Our Thanksgiving trip took all my energy away, and time got away from me. I'll be back tomorrow with something fun to share.
Hope your weekend was wonderful!
Sunday, December 1, 2013
I need another day...
My Sunday looked a lot like this, except without a cat (I'm allergic).
Our Thanksgiving trip took all my energy away, and time got away from me. I'll be back tomorrow with something fun to share.
Hope your weekend was wonderful!
Our Thanksgiving trip took all my energy away, and time got away from me. I'll be back tomorrow with something fun to share.
Hope your weekend was wonderful!
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Travel Chicly - Without Sweatpants!
I'm not going to pretend that I always dress up when I travel, especially for extra-long flights. However, there's a difference between being comfortable and being sloppy, and I think lounge wear in the airport is unnecessary. There are so many soft, stretchy things you can wear without resorting to yoga pants that say PINK on the butt.
Sadly, we'll be seeing lots of Ugg boots and pajamas in public this week, so I wanted to share a little bit of inspiration for a super comfy travel outfit that's still high on style:
Sadly, we'll be seeing lots of Ugg boots and pajamas in public this week, so I wanted to share a little bit of inspiration for a super comfy travel outfit that's still high on style:
Believe it or not, there are stylish pull-on jeans that are soft and stretchy and not intended for grannies. If you haven't already, get yourself to Last Call and check out Fade to Blue jeans. They're under $60 and come in lots of different cuts and washes, including a regular boot cut for those who don't like skinny jeans. (Pro tip: go up a size)
I'm also a huge fan of structured sweater blazers like this one from Gap. I checked it out in store, and it's the perfect length and looks like a blazer from afar, but much more comfortable and not likely to wrinkle.
Target has got lots of great drapey tees (like this one, pictured) but I'm intrigued by this one with faux leather trim that would add a little edge to basic jeans. (I haven't seen the tee with trim in person yet, though)
And finally, if you can get your hands on some Elorie ballet flats, buy them. They are so well made and comfortable (go up a half size, though) and a great deal on Gilt.com. Mine are the black metallic suede, which have a really subtle shine, and I am seriously considering buying a brown pair as well. (Update: For $49, I just did!)
/////////////////////////////////////////
Safe travels, everyone!! I will be taking the rest of the week off, so please check back Monday for your regularly schedule fashion, baby rooms, and randomness. Happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 25, 2013
Holiday Style: Long Weekend Packing
Happy Monday! I hope you all had fun this weekend, and that this short work week flies by for all of us. Since this is one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, I put together a bit of Thanksgiving weekend packing inspiration for those of you who will be away from home.
Here are some outfit ideas that will fit in a carry-on, and take you from airport to eating to shopping to watching The Family Stone while drinking hot chocolate on a sofa (everyone does that, right?)
Here are some outfit ideas that will fit in a carry-on, and take you from airport to eating to shopping to watching The Family Stone while drinking hot chocolate on a sofa (everyone does that, right?)
Have safe travels, ladies! Let's try not to over pack...
P.S. I'd like to wish a very happy birthday to my mom. I love you!
Friday, November 22, 2013
5 Things Friday
Happy Friday internet! I hope your week was great, and that you're up to something fun this weekend. I'm excited to host my family and have an early Thanksgiving dinner, although winter in Dallas appears to be arriving tonight. Let's all wear sweaters!
Before I freeze, here are five things worth sharing on the internet:
1. I love love love the design that Emily Henderson installed for Joanna Goddard's family apartment. It's the perfect mix of midcentury and electic, and I would happily copy it in my house.
Have a nice weekend, ladies! Stay warm!
Before I freeze, here are five things worth sharing on the internet:
1. I love love love the design that Emily Henderson installed for Joanna Goddard's family apartment. It's the perfect mix of midcentury and electic, and I would happily copy it in my house.
2. I really want a spiky turquoise necklace for Christmas, and the ones I want keep selling out on Etsy. That means I'm not sharing the one I actually want, but this baby is a close second:
3. This week N and I went shopping for the "angels" we adopted for Christmas, and the preschool-aged girl I chose asked for a doll house. Since she also needs a coat and some other things, I was forced to get a more affordable Barbie "glam vacation" doll house and some Barbies to go inside of it. Can I just say that I became even more excited to be having a boy after having spent 15 minutes trying to find the right combination or doll and outfit that looked the least like a prostitute?! I ended up buying two dolls in bikinis, with some dresses that did not look like they belonged at the Bunny Ranch. What the heck, Mattel?
4. I'm currently reading Major Pettigrew's Last Stand and it's such a good story so far. I can't believe it's not already a movie starring Bill Nighy.
5. If ever there were a wrapping paper that I would frame in a triptych of panels, it's probably this one by Rifle Paper Co. You can get three sheets for $8.50, which isn't bad if they're destined for a life as decoration rather than garbage.
Have a nice weekend, ladies! Stay warm!
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
How do you get stuff so cheap? (Holiday Edition)
Since holiday shopping season is upon us, I thought it would be helpful to revisit some of my cheap shopping secrets and add a few new ones. I actually enjoy buying Christmas gifts, and consider staying within budget a fun challenge, so here are a few tips I've picked up over the years:
Shop in store
Unless you have a free shipping code or a large order, you'll usually get a better deal in person once you add $8 to the cost of the item you found online. I tend to use websites to scope out things I want, and then purchase them in person (and often cheaper!) If the website doesn't have a "find in store" feature, I'm not shy about calling a store and asking them to look up the style number to find what I want.
Shop often
If you only go to a store once a month on Saturday afternoon with everyone else, you won't have much of a chance of scoring that piece from the previous collection that was returned and marked down because the lunch time shoppers already scooped it up. It's a numbers game - the more you shop, the better your chances of getting lucky.
Shop during the work week, if you can
Shipments of new merchandise often arrive on Mondays and Tuesdays, which means that stores are looking to move existing stock over the weekend to make room. If you show up late in the week, you'll get first dibs on the markdowns.
Keep an open mind
If you walk around looking only for the perfect leopard loafers for your sister, you'll be unlikely to find exactly what you want in a single afternoon. However, if you're constantly looking at sales, then you will have a chance at scoring an amazing pair of wedge booties in her size (or yours).
Constantly shop for gifts that don't come in sizes
I'm known to come across great deals on jewelry and accessories (which don't take much room to store) and buy in bulk, then worry about who gets what. Banana Republic is one of my favorite sources for cheap jewelry, I get to appear as though I've spent a lot when in reality I sometimes paid about $7 for something that was originally $49. I know this is controversial, and that sometimes the items aren't returnable, so I only do it for friends I know very well and are sure to like what I choose for them.
Find out where the markdowns live
I'm lucky to live in a large city, and most stores I shop at have several locations within a 20 mile radius. I am not shy about chatting with salespeople (I used to be one) and will flat out ask if there's a store where the clearance goods get shipped to. Often, a retailer will keep full-price merch in an affluent location where it's likely to sell faster, and send the markdowns to a store with the space for it and the traffic to move it quickly. Gap and LOFT both do this in Dallas, and those are the locations I hit most often.
The reverse image search is your friend
If you are buying from a company that sells things they do not manufacture, chances are the photo they have online is the standard product image. By saving this picture to your computer and then doing a reverse image search (with Google, click on "Images" in the top right, then click on the little camera in the search box), you can see who else is selling it. This has worked especially well with online boutiques like Lulu & Georgia, where I've found items they sell for less than half the price on Amazon or Overstock.com. I've also found the same pair of boots on sale at Anthropologie and Piperlime, and even though the price was the same, having options like this might allow you to avoid shipping costs or use a coupon code.
Download an app that will allow you to scan barcodes and compare prices (Amazon, ShopSavvy, Pricegrabber)
If you're looking to purchase something electronic, or widely sold, be sure to scan the barcode with your Amazon app to be sure you're getting a good price. Unless you've procrastinated, it's typically worth it to wait a few days and save $7.
What's your favorite tip for staying in budget? Do tell!
Shop in store
Unless you have a free shipping code or a large order, you'll usually get a better deal in person once you add $8 to the cost of the item you found online. I tend to use websites to scope out things I want, and then purchase them in person (and often cheaper!) If the website doesn't have a "find in store" feature, I'm not shy about calling a store and asking them to look up the style number to find what I want.
Shop often
If you only go to a store once a month on Saturday afternoon with everyone else, you won't have much of a chance of scoring that piece from the previous collection that was returned and marked down because the lunch time shoppers already scooped it up. It's a numbers game - the more you shop, the better your chances of getting lucky.
Shop during the work week, if you can
Shipments of new merchandise often arrive on Mondays and Tuesdays, which means that stores are looking to move existing stock over the weekend to make room. If you show up late in the week, you'll get first dibs on the markdowns.
Keep an open mind
If you walk around looking only for the perfect leopard loafers for your sister, you'll be unlikely to find exactly what you want in a single afternoon. However, if you're constantly looking at sales, then you will have a chance at scoring an amazing pair of wedge booties in her size (or yours).
Constantly shop for gifts that don't come in sizes
I'm known to come across great deals on jewelry and accessories (which don't take much room to store) and buy in bulk, then worry about who gets what. Banana Republic is one of my favorite sources for cheap jewelry, I get to appear as though I've spent a lot when in reality I sometimes paid about $7 for something that was originally $49. I know this is controversial, and that sometimes the items aren't returnable, so I only do it for friends I know very well and are sure to like what I choose for them.
Find out where the markdowns live
I'm lucky to live in a large city, and most stores I shop at have several locations within a 20 mile radius. I am not shy about chatting with salespeople (I used to be one) and will flat out ask if there's a store where the clearance goods get shipped to. Often, a retailer will keep full-price merch in an affluent location where it's likely to sell faster, and send the markdowns to a store with the space for it and the traffic to move it quickly. Gap and LOFT both do this in Dallas, and those are the locations I hit most often.
The reverse image search is your friend
If you are buying from a company that sells things they do not manufacture, chances are the photo they have online is the standard product image. By saving this picture to your computer and then doing a reverse image search (with Google, click on "Images" in the top right, then click on the little camera in the search box), you can see who else is selling it. This has worked especially well with online boutiques like Lulu & Georgia, where I've found items they sell for less than half the price on Amazon or Overstock.com. I've also found the same pair of boots on sale at Anthropologie and Piperlime, and even though the price was the same, having options like this might allow you to avoid shipping costs or use a coupon code.
Download an app that will allow you to scan barcodes and compare prices (Amazon, ShopSavvy, Pricegrabber)
If you're looking to purchase something electronic, or widely sold, be sure to scan the barcode with your Amazon app to be sure you're getting a good price. Unless you've procrastinated, it's typically worth it to wait a few days and save $7.
What's your favorite tip for staying in budget? Do tell!
Monday, November 18, 2013
It's done! Bathroom Renovation Before & After
At long last, our bathroom renovation is done! I could not be more proud of my husband for sacrificing his evenings and weekends all summer and fall, and I think the end result looks pretty great!
We live in a mid-century ranch house, and there's not much space to work with, so we did a lot of designing before we figured out how best to utilize the layout. I also wanted to keep the look modern and fun, but without too any finishes that a future buyer may be scared of. (It turns out that most people who buy houses think beige is fantastic)
Here was the before shot:
This was the design plan:
And, the finished product (which was REALLY hard to photograph because that room is tiny and the lights are bright):
I decided that gray cabinets would add some contrast to all the white, without blending in with the floor, and a Silestone countertop will offer the same look as marble but without the need for maintenance and no risk of stains. The existing tub was refinished, and N installed white subway tile all the way to the ceiling to make the dark end of the room feel brighter and more open.
To add storage space, we decided to install two sets of drawers opposite the vanity with a matching countertop, and built-in shelves on top of an ikat wallpaper that the next owners can paint over or rip down if they want to be boring. Several baskets from Homegoods will let me hide things I don't want sitting out, although most of our drawers are empty at the moment.
Overall, I'm thrilled with the end result and am so relieved for this project to be over. Doing projects like this yourself obviously saves lots of money, but the timeline is measured in months instead of days. I'm super proud of my husband, but I'm excited for him to be able to relax after work instead of putting in 3 hours of manual labor.
That said, any ideas for amazing Christmas gifts for the man willing to build this for me will be much appreciated.
Source Information:
Mirror - Purchased from the chip and dent room at Horchow Finale (with a small crack), repaired by Malloy Glass in Dallas, TX
Cabinets - Ordered from Second & Surplus in Dallas, made by Shiloh Cabinetry
Countertops - Lyra by Silestone, purchased as a remnant from Irving Countertops
Floor Tile - Exotica Walnut porcelain plank tiles purchased from Floor & Decor. We have these throughout our living area and kitchen and love them!
Wall Tile - White subway tiles purchased from Floor & Decor
Wallpaper - Soft Ikat by Patty Lonsinger via Spoonflower
Shower Curtain - via Amazon.com
Rugs - Nate Berkus Aztec Diamond rug via Target
Baskets - via Homegoods
Pineapple Thingys - Nate Berkus for Target (on clearance, no longer available online)
We live in a mid-century ranch house, and there's not much space to work with, so we did a lot of designing before we figured out how best to utilize the layout. I also wanted to keep the look modern and fun, but without too any finishes that a future buyer may be scared of. (It turns out that most people who buy houses think beige is fantastic)
Here was the before shot:
This was the design plan:
And, the finished product (which was REALLY hard to photograph because that room is tiny and the lights are bright):
I decided that gray cabinets would add some contrast to all the white, without blending in with the floor, and a Silestone countertop will offer the same look as marble but without the need for maintenance and no risk of stains. The existing tub was refinished, and N installed white subway tile all the way to the ceiling to make the dark end of the room feel brighter and more open.
To add storage space, we decided to install two sets of drawers opposite the vanity with a matching countertop, and built-in shelves on top of an ikat wallpaper that the next owners can paint over or rip down if they want to be boring. Several baskets from Homegoods will let me hide things I don't want sitting out, although most of our drawers are empty at the moment.
Overall, I'm thrilled with the end result and am so relieved for this project to be over. Doing projects like this yourself obviously saves lots of money, but the timeline is measured in months instead of days. I'm super proud of my husband, but I'm excited for him to be able to relax after work instead of putting in 3 hours of manual labor.
That said, any ideas for amazing Christmas gifts for the man willing to build this for me will be much appreciated.
Source Information:
Mirror - Purchased from the chip and dent room at Horchow Finale (with a small crack), repaired by Malloy Glass in Dallas, TX
Cabinets - Ordered from Second & Surplus in Dallas, made by Shiloh Cabinetry
Countertops - Lyra by Silestone, purchased as a remnant from Irving Countertops
Floor Tile - Exotica Walnut porcelain plank tiles purchased from Floor & Decor. We have these throughout our living area and kitchen and love them!
Wall Tile - White subway tiles purchased from Floor & Decor
Wallpaper - Soft Ikat by Patty Lonsinger via Spoonflower
Shower Curtain - via Amazon.com
Rugs - Nate Berkus Aztec Diamond rug via Target
Baskets - via Homegoods
Pineapple Thingys - Nate Berkus for Target (on clearance, no longer available online)
Friday, November 15, 2013
5 Things Friday + Last Day for Uncommon Goods Giveaway!
Thank goodness it is Friday! I don't think I've been this excited to wrap up a work week since 2008. Now I get to get my house in order for 30 guests at our annual Fry-Day party (think Texas State Fair food assembled by amateurs in the backyard) and do some work on our registry for Baby Cardigan.
While I start tackling my To Do list, here are five things worth sharing on the internet:
1. I just purchased this pillow/cover from Society 6 and it is officially the jumping off point for Baby Cardigan's nursery, color-wise. I'm going for a vaguely midentury-esque room with fun colors, gold washi tape trim, and subtle additions of Marvel characters because it makes my husband happy. Wish me luck!
2. We all know that Rugs USA is a pretty amazing source for affordable rugs, and I just thought I'd bring this one to your attention. It's such a cool pattern that is NOT CHEVRON! (My only concern is that the rug that looks 100% navy or cobalt to me is being labeled as black)
3. What do we think of these shoes? I LOVE my Gap smoking slippers, and wish I could find a good leopard pair, and these look similar but I've never had any Aldo shoes and don't know how they hold up.
4. This outfit photo via See Jane is so "me", except I'm not a ripped denim person and I like my scarves a little smaller and I'm short and brunette. I can confidently say that my brown leather jacket has been one of my best investments ever (very similar), as was my saffron colored scarf. If you're on the fence... BUY! Look how cute you'll look!
While I start tackling my To Do list, here are five things worth sharing on the internet:
1. I just purchased this pillow/cover from Society 6 and it is officially the jumping off point for Baby Cardigan's nursery, color-wise. I'm going for a vaguely midentury-esque room with fun colors, gold washi tape trim, and subtle additions of Marvel characters because it makes my husband happy. Wish me luck!
2. We all know that Rugs USA is a pretty amazing source for affordable rugs, and I just thought I'd bring this one to your attention. It's such a cool pattern that is NOT CHEVRON! (My only concern is that the rug that looks 100% navy or cobalt to me is being labeled as black)
3. What do we think of these shoes? I LOVE my Gap smoking slippers, and wish I could find a good leopard pair, and these look similar but I've never had any Aldo shoes and don't know how they hold up.
4. This outfit photo via See Jane is so "me", except I'm not a ripped denim person and I like my scarves a little smaller and I'm short and brunette. I can confidently say that my brown leather jacket has been one of my best investments ever (very similar), as was my saffron colored scarf. If you're on the fence... BUY! Look how cute you'll look!
image via See Jane
5. Don't forget that you have until midnight Central time tonight to enter to win the Uncommon Goods gold cuff bracelet. Just leave a comment on the giveaway post (not here, please) and I'll pick a winner!
Bonus 6th Thing: Are there any other HIMYM fans out there? I hate that I'm hating this season, but I do like the mother a lot. I keep hoping it will get better, but the characters are getting more cartoonish and there was a storyline about scrambled eggs. It's painful, I tell you!
Happy weekend!
Bonus 6th Thing: Are there any other HIMYM fans out there? I hate that I'm hating this season, but I do like the mother a lot. I keep hoping it will get better, but the characters are getting more cartoonish and there was a storyline about scrambled eggs. It's painful, I tell you!
Happy weekend!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
