BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Closet Cleanout 2015

February 20, 2015 by jessica 5 Comments

Last year, I took to my closet with a critical eye and shed 30 pounds of clothing from my wardrobe. By and large, these were the low-quality fast fashion pieces that never really fit well and didn’t hold any sentimental value. Now that 12 months have passed (almost to the day), I’m back at it, albeit with a slightly different M.O.

I’m storing items.

I just don’t believe that an item is destined for Goodwill after just one year of neglect. People rekindle flames all the time. Why can’t that be the case with a closet that once sparked joy? (I suspect you knew Marie Kondo’s decluttering mantra was going to come back for the 2015 Closet Cleanout, didn’t you?)

Over the last month, I’ve been asking myself if my possessions spark joy (or at least satisfy a need, like work or exercise). It has helped me cull the last few items from my closet that I’m just not that into. It has also made me realize that I’m quite content with what I do own. That said, some of these joy-sparkers feel a little outdated or are better suited for a smaller version of me. They also add too much clutter to an already over-stuffed closet, getting in the way of items I actually want to wear and take up space for new acquisitions. So, I’ve been packing ’em up. The process has actually given me some clarity about the joyful pieces I’d like to add to my wardrobe, starting with monkey hoop earrings, an ostrich-print dress (trust me), and this bright green fringe purse.

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend 😉 , here are my guidelines for what to keep, store, or purge:

KEEP IT

It sparks joy.
It’s in regular rotation.
You look forward to wearing it.
It works with your lifestyle.
It fills a wardrobe need.

STORE IT

You admire it.
There are sweet sentimental ties to it.
You’d be upset if it were gone.

PURGE IT

You don’t like wearing it.
It’s not flattering.
There are bad memories associated with it.
You’re only keeping it out of obligation (either because you spent a lot of money on it or it was a gift).

Currently Coveted

February 19, 2015 by jessica 9 Comments

This week, I’m smitten with:

A beautiful dress reminiscent of Hokusai’s woodblock print The Wave. Kent Wang actually has a pocket square of the print. I gave it to Dave for Christmas a couple of years ago, but I might have to “borrow” it to tie to the handle of a handbag this spring.
This bag in a rich, inky navy. There’s also a hot pink version that I’m obsessing over.
The playful fringe hem on this boxy sweater. I’m also loving the eyelet hem on this one.
Pink sunglasses. It’s pretty much the easiest way to brighten your look for spring, even if you’re still wearing wool coats.
Lele Sadoughi’s spring pieces, especially this pair of earrings.
Sophisticated sage flats.

Review :: Try the World Paris Box

February 18, 2015 by jessica 11 Comments

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I signed up for Try the World, a subscription box with gourmet goodies from different cities around the globe. In full disclosure, I think subscriptions boxes are kind of stupid. I also hate grab bags. I like knowing what my money is buying and I suspect many of you are the same way. I was intrigued by Try the World because they give you a sneak peek of what’s inside your box before you commit. (Be aware, however, that Try the World works with small producers and each box may vary slightly due to product availability.) I like traveling and I like food, so I forked over $39 for my one-time box of treats from Paris. Oh la la!

So, what does $39 get you? Not much and not the fleur de sel the stock image boasted (read: the item I was most excited about), but I do like the unique mix of products I probably wouldn’t have purchased otherwise. (Dave joked that Try the World is for people who are too lazy to go to World Market.) Here’s what was inside and the approximate values taking into account the net weight of the items compared to full-size products:

La Mere Poulard sables: $3.50
Maison D’Armorine salted butter caramels: $5
Domaine des Vignes whole grain mustard: $4
Charles Antona fig jam: $3.50
Clement Faugier chestnut spread: $4
Flagrants Desirs dark chocolate bar: $4
Francois Doucet fruit jellies: $2
A card explaining each product
A culture guide

That’s $26 worth of product for $39. I had signed up during a promotion, so my Paris box came along with a second box of treats from various countries. That’s the only reason I’m not too irked about this. I would have been much happier with a total value of $33-35. I realize that some of the money needs to go to packaging costs and overhead, but I don’t think it’s expecting too much for the value to be closer to the amount paid. Will I try it again? Maybe if there’s an Amsterdam or Brussels box and I’m feeling nostalgic. It’s such a fun idea and I’m disappointed that this wasn’t a slam dunk. I would have been happy to sign up for a full year if the value was there.

Get the Look

February 17, 2015 by jessica 13 Comments

Every now and then, I come across a pin so good that I can’t wait to replicate the outfit. This is one of those times. The outfit is effortless, timeless, and really easy to recreate. A white dress with a relaxed silhouette and lacy details anchors the look. (Unfortunately, the English Factory dress featured here is sold out. Keep this link bookmarked in case a return pops back. This dress has a similar vibe.) Top it off with delicate gold jewelry, simple sandals, and a pair of classic Clubmaster sunglasses. A crossbody saddle bag keeps your essentials at hand. (I know it’s a total Chloe knockoff, but it’s only $50.) A vibrant manicure adds just the right amount of color.

Color Crush :: White Out

February 16, 2015 by jessica 12 Comments

[spacer]

Ever since I purchased this bag for spring, I’ve been obsessed with adding more white to my wardrobe in preparation for the warmer months ahead. In fact, the English Factory dress featured here is already on its way to me along with this Rebecca Minkoff bag (white with the gold hardware). It’s a welcome refresh after this dreary winter.

[spacer]

// image via //