BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Sartorial Spending: March 2013

by Leave a Comment

I was joking with Dave that this should be named my “shopping problem” series and by the looks of things this month, that’s not too far off. Any intention I had of staying on budget was gone the moment I spotted the Lilly Pulitzer dress. You can’t deny true love, right? 

Here’s the rundown with taxes, shipping, gift cards and discounts accounted for:

Lilly Pulitzer dress – $248
We have a wedding to attend in May and while I really wanted to buy something over the top, this feminine Lilly Pulitzer dress was a more versatile option for spring and summer. It was still a splurge, but at least the cost-per-wear will be less than a cocktail dress. (I’m also planning to wear this for my birthday in May on our Charleston getaway.)

Banana Republic coat – $40
I went on about my eBay score in this post. I won’t rehash it, but I’m still delighted with my new-to-me spring coat.

Not Pictured Old Navy floral boxers – $9
I stopped at Old Navy on the hunt for the lemon-print boxers. Our store didn’t have them in stock, so I left with a floral pair. At least it was a cheap impulse purchase.

Gap jacquard shorts – $45
I swear, “pink dressy shorts” really were on my spring must-buy list! Obviously I haven’t had a chance to wear these yet, but I’m hoping that I’ll reach for them quite a bit in the coming months. They’ll be especially cute with a slouchy grey sweater for afternoon drinks. (I’m tempted by the matching jacket, but that might be overkill!)

Jeweliq floral bracelet – $20
This bracelet is so cute, but it was such an impulsive buy. 

Lulu Frost necklace – $155
I obsessed over this necklace since it appeared in the February issue of Glamour magazine and finally took the plunge knowing I’d be devastated if it sold out. Unfortunately, the clasp broke the first full day I wore it. I didn’t want to deal with the hassle of exchanging it, so the Lulu Frost team graciously sent over a new clasp. It was an easy fix and it’s as good as new. Aside from that minor hiccup, the necklace is beautiful. I’ve already worn it with everything from a sweatshirt to a black dress.

Banana Republic black dress – $46
Would you believe that I didn’t own a LBD? I received an invitation to a friend’s bachelorette party requesting that everyone wear black. Usually I’m exaggerating when I look into my closet and woefully sigh that I have nothing to wear, but this time I really didn’t have something. I ordered this black dress from Banana Republic (a promo code and my credit card rewards brought the price down considerably). I’m actually looking forward to wearing it with my new Lulu Frost necklace, an anorak jacket and gold boat shoes.

Total Spent: $563 (Yikes!)

Currently Coveting

by Leave a Comment

Right now, I’m coveting:

In the Know: Gifted Jewelry

by Leave a Comment

Of all of the gems in my jewelry box, I don’t pay nearly enough attention to rubies. It’s a shame because July’s birthstone is an interesting one:

  • The world’s largest ruby gemstone is the Burmese ruby at 23.1 carats. You can view it at the Museum of Natural History in D.C.
  • The word “ruby” is from the Latin word for red: “rubens.”
  • In Asian countries, rubies were buried under the foundation of buildings for good fortune.
  • Rubies can be more valuable than colorless diamonds.
  • Rubies are only slightly softer than diamonds, registering a 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
  • Rubies can range from orange-red to purplish red. Even though color is a matter of personal preference, the most highly prized rubies are the true red versions. 

I was recently introduced to Gifted Jewelry, an online shop with a wide selection of gemstones (including ruby jewelry). I especially love this cocktail-sized ruby ring, but if you’re looking for something more refined this ruby necklace is an elegant option.

Shop It: 1. Earrings // 2. Ring // 3. Earrings // 4. Necklace // 5. Earrings // 6. Bracelet

Sources: 1, 2

Disclosure: I was compensated for this post. However, the opinions expressed within are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Bedknobs & Baubles!