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!

Luxe Lighting for Less

If you're anything like me, you love a gorgeous light feature. Above a dining room table, in an entrance hall, or even outdoors, light fixtures can add sparkle and panache to any space. Designers must know we lust after these gorgeous light features because... the prices?? Not so awesome. Venture into any high end lighting store and you'll stagger at the $2,000+ price tag for a favorite chandelier. Thanks, but no thanks.

To the rescue is my favorite discount big box home retailer, IKEA. Their fun, funky features will spice up any space for less. A lot less. With all the cash you save on lighting at IKEA, you can splurge on other things that will elevate your style like gorgeous table linens, candles, or designer seating.

Take for instance the Knappa pendant lights. Starting at $29.99, anyone can afford to try this out over a dining room table or in a smaller room as the center feature. Easy to install, you'll be quick to love this little guy.

If industrial is more your style, you're sure to be a fan of the Foto pendant lamp. The 10" light lists for just $14.99 with the larger 20" size going for $29.99. What an easy add to your kitchen, bar, or dining area. I love the look of this light, and think it would be beautifully paired with florals, stripes, and antiqued wood. If your kitchen and dining room style got a little girly, this is a quick and easy way to add some edge for not a lot of green.

If you want something a little more unique, check out the new Maskros pendant at $89.99. This bad boy is humongous, so go nuts with it in a large room that needs some help. Even more exciting are the light designs the Maskros casts on a ceiling. Check it out!

So traditional is more your style and some of the options above are a bit daunting? Go for this oversized hanging basket option. The Leran pendant comes in two sizes, 11" at $39.99 or 24" at $89.99. The smaller size is perfect for a bar or counter, while the oversized 24" looks great in a den, over a dining table, or even in a bedroom with high ceilings. Try painting your Leran to get a custom look. It would be gorgeous in a gray, white, or high gloss navy.

I say "poo-poo" to those overpriced chandeliers and pendant lights in designer stores. With IKEA by my side, I'm sure to have some left over change to indulge in other purchases. Happy bargain hunting!

Suzani and Tigers and Stripes, oh my!

One of my favorite guilty pleasures involves fabric stores, scissors, and swatches. My ultimate fabric store dream is Lewis & Sheron in Atlanta. The place is chock full of fantastic patterns, silks, leathers, velvets, and indoor/outdoor options. Often, I have purchased a yard or two of something that strikes my fancy. Those purchases usually become pillows or seat cushions. On a few occasions, a visit to L&S has actually inspired an entire room re-do at my home. With sixty thousand square feet worth of options, who couldn't love this place?

Most recently I encountered some beautiful, fabliss finds at L&S. First up? Well, I am a sucker for a good suzani fabric. The bright colors and texture instantly pull me in. This particular fabric is a favorite because of its raised texture and rich colors. I think a picture can tell you more than my words... stunning!

Situated not too far from that amazing suzani was this delicious tiger pattern. Rich velvety texture and somewhat varied (almost ombre!) in color. The gray is shown here, but it also comes in a gorgeous rusty red. I'm thinking this would make a bold headboard or could easily "snazz up" an antiqued chair. Rarr.

One last fabric really caught my eye. Check out this funky take on a traditional stripe. Imagine what fun it could be on dining room chairs, a bolster pillow on a bed, or maybe even on a footstool. If only I had more furniture that needed reupholstering...

Need more furniture, you say? Oh... well Lewis & Sheron have that covered, too. Get it? Covered? Ha! Check out their insane collection of furniture you can have custom designed for you. All that blank canvas just waiting for some fabliss fabrics!

Hopefully this has inspired you to venture out to your local fabric store. If nothing else, they offer you endless inspiration and creative ideas. Have fun!

Sex and the City 2 Design Envy

If you haven't seen Sex and the City 2 yet, I highly encourage you to. While it pales in comparison to its predecessor, seeming more like an extended episode than a movie, the set design dazzles. The luxurious apartment scenes leave you wishing you had a "Mr. Big" budget to redo your own home with such fabliss-ness.

Much of the story line actually centers around a couch, believe it or not. This gorgeous, custom sofa from Montauk Sofa is done in a luxurious blue wool-mohair fabric. After checking the website, I know this couch cost at least $6,000 before tax. Holy price tag! Let's take a minute to gaze at its wonder...

And now... let's think about how we make this a real-world reality. Now, I'm sorry. But, I don't have $6,000 to blow on a piece of furniture. I don't care how fabliss it is. So let's see how we can achieve a similar look without blowing our savings...

Fabliss Fake:

The Crate and Barrel "Nines Apartment Couch" @ $899. Buy this in the dark charcoal color for all the SATC2 drama without the dramatic price tag.

If you love that SATC2 navy velvet enough to spring for a pricier purchase, take a look at the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams "Liam Sofa." Depending on the quality of fabric you choose the price varies, and their couches typically run between $1,500-3,000. But with a lifetime guarantee, you'd be hard pressed to find a better quality + price combination.

For an even cheaper option, pick out a dazzling blue velvet from your local fabric store and redo an old sofa of your own. Upholsterers can take your existing pieces and reinvent them. This is the new "green" remodel and is often cheaper than purchasing new duds.

Of course... once you have the perfect couch, you'll need some perfect pillows. Make sure you check out www.etsy.com as we mentioned in the last post. You'll be sure to find pillows worthy of an SATC2 moment.

Fabliss Finds on Etsy

For those of you who crave something unique and special that won't a) break the bank or b) be in all your friends' apartments or homes, check out www.etsy.com. This wonderful website aims to connect makers with buyers. They want people to be able to make a living making things. Their tag line? Buy, Sell, and Live Handmade. This is definitely something I can get behind.

I have only purchased jewelry from this site, but the more I look at the chandeliers, pillows, and cutesy accessories on the site, the more I want to make a purchase.

Take a look at some great examples, then check out the site for your own personal needs.

Chrysanthemum pillow by user "Kainkain" for $20! Try beating that price and originality!

Cherry Blossom "Popwall" Design by user "NouWall" for $65. What a great way to spice up a boring wall without having to deal with nails, hammers, or levels. Gorgeous!

And, finally. Something I am seriously considering for my own home. A unique chandelier is hard to come by, and while this is not "cheap," it certainly isn't overpriced once you've done price comparisons. Plus... it's amazingly cool and chic.

Bubble Chandelier by user "jeanpelle" in Brooklyn, NY. Lists for $395.

These are just a few of the fabliss examples on the site. Happy hunting on etsy.com! There are dozens of things waiting for you to find them!

It's Not Easy Being Green... Or Is It?

With spring in full swing and summer on its way in, green is everywhere you turn. Just like the fresh flowers and fresh cut grass that lift your spirit when you see them, bright green accent pieces in a room elevate the mood and add a sense of fun.

Green accent pieces don't have to cost you a lot of green (pun intended!). Today I ventured into one of my favorite stores, Cost Plus World Market, to see what kind of deals they had for me. This place is my go-to for unique pieces at a decent price. The quality tops that of other discount retailers, too. Always a bonus!

Check out the goods. Lots of green without spending it!

Accent #1 – Green storage cube with reversible dinner tray, $89.99 on sale. I love this in front of a living room couch, or as a small side table. Group 2 or more together for a mock coffee table that you can move around as needed. For small spaces, these storage cubes are the perfect multi-purpose purchase.

Accent #2 – Super cute armless chair in floral print, $159.99 on sale. If you have larger pieces of furniture that are neutral, try jazzing up your space with a chair like this. This floral would also pair well with stripes or plaids… if you're ready to be bold!

Accent #3 – The same armless chair in a lovely, plush green apple velvet, $159.99 on sale. The fabric is to die for! Talk about luxury without the luxury price. So chic. Put a pair of these chairs in a room, add a bright, multi-colored pillow and rock out!

Spring green is in, and the pieces above are proof positive you don't have to spend a fortune to add a splash of it to your home décor. If you're not looking to purchase new furniture but love the color, try infusing it into your tablescape with napkins, salt and pepper shakers, or a vase. Check out the limitless options at www.worldmarket.com. And ladies… as a side note, their jewelry is ridiculously awesome. FYI.

Till next time… keep it fabliss!

J-Style

Recently I was lucky enough to go on a 9-day vacation to Japan. No kidding. It was an amazing experience filled with culture, delicious eats, and lots of photo opportunities.

One of my favorite photo opps was a trip into a small boutique in the Harajuku district of Tokyo. An expatriate from Europe owned the joint and he had some incredible finds. The shop displayed an eclectic mix of tribal influence, soft touches with accessories, and fun, funky pieces that would brighten any home. If only my carry-on luggage could have accommodated an extra couch or chandelier!

While you may not make it all the way to Tokyo, the inspiration is enough to get your creative juices going. Take a look at a few of my favorites:

LOVE this crazy floor lamp. What a great, creative way to brighten a room.

This rugged set is just waiting to be worn in. The rose pillows were unbelievably soft and iridescent, and offered great contrast against all the wood tones.

Finally, I fell in love with these capiz shell chandeliers. I've found them here in the states at places like Z Gallerie and smaller boutiques. They remind me of the beach...

The Boring White Couch Experiment

Let's talk couches. I love the look of a crisp, clean, white couch. It anchors a room and brightens it all at once. But, when the time comes and you lose your patience with your living room's look, how can you spruce it up without busting your budget? With couches running upwards of $2000, you certainly don't want to replace it on a whim! So what can you do? This got me thinking, and before I knew it I was on my way to IKEA for a field trip and experiment.

THE CONTROL: Boring white couch. Only $699 at IKEA!

THE VARIABLES: Pillows and blankets galore! All under $39.99/piece

THE HYPOTHESIS: For a few measly bucks, we can brighten up our living rooms and our lives. Bold splashes of color will be our keys to success!

THE RESULTS:

Fabliss Couch #1 - Black and white with a pop of color and LOTS of texture on the pillows. Pairing houndstooth pillows with a polka-dot blanket gives it a daring sense of mismatched chic.

Fabliss Couch #2 - A cozy, less formal option with a blanket that screams "warmth and comfort!" Pull colors from the blanket to go wild with variety in tone and texture. A mini-bolster breaks up the monotony of square and rectangular pillows.

Fabliss Couch #3 - This look infuses on a bit more color and pizazz by using bright, patterned pillows and a deep blue blanket. With the over sized gray pillow, you have many comfy naps ahead of you. A textured white zebra in the middle of the couch breaks up the midnight blue.

THE CONCLUSION: Our hypothesis is confirmed. Using color and pattern yielded big changes without the big budget. With all items purchased at IKEA, you can bet these accessories are a great deal and won't leave you pinching pennies. Dare to mismatch prints to get a bold look. Your boring neutral couch will be turned upside down!

So there we have it. A little mini-experiment at IKEA that yielded big results. The next time you get down in the dumps about your boring, neutral couch, go crazy with accessories! Save a few bucks and brighten up your life!