CHEAP & CHIC : my fashionista

My awesome friend and co-worker, Dana, just started her own fashion blog and she was so kind to feature my honeymoon wardrobe (and the hubby's) that she helped style. Check out her post here. She photographed all the outfits laid out while we packed and then I documented everything while in St. Lucia.


We had a blast picking out clothes for the honeymoon, showers, luncheons, etc. for the wedding and she did an awesome job. Not only is Dana super fabulous, but this girl knows how to shop on a budget! No store is off limits! She is famous for swapping buttons, hemming lengths, taking in fabric on sides, or even completely rearranging elements. Be sure to follow her and you can get the scoop on all her tips and ideas -- home and fashion!

If you are wondering who styled her blog ... all fingers point to me. I thought it turned out cute and definitely defines Dana's personal style.  

DROP CLOTH CURTAINS

I am sure that it was somewhere on blog world that I read about using canvas drop cloths for around-the-house projects, and the idea stuck in my head. I did a little google-ing and found that people make sofa slipcovers out of them and curtains. This is what I like (and read) about drop cloths:

- they are all ready HUGE

- great for long lengths or puddling at the floor

- neutral color

- thick, strong material

- no need for lining

- just hem, sew pole pockets, and iron and voila!

I purchased 2...gosh I can't even remember the size now...drop cloths for about $15 each from Lowe's and began the adventure! Luckily, my Mom was in town and was able to help me get started - good thing, because this was my first go on my sewing machine and we encountered a few problems. ;) This was our process:

1. We measured the window, where the rod would be installed, and how many inches we wanted to allow the fabric to "puddle" to determine how much we needed to hem. I think we allowed around 4-6" for puddling. 

2. We pinned the top down 2" for the pole pockets. The bottom was the raw edge so we pinned it up 1", sewed that length, then folded it another 8" for the desired hem length. 

3. Repeat for both curtains. I ironed both before I hung them and it really helped with the wrinkles and form.

Take one...

And, take two...

[yes, that is spackling on the wall - disregard any drywall anchors included in package when hanging a light rod, not needed! Will leave a huge hole!]

Getting close...

[click on picture to enlarge]


I really love the final product and they hit the floor perfectly. I think the thick material helps them keep their shape and look so full. I also read where others mentioned sewing a color band along the bottom to spice them up. For about $30 of fabric + a $30 rod from Target, I say you have yourself a deal and some fancy curtains!


Thanks Mom and Brandon for your help!

BARGAIN SHOPPING

I have found the best purchases lately at the most surprising places. Don't get me wrong, these stores have great items, but typically I don't find myself imagining these items in my home. Most of these purchase ideas were found on other blogs and led me to playing around on their websites. I love a good deal, so when these items caught my attention for style and price, I was in!

PIER 1 IMPORTS:

The den (pictures to come, I promise!) has a casual nautical theme and I knew this lamp was perfect for the entryway console. And for $100, you can't beat that!

It is even more beautiful in person! I love the shade - it is white, and covered in a nice, thick fabric that does not look cheap or see through. 

I knew I wanted  "boxy" lamps for the night stands in the Master. Originally, I was hoping for crystal ones similar to these: 

But they cost an arm and a leg pretty much. So, when I saw these:

I thought they would be a perfect fit for what I was looking for. They have a mirrored base with a cream shade and were on sale for $50! I bought 2 and have 1 on each side of the bed. I did have to go to 3 different Pier I stores to find all of these, but it was well worth it.

JC PENNEY:

I knew needed a bookshelf of some sort to put in a "nook" in the den, but it couldn't sit directly on the floor because of the air vent. This "nook" is next to my art easel that sits within the bay window. So, I knew I needed some kind of table/stand/stool for my art supplies (brushes, paint, etc) while painting. I didn't know exactly what I was looking for until I spotted this baby on a blog.

She is originally $200, but is on sale for $90! I thought this would be perfect for a few baskets to store blankets, paints, etc. and I could have an ENTIRE shelf for my paint brushes and jars! Pottery Barn sells one very similar but almost double the size for $300 which is absurd - beautiful, but absurd. If needed, I may by 1 more to have 2 next to each other, but I am going to try out a single first.

Did you know Cindy Crawford has her own line at JC Penney? Some I like, some I don't. But, these curtain rods I LOVE: 

I knew I wanted the gold immediately. And, these were on sale for a surprising $50 each! I only needed 2 so that was great. They look fabulous in the room (to me) and really look good with the mirrored lamps. 

If you have any fabulous bargain finds, please share!