BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

7 of the Best Fall Design Finds at Target

November 6, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE | SIX | SEVEN

I know I’m not the only one who can’t enter Target without leaving with something that wasn’t on my shopping list. It’s just so easy to impulse shop when the store is full of gorgeous design finds that won’t break the bank. Above are seven of my favorites for fall decor, but I’d also like to draw your attention to two of my recent finds: a glass decanter for holiday hosting and the rug we just ordered to try in our dining room.

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Weekend Links

November 3, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

Hi, friends! I’m finally back in the swing of things after a work-induced break from the blog and from much of social media! I always realize how much I appreciate this space after I’ve been away for a bit. We’re expecting a dreary weekend here, which is the perfect excuse to tackle a few house projects. As you know, I’ve been slowly working on repairing and painting the doors in our house, and removing the paint from the original hardware before polishing the brass back to its original sheen (without ruining the perfect patina you can only get with age). I’ll be wrapping up our bedroom door today, leaving me with three more I’d like to finish before the end of November. There are few things I find as satisfying as finishing up household projects, but we’re nearing the end of the things we can do on our own and will need to find a contractor to embark on our more ambitious — and more expensive — improvements.

Weekend Links:

I just love Meg’s makeup art column.
DIY macrame feathers for budget-friendly wall decor.
We finally picked out a dining room light fixture!
dELiA*s is back with a limited-time capsule collection. (So many late ’90s and early ’00s flashbacks.)
Taking candy tasting as seriously as wine tasting.
An Instagrammer is being sued for a failure to influence.
I never thought I’d want green kitchen cabinets until now.
This scarf is a must-have for the holiday season.
Make sure you know what’s on your ballot before going to the polls on Tuesday.
Pumpkin bread with salted maple butter looks like the perfect thing for cool fall mornings.
The stories behind legendary hip-hop photos.
In search of a sexy cocktail glass? Look no further than this one.

Finds Under $50:

This glass decanter is really pretty and comes in at just $15. I added it to our bar cabinet already!
An evergreen lace dress is perfect for the upcoming holiday season.
A metal handle makes this affordable bag look chic.
A cozy, wear-it-every-weekend sweater.
A pastel scarf is unexpected for winter, yet it’s perfect for the holiday season and would look great with a camel-colored coat.

Earlier This Week:

What I bought last month.
A selection of silver and grey favorites.

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What I Bought Last Month

November 2, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

All of the purchases I kept last month were made at the tail end of September and didn’t arrive until the very beginning of October, giving me a misleading sense of frugality for the month! But if we’re looking at cost-per-wear (the fashionista’s convenient rationale for overspending), I nailed it with these three items. All have been on heavy rotation, especially the shoes which have become such staples that I’m surprised I’ve only had them for a month!

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

Madewell ‘Frances’ loafers in black – I’ve wanted these loafers since they debuted last year, but I missed out on my size at the time and they fell off my radar over the summer. The reviews claim the stretch and to go with a snug size. I disagree. My normal size 7 was way too tight. Yes, they stretch a bit because they’re leather. But if they’re not comfortable right out of the box, I’d recommend going up a half size. You can wear loafer socks with them, too.
C/Meo Collective sculpt knit top – I bought this during the Shopbop sale at the beginning of October. I wasn’t sure if I’d like it that much in person since it’s a lot sportier than my typical style, but it was really a ride-along item to get me to the 25% off threshold rather than the 20% off. (I was also ordering two sizes of the Vince sneakers to try.) I was shocked by how much I liked it. The wrap style is flattering, and it’s incredibly soft and warm. However, I don’t recommend it at its full price; wait for a sale.
Vince ‘Blair’ slip-on sneakers in navy tweed – I finally caved and bought a pair of Vince sneakers. I honestly wasn’t sure I’d like them, but I wanted something that felt more elevated than a traditional lace-up style and everyone seems to like them. Well, there’s a reason that bloggers rave about these — they’re so comfortable! I went with my normal size.

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

J.Crew ‘Daphne’ topcoat – I bought my usual size 8 for J.Crew coats and I was swimming in this. It was sold out online by the time I received it, so I didn’t have a chance to order it in a size smaller. However, I’m not sure I loved it enough anyway. It felt unfinished without a lining inside.
J.Crew plaid front-pocket cardigan sweater – I get that this is supposed to be oversize, but I was drowning in the size small. It looked sloppy (the shaggier knit didn’t help), so back it went.
Halogen x Atlantic-Pacific Bow Detail Tweed Jacket – This was cute, but I didn’t have that “oh-my-goodness-I-need-to-have-it” feeling that I should for a $170 jacket. I also felt the tweed was a bit too loosely woven and would easily snag.
Halogen x Atlantic-Pacific Cashmere Beanie with Faux Fur Pom – This was another adorable piece from Blair’s collaboration, but I thought it was too long for my head. Besides, I much prefer this winter hat.

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The Coveted

October 30, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

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Weekend Links

October 19, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

My business-to-business expo is coming up next week, so there’s a good chance I’ll be mum until after the Wednesday event. I’m spending the majority of the weekend working; it might not be the most fun way to spend my days off, but the to-do list needs to get done! This week wasn’t all work and no play, however. We met up with friends to watch the Brewers games. (I’ll never understand sports fandom, but I’m in for the social aspect.) And, we saw Garbage perform at a new music venue here in Madison. I was never a huge Garbage fan, but they had so many hits over the years that it was fun to see them in concert. I’ve had “Push It” in my head since that night, but I’ll admit that I was disappointed they didn’t play [what I consider] their best song, “#1 Crush.” (I may have the Romeo + Juliet soundtrack circa 1996 in my car at all times…)

Weekend Links:

I don’t exactly have a spot for this lamp, but I’m seriously considering it adding to our home. I love the shape! Plus, it’s 25% off right now.
Five explanations for why we like to be scared.
Are you overwashing your face?
Snag Jonathan Adler’s aesthetic for less in his latest collaboration. (The stoneware vases are my favorite!)
If you think embroidery is stuffy, wait until you see the work by Sheena Liam.
Why everyone uses travel photos on dating apps.
You know the “do it like a French girl” trend has gone too far when you can now wash your hair like a Parisian.
While I don’t regret returning this bag in the tan faux-croc (the color wasn’t for me), I do regret not exchanging it for another color. I don’t know what it is about that purse, but I’m still smitten with it — impracticality and all. Do I go with white or black? The mini version or the mid-sized one? Or is this really a dumb purchase all around? (I’m thinking either mini in white or mid-size in black.) Honestly, I’ll probably talk myself out of this before the weekend is over.
I’ve been itching to visit Canada, so I’m bookmarking this mini guide to Quebec City.
Most white Americans’ DNA can be identified through genealogy databases.
This astrology Instagram account cracks me up. I’m a Gemini and this was especially spot on, as are others, but I won’t give it all away!
Lulu Frost is having an online sample sale!

Finds Under $50:

I’m a sucker for a pretty blouse in an autumnal hue.
A striped turtleneck makes for a great layering piece this season.
I just received these chambray napkins (c/o) and they’re even better in person!
These earrings come right in at $50, but aren’t they such a gorgeous, modern shape?
Charm bracelets are starting to make a comeback. Get the look for less.
Yes, it’s too early to talk about Christmas, but I just bought this table cloth. I love the vintage-inspired pattern!

Earlier This Week:

An affordable fine jewelry brand you need to keep on your radar (and wish list).
How to explore your city like a tourist.
Holiday entertaining isn’t complete without Instagram-worthy barware.

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