Champagne Tastes Better

My office-a work in progress...

2009-06-05T06:04:00.000-07:00

So after going back and forth, I finally decided that I wanted black office furniture instead of white. Mainly because some of the pieces I put in my spare room can come in handy in the office/loft when I go from black to white in there for the baby's room. So I need some opinions. I found these 2 desks. The first is from PB- The Aris Large Desk Suite- at $999.00. In black-it just pictured better in mahagoney.

This is the second one I found from JCPenny.com- Linden Street Ebony Lane Black Desk on clearance for $279.00.

They are both very similar, but the PB one is 68" and the JCPenny one in 50". Both are still oversized and very similar to what I am looking for.

Or else, the one I love love love is from PB-The Porter Collection at $599.00. Again in black-the white pictured better.

And my office inspiration pic- from CopyCatChic's blog- which is my all time favorite blog ever. Check it out!

I have the cutains in my guest room that need to come down, so I figured this would be the perfect space for them and I can finally finish my office so it is similar to my inspiration pic. WDYT? Which desk should I go with?

I promised you one...

2009-05-19T11:38:00.000-07:00

I promised you one so here is what I found. I love the simplicity of this PB Charleston Sofa for $1499 + $80 shipping charge, with the versatility to change colors at any time with the change of a slip cover. I am not a huge fan of Ikea, however, I love this couch! It is almost identical to the PB version, with just a $399 price tag- The Erktorp- which still has the versatility of the PB Charleston because it also has the option of different slip covers. Can you tell the difference? IThe PB version has a few extra pillows on it- the second picture. I will be buying these for my office in the next few weeks.

A challenge for you!

2009-04-02T06:44:00.000-07:00

I am having the hardest time finding bedding for my master bedroom that I love. I have changed my mind a million times now. I love the colors in this one and the overall feel. Help me find it cheaper. Vinnie will be kicking my butt right back to Macy's if I spent $1400 on the set!
It's called "Poetic" by Barbara Barry.

Help me!!!

Bedding

2009-04-01T06:42:00.000-07:00

I have been looking for new bedding for our master bedroom, but haven't found the "one" yet. However, in my search, I did find a cheaper version of this PB set-Bristol Floral Collection. I didn't research prices thoroughly, because honestly it's not my style, but the Target version is way more budget friendly- WaverlyMartine Bedding Collection. And a huge plus- I love the quality of the Target version- I have the Waverly Metro collection in my Spare Bedroom and get tons of compliments.
PB Version

Target Version

Galerie vs. Avington

2009-03-26T08:08:00.000-07:00

I bought the galerie coffee table from C&B for $249 some time ago and the galerie side table for $229. I love the table, but the stupid thing keeps chipping. I have since called C&B and they have replaced the table 2 times. I still love the table, but my newest issue with it has been finding a similar finish to match the coffee tables for my tv media stand and book cases, without looking too off. C&B doesn't carry the media stands or book cases to match the collection.

Well I found the solution! I recently purchased the Avington media stand from Target $179 praying that the finishes would be close enough to pull off for my family room. They weren't close- they were DEAD ON PERFECT!

During my search I fell in love with the C&B Galerie Spirits Cabinet for $349.
Well I found a knock-off at Target- The Avington Buffet for $220. They look so similar, the quality is awesome on the Target version, and the finishes are identical. Looks like the Target version is next on my list!

So if you are looking at both of these, I highly suggest getting the coordinating pieces from Target. The finish is perfect and they look so nice together.

My secret to convincing my husband

2009-03-14T19:34:00.000-07:00

to buy furniture that is not is his idea of a "Vinnie budget" - show him the champagne version and how much I am reallly saving him. It worked perfectly today!

I found this Target version a while back and intended on picking it up today while I was doing my weekly Target trip- well lucky me-vin decided to tag along. It is the Avington Collection media stand. I love the finish, it matches my C&B Galerie Table finish perfectly and will fit in perfectly in my living room. Anyways, it is $179 at Target. Vin had a fit that it was so exprensive. So we took a field trip to PB this afternoon.

On our field trip to Pottery Barn today, I found the Farmhouse Collection media stand that looks so much like it....for $899! Sheesh! Looks like I'm sticking with my Target version. Vin was happy I got a deal and I'm happy I got the first version I wanted anyways.

Office Finds!

2009-03-12T07:37:00.000-07:00

I love these rattan/banana leaf end tables/stools. They are so cute and totally add that "natural" feel to a room. So in my search for the perfect office, I came across this one from Crate and Barrel the Abaca 19" ottoman for $119. As always, I love it but not the price tag. So here is a more wallet friendly option from Target-Woven Honey Side Table for $44.99.

Can you tell the difference?
The first picture is C&B and the second is the Target knock-off. Sweet deal Target!

And here is a sneak peek of my office that I finally decided on. I am starting it this weekend. I am so excited for an actual office. Working at my dining room table is getting old. Thoughts? How do you like it?

my office - by vmgetl on Polyvore.com

Bedding

2009-03-12T07:24:00.000-07:00

So I was milling around Target for an hour the other day- yes this is a typical occurrence by the way- I found the cutest bedding ever. Word on the street is the quality is ehh, but it is only $75 and super cute if you like clean whites or shabby chic...here is the link. Well my favorite nesties pointed out to me that West Elm has the same bedding for $119- IN COLOR! I'm in heaven! So for about $45 more, you can have a better quality colored version like this. Here is the link.
So if you are looking for the cheaper deal, go to Target, but if you like color- West Elm girls!

A bit of a dilema

2009-02-09T09:46:00.000-08:00

Would you settle for a furniture set you semi-loved because of price, or would you wait and save and buy the set you love love?

I am torn between 2 bedroom sets. I love love the one, but it comes with a $5000 price tag. I semi-love the other one, and it is around $1200.

I know that the first 1 will hold up longer, but I don't know that my taste will last that long. The cheaper one is very similar to the other one, but enough difference to make me question it. And I really just want to finish our master bedroom. I don't want to finance the $5000, but it will take some time to save for it, especially with other things that come up. I could do the $1200 one today, but would you sacrifice the look of something being exact for the price?

I just don't want to buy the cheaper one and then in a year hate it because it wasn't exactly what I wanted. But I am so sick of having crap in our bedroom. What do you think?

Hang 10 dudes!

2009-01-27T06:59:00.000-08:00

Let me start by saying that this vacation was way more champagne than beer....and thank you mom and dad for buying us dinner and excursions all week because I managed to spend over $800 alone, without excursions and dinners. I spent the last week in Maui where I turned a fabulous shade of bronze. I had the best vacation of my life. While in Maui with my family and best friend-sans Vinnie because he had to work- I became a beach bum, snorkeled every day, finally realized that I too can achieve the perfect "beach hair", met pro-surfers and pro kite-boarders, learned how to SURF-thanks to Adam and Jeff (the above mentioned pro's taught us for FREE! It helps to have big boobs and be blonde and have 2 sisters with me who are equally as cute as myself, apparently), had Adam take me and my best friend kayaking and touched a turtle (a HUGE turtle)- and you thought I would paddle- ha! We found someone to paddle for us- champagne baby, champagne! We went on a champagne catamaran cruise, went to a luau and got pulled up on stage (like a Rock Star!), ate the most amazing fish of my life, drank too many Bloody Mary's and corona's, rocked my $44 cowboy hat that Vinnie had a meltdown when I purchased-EVERY SINGLE DAY, saw the best magician ever- I HIGHLY reccomend Warren and Annabelle's, and learned how to move on and put the past behind me. All in all this was a crazy learning experience. I managed to stay on "Maui time" all week and only freaked out about a schedule once, ok maybe twice but in my defence I am a natural planner. I plan- it's what I do. I'll post more when I upload the rest of us surfing, the underwater camera's and my sister's camera.

Bathrooms

2009-01-14T17:25:00.000-08:00

I haven't ever touched on bathrooms, however I am in love love love with this console sink vanity from Pottery Barn. Since we are planning bathroom remodels this year, I have been on the prowl for a copy....ta da! Found one! PB's version $2299 is insane (1st pic). But have faith! Home Depot's version of this fabulous console sink in only $999. Sweet deal!

I'm back and better than ever!

2009-01-05T12:38:00.000-08:00

I would just like to apologize for being MIA for the past month or so. With the holidays being so hectic, I could barely check my e-mails let alone update my blog. But 2009 brings resolutions and mine is to post at least 1 great find a week. So if you are on the hunt for something, send me pictures- let me help you find it for less $! Happy New Year!

My master bedroom challenge!

2008-12-12T07:12:00.000-08:00

I have been begging Vinnie to let me start re-decorating...correction: DECORATING: our master bedroom. Currently, we have a bunch of mismatched furniture, our bedding is 3 years old, and I am just over it. I want an adult bedroom. So here is my challenge. Below is my bedroom currently.

I am not quite sure where I found this inspiration picture, but if you know or it is yours, please let me know so I can credit you and question you to death!
Keeping with my champagne taste and beer budget I am trying to recreate the look of this room for less.

I know this rooms seems rather blank, but I love the simplicity of it. It is very neutral- a relaxing place to unwind. My life is so hectic and crazy that I need one place to embrace neutral and simple. Also, I am drawn to the window treatments-mainly because my bedroom windows are very similar and impossible to find anything that looks 1/2 way decent.

I found the furniture from www.vcf.com. I haven't been into the store to actually take a look at the quality, but for $1099, I love the price. It includes the bed (head and foot boards), the tall dresser, the long dresser and mirror and 1 night stand.
I love the blue color on the walls, but I am leaning more towards the inspiration picture of the tans, but if I go that route, I found a perfect match from Behr -$15 a gallon after $5 rebate-Regatta Blue.

I also found this bedding that I fell in love with from Macy's Hotel Collection. It is insanely priced, so I am looking for a "beer" replacement. I may splurge since I am aiming for a luxury retreat, but we'll see!

So my task for you- give me your honest opinions. I want some feedback!

Blogville is becoming the Twilight Zone

2008-11-26T06:39:00.000-08:00

So thanks to Me&MrT, I have jumped on the Twilight bandwagon- resisting it at first, but dodododo dodododo - and here I am 3 books in, craving the fourth. With about 13 shows waiting for me on my tivo, no contact with my family or friends, no laundry, dishes, housework, or anything even touched in the last week, no nourishment of any kind-seeing as I read through my lunch hour, through dinner, and never eat breakfast, I have been totally and fully consumed with Twilight and the series it consists of. My nest time has dwindled down to ), my blog-baby is in need of an up-date, so I figured I'd keep with my find it cheaper theme. So for all of you who haven't jumped on the Twilight bandwagon, I searched for the books for cheaper ;-) and found them at walmart. I was going to check them out of the library, but people had these suckers on hold until April- seriously! So if you want to jump into the Twilight Zone, go to Walmart and buy them! I think it was something like $8.69 for the first book. Enjoy and know that my Twilight obsession is almost over- I can't wait to get back to reality!

And a special thank you

2008-11-19T06:46:00.000-08:00

to Kim at Newly Woodwards for my Kreative Blogger Award. She made my whole day....and here I have been for 25 years thinking I don't have an ounce of unique-ness to me! Kim has a fabulous blog- which I just recently started following and she is one of my biggest supporters in Blogville, so this is just instant love Kim!

So it seems that I need to pass it on? Since I an new to Blogville, I have to think on this, because all of my favorites already have this award. I do want to give it to one person for sure though- Copy Cat Chic gets it because she was my inspiration for starting my own blog. Had she not stopped updating, I'd still be a no go in Blogville. So heres to you Copy Cat Chic! Bring it back! I miss it- and still check it twice a day for any hope or sign that you'll come back!!!

To my fans

2008-11-18T07:51:00.000-08:00

Dear fans of my blog,

Thank you for all of your encouragement and comments. I didn't know if this would be a hit or a dud, but figured I would try and see where it goes. I love finding deals and obviously you guys love finding them too. So if you see something you love, but want it cheaper, challenge me! Send me what you are looking for and I will help as much as I can to replicate it and find it cheaper. Thanks for your comments and support again! It makes blogging that much better knowing that people actually care about what I have to say ;-).

Champagne Love,
Erin

Target isn't always cheaper!

2008-11-17T18:33:00.000-08:00

I found this mirror (1st pic) at target.com- The Gotham Mirror for $379. My heart stopped beating for a second when I saw that price and I have been on the look-out for a cheaper version or for it to go on clearance. Well since I do what I do and I do it well, (lol) I found it cheaper! Did you doubt I would? The second picture is from jcpenny.com- The Lawrence Mirror, on sale for $99. Tell me if you can tell the difference. I'll take the cheaper version!

Seagrass Chairs

2008-11-17T12:27:00.000-08:00

Pottery Barn's Seagrass Wingback Chair

Crate and Barrel's New Havana Chair

I found these a while back and have had my eye on them. This chair looks really uncomfortable, but after a day long shopping trip to the Commons, Vinnie got tired and whiney and decided to "test" out furniture in Crate and Barrel. I was in the store for a good hour or so and he didn't budge from this chair. I have searched and searched for the cheaper version, but you will never guess where I found it...Pottery Barn of all places!!! This chair at Crate and Barrel is called the New Havana Chair. It comes with the cushion (generous of C&B, don't you think?) and will cost you about $599 plus tax. The same chair at Pottery Barn is $399 plus tax-The Seagrass Wingback Chair. They look the same and are both **really** comfortable. Vinnie was trying to talk me into the C&B one, but I wouldn't do it because of the price. I showed him the PB version and he is in love with me all over again!

So we were going over insurance coverage

2008-11-12T09:08:00.000-08:00

last night and I got to thinking how much it actually does cost to furnish a room-seeing that Vinnie insured all of our belongings for $20,000. So I am breaking down my family room piece by piece. Welcome to my family room. This is where we spend all of our time. I am not completely finished with it yet, but I know how much the remaining "missing links" will cost so I factored those in as well..

Family Room Items Breakdown:
Sectional: Wickes Furniture- $2301 with tax

Curtains: Target $19.99 each + Rod $24.99 = $69.14 with tax
Area Rug: Target $129.99
Coffee Table: Crate and Barrel Galerie Coffee Table $249
Console Table: Crate and Barrel Galerie Console Table $229
Mirror: Home Depot $39
Throw Pillows: Target $19.99-$24.99 each= $159.66 with tax
Art on Wall: Meijer $69.99
Clock: Crate and Barrel $79
Baskets: Target and Michaels $24.99 +$12=$ 36.99

Candles on Table: Target $11

Coasters: Crate and Barrel $59.98

TV: Walmart $1587

Area Rug by the Garage: Target(not in photo) $44

Frame above couch: Michaels $7.99

Huge Green Chair= Bain of my existence= Happy Husband's Man Chair

Coming Soon:

Galerie End Table: Crate and Barrel $199

Avington TV Media Stand: Target $179.99

Lamp: Target +shade $54.98

My Grand Total To Decorate My Family Room:$5506.71

So after I did this for H last night, he decided(and I use this term loosely) that we will be upping our insurance coverage.....and it only took THIS to make him realize. Oh Lord help me!

Building my dream home....

2008-11-12T06:44:00.000-08:00

I have this idea of what I would ideally want every single room in my "dream home" to look like. So just amuse me and ohhhh and ahhhh over it. It is my goal this year to physically copy one designer room and see what it actually costs- along my beer budget. So here goes! Side note- some of these are absolutely unobtainable like the entryway for instance.

I adore this office. I first spotted this on copycatchic.com and I fell in love.

This will be my master bathroom in my dream home-compliments of Pottery Barn.

This is such a fabulous living room. From Point Click Homes I believe.
I love this for my future daughters room (no not anytime soon!).

This wil be previously mentioned future daughters nursery.

I have always wanted a table for my entryway that serves absolutely no purpose other than to hold flowers and make the space look grande!

My Husband will get a man room! I love this wallpaper of all things.
I love this dining room. It's elegant, but comfortable looking.

I have more to add, but I just wanted to get it started. Let me know which one you think I should try to replicate. I am leaning towards the office.

Let's take a minute...

2008-11-12T05:53:00.000-08:00

to really appreciate champagne! Every girl who love heels and pearls should always have a bottle or two (or 4 like yours truely) chilled and ready to crack open on any random moment or occasion. I personally love anything Spumante, but one may argue that it really isn't champagne- it is a sparkling wine....but that is just more of a reason to love it. Get where I am going with this?!? Spumante and/or sparkling wine is just like champagne, but cheaper and I actually prefer it. My sister got me hooked on this super cheap Asti Spumante- it's in a pale green bottle and is (ironically) called Verde and is usually in between $6 and $9. If you love sparkling wine/champagne/ white sweet wines, this one is for you! Now it's 8:07 am and I am craving a damn glass of verde!

Tables

2008-11-11T14:10:00.000-08:00

I originally fell in love with this table(1st pic) at C&B for $499 without a leaf- so it seats 4- the Avalon Extension Dining Table. After a little searching I came across 2 others- fairly similar- one from Target(2nd) American Simplicity 42" Round Pedestal Table - Black which is $229.99 or with a leaf to seat 6 for $319.99 and one from Ikea (3rd pic)- LIATORP for $249 that comes with a leaf and extends to fit 6 chairs. The Ikea Liatorp is the best deal, but the Target version seems a little bit more stable. Your choice! EDIT!!!! After an anonymous review of the Ikea Liatorp table, I don't want to promote it. I have seen all 3 of the versions up close and personal, and the Ikea version is definitely less stable as I mentioned above, so if you are going to go with this table, I am promoting the Target version. It's a little bit more for the leaf, but it is solid and has great reviews on target.com as well. Thanks for all of your imput readers!!!

Crate & Barrel vs. JC Penny's

2008-11-11T07:50:00.000-08:00

This one is not exactly identical, but close enough, still functional, and does exactly what you need it to do. The Windham Storage Bench/Cushion and Mirror from C&B go for $599. The Clark Wall Shelf and Bench with Baskets from JC Penny is $249. Save your money and get it from Penny's!

Macy's vs. Target

2008-11-10T18:49:00.001-08:00

I have been in love with this bedroom set from Macy's for about a year now (lower picture). It's the Murray Hill II collection for a sleek $4700. I was just cruising target.com and I found this almost identical replica -the Seattle Bedroom Collection for $1700 (upper picture). The catch- you need to put the Target version together yourself. I think Bob the Builder aka: my husband Vinnie can figure it out -especially since I'll be saving him $3000!

Pottery Barn Rant

2008-11-10T18:25:00.000-08:00

I don't see where they get off charging $139 a throw pillow...what's the thing made of? Gold? Silver? Gasoline??? Seriously, it does the exact same thing a $12 throw pillow does and usually they get thrown on the other side of the couch, the floor, or otherwise. That being said, I am even more motivated to find great deals for you girls! ::Off to search for a bargain::

Silver Sage

2008-11-08T11:25:00.000-08:00

Silver Sage is a RH trend that has moving across the D&R world. It's green but then it's blue- it's greyish, but then it's silver. It's a fabulous color and has so much versatility. I love these curtains from RH (1st picture) in Silver Sage- $169.99. Walmart has the exact color replica of RH's curtains in Silver Sage (2nd picture)- even called Silver Sage- for $14.99 a panel!

Another mirror deal

2008-11-07T14:55:00.000-08:00

Since I am on the subject of mirrors today, this is one of my favorites. Leaning mirrors are so in right now, but they are also crazy expensive. So take a trip to Ikea! They have this HEMNES mirror for $99.99. These suckers usually are in the ballpark of $400-$1000, so it seems like a steal to me! They have them in white and black/brown. They are about 30" by 65", and perfect for leaning!

Let's talk mirrors as art...

2008-11-07T14:42:00.000-08:00

PB's Raindrop Mirror is fabulous (show below), but the $449 pricetag- not so much. It is also HUGE. But venture to Target (pictured above), and they have A Wire Capiz Sunburst Mirror- with a $69.99 pricetag on a smaller scale, but totally doable. I love my Target finds!

Craft Desks!

2008-11-07T14:26:00.000-08:00

For all of you creative ladies, here is the perfect place to spread out and DIY! However this comes with a hefty price tag- PB's Bedford Project Table is a cool $1099. But there is a way! Macy's as the same table, but personally it looks more upscale and better quality than the beloved PB's version- the Craft 5-Piece Dining Room Set-Craft Table and 4 Stools for $899. Now just hold on- with a 20% coupon, the craft table and stools drop to about $629! Sweet deal Macy's!

Champagne tastes better...but beer is cheaper!

2008-11-07T10:03:00.000-08:00

I was once told that I have champagne taste on a beer budget. At first I was hurt by it, but then I realized there is nothing wrong with having champagne taste if you could find a bargain or find it cheaper. We all love Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, and Restoration Hardware, however I don't love the prices (neither does my wallet). So move over PB, C&B, and RH, here are the cheaper versions from my favorite places like Target, JC Pennys, Home Goods, Kirkland Home, and Walmart.