Saying Thanks... On Paper

I know it's not just a Southern thing (there are plenty of polite Yankees, I hear) but thank you notes have been part of my life since I could write and I can't imagine foregoing the tradition.  After seeing so many "look what I got" and "I want to buy that" posts, I realized that I am dreadfully behind on my post-holiday correspondence and I have lots to be thankful for.

So, as I write lots of cards tonight, I thought I'd share a few great options to replenish everyone's stash of stationary in the new year:

thank you notes by cardiganjunkie on Polyvore

I had to throw in some twenties inspired options after yesterday's post, and I must say the font style is growing on me! 

P.S. Did anyone watch Parenthood last night?  Did Amy go through with it?  I'm thinking not because it's network television and it all seemed too simple.  I appreciate it the script not going all after school special about it, but it seems like a topic worth more than 25% of the episode. 

Skirt Suit + Target Tanks = Holiday Chic

One shopping resolution I've actually done a good job keeping this year is my decision to buy fewer outfits when I have an event to attend and nothing suitable to wear.  Instead, I like to buy one affordable piece and mix it with things I already have.

Luckily for all of us, Target has a couple of great options that I think will mix nicely with a basic black blazer and pencil skirt, and both are under $25!

Striped Tank  |  Gold Tank

skirt suit deconstructed > party outfits by cardiganjunkie featuring black jeans

A basic black interview blazer becomes part of a casual-chic holiday party outfit when paired with the striped tank and black skinnies.  I'd wear my new favorite leopard wedges, but black pumps would work too.  Then, as a second option, the black pencil skirt can be dressed up with a matte gold sequined tank top. 

That's two party outfits for under $50, and you can pat yourself on the back for wearing items from your closet.  Win-win!

Can't Wait! Nate Berkus for Target

If you're on the internet a lot, you know that Nate Berkus has a line in the works for Target and it launches October 21st.  I just came across a preview of the line on Curbed (from a couple of weeks ago, but news to me!) and am pretty excited to snatch up a couple of things on opening day.

The pieces are similar to Nate's line for HSN, and a lot of it is a bit more traditional than I prefer, but there are some standouts like this lamp and studded tray:

See anything else you like?

P.S. Just because, here's my favorite Nate room:

Source: smallshopstudio.com via Sara on Pinterest

Things I found at Target that look expensive.

I think the title of this post says it all, no?  I went to Target on Sunday afternoon and managed to leave with only the ruffle wrap dress, which I am returning because it is the most wrinkle-prone thing I've ever put on.  Now I wish I'd gotten the tote and the scarf.  However, I thought the rest of these items were worth sharing since I inspected all of them in person and they're definitely worth the price!

Did you score any of the Calypso St. Barth items this weekend?

Necklace, Necklace, Scarf, Bag, Bracelet, Dress, Dress, Pouf, Bedding, Shoe

Twice in one week - $20 goes far at Target!

Don't forget that tonight at midnight Central is the deadline to enter to win a $35 CSN gift card!

I have been on a streak of good shopping luck lately, and my beloved Target came through again when I stopped to buy some groceries after work this week.  This time I spotted a nicely cut black dress on the clearance rack that I passed on my way to get a soap dispenser.  I seemed a bit Victoria Beckham-esque to me and for $20.88, I decided to give it a shot.

Lo and behold, it fit perfectly.  The fabric is comparable to other dresses I own from Banana Republic and LOFT, and I'm so thrilled to have it in my closet.  It's not marked down online yet, but you could buy it here and get a price adjustment if you find it cheaper in store in another size.  Now go.  You'll be glad you did!

High end accent mirror for $20!

Don't forget to enter to win a $35 gift card from CSN Stores!

This weekend I went to Target for mundane things and left with a cart full of items that I wasn't planning to buy.  This happens to me a lot.  Some of the items (like jeggings, which are NOT for me) went back to the store today but I was thrilled to pick up two of these mirrors for $20 each:

They are 17" across, and look similar to some $99 versions I've seen online.  I think they would look great on either side of a bed, above a night table and lamp or hung in a row on an accent wall.  Here's a mood board I whipped up that shows what I'd like to do with my mirrors one day.

 

Alternately, you could spray paint the mirror with high gloss paint and get a fun, lacquered look.  I may spray mine silver if I don't put them in my bedroom.

Mark Your Calendars - Friday at 11:00 Central

If you haven't joined Gilt yet, now is the time!  I just learned that on Friday at 11:00 Central, Gilt is offering a pre-sale of three new designer lines at Target.  Tucker (great 70's inspired clothing), Mulberry (ladylike handbags) and John Derian (housewares) will be launching this fall and will likely be snapped up as quickly as the Liberty of London line. 

Marie Claire featured several of the Tucker pieces in the September issue and I actually marked the page with a post-it last week, so I'm pretty excited to see what's on pre-sale.  Hopefully the site won't crash...

Click here for an invitation to join Gilt