Shopping Guide

HIP XMAS TREE ALTERNATIVES

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Love the tradition of Christmas trees but hate the watering, needle vacuuming and potential de-squirreling associated with having a real one? Consider an alternative. From plastic to cardboard, these hip real tree alternatives add holiday cheer without the mess and space hogging. Best of all, instead of dragging these to the curb come January, you can stash them in a closet until next year.

Eat your heart out, Charlie Brown. This adorably sparse tabletop tree from Urban Outfitters is just $9.99.

This Tree Needs You

 

Why did the Modernist cross the road? Why, to get this stark wooden Filigree Tree, of course. Available from DWR, it’s 5 feet tall and easy to assemble/disassemble. $124.50.

Filigree Tree

 

For extra-lazy holiday enthusiasts, there’s the cardboard Christmas tree. Just pop it up and let the good times roll. $19.99.

the cardboard christmas tree

 

This pre-lit pink tree set from Home Depot doesn’t even need ornaments to achieve optimal festivity levels. $79.99

2-3-4 ft. Pre-Lit Pink Tinsel Alpine Tree Set (3 trees)

 

Vintage ceramic trees are undeniably kitsch and look undeniably inviting when lit in a window. Find them on Ebay or Etsy. $45 from Etsy.

large vintage ceramic christmas tree with lights

If a single bay leave can infuse a whole stew with forest-like aroma, imagine how nice an entire bay leaf tree would smell. $79.99 from Pottery Barn.

Natural Bay Leaf Tree

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Friday Finds

FRIDAY FINDS: HOLIDAY GIFTS TO YOURSELF

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With old man winter finally here, there’s no better way to recover from your seasonal depression than a little retail therapy. Our Friday gift guide is chock full of selfish home decor gifts guaranteed to lift your spirits. $85 or less.

These avant garde stocking stuffer boots from Lady Gaga’s Workshop (now at Barney’s) make me question my atheism.

Gaga's Workshop Avant Garde Boot Stocking, $65.00 each


 

Drape yourself in royal velvet for the holidays. Because you’re worth it.

Greenland Home Fashions Bohemian Velvet Quilt Set, $80 for Full/Queen


 
Who says teatime has to be dull? Throw an Alice in Wonderland mad tea party for yourself with this psychedelic set.

COUPE MONOCHROME TEACUP & SAUCER, $24


 
Begin with this pair of lamps from Sears, add one shag rug, and you’ve got one groovy 70’s room.

Set Of 2 19 in. Glass Table Lamps, $42


 
You’ll have a ball sneaking glimpses of yourself in this oh-so-disco mirrored cube table.

Mirrored Cube Living Room End Table, $85

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Shopping Guide

GOING SOMEWHERE? THE DUFFEL BAG ROUNDUP

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Weekend getaways and family holiday visits are on the horizon and your little rolly suitcase may not cut it in the Packing Department. Enter the perfect catchall: the duffel bag. Duffel bags are great because they can be packed to the gills, thrown over a shoulder and weather all kinds of travel manhandling. Here are some duffels that look good, are of enduring quality and fairly priced.

Made on the shores of Lake Superior, Duluth Pack is the ultimate in rugged craftsmanship. This Large Sportsmans Duffel—like anything from this outfitter—is guaranteed for life and will only look better with age. $265.

Large Sportmans Duffel

 

You may think of mock turtlenecks when you think of Eddie Bauer, but I think of duffles—my parents gave me a set when I was a kid and I still have them. This medium-sized Adventurer Duffel looks exceedingly durable as well. $119.

Adventurer® Medium Duffel

 

Patagonia’s Black Hole Duffel is sleek enough for the City Slicker yet entirely prepared for the Great Outdoors.  $149.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

 

For the softer side of duffel, there’s Roxy’s muted multi-color Stripe Duffel. $62.

Move Me Duffle Bag

 

Is it a duffel or an accessory? It appears to be both. LeSportsac’s Extra Large Weekender in lush flower print. $138.

Extra Large Weekender

 

Anyone who has ever been near a hockey rink knows that hockey bags can fit just about anything. This vintage-style duffel is perfect for oversized items or heavy packers. $44.99.

Washington Capitals Mitchell & Ness Vintage Duffle Bag

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Get the Look

GET THE LOOK: THE STEAMPUNK LITE LIVING ROOM

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The next time you’re at a dinner party and there’s a sudden lag in the conversation, stoke the fire by asking everyone to define ‘steampunk.’ Chances are, there will be a delightful variation in definitions, underlining the fact that it’s a hard style to define with any authority. Is it Victorian? Is it Sci-Fi? Or is it rather turn-of-the-century industrial?

Whatever your definition, it’s a concept that’s much easier to identify than to define. This week, we’ve identified some stylish pieces that give a firm nod to the steampunk look, yet are modern and practical enough for everyday.

 

With its Victorian-era look and feel, the Luxe Fainting Couch from Urban Outfitters is a good place to start. Its rich dandelion color is also complementary of darker coordinating pieces. $649 Urban Outfitters.

Luxe Fainting Sofa

 

The timelessness of Persian rugs means that they also speak ‘steampunk.’ $79.99 from IKEA.

VALBY RUTA Rug, low pile, multicolor

 

The oversized Oliver Leather Ottoman from Pottery Barn is by no means cheap ($899), but look at it—it’s a tank and you’d have forever. Plunk a tray on top and it also doubles as a great coffee table.

Oliver Leather Ottoman


This repurposed pendant from Rejuvenation is a throwback indeed—check out its wire-guard shade, cloth-covered cord and stained oak base. $156 each.

Wiley Industrial Cord Pendant

 

If one indisputable thing can be said about steampunk, it’s that gears and sprockets are its lifeblood. Pair open-gear clocks like these from Amazon as wall décor. $25 and $39.99, respectively.

Infinity Instruments Gear - Open Dial Resin Clock

Bronze Finish Steampunk Heart Wall Clock Gears

 

It’s a (faux) painted map of the Old World!  $124.99 from Overstock.

Old World Map Painting on Canvas

 

These dark green velvet pillows are lush, yet stern—just like that steampunk barista at Starbucks you’ve been pining for. 2 for $25.49 from Overstock.

Green Velvet Throw Pillows (Set of 2)

 

I do declare—this piranha does appear to be of the man-eating variety. Perch it on a shelf as both a study in nature and as a reminder to be careful where you swim. $39 from Evolution.

Man-Eating Piranha

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Friday Finds

FRIDAY FINDS: TURKEY DAY

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Thanksgiving is right around the corner, folks. Prepare without breaking the bank—all of these finds are $30 or less.

 Doily placemats are fun AND classy. $3.00 each.

Doily Placemat

 

Worried that your table is missing the necessary kitsch factor? You can rest easy with a set of these. Let guests make up stories about how this charming couple decided who got to carry the pumpkin. $4.99 at Kmart.

Essential Home Thanksgiving Pilgrim Salt and Pepper Shaker Set

 

There’s no shame in making guests eat off of paper plates so long as they’re golden. $13.69 for a set of 24.

Gold Dinner Plates

 

If you’re anything like me, you’re into centerpieces that are no fuss and highly flammable. $29.99 from IKEA.

STOCKHOLM Candelabra

 

And because your good-for-nothing friends broke half your wine glass collection the last time they were over, be sure to pick up some more of these while you’re at it. $1.49 each.

POKAL Wine glass

 

One wishbone is never enough. Arm yourself with plastic wishbones from Lucky Break. Vegetarian friendly! $ 4.79 for 5.

5 Lucky Break Wishbones

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Shopping Guide, So Hot Right Now

ALL WASHED OUT

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In the world of stains and finishes, whitewashing is like the perfect pair of sheer tights: what’s underneath is showcased, yet with just the right amount of cosmetic camouflaging. The understated effect of whitewashed wood is perfect for airy, shabby chic interiors and we foresee a big comeback in coming seasons. Get ahead of the curve with one of these pocket-friendly pieces available now.

These whitewashed bins from the Container Store look simultaneously vintage and brand spankin’ new. $14.99.

Whitewashed Wood Bins

 

Whitewashing gives these solid wood dining chairs a soft, finished feel. $205.99 for a set of four.

Camden Dining Chair (Set of 4)

 

If you dream of big, fluffy, white beds, then this whitewashed teak frame could be the perfect foundation. $329.

Cassidy Washed Teak Twin Panel Bed

 

This adorable 5-Drawer Popsicle Dresser is proportioned for young ones (only 29” inches high), but would also work well in an entryway or as lower extra storage. $189.99.

Popsicle Whitewash 5-drawer Dresser

 

Buddha looks even more at peace in whitewash. $21.50.

Buddha Statue in Whitewash / Brown

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