BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

BEHIND THE BAUBLES: KAROLINE BOLT

August 12, 2014 by jessica Leave a Comment

Heavily influenced by the shapes in Art Deco architecture, Karoline Bolt launched her namesake brand of covetable gems just this year. As a child, Karoline and her sisters would play dress up with their grandmother’s heirlooms and you’ll see that sentiment reflected in her jewelry: each piece is named after a family member and each piece repurposes items from the past with recycled metals. She uses locally sourced opals, turquoise and onyx set in either sterling silver, gold-plated brass or 14k gold, giving you an array of options—and price points—to find the perfect piece.

Follow Karoline Bolt: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr

NEUTRAL ZONE

August 11, 2014 by jessica Leave a Comment

After countless hours of travel, a 90-minute nap and one quick shower, I slipped this on for our first evening exploring Belgium. I was absolutely exhausted and elastic-waist shorts with a slouchy sweater is about as close to pajamas as you can get.

Ladies have been waxing poetic about these shorts since they were released and I promise that they’re as good as everyone says they are. Plus, you can go down a size. (Keep in mind that they’re pretty delicate. Wash them on the gentle cycle in a lingerie bag and line dry.)

HOME, SWEET HOME

August 7, 2014 by jessica Leave a Comment

We’re back from our Belgian getaway! We did so much in such a short amount of time that I need a few days to take it all in and flip through 2,000 trip photos with Dave privately before publishing any online! Let me know if you’re wondering about anything in particular. I’m penning an email to a reader with some of my must-sees and advice. I’ll relay the info in a post along with any other things you’re curious about.

I also want to thank all of the ladies who submitted guest posts while I was gone. I’m grateful—and humbled—by your willingness to help out!

I’m going to be MIA from the Internet for the rest of the week enjoying time at home with the cat and imbibing at the Great Taste of the Midwest (as if we needed more beer…). I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and I’ll see you Monday! xoxo

PACKING LIST | VERSAILLES

August 6, 2014 by jessica Leave a Comment

Today’s packing list for Versailles comes from Aimee of Little Luxury List:

We may not all know what it would be like to live like royalty. But if you are in Versailles, you can definitely get a taste of the good life. Versailles is known for its Château de Versailles and is a former seat of French power.

But that’s not why my husband and I love it. We fell in love with with the tree-lined streets particularly in the morning when the dew dropped heavily from lush leaves. We also enjoyed meandering through the grounds of the great Château de Versailles keeping mental tabs on areas that would have been perfect for picnicking (if you don’t mind the occasional goat!). We were awed on a daily basis not only by the beautiful greenery, but the stately architecture throughout the town—imagine classic moldings, tall chandeliers, and beautifully embellished exteriors as well as interiors. I would visit again in a heartbeat with baby in tow and my style would reflect Versailles’ understated elegance.

A perfect layering t-shirt keeps me cool and comfortable.
Fitted pants allow me to walk around for hours and rest on the occasional patch of grass.
Classic, but whimsical studs are fun and wearable.
A scarf is an great layering piece for cooler mornings and evenings. It also doubles well for covering a little one!
Flats are essential footwear for walking around the cobblestone streets

PACKING LIST | LONDON

August 5, 2014 by jessica Leave a Comment

Today’s packing list for London comes from Marissa of Thoughts from a Coffee Shop:

I went to London two summers ago and instantly fell in love with everything about it. The museums are wonderful, afternoon tea is a trend I can get behind and I love the rain showers that pop up mid-afternoon. While in London get ready to eat fish and chips, learn a ton of history and walk up and down quaint little streets. Who knows, you may just pick up a British accent!

To combat the daily showers, bring along a raincoat. This trench will keep you dry and looking pulled together, even after wandering around the tube station.
One can never go wrong with a striped top, no matter what the season.
A leather tote will do wonders for carrying along guide books and stashing little souvenirs from shops as you explore.
Good walking shoes are a must but skip the athletic ones, unless you want to be labeled as a tourist! These ones provide support but blend in with the locals.
Battling the elements can make hair unmanageable but slipping in a headband helps control flyaways.

Image via here