As I mentioned a couple weeks ago, everyone at Ped HQ shares nostalgia for that back-to-school excitement that used to fill us with a mix of nerves, sadness that summer was over, and elation at seeing our friends again. Those of you who are who involved in education—whether you’re a grad student, prof, or administrator—still get the thrill of the fall transition, while the rest of us simply live vicariously. To help recreate that zesty, anything-could-happen-this-year feeling, we’ve put together a cool-for-school list that also works outside the ivory tower. Take notes!

1) Book bag.

Let’s face it, 49 Square Miles’ Bookworm Slim Tote is in a class of its own. It’s roomy enough to accommodate files, notebooks, and even a small laptop, but it’s not so large that you’ll end up with a back problem from hauling too much across campus or to the office (allow us be your guidance counselor on this one). And the color! If you’re feeling sleepy in your seminar, just look at this beauty for a wake-up call.

2) Go-with-everything shoes.

When you need a shoe that you can wear day in and day out, whether you’re dolled up in a cute skirt or going casual in your sweetheart’s jeans, look no further than the Cydwoq Dance. This super easy flat is schooled in style, yet it’s comfortable enough to race through a mad dash when you’re running late for class or a meeting (and a bit of rubber on the leather sole will keep you on your feet).

3) BGOC (Big Gal on Campus) Boots.

Of course, your classmates and/or colleagues admire your smarts, but it doesn’t hurt to let them ooh and aaah over your style, too. Brains and beauty, yeah, that’s right, you’ve got it ALL going on—a point you can make clearly by skipping from class to meetings to lunch in Cydwoq’s Native Boots. These knockout lace-ups are at once classic and modern and will just get better the more you wear them. Turn those heads!

4) Chilly days scarf.

Fall weather is unpredictable. Warm days turn chilly and vice versa. Let the mercury rise and fall—when you’ve got a soft and cozy wool scarf from Sophie Digard, you’re all set for whatever the day brings. Hand-crocheted and Parisian chic, a Sophie scarf is the way to look beautiful and stay toasty! We especially love her Check Square design (although it’s so hard to choose—tomorrow we may have a new favorite)!

With these items in your wardrobe, you’ll be a walking lesson in style!

How we love our Parisian friend, Sophie Digard! She has crocheted her way into many a Ped fan’s heart with eye-popping and intricate scarves, necklaces, bags, and other treasures. You may be familiar with her woolen wonders (which can be worn year round), but every spring, Sophie whips up dazzling linen versions of favorite styles along with some new surprises—all of them lightweight and delectable! We just got in our latest shipment from France, and everyone at Ped HQ can’t stop oohing and aahing (each item out of the box makes us swoon all over again). Just take a gander—they’re sure to make you smile!

I ask you, who doesn’t love flowers in spring and summer? (If there is someone, we hope they cheer up soon!) Sophie has concocted the sweetest three-blossom brooches that will always stay fresh:

I especially like how the crocheted flowers are complemented by the little striped linen fabric bloom. So pretty.

And then there’s the Supernova scarf (Laura’s favorite):

The mosaic-like combination of colors and openwork—the flowers’ centers are left airy—is absolutely stunning! Make sure you use the “zoom” feature at the Ped site to get a true sense of how astronomically beautiful the Supernova is.

Bringing it back down to earth, Sophie has created a necklace called Le Monde (“the world”):

Like all of Sophie’s necklaces, the individual elements are movable, allowing you to cluster the spheres however you like along the linen cord. Each soft bead is a work of art unto itself (again, Ped’s “zoom” is your best friend in getting to know the beauty of this strand of baubles).

Finally, I am smitten with the old-school charm of Sophie’s Vintage Tote:

This light, summery bag’s aesthetic is delightfully retro. It represents everything we like about Sophie Digard: eye-popping artistry, a lovely palette, and a one-of-a-kind collectibility. 

If a springtime trip to Paris isn’t in your cards, then wearing a Sophie Digard item is a close second–effortlessly chic and able to turn every head on the boulevard.

First, big news! We’ve relocated Ped HQ from sunny Santa Barbara to beautiful Berkeley, CA! We are so excited to be back in the Bay area. It’s where I grew up, and Terry has family here, too.

But on to you and what I’m pretty sure you need this time of year. I suspect last month you received a deluge of wedding invitations for every weekend in June (and on through the summer). Some weddings are super-traditional, conservative affairs while others are more relaxed and free-spirited. In either case, Ped’s got you covered. Here are a few items that will help you look beautiful and feel comfortable at any knot-tying you might attend.

Obviously, you need shoes. The holy grail is one you can stand around in for hours without your feet crying for mercy. Here are two suggestions, both in the Cydwoq Vintage line (so you know they’re comfortable). First, for the more conservative ceremony, I suggest the Sprint. Heck, you could even wear this shoe if you were the bride!

Another option–slightly more go-lightly in its design–is the Ridge. I love how its lines are so graceful!

Of course, you don’t want to outshine the bride (unless you are the bride, in which case, shine on, sister!), but you can still up your style ante with some lovely accessories. This Jamie Joseph rose quartz ring is so pretty! The picture really doesn’t do justice to how delicately pink the sparkling stone is.

And this Sophie Digard fringed linen beauty is just the thing to fend off any dip in the temperature at a late-afternoon or evening wedding.

Now you’re all set to go out and be a gracious and drop-dead gorgeous guest!

Recently, life reminded me how lucky I am to have the people (and dogs!) I love in my life. I am so grateful. One of my favorite things about the holiday season is the chance first to give thanks, then to show those who matter to us how much we care them with a few tokens of affection, and finally to jump into the new year with optimism.

Regarding that second chance up there (the “tokens of affection” one), Ped has quite a few treasures to delight your favorite people, from your best gal pal to your long-suffering mother or mother-in-law (we do try their patience and vice versa—but love is always there at the end of the day). And, needless to say, we’ve got lots of treats you might want to add to the list of hints for your benefactor (Santa or otherwise).

Here are a few of my faves that don’t require knowing someone’s size. First up, this Fossil necklace from Jamie Joseph, which is so unusual with its numerous elements all brought together in a harmonious symphony. Plus, it’s got bit of red, and how can anyone resist red this time of year?

Next, a scarf–but not just any old scarf, a Sophie Digard scarf!! The toast of the crocheting world, our favorite Parisian designer uses the finest yarns to create her one-of-a-kind textiles (they really must be seen up close to be fully appreciated, so be sure to take advantage of the “zoom” feature at the Ped site). We particularly love the openwork of the Pastille Pop design. Here’s a detail of the “Winter” color combination to give you an idea of its complexity (okay, yes, it does have a bit of red, too…):

Finally, if you want to go big with the red (and we applaud that idea), this practical go-anywhere Monica Bag from Jutta Neumann may be just the ticket! The leather is beyond buttery, and, well, it’s as red as Rudolph’s nose (but perhaps a bit more stylish):

Here’s hoping your holidays are the best yet! Ped toasts you with a big gulp of wassail!