back in high school and I’ve been a devotee ever since. It removes nearly all traces of eye makeup, and the oil-free formula helps keep me break-out free. I usually use this after a cleansing cloth (below) and face wash to remove any lingering traces of mascara. (I dip a Q-Tip it in and run it along my upper and lower lids.) There’s a moisturizing (read: oily) version for waterproof mascara that I’m not particularly fond of.

Maybelline Fit Me! Concealer
This is actually a new addition to my beauty arsenal. I picked this up last week during my final drugstore run to stock up on essentials for our trip, so I’ve only worn it a handful of times. With that disclaimer out of the way, I’m happy to say that I’m pretty impressed with this. It has medium coverage that’s easy to build on. The small doe foot applicator makes for precise application and it lasts all day at work (longer when set with a powder). The only downside is that there are only six shades. Ladies with very light or dark complexions might not be able to find a good match.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes
There was quite a bit of hullabaloo last year about how cleansing towelettes shouldn’t replace your traditional face wash. I’m in total agreement. I use the Neutrogena wipes to remove makeup — including waterproof mascara and long-wear lipstick — before using the Origins Checks and Balances face wash. (I really wish they’d change the name to “Cheeks and Balances.”)

Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse
I’ve been using this foundation since its debut nearly a decade ago. While I’ve tried other foundations, I always go back to the buildable coverage and light, whipped texture of Maybelline’s Dream Matte Mousse. A foundation brush or sponge will give you better coverage than using your fingers, but I’m usually lazy and just go with the latter. I use two different shades: one for my pale winter skin and one more my slightly less pale summer complexion.

What are your favorite drugstore beauty buys? I’d love to try ’em!