BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Cheers to a Colorful Weekend!

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Forget the stodgy crystal glassware. Summer soirees are going to be a lot more fun with this colorful set of tumblers courtesy of Buyer At Large.

Buyer At Large is an online boutique brimming with unique gifts for women. While there are plenty of jewelry and personal care gifts, my favorites are the kitchen and dining options. How cute are these cheese plates? Pair those with a slate cheese board and you have the perfect hostess gift. And, do you remember those heart-shaped teacups that made the rounds on Pinterest? Yep, they have those too.

Review: eShakti

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Monday was the swinging sixties and today I feel like a ’50s housewife in this dress from eShakti. eShakti offers an array of vintage-inspired designs that are fully customizable. 

Every item on the site can be altered to fit your exact measurements. You can also alter hemlines or remove pockets (although, I’m not sure why anyone would forgo pockets). I actually chose a standard size on the site instead of entering my measurements, which probably wasn’t the best idea. While it fits perfectly around the waist, the bust is too large. (I have this problem in many items, so it’s not a surprise.) 

The cotton dress is light and airy with a thin cotton voile lining. Given that eShakti prides itself on customized tailoring, I didn’t expect the construction issues that I discovered. There was some puckering along the seams that I couldn’t iron out and the black waistband wasn’t perfectly aligned at the sides, which could have been avoided with a back zipper instead of a side one.

These are small criticisms, however. I do think eShakti is a great option for those who want a customized fit without the high price of a bespoke piece. It’s also the ideal e-shop for ladies with a feminine, ’50s aesthetic. (I’ll admit that this tunic is more my style if I’m going for a retro vibe.)

Exclusive Discount! Take 20% off your order with code BKANDB through April 30, 2013. If you’re a new customer, register on the site first to receive a $25 coupon. These discounts can be stacked together. 

Featured: gifted eShakti dress // Kate Spade shoes // vintage bracelet // Forever21 rings // Kate Spade earrings

Review: DITTO

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Now that summer is right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to invest in a new pair of sunglasses. I always thought that an in-store visit was the only fool-proof way to find a flattering pair. And, really, that was the case until DITTO came along. DITTO is revolutionizing the way we shop for sunglasses by allowing customers to virtually try them on. 

Before we get into what makes DITTO so unique, let’s just take a moment to admire the wide array of designer sunglasses available. There are classic standbys like Ray-Ban and Persol and adventurous designs from 3.1 Phillip Lim and Jason Wu. (If you’re looking for prescription frames, they have those too.)

 

Now that you’ve found a few favorites, it’s time to create your “DITTO.” With your webcam, take a video of yourself slowly moving your head from side to side. This allows you to virtually try on sunglasses from all angles. You can also try on styles side-by-side and send your DITTO to friends.

Fair warning: this is addictive. I spent nearly an hour trying on sunglasses. I tried classic aviators, retro bug-eyed pairs and this pair with Mickey Mouse ears, but I fell for the ’60s-inspired Chloe sunglasses. 

You won’t have to wait long to enjoy your purchase. Shipping was incredibly fast. I ordered them on a Monday morning and received them Wednesday. Before I even peeked at my new sunglasses, I was struck by the high quality packaging. (Seriously, great packaging gets me every time.) The materials are heavy and well-made, there’s red edging on the white card stock, and they include an additional lens cloth. 

If all went well, the sunglasses should be as flattering as they were online. But if you’re unhappy for any reason, they have a generous return policy. DITTO will accept returns for 90 days and they offer a two-year warranty. 

Exclusive Discount! DITTO is extending a 30% discount off of anything with coupon code BEDKNOBS&BAUBLES30. (It’s a good excuse to buy a pair of rose-colored aviators.)

Disclosure: I received a pair of sunglasses courtesy of DITTO for purposes of this review. This doesn’t influence my opinion of the company. 

Review: Daniel Wellington Watch

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I’ve always loved how oversize chronograph watches look on women, but nothing matches the refined elegance of a Daniel Wellington watch.

Before I even received the watch for review, I was taken with the story of the company’s history:

The story behind Daniel Wellington begins with a trip half way around the globe where Filip Tysander, the founder of Daniel Wellington, met an intriguing gentleman from the British Isles. The man had the inspiring ability to be gentlemanly but still relaxed and unpretentious. He had an impeccable style, and loved to wear his Rolexes on old weathered Nato straps, which he’d kept from his years in the British army. His name? Well, Daniel Wellington, of course.

I was given the “Classic St. Andrews” watch in rose gold and the style really does live up to its namesake. The large watch face (36 mm diameter) has the irreverence of wearing a men’s watch, but it’s done in a beautifully understated way. The strap already has the patina of a well-loved piece. It’s a bit rigid, but it’s starting to become more pliable with continued wear. (Which won’t be a problem, since it has already become my go-to timepiece.)

Shop Daniel Wellington: Women’s Watches // Men’s Watches // Watch Straps 

Sartorial Summary: Daniel Wellington watch (c/o) // vintage bracelet // J.Crew bag

Review: Alilang Jewelry

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The holidays are the perfect excuse to pile on the baubles (also my M.O. for the Christmas tree) and purchase new gems. I try to stick to a single new standout piece each season, but I’m easily tempted along the way – especially when it comes to affordable ways to upgrade a look. Alilang is a must-visit resource for jewelry that won’t blow your December budget.

Shopping at Alilang can be a little overwhelming; there are a lot of options to choose from. The time it takes to sift through everything is worthwhile, though. I’m very happy with the quality of the items Alilang sent over for me to try (above). Unlike some other ultra-affordable retailers, the rhinestones are secure and the pieces are free of that telltale metallic smell of a cheap piece. Of the items I tried, the crystal cluster necklace is my favorite. It’s versatile and looks more expensive than $25.

Have you tried anything from Alilang? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Shop It: Bow Ring // Crystal Necklace // Floral Necklace // Owl Ornament

P.S. Head over to La vie…J’aime today to see what I’d like to find in my stocking!