HARPER'S BAZAAR WALL ART

Do you have old magazines laying around, piled up in a corner or next to the recycling bin? Before you chuck them, pick out interesting magazine covers and make them into wall art.

 That's just what I did. I have an subscription to Harper's Bazaar and I saved 4 magazines covers that featured Sarah Jessica Parker, Selena Gomez, Olivia Wilde and Gwyneth Paltrow.

I purchased these 4 gold picture frames from Unique for less than $6.00.

Carefully peel off the sticky price tag labels. 

 After taking apart the frame, I placed the clear glass on the cover and cut around the glass. 

I used a box cutter, but you can use scissors or a straight edge.

Insert glass in frame, turn image over and replace back panel.

 Repeat process for the rest of the covers.

Before hanging, layout and arrange the pictures.

SAS Interiors offer templates to fit any wall display.

But, I just used last month's At-A-Glance Calendar page as a template.

You can use any big sheet of paper.

I placed the pictures on the front of the calender page in the opposite
order of how the pictures are to be hung.

I flipped the pictures over and laid the sheet on top.

I penciled over the sawtooth hanger on the back of the picture.

Tape template to the wall and hammer in nails.

So much easier than guessing.

I hung the pictures and marked 2 inches down for the other 2 frames.

This framed art adds just the right pop to my dressing room!

It's like a little art gallery in my house!

CHEAP BEDROOM MAKEOVER

Remember the movie, Purple Rain? Well, I love Prince and the movie so much,
 I painted my room purple. 

I enjoyed it while it lasted, but the room appeared smaller that it actually was. The easiest and cheapest solution to begin a makeover is with paint. I purchased a gallon of primer and a gallon of Colorplace semi-gloss antique white paint from Walmart, both for under $30 and got to work.

Let me tell you, it took a couple of coats. That stubborn purple was just peeking through everywhere.

I got these mirrors from Ikea, a while ago, and painting around them was a task in itself!

And oh yeah, I chose the hottest day to paint. I was sweating like a banshee. What was I thinking?

Well, after a week of priming/painting, here is the finished product. My daughter's friend, Hope, gifted me a robin's egg blue candle and from there the color theme began. I purchased the white owl from T.J. Maxx for $9.99. The beautifully crafted wooden apple was an incredible find from Unique for only $2.49. I purchased the white sheets from Walmart for about $18.00 and the white down comforter was a steal from Target for $24.99. These beautiful pink Gerber daisies purchased from Gray's Florist added the right pop of color.

Purchased the Life is Beautiful pillow from T.J. Maxx for $12.99. Using the colors from that pillow, I went to Hobby Lobby and purchased fabrics to make these chevron and paisley throw pillows for less than $8.00 a half yard.

tutorial coming soon

         I picked up this white linen/metal basket from Unique for $2.49 and used it as a plant holder. 

Cateracterum Palm from Home Depot

  I already had purchased this area rug from Target and it added a bold graphic print to the all white room.

 This heirloom cherry blanket rack retails for $45, but I lucked up and got this one from Unique for $5.99. 

*updated w/fresh yellow flowers*

Added all up, this makeover was under $120.

But looks like a million bucks!

(at least to me it does!)

THE BAG EDITION 2014

Are you sitting down? NO, ARE YOU SITTING DOWN? You won't believe these three bags I'm about to show you. I went to my favorite thrift store, Unique and bought these 2 bags last Thursday.

First up: Kate Spade Vertical Leather Tote retailing for $378 on Lyst.com. It was $4.99 with 25% off, so I only paid $3.74. Say What!

The inside of the bag is lined in suede.

Check out this oxblood Urban Expressions bag. Retailing for $60 on Polyvore.com. 25% off Mondays, so it was only $9.74. Check the ostrich details.

Now, hold onto your seats. I found this LV Speedy 35 Damier Ebene this past Monday. It is available on LouisVuitton.com for $990. Check the price tag, $5.99. Now take 25% off of that and what do you get? That's right, $4.49. Cray! Cray!

Three designer bags for under $20! I love a bargain, don't you!!!

SHOE EDITION 2014

Shoes, shoes and more shoes. What women doesn't love shoes? Why do we love shoes so much?
Because no matter what the scale says, shoes always fit. Right before last year's end, my daughter's co-worker asked if we had shoes to donate to the less fortunate; what a perfect opportunity to purge some shoes. Thankfully we had a lot to give. We donated three big garbage bags full of shoes and boots. With that said, I purchased some new ones from the Unique thrift shop that were very under budget.

First up, these spotted beauties by Martinez Valero. They were only $12.99. With all the colors, I can wear these with the lightest pastels to the deepest hues. Perfect for Spring, Summer and Fall.

Now, these edgy lace booties didn't have the designer's name in the shoe, I don't care, cuz they were regularly $14.99, but it was 25% off Thursdays, so they were only $11.25. I tried on a similar pair at Kohl's, but the peep toe opening hurt my big toe. Can't wait to wear these babies!

I love these two toned grey high heeled loafers by Zoe & Zac. They are perfect for work with a dress/skirt when I want a little height, but don't want to be too "frou-frou", also great with pants. From the looks of the sole, they were never worn.

I absolutely love, love, love these subdued green pumps by Charles David. They were only $9.99. I never owned a pair of green shoes.

Next up are these black patent leather heels with a bow by Next, a company based out of England. Very "ladies who lunch" type of shoe. They were also $9.99. Cutie pie!

This style is called the d'Orsay style.

 (Meaning: the vamp or part of the shoe is cut away very close to the toe box to reveal the arch of the foot)

Check out these green suede pumps by Zara, only $9.99. What???? I know, I couldn't believe it too!

Now, I have two pair of green shoes.

Now, I saw these leather criss-cross wedges by Cooperative on a Wednesday for $5.99, but I said if they're still there on 25% off Thursdays, I'll get 'em. Sure nuff, they were in the same spot I left them. For $4.50, I had to get them. They'll look cute with a little skater skirt. (Twirl - gone with the wind fabulous)

THEY DONE MESSED UP NOW! (BIG TIME)

CHANEL INSPIRED BLACK AND TAN HEELS

Look at these two beauties from Chanel. I fell in love with the color combination. The black cap toe makes any shoe a bold statement piece. But, at these prices, I can't afford it, even from Ebay. And so began the hunt for a similar pair of shoes at a fraction of the price.

€325 = $447

€247 = $340

While still searching on Ebay , I found these Franco Sarto slingbacks for $49.99. I know, not the same but close.

Well, looky looky.  They done messed up now, cuz, I found almost the same exact Franco Sarto slingbacks at Unique for only $3.99, yes $3.99! See the price tag! #winning