Five Under $55

The Weekend Guide

April 29, 2016 by jessica 5 Comments

SPOT
From secret meanings to hidden images, discover what’s lingering in 11 famous works of art.

DECORATE
Now that we’re back from our trip, our house hunt is in full swing. I’m bookmarking all sorts of Ikea hacks to try since we’ll be broke after signing the dotted line!

BAKE
This grapefruit tart with a crisp coconut crust looks like an easy dessert that’s sure to impress.

DISCOVER
Whenever there’s a new article featuring Iris Apfel, my style icon, you know I’m going to share it! I loved reading ten of her lessons to live by.

PREDICT
Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that an influx of social media check-ins and Tweets can predict gentrification in a neighborhood.

WEAR
I’m happy to see that my beloved fuchsia lip color is one of spring’s trendiest hues to try! I’m also loving the rosy pink as featured on the Dolce & Gabbana runway.

EARLIER THIS WEEK
My first outfit post after vacation. (The photos were taken in Copenhagen.)
A roundup of the red and blue items I’m loving right now.
Admitting to this month’s shopping sins.

sandals, $25* | necklace, $20 | dress, $20 | clutch, $20 | sunglasses, $12

* more expensive versions here and here

The Weekend Guide

March 25, 2016 by jessica 4 Comments

NEVER
A dermotolgist weighs in on the popular skincare DIYs that you should never try.

DECORATE
Make sure all of your Easter guests know your party’s hashtag by putting it right on the eggs.

SILENCE
This essay talks about taming your mammoth to find your authentic self and stop caring about what others think.

DRESS
I’m a sucker for a new iPhone background. This one featuring Tory Burch’s beautiful mosiac print is my current favorite.

LEARN
A pigment library at Harvard catalogs the world’s colors for scientific analysis, including dating and authenticating artwork. One of the most unusual pigments comes from the resin harvested from mummy wrappings.

MAKE
I’m still on a homemade pizza kick. This margherita recipe is next up!

EARLIER THIS WEEK
Spilled the contents of my travel purse.
Coveted a bright combination of pink and lemon.
Rounded up a selection of tassel sandals.
Shared how the terrorist attack in Brussels affects our travel plans.
Bought $12 sunglasses that are incredibly similar to my Karen Walker pair.

purse, $42 | cami, $30 | dress, $22 | sandals, $50 | earrings, $45

The Weekend Guide

March 18, 2016 by jessica 5 Comments

SOLVE
It turns out that lipstick might be as unique as a fingerprint when it comes to forensics.

AVOID
Bust boredom with 96 ideas to keep yourself busy.

INTRODUCE
Marimekko’s creative director lends advice on introducing print into your home, and shares industry insight for hopeful designers.

KNOW
Instagram is embracing its parent company’s M.O. by showing you the ‘grams it thinks you want to see first, instead of going in chronological order. This will certainly affect your Instagram strategy, necessitating that you pay attention more to content than the time of day you post.

SIP
The Kentucky Derby will be here before we know it. Start planning your watch party with a twist on the classic southern cocktail.

SEE
Now you see it, now you don’t. A French artist plans to make the Louvre’s iconic pyramid disappear this summer.

EARLIER THIS WEEK
Wore a gingham dress not once, but twice.
Coveted items perfect for spring picnics.
Daydreamed about the Lele Sadoughi jewelry on sale.
Went “Behind the Baubles” with Jezebel London.
Made a new feline friend.
Treated myself to a bouquet of ranunculus set in this pitcher.
Bought a new lace wigs. (Snag it for $20 here.)
Asked for advice on must-sees during our trip.

book, $30 | sunglasses, $45 | dress, $46 (perfect for spring weddings!) | pouch, $45 | serving dish, $36

The Weekend Guide

March 4, 2016 by jessica 2 Comments

ANTICIPATE
I’m so excited that the Finnish brand Marimekko is making its way to Target on April 17. I’ll be overseas at the time, but it won’t stop me for placing an order for a few home goods.

SLEEP
As I mentioned here, I’m having the hardest time with insomnia as I get older. I’m all for trying new techniques before self medicating.

CONSIDER
If there was ever an article that hit home for me, this is it. I’m so tired of shopping and sifting through racks the same ol’ things. I find myself saving up for more unique — and more expensive — items just so I have something that hasn’t saturated the market. (Next up: these.)

DYE
I’m waiting until we buy a house to start my blue-and-white china collection (unless I find great pieces at European flea markets next month). In the meantime, I’m just going to dye eggs like this for Easter.

BUY
Shopbop is having its annual spring sale with a tiered discount. If you have your eye on Ferrgamo Varina flats (and why wouldn’t you?), now’s the time to snag them with a 20% discount. I find that they run true to size.

GIVE
How cute are these mini bouquets?! Add ’em to your Pinterest board for baby showers, bridal showers, or May Day surprises.

EARLIER THIS WEEK
(Honestly, I didn’t do much this week. It was a rough one at work and I can’t wait for the weekend.)
Shared a few of February’s favorite moments.
Posted a summery roundup of covetable items.
Sheepishly admitted to breaking our closet.
Couldn’t wait to go back to Moeder Lambic for brunch.
Tried out a new brewery.
Placed an order for pineapple cocktail napkins on Etsy.

sunglasses, $12 | earrings, $40 | espadrilles, $48 | necklace, $48 | dress, $48

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additional image via

The Weekend Guide

February 26, 2016 by jessica 4 Comments

TOSS
If you’ve been hoarding back issues of magazines, it’s time to let them go. Meg took the decluttering plunge earlier this week and lived to write about it!

LEARN
Italian designer Brunello Cucinelli has taken a long-term, ethical view to building his cashmere brand.

KNOW
Unhitched women are are the forefront of America’s culture change.

REFRESH
Spring cleaning inevitable leads to a desire to revamp your home decor. Here are eight ways to freshen up for spring.

ANTICIPATE
Lands’ End has partnered with fashion industry talent to launch a new designer collection. I have no idea how much any of it will cost, but that coat pictured above will be mine.

WEAR
I’ve partnered with eBay to create a series of shopping and lifestyle guides. I’ve put together a list of spring’s top five jewelry trends to try in 2016.

EARLIER THIS WEEK
Wore a bright red dress, which is my favorite thing in my closet right now.
Featured it the next day with the week’s most coveted.
Found a fantastic M2Malletier dupe.
Admitted to my shopping conquests.
Made mini cherry pies in the shape of hearts. (Let me know if you’d like me to post a tutorial!)
Picked up this cute pajama set from Old Navy. (I love this gingham set, too!)

tote bag, $30 | earrings, $20 | top, $40 | iPhone case, $35 | dress, $45

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additional images via 1, 2, 3