Mission Impossible: The Perfect Couch

I'm on a mission to find the perfect leather couch. I have three requirements I like to call my couch trinity: 1. It's comfortable. (Isn't that a prerequisite for everyone?!) 2. It's stylish. 3. It can get dirty and still look clean. These three simple requirements seem easy enough to find, right? Well, that is until I add my rule that governs nearly everything I buy: it must be a bargain.

It ain't easy to find all three on the cheap. It always seems that one of the requirements is lacking, but I will not let that stand in my way. I shall charge forth with fortitude! And to begin my mission, I present to you my inspiration couch and a few bargain chic knock-offs that might quite literally get me off the couch and starting seriously looking for a new one.

Inspiration Piece

 

Bargain Pieces

Soflex Abilene Sofa, Amazon.com, $857.87

 

Umbria Sofa, Macy's, $999

 Linden Street Langley Sofa, JcPenny, $899

The Art of Words

I am a big fan of words. I love reading them, writing them, understanding them, and even looking at them -- especially when it is done in an artistic way. I think my interest in typography can be attributed to my old college roommate. Tobi was a graphic design major, who had an affinity for typography. I remember watching her painstakingly choose a font for her projects -- trying to figure out which one would covey the message she was trying give. She was quite the master at it; and after graduating, that craft and skill became one of her trademarks.

Coupled with my appreciation for the art of typography, I've also always had an eye for symmetry -- almost an obsessiveness with it. I like things straight, parallel to each other, patterns that conform in number (especially three) and a desire to center things. I guess the best way to fully understand my slight OCD behavior is to think Jeff Lewis of Bravo's Flipping Out fame, but dialed down by about 50%.

With my interest in words, typography and symmetry, I think it is pretty safe to say, I overall enjoy the art of language -- whether that be in the simplest form of words on paper or the tools used to craft those words on paper. Here are some great finds -- some vintage and some not -- that I found on Etsy (a fantastic place for finding handcrafted items). They are all perfect examples of why I love how letters, words and meaning combine to creating brilliant art.

(Top to Bottom): 12 vintage metal letters, The Hope Tree, $44; To Be Yourself art print, Bubby and Bean, $20; vintage letterpress number set, Handmade By Alison, $38; magnet: vintage paper handmade flower, LBC paper, $9.95; Always Definition Commitment Ring, Happy Go Licky, $45.

Swimming Into Summer

We're heading into summer, and here in Phoenix with temperatures finally pushing into the 100s, I can't help but think about the beginning pool season. And if you live near the ocean, then god bless you for the ability to enjoy your summer months on a beautiful beach. Both destinations have their appeal, and both inspire the desire to do some new swimsuit shopping.

There are several great bargain stores that offer tons of swimsuits at great prices: Delias, Gap, Kohl's, Old Navy and Target to name a few.  Plus, you can also find some good sales on swimwear at places like JCrew, Victoria's Secret and most department stores.

Sure, you could go all out and buy a fancy, designer bikini, but really, ladies, why pay an arm and a leg for something that barely covers an arm or a leg? I'm no connoisseur of swimwear: I don't know the complexities of their construction, the subtle details or quality of fabric of high-end swimsuits. But, what I do know is that if I am going to update my swimwear wardrobe on a seasonal basis, I best invest in some reasonably priced swimsuits.

Here are some of my favorite, bargain swimwear finds I've come across so far. Where are your go to places for finding bargains on swimwear?

Clockwise: Crochet-trim dress, Gap, $34.95; Halter Top, $24.50 and Side-Tie Bottom, $19.50, both Delias; Rhinestone Embellished Sandals, Old Navy, $7.99; Halter and Bottom Tankini, Old Navy, $39; Croft & Barrow Solid Floppy Straw Hat, Kohl's, $26; One-Piece Swimsuit with Gold Broach, Target, $29.99.