Bargain Chic: IKEA

November 24, 2010

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and before we all start stuffing ourselves with turkey, cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes, and then fall into a post-dinner food coma, I wanted to take a moment to give a thankful shout out to the bargains -- and not so much bargains -- that I came upon this year.

Converse Shoes

Who knew it would take me 32 years before I realized the cool factor of owning a pair. I can't wait to expand my collection!

Chuck Taylor All Star, $45

Coach Bag

It took me many years to justify spending more than $50 for a purse. I was always adamant about not buying a designer purse just because it was a designer purse. But, I was on vacation, in Vegas, and I ventured into the Coach Outlet store. I gave in to temptation, and oh was I glad I did.

IKEA Bed

My old bed was still in good shape -- in fact, it now resides in one of my parent's spare rooms -- but I wanted a new bed and one that played off the shabby chic look of my bedroom. And, boy was I lucky to have found the bargain of all bargain beds at IKEA. Now, my room is exactly how I had envisioned it, and I love going to sleep and waking up in it every day!

Jewelry

I've never been much of a jewelry person. I put on an outfit and am never quite sure what jewelry goes with what, if less is more, or if should just say, forgetaboutit! But I am happy to say, I took a leap this year and started buying necklaces, earrings and even a cocktail ring.

Necklace, World Market; Earring, Stella & Dot, Saveena Flower Ring, Stella & Dot

September 6, 2008

My home decorating has been an ongoing process, as it is for most people. And there is one area in my house that I've struggled with since I bought my place two years ago -- my stairway. It is an enclosed stairway, with two huge canvases of white stucco walls, and I had no idea what to do with them, until I came across this idea from a Pottery Barn catalog:

Visually, it is beautiful, and design-wise it gives people an opportunity to showcase their cherished photos. Unfortunately, if you have a LOT of wall real estate, like me, you'll need a LOT of photos & a LOT of frames. And frames with mats can cost a pretty penny.

If you are so inclined to copy this great design idea, here are a few inexpensive and chic frames that you can use to adorn any great wall of your choosing.