BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Weekend Guide

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SWOON
As always, Chanel steals the show with its theatrics in Paris.

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LEARN
I’m always amazed at how much we don’t know about our own globe. A 10,000-year-old forest was recently discovered in the North Sea.

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COO
Life just keeps getting rosier for Toast the Dog. Saved from a puppy mill and now the star of Karen Walker’s new campaign?! (Would anyone like to cast Bacon the Cat in an editorial? It’s time he earns his keep.)

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STALK
If geometric jewelry is your thing, bookmark this Etsy shop.

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SIGN UP
I think subscription boxes are kind of stupid and I never thought I’d sign up for one. And then I came across Try the World. Every other month, you’ll receive a box filled with treats from a different city around the globe. My first box should arrive in a few weeks. Also intrigued? Sign up with my referral link to save $15 off your order. (You’ll also be giving me a credit for their online shop. I promise to Instagram the global goodies with abandon as a thank you.)

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SHOP
The cynic in me knows it’s a marketing ploy, but I still love Kate Spade’s “On Purpose” collection.

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// additional image via //

Exercise = Beer (+ Swimsuits!)

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GetFit

I’ve always struggled with my weight. I was an overweight child, an overweight teenager, and an overweight college student. (In short: so much teasing and so few dates!) It wasn’t until after graduation when I decided to do something about it. I joined Weight Watchers and two years later, I lost 75 pounds and weighed in at 130. After wearing a size 16 for so long, I didn’t realize a size four was even possible! It didn’t last long because that weight was far to low for me to maintain. The scale crept up to a comfortable 145 to 150, which I was able to stay at for quite a few years. Unfortunately, that’s not really the case anymore.

Now that I’m in my 30s, my metabolism has taken a nosedive. Beer fests and dining out has caught up to my waistline. So much so, that I didn’t believe the scale could be correct. It was so high! I was convinced it was broken (it wasn’t) and bought a new one last week.

So, I’m back on the Weight Watchers bandwagon, I’ve done the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred video everyday after work for two weeks, and I’m already seeing a difference. I’ve lost two pounds, .5″ from my waist, and an inch from my hips.

Dave and I are also planning to start the couch-to-5k program once March rolls around. We’ll likely be wearing these matching t-shirts. However, suggestions are welcome for the rest of my workout ensemble. I’ve heard good things about Lululemon aside from the sheer pants and Trina Turk has cute styles. Any others? Is it worth getting properly fitted for running sneakers? Or can I just buy these because they’re cute? (So many questions!)

I’d be remiss if I didn’t admit that a new bathing suit is a huge motivation for me to shed the extra pounds. We’re still mulling over vacation spots for April, which gives me plenty of time to choose one. (A bikini probably isn’t in my future, but a girl can hope. And do crunches.)

Currently Coveted

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I’m still shirking winter attire in favorite of warm-weather attire. After all, there are only 50 days until spring. Not like I’m counting down or anything…

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A CHEVRON BATHING SUIT
I love the retro cut of this chevron bathing suit. It also comes in orange.

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A QUIRKY CLUTCH
If you have money to blow on something that’s sure to make you smile, this Kotur clutch is it.

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SUNSHINE YELLOW
Yellow isn’t the most flattering color on me, but I can’t get enough of it this season. (I just ordered this iPhone case.) A pair of shorts is a great way to incorporate the color without it casting a sallow glow on my face. And, speaking of shorts, Gap has an adorable striped pair right now.

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A TASTE OF MEXICO
Meals are set for the season with this collection of 650 Mexican recipes.

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THIS GLITTER TOPCOAT
It’s like spring confetti! Pair this glittery topcoat with pale ocean hues.

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A PAIR OF ORANGE SCALLOPED HEELS
I don’t wear heels very often anymore, but this adorable pair is enough to get me back in the saddle.

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A BRIGHT SPRING DRESS
Admittedly, I rarely think to shop Trina Turk and I’ve just realized how misguided I was. This saffron dress first caught my eye, but it’s the new arrivals section that has my wish list bursting at the seams with this jacket, a dress, and a swimsuit that I’ll purchase if I get down to my goal weight before summer.

Valentine’s Gift Guide for Her

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We’re just a couple of weeks away from the most wonderful day of the year (pfft…). I’m really not one to celebrate Valentine’s Day with over-the-top declarations of love. I’m perfectly content with small gestures like our annual heart-shaped pizza dinner, a special beer we’ve been saving, and an intense Mario Kart match. Even if you’re like me and crave a low-key day on Feb. 14, it’s still a lovely excuse to buy a little something for the person you love most: yourself. 😉 No significant other required!

  • Rebecca Minkoff has darling heart-shaped pieces available for the holiday. In addition to a quilted crossbody bag (in pink and black), there are conversation heart coin purses.
  • Pucker up! Kelly Wearstler’s lip pieces make me unbelievably giddy. The small and medium catch-all dishes are a luxurious splurge. You could also give yourself a little smooch with this small kiss sculpture, a keychain, or this darling pair of stud earrings.
  • The eyes have it with this flirty boudoir pillow.
  • Take a relaxing soak in the tub with Jo Malone’s red roses bath oil.
  • Tory Burch always nails it with her Valentine gifts. The subtle embossed hearts on this card case make it my favorite of the bunch. (You could also reward yourself for sticking to your fitness resolutions with a Valentine Fitbit band.)
  • Jennifer Zeuner’s dainty jewelry is just so pretty. Even if you’re not a fan of heart-shaped jewelry, there are plenty of other petite designs to choose from.
  • Expecting a flirty phone call? Dress up your iPhone with a romantic case.
  • View the day through rose-colored glasses.
  • Let’s just pretend the arrows on Scalamandre’s classic motif are from Cupid’s bow. This quirky vase is a sophisticated way to display your Valentine bouquet. Would you rather spend the day with a stiff drink? Zebras also adorn this set of double old-fashioned glasses.

Budget Update

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A new year calls for a fresh budget and a new Pinterest board to record my 2015 wardrobe additions. If you don’t already have a board dedicated to new purchases (or even planned purchases), I’d recommend it. It’s interesting to see the direction your wardrobe is taking with a quick glance. Evidently, I’m all about stripes (no surprise there) punctuated with rich color.

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THE BUDGET

Each month, I’ve earmarked $250 to spend on clothing and accessories. I consider blog revenue and eBay sales to be “fun money” and will add a portion of that additional income to my monthly budget (if it doesn’t end up in my travel fund first). I’ll record any budget increases or expenditures here each month. Anything that has been ordered and has not yet arrived will appear on the next budget update. I’m also allowing any extra money to rollover into the next month.

  • $250 starting budget
  • + $0 rollover from last month
  • + $300 added to the budget this month
  • – $404 spent this month
  • = $146 remaining

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PURCHASED

  • J.Crew Factory Striped Popover – $27: I tried this on in-store right before Christmas and immediately fell in love with it (so soft!). I bought it in one size larger than usual so it can double as a beach cover up. Until then, I’ve been wearing it to work with a pair of my favorite pants and classic ballet flats.
  • J.Crew Silk Tie Scarf – $10: This was an impulsive purchase when I stopped at the store to do a post-holiday return. It was 50% off the sale price and I figured $10 for 100% silk was totally worth it.
  • Line & Dot Pink Dress – $33: I’m so freaking excited about this purchase. It was part of Shopbop’s final sale section, but I took a gamble and ordered it anyway. It’s girly and fun to twirl in. We’re looking at Puerto Rican vacations right now and this dress will be the first thing in my suitcase.
  • J.Crew Striped Blouse – $40: This is a lot cuter in person than it looks online. I purchased it to wear to work in the summer, but it’s also cute with the shorts I purchased this month. I’d like to bring it to the tailor to have the shoulders narrowed. Right now, they’re a little too wide for my frame.
  • ASOS Striped Dress – $15: I’ve already waxed poetic about this dress here.
  • Tory Burch Tote – $133: This is definitely this season’s hero piece. I have a friend from college who now works for Tory Burch. Around the holidays, she gave me a coupon for 30% off a purchase. I also received a $200 Visa gift card as a holiday gift from work. It was pretty much the perfect storm to splurge on a bag I wouldn’t be able to afford otherwise. Not only is it gorgeous, it’s ultra practical. I’ll be able to use it as a work tote and on vacations. There’s more than enough room for my camera and endless souvenirs collected throughout the day.
  • J.Crew Shorts – $48: I adore the print on these shorts and couldn’t pass them up. It’s hard to tell in the stock photo, but there’s a very small pleat in the front, which I’m not a huge fan of. You can’t tell it’s there with the loose shirts I’m planning to wear with them. Just keep it in mind if you like to tuck anything in and your stomach isn’t totally flat.
  • Old Navy Striped Top – $14 (not pictured): I can’t find this online, but it’s totally worth stopping at the store to purchase. It’s a thicker knit that seems like it will hold up well. I had to try on a few different ones in my size to find the best fit.
  • Old Navy Floral Scarf – $14 (not pictured): I bought this in the white and black colorway that isn’t online. It reminded me of an old DVF print.
  • Loft Windowpane Skirt – $70 (not pictured): I know it’s foolish to buy a full-priced item at Loft. However, I couldn’t find it online and it was something I knew I’d regret if I passed it up. It reminds me of a skirt from Tory Burch’s pre-fall collection.

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UP NEXT

Once we get a vacation on the calendar, I’d like to use a portion of my tax return to buy a few new pieces to pack. (I always wanted to be that girl who has a new vacation wardrobe!) While I won’t be able to completely outfit myself on whatever amount I set aside, I’m hoping to add a pair of espadrilles, a few silky camis, this skirt (definitely a splurge, so it might not happen), and a couple of casual dresses. I’ve also ordered the Loeffler Randall “Starla” sandals in gold. You may remember the style from a couple of years ago. I’m beyond excited to see that they re-released the pair. I used a 30% Piperlime coupon and $100 in Gap, Inc. rewards that I had saved up to bring the price down to $23 (squee!). The sandals are backordered until April. Hopefully they’ll still arrive, given that Piperlime is closing at the end of the quarter.

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TRIED & RETURNED

Of course, with every successful shopping month, there are some misses:

  • J.Crew Retro Floral Popover: I bought this to wear with the shorts, sort of like a practical romper. The polyester blouse was so staticky that it was miserable to try on and the shoulders run incredibly narrow. I also tried it in a size up, but it still didn’t feel comfortable.
  • DVF Striped Julian Dress: I’ve already mentioned this one quite a bit. It really is darling and fit well. I just felt lukewarm about it. I think the sassy snake print version in silk jersey might be more up my alley.
  • Lucy Paris Splatter Skirt: This reminded me of the Tibi skirt I couldn’t afford. The satin was soft and it was well made, but I didn’t expect the elastic at the back. I hated that. It also hit just below my knees, which is ultra unflattering on me. I didn’t love it enough for alterations.
  • Cameo Night Tale Dress: So cute, right? In the previous Cameo dress I tried on, I wore a medium. So, I ordered both a medium and large in this one to be on the safe side. Neither fit. There was no way the zipper was even close to going up in the large. This may have been the catalyst for my “get fit” kick.

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HOW ARE YOU DOING?

Fran does a great job of linking to budget bloggers each month and I strongly encourage you to take part. I hope you’ll also share links to your wardrobe recaps here. I’m always curious to learn how others curate their closets!