Monthly Archives: February 2013

Clear Acrylic/Lucite Stools: High-End vs Stylish Bargain

(Acrylic, Lucite, Ghost, Clear or Plastic) furniture is often prohibitively expensive and has always been popular.  Surprisingly this material was initially manufactured in 1937.  For a brief history go read this great article at Apartment Therapy.

These pieces are often in demand because they add dimension and make a room appear larger and airy.  The furniture also looks fairly unique despite its popularity.  The high-end garden stool listed is exquisite, but the expense is not justified. The stylish bargain acrylic crystal stool is similar, but not quite the same.  While the stylish bargain is less modern, it does the job of creating a modern and refined look indoors or outdoors.

This is an all-time big difference in price; a 94% difference ($139 vs $2380) in price! The difference in price is $2241.

HIGH END

Garden Stool by July Zhou, $2380 at Pagoda Red

 STYLISH BARGAIN

Clear Garden Stool $139 at Vive Decor, $133 on Ebay

 

Fur Tote Handbags: High-End vs Stylish Bargain

These fur totes are a bit “out there” but they are also pretty unique and really fun.   Don’t be afraid to look in the children’s department.  One of the stylish bargains in this post is currently listed in the JCrew Crewcuts Girl’s section!  While you don’t need to duck your head into a Gymboree, you can check out accessories designed for girls at  higher-end designers.  JCrew is by no means high end, but their children’s accessories are often stylish, affordable and cute.
Just look at Oscar nominee Quvenzhané Wallis, stylish beyond her years.  

Dog purse carried by nine-year-old Oscar nominee Quvenzhané Wallis 

HIGH END

Nina Ricci, $689

STYLISH BARGAINS

The Limited, $34.99

JCrew Girl’s Section $49.99

Wingback Chairs: High-End vs Stylish Bargain

We all know Ikea is not exactly known as a bastion of quality or style, but in this case, this is an actual vintage Ikea item that has been brought back recently and it does not scream Ikea.  Interestingly, I think the Ikea version looks way more luxe than the Restoration Hardware version.  I think Restoration Hardware was trying to “update” the legs to make it modern, but I think it just looks cheap.  Ikea does the mid-century modern legs and I think they totally work. 
French Upholstered Wingback Chair, on “sale” $750 – $1130 at Restoration Hardware

 

STRANDMON Wing chair, Svanby gray $279.00 at Ikea

40s Style Dress Bargains

These 40s dresses scream sophistication and have a demurely sexy aspect to them.  They are sexy due to the fitted wiggle dress style, they hint at sexuality and showcase curves.  A great dress for all ages. Make one of these your go-to little black dress.

Black Off Shoulder 40s Style Dress $34.99 at Amazon

40s Style Dress  at Amazon

Glamourous Black Vintage 40s Style Fitted Wiggle Dress $46.99 at Amazon

Mirrored Side-Table – High-End vs Stylish Bargain

Affordable mirrored furniture, sounds like an oxymoron.  Mirrored furniture is always expensive.  Make the most of Target’s bargain but gorgeous side table at half the price of the one at West Elm!

HIGH-END

BARGAIN

Leather Cuff Stylish Bargains

Leather cuffs don’t have to be expensive.  These leather cuff bargains feature dark, masculine colors with cool and feminine hardware.  Which one do you guys like best?  I vote for the black leather cuff with the zipper teeth detail and the last cuff listed with the blingy gold hardware.  Share the cuff you guys like best with your friends!

 

 

 

 

Nail Caviar – The Real Deal vs Stylish Bargains

Don’t Pay Full Price for Nail Caviar

Ciate was very revolutionary. It introduced more textures to a wider audience.  First it was nail caviar, and now it has branched out into velvet flocking and more recently, sequins.  The staggering difference in price between the basic materials and those used in the Ciate line, however, is ridiculous.  No one should pay $25 for 0.47 ounces of beads when you can get 2 ounces for only $2.35 on eBay or other craft stores.

Here’s a brief video with a tutorial on caviar manicures:


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