BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

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.

The Weekend Guide

August 8, 2015 by jessica 9 Comments

BUY
It’s a little early for holiday shopping, but I have Arrow + Sage bookmarked for unique gifts this year. I’m obsessed with the pretty ceramic planters.

SHOP
I’ve been going a little overboard with spending this year and not always on items I’m crazy about a few months later. Here are tips to shop like a stylist — on a budget — to keep your wardrobe in check.

ANTICIPATE
With Brad Goreski at the helm, C. Wonder will relaunch next spring on QVC.

READ
Be one of the first to read Garance Doré’s book, Love Style Life, when it’s released on Oct. 27.

LEARN
Hair doesn’t always react to heat the same way. One mechanical engineer is taking it upon herself to study the science of curly hair.

KNOW
Your DSLR’s manual mode can be a little intimidating. Get acquainted with the basics and start practicing this weekend.

EARLIER THIS WEEK
This week’s five finds under $55.
Nine acres of sunflowers.
Mini moments from July.
My favorite face care products.
Learning to embrace sneakers with dresses.
Meeting up with Fran for cocktails.
A scalloped leather bag to obsess over.

***
additional images via 1, 2, 3

Five Under $55

August 7, 2015 by jessica 3 Comments

ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE

This clutch is one of my favorite budget finds in a very long time. The bamboo bag is a reproduction of a classic Japanese picnic basket. It comes in two sizes: small for $35 and large for $45. There’s also free shipping.

I’m also surprised to see this ink-print dress make it to the sale section with most sizes still available. Midi dresses are terribly unflattering on me, but I wouldn’t mind the cost of having it hemmed since the dress is only $49.50.

Always Sunny

August 6, 2015 by jessica 11 Comments

Dave hates this dress. So do the ladies at GOMI. Whatever. We all know it’s the perfect thing to wear to a sunflower field. It’s a little bit country in the very best way. It’s also a knockoff of an AG x Alexa Chung dress from earlier this year (see the latest from that collection here). A version of the dress is still available at Chicwish, but purchase at your own risk. I collaborated with them once and the item was such bad quality that I wouldn’t post it on the blog. Maybe they’ve gotten better?

If you’re in the Madison area, head out to the Pope Farm Conservancy to see nine acres of sunflowers in bloom for the next few days. There’s a daily sunflower update on their website to consult before making the trip.

Dress: Express (similar, as a top) | Necklace: c/o Gerard Yosca | Bracelet: c/o Julie Vos (similar) | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff c/o Shopbop | Sunglasses: Karen Walker c/o Shopbop

The Coveted

August 5, 2015 by jessica 6 Comments

This week, I’m coveting:

A versatile silk shirtdress. The understated print and ladylike ruffled hem makes this an autumn must-have. Wear it now with strappy sandal heels (like these) and later with borrowed-from-the-boys oxfords.
Emoji loafers! Take your time scrolling through the options and reading the corresponding hashtag. I love the color of this pair, but thought this #bombshell pair was especially clever.
Mirrored aviators because summer isn’t over yet.
The scalloped leather details on this drawstring bag (also available in black). It’s such a fun piece for an evening out, even if the scallops and grommets make it look a little bit like an owl.
J.Crew’s swing pullover. I live in my BR “Sloan” pants at work in the cooler months and prefer wearing them with relaxed tops. The swing silhouette and split hem make this a no brainer for long days at work and an easy transition to weekend wear. I’m probably going to pick it up in heather hydrangea and grey before the season is over.
The intricate embroidery on this darling mini.