Pillow Power, Day 4

Ralph Lauren

Today's Pillow Power Series is all about design.  Ralph Lauren is one of my favorite designers. I embrace everything about his style from the masculine: leather, trophies, and tartan plaids, to the feminine: ruffles, silks, and lace, all displayed among vintage pieces and luxurious decor.   It's the epitome of classic and timeless elegance.  My personal home is more eclectic because my decorating attention span doesn't lend itself to one style. But if I had to choose just one, it'd be RL.
Notice how RL layers multiple pillows for boundless opulence.

Here's some RL pillow love- (titles are not actual collection names)

The Masculine-

The Tartan-

The Nautical-

The Monogram-

The Romantic-

You may have noticed by now, unlike previous posts, price tags are not included.  B's pocketbook doesn't include designer price tags.  But never let a price tag stand in the way of what you want.  It's all in the hunt.  Of course, you are not going to find designer pillows as easily, but if you have a favorite designer, look for sales at department stores, outlets and Ebay. 

For my son's room, I wanted the casual RL style.  To obtain the look without the price- try copying key elements and then use a signature piece, like... a pillow.  This pillow was purchased 66% off at Dillard's.  It kind of sums up the room. 

The ensemble was for a song and dance on Ebay.  Two complete J.C. Penney sets for $100 including bedding, shams, pillows, sheets and window treatments, all brand new in the package.  We are currently only using one set. Hopefully our next house will have a larger bedroom to accommodate both beds/sets.  The only thing missing is another RL pillow.  That was until I went to GW.  Bingo. $2!  (More free advertisement for GW)

 And for my germ-a-phobic friends, (you know who you are,) this one has the removable cover.  

 May you find the will "power" to put on those sneakers and go track down your favorite designer look out of a penny pinching pocketbook!

Pillow Power, Day 3

Back down to where B lives today.  Discount stores- great places to find pretty pillows. 
Here's my short list, feel free to add to it.
TJ Maxx
Ross
Marshalls
Wal Mart
Target 
Homegoods
Big Lots
I've purchased lovely pillows from every one of these stores.  
Found these Waverlys at Big Lots.  

$10 each

$8 each

My favorite spots to find pillows on the cheap are TJ Maxx and Ross.  Never ever pay a big price for solid color pillows.  Just keep looking until you find the right color.  I've never paid more than $8 for a solid. Like these salmon pillows I bought last Spring to lighten up the red sofa.

Solid pillows $4 each

Another tip- You can find the most delightful pillows unexpectedly.  If you love it, grab it.  Eventually, you'll figure out where to put it.  I don't always set out to find a specific style or color.  It's surprising how things can come together without a plan.  The above inspiration was the fabric on this pillow from Ross.  Didn't know where I was going put it, just knew I loved it.

$7

This little bench is by our back door. The down filled pillow from Marshalls makes a soft place to lean back while we pull our shoes off.

$8

Target is another fav.  Their pillows range from $20-50.  Still a little on the high end so I usually wait for sales.  I eyed this cute pillow for months until it went 75% off.

$6

Sometimes I do buy pillows at regular price because I like them so much.  You may remember past posts with these Target pillows.

 

Look at these discount store beauties below.  Perfect for spring.

Target

Wal Mart

Wal Mart

Pottery Barn is not a discount store but I'd be amiss if I didn't include them when talking about pillows.  We all love PB.
Hoping to find a look alike for this one.  You just never know.  Someone may even donate this to Goodwill.  Before you laugh, let me tell you, I have found some great PB stuff at GW.

  Happy Pillow Hunting and...
more power to you if you can find a great bargain!

Pillow Power, Day 2

It's Day 2 of the Pillow Power series.  Yesterday I received a few comical comments about shopping Goodwill for pillows.  Seems I'm not the only one who has germ-a-phobia.  Since some of you haven't overcome your phobia yet, we'll go to the other extreme, talking high end. 
Obviously, there won't be much of a personal collection in this post. I just can't justify paying as much for a pillow as my entire winter wardrobe.  There are only three pillows in my house that cost more than $25.  This is one of them.

I purchased two of these gold and gray pillows specifically to go with a certain decor almost 10 years ago.  Funny how these colors are now popular. 

Maybe it looks a little like this Neiman Marcus set. It has the same ruching, cording and tassels.
Neiman Marcus will be our feature today.  You'll need a little pocketbook power for these babies.  Definitely not B's pocketbook.
Here's some NM pillow love lust:

White rabbit fur pillow- $395  Add the throw for $1295.

Or make it in purple for $645, throw $1475. I guess the dye makes it a little more costly.

How about rabbit fur rosettes from $395 to $1695?

I know many of you are into making the burlap pillows.   Why not save your precious time and buy one of these-

Only $175 each.

Getting sticker shock yet?  Please, no offense if you're a regular NM shopper.  I've bought from NM before and recently saw some items there I'd love to purchase if my pocketbook allowed.  You can rest assure that NM is top quality.  As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. 
I change out decor, especially pillows, way too often to justify a big price tag.
One must admit, NM's merchandise is truly beautiful and unique.

We'll come down to earth tomorrow.  For today, dream on.

Pillow Power, Day 1

Do you like love pillows?  Pillows are powerful. One of the cheapest ways to change your decor is to add new pillows.  Want a new sofa? Opt for new pillows.  Want new bedding? Opt for new pillows.  Want a new room color without the trouble of painting? New pillows.  This week is dedicated to "Pillow Power" at B's. 
My secret pillow store?  Goodwill.  At first I was apprehensive about buying a used pillow.  But after seeing such great bargains for quality pillows, I decided a little sanitizing would do the trick.  Doc says most germs have already died anyway, but my germ-a-phobic self  lightly sprays with Lysol. 
Here are some GW goodies, all under $4-

These will rotate throughout the house.
Love the soothing color and texture of this gray-blue one. In the background is one of my favs, a Mary Englebriet, given by a friend-

Today's featured pillows- Pier One. 
I always think of Pier One's style as Bohemian. However, many of their pillows work with just about any style. The average cost is about $25-$35 but this Pier One paisley was only $2 at GW. 

Here's some pillow love from Pier One.

Each day this week, pillows will be featured at B's.  So if you love pillows, stop back by. 

Winter Relaxation

Country Living

Happy New Year!  After 2,500 road miles, unpacking, laundry and taking down Christmas decor, I'm ready for some relaxation.  How about a warm fire with my new love? Apple Cider. 
The boxed instant drink mix heats in the microwave for instant comfort. Half a package mixed with pure apple juice=100 calories/0 fat grams.  Less fattening than hot cocoa w/whipped cream (my Christmas time staple.) 


Thanks to all who left sweet comments and wishes while I was away.  I must admit, a 2 week break from technology was quite refreshing. We had a wonderful time with family during the holidays.  
Someone asked me to share about the trip Doc gave me.  Well, sorry to disappoint, it was not an exotic destination but rather a two day trip to my old hometown of Houston.  Time saving and penny pinching. The important thing-  it was just the two of us, a rare happening. Enjoyed every moment.
We stayed at the Marriott at the Galleria.  Love going there at Christmas time to browse the shops and gaze at the giant tree in the middle of ice rink. 

flickr

And of course we visited two of my favorite restaurants- 
Chuy's (miss my Tex Mex!)
and the delectable Cheesecake Factory. 
This is exactly what I had for dessert!

Cheesecake Factory

Now you know why I'm watching calories and counting fat grams. 

I'm enjoying catching up on all of your blogs.  So many lovely posts.  Seems everyone is already busy planning projects.  I'm still trying to catch my breath.   

ktichen.com

 Maybe a brainstorm will hit while I lay here in my pj's sipping  cider.