BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Weekend Links

August 3, 2018 by jessica 0 Comments

Weekend Links on Bedknobs & Baubles

I can’t even begin to tell you how happy I am that it’s Friday. It has been such a trying week between car problems (if you saw my Insta-story, you’ll know that Dave’s car broke down and we had to get it towed on Sunday) and an impossibly busy work schedule. We both took the day off today, but it’s not for R&R; we’re finally painting our upstairs hallway. We tried to get all of the painting done last summer before the floors were refinished, but we ran out of time and didn’t get back to it after we moved in. The existing color is a dingy beige, so while it was ugly, it was also livable and we put our efforts into other more pressing projects. Curious to know what it looks like now? Here you go:

Before: Upstairs Hallway

In the grainy pic on the right (which looks like it a still from a horror flick), you can sort of make out the two-toned stain that was on the floor when we closed on the house. In the pic on the right, you can see that I painted the door trim for three of the doors and cut in the paint for the ceiling. So, it’ll all be painted white this weekend. I also have a new ceiling medallion to put up and new drawer pulls. Wish us luck! (The doorway on the far right is for our guest room which was painted mint with emerald trim. We painted it grey and hate the color because it looks lavender in some lights, so it’s been put on the back burner.)

Weekend Links:

Having people over? Serve this whipped goat cheese and blueberry appetizer!
Go inside Jonathan Adler’s New York studio.
I want to book another trip to London just to see this Frida Kahlo exhibit.
Fifty-two of the best true crime podcasts.
Fantasy greeting cards for these trying times. (The author and I had our first journalism class together in college, so it was fun to see her byline on The New Yorker!)
The new Burberry monogram is gorgeous.
I haven’t really paid attention to J.Crew lately, but between this, this (obviously in emerald), this, and this, there’s a lot to keep an eye on this season.
Tour Lele Sadoughi’s Chelsea townhouse.
A selection of plants that are perfect for the office. (I can vouch for the ZZ plant. I have one in our living room and it’s doing really well despite not getting much light.)
Some of the best mural festivals around the world.

Finds Under $50:

Resin earrings aren’t going anywhere. Add these grape-colored beauties to your collection.
A dark floral swing top to wear with shorts now and jeans later.
You can’t go wrong with a pair of black pointy flats.
A sophisticated fine-knit sweater.
This woven bag with a pineapple design is now on sale.

Earlier This Week:

What I spent my money on in July.
This is basically my fall wish list.
The [almost] perfect dress for late summer.
Three beauty products I’m loving lately.

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image via Unsplash

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3 Beauty Products I’m Loving Lately

August 2, 2018 by jessica 0 Comments

I’m a creature of habit when it comes to my beauty routine, but every now and then I do shake things up and discover new can’t-live-without-it products to add to my repertoire. Here are three that I’m into lately:

NEUTROGENA LIQUID SUNSCREEN FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
I know this is the worst thing to admit to, but I always hated wearing facial sunscreen because it always felt too heavy. Neutrogena’s liquid version changes all that. It has a thin, runny consistency that seems strange at first, but it goes on smoothly and absorbs quickly so that you can layer your regular facial lotion on top almost immediately.

NEUTROGENA AGELESS INTENSIVES ANTI-WRINKLE MOISTURIZER
It’s no secret that I’m getting older and to help combat signs of aging, I’ve been exploring different retinol treatments. I first tried this RoC night treatment and it only served to irritate my skin, so I had been a little put off by the whole thing. Since I typically like Neutrogena products (#NotSponsored #WishItWere), I opted to give it another whirl with this night moisturizer. I haven’t noticed a visible reduction in fine lines in the two weeks I’ve been using it (I’ll report back once it’s empty), but I have noticed an overall improvement in the texture of my skin. My skin feels unbelievably soft in the morning after using it and layering this serum on top.

AVEDA VOLUMIZING TONIC
This spray promises to create weightless volume on fine hair, and it does just that. I found that it works best when you blow dry your hair most of the way and then spray this into the roots before finishing. (When I use it all over on wet hair, it makes my hair feel staticky.) As an added bonus, I’ve found that it helps my fine hair hold a curl longer than hair spray alone. On another note, I tried a sample of Aveda’s thickening tonic and I love it, too! My hair doesn’t seem nearly as limp late in the day when I use it.

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The [Almost] Perfect Late Summer Casual Dress

August 1, 2018 by jessica 2 Comments

I bought this dress, which is part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, on a whim. I had honestly expected to send it back, but I liked the colors and thought it would be a nice option for late summer when I grow tired of brighter hues. Happily, it fit the bill, but it’s not without fault. This dress wrinkles so easily. I ironed it before going downtown for drinks this week (which isn’t a long drive, mind you) and this is what it looked like after sitting in the car. If creases bother you, this is a terrible option. But if you don’t mind the wrinkles when it comes to a casual dress, then it’s a really pretty, lightweight option for late summer and early autumn.

See?! So many wrinkles. I like the dress, but you really can’t sit down in it if you’d like to keep it pristine.

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The Coveted

July 31, 2018 by jessica 1 Comment

Every now and then I inadvertently create what becomes my wish list for the upcoming season and this, my friends, is the one. Everything from preppy basics like a camel a-line skirt and a black crewneck sweater to updated designs like that transparent mini tote and those sculptural earrings are just what I’m craving to update my closet this fall.

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Wardrobe Update: July 2018

July 30, 2018 by jessica 3 Comments

So, here’s the deal: I’ve been discontent with my wardrobe lately. There’s a lot in there that isn’t quite where I want my 30-something-year-old closet to be. (Jewelry and accessories excluded; I’m really good at picking pieces with longevity there.) Plus, I’ve been growing tired of the shapeless dresses I tend to gravitate toward. I still appreciate a shift dress’ ability to be a blank canvas for jewelry and it’s a godsend on nothing-to-wear days when you just need something easy, but I get that it’s not the most flattering on me. (To be completely honest, another reason I love those so much is a long, emotional answer wrought with insecurities that I don’t really want to spell out here, but is fodder for a future post.) So, I’ve been putting more cash toward a wardrobe refresh that feels more grown up and shows off the best parts of my body. (#WaistAndBooty #SoVain) My favorite piece of the month was an unexpected hit: this body-con tank dress. It’s such a sexy little number without trying too hard. It looks cute with sandals or sneakers, but it can be easily dressed up for the office with a jacket and heels. For next month, I’m crushing on two things at the moment: this skirt (assuming it ever comes back in my size) and this ultra trendy bag (I’d be on board with an inspired-by version, too, but I do have qualms about doing that with a small designer). Add my beloved black sweater and flats, and we have an outfit that I’d wear all autumn long. I’m also still contemplating these pretty kitten heel pumps. What about you? I’d love to know what’s on your fall wish list!

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

Madewell tiered tank in black ($30) – I bought the pink version last month and loved it so much that I wanted to add the black to my wardrobe, too. It’s really cute with an a-line black mini skirt and kind of has the effect of being a tiered mini dress.
Free People ‘French Quarter’ ruffled wrap dress in yellow ($64) – This is such a pretty and feminine dress! The fabric is substantial enough where it doesn’t feel like the slightest breeze will lift the wrap panel. I ordered it in two sizes to try and liked the extra coverage of the larger one. I bought the yellow version, which is available in a couple of sizes here.
Hunter quilted gloss Chelsea boot ($100) – Chelsea boots are out of my sartorial comfort zone, but I wanted to try these when they were part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. They’re a nice alternative to tall wellies and they look pretty cute with jeans. The ankle is tight, which makes them difficult to get on and off without tugging at the loop. I don’t mind the temporary annoyance when it means they’re not overly wide and boxy.
Leith wrap dress in navy ($38) – This dress is incredibly body-conscious and incredibly sexy. I ordered my regular size medium and found it a bit too body-hugging and ordered a large, which was entirely too big. After going back and forth, I decided to keep the medium for now. I’ve been losing weight, so another ten pounds will be perfect.
Leith body-con tank dress in black ($56) – After ordering the aforementioned dress, I bought the crewneck version to try. The fabric is more like a t-shirt material, unlike the other dress which is stretchier, so I preferred sizing up for this. It’s really cute with flat sandals for a casual look, but can easily be dressed up.
WAYF sleevless blouson midi dress in stripe ($50) – This was such an unexpected hit! I loved the colors of the striped version and ordered it on a whim, half expecting it to go back. Instead, I loved it. The fit in my regular size is perfect and I love the figure-flattering nipped-in waist and v-neckline.
H&M striped sweater ($40) – This sweater looks so much more expensive than it is! I love it paired with denim shorts or jeans.

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

H&M cropped pants in floral – I thought I’d try a new silhouette and totally missed the mark with these short, boxy pants. If you’re slim, though, try them! They were cute!
H&M v-neck cami in black – This was fine, but I have one that’s similar and didn’t think it was worth spending money to keep this one.
Zara dark floral fit-and-flare dress – The lining didn’t lay correctly, but it was a pretty dress otherwise. I didn’t care for how much fabric was in the skirt and would have preferred something less full.
Zara diamond sweater – I bought this as a ride-along piece for the dress above and hated the slightly cropped fit.
J.Crew linen wrap dress in black – This is really pretty, but I just couldn’t get the fit right for my bust in multiple sizes.

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