09:
You don’t have to be OCD to love the organizational high of labeling everything in sight. And there’s something still so charming about the label makers manufactured back in the 70’s and 80’s, before digital budged its way in. Such old-school labellers are so textural, so boldly colored, so painfully retro. Score one of your own on Ebay (Exhibit A) and start labeling all kind of things besides just cupboards, files, etc.
Wine Glass Markers: Even those wine glass bangles start to look alike after a few. Labeling party guests’ glasses with their own name leaves little guessing work.
Tiny Door Labels: Dress the doors in your home with colorful—albeit elfin-sized—labels. This helps guests differentiate between a bathroom door and a closet door without helping them too much.
Last-Minute Greeting Cards: Label makers are especially great for whipping up a birthday or get-well card in a jiffy. Simply type out the subject (i.e. “Sorry you broke your leg, you big klutz!”), stick it on the front of a blank card, scribble a heartfelt line or two within and voila. 
Book Labels: Never let book borrowers doubt for one second who that book belongs to by plastering your labeled name inside each cover. Pseudonyms are fun too.
01:
When I woke up this morning, greeting the new year, I immediately started going over my work schedule in my head. Referring to the iCals on my iPhone, iPad, and MacBook, I realized that 2013 is already begging me to get ultra-organized. Knowing other’s may have the same resolution, I thought this the perfect time to write a post inspiring us all to makeover our home offices. I hope these stylish and practical items motivate all you hard working women to create the workspace that you and your careers deserve.
Recently, I read an interesting fact: the color green helps you focus and should, therefore, cover the walls of libraries and offices. Pick your favorite of these viridescences and get to work!
Benjamin Moore Paints
Of course, you cannot call it a home office if it’s without a desk! This handsome piece with its two shelves and vertical design is perfect for a small space.
Wood & Metal Desk – World Market, $299.99
Are you a designer, needing more than just a computer desktop desk? Don’t worry! World Market also offers this beautiful, adjustable drafting desk. What I love about this item: when you’re done with your drafting, throw a fun vintage tablecloth atop it and you have yourself a very handsome dining table. You’re welcome…
Drafting Desk – World Market, $223.99
Whenever a friend or client of mine says they want a “big comfy” office chair, I always tell them, “Why get one of these cumbersome (and typically ugly) super comfortable chairs when you already have a couch, bed, and armchair?” In my experience, opting for the “simple” chair for your workspace is always the smarter choice. More work gets done, more space is saved, and your hardwood floors are spared the many scratches that come from the rolly chair. Though it’s a bit of a splurge, I just love the classic and surprisingly snug ghost chair.
Ghost Chair – InStyle Modern, $115
It’s a rough life for those of us who just can’t live without our iPads but have a fondness for the past, always purchasing antiques and adorning our homes with decorative old phones and typewriters. But now, thanks to “a revolutionary advancement in the field of obsolescence” our two juxtaposing loves can come together, giving our decorations a utilitarian makeover while staying oh so aesthetically pleasing.
USB Typewriter, DIY Kit – usbtypewriter on etsy, $49
While searching for the rare, stylish bulletin board, I was thrilled to find the following item. The fabulous fab.com doesn’t only sell pin boards featuring the map of London (in both blue and black), but of Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Manhattan.
Pin City Map of London – Palomar, Fab.com, $45
Another difficult find is the nice-looking, long-lasting desk lamp. It’s alright, I’ve found it for you! For just $40, this Ikea lamp is sure to illuminate your space all year and for those to come.
Ardod Work Lamp – Ikea, $39.99
A great room is always made perfect by the detail. Don’t overlook the chance at spiffing up your station with unique stationary or colorful paper organizers. These floral file folders are model examples, adding the perfect pop of color and character to your desk.
Wildflower Folders – Office Max, $5.99 for nine
Don’t let your files be the only sign of nature in your office. Make the smart addition of greenery to turn this study room a home.
Table Top Terrarium – chive.com, $23.10
Earlier, I mentioned something about the importance of detail. Now I cannot say that without sharing this gem of a find from Paper Source. This particular eraser says it all for you, so you don’t have to…
Sh*t. Eraser – Paper Source, $4
Happy organizing, happy resolving, happy working, and happy New Year to all you Frugal Materialists!
20:
Target is already applauded for its fun high-fashion collaborations, but they’ve been kicking it in the home department lately as well (Exhibit A). They’re partnering with luxury retailer Neiman Marcus this holiday season, offering up a pretty awesome assortment of gift-worthy décor from the likes of Caroline Herrera, Rag + Bone and Rodarte. Here are our favorites.
You probably can’t afford to buy your best friend a dreamy Rodarte cocktail dress, but whatever you do get her should be wrapped in this trippy Rodarte moon paper. $3.99 for 4 oversized sheets.
Rodarte Wrapping Paper
These colorful Tracy Reese dessert plates would turn even the blandest store bought pie into something glamorous. $19.99 for a set of 4.
Tracy Reese Dessert Plates – Set of 4
This Caroline Herrera stationery set has “mom” written all over it. $9.99.
Carolina Herrera Stationery Set
The Oscar de la Renta dog bowl: Because dogs just know when they’re lapping up water from something unstylish. $14.99.
Oscar de la Renta Pet Bowl
If looks could kill, this stunning Eddie Borgo letter opener would get you right in the gut. Seriously though—this functional desk décor should probably be handled with care. $17.49.
Eddie Borgo Letter Opener
Normally, the Tory Burch logo makes me kind of nauseous, but even a hater can’t hate on this undeniably cute thermos. $12.49.
Tory Burch Printed Beverage Container
The perfect last-minute gift for your fashionable friend who likes to drink: nickel-bottomed Rag + Bone shot glasses. $9.99 for a set of 4.
rag & bone Shot Glasses – Set of 4
05:
It’s that time of year again, friends. Let’s get into the holiday spirit with some inspired decor for the frugalist in us all.
Check out these adorable felt ornaments available at Anthropolgie.com for only $8.00 a piece! Perfect for any interior design buff.
Felt Ornaments
We know that one of the biggest trends for the new year will be natural materials, so try this beautiful driftwood wreath for a rustic holiday feel from HomeDecorators.com. $44.00.
Driftwood Wreath
Bring the festival of lights home with this compact, silvertone, electric Menorah from B, B and B. $39.99.
Electric Menorah
We’ve all seen these “Keep Calm” posters. Here’s one with a bit of holiday flare from Etsy.com for under $10.00. Font colors can be personalized to coordinate with your interior!
Keep Calm poster
Finally, for those of us living in a blended household, check out these amazing Hanukkah inspired tree ornaments also from our friends at Etsy.com for $20.00.
Hannukah tree ornament
Happy Holidays everyone!
28:
I have to confess, I only stumbled on this awesome collection while browsing Target online JUST NOW. Where was I when this stuff came out? Did anyone else know about this? I can’t imagine they did, because nothing at all is sold out yet (to my frustration, any good target designer stuff sells out in negative time). Some items are even on sale, and although available online only, shipping isn’t too bad. The beauty of Blu Dot is that it really appeals to the design-loving masses, satisfying both modern and vintage palates.
… And now you can enjoy it at mass-friendly prices. Below, my top 5 picks.
Finally! A sturdy, modern chair that also looks quite cozy. I’m loving the color scheme too. On sale for $220.
TOO by Blu Dot Sig Lounge Chair, $220
With its open air shelving and pops of color, I could see this doing double duty as a room divider. On sale for $180.
TOO by Blu Dot Stories Bookcase – White/Yellow/Walnut/Gray, $180
A perfectly designed side table accented in this season’s trendy oxblood color? Yes please!
Daisy Accent Table, $70
I could see this oh-so-retro sideboard used as a tv stand in a small apartment. Also availabe in a walnut and yellow finish.
Twilight Sideboard / Media Stand – Whitened Birch, $225
This chair would be right at home in a Japanese modern-minimalist space. Comes in a light color too!
Sideburn Lounge Chair, $200
