Julie Vos is having her semi-annual sample sale right now! If you’ve been waiting to order something, you’re in luck. All sale items are now an additional 25% off with code EXTRA25. It’s a great opportunity to stock up on accessories for any warm-weather vacations you have planned. (The Phoenix Pendant would look stunning with breezy summer dresses … nudge, nudge.)
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PONDER
Are green juice devotees really just flaunting their wealth?
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EXTEND
Make your favorite fragrance last longer.
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SELECT
I’ve been considering bangs ever since I looked through my parents’ old photo albums. I love how bangs looked on pint-sized me. I’d definitely go for the fringe style. Should I do it?
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BUY
Love is in the air and at your favorite retailer. I picked up these darling boxer shorts and I’m fond of this quirky Kate Spade clutch.
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SPECULATE
I can’t wait for season two of Serial. In the meantime, I’m still caught up in conspiracy theories for the Adnan case.
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LEARN
Fashion might have popularized vaccinations in the late 1700s.
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I’m due for another closet cleanout soon. It’s a daunting annual task and a humbling come-to-Jesus moment when I try on almost every item and ask myself three questions:
I recently discovered that I was missing one crucial question: Does it spark joy?
Last week, I came across an article that described the organization secret of Marie Kondo, the author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. She suggests cleansing your home–in this case, wardrobe–by asking one simple question: Does it spark joy? If it doesn’t, simply thank the item for the role it has played in your life and move on.
Yes, it does seem pretty hokey at first blush. However, the more I thought about it over the past week, the more I found myself using it as a litmus test for purchases. And you know what? It has been freeing. Take the striped DVF dress, for instance. It had all the hallmarks of something I’d love. It’s striped. It’s by my favorite designer. It’s a dress. It’s well made. It fit well. However, something about it didn’t spark joy for me. I tried on another dress I ordered from Shopbop (which is sadly sold out, but you can find the maxi dress version here) and I was over the moon. I was giddy and I couldn’t wait to show Dave.
It sparked joy.
What I love most about this process is that it doesn’t suggest giving items the heave-ho if they haven’t been worn in a year (the usual closet cleaning mantra). If an item resonates with you, you’ll wear it again eventually. Maybe last year wasn’t the right time. Maybe the year prior wasn’t even the right time. Maybe this year will be.
It’s really about getting rid of the items that feel like an emotional burden, allowing your closet to be a joyful space. It brings emotion back to clothing. I don’t want to “curate” a closet (and God forbid I ever have a capsule wardrobe). I want my purchases to be joyful. If that means a hot pink dress one month and a boyish button down the next, so be it.
If you have been following my blog for awhile, you may remember that I used to do a weekly roundup in a format similar to this. I strayed away from it because there were countless items I came across each week that I wanted to share. However, that’s kind of the problem. With so many available items and so many blogs competing for your attention, I want to go back to sharing the best of the best. From now on, the “Currently Coveted” posts will be dedicated to items that truly sparked my excitement and are worth a closer look.
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A TROPICAL CLUTCH
Few things make me want to book a tropical escape more than Kayu’s woven handbags. The embroided palm leaves make the Makaha clutch my favorite.
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A FEMININE SWIMSUIT
Kate Spade’s swimsuit collection is both glamorous and romantic. If you love the bow on this bikini, but would rather cover up, there are one-piece suits available (including a striped version!).
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EVERY PIECE IN THIS PLAYFUL EDITORIAL
This Alice + Olivia lookbook inspires me to choose an obscure destination, hit the road, and stay in retro motels along the way. (I’m also kind of obsessed with the Stace sweater.)
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A PAIR OF CASUAL ESPADRILLES
Last year’s must-have shoe has finally grown on me. I’m yearning for that Tory Burch pair, but you can browse more options here. The Soludos pair with the embroidered toucan is tempting.
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A STYLE STEAL
Every now and then Bauble Bar really hits it out of the park. This is one major necklace for just $44.
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A MINT COAT TO WEAR INTO SPRING
I don’t switch up my coats as often as I’d like (they’re expensive!), but this mint coat is just begging to come home to me. Does anyone know if it has a double zipper? There’s no way a cocoon coat will fit over my hips without a little more room at the hem.
Follow along @bedknobsandbaubles.