So Fresh and So Clean

When I was in college I bought my first dinnerware - eight place settings of really simple Dansk dishes in the prettiest shade of jade/mint. I still have, use and love those dishes. They look great mixed with vintage jadite plates. Green will always be a favorite color of mine, so it's fun that mint is having a major moment right now. So many pretty things to chose from!

ONE - Kelly Wearstler's Hue - the limited edition of this design book comes in the prettiest shades! My favorites are the bright purple and this mint.

TWO - Bench - This Ballard piece is a favorite. The price is right and I love the oak leg option. So pretty with the Suzanne Kasler mint linen!

THREE - Essie nail polish - I usually stick with reds/pinks/neutrals for finger nail polish, but toes are fair game for something really fun. I'm wearing this shade from Essie in this photo. (PS You can follow me on Instagram at jennykomenda)

FOUR - Topshop ballet flats - I've been wearing these like crazy lately. They're not the best made shoes, but they are pretty soft and comfy. Mostly the color is spot-on perfection.

FIVE - Persian style rug - I am so intrigued by this rug! Does anyone have it? It would be so pretty layered on a large natural fiber rug in a living room.

SIX - Mint Fleur Chinoise pillow - A year or two ago, Caitlin and I had street crepes (nutella and banana - my favorite!) and chatted about colors while she was finalizing her fabric designs. I remember talking about how much we both loved mint. So glad the color has a staring role in her textile line! That girl is so sweet, gorgeous and talented. Couldn't love her more.

SEVEN - Necklace - Bauble Bar nails it again with this gorgeous statement necklace. Perfect with a plain white tee and colorful cigarette pants or a maxi skirt.

EIGHT - iPhone case - This is my case du jour. Cheap as can be and a great color! I love that it's bright enough to make my phone easy to find in my purse, which I'll confess is a little on the messy side lately.

NINE - Lidded basket - Thinking my girls need this basket to hold their dirty laundry.

TEN - UO high-waisted jeans - These jeans are super-flattering, but also crazy long - like a 34" inseam. So unless you're a super model, you'll need to get them hemmed. I'd go for ankle length to make them more summer-friendly. 

ELEVEN - Peonies print - Some pretty little art from Minted's new art collection.

TWELVE - Robert Abbey pistachio lamp - I love any of Robert Abbey's lamps. I like the more modern lines of this lamp, especially since the color is a statement itself.

THIRTEEN - Fretwork fabric - Oh, Spoonflower designers, you treat me right!

FOURTEEN - Ikat style cotton fabric - I've never seen this Braemore fabric in person, but it sort of reminds me of the style of Raoul Textiles fabrics, which cost a million dollars a yard, so yeah, I like it.

FIFTEEN - Bud vase - I like vases like this one, with a decorative flower on the vase itself, to be used with greenery or just left empty on a display shelf. Don't you agree that coral and mint were meant to be together? Just gorgeous!!

At The Gap

These jeans have been making the blog rounds recently, but I just need to throw in my own "Amen" to the greatness that is the Always Skinny Mid-Rise Jean. I am so happy with how they are getting me through the 'in between sizes/postpartum phase'.

Also, these are really comfortable (great support for flats) and the leather is nice for the price. Who can complain about a Repetto knock-off for less than $40? They do run large, so be sure to buy a full size down.

GIVE AWAY: Stella and Dot

I am really, strangely particular about the jewelry I will and won't wear. I only wear really chunky or really delicate necklaces. I don't do dangly earrings because they look funny on me. But I'm always wearing studs, usually pearls. I only wear bracelets on special occasions, but love wearing watches. I LOVE right hand rings and cocktail rings.

What about you, readers? Are you as particular as I am?

Even if you are particular, I'm sure you'll love Stella and Dot jewelry as much as I do. One lucky reader will have their choice of the Palm necklace...

or the Boca necklace from Stella and Dot.

Here are some of my other favorite offerings from Stella and Dot:

I need this gold flower ring

Turquoise is so on trend right now, but is also super classic.

Ruby studs are a fun way to mix things up.

Such a pretty new take on pearls:

Remember this flower necklace, featured in Lucky?

I'm seriously loving the simplicity of this Ball chain necklace.

This bib necklace would be gorgeous with a simple white tee, boyfriend jeans and heels.

Maybe you've seen Stella and Dot jewelry on celebrities and heard about it through InStyle, People, and Oprah?

To enter to win either the Palm or Boca necklace, please leave a comment about your favorite piece of jewelry on the Stella and Dot site.

As always, the winner will be chosen using random.org. Comments will be closed Sunday, March 21 at midnight. Good luck!

PS Alisa, who represents Stella and Dot, has a great blog called A Pina Colada. And if any of you are interested in becoming a Stella and Dot stylist, you can contact Alisa with questions.

On My Christmas List: Leather Accessories

I really love the look and feel of leather and I'm finding it has a large presence on my "It's a Reach" Christmas list. In my mind, I'm able to justify the higher price tag because leather wears so long and so well.

I had asked for a new Boat and Tote for Christmas (black, monogrammed, in the extra large size for all my paint decks and fabric samples). But I'm seriously rethinking my request after seeing this bag ($143) on the Jeune Marie blog.


Big enough for schlepping all my work stuff? Yes


Mostly durable canvas like the Boat and Tote? Check

Buttery cognac leather? Double check.
Oh, but what's this? A bit of golden sparkle in the form of a monogram?? Yes, please!!


I also would LOVE this leather iPhone case ($98) from AB Sutton, as seen on Elements of Style.


Isn't the peacock blue leather beautiful? And I know the case will come to good use, since I drop my phone about 10 times per day.

If you're looking for a really great, practical wallet that's on the bigger side (it doubles as a clutch), look no further than HOBO's Rachel Vintage wallet. I bought mine two years ago at a Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale and it still looks great. It holds all the essentials and helps me stay organized with just enough pockets and zippers. And it comes in just about every color under the sun.This one's on sale.
I would love some new belts (motivation to get my waist back after this baby finally comes out!). Why look further than J. Crew?


And maybe a pair of very versatile leather gloves while I'm at it? The camel color will go with almost every winter coat I own.


Oh, if I had $400 to spend on a watch right now, this one from Coach would be all mine. I love the look of a vintage men's watch on a woman.


My all-time best clothing/accessories buy? A Chloe Heloise bag from Last Chance (Nordstrom's returns clearing house in Phoenix, AZ) for $75. I get compliments on this bag everywhere I go. I love, love, love it.


I could really use a new pair of tall brown boots. These, from Frye, have been calling to me...

(Save $100 if you're an 8.5...)

What about you? Any luxurious leather items on your Christmas list? Do tell.