Shopping Secrets

My bargain shopping jackpot with the Manolo Blahnik heels was a rare occurrence. I wish I could say I had such luck on any shopping outing.  Several of you asked how in the world did I find such a bargain. Well, I wish there were a perfect formula for landing a deal like that one.

The best advice I can offer is this: Keep your eyes open. Look for beauty everywhere. (You've read about this concept, right?)

Now friends, the simple answer to the burning shoe question: 

"How do you buy a pair of Monolo's for $5?"  

Answer:  a charity shop

Some of these incredible stores open their doors to the public (not just the clients they serve) and offer their goods for amazing prices to raise funds for projects the charity is involved with.

At the shop where I lucked out, all of the shoes, new or "gently worn" were priced $5-regardless of designer.

 

My next piece of of stellar shopping advice would be to simply keep your eyes open.  Look for beauty and quality first.  Don't search for the designer labels.  Look and feel for the quality of an item's construction and open your eyes!

Sterling silver, for example, is black with tarnish--and fabulous patina!

Just take a look at Eddie's flea market candlestick find "before and after":

(I'm about convinced this guy could make a sow's ear into a silk purse!)

In our odd economic times, the New York Time's is spreading the news about alternatives to retail shopping.  Check out their article here(first published in 2006).   Here is another article on the love affair with malls-or should we say- retail therapy.   

Now it's your turn.  I want to know your very best buys.  What, where and how did you do it?  I know you've got treasures to tell all about and I want to hear!

A Teaser:  In a later post we'll talk about this:

Move over Carrie Bradshaw!

Those of you who know Granny know how I'm a bit particular about my shoes.  Well, over the weekend I did a little bargain shopping.  Want to see what I came home with?  

   

(I got the closed back, the d'Orsay style-a bit more year round wear that way.)

Now, GSG's sister is hitting the floor--she's the real shoe queen, and I haven't told her yet.  Surprise!  

Here's the best part:

You also know this if you know Granny:  I got them for a steal!  I wouldn't do it any other way.  

I truly appreciate the style and quality that these pricy goods offer, but really, give me a break!  It would be foolish to dish out $575 for a pair of shoes at any time.      

I have a feeling they are really just a pair of black shoes, but if I see Mr. Big--I'll let you know!

Oh, and do you think $570 OFF was a good deal?

Monograms

I adore a well embroidered monogram on fine linen.  Wether you are using Grandmother's linens or something you've found at the flea market, there's just something special about the intertwining of someone's initials on delicate fabric.  

    

A few lovelies for your enjoyment:

Gratitude

My cup is overflowing!  

The kindness shown to me by all of you fellow bloggers is just unbelievable!  I am overwhelmed with your well wishes on my birthday.  You all have proven how meaningful a kind word can be.  Thank you all very much!   

A most heartfelt thanks goes to Pearls and Grace.  How this precious lady gives from her heart is such a gift from God!  I had no idea that simply reading a blog, commenting and emailing would change my life--and so for the better.     

I had a rather full weekend and hope that during the week I can share tid bits of it with you.  It was beautiful and I hope yours was too!  

Colossians 2 (NIV)
6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Honest

What a kind award from Hopsy or Kappa Prep from Manicures and Monograms! She's such a doll and fun blogger.  We seem to share a similar design aesthetic as well as several other things!  If we were in the same town, we would be museum pals for sure!  She has bestowed upon me the Honest Scrap Award: brilliant in content or design. Wow!

(Here's Hopsy.  Is she cute, or what?)

I do hope that all of you have a good time looking at my blog. I think it is so important that we surround ourselves with things of beauty. DON'T GET ME WRONG--I'm not just talking about material possessions--I'm talking about wonderful, loving people too! Life is too short for us not to embrace one another and the lovely all around us! (That beauty includes the smiling faces of little people with mashed bananas and cereal all over the place!)

Now I'm supposed to give you some honest facts about myself.  Well, here goes:

1.  I'm particular about my shoes.

2.  I only drink Coca Cola when I eat pizza.  Other than that, I don't consume soft drinks.

3.  I need at least nine hours of sleep to be a decent member of society.

4.  Today is my birthday.

(and this is my fall china pattern-but just a web picture)

5.  I love good conversation: story telling , front porch sitting conversation more than food.

Make Believe House for No.100!

Join me, won't you, as we go on a bit of a fantasy trip to GSG's land of make believe.  Here are some of my favorite design inspirations, magically combined into one!

Welcome to our home...

 

Photo: Antoine Bootz and Jeff McNamara, we adore your work Cathy Kincade--she did the first two pictures.  This is not all the same house.  

I'm so glad that you were able to make it.  Let me show you around a bit.  Here's the dining room.    We'll have dinner at eight, will that work for you?

Photo: Antoine Bootz and Jeff McNamara

Let's take a short cut to the kitchen through the butler's pantry.  

photo Tria Govan; designer Mary Evelyn McKee

Now, for one of my favorite rooms in the house.  The kitchen:

Photo: Tria Giovan; Designer: Frank Randolph

Why don't we just sit for a while and talk.  I'd really like to get to know you better.

Photo: Jeff McNamara; Designer: Gerrie Bremermann

Here's the master bedroom.  

Photo: Pieter Estersohn; Designer: John Bobbitt

Here's your room.  I hope you like it.  If you need anything, just let me know.  

Photo: Tria Giovan; Designer: Phillip Sides

Why don't you just tour around in the gardens while I get some of my writing done.  

Photo: Pieter Estersohn; Designer: John Bobbitt

Thank you so much, blog friends.  You have become such a part of my life!  You'll never know how much pleasure I get from your kind comments and emails.  You all are the reason I make up silly fantasy posts like this one!  Thank you for making my 100th post so much fun!

My Kind of Monday Retreat

Ahhh...I don't think a Monday would be bad at all waking up in this bedroom--or a Tuesday, or a Wednesday...  I really like the fact that this is a normal sized bedroom.  Nothing over the top. It's comfortable and cozy while remaining refined and elegant.  

(Photo: Jeff McNamara; Designer: Gerrie Bremermann)

I do hope that all of you are having a BEAUTIFUL Monday!  My next post will be my 100th.  I think we should celebrate, don't you?  Ideas anyone?

So tell me about something beautiful you have seen or experienced on this beautiful day.  I'd love to hear about beauty all around.  

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Speaking of beauty, have you seen Pearls and Grace's new blog design?  It's simply regal!  If you aren't familiar with the Pearls and Grace blog--start reading.  You will be so glad that you did.  I can't begin to tell you what a special person P&G is.  Now Get Ready for something wonderful.

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An overdue THANK YOU to such a spunky blogger Mrs. News Reading!  She thinks my blog is FABULOUS!  Wow!  I'm so thrilled!    Her blog, Breaking News, is such fun to read.  Thank you so much for the FABULOUS Award!