"Garden Ridge Branches Out"

It had been a while since I visited Garden Ridge, so I decide to stop in yesterday. 

If you recall, I'm obsessed with Garden Ridge's throw pillow selection.  When I don't have them custom made, Garden Ridge is my first top for a great selection of pillows at hard to beat prices.

This multi-colored chevron was hott!

These were embroidered and looked way more expensive than they really were.

Garden Ridge also has a large selection of rugs including small accent rugs.  I thought this Moroccan trellis was too cute, and at $4.99 you could afford a back up. 

I actually went looking for a large mirror and the selection was unreal.  They've definitely amped up the offerings.  I love the sunburst in the top left corner. So very me.  Unfortunately, I think it's a little too literal for my current project.

These mirrors were priced from $19.99-$79.99 depending on size.  That's much cheaper than they're sold for elsewhere. 

For example, this option is available online for so much more at $459.

Home Decorator's

I'm not really sure why you would need (or want) to spend so much more for an item that literally hangs on the wall.  This is definitely a time to "save" instead of "splurge".  It's just not worth it.

I also loved these Tiffany (Chiavari) chairs.  They scream dinner party.  Super chic!

I also noticed that Garden Ridge seems to have branched out in terms of the styles available.
I saw inexpensive accent furniture in a varitey of styles.  Industrial....

Modern....

Traditional....

Cottage....

This same lacquer side table was on One Kings Lane this week for double the price.

and country....

I was actually really impressed with the options.  Of course, it's Garden Ridge furniture so these are  not the most "solid" pieces, but if you need a small accent piece, I'd say, "Why not?"

And, it wouldn't be a Dwell by Cheryl blog post if I didn't mention my favorite place. 

Prior to stopping at Garden Ridge, I went by a Goodwill that I had been dying to go to.  I picked up these lamp shades for $2.99. 

I thought they were pretty handsome and would make a great complement to some accent fabrics that I purchased this weekend. 

Lo and behold, what do I spot on the lamp shade aisle at Garden Ridge?

Have I mentioned that I love Goodwill?  Happy Friday!

"Flash Sales: Deals or No Deal?"

You may or may not be familiar with the relatively new flash sales that are taking place on everything from designer clothing to posh design items.

Flash Sales has different variations but are generally defined by the following:

• Invite-only – requires membership to shop
• Name brand merchandise -quality merchandise not just cheap or out of date items
• Discounts – compellingly priced to drive impulse purchases and loyalty
• Selling Event – timed event at which the merchandise is offered until it sells out or a time limit is reached

I subscribe to a few and two of my favorites for home decor are Joss and Main and One Kings Lane.  Both of these sites feature curator sales showcasing items selected by popular designers and design bloggers.  I imagine myself being one of those some day. 

Each day the flash sales ads appear in my inbox and some days the deals are better than others; though never dirt cheap.  This morning's ad particularly caught my attention. 

BERGAMOT COLLECTIVE
Preppy & Colorful Pillows

Needless to say, they had me a preppy.  However, the pillow in the ad looked strangely familiar.  In fact, after linking to the website, several of the pillows looked extremely familiar.  For example, they were featuring this Canaan Company Poppy Pillow in two colors...



via Joss and Main



via Joss and Main

The retail price listed was $80 and the flash sale price was $39.95.  Seeing as how I have a photographic memory when it comes to colors and prints, I immediately recognized it as this one....

Yes, that's the same pillow (different color).  Available for the low, low price of $9.99 at my go to Garden Ridge.  And this one .....

via Joss and Main

... I really knew it well since I purchased it recently for my sister also at Garden Ridge also for $9.99.  The site listed a retail price of $90.00 and had it also for sale for $39.95. 

Amazing isn't it?  First off, I'm not sure who buys a throw pillow for $80-$90 and secondly I'm certainly not sure who does so when you can get the same ones for $9.99.  You may recall me blogging about how much I love to shop for pillows at Garden Ridge.  Well, after today, I love them all the more. 

Flash Sales:  Deals or No Deal?  You decide.....

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"My Retail Crush"

Do you recall your first crush?  Remember how you'd go out of your way to run into that special person.  You got all flushed with fever when they were around.  Well, I so have a crush on .... 

I can literally spend hours walking around that store.  I love the fact that there is so much under one roof.  From kitchen gadgets and wall art, to lamps and outdoor furniture, there's so much to see.  As I mentioned in my second FAB 5 post, it's my favorite place to get great toss pillows.  The selection is unparalleled.  It's enough to make even my head spin, and that's no easy feat.  Look at some of the cute options I saw on my most recent visit....

For those of you who haven't shopped for throw pillows in a while, they are not cheap.  It's ridiculous if you ask me.  The thought of paying $300 for a pillow really baffles me....

Kim Seybert- Graciousstyle.com $300.00

.... and quite frankly while this Etsy option is signifantly less at $49.00 I still think the price is a little crazy. 



Etsy- Cody and Cooper Designs

That's one of the reasons why the $9.99 options at Garden Ridge are so appealing.  Not to mention they were so darn cute.  The day I visited, the redlines were and EXTRA 50% off!  I got several, including large Euros, for $5.00!

And don't get me started on the outdoor cushions....

These are current $35.00 Crate and Barrel outdoor toss pillows.  

Crate and Barrel



Crate and Barrel


Cute, but I can certainly think of better ways to spend $35.00.  Like maybe for 3 (not 1) of the Garden Ridge options.

 At a 1/3 of the price, the choice is a no brainer.  And the selection is so much fresher than the options at your typical home improvement store. 

Lowes



Home Depot

Zzzzzz.... See what I mean?

There was also a great selection of swings and gliders.  Resonably priced from $69.99 to around $150, less than the ones I featured on The Outdoor Room post.


They seemed to be well stocked with Spring just around the corner and they even came in red.  Love it!

Keep in mind that this is just a small sampling of what Garden Ridge has to offer.  There is so much more that I could've shown, but this is a blog not a book.  : )

And so, my love affair with Garden Ridge continues.... 

Have you gotten anything great at Garden Ridge?  Leave me a comment or email me a picture at dwellbycheryl@yahoo.com .  I'd love to hear from you.  

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Fab 5 Friday! Volume 2

It’s Friday and I thought I’d do another FAB 5 Post. 

Dwell by Cheryl’s

Places to Shop for Home Décor Bargains

ANYONE who knows me, knows that I am a BIG shopper.  A friend recently asked me where was a good place to shop for home décor online. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to offer any great suggestions because my niche’ really is creating the look for less.  While I could go on for days about online retailers that offer beautiful décor, the fact is most aren’t the best places to get great deals.  And remember, I like things dirt cheap.  Today I thought I’d give you my top five places to shop for home décor bargains. Keep in mind that I’ve attempted to only feature national retailers.  So, here goes…

1.  Home Goods (TJ Maxx and Marshall’s).  This one’s a no brainer.  Home Goods features the best of the moment styles in home décor.  My only tip here is to be sure to shop the clearance aisles and if you see it and like it, get it.  Chances are it won’t be there when you return. 

Home Goods

2.  Big Lots! – I’ve been shopping at Big Lots since before shopping at Big Lots was cool (late 90’s).  As a matter of fact, if you look at my PRESS page you’ll see my previous home decorated with a host of items found at what I affectionately refer to as, The Lot.  One of my favorite Big Lots finds is the fireplace in my bedroom.  I'm amazed by how many people mistake it for the real thing.  Love it!

Big Lots

3.  Garden Ridge- After reading a blog post a few months ago, I rediscovered Garden Ridge.  This place has insanely good décor items and when they have a sale, they have a sale (75% off!)  I think they have the absolute best, most affordable selection of throw pillows out there. 

Garden Ridge

4.  Ross Dress For Less.  Ross features excellent pricing.  However, you may have to find the “best” location near you.  I’ve found that certain stores feature better merchandise in the domestics department than others.  So don’t discount them if you’ve only been to one location.  I just outfitted a family member’s entire bedroom as a Christmas present for about $75 (including comforter set, drapes, and five throw pillows).  The loot was so cute in my basket that I had three different ladies throughout the store comment.  See for yourself.

5.  Kirkland's.   This last one was a toss up between Kirkland's and Pier 1, but I do get better deals at Kirkland's so I'm going with them.  But BUYER BEWARE!  You cannot get all of your home decor from Kirkland's.  You'll end up looking as if you live in a Kirkland's franchise location.  Just sayin'.

Instead try to limit yourself to table lighting and art work.  I've been really impressed with the selection and the pricing on their lighting lately.  I recently used two of these lamps in a client's home. 



Kirkland's



and I recommended this one to a friend today.



Kirkland's



Hope this helps to direct you in all your home decor shopping excursions. More suggestions to come.  TGIF!