BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Here’s What I Bought in April

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April seemed to drag on forever while we were all stuck at home, the world firmly in the grasp of the novel coronavirus. I didn’t shop much when the stay-at-home order first went into effect in March. There was so much uncertainty with jobs and, well, life in general, and I’m pretty sure I was suffering from some COVID-induced depression. On the sartorial front, I wasn’t enamored with anything other than athletic clothes. I don’t know if it was the warmer weather, the resignation that we have [at least] another month to go, or the suddenly flush bank account now that we’re not eating out, but I decided that a bit of retail therapy wouldn’t be the worst thing right now. I mean, it’s worth a shot, right?

PURCHASED – FOR ME
See all of this year’s sartorial additions here.

  • Stutterheim ‘Mosebacke’ rain coat in pale pink – I have obsessed over these raincoats for a couple of years now. I knew they had good reviews, but spending $300 seemed steep for something I’d only wear a handful of times each year. I couldn’t resist any longer when I saw the pale pink one included in their seasonal sale. It has the most charming a-line shape and runs true to size. I went with a medium and there’s plenty of room in the arms for a sweater without looking bulky. I’m so happy with it!
  • Madewell lace-inset top in black – While the online reviewer is right about this top being boxier and a bit short, hitting at the top of the hips, it’s such a sweet shirt to half-tuck into jeans. The flutter sleeves and the subtle lace detail are thoughtful touches that make this feel like an elevated take on a t-shirt. I went with a size medium, but I think I could have sized down.
  • Jenny Bird ‘Nova’ large hoops – Jenny Bird is my favorite designer for high quality, statement-making, timeless, affordable costume jewelry. So, when there was a coupon for 50% off an item if one’s choice, you know I had to buy something. These hoops are generously sized and then organic shape make them so much more interesting than standard hoops. They’re not the lightest pair of earrings, but they’re not terribly heavy for all-day wear either.
  • Sarah Flint ‘Grear’ sandals in saddle – Oh. My. God. I love these sandals so much. I wanted to buy them last year and they sold out before I could add them into the rotation. While I was torn between the cognac leather or white, I thought the brown pair looked more expensive. They’re beautiful in person and run true to size.

PURCHASED – FOR HOME

  • I placed a couple of orders, but nothing has arrived yet! Stay tuned for the May recap!

DIDN’T WORK OUT
Things I tried and didn’t love.

  • Madewell georgette peplum top – I was really torn on whether or not to keep this. I love the colors and the pattern. (I’ll never grow tired of a dark floral.) However, I just didn’t feel head-over-heels for it. It looked best styled as it is on the site with a pair of shorts. The peplum looked too bulky with jeans or pants. It runs true to size.
  • Treasure & Bond tie-shoulder midi dress in leopard – I ordered the medium in this and it feels too large. A smaller size might have fit a bit better. It’s lightweight and there are pockets. Wait for a sale, though. It’s not worth $70.
  • Garnet Hill linen shorts – These are great quality, but both of the pairs I tried were too small. (That COVID 15, amirite?) I might reorder these because they seem like they’ll be just as versatile as a similar Old Navy pair I bought last year, but a lot nicer and less likely to get baggy in the rear after one wear.

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Weekend Roundup: Why Everyone is Baking Bread, A New Duvet Cover, 21 LaCroix Cocktails & More!

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Short on mixers? No problem! Here are 21 cocktails you can make with LaCroix.

The science behind why everyone is baking bread now. (I wanted to make this focaccia recipe one of the first weeks of the stay-at-home order, but of course, there was no yeast to be found. So, I’ve decided to support a local bakery instead and order loaves when we’re getting low.)

Apparently the pandemic is giving people vivid, unusual dreams.

With it’s relaxed silhouette, this looks like the perfect summer dress. (It also looks like it’d be perfect for any warm-weather travel, assuming that happens again this year!)

How some U.S. neighborhoods got their peculiar names.

Studies confirm that adding nature to your workspace can boost your productivity and reduce stress. Apparently that can happen just by way of imagery (thus the opening image to this post), but I’d prefer to add plants. I’ve ordered this and this from Bloomscape. Both are pet friendly and you can save $10 on your first order by signing up for their emails or you can get $15 off your first purchase of $50+ with this link. (That link will also give me the same discount toward another purchase.)

A few tips to make weekends actually feel like weekends.

Being at home constantly has made me acutely aware of the things I’d like to improve and purchase for our space. While that unfortunately started with recaulking the tub after a leak, I’ve since switched direction to prettier pursuits like this duvet cover. You may remember that I purchased the pillow shams last year. I’m still as in love with the design as I was initially and I’m really excited to outfit the bed in the print. Next up for our bedroom: window treatments!

How COVID-19 may change the travel industry.

I’m on the lookout for new throw pillows for our couch to replace the green plaid ones that are more appropriate for fall and winter. I really like this one.

Finds under $50:

  • I added this dress to my sidebar last week and ordered it shortly after. It hasn’t arrived yet, but it looks like a great weekend and work-from-home dress for warmer months. It’s 50% off through the weekend.
  • Love this rattan headband.
  • This sweater will look just as good with your leggings as it will with jeans when you venture out of the house.
  • J.Crew has a BOGO sale on tops right now. Start with this classic top.
  • I mentioned this top in last week’s post. Now that it has arrived, I’d like to recommend it again because it’s really adorable half-tucked into jeans — and it’s on even deeper discount! As the reviewer online states, it is on the shorter side (hitting at the top of the hips on me at 5′ 6″) and it’s probably a better fit with a smaller chest. I bought it in black and might go for the cream, too.

In case you missed it:

  • Liven up those Zoom meetings with a new pair of statement earrings. (There’s a mother-of-pearl pair that’s particularly gorgeous.)
  • Taking a moment to enjoy simpler pleasures.

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10 Earrings to Wear to Your Zoom Meetings

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Jenny Bird Nova Hoops

A few weeks ago, Walmart reported a surge in the sale of tops, but not of bottoms, citing COVID-19 as the likely reason. It’s not surprising given that office workers across the country are participating in virtual meetings, leaving behind the need to wear an entire office-appropriate ensemble. Personally, while I’ve tried to at least wear jeans with a blouse during business e-meetings, there have been a few times that I’ve kept my yoga pants on, affectionately calling them my “pandemic pants.” Something I have consistently worn for those virtual face-to-face meetings has been a pair of statement earrings. Earrings effortlessly pull together your half-outfit and flatter your face during those on-screen appearances. Below, I’ve rounded up ten pairs that have caught my eye during the pandemic and I’ll vouch for the Jenny Bird hoops that I recently purchased. The organic, slightly irregular shape make them much more interesting than just your standard hoops.

Left: Lizzie Fortunato | Right: Luv Aj

Left: Maria Black | Center: Kate Spade | Right: Cult Gaia

Left: Lele Sadoughi | Right: Sashi

Left: Oscar de la Renta | Center: Baublebar | Right: Cult Gaia


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Weekend Roundup

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:: sigh :: Remember the days when we could travel? It’s hard to believe that we were in Portugal 11 months ago and, boy, do I miss that version of me: the bubbly girl who was exploring a new-to-her country, indulging in midday porto tonics, and wouldn’t pass up a quick snapshot at a fully tiled wall. Travel seems like a distant memory now that Wisconsin extended its stay-at-home orders through May 26, and to be honest, I sobbed when I heard the news. We’ve been social distancing for a month now (36 days to be exact) and I’m not sure how to make another six weeks bearable. I miss normalcy. I miss going to the office, seeing friends, having the freedom to go about my day in the way that I please. I know some people are thriving at home. I’m not one of them. I’m trying to push myself to work on long-awaited household projects and get that patio garden started, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to do much more than watch TV and stare at my phone once my workday wraps up. How are you getting through this and staying motivated? I need all of the tips and pep talks I can get!

Alright, on to the links!

I loved this slideshow of Photoshopped creations a dad made of his son’s animal drawings.

How fun is this colorful jumpsuit?!

One of our couch cushions started pilling recently (and, surprisingly, it’s the middle cushion that we don’t really sit on). I tried this fabric shaver and now the upholstery looks good as new!

After the pandemic, the office dress code should never come back.

We watched Home Before Dark on Apple TV last week and loved it.

If you’re in need of a new drink while cocktailing at home, may I suggest the Hemingway daiquiri? We happened to have grapefruit juice the other night and realized our bar was stocked well enough with the other ingredients on hand and gave it a whirl. It’s delicious — and potent. I served them in these coupes, which are great quality despite the low price point. (Manhattans look great in them, too!)

A guide to getting through COVID-19 alone.

Ten ingredients to upgrade your cooking.

One of the best things about isolation is seeing how others are embracing domestic hobbies like baking and gardening, even when it comes to simple pursuits such as regrowing vegetables from scraps.

If you’ve ever been curious about the history of household items, this book is for you!

Finds Under $50:

In case you missed it:

  • I bought a pair of earrings. (Find ’em here.)
  • The closest thing to a tropical escape I’ll have this year.
  • We had our stairwell painted. More photos coming soon, along with before and after photos and product links for our entry pieces.
  • Last month’s purchases.

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Latest Purchases for Home & Wardrobe: March 2020

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I’ve been trying to focus my attention on this space to give myself a creative outlet from the monotony of self isolation, but I’m not quite there yet as I get used to the new normal of working from home. When my work day ends, all I want to do is step away from a computer, go for a walk, and then plant myself in front of a different screen to play Animal Crossing: New Horizons. (Don’t judge me. It’s surprisingly addictive and a nice escape from doomsday news clips.) That said, I bought a few things last month! So, why not get back into the blogging routine with a roundup of my latest acquisitions that may or may not see the light of day outside of a virtual meeting this season! 😉

Disclaimer: I never include things like pajamas and athletic clothes in these roundups, but trust that I bought a new pair of “pandemic pants,” slippers, and a hoodie to go with. I’m embarrassed to share how often I’ve already worn that getup.

PURCHASED – FOR ME
See all of this year’s sartorial additions here.

  • Kate Spade ‘party bubbles’ blouse – Kate Spade’s sale items are an extra 50% off right now, so it’s a good time to scoop this up if you like it as much as I do! I tend to be between a small and medium in Kate Spade items and went with the medium in this one, although it was close.
  • Kate Spade ‘pacific petals’ hair tie – This hair tie is even better in person. I didn’t realize that you can remove the scarf and use just the scrunchie portion, which I won’t actually do, but I love that you can use the scarf separately.
  • LOFT floral vine tiered dress – Loft’s tiered swing dresses win me over every time. I went with a small. It looks like it’s already sold out, but you can see the other tiered styles here. I’m considering this black dress next!
  • Quay Australia ‘after hours’ sunglasses – These are really fun oversized shades if you’re looking for a new pair this season.

PURCHASED – FOR HOME

  • Target lumbar pillow – I’m disappointed that this is already sold out online because it’s one of the best throw pillows I’ve come across at the retailer in awhile. The quality is great and the texture makes it look more expensive than it is. It’s a great accent pillow for bedding.

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