BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

The Weekend Guide

August 15, 2015 by jessica 3 Comments

CONSIDER
For years, we’ve known that women who wear makeup are treated more favorably and earn more money. What other costs are hiding in the so-called “Makeup Tax?”

COOK
We made these spicy Thai noodles last week. So. Good. I’d like to suggest a couple of changes, however. Namely, another tablespoon of Sriracha and rice noodles instead of linguine noodles. We also made this margarita shredded chicken for tacos (equally delicious) and a cucumber radish salad (not great).

EXTEND
Gray Malin’s photographs make me almost as happy as summer does. Keep those blissful feelings for as long as possible with one of his new prints.

DIY
Transfer your herbs to these chic do-it-yourself gold leaf planters. You’ll appreciate how pretty these look when the first frost hits and you’re forced to bring your plants indoors.

CHOOSE
Buying sunglasses online can be daunting. This guide can point you in the right direction.

SHARE
Life isn’t one big Instagram filter of sunshine, lattes, and vacations. #TotalHonestyTuesday challenges people to get real.

EARLIER THIS WEEK
My favorite top to wear on vacation.
A must-have list that illustrates my end-of-summer aesthetic.
Treating myself to a new dress. (Snag it for $50 here.)
Celebrating #WorldElephantDay.
Is a $200 curling iron worth it?
This week’s top five under $55.

Five Under $55

August 14, 2015 by jessica 7 Comments

ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE

In addition to the budget finds above, be sure to check out LOFT’s friends and family sale this weekend for 40% off everything. I tried this dress on in the store. The bodice was a little too tight, but it was adorable otherwise. This LBD looks like it has the potential to be a wardrobe staple (especially with an adorable pair of oxfords!).

J.Crew’s sale runs through the weekend. You can take 30% off a purchase of $200+ or 25% off a purchase of $100+ with code SHOPMORE. I’m bummed that this skort isn’t included in the promotion. Instead, I ordered the swing pullover sweater in grey. It looks like something I’ll reach for every weekend this fall.

Review: Irresistible Me Curling Wand

August 13, 2015 by jessica 4 Comments

This post could really be subtitled “The Stupid Faces I Make When Curling My Hair.” Obviously, I didn’t include them in an effort of self-preservation, but Dave caught them all on camera. I look bored in some, sleepy in others, and downright angry in most! And there’s no reason for it, since this 8-in-1 complete curler by Irresistable Me is pretty amazing.

I curl my hair almost daily, so I was pretty jazzed when the company offered to send over the Holy Grail of curling irons. The kit includes a heating handle, eight wands, and a heat-resistant glove to keep your fingers from burning (safety first!), and it all comes neatly rolled up in a nylon carrying case. (I felt like a serious beauty addict with this thing in tow.) I used it for the first time when we visited Louisville and have continued to style my hair with it since.

PROS

So. Many. Choices. Anyone with hairdo A.D.D. is going to love playing with the different size barrels.
Fast and even heating elements. Seriously, it took less than 30 seconds to heat up. You’ll also notice there’s a LED screen on the handle. This shows you the exact temperature of the wand. Through a bit of trial-and-error, I discovered I need to bump up the heat to keep the curls in my hair longer. I’m never able to hold curls for long with fine, straight hair, but my locks were still wavy at the end of the night.
No frizzy hair. Honestly, I don’t understand how “the tourmaline technology with negative ions” keeps hair shiny and smooth, but it does. (Magic, probably.) The ends of my hair usually look dried out and frizzy when using a traditional curling iron with the clamp. I didn’t have that problem with this wand.
One-year warranty.

CONS

It’s an investment at $200. This works out to $25 per wand. If you have a particular barrel size and shape you never stray from, this might not be the best way to spend your money. It seems better suited for ladies who like to switch up their hairstyles on the regular.
The kit is bulky to travel with. Pick one or two barrels and toss those in your luggage instead.
No clamp makes burning your fingers a very real possibility. This is where that heat-resistant glove comes in. Use it.

Dress: Dee Elle ($29!) | Bracelets: Hermes, c/o Julie Vos (similar on sale) | Rings: Lulu Frost, c/o Vrai & Oro | Curling Wand: c/o Irresistible Me

The Coveted

August 12, 2015 by jessica 6 Comments

If there was ever a post that illustrated my end-of-summer aesthetic, this is it. I’m all about the relaxed bohemian vibe with these finds:

A loose gauze dress from BB Dakota. If you saw my Instagram yesterday, you know I already added it to my wardrobe. It’s on sale for just $50 and fits true-to-size. (I went with a medium.) Find this “Bronwen” style and other BB Dakota sale dresses here. I’m also loving the brand d.Ra for other affordable frocks. There’s a yellow one I’m smitten with.
A printed haircalf clutch by Clare V. Thus far, I’ve resisted adding the brand’s signature pouch to my collection. I’m just not sure how much I’d actually use it. This is the first design that makes me willing to risk it.
These fantastic fringe earrings. There’s also a matching necklace that I’m equally obsessed with.
The perfect nude polish that has just the right amount of pink.
A Moroccan pouf. You have no idea how much I want one of these. I’ve been on a huge decorating kick lately. In fact, housewares are pretty much all I look at after work now. Replacing the couches that our cat christened as his scratching post is our next priority, but I’ve been dying to add a pouf to our apartment for the longest time. I originally found this one in faux leather on Lulu & Georgia for $330. However, it looks like you can get the same one here (in leather!) for $200. There’s also a simpler design on sale for $150. There are tons of colors to choose from, but I prefer tan. I think it will age beautifully.
Barely there sandals. I’ve never tried Ancient Greek Sandals (Megan loves them!), but these look like the perfect pair for the last few weeks of summer.

Road Trippin’

August 10, 2015 by jessica 12 Comments

I talk about this Lilly Pulitzer “Elsa” tunic every summer, but that’s because it really is the best thing to wear for a summer road trip. The silk is lightweight and breathable, and sleeves offer enough sun protection to keep you from getting fried. I’ve had this top for almost three years now and I go back to it time and time again. In fact, I think it’s been with me for every vacation since I bought it! I purchased another Elsa tunic when we visited Palm Beach earlier this year. It’s an obnoxious bright pink that I don’t wear nearly as often as this one. I still love it, but I think another blue tunic is in order. It’s a tossup between the peacock-esque scallops on this one and this bamboo-inspired print.

In completely unrelated news, Tory Burch’s private sale started today and runs through Aug. 14. Shop it here.