{ as seen on bedknobs & baubles }

{ the gorgeous DVF clutch won on Twitter }

2012 has kicked off on a fashionable note, especially with that covetable Diane von Furstenberg clutch in hand. Here's what you may have missed recently on Bedknobs & Baubles.

{ weekend recaps }

{ my grandmother's brooch }

{ trend spotting: mint }

{ the first purchase of 2012 }

{ currently coveting }

{ vintage hotel ashtray to hold jewelry in the bathroom }

{ flowering chives }

{ the completion of moving day }

{ that Kate Spade pineapple cocktail ring }

{ Kiva loan to Sana'A in Jordan }

{ outfitted } Laced Up

Months ago, I started following Kendall K.'s blog, which chronicles the realization of her dream: to launch a clothing line. I've followed along as she secured a trademark, designed a logo, found a manufacturer and now - the most exciting part - revealed the finished garments, including the coat I'm wearing above. As if being an inspiration isn't enough, Kendall is also one of the sweetest girls I've known. I couldn't be prouder of her.

I don't think I've ever featured lace on this blog before - let alone worn it. It's too easy for lace to appear overly feminine and romantic and that's simply not my sartorial preference. That said, I can't get over how much I love the fabric on this coat: lavender satin with a lace overlay. Lending rich texture to the coat, from a distance the lace transforms into an interesting graphic print.

But don't worry, Kendall won't deprive you of your ladylike poise and polish. She has included a detachable chiffon flower for the days you need a little romance - or at least the promise of spring buds. (Yes, those are the coveted Kate Spade shoes. I. Love. Them.)

For those interested, I'm happy to report that the coat runs true to size. I'm a size 6 on top (or an 8 if I've been hitting the Cadbury Creme Eggs a wee bit too hard) and this is perfect with room for something heavier underneath. (You'll need this information for next week's giveaway. Hint. Hint.) For more lust-worthy items, head over to Kendall's site and check out her collection.

Outfit Notes: Jacket - c/o Kendall K.; Dress - J.Crew; Earrings - Kate Spade, Bracelet - belonged to my grandmother; Shoes - Kate Spade

Currently Coveting

{ authentic Neapolitan pizza from Cafe Porta Alba }

{ candy-colored shoes }

{ romantic gestures }

{ vintage brooches }

{ day trips to historic landmarks }

{ love the look } '70s Summer

I'm yearning for summer in the '70s this year with ankle-grazing maxi dresses, including my mom's disco dress and the Modcloth stunner above. With a bold cuff and wood heels, a retro revival is on the horizon.

1. Silk Chiffon Maxi Dress, Diane von Furstenberg, $345
2. Make a Dash for Dress, Modcloth, $124.99
3. Jersey Maxi Dress, T-Bags, $220 $99
4. Wire Thread Cuff, Cusp, $70
5. Wide Pink Stone Cuff, Topshop, $35
6. Two-Tone Cuff, BCBG, $28
7. Kairu Pumps, Michael Antonio, $65
8. Zoe Pumps, Diane von Furstenberg, $310
9. Fanya Wedges, Calvin Klein, $128
   

{ DIY } Shoe Clips

I don't know how our grandmothers did it; clip-on earrings hurt! But if you're a vintage jewelry aficionado like myself, you've also amassed a sizable collection. And it hasn't been by choice. A handful accompanies nearly every jewelry win at an estate auction and antique stores insist that you can't break up a matching set ... even if it's just the bracelet you fell in love with. Since those baubles aren't going anywhere near my earlobes, I'm using them to adorn my New Year's Eve heels.

{ outfitted } Little Leo

Open-toe shoes and white after Labor Day?! It seems I'm balking at Mother Nature's insistence that it's autumn. She executed her revenge remarkably well yesterday. I had a Marilyn Monroe moment when the high winds whipped my skirt up outside of Walgreens. Well played, Mother Nature, well played. Pants it is.

Outfit Notes: Jacket - Banana Republic; Shirt - H&M; Jeans - Joe's Jeans; Shoes - Guess; Clutch - Hayden-Harnett for Target; Necklace - vintage Trifari pendant; Earrings - courtesy of Wendy Mink Jewelry

Indian Summer

Carefully considering each purchase is a fortunate side effect of a strict sartorial budget. I've become much more picky of where my money goes - and I've spent an embarrassing amount of time checking every angle in fitting room mirrors. This floaty, chiffon top from H&M was the first item to make the cut this month. (I'm sure the sales associate was just glad I purchased something after handing back a pile of rejects. But you know what? I love it so much that I've worn it five times since. Don't judge.) Paired with army green shorts and a gold vintage medallion, my summer uniform has transitioned into autumn.

Outfit Notes: Blouse-H&M; Shorts-H&M; Shoes-Guess; Bracelet-House of Harlow; Necklace-Vintage via eBay

Seasonal Transition

Last week was an absolute whirlwind at work. However, as an event manager, I certainly can't complain when my late nights are filled with name tags, guest lists and floral arrangements! Wednesday's executive-level networking event had record attendance - and, honestly, I couldn't have been more relieved when it was over. I celebrated the success by picking up a sartorial item that's well-suited for my fantasy life. You know, the one where I jet set to exotic locations donned in a bikini, oversize sunglasses, and a silk caftan fluttering in the breeze. Of course, Wisconsin's autumnal wind is there to snap me back to harsh reality. So, I did the only think I could think of: channel Rachel Zoe's 1970s aesthetic to make the piece seasonally appropriate.

Outfit Notes: Michael by Michael Kors Caftan; Joe's Jeans Denim; House of Harlow Bangle; Banana Republic Bracelet; Vintage Necklace from my grandmother; Ring courtesy of Shop the Look; Guess Shoes

Three Times a Lady

When Nichole of Acanthus offered to send me one of her signature Gemma necklaces, it was the perfect inspiration to transform J.Crew's ikat bustier dress from an edgy cocktail look into ladylike daytime attire.

Each piece of Acanthus' jewelry is handmade with natural, semi-precious stones and 14k gold fill wire, chain and beads. Choosing gold accentuates the color of the gemstones and lends an old-world opulence to the collection.

I chose the necklace in smoky quartz to coordinate with vintage pieces I adore, but it wasn't an easy choice. There's a rainbow of stones to choose from and each Gemma necklace either comes with a 16", 18" or 20" chain, ensuring that you find the perfect fit for your style.

It's refreshing to abandon heavy statement jewelry in favor of a delicate, feminine piece. While Nate doesn't normally comment on my jewelry, he did pause to tell me this necklace was "pretty" - high praise from the man who cringes at my cocktail ring collection. (Though, I have a feeling this necklace will layer wonderfully with other pieces, so he might be disappointed later.)

The clasp even deserves accolades with hammered links, a bead in the brand's signature blue, and a trefoil twist. Unexpected details like this really make a piece special.

20% off for Style Obsession readers: Acanthus has generously offered 20% off to Style Obsession readers! Just enter in the code "OBSESS" at checkout to apply the discount.

Love the Gemma necklace? Come back Thursday for details on how to win one of your own!

Outfit Notes: J.Crew Ikat Bustier Dress; Banana Republic Cardigan; Acanthus Gemma Necklace; Grandmother's Bracelet; Guess Shoes

FTC-Required Disclaimer: Acanthus provided product free of charge for editorial review. All opinions stated within are my own and are not influenced in any way.

Killing Me Softly

There's an edgy undertone to some of my favorite outfits, like pairing provocative stilettos with a 1950s full-skirted silhouette. It's this type of playful irreverence that makes J.Crew's silk motorcycle jacket so attractive. Choosing a soft, feminine fabric to create a piece of clothing that's traditionally well-structured was an unexpected - and brilliant - move by Jenna Lyons. While I may not be able to wear the jacket in the rain, it'll definitely be my preferred layer for this year's autumnal chill.

Outfit Notes: J.Crew Silk Motorcycle Jacket; Banana Republic Silk Tee Shirt; Banana Republic Jeans; Guess Shoes; Forever21 Ring; Forever21 Earrings; Vintage Dior Clutch; Revlon Steel-Her Heart Nail Polish