REPURPOSED PICTURE FRAME

Remember this post when I framed iconic designers for my dresser top?  Well, my perfume bottles are kinda just there. Not bad, but not great. I was in Unique Thrift Store and saw this gold picture frame and instantly thought perfume/vanity tray. And the best part, it was only $1.49!

At first, I took the backboard off, but the glass seemed loose, so I put it back for support.

Then, I just flipped it over and cleaned the glass.

VOILA!

What a great way to repurpose the frame into a vanity tray?

Notice the intricate filigree detail.

Recycle Reuse Reduce

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 PART 2

Let me tell you, Unique Thrift Store is MY store! I've been there 3 times in the past 5 days. And as always, I make a bee-line to the shoes for first dibs. And what I learned recently is to double back and see what the workers have put out new. I even went through the bin before the lady could put it on the shelves. The thirst is real!

First up are these Tahari black T-strap kitten heels. They are perfect with a skirt and have just enough heel for pants. These babies were only $9.99.

 I bought these J. Renee grey animal print slingbacks for $4.99. They will be cute with a simple white tee and jeans.

When I saw these black Guess strappy heels for only $6.99, I couldn't believe my eyes. Great for dancing!

Now these nude Chinese Laundry pumps retail for $69.00, but Unique had them for $19.99. But it was 25% off Thursdays, so I got them for $14.75!!!

I absolutely love love love these Nine West two toned oxfords. The price says $14.99 but it was 25% off and I got them for $11.25! I imagine wearing these this Autumn with a menswear inspired look.

And for the pièce de résistance, Franco Sarto calf hair slingbacks. Check the price! $2.99 say what?

Notice the cute leather tassels!

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

BRITISH INVASION

Have you seen Downton Abbey? It is a British period drama series and it's absolutely "Brilliant". Season 4 will be premiering January 5, 2014 and I can't wait. I've already watched seasons 1 and 2, have yet to watch season 3.

I've been inspired by the British culture so much, that I'm helping my daughter decorate her room with a British theme. We went to IKEA and she purchased this large picture featuring their underground subway and I found this picture of the Tower Bridge at Unique for only $2.12.

Just the other day I found a nightstand at Unique for $4.99 that I'm going to paint red to resemble their infamous telephone booths.

Before I started, I put down plastic to protect my floor from the paint and I removed the door pulls.

I used some left over primer from when I painted my kitchen. Using primer gives you a blank slate to work with. I used the brush to put on the first coat of primer and then the roller for the second coat. 

*wait at least 30 minutes between each coat of primer*

I bought red spray paint from Home Depot, and I took this project outside. Spray painting this nightstand was easier and quicker than using a roller or brush. It took me less than 20 minutes. I left it outside to dry for about 2 hours and also because of the fumes.

I purchased gold door pulls from Home Depot for about $1.67 each to resemble the door knob on the booth. I'm thinking about writing "TELEPHONE" on the inset of the drawer to really pass for the booth. What do you think? Too much? Taking it too far? Or just leave it as is?

Voila!

When her room finally comes together, I'll update ya'll.

FASHION OG'S

With the numerous fashion shows happening during fashion week, I thought I'd do a DIY project in honor of the designers. I've always had a love for fashion.  I can remember watching fashion week when I was younger. Thinking back, it aired around midnight on a non-network channel.  Now-a-days you can watch a fashion show live on the Internet.

So, I stopped by Unique and bought these 4 frames for $2.12.

I searched the internet for images of famous designers and printed them out on a regular printer.  

I chose black and white images of Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Guccio Gucci, Cristobal Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, Gianni Versace and Christian Dior for a more vintage look.

I used the picture glass and folded down the paper to mark where to cut.

I chose to showcase Coco, Yves, Gianni and Dior.  Whaddya think?

I stopped by Shoprite to pick up a few groceries and in the floral department, they always have a bucket of flowers marked reduced. For a $1.99, I think they add a pretty touch to this arrangement.