Shopping Guide

POUFS

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Poufs have the fun factor of a beanbag and the integrity of an ottoman. As such, these versatile pieces can be placed just about anywhere as additional seating, leg rests and side tables. Here are some of our favorites for under $200.

CB2’s blue knit pouf is a cozy pop of color. $89.95

knitted pool pouf

 

This pouf from Nordstrom’s adds the pizzazz of shag without the commitment of wall-to-wall carpeting. $98

Nordstrom 'Shaggy Pouf' Ottoman

 

The whipstitch pouf from Serena & Lilly has 100% wool fill for extra support. $119.

Slate/Yellow Whipstitch Pouf

 

The sleek grey denim pouf from Ferm is on sale for $199 (from $299).

Gray Denim Pouf

 

IKEA has carried these banana fiber “stools” for some time, which are highly versatile and great for incorporating some extra texture into a room. $29.99

ALSEDA Stool

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Get the Look

GET THE LOOK: SLEEP NO MORE (PART TWO)

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As highlighted in our Get the Look post from last week, Sleep No More is a totally unique immersive experience from Punchdrunk that redefines “theater.” The dozens of rooms on display are so eerily beautiful that they suck you right in, with several looks that are downright covet-worthy. We featured the Sleep No More Living Room last week. This week, we feature the Sleep No More Office, as inspired by the several office-themed rooms that had a very old-timey detective agency feel.

 

An old, beat-up desk from the flea market makes the best choice, but this one from Amazon is a good second place. Amazon $259.95

Oasis Concepts All Wood Flip and Fold Desk

 

The wooden swivel chair will never go out of style and is perfect for spinning around in circles as you “brainstorm.” $229 CNS Store

Wooden Seat Swivel Office Chair in Cherry

 

This sturdy file cabinet from Global Industrial can house all the documents meant for your eyes only. $208.95

Vertical File Letter Size 4 Drawer

 

A real steal—this green “banker’s lamp” from Office Depot is just $29.99. Office Depot, $29.99.

Traditional Banker's Lamp

 

True, old typewriters aren’t nearly as useful as that new iPad of yours, but can your iPad type out funny old love letters and invitations? Ok, it probably can, but this vintage model on Ebay just looks cool.

Antique Cherry Red Royal Typewriter 1930s

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You simply aren’t civilized unless you own a letter opener and a magnifying glass. $39.99 on Amazon.

Delicately Carved Wooden Handle Magnifying Glass and Letter Opener Set

 

Keep your cool on any job with an old-time desk fan. This Ecco version is $85.10.

Ecco Black Desk Fan

 

The Ikea Tarnby rug is gumshoe friendly. $99.

TÃ…RNBY Rug

 

When it comes to important note taking, one can never have too many steno pads. $3.61 from The Office Dealer.

Tops Docket Steno Pad

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Shopping Guide

NON-HIDEOUS IRONING BOARDS

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I was recently in the unfortunate position of having to buy a new ironing board. I say “unfortunate” because finding a non-hideous ironing board is surprisingly difficult. Most have covers featuring in-your-face stripes or matronly flowers (Exhibit A ; Exhibit B), and are a real eyesore if not stowed away after each use. So, should you too find yourself in need of an ironing board, here are some decent ones for your consideration:

 

This no-nonsense board doesn’t feel the need to get all cutesy with its covering, and that’s why I like it. $99.95 from Williams-Sonoma.

Brabantia Ironing Board

 

The pattern on this is kind of retro and kind of cool. $59.99 from Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Polder Tri-Leg Deluxe Ironing Board

 

This tabletop board is ideal for those with limited storage space. $14.99 on Amazon.

Whitmor Tabletop Ironing Board

 

For the serious ironer: the top of this utilitarian-chic console is a permanent ironing surface, with organizational bins below. $69.99.

neatfreakâ„¢ Triple Sorter with Ironing Board

 

Leave it to the Amish to produce an ironing board that’s not only made of sturdy wood, but also converts into a step stool and makeshift chair. At $279.99, it’s a bit of an investment, but one that will last.

Amish Wooden Ironing Board Step Stool

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The Bar Cart Chronicles

THE RETRO BAR CART

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With the economy in the gutter, we could all probably use a drink. So sit back and fix yourself a cocktail in style with these retro bar cart picks. After all, there’s nowhere to go but up.

 

Can’t imagine how this lovely bar cart featured in our 1stdibs column is still available, but you’re in luck.

Faux Bamboo Cocktail table, $125

 

Finally, a set of glasses that allow you to pound down shots and look classy doing it. From Vegasandrose on Etsy.

Set of 4 Vintage 1970s Liqueur Shot Glasses, $15

 

Sick of the generic looking silver metal cocktail shakers as of late? Go gold with a vintage piece, from robotretro on Etsy.

MIRRO Brand Gold Anodized Aluminum Cocktail Shaker, $17.99

 

Ice buckets are underrated. This supercool retro-futuristic ice bucket was found on eBay.

1970s Retro Ice Bucket, about $38 incl. s/h

 

These glass bottles used in place of your original liquor bottles create a more polished look. Simply stuff the opening with a piece of cork, from PardonMyVintage.

Open bar, Vodka, and Bourbon glass bottles, $78

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Accessorizing, So Hot Right Now

CRAZY FOR CARDBOARD

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Cardboard is gaining popularity as a quirky, environmentally-friendly design material. But just because it’s a cheap material doesn’t mean that all cardboard furniture is affordable. Designer cardboard still carries a very designer price tag: the Frank Gehry Wiggle chair (designed in 1972) will put you back $985 or more.  Here are some affordable cardboard options that add an element of fun, but won’t leave you broken-hearted once it falls apart because it’s made of cardboard.

 

Giles Miller’s cardboard mantle clock is fashionable at any hour. $53.

Mantle-C Cardboard Mantle Clock

 

Get out your favorite Sharpie marker, because this Executive Table from Karton looks like the sweetest doodle pad ever. Just $148.

The Chairman's Table

 

Also from Karton, the Ewe storage unit is a cute way to stay organized. $55.

The Barnyard Method - Ewe

 

This funky kids’ chair is perfect for the play room. $19.99 on Amazon.

Cardboard Toy Chair

 

The Dickens sideboard from Fashion4Home is fantastically fashionable and 100% recyclable! $369.

Dickens Cardboard Bookshelf

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Friday Finds

FRIDAY FINDS: WACKY PARTY EDITION

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When throwing a party, it’s advisable to splurge on the food and liquid refreshments and spare in the décor department. Frugal decorations needn’t be boring, however. For this week’s Friday Finds, we’ve rounded up some festive party stuff for $25 or less.

 

This T-Rex piñata could eat the traditional donkey variety for lunch. $15.99 at Target.

T-Rex Pinata

 

These Pick Your Nose party cups only sound gross. $10 from Unica.

pick your nose, 12 oz party cups

 

This Bavarian tableware gives you a reason to break out your Lederhosen (as if you needed one). $19.99 from Target.

Bavarian Party Tableware Set - Blue/White

 

Nothing spruces up a houseplant like a pink flamingo. $14.86 on Amazon.

Pink Flamingo Plastic Lawn Ornament, 2-Pack

 

Oh no – who invited him?!  A cardboard cutout is a great centerpiece and photo op for just about any get-together. Have George W stop by for just $24.99. Amazon.

President George W. Bush Life-Size Standup Poster

 

Even Wonder Woman needs a break sometimes. Wonder Woman napkins from Party City.  $1.74

Wonder Woman Beverage Napkins 16ct

 

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