BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Weekend Guide

January 17, 2015 by jessica 6 Comments

ANTICIPATE
The surly chef and TV star plans to open an international food hall in New York later this year with multiple single-concept stalls. It’s going to be a food-lovers dream!

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WEAR
Troi Ollivierre, J.Crew’s legendary makeup and hair stylist, had been custom-mixing lip colors for years before launching his own line. Snag “George,” the signature red-orange, or browse the entire collection here.

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WASH
Extend the life of your underpinnings by properly caring for them. Once you’ve got that down, treat yourself to a pretty new lingerie set.

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READ
Will the Michael Kors brand go the way of Tommy Hilfiger in the ’90s? Some say yes.

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BUY
Erin Fetherston is bringing romance to your iPhone and iPad with new tech accessories.

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EAT
Thanks to Fran, I’m on the spiralizing bandwagon. (Anything that makes veggies fun is fine by me!) I bought this inexpensive spiralizer last week and already tried it out with sauteed zucchini “noodles.” This recipe is up next. For more inspiration, visit this blog.

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

Covetable

January 16, 2015 by jessica 6 Comments

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This is the second week in a row I’ve featured culottes and I think it’ll be the spring trend I actually try! I’m still on the hunt for the perfect pair, but the more skirt-like the better! Browse more options here.

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Remember when I said that every woman should own a DVF dress? Now’s the time! Save an extra 20% on sale items at DVF through Monday with code JAN20.

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Have you ever browsed the Shopbop exclusives? I’m always amazed by the incredible brands that create items just for the retailer. It’s how I stumbled across those edgy earrings by Amber Sceats and these darling conversation heart pouches by Rebecca Minkoff. (I wasn’t in the Valentine’s Day spirit until I spotted them!)

Tax Return Splurge

January 14, 2015 by jessica 12 Comments

We’re narrowing in on the most wonderful time of the year: tax return season! Now, if I were more fiscally prudent, I’d adjust my withholding so I wouldn’t get taxes back nor would I have to pay in. However, I rather enjoy kicking off the year with a cash windfall. And, what better time to splurge on something utterly indulgent and designer-y? (After bills are paid, of course.)

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I’ve actually been indulging in a “Tax Return Splurge” for the last seven years. The first item I purchased was a Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress. I had recently finished college and lost a lot of weight. (It was the first time I could actually fit into a designer item!) I couldn’t justify the $355 price tag with my meager salary, so I convinced myself that a tax return could be a savings plan for something special. It was the most money I had ever spent on an item of clothing and, yet, it was a purchase I never once regretted. I still cherish the dress and wear it from time to time. (That’s the beauty of a wrap dress. The adjustable tie can be cinched tighter or looser depending on how well your diet is going.) After that gateway item, there was a YSL arty ring (when “Yves” was still part of the name), Ferragamo “Varina” flats (Best. Ever.), a Rebecca Minkoff “MAC” bag, two years of Kate Spade pumps, and the Coach purse I wore nearly everyday last year.

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That last part is worth highlighting. The “Tax Return Splurge” seems frivolous, but it doesn’t have to be. I’ve used this opportunity to invest in a good quality, signature item from a classic brand. The items elevate my wardrobe, fit my lifestyle, and become those I wear the most. They’re thoughtful purchases. So, what am I daydreaming about this year? A pair of Tod’s loafers is high on my list (in white, even though they’re terribly impractical), as are the following items:

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BUCKET BAG
We have Mansur Gavriel to thank for making the bucket bag cool again. Last summer’s must-have silhouette promises to be a hit again this year. The drawstring carryalls are ultra practical and, when it’s done in a rich fire engine red (like Rebecca Minkoff’s version exclusive to Shopbop), it’s undeniably luxe.

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KAREN WALKER SUNGLASSES
After eschewing sunglasses for so long, I finally embraced them in 2014 for two reasons: UV protection (obvi) and I no longer have to worry about blinking mid-photo! I adore Karen Walker’s bold, playful designs and would go with the “Number One” style in tortoise shell.

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DVF WRAP DRESS
A gal can never have too many DVF dresses! If you don’t already own one, start saving your pennies. One of her curve-hugging, flattering dresses is a huge confidence booster and you’ll wear it for years. I’ve got my eye on the mini Julian style with the short, flirty hemline. (May I also suggest wearing a half slip underneath? It’s not the sexiest thing, but it keeps you from having a Marilyn moment on a windy day.)

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FERRAGAMO VARINA FLATS
I feel like such a brat yearning for another pair of Ferragamo shoes, but I love the Varina style so much! They fit me perfectly and I’m giddy whenever I put them on. I already own red and turquoise, so I’d like to go with a classic black pair.

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Disclaimer: I receive a shopping credit to Shopbop in exchange for sharing sale alerts and must-have items with you. However, my opinions and the content I choose to share are not influenced by this partnership. If you ever have questions about the brands I collaborate with, please let me know.

Style Steals

January 13, 2015 by jessica 10 Comments

Oh goodness, are you gals as strapped for cash as I am after the holidays? I’m baffled by how quickly all of those gifts and our impromptu weekend in Chicago added up! I’m trying to be more mindful of my finances as we head into the new year and fortunately there are some incredible style steals to be found:

MICHAEL Michael Kors striped top, $60
Paloma Barceló espadrille flats, $80*
J.Crew metallic skirt, $48 with code SHOPNOW
J.Crew bracelet, $78
River Island cami, $38
Elizabeth Cole earrings, $51
Clare Vivier clutch, $98

*I don’t understand how these made it to the end of Net-a-Porter’s sale. They’re so darn cute!

Prep School

January 12, 2015 by jessica 20 Comments

Last week’s wind chills brought Madison to -30 degrees. Schools were cancelled, my office was closed, and all I wanted to do was dive back under the covers and hibernate until spring. We ventured out on Sunday (a balmy 26 degrees) to take a few photos of what’s become my winter uniform. You might balk at my bare ankles (that Fran so affectionately calls “hussy ankles”), but I promise you that Wisconsin made my skin weirdly resistant to cold weather. If it’s not windy, not under zero degrees, and I’m not expected to be outside longer than it takes to scamper from the car, I’m showing a little skin. Scandalous.

In other news, I bought a new bag! I agonized between it and this mod canteen purse (ahem, first-world problems), but the more versatile option seemed like a better bet. I’m already daydreaming about bringing it on vacation. There’s plenty of room for my camera and for the little trinkets I collect throughout the day. (At risk of being dubbed a cat lady, Bacon was also pretty jazzed about the purchase.)