BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

The Weekend Guide

October 2, 2015 by jessica 5 Comments

MASTER
We picked up the new iPhones this week and the camera is ah-mazing. I’ll be testing it out with these flatlay tips.

TRANSFORM
Studio 54 has nothing on this adorable disco costume.

COOK
We’re celebrating the end of the week with homemade pizza tonight. Do you have any topping recommendations? I’m thinking something with arugula and goat cheese.

EAT
If Philadelphia is on your travel list, refer to Laura’s restaurant guide before you go!

CREATE
Save money on save-the-date cards with this DIY.

ANTICIPATE
All I want for Christmas is you … and Mariah Carey’s upcoming lipstick in collaboration with MAC cosmetics.

FIVE UNDER $55
EARLIER THIS WEEK
Did a little home redecorating.
Wore floral sunglasses.
Interviewed the Tarin Thomas jewelry designer.
Shared my September wardrobe additions.
Coveted these glam items.
Reviewed a surprisingly good Chloe knockoff.

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additional images via 1, 2

Review: JCOS Messenger Bag With Lock

October 1, 2015 by jessica 14 Comments

I recently purchased this JCOS crossbody bag, a knockoff of the ubiquitous Chloe “Drew” bag. Now that I’ve been using it for a month (outfit photos coming soon), I wanted to share my thoughts on the piece for anyone interested in snagging this trendy style for a fraction of the price. (Though, I’m jealous of those who have $1,850 laying around for the original!)

Shipping took a ridiculously long time. I placed my order on July 29. It shipped on Aug. 21 and arrived on Aug. 24.
The quality is fantastic. The leather is thick, the hardware is sturdy, and the stitching is uniform. The metal clasp is attached with screws and, as you’ll see in a photo below, there’s a leather strip under the flap that reinforces the handles.
The clasp didn’t get as scratched as I thought it would over the course of the month.
On the original bag, there’s a turnlock that secures the bag before you slide in the metal bar. That’s not the case here. Sometimes the bar slides out and the bag hangs open. It’s not often enough to be a nuisance and nothing has fallen out when it happens. I’ve found that putting more items in the bag makes it less likely to occur.
The knotted chain at the handles can sometimes undo itself if the bag is tossed around too much. It’s easy to retie.
Of course, there’s the concern about “being inspired by” (::cough::knocking off::cough::) an iconic design. I struggled with this a bit, but decided that it didn’t bother me too much because it doesn’t pretend to be an original and, as I said, I’m in no position to spend almost two grand on the original. You can judge my questionable ethics, though.

Bottom Line: If you’re crazy about the design, but can’t fork out $1,850, go for it. It’s a fun ’70s-inspired saddle bag for fall.

Behind the Baubles: Tarin Thomas

September 30, 2015 by jessica 6 Comments

The next time you’re in search of dainty stacking rings, look no further than Tarin Thomas. Designer Kylie Nakao worked as a buyer for a New York boutique after graduating from Parsons School of Art & Design. Kylie reviewed jewelry from hundreds of vendors each season and noticed a lack of what she calls “cool, sophisticated, real jewelry,” the everyday pieces that mix seamlessly with the rest of one’s jewelry wardrobe. And with that, the Tarin Thomas collection was born. The pieces are a modern take on fine jewelry, created with precious and semi-precious gemstones and produced in sterling silver and gold.

You can also shop the Tarin Thomas collection on Shopbop!

Follow Tarin Thomas: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

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additional images via 1, 2, 3

The Coveted

September 29, 2015 by jessica 14 Comments

This week, I’m coveting:

The flirty silhouette of this neoprene top.
An ultra chic happy hour with these pink stone coasters. A brass accent lends the right amount of shine. (These would make a wonderful hostess gift this holiday season.)
An unexpected cocktail ring.
Floral trousers in a luxe blend of silk and wool. The pretty print also comes in a top, dress, and pencil skirt.
Strappy flats. (I just placed an order for these. I’m itching to wear them with mod mini skirts and my new plaid coat.)
A blush envelope clutch. I have it in black and it’s one of the my most sophisticated pieces.

September Wardrobe Update

September 28, 2015 by jessica 22 Comments

OBSERVATIONS
For the second month in a row, I’ve stuck with a “fewer items, better quality” mantra with attention paid to “missing links” in my wardrobe. As I mentioned last month, I sought to add a black shift dress and a statement coat to my closet. I found a suitable dress at Banana Republic. While it’s not the heavy crepe or wool dress I had hoped for, it is a heavier ponte knit that hangs well and it has the most charming ruffled hem. I had made all of my clothing purchases this year on my Banana Republic Visa card, giving me enough reward coupons to bring the price down to $7. I also picked out a Tory Burch plaid coat after the J.Crew cape I originally yearned for missed the mark. So, what’s coming up next? I placed an order at Zara so I could try out these shoes and a couple of dresses. I’d also like to purchase a black turtleneck sweater. Aside from that, there isn’t anything on my sartorial wish list.

PURCHASED
See all of the year’s wardrobe additions here.

Zara floral tunic dress ($70): This is undoubtedly my favorite item for fall. I purchased it in Georgetown when we visited D.C. over Labor Day weekend and couldn’t wait to wear it the very next day (seen here). It gives off just the right amount of ’70s vibes and the color is perfect for autumn. My size varies wildly at Zara, but I went with a medium in this. Go with the smaller size if you’re between two and ordering online.
Banana Republic ponte ruffle dress ($7, after a promotion and a boatload of reward coupons): The dress has a bit of heft to it, allowing it to move nicely and stay relatively wrinkle-free during the day. I’ve only had it for a few weeks, but I’ve already worn it a half dozen times. It’s easy to dress up with layered jewelry and heels, down with a crossbody bag and ballet flats, or for work with a blazer and loafers.
Diane von Furstenberg lip mini bag ($99): I have such a thing for tiny impractical bags. I love DVF’s iconic lip print on this mini crossbody. It’s perfect for a hands-free night out when you only need the essentials.

GIFTED
As always, I want to be transparent about what I’ve received from companies for review or as part of a collaboration. I’m selective about the pieces I accept and will only work with companies I feel good about recommending.

Tory Burch plaid short coat (c/o Shopbop): I can’t even believe that I own such an expensive (and amazing) coat. As you know, I partnered with Shopbop for several months and received a shopping credit in exchange for talking about the sales and items I would have shared anyway. While I could have used those credits on a couple of new items each month, that seemed like a such a waste. Instead, I selected truly special items I wouldn’t have purchased otherwise, including a pair of black Ferragamo flats and Karen Walker sunglasses. This coat is my latest addition. It’s a classic cut with just the right amount of ’60s mod influence and I know it’s something I’m going to look forward to wearing every year.
Naturalizer “Jarrett” ankle boots: Along with using collaborations as an opportunity to add investment pieces to my wardrobe, I also try to expand my horizons and try something outside my sartorial comfort zone. When Naturalizer reached out about a fall collaboration, I’ll admit that ballet flats were tempting, but I’m happy I went with these ankle boots. They’re so comfortable!

DIDN’T WORK OUT
Of course, with every successful shopping month, there are some misses:

J.Crew cape jacket: I’m confused by online reviews praising the camel color. It’s not the rich, warm caramel hue that I expected when I ordered it. Instead, it’s more of a cool tan. I hated the color so much that I reluctantly returned it. On the upside, the quality is wonderful. I have narrow shoulders and ordered the XS/S, which was the correct size.

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linking with Fran