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.

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!

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!

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...