Friday Five Under $50

I decided to switch from clothes to housewares for this week, because even in my small apartment, I'm always looking for new little ways to add a bit of flare. I definitely need some plant stands and I think a gold watercan would be the perfect 'accessory' to my houseplants.

TJMaxx Hanging Pendant Light, $25
H&M Metal Watering Can, $25
H&M Cushion Cover, $10
Tictail Metal Plant Stand, $44
Nate Berkus for Target Gold Mirror, $19

Instant Crush: Fringe, Poms, Pendants

"It's Friday, that day you like."
Is what Sean said to me, having previously listened to me grumble about how it was not Friday on Wednesday and Thursday. Yet Friday somehow feels anticlimactic. This weekend is set to hold the first significant snow fall of the year, though I'm not sure how much we will actually end up with, as on Monday the prediction was twelve inches, on Wednesday it decreased to five to eight and has only further been downgraded to three to five. So while I'm not counting on being snowed in, I might just act as if I am.

Lately fashion seems to be having a fondness for fringe, and my desire for neutrals continues with my picks this week. I've been obsessed with the Rachel Comey sweater since I spotted it on a Sole Society model and I was very disappointed to see that this color has sold out. I'm not sure why I'm disappointed, since I was never going to get a $400 sweater (even at half off). The charcoal version can still be purchased in limited sizing however.

More attainable might be the tassel shower curtain hangers for $10. I wonder if they would look really stupid with my shower curtain?

Rachel Comey Fringe Peplum Sweater, $220 at Italist
Nate Berkus Fringe Stool, $65 at Target
Plum & Bow Alia Pom Duvet Cover, $170 at Urban Outfitters
Rachel Zoe Topaz Crystal Pendant Necklace, $40 at TJMaxx
Nate Berkus Tassel Shower Hooks, $10 at Target
Macrame I? Taupe Suede Fringe Heels, $33 at Lulu's

Wishlist 2015

As much as I try to not shop for myself during the month of December, it's often quite a challenging task. Between shopping for others, and hypothetically shopping for others by putting together gift guides and then seeing everyone else's gift guides... it's all too much.

This is not a practical wishlist. With perhaps the exception of the iPhone case I'm not expecting any of these items to turn up under my tree. I suppose this is more of list for myself, and hopefully over time and price reductions, I can treat myself to them.

Since I have the apartment now, the item I want most is the brass and granite branch accent table. I first saw this in Home Goods December of 2012 and I still want it! I wish I'd pounced on it then, since it was only $180, but I'm pretty resolute on having it, even if I have to spend a little more.

A surprising inclusion to this list is the Fraiser Fir candle. This is surprising because I don't really like candles. However upon entering the Walker Loden gift shop in Madison Connecticut, and being overtaken by the most pleasant Christmas tree aroma, I was sold on this candle. Well, almost sold, because it retails for $60, which no reasonable person on a budget would spend on a candle, especially when you can walk into TJMaxx and have your pick for $10 or less.

The copper tea kettle is only slightly less frivolous than the candle, and my desire for it is directly attributed to too much Pinterest. Also for $160 it has a lot of negative reviews. But I'm not married to this particular kettle, and will most likely be keeping an eye out for a similar one at a better price point.

Continuing with the trend of things I don't need - another handbag! It's really pretty, and I don't have a bucket bag yet. But who knows, perhaps the trend will go stale soon and I will have done better to have invested my money in a timeless bag that is actually lacking in my wardrobe - a black clutch. The absence of one has become especially notable now that I no longer have access to my Mother's perfect one anytime I like.

Sashi Ava Ring, $35 at Shopbop

Chantal Copper Kettle, $160 at Williams Sonoma

Safavieh Branch Accent Table, $234 at Overstock.com

Kate Spade Floral iPhone Case, $40 at Shopbop

Ferca 81 Suede Pumps, $100 at TJMaxx

Thymes Fraiser Fir Candle, $60 at Amazon

Nate Berkus Upholstered Ottoman, $70 at Target

Marc by Marc Jacobs Bucket Bag, $468 at Shopbop

Get cozy

I step through the door when I get home from work and it's almost a fluid motion (save for the fact that I am not at all graceful) of getting out of my heels and into these shearling lined leopard slippers. Unbelievably warm and super comfortable as they are by Vionic, and are outfitted with a supportive orthotic insert. Saturday mornings are more of the same, slippers all day, I could nearly forget and leave the house in them - which wouldn't be the end of the world with their rubber soles meant for outdoor use.

Considering how much time I spend in my slippers during the winter months, they often leave my feet aching or don't fit properly when sizing is listed as a bracket. That is not the case with Vionic's Juniper slipper, the arch support helps to ease my foot fatigue and it comes in whole and half sizes from 5 to 11. I found I needed to go a half size down from my usual in these.  Also note that if leopard isn't your cup of tea, the slipper comes in four colors, including a classic chestnut and a festive plaid.

PJs
Slippers
Couch
Desk
Rug
Gold Pillow
Black and White Pillow
Fur Blanket
Mug

Vionic provided me with these slippers for the purpose of this post, as always my views and opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands who support Chic on the Cheap!

Set the table

As per usual, we are half way through November and I haven't even started writing gift guide posts, meanwhile I've already seen dozens. I suppose it's because I don't even think about starting my holiday shopping until after Thanksgiving, and completely forget that not everyone is a procrastinator.

This isn't a gift guide per se, though as much as it is a collection of items I would love to dress up my thanksgiving table with, several would also make great hostess gifts! So lets just check that gift guide off the list.

As much as I try keep my gift guides on the affordable side, every so often something ridiculous gets in, and such is the case with the hand nut cracker. Not only is it $200, but it's a device that no one even uses anymore. I just thought it was so delightful and cheeky, and with the logic that no one is cracking nuts anymore I feel safe that I'm probably not disappointing anyone. (Isn't is so depressing when you look at a gift guide and find that the one item you love is the most expensive of the bunch?)

On the other hand I think the slate cheeseboard you can get in the shape of any state for a mere $20 would be a fantastic gift.

Slate State Cheese Board, $20 at Uncommon Goods
Pumpkin Votive Holders, $40 at Pier 1 Imports
Silver Plaid Cocktail Mixing Glass, $6 at Target
Rifle Paper Co. Floral Coasters, $16 at Shopbop
Gift Boutique Liberty Cheese Set, $36 at Shopbop
Jonathan Adler Hand Nutcracker, $198 at Shopbop
Squirrel Nut Bowl, $35 at Pier 1 Imports
Copper Fig, $2 at Target
Silver Plaid Cocktail Glasses, $12 at Target

Sunday Inspiration - Bedrooms

Lately I've been spending a lot of time on Zillow, entertaining the idea of finally having a space that I can call my own. While a lot of my (way over budget) real-estate dreams include beautiful victorians in the nice area of New Haven, as well as stunning waterfront properties (also over budget) there are a few feasible properties on my list as well!

Of course I'm getting ahead of myself and I'm already decorating the house that does not yet exist, and Pinterest endlessly tortures me with images of dreamy bedroom spaces. So I thought I'd share a few of my favorites, and hopefully when the time comes to actually furnish my future bedroom, I'll be able to do it on a budget with some great Target finds!

Check out Unattainable home style? Actually you can get it at Target.
by Lydia Abate at Mode

Tie your space together with RugKnots

While I mostly discuss fashion here, I'm just as passionate a shopper when it comes to furnishing and decorating my home. 

It's just as important to look for quality pieces to invest in for your home as it is your wardrobe. A rug can be one of the key pieces in a room, bringing together colors, adding visual interest and warmth. 

Considering how difficult it might be to visualize a rug in your space before seeing it in person, and how expensive shipping charges can be for such a bulky item, it is easy to be deterred from making a rug purchase online. 

Which is why I think RugKnots is on to something brilliant - they sell handmade oriental wool rugs without the 'middle man' to keep prices low. They offer free shipping in the USA and a 30 day return policy, however you do have to cover return costs.

Though RugKnots wants to make sure you get the right rug the first time, and to do so they off a free Ask a Designer online service. The process is simple, you take photos of the space in need of a carpet makeover and upload them to the site. Include the dimensions of the room, and even add some detailed photos of your decor. Then RugKnots team of designers will select rugs for your space and return your images to you with their expert choices of rugs embedded in the photos. The process only takes two days, and your handpicked rugs will also come with a promo code for a discount if you decide to make a purchase. The service is free, so if you are currently rug shopping, you've got nothing to lose from trying it out.

Here is a before and after image set from RugKnots' site. I wish I could show you my own home, but it is too embarrassingly messy to show to designers or post on the internet.

All RugKnots rugs are handmade in Pakistan, the home country of Naheed Mir, the company's founder. With her passion for education and the betterment of children, doing good became a part of the RugKnots business model. Two percent of all rug purchases are distributed between the non-profit charities The Citizens Foundation and Care and Fair, who work to build schools and purchase classroom supplies in socially and economically challenged regions in the world. The children there can gain an education and have a chance to better their lives, when they otherwise would not. Rugknots believes a child's education is the great equalizer for building a better future. 

And now, on to the beautiful, hand woven wool rugs, that yes, make me want to redecorate every room in the house:

This post was written on behalf of RugKnots, but as always, my views and opinions are my own.

Instant Crush: Gilded home decor

Gold and white has been on my radar for sometime, though lately it's crossed from 'something I like' to full blown obsession.

Anthropologie has more than enough gold pieces in their catalog, and while their monogram mug is sold out in every letter except for 'P', I was able to satisfy my need for such a mug when I found a similar one at Marshalls. Granted, I didn't find it at the first Marshalls I went to, or the second, and ended up going to five stores before the 'L' mug was mine...

It's also worth noting that Nate Berkus's Spring '14 line for Target clearly has my number... now if only he literally had my number and would come and redecorate my place, filling it with bright, brilliant white and gleaming, opulent gold.

Lamp Base and Shade, $90 at Target
Bodum French Press, $60 at Zappos
Salad Set, $28 at Anthropologie
Webbed Mirror, $118 at Lulu and Georgia
Playing Cards, $18 at Anthropologie
Stoneware Vases, $13 at Target
Coasters, $18 at Cin Cin and $26 at Lulu and Georgia
Throw Pillows, $80 at TJMaxx and $36 at PBTeen
Measuring Cups, $36 at Anthropoloige
Monogram Mug, $8 at Anthropologie
Side Table, $149 at Urban Outfitters

Introducing Curated by Glitter & a giveaway!

When Myisha Turner of Bohemian Spirit Jewelry contacted me to tell me about her latest endeavor, a shop full of hand selected, artisan goods, I was so excited!

Curated by Glitter is a collection of delightful home goods, pretty and inspirational prints, jewelry, and accessories. The price points are great, and so many things would make lovely gifts! I think the cute animal print or glitter coaster sets would be perfect hostess gifts for the holidays!

Curated by Glitter kindly sent over this 'Choose to Shine' print, which is the perfect addition to my vanity and an excellent affirmation to look at while I'm getting ready each morning.

Best of all, Curated by Glitter is offering a print of your choice to two lucky readers, so head down to the Rafflecopter to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For the home

I love to accessorize. It's only natural that tendency would spill over into home decor.

This branch table, I saw in person at Home Goods in December and it was $180. Even though I have no where to put it, I still really want it. If I go back and it's still there, I'm not sure I'll be able to exercise any self restraint at all.

The knobs are something I really need for my desk, the ones on it presently are a particularly spiky floral design which have been quite painful on the occasions when my knee has collided with them. 

The photo frames I currently have are also in need of an update. I picked up a couple of frames by this Italian company at T.J.Maxx last month and wouldn't mind having another.

Chevron throw pillows. No explanation necessary.

Branch Accent Table, $395 at Safavieh Home

Cloisonne Chrysanthemum Pull, $10 each at Anthropologie

Striped Picture Frame by Natalini, under $10 at T.J.Maxx

Chevron Throw Pillow Covers, $26 for two at Etsy (or for the fully stuffed kind, $24 each at Target)