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Casetify // Review + Discount

March 23, 2015 by jessica 7 Comments

Truth be told, I’m kind of a sucker for customized things. And Instagram. And I have zero willpower when a brand combines the two. So, it’s probably not a surprise that I jumped at the opportunity to create a custom iPhone case courtesy of Casetify. Casetify offers a variety of pre-designed phone cases and the opportunity to create your own by linking social media accounts or uploading images.

The process of creating your own case is really quite simple, albeit time consuming if you spend as much time as I did scrolling down memory lane and recounting past vacations on Instagram. I went with the clear classic snap case ($39.95) and then chose between dropping my photos into one of the layout options or into a pre-made template. Personally, I thought many of the template designs were a little juvenile, so I opted for a single-panel layout to feature one photo. I knew I wanted something summery and chose a photo from our 2013 trip to Charleston. The photo itself isn’t anything special, but I love that it reminds me of the condo we stayed at and its resident cat.

The case took two weeks to arrive and it’s pretty much what I expected. However, the color isn’t as vibrant as it was on-screen, which may be due to the fact that the case is frosted and textured. It’s nice and thin, though, and I like that the sides are clear to show off my gold phone.

If you’re tempted to create your own, take $10 off your order with code SMZQHF.

Tunic: J.Crew (also love this one)
Earrings: Tory Burch
iPhone Case: c/o Casetify

Review | VIDA Scarves

January 20, 2015 by jessica 5 Comments

Last week, I wore a gorgeous scarf by VIDA, a new brand that pairs independent artists with textile manufacturers in Delhi, India and Pakistan. It’s also one of the latest socially responsible companies to hit the scene, offering literacy programs to its production team. The San Francisco startup was founded by Umaimah Mendhro after she became frustrated with disposable fashion, luxury goods priced only for the elite, and an industry that left textile workers struggling to make ends meet. And with that, VIDA was born.

As you’d expect from Umaimah’s philosophy, the scarves are an affordable luxury. Modal scarves are $40, modal-cashmere blends are $75, and silk scarves are $95. You can also save 20% on your first order by signing up for their emails on the homepage.

I received the “Found in a City” scarf, designed by Japanese sisters Midori and Nanako. The lightweight scarf is 10% cashmere and 90% modal, making it incredibly soft. It’s been perfect for the warm spell we’ve been experiencing. I’m also loving the Lilly Pulitzer-esque brights of the “L’Escala” scarf and the Burmese temples on the “Project Rare” scarf. Browse the entire collection, including VIDA’s silk tops, online here.

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Disclosure: I received a scarf from VIDA for review and posting purposes. This does not affect my opinion of the brand.

ROAD TRIPPIN’

May 28, 2014 by jessica 0 Comments

We’re back from our Memorial Day road trip to Louisville, Ky.! The city is only a seven-hour drive from Madison (eight hours with the inexplicably long construction traffic jams), which is close enough for a day-long drive and a great excuse to take Dave’s convertible on the road. Sunscreen should have been my top travel essential (I have quite the sunburn on my scalp from driving that long with the top down), but it was actually this Hayden Reis tote. It’s made of durable, lightweight sailcloth (read: packable, water resistant and wipes clean) and was large enough to stow all of my on-the-road essentials with plenty of room for souvenirs. My bag is the larger “Ditty” version, but Hayden Reis’ upbeat, preppy designs also come in a smaller “Middy” size, which is a bit more manageable for daytime use. There are also plenty of summer accessories like this darling pouch to stash your wet swimsuit and a mesh bag for beach-combing finds.

Summer Strands

May 5, 2014 by jessica 0 Comments

I know I should appreciate spring rain, but five days of drizzle last week left me so desperate for warm weather that I’ve been seeking out summer in unlikely places. First, there was a Gray Malin splurge as an early birthday present for myself. (The Bondi Beach print is the first piece of “real” art that Dave and I have agreed on. Milestone moment, yes?) Then, a pair of pendants that invoke a day at the beach: a KALAN by Suzanne Kalan gem in an oceany hue and a delicate arrowhead necklace from Golden Thread. I’ll admit that an arrowhead motif was a bit out of my comfort zone, but I’m glad I branched out. The attention to detail is really quite impressive (as you’ll see in the photos, the front and back of the pendant are both carefully designed) and the designer is an absolute gem (you’ll learn more about her in tomorrow’s “Behind the Baubles”). It’s the first thing I’m packing for our next sandy escape.

Featured: Anupamaa tunic (old, but I also love this one) | Golden Thread necklace c/o | KALAN by Suzanne Kalan necklace c/o | Gray Malin print

Rose-Colored Glasses

March 1, 2014 by jessica 0 Comments

My brother, Nathan, and I are on completely different career trajectories: I’m an event planner and he’s in the Army working with explosives. I’m guessing that this is his official job description, but all I know for sure is that he has a security clearance and we’ve called him Hurt Locker.

So, you’ll understand why I was feeling awfully savvy when Randolph Engineering reached out to me about their American-made sunglasses. The brand is the “Frame of Choice” for the Department of Defense, giving soldiers like Nathan an alternative to the standard military-issued eyewear. They also supply sunglasses to the U.S. Army and Navy and allied Air Forces worldwide.

I, however, opted to try out the non-military-issued rose gold frames. They’re a glamorous update to the classic aviator style and, as you’d expect from their military partnership, the quality is impeccable. They’re lightweight, sturdy and comfortable.

A few additional highlights:

they’re made in USA
the solder joints have a lifetime warranty
they have adjustable silicon nose pads for customized fit
they’re made with lightweight polycarbonate lenses
they come with a case, microfiber cleaning cloth, and small maintenance kit (as you’ll see below, the cleaning cloth gives a nod to their aviation heritage)

Featured: Randolph Engineering aviators (c/o) // Coach bag // Coach card case // Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Cherry