BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

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.

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.