BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Currently Coveted

February 12, 2015 by jessica 11 Comments

This week, I’m smitten with:

The white lace details in a jumpsuit by Endless Rose and a loose frock by English Factory. In fact, I think I’m going to spring for the dress. It would be the perfect canvas for a huge necklace and would look adorable with my new sandals. (Better yet, it’s only $72!)
These Miu Miu block heel pumps are totally out of my price range, but the crystal and black rhinestone detail is too cute.
The layers of pleats in this lipstick red skirt.
Striped taper candles! I mean, really, if you’re going to have candlesticks, they may as well be striped. (Be sure to hit up your local Goodwill for some vintage brass candlestick holders. I’ve picked some up for just a few dollars.)
Classic red nail polish. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!
All of Tory Burch’s new arrivals. I’m still trying to justify $250 monkey earrings*, but I’m also taken with these artisanal drops.

*I filed my taxes last weekend and I’m getting a decent return. These might have to be my annual splurge. I’m obsessed with them.

I get it, toucan sandals aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I loved these when Kate Spade debuted them last summer. I stalked the heck out of them, hoping they’d hit the sale section before warm weather was just a distant memory. No luck. They weren’t discounted until fall, when sandals weren’t exactly the most practical purchase. Even then, the price wasn’t that great and I wrote them off as yet another sartorial white whale. I certainly didn’t expect to find them on Amazon this week for just $70. Most of the sizes are still available in limited stock, aside from the size 7, which Dave purchased for me as my Valentine’s gift. (We’re not much for surprises. And, before you think I’m a bad girlfriend, I treated him to a sour and barrel-aged beer tasting on Sunday.)

Reviewed | Jamberry

February 10, 2015 by jessica 6 Comments

If there was ever a time for teeny hearts and kisses on my fingers, Valentine’s week is it. And, while I love the idea of nail art, I don’t love the thought of meticulously painting petite designs.

Enter Jamberry Nails.

Jamberry decals are vinyl nail wraps that come in dozens of designs that are a breeze to apply. After prepping my nails with rubbing alcohol and pushing the cuticle back, I selected the wrap that would best fit my nail, heated it up with a hair dryer, and firmly pressed the decal to my nail. (Jamberry recommends using a rubber cuticle pusher to seal the edges, but I just used the flat side of an orange stick.) You’ll need to trim the decal with cuticle scissors and then file straight down to finish them off. I had a hard time neatly trimming the nail decal on my right hand (evidently I’m not that ambidextrous) and found that a nail clipper was much easier. I’m now on day four and just starting to notice the tiniest of chips along the edge, but they’re in much better shape than the rest of my manicure.

Each sheet is $15 and comes with enough decals for three or four full manicures (depending on your nail length). I prefer to use them for accent nails and would love to snag this striped set, which would probably last me through the summer.

Bottom line: It’s a fun way to add a little pizzazz to your manicure without much effort. (You can also see them in yesterday’s post.)

Top: Nanette Lepore (old, but it looks like you’re in luck if you’re a size 2); Ring: Lulu Frost; Bracelet: Monica Vinader; Nails: Zoya “Purity” and decals c/o Jamberry

Jamberry Nails provided nail decals free of charge for purposes of this post. This in no way affected my thoughts about the product. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Bedknobs & Baubles!

Bows on Toes

February 9, 2015 by jessica 24 Comments

Any day above freezing is a day for coat-free outfit photos! And what better way to show off my favorite new skirt?! I couldn’t be happier with the windowpane design and the short, flippy style.

Now, let’s talk shoes. These darling block-heel pumps are from DUO, a new-to-me British brand that specializes in classic designs with customizable fits. If I hadn’t been enamored with the “Karin” style (give me a ’60s inspiration any day), I would have opted for a pair of boots. I have a hard time finding boots to fit my calves and the made-to-measure shafts are awfully tempting. I wear a standard size 7 and went with the European 37, even if it technically translates into a size 6.5. They fit perfectly, they’re comfortable, and the quality is outstanding.

Sweater: J.Crew; Skirt: Loft; Shoes: c/o DUO; Purse: Coach (similar); Ring: Lulu Frost; Necklace: Vintage (similar); Sunglasses: Prada; Bracelet: Hermes; Nails: Zoya “Purity” and decals c/o Jamberry; Lips: Stila “Fiore”

Bauble of the Week

February 8, 2015 by jessica 1 Comment

Remember when I was so excited to see Tory Burch’s monkey earrings available for pre-order? They’re finally available along with this monkey necklace. It’s not cheap at $450, but it is a conversation piece you’ll keep forever. (That said, I’m still seriously considering the earrings.)

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