BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Wardrobe Update: March 2018

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Tory Burch plaid coat + Gucci small Marmont bag

This month was all about checking things off of my long-term wish list and filling gaps in my wardrobe. This made it an expensive month, but I feel really good about where things are at and it’s nice to have these essential pieces taken care, even if it makes this year’s wardrobe additions seem awfully boring when viewed together. Many of these purchases were in preparation for London. I needed a few foundation items (like jeans in a smaller size and loafers) to mix and match on our trip. I’m trying to pare down my suitcase substantially this time around. I tend to rewear items on trips, so I’m just going to embrace it. (I’ll share my packing list this week.) Granted, not as fully as I did in Copenhagen a couple of years ago when I didn’t realize it would be as cold as it was and I wore the same sweater and jeans every day!

I’m sure I’ll do enough damage to my bank account on our trip, but I’m primarily hoping to pick up housewares as souvenirs instead of clothes. (I say this knowing that I won’t be able to resist bringing home a piece of jewelry to commemorate our first visit to the U.K.) Once we’re back, I’ll take a look over my spring and summer wardrobe and see what kind of holes need to be filled or trends I’d like to embrace this year. I have so many spring dresses that I love and am excited to wear, so it’s not like I need anything, but it’s also nice to freshen up things with a floaty new frock. After all, spring shopping is the best shopping!

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

  • Gap mid-rise true skinny ankle jeans – I already own these jeans, but my current pair is getting baggy after I lost 10 pounds since Thanksgiving. The recent Friends & Family promotion made snagging a smaller pair a no-brainer. I’m going to bring these on the trip along with the larger pair for when I inevitably eat too many orders of fish and chips.
  • Banana Republic machine-washable merino shell in medium blue vintage – When I was scouring the Gap family of brands during their Friends & Family promotion for the aforementioned jeans, I came across this merino shell. It’s not exactly the most exciting purchase, but it’s a versatile piece to wear to work with an a-line mini skirt or jeans on casual days. I’ve already worn it three times and it retains its shape throughout the day.
  • Lululemon “Effortless Jacket” in navy – Dave had heard good things about Lululemon’s men’s pants for travel, but they didn’t stack up. (They made his rear end look baggy.) While he was shopping, I came across this cropped jacket and fell in love. It’s such an impulsive purchase for me, but I think it’s going to be great for bike riding on chilly days. It runs incredibly large. I first started with an 8 and 10 in the fitting room, then tried the 6, and then the 4. I liked how the 4 fit most in the body, but the sleeves were too short and so I opted for the 6 instead. The jacket has so many pockets and storage options, plus there’s a stowaway hood in the collar for unexpected showers. The cropped length also looks adorable with casual dresses.
  • Madewell “Elinor” loafer in black – I already have these loafers in brown and wanted the black pair in the rotation. They’re so comfortable right out of the box with zero breaking in necessary. (True be told, I really wanted these, but they’re on backorder until the end of May.)
  • Paravel crossbody capsule in scout – I received a 20% discount code and figured it was a good time to buy the Paravel bag I’ve crushed on since last summer. It’s every bit as perfect in person!
  • Old Navy jersey knit swing dress in grey – I snagged this to wear on the plane. I’ve tried a variety of flight outfits over the years and I’m always most comfortable in a loose dress. I don’t get terribly cold on planes, but I’ll layer this with a cardigan and a cashmere wrap that doubles as a blanket, and will slip on compression socks when it’s time to sleep. (#SoChic)
  • vintage necklace (pictured above) – I couldn’t pass up this $10 beauty when we visited a local vintage shop earlier in the month.

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

  • Sam Edelman “Lior” loafer in black – The toe box was way too long for me and they felt cheap in person.
  • Banana Republic “Sloan” skinny-fit pant in black – I loved these pants a few years ago when I was a size smaller than I am now. I can technically zip up the other pair, but they’re so tight that they look like yoga pants! I decided to order the size larger to bring on our trip and wear to work this season. Unfortunately, though, Banana Republic must have changed the fit because I can’t even come close to zipping the larger pair.
  • Leith racerback shift dress in light pink – I love this dress so much in black (worn here), but the light pink was a let down. It was a bit on the sheer side and looked inexpensive.

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Wardrobe Update: February 2018

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Gucci Small Marmont Bag

A month of [almost] no shopping was an excellent opportunity to rethink my closet. And, it appears my wardrobe was in need of a few classic foundation pieces as evidenced by this month’s roundup. Many of these purchases were made in anticipation of our trip to London. I’m trying to curb my tendency to over-pack and looked for versatile pieces that I could wear multiple times on the trip. I’m still looking for a pair of slim black jeans or pants and a pair of black loafers to add to my suitcase. After those are checked off the list, my attention is turning to spring. I’m tempted to pick up the pink version of the black dress I snagged this month. Also on my wish list: this bag (but if I’m spending that much, I should really pick up the bag I’ve wanted since last summer), gingham flats, scalloped hoops, this silk scarf, and [surprisingly] a zip-up jacket. (I doubt I’d ever buy the last item, but man, I’m into it.)

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

  • Gucci ‘Marmont’ small matelassé shoulder bag – This. Is. Everything. I actually wondered if I’d still be enamored with it after saving up for nearly a year. Spoiler: I do. It’s a great size for all of my daily essentials and really does elevate any look. See my post on what fits inside here.
  • J.Crew new icon trench coat (worn here) – My other trench coat (seen here, but most is covered with a scarf) is more on the casual side with a shorter hemline and a wide lapel with buttons that start lower. I still like it, but I wanted something that was more traditional. J.Crew’s latest version of their trench coat has a higher waist and a slightly shorter length. (Although, it still hits right above my knee and I’m 5’7″.) I went with my typical size 8 in jackets there, so I’d say it fits true to size. Although, I do have narrow shoulders and a small chest, so keep that in mind.
  • J.Crew classic striped t-shirt – I live in striped t-shirts on the weekends and my old ones were getting a little dingy after years of going through the wash. This runs a little boxy, which I’m going to appreciate after eating and drinking on our trip!
  • Puma ‘Basket’ sneakers – I wore my black suede Puma sneakers just about every day on our trip to Copenhagen (check out my travel guide here and tips here). I wanted a pair of white leather Pumas ever since that trip and finally spotted this style. They’re not readily available anymore, but sizes do pop back on Amazon. I prefer this style over my Stan Smiths because they have a slimmer design that looks sleeker.
  • Target gingham bag – Isn’t this darling? I prefer it with the strap tucked inside and carried by the top handle. I’m not sure how much I’ll actually use it this spring, but it was too cute to pass up. That said, I already put together a few outfits featuring it in preparation for when the weather finally gets warm. I love it with the black dress below and a pair of black slides.
  • Leith racerback shift dress in black – I’m all about a versatile, inexpensive black dress — especially when it’s machine washable! It runs true to size, but I’d recommend going a size up if you have full hips. I liked having the extra room.

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

  • J.Crew reversible V-back long-sleeve tunic –  I ordered this in a small and it was too large and looked sloppy. The deep V looked best worn in the front, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that it looked like a nursing shirt! It’s really soft, though.
  • Line & Dot ‘Adelene’ babydoll dress – There are few things that are more “me” than a short, loose dress. However, the lining on this one was skintight and I could barely push it down over my hips. I hate when brands do that. I get that it reduces manufacturing costs, but a girl who wants a billowy dress doesn’t want a restricting lining inside!

What about you? What’s the latest and greatest in your wardrobe? What’s on your must-have list?

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Wardrobe Update: December 2017

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Jenny Bird Ziggy Drop Earrings

I never intend to spend quite so much on myself in December, especially since it’s such an expensive month to begin with, but I can’t resist adding a few new things to my collection to round out the year. My favorite purchase of the month is one I’ve had my eye on for awhile: this Paravel backpack. I had originally been crushing on the capsule bag, but the size wasn’t practical for actually traveling with it. Finally splurging on a pricier item and being so incredibly thrilled with it is a good reminder to step back and carefully plan future purchases. I’ll talk about this more in my upcoming New Year’s goals post, but I’m working to be more mindful of purchases in the new year — and I’m actually kicking things off by not buying anything at all in January. I don’t want to call it a “shopping ban” and attach any negativity to it. It’s more of a reset button to allow myself time to sift through my collection and figure out what I actually need.

Below, you’ll see what I snagged this month before my self-imposed challenge. I also received a few sartorial pieces from Dave this Christmas: feathery earrings, these Jenny Bird stunners, and a black sweater.

Wardrobe Update December 2017 :: Bedknobs & Baubles

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

  • Madewell ‘Woodside’ pullover sweater in heather rust – This sweater is ridiculously cozy. I’ve barely wanted to take it off since I received it. Admittedly, the boxy shape isn’t the most flattering, but I don’t care. It’s warm and perfect for weekend lounging. Go down a size.
  • Madewell long-sleeve poppy dress in peacock feathers – The shape of this dress is exactly what I need more of in my wardrobe with its flattering v-neckline, cinched waist, and swingy skirt. It runs true to size.
  • Kate Spade linear drop earrings in gold (smaller version) –  I bought these at the Kate Spade boutique in Chicago earlier this month and have worn them almost every day since. They’re large, but surprisingly versatile.
  • Paravel 3-in-1 motorist backpack in black – I still can’t believe I bought this! I had been eyeing it up for months because it looks perfect for travel. I can’t tell you how annoyed I get by shoving my camera into a cross-body purse for our adventures. It doesn’t always fit well and the shoulder strain starts to bother me after a few days of lugging it around. This is going to be so perfect for our trip to London in the spring. There’s more than enough room for the camera, wallet, and any other treasures we collect during the day. I love that it transforms into a shoulder bag, which will be great for visiting museums that don’t allow backpacks. I’ll do a full review in a dedicated post soon.

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

  • Madewell ruffle-tier cami dress – It fit everywhere but the very top of the bust. It would be way too large if I went up a size. It’s really cute, though!
  • Madewell ruffle-edge skirt in peacock feathers – I end up hating every elastic-waist skirt I try because it bunches oddly. I think it’s time to stop buying them.
  • Cece crepe flounce skirt – I’m on the lookout for a new black skirt, but I hated that this one didn’t flare out right at the waistband. The pleats are stitched down for the first couple of inches making it fit snugly across my midsection. Pass.

DAYDREAMING ABOUT
The items I just might add to my wardrobe next month.

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Wardrobe Update: November 2017

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Anthropologie Garden Party Earrings

I can barely believe this is the penultimate wardrobe update for 2017, and it was an expensive one at that! As you’ll see below, the heavy hitters to my wallet  were the coat and boots. I actually don’t mind spending more on winter wear when it needs to be practical (or as practical as those boots can be), warm, and not terribly boring. It’s just that I don’t typically buy both of those items in the same month! I also have a couple of Black Friday purchases heading my way, and I’m waffling between keeping and returning these spring shoes, so I’ll add those to December’s recap.

Wardrobe Update November 2017 :: Bedknobs & Baubles

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

  • Anthropologie ‘garden party’ earrings in red – I couldn’t help but treat myself to these festive earrings when I saw them in the store last weekend. They remind me of poinsettias.
  • Sam Edelman ‘Bronte’ hiking boots – I was on the hunt for a pair of chic, ankle-high winter boots and these fit the bill perfectly. I especially love the marled faux fur trim. They run true to size. I doubt I’ll wear them on the snowiest days, but it’s nice to have a weather-proof option that isn’t heavy L.L. Bean boots or a pair of Hunter wellies.
  • Madewell star-print silk dress – As you may have gathered from this post, this dress is one of my favorite purchases in a long time. Could you believe that I almost didn’t order it, assuming that the star print would look too much like a nightgown? I’m glad I went with my gut. I love the length, the cheeky row of buttons down the back, and the long sleeves. I went with my regular size medium. I’ve alternated between wearing it with red and turquoise flats, but I do love it with black shoes. I’ve just been putting off a visit to the cobbler to have my beloved black flats resoled. (I wore them approximately three times a week for two years, so it’s not surprising that I wore a small hole in the sole.)
  • LOFT ‘Woodland’ cutout ruffle yoke blouse – Do you also find yourself leaving with something when you head to a store to do a return? Yeah… This was an impulse purchase the other week, but it’s already become a well-loved item this month. I’m all about loose blouses with jeans lately, as mentioned here, so it was nice to add a new one to my wardrobe. I went with my typical size small with the brand and it’s still awfully roomy.
  • J.Crew swingy wool coat in grey – I happen to buy a new coat each year without really meaning to. I think it’s due to living in a climate with a very pronounced (and long) winter season. I wore the coat here for its blog debut and I’m still as enamored with it. The a-line body allows for bulky sweaters. This also runs true to size with enough room for curvy hips. (Speaking of which, one of my sartorial pet peeves is when brands don’t put a double zipper in a coat that goes past the waist. It can’t cost that much more to add it in!)

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

  • LOFT herringbone flare skirt – I was hopeful that this would be a cute work staple, but the fabric was pretty flimsy and I worried that it might snag the first time I wore it. I also wasn’t crazy about the seam that cut right across my butt. It’s a weird placement and not that flattering.
  • Target smocked dress – I really loved the fabric and the idea of this dress. I went with a medium and wonder if I should have went down a size because it seemed overwhelming on my frame. I also would have preferred it to be a couple of inches shorter.
  • LOFT flowery blouson shirtdress – The print is so cute and the weight of the fabric is wonderful. It’s polyester, but doesn’t feel like it’s going to be staticky and clingy. I just wasn’t crazy about the fit on me. Give it a shot, though!
  • LOFT smocked halter shell – My family’s holiday gatherings are on the casual side and I was hopeful that this would be a cute option to wear with jeans and a pair of statement earrings to feel festive, but not over-the-top. The idea of this top is there, but the fabric selection is pretty bad. It’s really thin and clingy.
  • LOFT plaid blanket scarf – I have a lot of scarves (don’t we all?), so one needs to be pretty great to be added to my collection. I didn’t like the feel of the fabric. It was obviously synthetic and felt thin, which isn’t the best for a Wisconsin winter. Great colors, though.
  • H&M faux fur jacket – For the record, I don’t think any faux fur coat is particularly flattering, but this one was really awful.
  • Banana Republic merino turtleneck – I need a replacement turtleneck for one that shrunk. This was too thin, though. I’m going to try this one next.

DAYDREAMING ABOUT
The items I just might add to my wardrobe next month.

Wardrobe Update: October 2017

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Ann Taylor 'Gretel' slide sandals in black

I can’t believe that I only purchased one item this month — and it wasn’t for lack of trying. This coat looked like a stuffed animal carcass, these boots weren’t comfortable in the least, this dress was too slim through the waist and way too big in the chest and shoulders, and then Tory Burch cancelled my order for a bag I was crushing on a few months ago. This girl couldn’t catch a sartorial break! The upside, of course, was that this helped offset the spending that I had done on a few home items, most notably the media console/credenza. Our living room is starting to come together, which makes that area of the house feel more like home.

Wardrobe Update October 2017 :: Bedknobs & Baubles

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

  • Ann Taylor ‘Gretel’ slide sandals in black: These are just so comfortable! I purchased the tan pair earlier this summer and wore them often enough to justify the black version. I was able to wear them once before it became too cold and I had to tuck them away for next year!

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

  • Velvet leopard-print jacket: The quality of this jacket doesn’t justify the price tag. It feels limp and looks like a deflated stuffed animal. Runs large.
  • Paul & Joe Sister dress: This dress was ultra slim in the waist and hips and then much too large in the chest. Give it a shot if you’re blessed with an hourglass figure; the colors are pretty and it’s a great take on a vintage-esque dress.
  • Vince Camuto ‘Destilly 2’ ankle boot: I wanted to love these, but there’s virtually no padding at the ball of the foot, so I imagine they’ll hurt after a few hours. I didn’t think I’d wear them enough to spend the money. Go up a half size.

DAYDREAMING ABOUT
The items I just might add to my wardrobe next month.

  • Sophisticated ankle socks to wear with cropped pants and loafers.
  • I love the vintage floral pattern on this dress, and I appreciate that it comes with a waist-cinching tie.
  • This might be a good option for my work wardrobe.
  • I love these loafers so much that now I want them in black.
  • How pretty are these bow-topped flats? I’m not one for wearing heels very often and these are so tempting for holiday outfits!