New at West Elm

These new pieces from West Elm are getting me in the mood for fall...

I love the textures that come out with the fall season, everything looks so warm and cozy.  The hammered metal accents are a nice contrast to the rustic feel, aren't the studded finials fantastic?

Happy Weekend

Hope yours is fab...

kate spade

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...at least at Michaels

Let me start my saying that I am strongly against putting Christmas stuff out so early in the year.  It's the end of August and 110 degrees here in Phoenix today... it's not exactly feeling like the holiday season.  I believe that stores should at least wait until after Halloween to put out the Christmas decor, but that's just me and my whole "live in the now and celebrate holidays at appropriate times" attitude.  That being said, I did walk down the Christmas aisle at Michaels the other day and found this non-Christmasy sunburst mirror for only $79.99.  And of course you never buy anything there at full price, so use your weekly 40% off coupon and you've got a screaming deal. 

I didn't measure this, but I'm guessing it is around 24"

The good part about bringing out the winter items so early is that the summer merchandise is on clearance.  Check out these ceramic vases for only $3.59.  (I purchased the one in the middle)

I'm forever in love with aqua glass...these bottles were around $5

So if you can look past their poor sense of holiday timing, it may be worth heading to Michaels to check out some of their end of season deals.  Plus, word on the street is that there are some new Martha crafting supplies coming soon.

Etageres...oui or no?

Websters's dictionary defines etagere as "a piece of furniture consisting of a set of open shelves for displaying small objects".  I think that the modern versions seen below are a great way to show off your favorite items, as long as the display doesn't get too knick-knacky.  When arranging your items, be sure to vary the sizes of objects and create vignettes to add interest (I always like odd-numbered arrangements).  Also, it helps to group like-items together.  For example, if you have a green bottle collection, put them all in the same area rather than sporadically around the room to create a more modern look.  Most importantly, keep it simple.  Too many small items can make it start to look like your grandma's ceramic kitty collection (no slam on grandma intended).  I spotted this fantastic oriental-inspired stacking etagere at HomeGoods last week for only $200, but sadly had no place for it...

 HomeGoods

here's a more traditional option from Ballard Designs

Jonathan Adler Radcliffe Etagere...not sure why it's not called a bookcase, but if Mr. Adler thinks it's an etagere, we'll go with that

a very sleek option

domino

cote de texas

similar grouping of white ceramics via i suwannee

green groupings via domino

Really?

New 45" home dec fabrics at JoAnn's, only $9.99 a yard.  More patterns/colors available in-store, I didn't see them up on their website yet.  Not bad for JoAnn's...

Some nice Suzanni inspired prints

Wouldn't these butterflies be cute in a little girls bedroom?

Curtain Call

Cote de Texas did an EXCELLENT post on curtains today.  Window treatments can be tricky and I'm with Joni...if curtains aren't done right and executed perfectly, it's better not to bother with them at all.  Definitely worth checking out.

Pillow Jewelry

How about adding a little flair to your throw pillows?  These pillow corsages from AAlicia Accessories would add some instant style to any old pillow and bring it back to life.  You can also pin these onto your shirts, sweaters, or jackets for a very J. Crew look.  

Mrs. John Mayer

Ever wonder where you would live if you serendipitously ran into John Mayer at a coffee shop, fell in love, got married and lived together happily ever after?  Well here you go:

Very classy, not to mention you'd be coming home to this every night (while he's not out on tour, that is)...

En Vogue

Loving the cover of the new issue of Australia's Vogue Living...

Black + White + Green = Beautiful

Look Familiar?

I think so...

1. Original Jonathan Adler Kaleidescope Bargello Pillow

2. New Crate & Barrel Phoebe Pillow

Trend Spotting- Blue & White Ceramic

I'm not sure if you can exactly call this a trend since blue & white pottery has been around for ages, but lately I've seen it used in a modern way and I've got to say, I'm a-lookin', and I'm a-likin'.  Did you notice all of the blue & white ginger jars in my previous post on the lovely all-girl Brownstone?  Here are some other places I've spotted it:

*Anna Spiro of Absolutely Beautiful Things is a big fan of blue & white

*flickr

*Sunset

*Country Living

Here are some pieces you could integrate into your home to get the look:

Some nice (but pricey) options from Williams Sonoma Home

These ginger jars are on clearance right now at Pier 1

I've also seen some nice pieces at HomeGoods lately, their selection is hit and miss but you can't beat their prices.