BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

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

Five Under $55

July 10, 2015 by jessica 6 Comments

ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE

Happy Friday, ladies! This is the first weekend I can go without crutches and I couldn’t be more excited to move around a bit easier. I even went in the pool yesterday! I purchased the cover-up in today’s post (you can see it in yesterday’s Instagram). It’s a steal at $18 when you take 60% off the sale price. It’s final sale, so keep that in mind when ordering. As with many of J.Crew’s cover-ups, I found this one ran large. (It was originally available in a XXS as well, which is usually a red flag to order a size down.) I went with a size small. It’s a little snug in the bust if I keep it buttoned up, but otherwise a great fit.

Tory Burch: Extra 30% Off Sale

July 9, 2015 by jessica 5 Comments

Tory Burch is starting the weekend early with an extra 30% off sale items now through Monday with code EXTRA30. Now’s the time to scoop up all of those last-minute summer items or to pre-plan for any winter vacations. This pineapple beach shirt has been on my wish list for months (I bet it’d be cute half-tucked into cutoffs) and I’m absolutely smitten with this cotton tunic (I can’t resist a good blue and white pattern). If you’d rather shop for fall, this understated bag is a good choice in navy or in the tan pattern. This elegant wallet is a piece you’ll have for years (use it as a clutch when you don’t need to bring a set of keys).

For me? I’m seriously considering this bag in magenta, now that it’s in my price range and maybe a fun coin purse to corral Euro coins our next European adventure (to be booked soon!).

Really, though, the best thing about this sale is that everything is returnable if it doesn’t work out.

June Highlights

July 8, 2015 by jessica 10 Comments

Let’s just start by admitting that June wasn’t nearly as fun as May. My broken foot left me a little too gun shy to use crutches at the beginning and even when I was finally feeling more confident, I didn’t want to scoot around too much. It was exhausting! Here’s what I did manage to do:

Whine about my broken foot. Here’s what I learned during the experience.
Enjoyed beer and frites at my favorite restaurant in Madison.
Introduced Bacon to our new rug. Let’s just hope he doesn’t use it as an expensive scratching pad. (Truth be told, I hated this rug online, but fell in love with it in the store. The colors are much prettier in person.)
Enjoyed time at the pool, even if I didn’t go in. Instead, I sunned myself and made it through Girl on the Train. It’s similar to Gone Girl with an unreliable narrator, but not as good.
Bought a new Tory Burch dress because I can’t resist a good sale or a dress with pockets. It’s still available in different sizes at varying price points at Tory Burch, Bloomingdale’s, and Saks.
Received this gorgeous necklace as a birthday gift from Dave.
Ordered new sunglasses that I’ve been wearing nonstop.
Picked up Sunday donuts at Madison’s best bakery.
Finally wore my favorite bathing suit. It’s from LOFT last year, but I’m also loving this flattering striped suit and the batik stripes on this one. This year’s version of my LOFT swimsuit comes in an array of solid colors.