BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Gift Guide: Under $25

November 28, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

This is one of my favorite gift guides to work on because it can be such a challenge to find great gifts under $25. This guide has something for most of the giftees on your list, including two great ideas for the guys. I didn’t want to go too girly with anything because I think it’s hard to buy clothing or accessory gifts for another person unless you know them really well. That said, I think these earrings would be a hit with most women on your list since the resin trend looks like it’ll last into next year.

Insulated Mug – YETI mugs have such a good reputation, but it’s not something that people always think it purchase for themselves. This is also a great gift idea for the outdoorsy person on your list.

Corkscrew – This is my favorite item in this roundup. I don’t even drink wine that often, but I’d still love to have it as an object d’art. I’d also recommend this corkscrew and bottle opener, which would be a great stocking stuffer. I have one that I keep in my luggage, and I just love the mint color.

Watch Strap – Dave purchased a couple of watch straps from this company recently and they’re great quality.

Book – A new coffee table book is perfect for your design-loving friend.

Liquid Eyeshadow Set – This shimmery set is almost too good to give away!

Coasters – I could include coasters in just about every gift guide. They’re a great gift to have on hand to reciprocate any unexpected gifts this season.

Baking Dish – This oven-safe bone china dish is as practical as it is beautiful.

Sneaker Cleaning Kit – I gave this to Dave a few years ago. It works really well and makes sneakers look almost new.

–
Check out hostess gifts here!

Let’s keep in touch! Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / Bloglovin’

What I Bought in November

November 27, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

Earlier this year, I toyed with the idea of adding only one clothing item and one accessory to my closet each month. I don’t have that kind of self restraint just yet, but I’m getting there and I have to admit that I’m happier with this approach than I am when I reflect back on a hoard of new items. I’m beyond happy with the items I purchased this month and I think I’m going to get a lot of wear out of everything — even that ultra-trendy bag! I did purchase one more thing on Black Friday and I’ll add it to next month’s roundup if it makes the cut!

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

Madewell ‘Lilyblossom’ button-front dress – I have a Madewell dress in a similar cut that I bought last year and absolutely adore, so it’s probably not a surprise that I added this to my wardrobe. The color and print are so pretty and I loved the nipped-in waist.
Staud ‘Shirley’ bag in white – I haven’t been able to get this bag out of my head since I ordered the small brown faux-croc version earlier this fall. While I didn’t like the color or texture of that one, I realized that my heart was really aching for the white one I fell for last year. Do I think it’s best use of my money? No. But I am crazy about it and happily took money out of my “splurge” savings account to cover the cost, so it’s a wash for my budget. As far as practicality is concerned, the zipped pouch holds a decent amount, including a sunglasses case, so I think I’ll actually get a decent amount of mileage out of it. I just hope that transparent accessories aren’t totally passé next year!
Ugg waterproof insulated wedge booth – I had been looking for a cute pair of winter-ready wedge ankle boots for years and these are it! Plus, they’re easy to pull on and off, which is not always a given with boots that don’t have a side zip. I think these will be a great option for going to and from work this winter and for jaunts around the city. I went up a half size to allow room for a pair of thick socks.

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

Gap mid-rise skinny jeans in black – These are the absolute worst. I wanted a pair of black jeans earlier this year and ordered these, but they didn’t fit in my regular size. I found myself thinking about black denim again and ordered a variety of sizes in these to see if I could find one that worked. Nope. The most obnoxious part is that they’re a magnet for dust and pet dander.

–
Let’s keep in touch! Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / Bloglovin’

Casual Elegance for the Holidays

November 26, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

My family isn’t one for glitz and glam, and while I love dressing up for the holidays, I’ve spent many years being the overdressed one at those occasions. I’ve begun to embrace a more casual approach to holiday dressing that still feels special, which is why I’m in love with this Garnet Hill cashmere sweater that the brand sent over in preparation for the holidays.

Cashmere is an inherently luxe fiber, so you’ll feel festive even when pairing it with jeans and ballet flats like I did here, especially if you add an oversize accessory. (My Lele Sadoughi earrings are my absolute favorite pair when I want something eye-catching.) This particular sweater is even better for the holidays because of its generous, swingy shape that allows you to indulge in all of the holiday sweets! Just half-tuck it into your waistband to give it some shape. It can easily be dressed up with a pair of lace pants and heels or given an edge with faux leather leggings. There’s also a very good chance that it’ll become your favorite lounge piece with a pair of sweats. One word of warning, though, it runs large due to the a-line shape. I’m typically a size 8 and I’m wearing a small here, but I probably should have sized down to an XS.

This is actually my third cashmere piece from Garnet Hill and just like the others, the fabric is supple, incredibly soft, and densely woven. I think their cashmere pieces are some of the best you can get for the price point, especially today during the brand’s cashmere flash sale where you’ll save 40% on select items. I love this beautiful turtleneck sweater, and I use this cashmere wrap on all of our international plane rides. If you need a gift for the guy on your list, I’ve purchased these cashmere socks for Dave for the last two years and he loves them. (They won’t be as durable as your run-of-the-mill pairs, but they’re an affordable luxury gift. We line dry Dave’s pairs to extend their wear.)

–
Thanks to Garnet Hill for partnering on this post!

Let’s keep in touch! Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / Bloglovin’

Weekend Links

November 23, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

I hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving! We woke up on Thursday to discover a dead (and decapitated) rabbit in our driveway, so that was an awful way to kick off the holiday. (Homeownership is great, until you need to deal with things like that!) Morbidity aside, I am beyond excited to start bringing out holiday decor today and spend time perusing Black Friday sales. I’m not going to include a comprehensive list of sales below. (I find those posts repetitive and I hate how they litter my feed all weekend long.) Instead, you’ll find the regular “Weekend Links” roundup, along with the sites I’m actually browsing today for gifts for myself and others. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Weekend Links:

J.Crew must die to live.
This documentary puts unbelievably cheap prices into perspective.
Twenty keto dinner recipes.
I’m hoping to travel to Stockholm next year, and I can’t wait to see the city’s subway art.
I love the embellished heel on these pumps.
Here’s what you should do with your Thanksgiving leftovers.
Three easy ways to give back during the holiday season.
The patents behind pumpkin pie.
Mr. Big was going to die in Sex and the City 3.
Eight ways to avoid going broke this holiday season.

Sales I’m Shopping:

CB2 – Save 15% on full-price items with code SAVE15 and receive free shipping on orders over $29. I received this decanter last year and I can’t tell you how pretty it is in person. I’m currently eyeing up these glasses, and considering this tree skirt.
Astley Clarke – 20% off all jewelry with code ENJOY. I’m thinking about these earrings for my mom, and I love this petite signet ring.
J.Crew – Save 50% on your order with code TGIF. I’m disappointed this coat is sold out in my size for most of the colors. I love it in lavender. (Though, it’s not like I need another winter coat.) I think I’ll scoop up the swimsuit I’ve been eyeing and possibly the matching tunic for our January trip to Florida.
Jenny Bird – Save 30% on everything. You know I love Jenny Bird jewelry! I have three pairs of earrings and they’re all incredibly beautiful and well made. I’d like to add this necklace to my collection.
Anthropologie – Save 30% sitewide. I barely know where to start! I adore these monogrammed ornaments, the sleep mask everyone raves about, and a women’s march puzzle.
Lands’ End – Save 50% on full-price styles. The brand’s linen sheets are undoubtedly my favorite purchase of the year. We’re thinking about picking up a second set. Looking for a gift for him? This cashmere sweater was a hit with Dave and the quality is so much better than what you’d get from somewhere like J.Crew.
Paravel – Save 20% on orders over $75. It’s a great time to add the crossbody capsule to your collection.
Lulu & Georgia – Take 25% off everything. I keep looking at this lamp. It’s so good! And, these cutting boards would make a wonderful gift.

Finds Under $50:

This vase is gorgeous and perfect for your design-loving friend.
I think I’m going to buy this Lele Sadoughi headband.
A swingy dress for under $20 after discount.
Such a perfect party top for the season!
This colorful scarf is finally on sale.
A wear-with-everything merino sweater that’s machine-washable. (It’s 50% off through Nov. 24.)