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10 Fabulous Hostess Gift Ideas

by Kim Stoegbauer November 30, 2011 9 Comments

It’s party season! If you are planning on attending holiday parties this year, be sure not to show up empty handed. I’ve compiled 10 Fabulous Gift Ideas for the Hostess to share with you. These are easy to find, easy to order or just might inspire you to find something similar. Let’s start with edible gifts. Sweets and treats are abundant this time of year and they are especially great when they come with pretty packaging. Baking yourself? Buy cute plates like the elf one and present your goodies on the plate.

english toffee crate, hot chocolate, jingle elf plates, caramel peanut bark

I always love personalized gifts! Think ahead and order monogrammed gifts for any upcoming events you are attending. The monogrammed mugs can be filled with candy, treats or a gift card and wrapped with cellophane and ribbon for a perfect hostess gift.

emma mug, fern in burlap, monogrammed soap

Delight your hostess with scented candles or body products. She’ll need the stress relief once the party is over!

parties for hosting, holiday candles, stress relief

What do you usually bring when you attend a holiday party? Tell me in the comments below! I would love to hear your ideas.

Do You Thrift With Friends?

by Rashon Carraway November 11, 2011 6 Comments

While I sometimes enjoy thrifting alone, going with a friend can be a whole lot better.

'i <3 thrifting" day 2011

Shopping with a buddy gives you an opportunity to get a second opinion right on the spot about an item.

What’s I Heart Thrifting Day?

Of course, this will only work if you value that person’s opinion, so make sure your friend is one you trust. You need someone who can even be truthful and let you know when you don’t need something, too.

"i <3 thrifting" day 2011

Small groups are an excellent way to cover more ground a a very large flea market. Put together a list of what everyone is seeking and you can easily text or send a quick picture if you find something on the list.

"i <3 thrifting" day 2011

How great is it to smile with a friend about one of your awesome scores or share thoughts on the seller whose prices were sky high?

So what are your perks for having a thrifting buddy or group?

Daily Delight: Zinc Door

by Briana Mowrey November 11, 2011 2 Comments

When I was growing up, my family always used to ask me for my Christmas wish list about a month in advance, and it would be a whole big production. This year, I think I’m going to save everyone the trouble and send them a link to Zinc Door. Done and done. I’ve always admired Wendy Estes and Tiffany Harris’ other site, the more traditional Layla Grace, but you know when you look at a certain catalog or walk into a certain store and think, “Oh, these people just get me”? Zinc Door is like that. The vibe is modern, eclectic, fun and still sophisticated at the same time. (It’s got echoes of Kelly Wearstler, if I do say so myself.) Case in point? This Branch Cabinet.

branch cabinet

It’s industrial, yet organic at the same time. I’m a total sucker for anything tree-related (a product of being from Pennsylvania?), but the aluminum branches are not just decorative. How clever that they’ve been incorporated into the design as the media cabinet’s legs! This is a little much to expect Santa to leave for me, but really, I’ll take anything from Zinc Door. I just hope the elves are listening.

Daily Delight: Michelle Armas’s Etsy Store

by Briana Mowrey November 8, 2011 5 Comments

Guys, I meant to tell you about Michelle Armas‘s energetic abstract paintings a long time ago, when I first was tipped off to their existence by Cassandra LaValle of Coco + Kelley, I really did. But I’m a little selfish. Her paintings always seem to sell very quickly, and I didn’t want my favorite pieces to be snatched up before I had a chance to consider them. I apologize for withholding information. To make amends, I’ll give you this hot tip: Michelle’s got a new Etsy store.

droid painting

Okay, I’m still protecting my best interests. This wild riot of color and motion (“Droid”) is one of my favorite $100 paintings on her Etsy page, but not my absolute favorite. I hope you don’t guess which one I’m crushing on before I buy it, or I’ll be crushed.

When Thrifting, Edit, Edit, Edit

by Rashon Carraway November 4, 2011 19 Comments

When I first started thrifting for my apartment, I filled my shopping cart with everything that caught my eye. Too many times, I’d leave an item behind to give myself time to consider it, only to come back to find that someone else had bought it.

Thrifters Gotta Have Patience

But the real trick isn’t throwing everything in your cart just to keep someone else from picking it up. It’s editing before the item even goes in your cart.

Yes, this vintage bowl is gorgeous. But do you really need it?

The first thing is to ask, “Do I really want this? Where will I place it?” If you say yes to the first question and give a quick response to the second, I would say it’s a keeper. However, if you don’t have a place for it, and/or it doesn’t give you the happy feeling, let it go.

I admit to having way too many dishes. I used to buy inexpensive pieces because they were my style. Many of those pieces are still sitting in the bag the cashier placed them in. If you don’t entertain regularly, or display dishes as soon as you get home, chances are you won’t ever use them. So edit your cart and take out those pretties. Heartbreaking, I know. However, it’s for the better.

How to Display Dishes if You Just Can’t Part With Them

Double check what’s in your cart to make sure you don’t already have something similar. Unless you collect canisters, ask yourself whether it’s necessary to have two sets.

Do you edit while you shop? What are some of your tips.

Daily Delight: Cherry Blossom Curtain Tie-Backs

by Briana Mowrey November 4, 2011 2 Comments

I’m getting a little older, so Urban Outfitters isn’t one of my go-to stores these days, but every so often something pretty will catch my eye and put it back on my radar. Like these cherry blossom curtain tie-backs.

cherry blossom tie back

The curly brass branches are a striking color, and the white enamel blossoms look so delicate against that glowing backdrop. They’re feminine and fun, and at only $14(!) each, you really can’t go wrong. Just promise me you’ll leave the ironic tees to the 25 and under set, yes?

You Gotta Have Patience…

by Rashon Carraway October 28, 2011 10 Comments

It has been said many times that patience is a virtue. Unfortunately, neither patience nor virtue can be bought in stores. If you have it, then you should put it to good use when thrifting.

design star thrifting

HGTV Design Star contestant Mark Diaz thrift shopping.

Thrift stores in general don’t have an overstock of items, that once gone are replenished. The inventory is updated as often as things are brought onto the floor. A moment of patience can change your life in a thrift store.

Many people go into a thrift store and see nothing they want in the first five minutes and say, “There’s nothing here for me.” However, the moment they leave could very well be the moment the exact item they desire comes from the back room.

True story: I was shopping for a client’s room and was about to walk out the door. As I walked down one aisle, I saw an easel. This easel had not been there while I was shopping moments earlier. I immediately inquired and bought it.

Another true story: I was again shopping for a client and saw a mirror that had just come onto the floor. I told one of my assistants to inquire about a price. Unfortunately they didn’t. It was already sold by the time I could ask for the price myself; just that quick.

It’s not a race to see who can snag the best deal, it’s about being patient and not being in such a rush to leave. There is no set time when inventory is brought out. There is no planogram for the new and incoming items.

If you are leisurely shopping, I say giver yourself an hour to just watch the store. See if the associates are bringing anything out. I am not by any means suggesting you stay there all day (although I know some people who do spend that long). I am simply encouraging you to be available to what may be “The Find” for you.

So tell me. Do you leave a thrift store if you don’t see anything that catches your eye upon arrival?

Daily Delight: C. Wonder Store

by Briana Mowrey October 23, 2011 1 Comment

I was fortunate enough to attend the opening of the C. Wonder store in Manhattan yesterday, and though my boyfriend would probably joke that the “C” stood for crowded, it’s likely a nod to the mastermind behind the brand, Chris Burch, the former husband of fashion designer Tory Burch. The store’s wares definitely have that similar peppy, preppy vibe to them, but in addition to the fashion offerings you’d expect, there were lots of colorful home goodies to be had, too.

c wonder opening

I especially loved all the dish sets, but in the end I walked out with a few cool decorative trays, a tortoise shell bowl, and some classic stud earrings (I couldn’t resist). Don’t worry if you aren’t close to the SoHo location — Curbed is reporting that the brand will open more stores in the tri-state area by year’s end, and have its e-commerce up and running in a few weeks. Then you can see wonder for yourself. (Sorry, couldn’t resist that either.)

Should I Buy Brand New When Thrifting?

by Rashon Carraway October 21, 2011 16 Comments

When most people consider thrift stores they often think of used items. But sometimes a major thrift store will collaborate with a major department store, offering many of the same items. So the question is, should you buy a new item from a thrift store? Well….

When a thrift store in my area had its grand opening, I went. When I walked in the store was like a rock concert, people everywhere. I had no intention of buying anything until I spotted a box of cherry-wood suit hangers.

Wooden Hangers

I really needed some good-quality hangers and these were less than half of what they would be in the department store. And they had two boxes of them in the thrift store. Even better, the store is still stocking the same hangers!

Thrifting: When Not to Buy

Rule #1: Buy a new item in a thrift store is when the price is significantly less that what it would be in a department store.

Just because an item is brand new in a thrift store, doesn’t mean it’s currently being sold in regular retail store. It can simply mean someone donated a product that has never been used and still in the box.

Cari Cucksey’s Flea Market Shopping Tips (video)

For example, I picked up these Ralph Lauren sterling silver wine chillers earlier this year.

Ralph Lauren wine chillers

The $135 price tag from the original store was still on them. I knew I’d use them for years to come so I bought them.

Rule #2: If the item is brand new but not currently in circulation, and the price is right, buy it.

Emily Henderson: Round-Up From the Round Top Antiques Fair

What happens if you see an item in the thrift store, but you also know regular stores carry it? While it is good to patronize thrift stores that have a good mission to donate and give back, don’t pay more for an item that you can find elsewhere cheaper. For example, purchase small items like batteries or pencils from a traditional retail store.

Rule #3: Don’t check your price-checking skills at the door. Buy only the real bargains.

Do keep in mind that thrift stores return policies do vary.

So have you purchased a brand new item from a thrift store? What was it?

Thrifting: When Not to Buy

by Rashon Carraway October 7, 2011 26 Comments

You’ve been there. You see an item in a thrift store and immediately think, “Ooh, I’ve got to have this!” When in reality You may not even need it. My small condo is filled with things I should have left behind.

Today I’ll help nudge you past the items you should leave for the next bargain shopper.

Tips on Negotiating at Thrift Stores

I’m the first to admit that if a see a certain label or a stamp that says “Made in…”, I’m intrigued and want to buy it. However, the place where a piece of furniture, garment or tchotchke is made should not be the major reason you buy it. I’ll admit, certain items automatically exude quality or exclusivity, such as this tissue box, which was stamped “Made in Italy.”

I didn’t need it. Yet I bought it because, well, it said “Made in Italy.”

So you’ve got a garage full of I-will-paint-that-soon projects? That means the vintage Heritage sideboard for $60 may not be a wise purchase. I know it’s tempting to buy all of the amazing finds that are reasonably priced. However, to keep from being on the next episode of Hoarders, only buy pieces of furniture you need and that you can use immediately.

How to Find the Best Thrift Stores

Walk on by that complete plushy mattress set in the furniture section. Regardless of the low price, mattresses are not items I would suggest buying from a thrift or secondhand store.

One of the best feelings in the world is to walk into a thrift store and spy the perfect piece to complete a room. But this is only a good thing if you’re not driving a two-door sports car. Is it really a bargain if you have to rent a utility vehicle to get it home?

And don’t even consider buying it if you’re traveling. When the cost to transport an item significantly outweighs the cost of the actual item, leave it in the store.

Don’t worry, though. Something better always comes along. It’s the magic of thrifting!

So tell me, when do you leave something in the store?