BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Gerard Yosca’s Flowerball Collection

March 25, 2015 by jessica 11 Comments

Alright, ladies, tax day is three weeks away! Some of you have mentioned that a #TaxReturnSplurge isn’t in the cards this year and, for that, my condolences. (Really, though, kudos. It’s not like any of us should give the government a tax-free loan.) However, if you’re like me and adjust your exemptions to guarantee an annual windfall, it’s time to daydream about a pretty new piece of jewelry to add to your collection (after you’ve taken care of bills and transferred some of that money to your savings account–let’s not be irresponsible).

One of the season’s standout jewelry collections is the latest from Gerard Yosca: Flowerball. The Flowerball collection pays homage to the ’70s in a way that doesn’t feel outdated. By reimagining the decade’s iconic daisy motif, Gerard offers a fresh, playful take on spring’s most prolific trend. You can get a full dose of flower power with a garland of daisies or take a more subtle approach with a pair of button earrings. (Sneak peeks at the earrings here and here.) If the literal take on a daisy isn’t your thing, the petal pieces will be. They’re almost a petal-meets-foliage-meets-feather hybrid that is all too perfect for summer. I’ve been wearing this necklace nonstop, which has a bit of a tropical vibe. I’m also loving this layering piece and these earrings (they have the most delightful movement).

Most of the collection comes in under $200, making a #TaxReturnSplurge on something this beautiful even more reasonable. Personally, I’ve never regretted choosing a piece of jewelry for my annual indulgence. Thoughtfully designed costume jewelry–especially handmade–is so much better than a piece from a mall brand. I’m a costume jewelry snob and I promise you’ll notice the difference in quality and artistry immediately. Find a piece that truly speaks to you and you’ll wear it year after year.

Earrings: c/o Gerard Yosca
Necklace: c/o Gerard Yosca
Dress: Alexa Chung x AG Jeans*

*This dress runs absurdly large. If you’re following on Instagram, you know how bummed I was to return the medium I purchased. I found a small at Bloomingdale’s yesterday morning, so hopefully it’s a better fit. I’m still keeping an eye out for an XS. Please let me know if you spot one. I’m obsessed with this dress and I don’t want it to be another sartorial white whale! (It’s pretty much sold out everywhere, but if you’re also keeping an eye out for returns, here are the links I check each morning: 1, 2, 3, 4.)

Style File // Franziska

March 24, 2015 by jessica 9 Comments

The “Behind the Baubles” posts have always been my favorite to work on. It’s a lighthearted way to learn more about a designer’s personality. But why stop with jewelry designers? There are plenty of other designers and bloggers I’d love to learn more about. And, with that, a new series called “Style File” was born. I’m grateful that Fran was willing to be my first guinea pig for the project! If you’re not already following her blog, Franish, she’s a down-to-earth med student who blogs about finding her style on a budget. My favorite posts are her hilariously honest clothing reviews (with photos!).

// additional images via 1, 2, 3, 4 //

Casetify // Review + Discount

March 23, 2015 by jessica 8 Comments

Truth be told, I’m kind of a sucker for customized things. And Instagram. And I have zero willpower when a brand combines the two. So, it’s probably not a surprise that I jumped at the opportunity to create a custom iPhone case courtesy of Casetify. Casetify offers a variety of pre-designed phone cases and the opportunity to create your own by linking social media accounts or uploading images.

The process of creating your own case is really quite simple, albeit time consuming if you spend as much time as I did scrolling down memory lane and recounting past vacations on Instagram. I went with the clear classic snap case ($39.95) and then chose between dropping my photos into one of the layout options or into a pre-made template. Personally, I thought many of the template designs were a little juvenile, so I opted for a single-panel layout to feature one photo. I knew I wanted something summery and chose a photo from our 2013 trip to Charleston. The photo itself isn’t anything special, but I love that it reminds me of the condo we stayed at and its resident cat.

The case took two weeks to arrive and it’s pretty much what I expected. However, the color isn’t as vibrant as it was on-screen, which may be due to the fact that the case is frosted and textured. It’s nice and thin, though, and I like that the sides are clear to show off my gold phone.

If you’re tempted to create your own, take $10 off your order with code SMZQHF.

Tunic: J.Crew (also love this one)
Earrings: Tory Burch
iPhone Case: c/o Casetify

Bauble of the Week

March 22, 2015 by jessica 6 Comments

I hated the flavor of pineapples up until a few years ago, but I’ve always loved the way they look. A vintage brass pineapple ice bucket is actually one of my prized possessions*, but the obsession certainly doesn’t end there. I’d love to own this Tory Burch tunic or even this cute ice cube tray, but this pair of earrings is topping my wish list. I came across Three Jane on Instagram the other day and fell for the bold cocktail-ready earrings by designer Katie Schloss. You’ll learn more about her in next week’s “Behind the Baubles” feature.

*They tend to be expensive on eBay, but there are a couple of affordable ones available right now here and here. Just add a little brass polish and you’re good to go.

Weekend Guide

March 21, 2015 by jessica 1 Comment

SWIM
This inflatable swan makes me so happy. If you have access to a pool this summer, you need one.

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BAKE
This just might be the springiest dessert I’ve stumbled across yet!

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GIVE
We tend to only talk about gifts when the holidays are around the corner. Here’s a list of hit hostess gifts welcome year round. (May I also suggest this pie server?)

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SHOP
Lilly Pulitzer items are quintessentially summer. There’s a gift-with-purchase promotion this weekend with presents for all spending levels. I recently purchased this dress. I had to go up two sizes to shimmy into it, but it was worth it. There are cups sewn into the bodice, so I don’t even need to wear a bra (a perk with such a low back). And I caved and ordered this dress today.

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LEARN
Being groggy might actually make you more creative.

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MEET
I can’t wait to see Iris. Until then, I’ll just enjoy learning more about the vivacious lady through an interview.

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FITNESS UPDATE
I’m down another .8 pounds this week for a total weight loss of 6.1 pounds since I started! (Woo!) I think this will finally be the weekend Dave and I invest in running shoes. (Eep!)

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IN OTHER NEWS
There will be a lot of NCAA trash talk this weekend as I obsess over my bracket. (I used this emoji list and women’s intuition to fill it out.) I’m also planning to stop by the greenhouse for a selection of succulents. I’d love to plant something like this. I returned my entire Ann Taylor order. This jacket ran large in the shoulders and I liked it, but not enough to size down. The polyester fabric of this romper made that horrible crinkly sound and it ran awfully small in the hips.