BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Things I Bought & Loved: April 2021

April 30, 2021 by jessica Leave a Comment

IN THE WARDROBE
See all of this year’s sartorial additions here.

Maeve ‘Colette’ peasant blouse in mint and brown stripe – I’ll admit that listing this in a “bought and loved” post might be a bit misleading as it’s the one item this month I’m not totally sure about. I love the cut and drape of this blouse, and I also enjoy having lightweight blouses for summer when I want to shield my skin from sun exposure. However, the one I picked has a mint and brown stripe that’s not available online. I worry that it reads a little too “circus” with the full sleeves. If I end up returning it, I might reorder it in the “blue motif” print that wasn’t available in store. That looks a bit more versatile. I went with my regular size medium in this one. The small was fine from the waist up, but I need the extra room around my hips that the medium had.
Target puff-sleeve tiered dress in mint – This dress runs stupidly large like all of Target’s a-line shifts lately. I bought it in a small, which fits perfectly around the bust. It has more than enough room throughout that it probably makes me look larger, but I don’t care. It’s so darn comfortable and I know I’ll reach for it during the warmer months.
Ancient Greek ‘Eleftheria’ sandals in brown – I bought these in the natural hue three years ago and wear them all of the time in the summer. They’re definitely looking “well loved,” which prompted me to order a new pair in another color. They’re a splurge, but the cost-per-wear makes them a great piece.
Old Navy tiered linen-blend dress – I’m not surprised this dress sold out. It’s by far the best Old Navy item I’ve purchased in years (aside from the jersey dresses I wear nearly every day working from home).
Nike ‘Daybreak’ sneaker in light blue – The best Nike colors sell out fast and I’m glad I sprung for these baby blue sneakers. They’re fun to wear with dresses. I went with my regular size, despite reviews urging to size down a half size. They fit perfectly.
Madewell seersucker apron tank top in black – With the pants below, this tank is perfect for a jumpsuit look that doesn’t require bathroom acrobatics. I went with my regular size.
Madewell seersucker pull-on crop pants in black – I also bought these in my regular size!
Target floral-print blouse in cream – I’m a sucker for cheap summer clothes and I can’t help add a few things to my cart when I’m at Target. (Even if the lack of fitting room access right now results in a lot of return trips to bring ill-fitting items back.) This top is a hit with it’s bright colorway and lightweight fabric. I also love the pretty detailing at the wrist.

AROUND THE HOUSE

HAY glass straws – The set I bought is slightly different; they’re longer and have a slight bend. However, the colors are the same and they’re so good!
HAY cloth napkins in lavender with brown edging – The color combination on these give me so much joy that I had to scoop them up!
Schoolhouse ‘Matter’ Lamp – I realize this lamp isn’t everyone’s style and that’s okay. I’m in love with it’s 1960s vibe and it makes me ridiculously happy each time I look at it. Just like everything else I’ve purchased from Schoolhouse, the quality is excellent.

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48 Hours in Chicago: What we did in the Windy City during the pandemic

April 28, 2021 by jessica Leave a Comment

It feels so weird to have left the house for a post-vaccinated getaway after being on lockdown for over a year, but it was such a nice way to get reacquainted with “normalcy” after 13 months of quarantine. We had this mini getaway on the books since November when tickets for Immersive Van Gogh went on sale. I had wanted to see the exhibit since its European debut and the rave reviews that followed. While I had no idea if April would be safe enough to visit Chicago, I figured it was worth the risk of losing the ticket fee and booked tickets right away. Thankfully, we both got our Johnson & Johnson vaccine on March 20, making us fully inoculated by the time our trip rolled around.

If you’re also looking to take a “vaxication” to the Windy City, it feels like a safe city to be in. Nearly everyone was wearing masks even while walking outside, and restaurants were adhering to social distancing guidelines with outdoor seating when possible. Below, you’ll find a recap of what we did during our 48 hours in the Windy City!

Thursday //

When we visit Chicago, we’ll drive down to Harvard, Illinois which roughly an hour and fifteen minutes away from Madison. We’ll park our car for a few dollars a day and take the Metra to Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center. It’s about a two-hour journey by train, but it’s so much easier than dealing with a car and parking in the city. It’s easy enough to get around Chicago by foot, the “L” train, and — typically — taxis. However, cabs and Ubers were few and far between when we were visiting, and it sounds like that’s been the case throughout COVID. So, make sure to bring shoes that you can walk for miles in. I opted for shoes that weren’t broken in and had the blisters to show for it!

After getting to the city on Thursday, we dropped off our bags at our hotel (21c Chicago) and headed out for the remainder of the day. Our first stop was Cruz Blanca. This brew pub has become a staple of our Chicago trips. The beer is great and the Mexican food is outstanding (the torta and the lime- and cilantro-forward green salsa are both noteworthy). After lunch and a couple of beers each, we set out to shop around Fulton Market and ducked into the new HAY store where I picked up a set of glass straws for our bar, and a set of lilac cloth napkins with brown edging (here are the matching placemats). We had one more beer, this time at Haymarket Brewery, before going back to our hotel to freshen up for the evening.

We headed back out early evening en route to Green Mill Cocktail Lounge. This cash-only jazz club has been open since 1907 and was a popular hangout for both actors and mobsters. They have two shows a night: an early show without a cover and a late show with one. We stopped in for a pre-dinner cocktail during the early show and enjoyed banter with the bartender and music by a jazz soloist. I really want to go back on our next trip to the city. It’s such an intimate place with a lot of historic charm, and I just love all of the stories surrounding the place! Afterward, we ended our night with moules et frites for two in the Hopleaf courtyard, a must stop for Belgian beer enthusiasts.

Friday //

I know I shouldn’t get excited about Starbucks when I’m in another city, but the Starbucks Reserve is legitimately good. Their nitro cold brew is way better than the swill served at their normal coffee shops, and they have prosciutto breakfast sandwiches. (While I didn’t get around to posting a Portugal travel guide — yet! — I ate prosciutto daily on that trip and it made me the happiest!) There’s no indoor dining during COVID, so we took our breakfast to go and found a little park to dine in.

After breakfast it was finally time to head over to Immersive Van Gogh! It was such a wonderful experience. More and more U.S. cities are being added to the tour, and I do recommend that you grab tickets if you have an opportunity to do so. They did a great job at social distancing (as you can see by the projected circles on the floor in the images below).

We left the exhibit after about an hour in search of lunch and stopped by Small Cheval, one of Au Cheval’s burger joints. Au Cheval had laid claim to the best burger in America and while we have waited two hours for a reservation in the past, going to Small Cheval is the better option. It’s the same burger and during COVID, you can just order online for pickup and eat at their patio.

We wrapped up our Chicago outing with a grocery run to Eataly and then out near Logan Square, stopping at the Greetings From Chicago mural at 2226 N Milwaukee Ave. followed by drinks at Pilot Project Brewing. At this point, I had enough of walking around — my poor feet couldn’t take it anymore! — and we grabbed two slices at Paulie Gee’s and beer from 7-11 to take to our hotel.

Where to Stay //

We stayed at the 21c property near Michigan Avenue. This boutique hotel chain is one of my favorites — we’ve stayed in one in Louisville and another in Cincinnati — because of their in-house art galleries that feature local artists. Another charming aspect are the commissioned penguin statues that adorn each property (each city has its own color). I love the touch of whimsy they add to the otherwise sophisticated accommodations.

*Wearing: J.Crew sweater; Joe’s jeans; Vince sneakers*

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On the Right Foot: Oscar Jewelry, Your Post-COVID Wardrobe, Affordable Patio Egg Chairs & More!

April 26, 2021 by jessica Leave a Comment

I realize this lamp isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I am obsessed with its 1960s-inspired vibe! I had admired it for well over a year before finally placing the order in February. I’m not quite sure where it’s going to go, but it’s in the entryway for now because I love how it looks against the accent wall of our staircase. (Also pictured: entry console and artwork; paint colors are SW High Reflective White and SW Sea Serpent.)

What should we wear after COVID?

This dollhouse was inspired by a Venetian palazzo.

I don’t care how pretty oil diffusers have become, I’m staunchly opposed. New evidence links essential oils to seizures. The airborne oils are also harmful to pets.

I prefer statement earrings to any other piece of jewelry in the summer. These are great!

A handy resource for proper sconce placement.

The best Oscar jewelry moments of all time.

I saw these patio egg chairs at Target last weekend they’re very cute. Plus, they’re stackable to save space.

How to make your friendships deeper.

Such a great way to draw attention to your artwork!

I finally tried this cult favorite facial sunscreen and I love it! It has the prettiest sun-kissed shimmer.

We recently watched Netflix’s Explained. The episode on pandemics, which came out a few months before COVID-19 ravaged the world, is an eerily accurate prediction of what happened.

Love Delicate Layered Jewelry? Here’s the Brand You Need to Know! (Plus, a Discount Code!)

April 23, 2021 by jessica Leave a Comment

If you’re a longtime reader, you know that I my love of jewelry runs deep. I am a self-proclaimed magpie and I can’t resist adding new pieces to my collection regularly. Lately I’ve been drawn to classic, elegant pieces that are subtle and sophisticated on their own, but can be layered with statement-making gems.

I was recently introduced to a brand called Aurelie GI that specializes in those wear-with-everything pieces. It’s a U.S.-based jeweler that offers 14K gold pieces handcrafted with recycled precious metals. (Whenever we can marry style with sustainability, I’m on board!) The collection includes rings, earrings (both pairs and singles), bracelets, necklaces, and pendants (like this sweet “Mama” pendant just in time for Mother’s Day); and there are items studded with diamonds and semiprecious stones.

I chose the Effie oval band for its unique organic design and the textured Regalia band. As you’ll see below, they’re perfect for layering with one another or wearing on different fingers while mixing and matching with other jewelry items in your collection. If color is more your speed, the brand also has beautiful turquoise items like this stacking ring.

I’ve been wearing these rings nearly each day since they arrived three weeks ago and I’m impressed with the quality. I had a thin gold band years ago and it didn’t take much to bend it out of shape. These, however, are solid and the quality does support the price point.

And, while we’re on the topic of price, you can save 20% with code Jessica20 through the end of 2021!

Dress: Anthropologie (true to size; I’m wearing a medium)
Bag: Gucci (see what fits inside here)
Sneakers: Nike (also available here)
Rings: c/o Aurelie Gi (this one and this one) – Plus, save 20% with code Jessica20 through Dec. 31, 2021!
Bracelet: vintage (I adore this bracelet, though!)

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This post is sponsored by Aurelie GI.
As always, I only work with brands I truly love. Thank you for supporting my blog!

On the Right Foot: An Inspiring House Tour, “Clean” Beauty, A Swing Dress to Love & More!

April 19, 2021 by jessica Leave a Comment

We spent a couple of days in Chicago last week to attend the Immersive Van Gogh exhibit I bought tickets to last fall — and clearly I was very excited to be in a hotel again after more than a year! (We stayed at the new 21c property.) I’ll share a recap of our 48 hours in the city next week!

I don’t think I’ve ever been as inspired by a house tour before!

If you often find yourself with a partially used can of tomato paste, it’s time to try tomato powder. I’m going to try this one the next time I need to place a spice order.

I’m looking forward to the latest installment of Target’s “Designer Dress Collection,” set to launch this spring.

The messy truth of clean beauty.

I didn’t realize you could paint a stand mixer!

I’m long overdue for a closet cleanout. Here are seven questions to ask when going through your wardrobe.

Love food photography? I adore Mia’s account for the pretty photos and the photography tips.

I tried this dress on last week and loved it! The fabric is substantial, it’s lined, there are pockets, and the swingy silhouette is made for girls with wide hips! I just wasn’t keen on the chartreuse hue that was available in store. I think I’m going to order it in that pretty warm cocoa color.

Carrot cake meets coffee cake.