BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Comfort Zone

August 24, 2015 by jessica 20 Comments

Thanks to yesterday’s unseasonably chilly — and windy — weather, I had to abandon the idea of wearing my new dress and opt for a cozier Sunday Funday outfit. Even it wasn’t what I wanted to wear, it still gives me the excuse to talk about two recent additions to my wardrobe that I’m crazy about: J.Crew’s merino wool swing pullover and an astrology cuff by artist Julie Nolan.

First, the sweater. In grey, it’s basically a chicer take on your favorite sweatshirt. The heathering of the wool and the style of knit almost make it look striped up close. It’s thicker than a Tippi sweater and seems like it will hold up well. I’m wearing a small, which is my usual J.Crew size in sweaters. I also ordered an XS to try. The sleeves fit better in the XS, but I preferred the looser silhouette of the small. Given that I’ve already worn it twice the first week I’ve owned it, I can easily see it becoming a weekend go-to and a favorite for travel.

The astrology bracelet by artist Julie Nolan is another item I’ve had on repeat. It was gifted to me by UncommonGoods, a Brooklyn-based retailer that features unique designs and ethically made, handcrafted gifts. Bookmark ’em for the holidays, ladies, because there are hundreds of great gift-giving ideas. Start with the personalized gift section here to find unique items like etched glasses to celebrate a nuptial, throw pillows to commemorate a first home, and the understated Gemini cuff I’ve been wearing. There’s also a selection of gifts for women here and for men here. Each order also allows you to do something, well, uncommonly good. As part of its “Better to Give” program, the company will donate $1 to your choice of their not-for-profit partner organizations with every purchase. UncommonGood started the program 15 years ago and has since donated over one million dollars to charities around the world, including RAINN, American Forests, Women for Women International, and Reach Out and Read.

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linking with PinkSole, Sincerely Jenna Marie

The Weekend Guide

August 22, 2015 by jessica 3 Comments

DECORATE
Update your bedroom with eight rules normally reserved for your wardrobe. I love the idea of channeling a resort destination.

KNOW
Office arguments can heat up quickly. Here’s what to say for productive confrontations — and when to keep your mouth shut.

BAKE
Pastries are going to be so much cuter with the cacti print this rolling pin leaves behind.

ADD
When I think of penguins, I think of long expanses of snow-covered tundra and icy oceans — not lush islands off the coast of Australia. Macquarie Island is home to hundreds of thousands of penguins. It’s also the only breeding ground for royal penguins on earth with an estimated 850,000 breeding pairs residing on the island.

ANTICIPATE
Starbucks’ must-have drink of autumn has a later release date this year. (Don’t shoot the messenger.)

WATCH
As a society, we’re addicted to fast fashion. This documentary shows us the real cost of cheap clothing. Read an interview with the director here.

EARLIER THIS WEEK
Getting candid about my budget.
A top with pretty little details.
A roundup of this week’s most covetable items. (I really want the cape.)
Amazing Elizabeth and James sunglasses in the week’s Five Under $55.
Finally transitioning back to sandals!

Five Under $55

August 21, 2015 by jessica 5 Comments

ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE

There are some fantastic end-of-summer sales right now. Two of this week’s picks are from J.Crew’s latest promotion of 30% off sale items and 50% off final sale items with code GREATSALE. The earrings are such showstoppers and come in at just $37.50 after the additional discount. Let’s also take a moment to talk about those sunglasses. The retro-inspired shades are by Elizabeth and James and are only $50.

The Coveted

August 19, 2015 by jessica 12 Comments

This week, I’m coveting:

A chic cape, along with many other new arrivals at J.Crew. This looks like the perfect fit-and-flare LBD and I adore this special occasion dress.
Illesteva sunglasses in the “frost” colorway. It seems like everyone has these sunglasses now, but the shape is almost too fun to resist!
A flattering chambray shirt dress. This darling number has an adjustable waist tie so you can get the perfect fit.
A flippy mini skirt. This cute skirt is a steal at $79. Throw on this grey sweater for an adorable monochromatic ensemble.
An onyx statement pendant. I really admire Aurélie Bidermann’s work — I just wish it was a bit more affordable! This piece is especially breathtaking and also comes in a hoop earring version.
A pointed version of the now iconic kitty flats. You know how much I love a pointed flat.

Snapshot

August 18, 2015 by jessica 5 Comments

It’s the last day of the LOFT friends and family sale (40% off everything — including Lou & Grey — with code SHAREIT). This swing top is a great choice if you’re looking to round out your end-of-summer wardrobe. The loose silhouette is ideal for humid days, but the detailing is what really won me over. There are flirty peeks of skin that show through the delicate trim and a line of little tassels near the waist. I’ve linked to this and my other LOFT favorites below. (Is anyone else as obsessed with this dress as I am? It would be perfect with my new loafers.)