Shopping Guide

BLACK ON BLACK

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Black is one of those things that will never go out of style, but now there’s a new trend with this old favorite. Layering black on black is a modern twist on the classic aesthetic. Whether you layer black items on top of each other or use items designed to give that effect, black on black is guaranteed to update any look you are going for.

 

Working late nights? This mug from Good Fucking Design Advice is sure to keep you motivated. $16.

Don’t fucking procrastinate. Black on Black Mug

 

Stay warm and cozy with Ikea’s grey on black bed spread for $39.99.

MALOU Duvet cover and pillowshams

 

Before this minimal and sleek design came along, using the phone has never been so sexy. £69.95 at Johnlewis.com.

Swissvoice ePure Digital Phone

 

This director’s chair can stand alone, or spice it up with a funky pillow. $47.59 At Target.

Director’s Chair – Black Frame

 

Add industrial flare without the feeling of living in a factory with a wire frame pendant light. The fact that it’s  handmade makes it better. $36.95 at Etsy.

Industrial Modern Black Wire Frame Pendant Light

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Store Profiles

THE MAGIC OF MARSHALLS

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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.

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Store Profiles

STORE PROFILE: HUDSON BAY

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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

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Accessorizing

LIFE OF THE PARTY

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Plants are perfect for any space. Not only do they add life to your home (literally), they also help filter the air. Paired with a sleek vase or planter, plants are sure to liven up your place.

 

Wall mounted planters become an instant piece of living art. $20 at Poketo.com.

Off the Wall Planter

 

For nostalgic feelings of chemistry class, try a set of test tube vases. Desk top tubes from Anthropology for $38.

Horizontal Chemist Vase

 

Ceiling mounted tubes creates a dynamic display without taking up table space. From Pigeon Toe Ceramics, $38-$110.

Hanging Test Tube Vase

 

How about this wall mounted model for a similar effect? $20 from amberLAnderson at Etsy.

Mason Jar Wall Planter

 

You’re never too old for toys, especially for this repurposed lion that is bound to give your friends a roar. $18.50 at Etsy.

Lion Planter

 

Terrariums are perfect for those of you who can’t keep a plant alive for more than 5 minutes. They don’t require water and are close to impossible to kill. $28 at Shopterrain.com.

Glass Hanging Orb

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Get the Look

GET THE LOOK: 1970s BRAZILIAN LOFT

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One look at the RL House designed by Studio Guilherme Torres reminds us that a space can be outfitted to feel like any location in the world from any era. With 70s floral prints, a blue and green color palette, and vintage style furnishings, this 2012 Brazilian loft becomes a stylish time capsule. Get inspired with our frugal recreation.

The Frugal interior…

 

Seafoam is the new black. Update your interiors for this unexpected summery color. Too adventurous? Leave the walls white and paint the mouldings.

ben® Interior Paint, $35.99/gallon

 

The Grand Blue Deluxe 3 Seat Sofa is the centerpiece of the room, splurge a little on this quality piece and the rest falls into place. $1299 from Fashion4home. Ships free.

Grand 3 Seat Sofa

 

Mix texture and prints with pillows from CB2. $29.95.

varanasi 18″ pillow

 

There’s more than meets the eye with the white elevated pillow. So fun to stroke, it eliminates the need for house pets. $49.95

elevated 18″ pillow

 

This Shell floor lamp casts an orb-like glow that you’ll want to stare at for hours. Eclipse glasses not included. From Chiasso, $138.

shell floor lamp

 

Layer a rainbow of solid rag rugs for a diy area rug. Urban Outfitters, $19 each.

2×3 Solid Rag Rug

 

These martini side tables in silver or white double as a coffee table. $129 each at West Elm.

Martini Side Table

 

A funky sculptural vase makes all the difference. Banana bud vase from Jonathan Adler, $48.

Banana bud vase

 

Marimekko printed beanbag chairs add additional seating for groovy guests at $49.95, Crate & Barrel.

Marimekko Paprika Outdoor Bean Bag

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Accessorizing, Art, Shopping Guide

QUICK N’ EASY WALL DECOR

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Let’s face it. Apartment walls tend to be a little boring and lackluster, especially if you have a less than awesome landlord who refuses to let you do anything to them.  Here are a few easy, low-commitment ideas to take your walls from sad to fab.

 

Wall decals are perfect for those who want to avoid any wall damage. These vinyl stickers are easy to put on and just peel right off. Offered in a number of fun colors, this bold print is bound to add some flare to your space. $38 from Abby’s Vinyl Wall Art at Etsy.

Chevron Vinyl Wall Decals


 

Does your window provide a less than spectacular view? Fake it ’til ya make it with a decal of NYC’s skyline. $78.54 at Gali-art.com.

New York City Wall Decal


 

These 3D flowers look darling arranged in a cluster or willy-nilly. $20 for a pack of 20 at Umbra.com.

Wallflowers


 

Stay chic and eco-friendly with a set of handmade reclaimed wood wall accessories. Perfect for all you stylish treehuggers out there. From Earth Art by Wendy at Etsy, $70.

Eco Friendly Wall Art made from Reclaimed White Birch Wood

 

Add a little glamour with these mirrored decals from Acte-deco.com for $83.78.

Bulles Effet miroir


 

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