BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Recent Purchases: May Edition

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Latest Purchases

I know this is the epitome of first-world problems (and I’m grateful I can even complain about this because I’ve been healthy), but one of the most difficult things about the global pandemic is not being able to travel. In a typical year, we would have already had at least one getaway by now. And while we were able to do long weekends in Chicago and Milwaukee before the world was turned upside down, it’s not nearly the same as our usual spring jaunts that Facebook is so helpfully reminding me of almost daily. (Yes, I know we were in Portugal one year ago … yep, I know Austin was two years ago … please stop.) These May trips are largely because my birthday is at the end of the month (tomorrow, in fact!) and I like to plan a jaunt to celebrate another trip around the sun. This year is just as memorable, of course, but not for the right reasons! Below, you’ll find a roundup of the things I bought during my birthday month.

I did order a couple of dresses (this and this) from Shopbop yesterday that are scheduled to arrive today (one of the perks of living in the same city as its warehouse!). Fingers crossed that I’ll be celebrating my birthday in one of them!

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

  • J.Crew seaside short in chambray – I’m all about easy, pull-on shorts for summer bike rides when I don’t want to wear athletic clothes. These run true to size, but they get a bit stretched out at the end of the day. I just ordered a size smaller to have on hand, too, since I’ve been shedding some of this COVID weight — finally.
  • Halogen x Atlantic-Pacific polka dot utility jacket – This is a great pairing of a classic silhouette and a whimsical twist. I’ve gotten so many compliments on it! It runs true to size.
  • Madewell pull-on shorts in black – For the same reasons as above, I snagged this pair of shorts from Madewell. It’s hard to find shorts to accommodate an ample rear end and thighs, and these fit the bill. These also run true to size.

PURCHASED – FOR HOME

  • Schoolhouse Electric ‘Blooming Field’ duvet cover – I can’t even tell you how much I love this! I bought the pillow shams last year after falling head-over-heels for the pattern. Twelve months later, still obsessed with the design, I ordered the matching duvet cover. It’s such a great print that brings in a floral that isn’t too feminine.
  • Target self-watering planters – This isn’t very exciting, which is why I didn’t include them in the photo above. However, if you’re looking for inexpensive, lightweight planters for your patio garden, these are great options!

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

  • J.Crew seaside short in stripe – Unlike the chambray pair, this one fits a bit tighter and just didn’t look as cute. It kind of reminds me of the stripes a stereotypical train conductor wears.
  • En Saison striped tiered babydoll dress – Kudos to the brand for having a lining in a loose dress that isn’t tighter than the dress itself! However, the dress ran large and the ruffled sleeves made me look wide on top.
  • Luv Aj mother-of-pearl circle hoops – These are so pretty, so I was disappointed to see that the pearl design is only on one side of the earring. The back is all gold, which is easily seen when worn. There are better earrings out there for the price point.

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Where to find stylish face masks

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Stylish Face Mask Roundup Women

I never would have expected that I’d be doing a resource roundup for stylish face masks, but here we are. After weeks of scrounging for masks and doing DIY versions out of scarves, brands are now helping us out and manufacturing [non-medical-grade] face masks that are more stylish than our cobbled-together alternatives to get us through the foreseeable future. I just placed an order for a set of these from Madewell in “angel blue” and I’m going to treat myself to a luxe version from Eugenia Kim. It’s paramount that you stay on top of cleaning your face masks and I love this detergent for hand-washing them.

I’ll continue to add to this list as I come across stylish masks over the next few weeks!

Clare V. – I love these whimsical masks (pictured above) with the brand’s signature lip print.

Madewell – Madewell has three-packs for $20 made from their signature gingham and plaid fabrics.

Vida – Available in nine colors, this mask comes with a multi-layer PM2.5 filter and an opening to replace it.

Christine Alcalay – With 16 patterns to choose from, you’ll find something to work with your outfit here.

Citizens of Humanity – For all of you denim lovers, Citizens of Humanity has five-packs of masks for $25 in a variety of washes.

Eugenia Kim – These are the ultimate “pandemic, but make it fashion” masks. I just ordered the leopard-print one.

Lele Sadoughi – This accessory queen has masks available for pre-order that feature her brand’s eye-catching embellished fabrics.

Nili Loton – If your aesthetic is a bit more low key, how about this cute striped number?

Cece DuPraz – For whimsical masks, look no further! The masks are embellished with lips, mustaches, and chill pills.

Amandi – Available at Anthropologie, these are the prettiest pastel plaids for spring.

Sid & Ann Mashburn – Available in a selection of pinstripes and Liberty fabrics.

JCRT x Stubbs & Wootton – Screw COVID-19, indeed!


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The Coveted

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The Coveted

ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE | SIX


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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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