Friday Finds, Shopping Guide

ZANY HOUSEWARMING GIFTS

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A nice bottle of wine or olive oil is always a good fallback, but if you want your next housewarming gift to really stand out from the crowd, try one of these unorthodox alternatives:

 

For the urban forager: an oyster mushroom log—simply water and wait for the edible spores to sprout. $19.95.

Mushroom Kit

Mushroom Kit

 

For anyone who came of age in the 90’s and has an excess of white wall space: an old-school Magic Eye Poster. You’ll have to cross your eyes to see the King Kong in this one. $14.99.

eBay 22 x 28 Magic Eye King Kong Poster

 

For the cookie lover: this snack-stashing set of Face Mugs. $35.

WARM OR COOL FACE MUGS – SET OF 2

 

For the Martha Stewart-wannabe: these two-tier tiffin boxes from India, which are perfect for those organized enough to pack lunches or thoughtfully store leftovers. $9.99.

2-Tier Rectangular Tiffin Box

 

For the salt-loving Sci-Fi aficionado: robot salt + pepper shakers, which really wind and walk. $20.

WIND-UP SALT AND PEPPER ROBOTS

 

For anyone with a coffee table and sense of humor: this side-splittingly funny collection of Awkward Family Photos. $15.99.

Awkward Family Photos By Mike Bender & Doug Chernack

 

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Get the Look

THE ANGLOPHILE’S GUIDE TO DECORATING

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The Brits haven’t only invaded the screens, stages, stereos, and styles over the years – they’ve invaded the interiors of some of our most fashionable homes. Last fall, studying in London, I couldn’t get enough of the culture, people, food, art, and superb style. If I am sure of one thing, it is that anyone who has ever had the pleasure of visiting Great Britain would love to take it home with them. With these pieces – some subtle and some screaming with English Pride – any home can get that lovely London flair for a scrumptiously small fee.

Yes, they might be everywhere and perhaps they’re a bit predictable these days, but I cannot help but love these takes on the London Underground “Keep Calm and Carry On” posters. Sleek and simple, they provide the perfect pop of color and humor to any space. Picture this above your bar. Cheers, mate.

Keep Calm And Have A Cocktail Poster, $10

 

Take a gander at these ace throw pillows.

Union Jack bulldog with crown jewels, $49.79

 

Postage Stamp 18″ pillow cover, $20

 

This armchair is brill. At first glance, it is simply a fabulously posh chair. Look closer and you may recognize that it’s upholstered with the fabric that adorns the benches of the underground tube. Best of Britain to you!

London Transport Train Fabric Styled Italian Armchair

 

We cannot mention Britain without mentioning our four favorite guys. Use this mod recycled White Album wall clock to help you chivvy along and get to work!

BEATLES The White Album Recycled Record Clock, $26

BEATLES The White Album Recycled Record Clock, $26

 

Perhaps you’re a bit barmy, like me, and love the rainy weather in the UK. Snag these cute raindrop wall hooks to hang your jumpers, macs, and umbrellas.

Large Dropit Hooks, $40

 

This clever London Underground poster would be a smashing addition to any home library or kid’s room.

Tate Gallery Poster London Underground 11×17, $12.95

 

Blimey! These stunning area rugs will have Britain at your feet.

Jonathan Adler 2×3 Union Jack Rug, $165

5×8 Plymouth English Queen Multi Rug, $209

 

Fancy a spot of tea? Top of your hip English home with a kitschy royal family tea set.

Princess Diana Prince Charles tea cup and saucer set,

 

So, snatch up these frugal-friendly finds and Bob’s your uncle, you have the most cracking place in your apartment complex!

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DIY

SIDEWALK SCORE OF THE WEEK

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Welcome to Sidewalk Score, where our writer Fran finds junk on the street and turns it into something special.

Find: Vintage Dining Room Table

Location: 10th Avenue, Brooklyn NY

This is one of the coolest tables I have ever seen! Found on the street, covered in dust, with a “FREE, TAKE ME HOME” sticky on it, I knew this table was something special (aka worth carrying up 2 very narrow flights of stairs to my apartment).  It has an all-metal top, including two hidden leaves. The entire expansion system works on a system of springs that lifts the table top up, pulls out and locks the two leaves into place to make a tight, flat surface.  The legs of this table had been painted half off-white, half black and had seen better days. They needed to be fixed up a bit to really bring this table back to life!

Here are some examples of methods to jazz it up…

Hot pink would really be a great way to give this table some punch. You pretty much can’t go wrong with hot pink and B&W but almost any bright color would work in this situation.

Table from Steph and Phil’s Reimagined Victorian

 

Metallic! Gold or Silver legs on this table would really take it up a notch. Again, with the top of the table being very versatile you could do a nice warm gold or a brushed silver paint on the base; I would avoid a chrome finish or anything that is too shiny, it would look out of place.

Night Stand with Curved Legs

 

Feeling lucky? Adding detail to the legs would be a great DIY fix too, like this fun bright pattern painted on ordinary sofa legs!

DIY painted legs

 

And here is what I did. Spent the better part of my Saturday cleaning, sanding, priming and painting it this nice glossy grey. I had originally planned on a hot pink or watermelon red but in the end went with a nice clean grey.  The ladder in the photo is another street find and will most likely be my next project!

 

Until then, Happy Hunting!

 

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Frugal Fashion!

FRUGAL FASHION! ON TREND: THE STATEMENT TEE

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As I’ve been scanning the street style blogs I’ve been noticing an interesting trend outside of the tents. Whether it be New York and London or Milan and Paris, everyone who’s anyone is wearing the statement tee. Pioneered by fashion editors and fashion bloggers alike this trend is a no fuss easy way of looking high fashion without making your wallet cry. While most of us aren’t able to afford the Givenchy “Rottweiler” tee or the Balenciaga “Skyline Vegas” tee ($300 for a t-shirt?! I don’t think so..), we at the Frugal Materialist have some affordable options.

1. Bartman Pullover 19.80 (Forever 21): This french terry pullover is the leading contender against the Jeremy Scott BARTMAN Sweater,  pair this with a distressed leather jacket, dark washed jeans and ankle boots for a more mature look and you’ll be doing the Bartman in no time!

2. Zara Graphic Print T-shirt  19.90 (ZARA): I noticed that many stores are doing the “rabid dog” or hungry panther print (their take on the Givenchy “Rottweiler” tee) so if you’re more of an individual who likes to stay on trend this tee is for you. I like this ZARA tee because I love the subdued jungle cat print, cuff the sleeves and wear with a waxed denim or leather pant for a more Parisian feel.

3. River Island New York T-shirt 26.39 (ASOS): This tee reminds me very much of the Balenciaga “Skyline Vegas” tee, with its faded neons and bold type. I love the burnout effect and of course the price! I’d say its a awesome alternative; wear with sweatpants and a suede heel for a classic rocker effect.

photo collage images via tommy ton for style.com 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Get the Look

GET THE LOOK: INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

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Nowadays, interiors are becoming more and more specific. One of my personal favorite styles is Industrial Design which successfully highlights pieces with exposed metal and rivets, reclaimed woods and large drum style lighting.

           

 

We’ve done some recon and found these amazing pieces at very wallet friendly price tags to help you achieve a look like this in your home.

 

This impressive dining table, hand crafted of 1” x 2″ and 1” x 3” Douglas Fir planks seats 6 and is available at Etsy.com for just $580.00.

60×30 Contemporary Hairpin Dining Table

 

Mix and match some cool stools and chairs to bring in just a touch of funky and a pop of color.

Cb2 Contact Stool, $129

Reed Dining Chair, $154.99/2

 

Finally, we all know lighting can make or break any space. Try a collection of these show stopping hanging fixtures with the exposed Edison bulb, available at Etsy.com for just $150.00 each.

Uttermost Albiano 1-Light Pendant

Uttermost Albiano 1-Light Pendant, $215

 

Or, while this piece is a bit of a splurge at $250.00, try a chic cage style floor lamp available at LampsPlus.com.

Industrial Cage Edison Bulb Rust Metal Floor Lamp, $250

 
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Accessorizing, Art

LIFE IN 3D

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When you think of art for your home, what comes to mind? Paintings? Photography?  When it comes to art, try thinking of three dimensional options. Adding sculptures to your space is a great way to add dynamic artwork while keeping you walls uncluttered.

If the mention of porcelain makes you think of your grandmother’s collection of creepy dolls, it’s time to change your opinion with the ginger root sculpture from LEIF. It’s minimalistic look and pastel color scheme is a great way to add a feminine touch to your space.  55.00 at Leif.com

Ginger Root Sculpture

 

Another porcelain beauty is this silver Buddha head. Its shiny appearance adds some glam while Buddha helps bring peace and serenity. 39.99 at lampsplus.com

Silver Finish Large Buddha Head Sculpture

Silver Finish Large Buddha Head Sculpture

 

The design geek in all of you will appreciate these miniatures of iconic and influential furniture such as the Barcelona chair by Mies van der Rohe, the Panton chair by Verner Panton and the LCW chair by Charles Eames.  119.00 for a pack of 9 at Chiasso.com.

mod mini chair sculptures - set of 9

mod mini chair sculptures – set of 9

 

Currently typography is a huge trend with it comes to interiors. Molded sign language sculptures from Etsy take the trend one step farther. Available in an endless combination of colors. 73.00 for a set of 8.

Sign Language Sculptures

 

Collapsible stars from Design Within Reach not only a add a geometric element to the space, it also adds and interactive conversation piece. $55.25-$136.

Foldable Star Sculptures

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