19:
I recently met up with a good friend visiting from San Francisco. We covered all the usual topics—work, travel, mutual friends—and then she mentioned that she finally got around to buying a new kitchen table. It was the Verona from World Market, and she was a big fan. World Market what? There aren’t any retail locations in New York, and I only knew them through online ad imagery that, quite honestly, conjured bad Pier I Import flashbacks.
I trust this friend’s judgment, as well as her low tackiness threshold, so I decided to conduct some online investigation of my own. From what I can tell, they offer some pretty stylish pieces, and at absurdly low prices. So low, in fact, that I can’t imagine being heartbroken were I to order something and what arrived turned out to be only so-so. Here are some pieces that caught my eye.
The Jackson Dining table, with metal legs and a solid wood top, is quite a steal at $329.99.
Jackson Rectangular Table with Metal Base
I imagine this Lime Penelope Spindle Stool looking quite at home in a bathroom, where it could function as a perching spot for towels, candles or books. $89.
Lime Penelope Spindle Stool
Frame your flat screen and hardbacks with this crafty Easel Media Stand. $179.99.
Easel Media Stand
With shapely turned legs and soft upholstery, the Ravenna Chair has the makings of a beloved bedroom or entryway chair. On sale for just $139.98.
Goldenrod Ravenna Chair
The nailhead detailing and muted upholstery on the Hara Screen would add polish to any space in need of some dividing. $199.
Hara Upholstered Screen
This Distressed Gray Metal Pendant is perfect above a kitchen table or island. $89.99.
Distressed Grey Metal Pendant
Made in Kenya, the Black + White Soapstone Platter would make a great catchall for keys and mail. $19.99.
Black and White Soapstone Dot Platter
I want this White Canvas Horse. I have no idea what for, but I do. $29.99.
White Canvas Horse Decor
02:
Pardon me if this 1-year-old company is old news to anyone, but I’m just finding out about it! So, I’ll assume that some of you Frugal Materialists are, as well. While walking to Housing Works Café for a day of book browsing, a vibrant storefront window on Spring Street stole my attention. What is “C Wonder?” I wondered. A day later, in the Time Warner Center, there it was again. I decided to have a look. To say I found more in C Wonder than expected would be an understatement. From winter jackets to dog bowls to roller skates (YES), C Wonder gives traditional, polished prep a funky, artistic makeover. With patterns like eye-candy and such reasonable prices, C Wonder’s home accessories are so FM-friendly that I couldn’t help but share.
The store’s displays prove how mixing patterns and bold colors is always a Yes. Items on these three shelves range from just $8-$38.
How smart would these more monochromatic accessories look in your study or home office? Prices from $28.
If you know me, you know my love for some great throw pillows. C Wonder’s received an audible (and honorable), “Oh, yeah,” while I snapped a photo. Their $34-$48 price tags make them even better.
And then I decided C Wonder was my favorite… These bright bikes are a steal at $249. Top it off with a matching helmut for $49 and a pretty patterned water bottle for $9.
If you liked what you just saw, there is oh so much more where that came from. Go online or to any C Wonder in your city to see what else they have for you. Be sure to take advantage of their 30% off All Sale Items, until 12/6 (so hurry). They’ve also put together some fun “Gifts for $25 and Under” & “Gifts for $50 and Under” tables for the holidays. I know, it’s a lot. Aren’t you glad I went in?
27:
I was never much of a craft-y person, so I didn’t think of arts and crafts giant Michael’s as a resource for me as an interior designer. But when I needed cork for a custom bulletin board, I ventured into my local store and was surprised to see a Home Décor section, and even more impressed with the selection of products to stage and finish as space.
These faux diamond studded black and silver trays are a great bit o’glam to corral keys and mail on a drop table by the front door.
These glass plates add another elegant touch. At $4.99 each, they can be used for candles or as coasters for glasses.
If storage is an issue, try using these velvet lined Book Boxes. They’re perfect for hidden storage and add a touch of vintage to a lonely tabletop.
Along the same lines are these Library Book inspired folder holders, which are functional in an office and will look like books on a shelf.
One of the hottest décor trends is mercury metal. It goes great with silvers or gold schemes and adds a touch touch of glamour without being too traditional. These types of accessories could go for as much as $12.00, but at Michael’s this accent piece is $3.99.
Hurricane vases, when filled with decorative bamboo or tall grass, are versatile pieces for any room design. $27.99.
A cluster of these small vases could cost over a $100 from other stores but at Michael’s, you can easily add a burst of color to the anywhere without breaking the bank.
23:
For those of you who haven’t visited a Marshalls store in a while, it might be time to give it a second look. Walk past the delectable designer shoes and handbags at discounted prices to the home decor aisles tucked away in the back and we dare you to leave without finding a crazy deal. From designer bedding to one of a kind objets d’art, it’s like a flea market that’s been run through the wash cycle a few times. Check out some of our finds.
At $1.99-3.99 a pop, you can afford to eat a fancy meal off these pearly dinner plates.
This oversized chess piece makes a great centerpiece or bookshelf accessory. $12.99.
Striking blue glass bottles inspired by 50′s and 60′s design, minus the vintage pricetag. $7.99
Missed out on the beach this summer? Coral accessories fill the void at $14.99.
Vintage industrial decor at Marshalls? Yes please. Large wall-mounted wire shelf, $29.99.
This steampunk magnifying glass on a stick looks classy and functional on a vintage desk. $14.99.
Steampunk lamp, $29.99.
How about one of these 70′s style dog statues to greet people by the door, $49.99.
At $19.99 a pop, these bamboo folding stools have a thousand stylish uses.
Feel like a queen in these comfy Cynthia Rowley burnout velvet chairs, $149.99 each.
Victorian mirror, $14.99.
Preppy Ralph Lauren sheets in all sizes for $19.99. Great values indeed.
Another Ralph Lauren gem, this blue porcelain table lamp is $49.99.
The same 4″x6″ rug at Crate and Barrel will run $200 and up, here it’s $50.
18:
We’ve always coveted the iconic Hudson Bay Multistripe Point Blanket (made of 100% Canadian wool), but it wasn’t until recently that we realized they sell a slew of other home items, many surprisingly inexpensive. Our favorites, $40 and below.
Brightly banded and topped with a walking stick point, you’ll never confuse this umbrella for someone else’s at the umbrella stand. $35.
Walking Stick Umbrella
A set of these mugs makes an easy gift for that neighbor or colleague you don’t know all that well (but are invited to something for). $7.00 each.
Multi Stripe Mug
Finally: a towel that quite literally lets you drop anchor at the beach. Be prepared to take some flack from your friends for the S.S. Beaver part, though. $27.99.
SS Cotton Beaver Beach Towel
You can’t beat this crisp, adorably-striped tote bag for just 10 bucks.
Tote Bag
The real-deal Multistripe Point Blanket will set you back at least $275. This fleece lookalike, however, is just $40 and probably a lot more snuggly.
Fleece Multi Coloured Throw
This pitcher looks like it could turn ho-hum tap water into something that trickled down a pristine mountainside. $11.99.
HUDSON’S BAY COMPANY COLLECTION Acrylic Pitcher
