I love good surprises and when I got my mail today, boy was I surprised!!  My sister,  who recently began working for Glamour, sent me these two goooorgeous books.

 

 

I can not wait to crack open my new books and get lots of new decorating inspirations from them.  Easy Flowers is just perfect for me.  I love flowers and love displaying them in my place. Easy Flowers not only gives you great arranging ideas, but also gives great tips for how to achieve the desired look (and it’s great just simply great eye candy). Creating Vintage Style is another great find.  It gives step by step projects on how to create various vintage looks…and I looove vintage.  Here’s a sneak peak

 

 

Thanks Ash!!!!!

I was over on one of my favorite inspirational blogs, The Inspired Room, and something told me to click on the advertisement for Heather Bullard and boy am I glad that I did!  As I mentioned here and here (and a bunch of other places lol) I love love love vintage.  Vintage clothes, accessories, home decor, you name it.  Designer, Stylist, and Photographer Heather Bullard has an amazing eye for elegant vintage and flea market finds.  As soon as I opened the page to her online Boutique, I was in love. Browsing through Heather’s portfolio is like going to another place and time.  There’s nothing on her site that I wouldn’t LOVE to own.

I could sleep all day in this gorgeous bed… 

 

 

 

 

This Tufted Chaise is timeless and look at the detail on the woodwork.  This is a piece that you could keep forever.  It could go from room to room seamlessly, and it would never go out of style.

 

 

My condo doesn’t have it’s own outdoor space, but I do have plants indoors and I’ll have a window box soon.  How cute is this antique European watering can?  When it’s not being used to water plants, it can fill in as a vase!

 

 

 

 

I love vintage Jewelry, and crosses especially.  This one has such character and charm…and for anyone who’s interested, my birthday’s coming up in a few weeks *hint hint*

 

 

 

For those of us that come in the house and drop off earrings, keys, etc., on the first hard surface in the house, this tray is perfect and so pretty!  And when it’s not being used to hold miscellaneous items, it can hold your favorite scented candle. 

 

All images courtesy of Heather Bullard

It took me about a year to find my condo that I am currently living in.  Part of the reason it took me so long, was due to the outrageous price of homes in the DC Metro Area (you would think we were in the middle of Manhattan or something).  The other reason it took me so long was because I was determined to find a place that had “character”.  So many condo’s were being built or renovated, that to me, they were all starting to look the same.  There were many nice condo’s that I had seen, but I felt like I wanted something with a little more “charm”.  I know it’s not for everyone, but I have a thing for old homes.  I would love to own one of those beeeaaautiful Victorian homes down in Savannah, GA.  I can picture myself sitting out on my porch, drinking a cold glass of lemon ice tea (with mint!), while my crisp sheer white curtains blow in the wind…

Image courtesy of Curious Expeditions

Image courtesy of Savannah Best

So, when I was hunting for my own place to call home, I was looking for things such as beautiful old molding, aged hardwood floors, or vintage tilework.  While I love old character and charm in a home, I also like to throw in a little new.  With so many of us looking to save money these days, and save the earth as well, vintage is more popular than ever!  For those who love that old charm, restoration is the thing, and for those who want something more modern, its all about transformation.  For a fraction of the cost of it’s modern-day equivalent, you can own a top quality vintage piece that may just need a little sprucing up.  In addition to saving money, a great benefit of buying vintage is the fact that many items constructed in years past, are much more sturdy and durable then items built today (and that goes for homes too!).  With just a few touches, you can go from something with potential, to something stunning!

Images Courtesy of This Young House

Other finds are just gorgeous and full of charm just as they are.  Throw a little windex on this mirror and it’s ready to go!

For sale on Craigslist

For those working with the interior of an older home, thinking about buying a “fixer-upper”, or trying to figure out how to enhance the look of your moldings or chair rails (such as my sister and brother-in-law), check out these awesome inspirations…

Image Courtesy of Architectural Digest

Image Courtesy of House Beautiful

Images Courtesy of The Domino Magazine Files Pool via Domino Magazine

Check out my new finds from NY Housing Works…all of which you can purchase ONLINE!! The proceeds from these purchases go toward a very worthy community cause, which you can read about here.  What a perfect way to add to your summer collection or make one of these great housing finds your own.  All of these items have so much character, I wish I could have them all! lol I really love those Baker Chairs. The great thing about them is that you can easily remove that seat and add your own fabric, and then change it up with the season if you feel inclined to do so.

While perusin’ through Habitually Chic, written by Interior Designer and Freelance Writer Heather Clawson, I came across Heather’s review of The Find:Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details (which I can’t wait to read!) which introduced me to Housing Works.   Housing Works is a PHENOMENAL community-based organization committed to ending the AIDS crisis and homelessness.  Based out of New York City, Housing Works raises millions every year, through their stylish Thrift Shops and Bookstore Cafe, to help pay for “housing, medical and mental health care, meals, job training, drug treatment, HIV prevention education, and social support to more than 20,000 homeless and low-income New Yorkers living with HIV and AIDS”.  I can not say enough about this organization.  I personally believe that EVERY person deserves a place to call home and every person deserves to live a happy and fulfilling life.  Housing Works embodies this belief and more.  I have found that you can find the greatest satisfaction when you lend a hand to someone else, and we all have this opportunity in many different forms

Check out some of the items for sale at the Housing Works Thrift Shop…Everyone’s looking for a bargain these days right?  What a great way to be green by re-using, save money, and know that your purchase will be helping someone along the way

Diane von Furstenberg Party Dress $75

Majolica Style Lamp Pair $166.50

Ralph Lauren Polo Collection for Wedgwood $159.50

Vintage Gold Oval Mirror $65

Images courtesy of Housing Works

Its been raining here all week, so here’s a little something from Etsy to brighten up the day

1. Sunshine in a bag yellow floral headband by Just Liv 2. AZTEC Cotton Cushion Cover by Be Still 3. Sweet Pea in Yellow by Kim Westad 4. Lemon Pound Cake 16oz Soy Candle by Simply Pure Soy Candle 5. Olive Divine – Jeweled Dragonfly Amulet Art Necklace by Federikas Vintage Filigree Jewelry 6. Morelle Clutch in Chartreuse by Morelle

Hey everybody! Today my sister Ashley, who will be working for Glamour Magazine this summer, is visiting to share some tips for shopping and staying fabulous on a budget. The floor is yours Ash

With every screech of the metal hanger before, the search for the perfect fashion piece becomes more intense. Browsing through the racks and racks of shirts, dresses, skirts, and pants, brings about the excitement and thrill of finding the perfect item in any vintage store. This store in particular hosts garments and accessories from the 1940s to the 1990s. Each piece, unique and  one-of-a-kind, subdues any shopper’s passion of finding items seemingly created solely for them. Looking through this quaint vintage store, the super short, shapeless mod dresses from the 1960s and the knit off the shoulder sweaters from the 1980s all hit the right spot in my fashion-filled mind. But as I glance over to the accessories counter in the little vintage shop, I notice a 1960s vintage Dooney & Bourke bag that only my grandmother could have owned. When I realized Dooney & Bourke bags cost about $300 plus I knew I had to have it. Retail price: $60. The all leather, emerald green, navy blue, and cream handbag with brown detailing is the perfect fit for my purse collection, actually, the perfect fit to anyone’s collection. So of course, I got the bag. A unique find like this can be achieved by anyone. Having a good eye and knowing where and when to shop are all factors of buying on a budget for any fashionista, or anyone interested in fashion, that is. With some tips and hints I’ll show you the best places to shop when you want to buy a great piece on a tight budget.

Thrift Stores Companies like Goodwill and Salvation Army have been around for over 100 years, and many people have utilized their services. However, many others have shunned them, only shopping at department stores, boutiques, and malls. When we think of items at the Goodwill or Salvation Army, we think – sequined holiday sweaters, pasty black high-waisted “mom jeans” and run down Reeboks from the 1980s. Nonetheless, through some of the fashion faux pas throughout the store, there are many hidden gems to be found. Mostly, it takes a lot of patience and a good eye for a good find. Remember that many of the people who are able to donate their clothes away are usually have somewhat of an idea of current fashions. When they no longer can use these items or simply don’t want them, they know that donating to these services is a tax write off and a great way to give back.

Searching through these stores, you can find many great designer pieces that are either gently worn or have never been worn before (with tags). A great item I found on shopgoodwill.com is a silver Diane von Furstenberg cocktail dress that was auctioned off for $26. Originally this dress was about $485 and is still being auctioned off on websites such as ebay.com at this price. Finding items like these are not always going to be easy, but when you do come across them, you know it was definitely worth the try. Ekom Ekwere, a fashion merchandising major, purchased a black and pink, Bisou Bisou, three-quarter length shirt with a black detailed bow on the back for $4.99 at a Goodwill store in Pembroke Pines, FL. Remember that if you have no luck at one particular thrift store, most likely there is another somewhere around your town. What one Goodwill or Salvation Army might not have, another may.

Fashions Recycle When one style goes out, it is only gone for so long. While shopping at Goodwill or Salvation Army, you may come across vintage clothing that was once out of style but now is in fashion and for a much cheaper price, such as denim wide leg jeans from the 1970s that have now hit the runways in 2009. Vintage boutiques are also a great way to find once out-of-date clothing at cheap prices. Now, not all vintage boutiques are inexpensive, especially in cities like New York or London, but nonetheless, you can find those great gems in the midst of the racks. While shopping at Sick Boy Vintage right here in Tallahassee, I found a vintage 1970s Florida State Football shirt for only $7. Usually, our FSU logo shirts run around $20-$30 at the bookstore. I was also able to find vintage 1980s Levi’s 501 high-waisted jeans for only $14. Currently, the Levi’s 501 jean runs from $68-$78 on levi.com.

Vintage You must have patience and an eye for what you want while shopping vintage. While there can be many great finds within vintage shops, just be careful of broken stitches, zippers or holes that compromise the item. Because these items have been passed along for so many years, some malfunctions may occur that can ruin a piece. However, something great about all vintage clothing is that they are one-of-a-kind. For young girls shopping for a prom dress, vintage shops may be better than going to the mall because of the unique selection. Or even for young women going to a cocktail party where they want to stand out; vintage clothing can set you apart.

Grandma’s Closet If your grandmother is like mine, and keeps almost all her key pieces throughout time, then you may find some special items hidden in the back of her closet. Grandmothers are a great way to reminisce on previous trends and fashions throughout the 20th century. Especially since many of the high-end designers we know of today (Lacoste, Chanel, Yves St. Laurent), weren’t as expensive during their time. I know that my grandmother bought many designer items back in the 50s and 60s, which were considered cheap back then, but now can cost well into the thousands of dollars. That’s how I snagged my vintage Louis Vuitton Speedy bag, which goes for about $700 today. Okay, so you may not find that perfect dress for a first date or high-wasted 1950s dark denim that has made a come back in 2009, but accessories like jewelry, bags, and scarves are always items that never go out of style.

Discount Retailers If you’re not the type of person to shop at thrift stores, or you don’t like the idea of used garments passed along from the 1970s, then another great way to go shopping on a budget is at discount and off-price retailers. Examples of discount and off-price retailers are Wal-Mart, Target, Tj Maxx, Ross, Marshall’s, and Steinmart.  Discount retailers are companies that sell their items at a discounted price to the customer, while off-price retailers are companies that sell merchandise that did not sell at other department stores. Today, discount retailers like Target have big name designers within their stores to offer quality clothing at affordable prices. Designers like Isaac Mizrahi, Mossimo, and Liz Lange are all featuring their items at Target for the woman on a budget. Stores like Tj Maxx and Ross offer designer clothing passed down from department stores. Many times these are the items that did not sell in the department store, while other times the manufacturer made a surplus of clothing and sold it to the off-price retailer. Latia Walker, a co-worker at Steinmart, stated they currently had in stock a “BCBG jogging suit that cost $52 for both the pants and a hoodie, while Macy’s sold it for $198 for each piece separately.”

With a keen eye you can find great items for much less than if you were to go directly to the department store. Many people complain that off-price retailers are out of style and not up with the current fashions. Sometimes this may be true; however, other times, there are many pieces that naturally never go out of style, such as a little black dress, or a basic medium-wash bootcut jean. Jessica Octavien recently told me she “found Seven For All Mankind dark denim jeans for $50 at Tj Maxx.” These run almost $200 on 7forallmankind.com. Rarely do you ever find designer clothing on clearance, or even marked down a few dollars. However, knowing the right places to shop and at what time, you can find great deals or great items.

Good Sales After every fashion season, the items that did not sell usually go on clearance. But to know when this happens, you have to know some background information about the fashion industry. One, fashion only has two seasons – autumn/winter and spring/summer. At the end of each season is when items will go on sale, usually the months of February and August. At the end of February the spring items usually are coming in and the sweaters are going out. Same with August and summer items such as tank tops and shorts. During these times, and sometimes a little earlier, you’ll find great clearance prices on items that did not sell during the season. This is an easy way to pick up the knit sweater you wanted but couldn’t afford from Nordstrom’s to wear next winter. And if you happen to be looking for a gift for your sweetie, Justin Fort said that he bought a Perry Ellis, long sleeve button-up shirt from Dillard’s for $9.99 during the end of the autumn/winter season. Kirwich Joseph stated he purchased the trendy and stylish Creative Recreation sneakers, that sell for $100-$170, for $70 at a Nordstrom’s in Miami. Second, just because it’s the end of the season and these are the items no one wanted, doesn’t mean you can’t wear them next time around. Sometimes trends don’t catch on until the next season, and if you’ve already purchased those trendy items, you are ahead of the bunch.

Precautions There are, however, some outlets of shopping to take precautions with: outlet malls and online shopping such as ebay.com. Outlet malls are usually made to carry the items from the manufacturer at a cheaper price because they were usually overstock or they are items made specifically for the outlet store. With that, sometimes you aren’t getting the best deal possible. At Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets in Leesburg, VA, I purchased Lacoste polo style shirts for the same price as they would cost at a Lacoste retail store in the mall, around $70-$80. Make sure to know the retail price of items set by manufacturers and retailers before you look for sales. This will help you to instinctively know if you’re getting a good deal or not.
Also, beware of sites such as ebay.com when shopping for designer pieces through the web. Although you can find great deals on used items (some new) through the site, you need to check for authenticity of the items and the ratings of sellers. Many people (myself included!) have been scammed on eBay and it’s difficult to get that money back. Nonetheless, if the seller or eBay can verify authenticity and the seller has positive ratings (not just a few, but a significant amount) then eBay is a good way to purchase designer pieces for a cheaper price.

While always wanting the best of the best, but not having the best of resources can often times be painful, finding ways to shop without breaking your bank account can be really simple. Knowing where to shop, how to shop, and what to look for will be extremely beneficial to your pockets. And although thrift, vintage, discount, and sale shopping may not seem all that glamorous, finding those hidden gems amongst the faux pas can bring allure to any closet!