Corporate Outreach & Design

Kudos to West Elm for boldly pursuing a partnership that highlights the beauty, hard work, and artistry of handcrafted items.  Far too often in the design world we see mass-produced products that dumb down the intricacy, detail, and love poured into home goods.

Today I'm merely highlighting a program that I found special.  West Elm has launched the "Handcrafted" partnership in an effort to revive the interior design space with unique products, all made by fellow humans.

From the West Elm site:
"We're collaborating with over 20 artisan groups in 15 countries, making long-term commitments of 3 to 5 years to each of these manufacturers. We're directly impacting the lives of 4,500 artisan workers and 18,000 family members. Over 1/2 of these artisans are women who are learning new skills, supporting their families and empowering themselves through the work they're doing."

Love this effort.  Passing along the link so you can, too.

Anthropologie Home

If you are lucky enough to live close to an Anthropologie store, then you know the sheer delight and joy that comes from shopping there. The store even SMELLS amazing, and somehow the unique, artsy feeling in the store makes me forget the sometimes-outrageous pricetags I encounter. More than anything, I use Anthropologie as an inspiration space that takes me to bohemian land where I can peruse gorgeous bedding with an antique feel, unique knick-knacks that remind me of days of old, or coffee table books that are true "finds."

Take a look at the Anthropologie website, and focus on their "at home" section. Even the cyber-space is comforting and antiqued looking. And if you ever get a chance to mosey into a store - do it. Occasionally you can find a killer sale, or something that you wouldn't mind paying full price for. I'm willing to pay for uniquities... are you?

"Target" Your Living Room

As a city girl astute in the science of bargain hunting, I frequently rely on Target for fabliss finds at a decent price. About 70% of my costume jewelry and accessories come from Target. What better way to spice up your wardrobe than adding an inexpensive piece here or there, right?

This got me thinking. What about infusing some Target fun and spice into your home's wardrobe? Specifically the living room. Target has some fierce fabrics right now. Imagine the same chic fabrics from Lewis & Sheron I've blogged about before, but already slapped on some furniture and ready to rock? Oh... and these pieces won't break the bank. Bonus!

Here's a favorite of mine. The Gerber Round Ottoman in "Cherry." Yes, please! I love a circular ottoman. It breaks up the monotony of jagged furniture edges and rectangular art and mirrors. The red is simply to die for here.

Or, look at this bad boy. The Kristine Upholstered Ottoman in Diamond Blue. Love.


For those of you not interested in simply ottomans, give the Target furniture website a whirl. It looks as if these products are limited addition and only available online, so get to it! Buy what you love and you'll never regret the sticker price... unless it prevents you from paying the rent/mortgage/car payment. :) Happy shopping.

GILT Home... ah-mazing.

For those of you who already have access to the wonder that is GILT, congratulations. I bet you hawk your inbox at 12:00 noon everyday just like I do, right?

For those of you not yet in the know, GILT is the latest and greatest "exclusive" online discount retailer. The Gilt Groupe provides access, by invitation only, to coveted luxury and fashion brands at prices up to 70% off of retail. As a member of GILT, you receive an email each day right before 12:00 noon when the sales launch. Each sale lasts 36 hours and features hand selected styles from chosen designers. Let me tell you... the website becomes an all out race at 12:01 pm when loyal shoppers begin reserving and purchasing products at deep discounts.

To be honest, some of the GILT items are still out of my price range - even at 70% off. Some of us just can't see the value in paying $300 for a blanket, right? But! This does not mean the entire site is a bust. Au contraire! GILT features items for men, women, kids, the home, travel, and gifts at a range of prices.

Because I love my readers, I am extending a personal invitation to GILT group just for you. Clink this link, sign up for the emails, and go to town. Warning: you will become an addict.

While the entire site is amazing, I encourage you to test the waters on the "Home" page. Just recently rugs were offered at killer prices. Favorite brands such as Safavieh, Nourison, and nuLOOM quickly sold out. No surprises there! All the more reason to get on the email list and start hawking your inbox at 11:59 am everyday. Feast your eyes on these beauties. Just a sampling of the options available to you on www.gilt.com.

As a side note, the two women who created Gilt Groupe were best friends, attended Harvard, brought us the wonder that is eBay, and mastered marketing for companies such as Bulgari and Louis Vuitton. Now if that isn't accomplished, I don't know what is. From one business lady to two others... well done! Happy shopping.

BedROOMinations

From time to time we all need to borrow a little inspiration to get the creative juices flowing. When I get in a design rut and don't know where to start with a room, I usually find myself reaching for an old copy of House Beautiful magazine. This publication is my favorite for a number of reasons. Gorgeous photos, featured designers, classic yet edgy style, and a combination of "dream things" and things actually within budget. Oftentimes I find other publications (which shall remain nameless) too stuffy or high brow. House Beautiful gets me and always reels me in with some exciting trends, new colors, fabric patterns, or unique room solutions.

If you're in a similar design rut, I encourage you to use House Beautiful's online resources. Since I'm currently stuck on how to spruce up the guest and master bedrooms at home, I'll share the designer bedroom slide show I fell in love with the other day (click). Inspiration galore! Better yet? It doesn't cost a dime to dream. Cheers...

photo credit: Simon Upton, House Beautiful magazine

World Traveler? Hardly.

Some of my favorite home decor items are knick-knacks I've purchased abroad. The travel bug hits me often and it hits me hard, but I simply don't have the cash flow to jet-set off to Spain, Italy, or Morroco to furnish my home on a moment's notice. One day. One day...

So until I win the lottery, I've located some items that give a home that eclectic, well-traveled look without ever leaving your zip code. First rescue retailer? Target.

For years Target has dabbled in global interior design. Recently I've been very impressed with their specialty items shown here. I think their tagline says it all: "Global decor, right on budget." Feast your eyes.

Those metallic vases are crying out to be used on a bedside table and I simply love that funky mirror for a hallway. Wicker baskets give instant "worldly" appeal without forcing you to venture outside your comfort zone. And who could go wrong with those brightly colored pillows?

Next rescue retailer had better have "world traveler" style appeal. It's Cost Plus World Market. It's their job to appear worldly. Heck, it's in the name!

These paper lanterns are a cute addition to any room, and for around $20, you won't worry about switching them out in a few months. I love a little Asian flair, and I'm never against animal prints.

Remember those capiz shell lanterns I found in Japan? Well here they are again (only lots cheaper) at Cost Plus World Market. Think how fun they'd be in a den or on a desk. The unexpected sparkle will render miles of fun and funk in your home.

Finally, I had to feature these crazy mirrors. Though I can't honestly think of anywhere to put them, I have to respect the creativity. Alhambra-inspired mirrors made out of Reddi-Whip and Waffle boxes. Curious. Sold under the premise of "green design," I think I will pass. But... nice try, Cost Plus World Market. E for effort.

Scout Mob!

Even at the risk of posting twice in one day, I am offering up today's ridiculously fabliss ScoutMob deal to my loyal readers. Savvy Snoot is my absolute favorite store on the westside of Atlanta. They feature a plethora of designer furniture and accessories, local artists' work, and repurposed items from consigners. Though I am sad to share this space with the world (let's face it, I'd like to keep this place a secret), I need to pass this deal on. ScoutMob is offering 50% off up to a $100 value! Go to the site and text or email yourself the coupon.

ScoutMob away!



Check out www.savvysnoot.com to see their inventory before you use your ScoutMob coupon. Snooty brands at savvy prices. The catchphrase says it all. Love!