BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

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.)

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Thanks to Garnet Hill for partnering on this post!

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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.)

Earlier This Week:

Just one post with winter-ready items.

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image via Gray Malin

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The Coveted

November 20, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

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Weekend Links

November 17, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

I’ve been trying to keep the Christmas spirit at bay until after Thanksgiving, but I’m not being terribly successful. I’ve already dug into a bag of Dove peppermint bark chocolates, put a fresh pine wreath on the door, spun a Christmas album, and added a faux garland to our banister (complete with with fairy lights). Waking up to a dusting of snow was the icing on the cake. We don’t have a lot going on this weekend, aside from the requisite house projects and cleaning. We hit up a vintage sale this morning and went out to brunch, and our beloved neighborhood bar (which is all of four houses away) is hosting its anniversary party tomorrow, so the weekend certainly won’t be all work and no play! Hope your weekend is wonderful!

Weekend Links:

It’s the last weekend before Thanksgiving. If you’re hosting this year, here’s what you should do to prep.
Why one of the 13 original Instagram employees deleted the app.
How photographer Alfred Wertheimer captured Elvis Presley’s “Kiss.”
I’m pretty sure I need these earrings.
A roundup of places to donate to help those affected by the California fires.
I made this apple cider and rum punch last Thanksgiving. It’s boozy, but really good.
Tips on keeping furniture and floors free of pet hair. (I didn’t know about that rubber glove trick!)
Strategies for dealing with difficult family members this holiday season.
Paravel just launched an all-black colorway that’s impossibly chic.
How to exfoliate depends on your skin type.

Finds Under $50:

I tried this pore-cleansing mask earlier this week, and I think I like it more than the Origin’s charcoal mask.
This notebook is too perfect for work.
Embrace the headband trend with this sparkly version.
These rainbow drop earrings pack a punch. Prefer something more subdued? Check out this trio of Lucite hoops.
A cozy oversize sweater that’s on sale this weekend.
Add some glam to your holiday decor with this pretty vase.

Earlier This Week:

Rounding up some holiday-ready pieces.
Six Christmas albums you need in your collection.
Gift ideas for the hostess.

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image via Unsplash

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Gift Ideas for the Hostess: Under $40

November 15, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

A hostess gift is certainly unnecessary for most gatherings with friends and family. However, I do love the gesture during the holidays. It’s a nice way to show your appreciation for those who are doing the work to fill your social calendar throughout the season. If you don’t have time to order something or would rather give a consumable gift, a nice bottle of wine, a beloved Belgian beer, or chocolate from a local chocolatier is always a hit.

Cookbook – Snoop Dogg’s cookbook is such an unexpected gift, which makes it a perfect conversation starter. If your recipient is more traditional, try Christie Tiegen’s latest or this elegant tome.

Decanter – It takes some scouting, but there are a surprising number of well-designed, affordable decanters. This is one of my favorites and would also be a great gift for the guys, the mid-century aficionado, or the mixologist on your list.

Hand Towel – A beautiful gift that’s also functional.

Coasters – Somehow coasters always seem to be at a premium when guests are over. Give a set of these green onyx coasters with a small thank-you note tucked on top.

Candle Holders – I would absolutely love to receive a set of brass candle holders as a gift. If these seem too modern for your giftee, scout out a vintage pair and give them with a set of hand-dipped candlesticks.

Dipping Oils – Sometimes it’s nice to treat your host with a little treat she can enjoy after the hoopla winds down. Make this extra special with a gift certificate to a local bakery.

Trinket Box – This stoneware box suits many decor styles, making it the perfect to thing to have on hand for holiday gifting. It also comes in white.

Ornament – She’ll always think back on hosting that holiday soiree whenever she adds this to her tree in future years. Want to do something more? Tie it to the neck of a bottle of wine with a thoughtful note.

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