Raise a glass ... or two, or three

I have some cheap IKEA wine glasses at home for when the gals and I slosh back the vino; they're cheap, and though unattractive, they're replaceable.

For more special occasions, I found these retro faceted multi-coloured glasses, in two sizes, at my local thrift shop for .99 cents each.

Aren't they nifty looking? I've never seen anything like 'em.

There are three big and three small - I'm guessing the weeny ones are for liqueurs, which I don't drink, but they were so pretty I had to nab the whole set.

Think it's time to donate the IKEA ones back to the thrift shop.

Read More

Something old, something new

My recent bedroom makeover was inspired by this lovely red bracelet that I received as a Christmas present.

It has an ethnic-elegant look to it, and the red seemed a colourful and warm antidote to the icky January greyness.

All I did was change the duvet cover, add in some curtains and some throws, but the final look is more exotic.

I've had this Navajo-inspired blanket since my early 20s, and haven't used it for years - in fact it was in my donate pile until I pulled it out.

It looks great over the brick red duvet cover I put on the bed as part of the makeover (I have several duvet covers on hand to change things up every once in a while).


I added some multi-coloured striped silky pillows....











Threw up some purple drapes that I relocated from the living room ....


















Added more purple ....




















And voila!

You see the kitties approve!

Tomorrow: my anniversary giveaway!

Read More

Retro hutch redo

Part of my apartment re-do entailed jazzing up my teak hutch, which I love but quite frankly has never suited my style. I tend to like more curvy lines and though they tell you to mix styles, I'm not sure this piece mixes well with my other furniture.

My strategy: don't fight the modern lines.


In other words I decorated the hutch with retro modern objects, then added a dash of glam. Grouping similar items together (like the retro coloured glass pieces and stacks of bright-hued decorating books) can create a real impact, especially when they pop against the black of the velvet scarf (thrifted) that I'm using here as a runner.

Add some spray-painted lamps with classy black and silver shades - placed in a symmetrical arrangement for maximum glam appeal - and toss in a thrifted gold mirror, and the look is retro modern chic with a touch of elegance.


Some of my fave pieces here: the flat green Venetian dish on top of the books, given to me by my best friend after she went to Venice; the green and gold decanter that she also gave me, which used to belong to her parents; the black sculpture thrifted for a few bucks; the retro orange blown glass vase with a 'made in Canada' sticker still on it, thrifted for $10.

Read More

Thrift gift: yellow shoes

I found these handmade in Spain Arnold Churgin shoes for $5.99 months and months ago (see prior post on shoes & decor under the Arnold Churgin label to the right).

I loved that they were in mint condition, and that jolt of colour - so 1980s. Alas I knew my tender tootsies would never wear them. They're a very small size 8. So I used them as decor.

Until I learned that my pal and colleague Alexis had a thing for 1980s pumps. I brought them in to work and not only did they fit her perfectly but they also looked fab with her outfit that day!

The shoes are a summer style pump, but Alexis shows us how you can make 'em more season appropriate by pairing them with a thicker cotton stocking.

I love the look Alexis! Wear them in good health.

Speaking of thrift gifts I will be giving a number of them to the women in my family this holiday season. It's the only way I can afford to give them quality designer clothing, and some of the pieces I just wouldn't be able to find new in the stores.

Read More