Bargain Hunting Round Up (premier!)

Snowflake flurries have kept me inside today. In lieu of the storm, I've been doing a bit of sale spotting on the interwebs. Below you can find a round up of a few favorites of mine from my go to design stores. All of these finds are mark downs and affordable for the designer on a budget and (which, who is not on a budget these days?! Budgeting means more pennies saved and more travel funds available...). 

1//  West Elm's Perpetual Fox Calendar

2//  World Market Nico Arch Mirror

3//  Anthropologie Foil Dot Napkin Set

4//  Kelly Green Half Dozen Egg Crate

5//  Natural Histories: Extraordinary Rare Book Selections 

from the American Museum of Natural History Library

6//  Formosa Chartreuse Tray Table by CB2

7//  West Elm Silk Pillow Cover 

(I fell in love with the apricot tones HERE on little green notebook)

8//  Alyson Fox Stencil Wool Rug 

I am noticing a trend of gold, chartreuse, and green. It must be spring time! That Natural Histories Book looks amazing by the way. The illustrations would make beautiful framed prints. Not to mention the coffee table interest factor if this book ended up in your home. What a neat piece! 

Peruvian Textiles

One thing I will always regret: passing up the opportunity to buy a large textile on our travels to Peru this past winter. My suitcase space was limited, as it always is at the end of travels-- and although I did bring home a scarf made from hand dyed alpaca wool and two very unique textile headwraps, a little piece of my heart sighs every time I see Peruvian textiles in home design. Yes, *sigh*. How I would have loved to bring a patterned rug, throw, or even a piece large enough for a wall hanging back home with me. C'este la vie! I suppose a trip back to Machu Pichu will have to happen again. The artisan markets were heaven by the way. I could spend a whole months worth of a trip purely hiking Inca ruins and digging through textiles (you can read more about that trip at Darling Magazine online- HERE).

Rust-Oleum & Our Vintage Wire Chairs

About an hour after I posted about the wire chairs I found on Craigslist, that were only 7 miles from my house, I decided to call the guy and inquire about them. Story is, he got these chairs from a train engineer who found them on the side of the tracks back in the 70's. They are straight out of the 1950s, and painted a retro pink and black (reminding me very much of a poodle skirt). He's had them in his house for years, and now his wife gave the chairs the boot. Lucky me!

Although out of my price range at first glance, two of my friends continued to send me links to chairs, just like the ones I posted, that were $150-$400 PER CHAIR. Like, really? That much for a chair? Wire on chairs on Etsy are pretty ridiculous also. So, with all that in mind, I got in my car and drove to north west Denver to a little antique shop where I had to see the chairs for myself. Although $349 seemed to pricey at first, I figured maybe I could bargain him down a bit. And BAM, I did! The chairs even have their original hardware. I absolutely love love love them! And I think if ever we got tired of them as kitchen table chairs, they will make an absolute wonderful patio addition (i.e., that reclaimed wooden table with these beauties. Why, yes.)

Wire Chairs

Everything about this table setting pulls me in. The reclaimed wood. The crisp white rectangle dinnerware. The subtle green succulents. But most of all, the wire chairs. When we went on a walk last weekend, I could not help but swoon over a backyard we passed by. Among the spring blooms, wire chairs and a vintage patio set brought a sense of invitation and vintage nostalgia to the yard. Although I do not have a yard of my own, I think a set would gladly be welcomed at a dining room table. I have been checking in with my pal Craiglist to see if any wire chairs pop up. Don't you just love the juxtaposition of a wire chair with soft pillows and a throw in a bedroom space even!? Last night, I discovered these on the interwebs, just a few miles away from my house and ready for purchase...

Thoughts for Thursday

Yes, let's.

8 Looks from spring weekending

I love clothes. Maybe too much. And now that the winter layers are coming off (yay, spring!) I have a new found liking for my wardrobe again. I've never meant for this blog to be fashion focused, but I do mean to share little bits of lovely here and there--and that includes fashion in my book. And truly, I think the way I dress somewhat parallels my taste for home design and other of life's aesthetics. Its all relative. I thought it might be fun to post a few of the outfits I've worn (and remembered to snap a photo of) ever now and again. These looks are a from the beginning of spring with some April showers. What have been your go to looks for spring weekending? 

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

When embarking upon any coastal travels south of the border, visions of warm sand, sun-kissed skin, and melodies of dancing waves linger as swimsuits are packed and sunscreen applied. It is said,“The cure for anything is saltwater—sweat, tears, or the sea” -Isak Dinesen. Perhaps that is why Playa del Carmen offers a sense of restoration for its travelers. With sea bound exploration, Playa’s Caribbean ocean provides solace, reflection, and a place for discovery...continue reading.

Just what is it about the sand and the sea that soothes the soul just so? One of my all time favorite Mexico destinations has the best combination of coastal leisure and adventure. You can read my latest travel article over at Darling Magazine Online for a bit of a glimpse into this lovely fishing town. It is actually where Matt and I honeymooned!