BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

New Arrival

July 22, 2015 by jessica 9 Comments

I know that speckled faux-snakeskin loafers may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I’m obsessed with these Kate Spade beauties. I picked them out at Shopbop with my partnership credit and I couldn’t be happier with the purchase. I love the slightly pointed toe. I love the feminine take on a menswear shoe. I love the teeny gold spade on the heel. I don’t love that I have to wait four more weeks to wear them! Who knew a broken foot would lead to three-month sartorial handicap?!

They’re available at Shopbop in limited sizes (plus free two-day shipping if you have Amazon Prime!). Otherwise, it looks like Nordstrom, Kate Spade, and Zappos have the full size run. As with most Kate Spade shoes, they run true to size.

The Coveted

July 21, 2015 by jessica 8 Comments

This week, I’m coveting:

The peek-a-boo waist detail on an Elizabeth and James dress. The sophisticated color makes the airy dress the perfect transitional piece this fall.
The wallet version of Chloé’s must-have bag. Understandably, everyone is obsessed with the “Drew” bag right now. The wallet is just as chic and can double as a clutch.
Iosselliani’s asymmetrical earrings. They come in blue, green, and red.
This beautiful blue-grey nail polish (it’s the “Anise” shade). There’s also a deal on Deborah Lippmann’s “Undressed” nail polish set that comes with six mini bottles of neutral shades for $34. (It’s my favorite beauty steal during the #NSale, along with the Clinique moisturizer I always use.)
Menswear-inspired ankle boots from Tory Burch. Every fall I look for the perfect pair of booties and every fall I fail miserably. I love the “Hyde” version in patent navy. The kilt detail is removable for a more understated look.
Tibi’s off-the-shoulder top in wool twill. I love the top on everyone, but didn’t think a $300 price tag was worth it for cotton or denim. However, I’m tempted by this grey wool version. It’s a bit more expensive, but would look beautiful with my favorite slim pants and the loafers I recently added to my wardrobe.
This faux leather pleated skirt. It’s by far my favorite piece from J.Crew’s new arrivals. I prefer the navy version and would love to wear it with preppy sailor stripes.

In other news, I ordered this Topshop striped dress from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and this swing dress from the regular sale section. The swing dress is absolutely darling! It’s fully lined, lightweight for steamy days, and just $29. I’m planning to bring it to Louisville this weekend, but wanted to at least mention it in case it sells out before I post photos. I went up a size, since it’s a junior’s item. The Topshop dress, on the other hand, did not work for my body. It was large on top, but too snug around the hips. It would be adorable on someone tall and lean, though!

No Boot!

July 20, 2015 by jessica 21 Comments

It’s the first full day I can go without the boot! When I first slipped on sneakers yesterday afternoon and took a step forward, it felt like I was stumbling into a hole. I had gotten used to the thickness of the boot and expected my foot to land much earlier! The transition back to walking normally is going to be a challenge. My muscles atrophied while I was using crutches for five weeks and I’m only now beginning to regain some of my strength and balance. I feel wobbly, my foot is sore, and I’m limping. But, I’m in sneakers! We’re heading downtown for dinner tonight to celebrate the removal of the Aircast and then to Louisville this weekend for a short summer road trip (we’re staying at 21c!).

The Weekend Guide

July 19, 2015 by jessica 1 Comment

LOSE
If you need another reason to add Italy to your must-visit list, you can now wander around the world’s largest maze.

EMBROIDER
Add a tiny embroidered design to your Instagrams to make them even more special.

READ
Europe has been in the news quite a bit this summer. Read these tips before boarding your transatlantic flight.

ACCEPT
Ten truths about money. (Thanks to Rachelle for linking to it last week!)

DISCOVER
This article ponders the reasons we still love Gilmore Girls, even though it has been off the air for eight years. I’m thinking of starting the series from the beginning just so I can listen to the Gilmore Guys podcast with the episodes still fresh in my mind.

BAKE
Put that summer produce to good use with this raspberry rhubarb tart. Although, if you’re afraid of bears, you might be better off with a classic strawberry rhubarb pie.

additional images via 1, 2

Five Under $55

July 17, 2015 by jessica 8 Comments

ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is officially open to the public! In yesterday’s post, I shared my favorite not-so-budget-friendly pieces, but there is one item under $55 that I’m smitten with: this striped sweater dress. It looks like such a cozy piece for a transatlantic flight or a weekend road trip. Pair it with comfortable sneakers and a tote that doubles as an overnight bag.