BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

The Weekend Guide

September 25, 2015 by jessica 4 Comments

BEAUTIFY
Give your blog’s brand a quick makeover with these easy fixes.

COMPARE
Now that Halloween candy is out in full force, you should read this comprehensive comparison guide to figure out which mini versions are better than their full-size counterparts.

WEAR
This season’s jewelry goes big, bold, and sculptural. Find inspiration in this slideshow.

SIP
I’m instituting an at-home cocktail hour once the weather turns cold enough to keep us indoors after work on Fridays. This autumn cocktail with apple and maple syrup sounds like the perfect way to kickoff the budding tradition.

LEARN
The first episode of Sex and the City premiered 17 years ago. (Holy crap, right?) Here’s how the series still holds up today — and how things have changed.

ESCAPE
Key West has never been on my list of must-visit places, until I came across this guide on Vogue.com.

FINDS UNDER $55

EARLIER THIS WEEK
A ’70-inspired dress I can’t stop wearing.
A beautiful, sweetly scented orange water candle.
The latest addition to my handbag collection.
A bit of plaid for fall.

Read My Lips

September 24, 2015 by jessica 7 Comments

You may recall that I featured this mini crossbody bag last week. Normally, I get wrapped up with the idea of a new item, pin it to my private “Buy” Pinterest board, post about it on the blog, and then move on. Not the case here. I couldn’t stop thinking about the pint-sized bag emblazoned with Diane von Furstenberg’s signature lip print. The Nordstrom Rack find barely holds more than a phone, card case, and lipstick, but what more do you really need for an evening out? Better yet, the crossbody strap frees you from searching for bag hooks under the bar.

The background the bag is sitting on is a LOFT skirt from earlier this year, but this Tory Burch one is remarkably similar. You can also shop more of DVF’s iconic kisses below.

Perfect Present: Perry Clark Apothecary

September 23, 2015 by jessica 4 Comments

By the time September rolls around, I usually have a couple of holiday gifts already stowed away for December. They’re just little things from our travels and summer art fairs, like woven dish towels or pottery mugs, but the holiday season is so much easier knowing that a unique gift is already picked out. I’m actually behind the eight ball on my gift-giving strategy this year, though. We’ve been on four trips since February and I took #TreatYoself very seriously.

Now, I know it’s verboten to breathe a word about that magical time of year this early. However, I’m hoping you’ll forgive me knowing that I’ve come across a gift destination worth bookmarking now: Perry Clark Home, a thoughtfully curated shop specializing in artisan products and fine home accessories. Do you have a hard-to-shop-for aunt who insists she has everything she needs? There’s a small-batch lilac candle for her. Friends who just purchased a lake home? A set of charming fishing mugs will do the trick. A budding chef? Try an olive wood cutting board for his latest charcuterie creation. Someone like me? I’m a fan of the lightly scented orange water candle, and the hand soap and lotion set (and I definitely plan to reuse the pretty glass containers). Plus, there’s complimentary gift boxing and free shipping on all orders. You can also take 10% off your order with code BIRTHDAY10 through the end of September.

***
Thank you to Perry Clark Home for partnering on this post!

Flower Child

September 21, 2015 by jessica 20 Comments

I can’t begin to tell you how much I adore this Zara dress. I love the flirty length, the bell sleeves, and the muted color palette that makes it perfect for warm fall days. I bought it when we were in Georgetown a few weeks ago and wore it the very next day (a sure sign of a great purchase). Now that I’m home with full access to my jewelry collection, I’ve been pairing it with a long pendant similar to this.

Dress: Zara | Bag: Tory Burch (old, love this) | Sandals: Steve Madden (old, similar) | Sunglasses: Karen Walker c/o Shopbop | Rings: c/o Julie Vos (similar), Lulu Frost

***
linking up with Rachelle, Jenna, and Caryl

The Weekend Guide

September 18, 2015 by jessica 1 Comment

To say it’s been a whirlwind week would be an understatement — and I’m sure you gathered that, given my lackadaisical posting schedule! September and October are my busiest work months, so I’ve decided to start posting “The Weekend Guide” a day earlier to give myself more time to get out and enjoy every moment of the weekend with out the pressure of hitting “publish” first. Don’t fret, Friday’s regularly scheduled “Five Finds Under $55” hasn’t disappeared. You’ll find the week’s best budget pieces below.

BUY
Of all of things to purchase for fall, chartreuse pants top my list. They’re ridiculous, but I can’t help thinking about how cute they’d look with a navy sweater and my beloved mint pumps.

BAKE
Make football Sundays better with a baked cherry tomato, goat cheese, and ricotta dip.

ADMIRE
It’s no surprise that I loved Tory Burch’s spring collection (this!). As always, I’m obsessed with the accessories. Visit her blog to see close-up shots of the jewelry, shoes, and bags that stole the show.

LEARN
Chanel’s iconic two-toned pump in 1957. See how it’s made today.

SNAP
An Instagram of the Eiffel Tower is a must in the City of Light, but photos at these locations will give your followers an unexpected tour of the city.

PLAN
Prague is on Dave’s must-visit list. I’m loving Merritt’s mini travel guide.

FINDS UNDER $55

EARLIER THIS WEEK
The biggest reason I love D.C.
This week’s most coveted pieces.
Pausing at the Spanish Steps.
New artwork!
Still swooning over these loafers.
Is there really such a thing as too many necklaces?