BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

What I Bought Last Month

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Wardrobe Update October 2018

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.

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The Coveted

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The Coveted | Bedknobs & Baubles

ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR (also here) | FIVE | SIX | SEVEN | EIGHT

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Weekend Links

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Weekend Links on Bedknobs & Baubles

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:

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image via Unsplash

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Holiday Barware Essentials

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Holiday Barware Essentials

ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE | SIX | SEVEN | EIGHT | NINE | TEN | ELEVEN

If you’re rolling your eyes at me for a holiday post before Halloween, trust me, I get it. But the happiest time of year always seems to sneak up on me, especially when it comes to entertaining essentials. I came across this darling Christmas tablecloth over the weekend, which got me thinking about holiday hosting and some of the items I’d like to add to my collection before the craziness of the season really sets in — starting with the bar.

I tend to avoid barware or serving pieces that are holiday-specific; we don’t have that much room to store extra glasses and plates emblazoned with holiday designs. (But I’ll cave when it comes to especially darling items like the appetizer plates I bought last year.) In this roundup, you’ll find a selection of items to refresh your bar well in advance of the holiday hosting season. For the most part, these are timeless classics that can be used throughout the year. I own both of the decanters; they look more expensive than their affordable price point of under $40 each. (They sold out closer to the holiday season last year, so get ’em now if you’re into them.) I also have the smokey glass cordial glasses. They’re a lot smaller than you might expect, but they’re perfect for a small sip and look so chic. While I don’t own that drink dispenser, I love the idea of making a batch cocktail and letting guests serve themselves so I don’t have to play bartender all night.

How to Explore Your City Like a Tourist

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Vinyl Printed Brick Photography Backdrops

Whenever the travel bug bites, it’s incredibly tempting to book a ticket to a new city or country to explore. However, jet-setting or even spending a weekend away isn’t always feasible due to limited vacation days or financial restrictions. If you’ve found yourself in that boat, don’t worry. Taking time to explore your own city through the lens of a tourist can be just as satisfying — and I’m sure you’ll discover pockets of your city with new-to-you hidden gems or hot spots that you didn’t know existed. 

Clear Your Calendar

What a I love about staycations is that they force you to slow down and plan a weekend that’s all about getting out, dining out, and giving yourself an out from your to-do list. In order to fully be present and get the most out of the time in your city, you need to clear your calendar. Take time off from work and other responsibilities to play hooky around the city. Extend your weekend by adding in Monday and Tuesday for a four-day adventure. Additional time away from the office will distance you from your 9-to-5 job, making you feel more relaxed and refreshed when you do make it back. This also means shirking your to-do lists at home. The chores and projects will be there when you “return” to your normal routine, just like they would when you go out of town.

Do Your Research

Why not approach your staycation the way you would a full vacation? Pick up a local guidebook and scour travel websites to find museums, activities, and events. Check Yelp for new restaurants to try. Peek at Instagram and see what others are geotagging. Add all of these ideas to a Google Map so you can start to plan your adventure. When you live in a city, it’s easy to become complacent and overlook the attractions that make your city appealing to visitors. By approaching your city like a newcomer, you’ll have a renewed appreciation for your hometown – and you’ll be able to recommend activities to other visitors afterward.

Plan Your Itinerary

After you’ve earmarked a handful of activities, plan an itinerary that includes restaurants and bars to visit, along with all of the must-see activities you’d like to do. By creating a fun-filled checklist, you won’t feel tempted to just head home and kick back on the couch the rest of the day, which leads me to my next suggestion…

Stay at a Hotel

If your budget allows — and since you saved a ton of cash on the expense of getting to a destination — treat yourself to a hotel for at least one night during your staycation. Pack your suitcase (love this one) and splurge on a spot in the city’s most bustling area to stay out late, and then sleep in the next day and order room service. If your hotel has a spa, even better. Breaking your routine — and physically getting away from the chores at home — will make you feel like you had a true getaway.

Take Photos

As with vacation, you’ll want to document the fun! Take your camera and snap photos throughout the city, making sure to appreciate the unique features and interesting architectural design you might otherwise overlook. I did this when I worked with Toyota earlier this year on a “48 Hours in Madison” post. Embracing my local tourist made the weekend so much fun and I had a renewed appreciation for the city. Post your photos on social media and tag your local convention and visitors’ bureau and use any hashtags your city and state’s tourism board uses on their social media. It’s a fun way to show off how fabulous your hometown can be and they just might share your image!

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