New Camera

Photography is a pretty important part of blogging and I'm the first to admit that mine has been, well, sub-par. The last camera I bought was a Canon point and shoot that I purchased ahead of my study abroad trip to Oxford in 2008, but I've really been using my iPhone to take most of my pictures lately. I have a hard time ponying up a lot of money for something without researching it to death, so it's easy for me to put off such a purchase for a long time. Then, a week ago I had a call to action. Cassie of Primitive and Proper posted pictures of the Sweet Clover Sale Preview, and there was all the evidence I needed, right in front of me. My furniture looked so much better in her pictures, so much so even that I used her pictures on my post about the sale instead of my own.

In terms of listing furniture on Craigslist, the difference wasn't a big deal. But in terms of building a portfolio and blogging in a Pinterest-savvy world, the better photos were a huge wake up call. So I decided to go for it. Last night I stayed up late researching DSLRs and finally settled on the Canon T3i with the 18-55mm lens kit. I also bought the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens, otherwise known as the Nifty Fifty, which comes highly recommended by many photographers/bloggers.

Via B&H

I settled on the T3i after reading many reviews of the camera alone, as well as a bunch of reviews of the T3i compared to it's newer, more expensive counterparts like the T5i (the T4i has been discontinued). It's supposed to be great for beginners, a good value, and it was in my price range. After looking at options through Amazon where I get extra rewards since I have an Amazon credit card, I settled on buying it through B&H because it included a bag, a 16 GB memory card, and an extra battery for the same price as the camera was available on Amazon.com. The total came to about $730, which is a whole lot of money for me. But I'm kind of relieved to have finally purchased it, and I'm super excited to learn how to use it. 

Has anyone else invested in something fun lately? Have any tips for me as I learn to use my new camera?

Room Inspiration: Things We Love

Kate Spade's new book, Things We Love, is at the top of my wish list. And I have to be honest, I'm totally judging a book by its cover in this case. I LOVE this cover. The colors are amazing. So amazing that I decided to create a mood board inspired by the cover art.

Midtown Taxi Throw Pillow | Empire State Building Pillow Cover | Green Ruffle Pillow | Pink Lawrence Throw | Roy Lichtenstein Kiss II Print | Ektorp Sofa |  Perch Yellow Table Lamp | Gold Pig Bookends | Ceramic Telephone Smartphone Dock | Beagle Ceramic Decorative Plate | Small Ceramic Lattice Canister | Fuchsia Nina Chair | Between a Rock Gold Lamp Base | Vintage Globe | Brass Urchin | Smart Round Marble Top Coffee Table | Stockholm Rand Rug | Background Color: Benjamin Moore Jamaican Aqua

As you can see, the primary inspiration for this space is the book cover's color palette. I used a vibrant Jamaican Aqua by Benjamin Moore for the walls, and incorporated black and white, yellow, pink, red, green, and gold throughout the space. The black and white striped Ikea Stockholm Rand rug pulls the black and white stripes off the couch in the cover and places them on the floor, while the Smart Round Marble Top coffee table from CB2 breaks up the stripes and subtly varies the texture in the space.

The Midtown Taxi throw pillow from Land of Nod and the Empire State Building pillow (which I own) from NestaHome via Etsy celebrate kate spade's frequent homage to New York City. The Green Ruffle pillow adds some femininity to the otherwise graphic collection of pillows, and the pink Lawrence throw from Zara Home helps incorporate some pink into the sofa area. The Ikea Ektorp sofa is the item least inspired by the kate spade image, but I decided to pick a comfortable, practical piece that would blend easily in this room rather than something too sculptural and uncomfortable (after all, I want you to be able to recreate this in your own home if you want!). To compensate for the less structured sofa, I incorporated a fuchsia tufted Nina Chair from Cost Plus World Market. It adds the feminine sculptural qualities of the couch in the cover photo, while staying fresh and modern in a bright color.

Both lamps are quite sculptural--the yellow Perch Table Lamp is from West Elm and the gold Between a Rock Lamp is Land of Nod. Technically Land of Nod is Crate and Barrel's store geared towards children's furnishings, but as you can tell from this room, it has awesome accessories that are totally adult-worthy.

The Kiss II print by Roy Lichtenstein from Art.com celebrates kate spade's pop-art inspired items (like this iPhone cover and this tote bag). The Vintage Globe is from Haven Vintage via Etsy, and there are many others like it on Etsy. The Brass Urchin piece is part of the Nate Berkus collection for Target, which appears to be on the out, so pick one up while you still can!

In addition to the globe, the Jonathan Adler Ceramic Smartphone Dock takes a more literal inspiration from the cover, albeit updated for modern technology. Honestly, I would be totally happy just letting that sit on a bookshelf sans smartphone. The black and white Ceramic Lattice Canister is another affordable accessory from Target's Modern Cottage Collection, and links the black and white in the rug to another spot in the space. The Ceramic Beagle decorative plate is my favorite of the C.Wonder decorative animal plates (you should seriously check out the rest of them) and helps bring in a little more red to the space. The Gold Pig Bookends from CB2 add a sense of playfulness and whimsy that kate spade's collections are known for.

Have you had a chance to pick up Things We Love? Is it worth the price? I am trying quite hard to get through some of my other design books that I got for Christmas before I pick this one up, but the temptation is wearing on me!



Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate marketing links, which means I get paid commission on sales or click-throughs of those products I write about. My editorial content is not influenced by advertisers or affiliate partnerships. I use a 3rd party to develop these partnerships.

Valentine's Day Outfit

There's something about Valentine's Day that makes me want to wear a feminine and fun outfit. I even remember in middle school when my friend and I planned what we were going to wear and put our hair in foamed-roller ponytails the night before so that we'd have super curly ponytails the next day.

Fast forward almost 15 years and I still love to look especially cute on Valentine's Day. Here's a completely over the top Valentine's Day outfit for you.

Sweater | Pants | Earrings | Scarf | Watch | Ring | Shoes

Red pants and a pink sweater are a bold look, but how fun is this if you could pull it off? The appropriately titled Merino Boyfriend Sweater from J.Crew is a little oversized and comfy, and looks great with a scarf (I know because I saw my sister wearing this sweater with a scarf in different colors a few weeks ago). And I LOVE this scarf. It reminds me of Andy Warhol's Lips print. I really hope it goes on sale soon so that I can actually afford it. I've wanted the Kate Spade Locked In studs in gold for a while, but these pink ones are a lot of fun for Valentine's Day. The watch is an affordable piece from Target and comes in many other colors (I think gold and leopard are especially cool), and the ring is from BaubleBar. If you're looking for something more delicate, you could try other versions of the arrow ring--there are a ton on Etsy. The Printed Pointy flats from Gap look to be a cute and practical every day item. They come in other cute prints, including navy and white dots and leopard. 

Of course, any one of these pieces individually would be a fun way to add a little Valentine's Day to your wardrobe. If you want to see some other pieces that would be fun for Valentine's Day but didn't make it into this outfit, check out my So Stylish pin board on Pinterest. 

A Tale of Four Coffee Tables

This is a tale of how I ended up owning four coffee tables at one time...which is coincidentally also a tale of three very tolerant roommates.

Those of you who have known me for a while may recall when I refinished my first coffee table for our living room. I did a pretty good job if I do say so myself. But I haven't been in love with it lately. It's not that I don't like the table, it's just that it's to heavy for this space. We have a pretty large sectional in our living room, and the upper drawer gives it a heftiness that makes this space feel a little crowded. That said, the height and general dimensions have worked well.

I posted a few months ago about my obsession with Hollywood Regency marble coffee tables, and I'd be lying if I didn't say I am still head over heals for that marble and brass combo. In fact, my parents got rid of their glass and brass coffee table and gave it to me to sell at a yard sale...except it didn't sell. So I have been dragging my feet trying to sell it through other means because part of me hoped that I could use that gorgeous brass base if I found the perfect marble top for it. But alas, I have not. And I'm not convinced that an oval is the right shape for this space anyway.

If you read that marble table post, you may also remember that I did actually purchase a marble coffee table, only to get it home and realize...nope. Way too small. Proportion and I don't totally understand each other yet, but through this experience we are definitely getting to know each other better. So that coffee table base recently got a fresh coat of ASCP French Linen with gilded gold accents. She's now for sale. If you're interested, drop me a line.

So the fourth coffee table? Well, in November I watched an episode of Sabrina Soto's High Low Project in which she used a mid-century travertine and brass coffee table in her high version, and a brass and glass with a white back coffee table in her low version, which got me thinking, maybe I don't really need marble, maybe I just need a material that reflects light and varies the textures in the room. I knew glass just wouldn't work for us, but maybe lacquered wood would? So I started searching for brass bases that I could put a lacquered table top on.

Then, around black Friday Gilt.com had a sale where everything was 50% (max $100 discount). That's when I saw this coffee table from Safavieh. This was the kind of table I had actually been looking for when I bought my metallic side table. I'm not going for such a rustic vibe, but the proportions were perfect, and I liked the modern shape. With the sale it was about $120, and shipping was only about $8. Then it occurred to me: if this table was reasonably priced and had good bones, I could probably work a little magic and transform it into the brass and lacquered look I'm going for. So I bought it. It was scheduled to come in January, which was awesome at the time because I had like a million things to do before Christmas and I needed to move a bunch of existing projects out of our house so I could easily wait to deal with this coffee table.

via Amazon.com

Then one night in December I got home from class around 11:00 p.m. and found this leaning against a wall in our entry way. Whoops.

Normally I am pumped when things arrive early, but I was a little less than excited about this one. It's still sitting in its box until I can figure out what to do with the three other tables. I'm thinking about gold-leafing or spray painting the base. I haven't decided if I want to paint the top, stain it darker, or leave it as is yet.

So that is how I ended up with four coffee tables. In summary, if you are looking for a coffee table, I might have one for you. Call me maybe?

Linked to: Miss Mustard Seed

Safavieh Alec Coffee Table

No Shop January 2013 Update

Earlier this month, I declared that I would be celebrating my second annual No Shop January. Here's a little update on how I'm doing.

Successes

• I went shopping with the boy last week and managed to resist the temptation of buying stuff that was super on sale at J.Crew.
• I've taken multiple trips to Target without buying random crap. 
• I completed a couple projects without buying any new materials. 
• I decided I don't need to buy another pretty calendar. 
• I washed all of my tights so that they are ready to wear again (small victory!).

Failures (kind of)

• I ordered Dwell magazine through a Daily Candy deal. Magazines are something that I choose to invest in since I need so much inspiration for school and images for projects. Most of the magazines I get right now lean traditional/new-traditional, and even though Dwell isn't really my style, I decided I need to diversify my inspiration sources with something more modern. So I'm OK with that $12 purchase. Plus, if I buy even three of any specific magazine off the rack in a year, I end up spending more than the subscription price, so it's worth buying the subscription if I think I'm going to do that anyway. 
• I have not been stellar at planning my meals, so I've spent more than I intended on eating out a couple times. Still, I haven't been eating out as often as I normally do. 

Temptations

One of the reason I did No Shop January again was not just to save money, but also to conduct a little exercise in impulse control. Naturally, I've been tempted to purchase a few things during the month. I haven't pulled the trigger on any of these, but I am do so after sleeping on them for a while (another two weeks maybe?). 

Target Horse. This little guy is part of Target's great Modern Cottage Home Decor Collection, which I initially spotted on Sanity Fair, and later saw in store. He would look wonderful on my new bookshelf in our living room. Right now I have a white reindeer on there and he looks cool, but he's really only socially acceptable for the next few weeks. This horse would make a great replacement.

Target via Pinterest

Kate Spade's new book, Things We Love: Twenty Years of Inspiration, Intriguing Bits and Other Curiosities. Why am I such a sucker for big beautiful design books? I could spend hours pouring over them. And I LOVE how stacks of design books love sitting on a coffee table, although I don't think that's very practical because I wouldn't want anyone putting their sweaty drinks on them, even with a coaster. But still. I don't really carry Kate Spade's handbags, but I love her classic yet contemporary, playful yet sophisticated aesthetic. And as I mentioned last week, I love her jewelry. I want to see what she loves!

Amazon.com via Pinterest

Garden Stool. We have this funny little space next to a chair in our living room which doesn't functionally need a table next to it, but it just looks weird and empty. Also, we need more items to introduce our green and plum color scheme throughout the room. They're on sale at World Market right now, and I'm seriously tempted to grab one while it's so affordable. Now that I look at it I'm not sure that I am totally in love with the shape. See--this exercise in impulse control is working!

Cost Plus World Market via Pinterest

Harper's Bazarre, Vogue, and Architectural Digest. I already receive at least 5 magazines every month, and I feel like I'm forgetting one. I just ordered Dwell. I want more. What is wrong with me? I've followed all these publications on Pinterest in hopes that seeing their pins will satisfy my desire to read the entire publication. 

So that's how I'm doing. The real verdict will be how much lower my credit card bill is than it has been over the past few months. How's your No Shop January going?

Gift Exchange 2012

I meant to write a gift-giving roundup shortly after Christmas, but never got around to it. Since I'm a little strapped for time these days, I decided I could still feature just my gift exchange with the boy. If you hate coupley posts, then skip your read today and please forgive me. If you are a girl/boy who has a lot of conversations with friends and colleagues along the lines of, "I have no idea what to get my girlfriend/boyfriend for Christmas/a birthday/Valentine's Day/Our anniversary", or you want to see some cool stuff that is now on sale, then you may want to keep reading.

The boy and I don't spend a whole ton of money on each other for Christmas—about $100 each—but it's our style not to go over the top when it comes to spending. I know people who spend a ton more and people who limit their budgets for creative purposes, so I know our habit doesn't work for everyone. We always manage to find a few great things for each other, and I look forward to the exchange every year because it's fun to see what we've each come up with.

For the boy, I picked up a few items related to his new interest in cooking that sparked over the last year. He started by getting into slow cooking, so I got him an awesome T-Rex apron and a slow cooker cookbook (can't wait for him to cook me one of the amazing recipes in it). I also picked up a down vest he had been eyeing from Lands' End Canvas and a shirt that screamed "him". 

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

The boy did a great job with my gifts. He got me some gorgeous Kate Spade earrings, which he learned a while ago is always a good move (and he may have had been tipped off by my good friend, Pinterest). He also got me Jonathan Adler's new book, which meant he inadvertently received the "gift" of me reading it out loud to him while he attempted to watch some post-gift giving TV. 

His most thoughtful gift was a Jonathan Adler Christmas ornament to commemorate my start of interior design school this year. He even had a great line - "It's a Christmas ornament by one of your favorite designers for my favorite designer." He's a cheeseball and a keeper. I'm going to find a spot to have that little ornament out all year. 

1 | 2 | 3

So much of this stuff is still available and on sale now, so if you're not participating in No Shop January, check it out!

Favorite iPhone 5 Cases

A few months ago, I finally got an iPhone (yay!). I wanted one for long time, but was waiting to upgrade when my family renewed our contract (yes, I'm still on the family plan). Initially I bought a plain black case, and hunted for one for a while until I finally ordered a jazzy one right before the New Year. Here are some of my favorites:

1 | 2 | 3

1 | 2 | 3

1 | 2 | 3

I am impressed by Target's on-trend selection, but my favorite source is Society6. They just have such a huge selection. I found them through Jen Ramos' Made By Girl Shop, which linked to it for her iPhone Case in Colors 201. She actually has three of her Cocoa & Hearts paintings available in iPhone Cases (not just the one that you see on her website). I can't speak to the quality of the cases, but the designs are great. 

What's your favorite source for iPhone cases?

No Shop January 2013

Last year I decided to give my wallet a break and take on a challenge which I like to call "No Shop January". After paying my credit card bill from the holiday season, I think it's a great idea to participate in No Shop January again this year.

For me, January is one of the easiest months not to shop because I just got a bunch of new clothes and other stuff for Christmas, so I'm not wanting for much.

This year's rules are basically the same as last year. No spending on:

• Clothing, shoes, and accessories 
• Random makeup like lipstick or nail polish
• Random stuff from Target that I have a tendency to pick up when I’m grocery shopping there, including plastic containers and holiday decorations
• Sewing and crafting materials
• Tools 
• Wine or beer from the grocery store
• Fast food/restaurants when I’m eating alone
• Groupons/Living Social Deals
• Rue La La/One Kings Lane/Joss and Main/All other flash sales

I'm also making some exceptions like I did last year:

• Shopping with gift cards from Christmas is allowed.
• I can of course purchase materials and books for classes (which start at the end of January)
• The boy and I are allowed to spend money out to eat for date night, but we should try to be reasonable and also cook together at home once in a while. 
• Groceries are allowed, but impulsive purchases of craving foods when I already have perfectly edible food in my house are not allowed. 
• I am allowed to buy materials within reason for a project that I plan to at least start in January. The only thing I can think of that might apply to this right now is gold leafing, spray paint, and possibly wipe on poly.
• I am allowed to buy a pretty calendar to aid in one of my new year's resolutions (more info to come on that).
• I am allowed to buy reasonably priced baskets/plastic containers for some of the fabric and finish samples I've accumulated because one of my January projects to to get my design stuff organized. 

Strategies to see this through:

• Delete flash sale and store emails immediately.
• Plan meals better so that I don’t need to eat out.
• Start and complete the project I’ve been planning to do instead of taking on new ones.
• Write blog posts about the projects I’ve already completed instead of taking on new ones.
• Go through my closet and plan more outfits so that I don't feel the need to shop.
• Stop treating tights like they are disposable. 

I really need to get control of my spending, especially now that I am in grad school, so I may extend this little challenge into February too. We'll see how things go. My goal is to cut down my overall spending by creating better habits at the beginning of the year--something I didn't do a great job of last year. 

Just like last year, please join me in this effort! Share a link to your blog in my comments if you decide to do so. I'd also appreciate it if you grabbed a button from the sidebar to put in your post!

Last Minute Gift Idea: Framed Holiday Prints

Picture frames are always a nice gift, but they seem a little lame without a photo in them. For Christmas, treat your party host or friend to a picture frame, complete with some affordable holiday artwork that they can easily switch out when the season is over.

Given that Christmas is 5 days away, you'll want something you can pick up and put together quickly. Target's Threshold line has some really great frames right now, and Rifle Paper Co.'s holiday post cards fit perfectly into a 4" x 6" frame. Their beautiful folding cards also work with a little snip here and there. You can find Rifle Paper Co.'s products at many small businesses nationwide (buy local!), and others places like Paper Source. Here are some of my favorite combinations:

Brass + Festive Flora

Via Target

+

Via Rifle Paper Co.

Mirror + Peaceful Blue

Via Target

+

Via Rifle Paper Co.

Marble + Snowy Holiday

Via Target

+ 

Via Rifle Paper Co.

I may have even made a couple of these for myself. Both are cards I've sent to family and friends this year and last. Sorry about the crummy iPhone pics! 

Hope you are enjoying the holiday season! 

West Elm Kitchen Art

I hope everyone was able to get their vote in yesterday! The lines were crazy, but it was refreshing to see people stick it out for hours to make their vote count. It's also exciting to vote in a state like Virginia, where even the best prognosticators weren't quite sure what would happen. My polling location was selling donuts. Supporting the 6th grade is delicious.

Anyhoo, on to today's real topic of conversation.

When it comes to art, I love framing things that aren't necessarily intended to be framed and hung on a wall. For example, I used calendar images as artwork over our sofa, and framed cardboard diner cutouts currently hang in our kitchen. Keeping that in mind, there are another two types of artwork I love:

1) Diagrams
2) Sketches of ordinary objects

So when I saw these amazing paper placemats by Cake Kitchen Paper at West Elm, I immediately wanted to frame them and hang them on the wall. Only I have no wall to hang them on. And I just bought expensive boots. So I posted a link to them on my mom's Facebook wall so should could buy them instead.

Via West Elm

Aren't they seriously cool? I love the idea of framing one of these and hanging it in your kitchen or breakfast nook. They would even look cool in a dining room. And they double as a teaching tool if you have kids. If blue isn't your thing, they also come in brown craft paper.

I did a little digging and found a few more paper tablecloths and placemats from the same line that would look great framed.

Via West Elm

Via West Elm

The tablecloth would be really cool hanging on the wall of a rustic dining room.

Do you have any alternative art sources that you like to use in your home?

Note: I wasn't paid or perked by West Elm to feature this story. I just think these items are cool and wanted to share them. Happy shopping!

Discount on Frye Boots

For the past two years, I've had issues with the sole of one of my Ciao Bella cognac riding boots. Someone accidentally stepped on the back of my heal and took off the rubber portion of the sole of the heal. I got it repaired, and it came off again. I got it repaired again, and it was fine for a while. And then it came off again when I was in Charlottesville. While these boots have served me well, they are looking pretty beat up at this point, and I don't feel like paying to get them fixed again. Rather than dropping another $100 - $150 on poorly crafted boots that I'll replace in a couple years again, I've been lusting over some high quality Frye leather riding boots.

I especially love the Melissa Button Boot. I have, shall we say, "muscular" calves and pull on boots can be challenging, so I'm pumped that they come in an extended calf size.

Via Piperlime

I also like the Paige boots, but I'm not sure they'd look stellar on me.

Via Piperlime

My problem with Frye boots is the price. I know that they are super high quality and will hold up forever, but it's still hard to reach into my pocket and fork over $350 for shoes. Naturally, I've been scouring websites for sales, coupons, etc. trying to get a good deal on some Fryes. My goal was to get them under $300.

6pm.com is a great resource for affordable shoes, and actually has some pretty cute options right now.

I love the color and the buckle detail on the Dorado Riding Boot, but they don't have them in my size.

$281.37 via 6pm.com

I also like the Jackie Button Boot, with a manageable heal and a style very similar to the Melissa Button Boot. I just don't really need gray boots right now.

$208.80 via 6pm.com

I checked BlueFly.com, Nordstrom Rack's website and Tyson's stores, and LastCall, but couldn't find any deals. Piperlime had a few coupons recently, but they didn't apply to Frye...boooo :(

Today I did a little Googling and saw that Macy's was having a sale. They just happen to sell the Melissa Button Boots that I want, and the sale applies! 15% off of $300 is nothing small. After a little hesitation, I decided it was a good time to bite. Fingers crossed they look cute. It's still a lot of money to spend, but I have a few furniture projects in the works and I was careful not to spend much money on a Halloween costume and fall decor, so I can manage.

Check out Macy's stock of Frye Boots if you're interested in investing in some quality boots too!

Disclosure: I wasn't paid or perked by any of the companies listed in this post, I just love a good deal and like to let you guys know when I find one! 

My Search for the Perfect Leopard Flats

I'm not one to wear animal prints in my clothes very often, but I love an animal print accessory. Now that it's fall and the air is getting cooler, it's finally appropriate to break out the nice, deep leopard prints. I especially love leopard print shoes. This fall I've been on the lookout for the perfect leopard flat, but it's been a lot harder than I've expected.

I guess my criteria has been a little strict. I'd prefer something with a pointed toe, since it can be dressed up a bit more easily than a ballet flat, and looks great with pants, skirts, and dresses. While I've found a few contenders, my grad student budget has ruled some of them out already. Here's a list of the shoes currently in the walking running.

J.Crew Janey Calf Hair Flats

Photo from J.Crew

I realize that this is a silly first pick because these don't have that pointy toe I'm looking for, but OH MY GOD I love them. The gold heal...the rich color...they are just beautiful. The only problem? Um, the $298 price tag. And let's be honest, while that gold heal is gorgeous, it's going to be out of style pretty soon, making the price an even bigger deal. Oh well, a girl can dream can't she?

Steve Madden Vegass Flats

Photo from Piperlime

These flats are really what I'm looking for. They have a pointy toe and the fact that it doesn't have black trim makes it even more versatile. The only thing that's stopping me, again, is the price. Well, let me revise: It's the the price in combination with the quality. I just can't bring myself to spend $90 on flats that get 2.5 stars on Piperlime. The quality just doesn't match the price. I can only justify spending $90 on shoes if they're a good investment (the last few times I bought shoes that expensive, they were a pair of black Michael Kors pumps, and a pair of running shoes).

Steve Madden Eternnal Flats

Photo from Piperlime

These flats are very similar to the Vegass flats, and I really like the gold studs on the back. But again, based on the reviews, the current $70 price tag just doesn't match the quality. I might consider them in the $40 range, but not $70.

Steve Madden Croquet Flats

Photo from Zappos

Rounding up my Steve Madden picks is the Croquet, one of the many tuxedo flats that seem to be all over the place these days. I hesitate to buy these because while the style seems classic, the fact that they're everywhere this season makes me worry that they will just look tired next year. So even though the $56 price tag is more to the tune of what I'm willing to pay, they just aren't versatile enough. Plus, I tried them on at DSW while I was wearing athletic shorts and they just don't flatter my bare legs enough, so I couldn't wear them with skirts and dresses.

Mossimo Black Vianca Tuxedo Flat

Photo from Target

I actually ordered these at the beginning of the season because at $20, I was cool with them being trendy  and a little less versatile. But they were just too stiff and too low quality, and I knew that would probably be a problem. My feet just can't handle that anymore unless I'm wearing sandals. My friend Heather at Pineapples and Pearls ordered them and has a plan to make them more comfortable, so I'm eager to see if she can get them to work.

Nine West Speakup Flats

Photo from Nine West

I saw the Speakup in the Nine West store last weekend, and I think that these are really the ones I'm looking for. They're solid with more support than the Steve Madden options, and they have a sort-of pointed toe. They have a very classic look that I know I could wear for at least two seasons. At $80 they're still a little on the high side for flats, but I'm one coupon away from snagging these.

Crocs Kadee Leopard Flats

Photo from Zappos

These Crocs are a great option since they would be super comfortable and they are only $35.

Hahaha, just kidding! I could hardly even type that. Sorry guys. I am all kinds of silly this morning.

Have you scored any cute shoes lately? Do you own any of these above shoes? Know where I can score a deal on the Nine West shoes? I wish they were on Piperlime today so that I could get 20% off.

Guest Post at Bozzuto Beat Blog

Hey friends! I'm over at the Bozzuto Beat Blog today talking about my favorite thrift stores in Arlington and Falls Church. Check it out!

Furniture Hoarding

One of my favorite parts about re-doing furniture is seeing the potential in old beat-up pieces. I love treasure hunting. As I mentioned last week, I've been collecting furniture to refinish/refresh for my space at the Luckett's Spring Market in May. Because I've been spending so much time thrifting/craigslisting, I haven't actually finished any projects. But, I'm proud to show you the collection I've gathered.

Here is what our dining room currently looks like. Some of this is for the market and some of it isn't. That's our dining room table, which normally has a table cloth but has magically transformed into my sewing table.

This mid-century dresser is by Stanley furniture, and I'm having a hard time figuring out when it was built. Some clues: It has a stamp on the left side of the top drawer that says "Distinctive Furniture by Stanley".  The drawer glides in the dresser itself are wood, but the glides on the bottom of the drawers are metal. Also, the top is Formica. I don't think I'm going to do much to this guy but repair the bottom drawer glide and clean it up a bit. I'm not even sure he'll make it with me to the market. 

This dresser has some veneer issues, so I will probably repair it with wood filler and paint it. I'm thinking a deep blue. When I picked it up, I knew the drawers were solid but I had never seen the kind of joints on them before. I discovered that they are pin and crescent joints, which were pretty much only used on furniture manufactured between 1871 - 1900, which is pretty awesome. 

This old art deco waterfall dresser is really hurting, but I think I can make it gorgeous again. I love the drawer pulls. My favorite part about this dresser is that it's in such bad shape that I don't feel remotely guilty putting a coat of paint on it. I like painted furniture and stained wood, and sometimes I feel really guilty painting over perfectly nice wood. But with a dresser like this, I won't be ruining anything. Pretty much anything I can do to it will be an improvement.

I picked up this little stool and end table on Craigslist. I might use a combination of painted and stained surfaces for the table. I am also thinking the top might look cool with a design in it, similar to my herringbone side table. This little stool might also look cool with a design on the seat. Haven't quite decided what to do with him yet. 

While mid-century doesn't really jive with what we've got going on in our house, I thought these looked 1) really cool and 2) relatively easy to tackle. They're actually outside in this picture because I started sanding them last weekend. Like my mid-century dresser, I am having a hard time finding something similar to these. They have a number on the bottom, but no other clues. All my googling hasn't turned up something similar, so I'm not sure what their story is. I can say that they're nice, solid tables, and I think they're going to look amazing once I'm done with them.

Of all the stuff I've collected, I definitely have the most chairs. They can just have so much character, I can't really help myself. I always wondered how my grandparents ended up with a collection of random chairs in their house, and now I know because I'm well on my way. How cool is this banker's chair? It needs to be cleaned up and possibly refinished. I think I might also reupholster in with a bright, feminine print. I love the idea of juxtaposing a masculine chair with a feminine print.

I got a pair of these needlepoint chairs from the sad guy selling all his grandparents' furniture. You can kind of see in this picture that the seats aren't completely perfect, so they will get reupholstered. Don't worry, I'm going to try to preserve the needlework pieces and make them into art.

This rocker actually folds up and would be perfect for a little nursery. The design on the top reminds me of some cane chairs that my grandpa refinished for my parents. This will be very sunny when I'm done with it. 

So there's your sneak peak. I hope to get a lot done on these projects over the next few days. And who are we kidding, I might accumulate some more projects too.

Speaking of the next few days...I turn 25 on Monday. Eek! It's kind of crazy to think about. I have some fun stuff planned for the weekend and I will try to be a good little blogger and take pictures and tell you about it next week.

For my birthday, I'm asking my parents for some money towards a DSLR camera. Do any of you lovely readers have recommendations for a good starter (and affordable) DSLR? I haven't made up my mind yet.

Linked to: Junker Newbie, Miss Mustard Seed