Target Secrets

We all love bargains, right? I've talked about this in terms of thrifting, but Target can be the queen bee too. Finding that little red sticker that says now: $5.98, was: $29.99 just makes you want to run around the store and tell everyone that there is a deal being had at the end of aisle 7. It makes you want to stock up like a dooms day prepper because you might need those 6 lamp bases, 10 picture frames, and 8 pillows one day (clearance prices do something to your mind and make you think a little bonkers). Okay, so I don't stock up, but I can't lie about not thinking about it when I see the red clearance sticker.

So let me give you some advice. If you see something at Target that you like: WAIT. Honestly, more times than not, that same item will be marked down in a few weeks. Or a like item, that is a bit different, but still gets the job done. With buying a house, and having 400% more space than I've ever had in my entire life, I've been frequenting my Target a lot lately, in the same fashion as a thrift store. My eye is looking out for red signs sticking out from shelves in Home and I look on the back side of the aisles : that's where the clearance treasures are found, and I kid you not it can be a gold mine.

 Threshold lamp Base $7, Threshold side tables $20.

Another word of advice: If there is a crack or small damage, but it isn't that noticeable to you, or it really wouldn't bother you in the end when the home item is styled in your house, ask for a discount at checkout. Most recently, I found two clearance items, a glass lamp base and a Nate Berkus tray (both now in the guest bedroom), that had a chip and a crack. The lamp base chip is hidden when its standing upright on a table and the tray's crack is covered with mindfully placed decor on the tray. Both were already end of aisle clearance items, but because I pointed the damage out at checkout, I got an additional discount. So yes, ASK! You can always send it as a go back if you change your mind at checkout.

Four Threshold wooden frames, $2 - $5 each.

Media center $60, was $140.

Gold bowl on sale, discount at check out because of small scratch.

Sale on poufs (the best new word for fun ottomans), $30 off marked price.

Something else I've observed, Target markdowns are best found mid-week. I find the best clearance items the further away the day is from the weekend. And, it never hurts to ask for a price adjustment if you bought something earlier that is now an even greater mark down. I just did it yesterday with a few frames, and saved $10 (it all adds up, friends!).

Bargain Hunting Round Up // Bringing the Outdoors In

I am just aching to build a planter box, dig in dirt, and add flowers to our front porch. But snow keeps falling, and patiently I wait. You should see my kitchen windowsill--completely packed with my little potted flowers taking refuge from the cold yet still absorbing as much sun as possible despite the blizzard conditions! At least there are creative ways to bring the cheery warm days of outdoors in, with terrariums, floral prints, and spring colors (like in today's round up!)  Below you can find a new round up of my new favorite finds from around the interwebs.  All of these finds are mark downs and affordable for the designer on a budget. You can catch up on more favorites from my browsing HERE. (Also, notice that lamp shade? The same print as my living room curtains!)

1// Chalkboard spice jar.

2// UO glass house terrarium (marked down from $49 to $19.99!)

3// Threshold flocked lamp light shade.

4// Honeycomb ceramic lamp.

5// Brass animals from Target (who, by the way, is winning in the decorating department as of late)

6// Coqo floral rug.

7// Anthropologie's ceramic plant markers.

8// Threshold butterfly shadow box.

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! 

A Little Bit Girly.

// 1 Matt took me to a coffee shop back in November that had the most gorgeous chandelier for being housed in a little off the beaten path shop. I could feel girly for quite some time sitting there under it's dim glow. And the ceiling! Oh how we love a great fabric. // 2 Foam design in my latte is that simple and unexpected beauty that I love. Its the little things in life. // 3 Target has been good to me with its $5 price tags and this little red number, all I need is some lipstick to match. 

Anything make you embrace a little bit of girly-ness lately? Happy weekend!

Fabric & Threads: Paisley, Cords, and Polkadots

If you know my everyday style, you know that I often mix prints. One of my lovely readers asked if I could share a bit on my print and pattern mixing. Being such a visual person myself, I thought that showing you photos every now and again of my daily looks may be of some inspiration to you, especially if they combine prints and colors you may not have thought of before! (HERE you can see the past Fabric & Threads post). This year I feel my personal style has both matured yet also brought back parts of my past. As a teenager, mostly what I wore was thrifted and vintage. I lost that zest for the thrift through my college years, and now with a love for being frugal and finding a bargain, thrifting is back in my life, and also allows for interesting patterns and pieces of the past to be a part of my wardrobe again. I can also say I feel a bit braver in my personal style. Feeling more confident in my own skin and in the layers beneath the fabric and threads has really made me more daring to try bold prints and trends I might not have tried in the past. And when I say layers, what I really mean is that I have grown in my confidence as a woman, in my inner beauty, and have learned to embrace my imperfections and be thankful for the body I have.

Mixing Prints for Fall:

This look incorporates skinny floral corduroys, a polkadot wedge top, grey suede ankle boots, and a top knot. The patterns and tones are subtle, yet compliment each other. The blousey top paired with the skinnies creates a fun sillohuette. Corduroy for fall is perfect, especially in colors like plum, eggplant, mustard yellow, and navy. Let's keep colors in the season, shall we? And of course the booties are in right now, but I would love them regardless of the trend. They're a great boot option while it is still eighty degrees out (no sweaty calves!). I'll have you know ALL of these items were purchased for my work wardrobe revamp. And ALL were purchased on sale! Paired with other items in my closet, a more formal work look can be put together with each piece. But on the weekend, I can wear all three of these elements together and BOOM a playful look for day and night. What is a print combo or look that you are loving for fall?

top ANN TAYLOR | corduroys ANN TAYLOR | booties TARGET 

Thrift store digging for denim, classic, and clean.

photo source 1 / 2 / 3

You may have read past posts on thrifted clothing finds and thought to yourself, "That is cute, but I am more of a classic jeans and blouse girl. And I never could find my simple clean style at a store like Goodwill...." And you may have just gone about your life never stepping foot into a thrift store or flea market with fashion on the mind. I hope this post causes a change of heart. As much as I love unique vintage type pieces in my wardrobe, I am also one for the classics (especially for work).  Yes you do need patience and yes you do see a lot more ugly than pretty, but I promise you, if you have the right thrifting mindset and an idea of the look you want (Pinterest can always help with this) you will find some classic threads for an unbeatable price. With the right styling and accessorizing, simple pieces can be worn many a ways, making it an even bigger bang for your buck.

My simple finds, all in one trip, all at one Goodwill:

Kenar white cotton blouse $3.99

Banana Republic striped button up $2.99

Guess button fly boot cut jeans $6.99 

New York & Co. little denim vest $1.99

Sanctuary tan capri pants $1.99

Ann Taylor cotton cargo pants $3.99 (tag still on!)

{Not pictured but linked up are the last two pants listed as well as the plethora of banana republic blouses I tried on but ended up not taking home.}

See, you can find good brand names too, if that's your fancy! 

Are you weary of the thriftstore dig, or do you get giddy at the thought?

Are you on the other side of the wardrobe fence, and needing to purge and donate to Goodwill? For some guidance on wardrobe simplification, read this post at Thoughts by Natalie.

Treasury Edition No. 2: Budvase, reflection, entryways, and dumpster dives.

This is a new series added to the blog, with the original treasury idea inspired by Etsy (where items of a similar theme would be put together for a mini collection of sorts). This is a collection of frugal finds, home design, affordable style, and other splendid bits and pieces from readers like you. If you missed the first treasury, meander over here. Enjoy!

My blue ceramic treasure: This Dutch Delft budvase I found at a consignment store that was going out of business. Originally it was a gift for my Grandma, and now it holds a handful of flowers in my home. It cost $5 and was made in Holland.

Natalie is one of those women who has classy style in her bones. And she is amazing at navigating the wide world of Craigslist. Lucky for us, she is sharing a few of her most recent frugal finds. Natalie found the oval mirror at the Goodwill for only $5. She painted the frame gold to spruce it up a bit. It adds some splendid character to her basement guest room. Next, the dresser was a furniture piece from Natalie's parents. After the piece was hidden down in her basement, Natalie decided to give it new life. With some sanding (oh how we all love this part of refurbishing), white paint, and a new spot in her entryway, this repurposed dresser looks so put together. To accent the design, Natalie painted the lamp shade black. I love this look! (If only I had more photos to show you her entire living room. It is black, white, and classy perfection.) Lastly, this is by no means a new one for the record books, searching for treasure by literally diving, yes, into a dumpster. But, when you get something great like this pedastool side table, completely free? Cannot beat that. Let's dumpster dive more often, shall we? Just wash up properly afterwards and sanitize the bajeebies out of it.

Treasuries are made possible by you! If you would like to be a part of the next collection, email me or read more about guest postings here. 

We're not in Kansas anymore.

Gingham blue. Think Dorothy, Todo, and red slippers. Living in Colorado has made me consider adding a basket to my Townie and being at the ready for green skies that may spin and land me and on a yellow brick road. In the spirit of gingham, and with the trend of this summer, I was lucky to find this high waisted skirt at a thrift store. It cost me $2 and Matt's approval (we were on a thrifting date night). Paired with this "which way" shirt I got on sale a while back, it definitely embodies the feel of Oz. And instead of ruby red slippers, I went with nautical yellow wedges by Tom's shoes.  

Mini art collection additions.

Today it is going to be a scorcher. One hundred degrees! My cousin and I are planning on going over to the Cherry Creek Beach to lay out and wade in the water and possibly run through the sprinklers if we still need some cooling off. This California girl is used to having a pool or the ocean close by, but lucky for me there are still ways to sport my swimsuit and escape the heat in this mile high city.

vogue

Before I get my day started, I wanted to show you what the other $1.50 got me at Goodwill the other day in addition to the dainty gold trimmed cup. Once the second bedroom is clear of garage items, I will start my long anticipated list of projects and design for that room. One of which is a gallery of fun thrift & antique store prints, paintings, and sketches. These two little framed works of art will be a part of that collection. The navy frame with the flower print is from the 1950s and the windmill sketch may be more recent, but it has that old feel, which I love. 

One more thing. This blog has been viewed over 2,000 times and it has not even been a month  (21 days, but who is counting?) since I started Pearls Poppies Pinkies Up! Thank you for reading and following along. I so appreciate all of the blog loving and your support as readers. Here's to another month of old meets new, bargain hunting, projects, and ways to bring affordable lovely into your home. I feel like I am just getting started.

Treasury Edition No. 1

One of my favorite necklaces I purchased at a car show. Yes, bargain hunting and vintage finds can come at the most unexpected times. Don't you just love this turtle necklace? What is one of your favorite "got it when I least expected it" finds?

This wonderful find is from reader Noelle, designer and art director of uzzicreative. A Goodwill tray (circa 1970's Great Britain) she snagged for $2 on her birthday, together with a succulent and salt and pepper birds she received as a gift, she created a fabulous centerpiece. I am loving the green and orange color combo. ("I stare at it every day for creative inspiration"-Noelle) All this for $2!!! 

Jenna of Jennasaurusfun whimsical hand-made goods found an amazing hot-air balloon print, an owl bank, and a voyage worthy embroidery piece. In her words: " 'Admiral Stock's Aerial Adventure' is a print that Blake (husband in above photo) and I purchased together at a Salvation Army while we were dating. We shared it and often joked over the custody battle that would surely occur if we were ever to break up. The painting feels like something that would be in a Wes Anderson movie.  I got the little, leather owl bank at a thrift store years ago and I love the way it works with other little things that I have collected on top of a stereo that grandma passed on to us when she got new ones. I found this embroidered ship at a garage sale for 2 bucks. We get compliments on it all the time and it has inspired me to try out some embroidery of my own (for example... my first ever attempt is the owl in the photo with the owl bank)."    This girl knows how to thrift. She has what I consider the gene. (Yes she is my cousin). And yes, she does have an Etsy shop.

Lovely reader Hillary put in some serious elbow grease, paint, and design detailing into this piece (a Broyhill hutch). It was an unsold garage sale item that was given to her. All she had to pay was her time and diy patience! You can read more about the project at her personal blog. It made me laugh reading about her paint suite and the commentary about her husband getting in the project. (Also, that her light at the end of the tunnel was to get a homemade pie on that hutch, no matter what it took). How pretty are those knobs? And don't even get me started about that yellow, grey, and aqua floral print. Love it, Hillary!

I would love to add your find to the next treasury. Just send me an image (it can even be a snapshot from your phone, no professional cameras needed!) with a short detail of your find at pearlspoppiespinkiesup@gmail.com and I will add it to the next collection of reader treasures.  As Jenna wrote me, "Its like a grown up show and tell series!"  I cannot wait to see what you have to share!

Grenadine with a side of Baroque.

I found this frame at Ross in the clearance pile. It cost $2 and perhaps nobody wanted it because it is a bold design combined with a bold gold. I was drawn to the shape and liked that the photo part was square.  I think my favorite part is the strand-of-pearl like trim around the photo square. That, and it reminded me of a pineapple at the top.

The gold on this frame did not make me want to sing, SO, I browsed my color options at home. BEHR's Grenadine is what I used. A pop of red is always good in my book. I applied the paint with a foam brush while watching Downton Abbey and thinking in a British accent (that last part is optional, however, painting a Baroque styled frame like this did feel fitting). Because the the paint was sample size, the finish of the frame turned out matte. I would have liked it glossy, but I wanted to make use of what I already had.

This may not be the official photo for the frame. I have a long outstanding list of prints to go through to find the perfect one. I want to place a square photo in the middle with some glass trim around it so it has that "floating" feel. I also considered putting cork behind the frame and making it a tiny note board for the kitchen. Frame for now, endless possibilities for the future.

At the Spanish Steps, Rome, last summer.

Dainty gold trimmed cup.

Ever since I was given my grandma's china, I cannot get pretty dishes out of my mind. I may have spent a good portion of "me time" looking at ways to display china on various vintage blogs and design images. And I may have gotten lost in types of china, color combinations, and hand painted detailing. And I definitely may have felt rather girly and ready to meet up for tea and crumpets. Growing up I would often imagine that I was Alice (in Wonderland), so maybe that is why I have a hidden love for tea party accessories. Regardless, no one can deny the femininity of a delicate hand painted rose on gold trimmed bone china. And no one can deny a good deal. I bought this tonight for $0.49. Yes, thats right, forty nine cents. Isn't it lovely?

Made in England

Cheerio!

(And for those of you that look forward to my posts, next up is a DIY guest entry!)