BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Five Under $55

July 17, 2015 by jessica 8 Comments

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.

Best of The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

July 16, 2015 by jessica 8 Comments

Alright, I’m following the sage advice offered in yesterday’s post and I’m planning to return the Tory Burch purse. As much as I wanted to fall madly in love with it, there was something I just wasn’t sold on. I can’t pinpoint it, but I know there’s a girl out there who is going to wear it more than I ever would. Now, if only I could follow that mature, money-saving advice for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, which opens to the public tomorrow. Get your trigger finger ready, ladies, because there are tons of beautiful fall pieces to add to your wardrobes.

My favorite piece from the sale is this bouclé fit-and-flare dress from Theory. Wear it at the end of summer with a pair of loafers (I just snagged these) or layer a pretty silk blouse underneath for cooler days.

For those of you committed to ’70s-inspired trends, try this burnt orange suede a-line mini skirt.

For those who can only afford one thing from the sale, don’t hesitate to buy this DVF clutch. Mine is in a slightly different texture, but it’s one of the most elegant and timeless pieces I own. It also holds a surprising amount–a nice feature in a clutch.

And for those too antsy to wait for tomorrow, buy this gorgeous maxi. I don’t care if you don’t have a place to wear it. You will eventually.

We’re going to Louisville next weekend, a slightly impromptu road trip to celebrate the removal of my Aircast, and my fingers are crossed that this cute sundress arrives in time. I also ordered simple white sneakers to pair with the rest of my summer dresses since I won’t be able to wear sandals for another month. You can’t imagine how difficult it is to find simple white leather sneakers that don’t look too athletic. The athleisure trend was never my thing.

To Keep or Not To Keep?

July 15, 2015 by jessica 18 Comments

To keep or not to keep? Undoubtedly, that’s the single question that plagues us whenever we order something that juuust about meets expectations upon arrival. For me, I’m going back and forth on this Tory Burch purse.

On one hand, there are the pros:

It’s made of Saffiano leather, which is stain- and scratch-resistant and repels water.
The color is beautiful.
It’s roomy and even fits my camera if I’m not planning to bring much else along for the day.
It has a classic, ladylike shape.
I can see myself tucking it away in my closet after the initial wear and falling madly in love with it again a few years later.
I got an incredible deal on it ($227, down from $465).
It would transition well to cooler months with camel, burgundy, and navy. It also looks good with my emerald winter coat.
I tend to buy a new bag and wear it all of the time. It’d be nice to shake things up.

On the other hand, the cons:

It’s a little bulky when used as a crossbody bag.
The chain is stiff.
I don’t have the “oh my goodness, I need to wear this now” feeling, which is usually my litmus test for new purchases.
I should probably put that money toward something responsible, like travel. Or, you know, my IRA.
It’s not quite as vibrant as it appeared in the stock images (or even as vibrant as it appears here).
I don’t need another handbag.

I really don’t know what to do about this one. The money isn’t the issue here. I gave myself an arbitrary $250 per month limit, but going over for this wouldn’t break the bank. I just can’t decide if I should keep this since I’m about 90% sold on it or if I should return it and wait for something that I can’t live without. What would you do? What’s your love it or leave it criteria?

No Crutches!

July 13, 2015 by jessica 14 Comments

This was the first weekend I could go without crutches and it was amazing. I didn’t need as much clearance to maneuver. I could actually walk up and down stairs instead of kneeling or scooting on my butt. My arms weren’t unbelievably sore. My posture was better. I actually went in the pool! I just have one more week left of the boot until I’m stuck in sneakers for another four weeks. The doctor had first recommended Dansko clogs or Birkenstocks that cover the entire foot. Mercifully, she suggested sneakers after my horrified stare. Sneakers aren’t really my thing, but I ordered a pair of black Pumas to wear with casual dresses and black and white work ensembles. (Be careful if you order them on Amazon. I had searched for “Women’s Suede Puma” and the first search result was actually for the men’s version. I was surprised to see such a large size 7 arrive last week before I realized my mistake!)

The Weekend Guide

July 11, 2015 by jessica 3 Comments

READ
Aziz Ansari is undoubtedly my favorite comedian. I’m downloading his new book, Modern Romance, once I’m finished with my current read: Cold Black Earth, which was downloaded for free with our Amazon Prime account (it’s not good, but I’m halfway through and feel like I should stick with it). Read some of Ansari’s romantic insights on the Tory Burch blog.

MEET
This inspiring woman went on a year-long shopping ban and managed to live on just 51% of her income. And to think that we break out in a cold sweat when challenged to a 30-day ban.

LEARN
Can’t keep your off-the-shoulder tops, well, off your shoulders? Try this trick.

DIY
I spotted this gorgeous metal flower pot this week. I’m in no position to drop over $100 on a planter, but it’s the perfect DIY inspiration for a terracotta pot and a can of metallic spray paint. This silver paint has pretty good reviews.

WEAR
Adidas recently released a running shoe prototype made of ocean trash.

KNOW
This piece argues that selfies just might be one of the most visual acts of feminism in decades.

additional images via 1, 2