Frugal Fashion Friday - Bedroom Makover Under $150

I've been feeling the need for change lately. We haven't done any redecorating in our house in years and that along with the need to refresh and declutter, has pushed me to do a bedroom makeover. There are statistics that say we spend about one third of our life sleeping. That time in addition to relaxation time before we sleep means that we spend tons of time in our bedrooms. Having an inviting and relaxing space is important. I didn't want to change our wall color. It's a soothing blue (with a lavender undertone) called Paris Evening. Our budget was no more than $200.

photo credit: Little Green Notebook

The ideas started last March with this post on my favorite decorating and DIY blog, Little Green Notebook. I saw the DIY tutorial for the silver leaf bedside tables (above) and I knew I had to do the same thing in our bedroom. As luck would have it, I found two bedside tables at Goodwill for $50 (more than a year ago). I bought them on the spot and they've been sitting in the garage ever since. I promised {msL} I would wait until after the wedding to work on them. Then I was swamped with work. The warm weather lately is a good sign. It's time to open the garage door and get going. The rug we had in the bedroom was the final catalyst I needed. It was worn and looked terrible. I purchased it about six years ago at Wal-Mart for about $30. It wasn't a good quality rug and it needed to be replaced. I read about esalerugs.com on Little Green Notebook. When I got a notice about a 50% off sale, I took a look and found a fantastic rug (below) for $75. We have a faux leather storage bench at the foot of bed that is looking worn on top. The bones are still good and recovering the top is also on my project list. I'm not big on matchy matchy.  I'd looked at possibly buying a gold rug (bright yellow, not metallic) but found the purple one instead. I found some great gold velvet on fabric.com (and it's on sale!). I'll be ordering that to reupholster the bench. The whole redo process will take a few weeks but I will post pictures when we're finished.

 

The good news is that the final total will come to less than $150. Since I've already purchased the bedside tables and the silver leaf supplies (more than a year ago), they aren't part of my current budget total.

Rug                        $75
Bed Linens             $32
Curtains                  $19
Wall Lamps            $16
Fabric                       $7
TOTAL               $149

Even if I include the beside table DIY, the total cost is still less than $250. A great frugal redo! I can't wait to show you all the finished product.

Happy Friday Real Girls!

Don't forget to enter to win your very own Stella and Dot Rory necklace!  Click here to enter!

Inspiration - Dresses and Suits

My sister and I sat down recently to talk wedding stuff. She's my Maid of Honor and she's got a much more practical and methodical brain that I do.  She offered to help me with the budget and logistics for the wedding. She's really good at telling me what I need to hear not just what I want to hear. In short, she's the greatest sister ever. Because of this talk, my brain is back in crazy wedding mode and I'm going to show you some of my thoughts about our wedding attire.

My Honey isn't girly and hasn't worn a dress since she was a teen.  She wants to look chic and polished but not stuffy.  She's a jeans, t-shirt and jacket girl but wants to look dressier on our wedding day.  My Mom is making my dress so my options are only limited by the fabric we can find and afford and the pattern we use.  I'm leaning toward a dress that is partially black or all black. All of these couples provide great inspiration.

photo credit: Emily Scannell Photography

photo credit: Jessica Claire Photography

photo credit: Sarah Tew Photography

I've read that Sarah Jessica Parker regrets wearing a black dress in her wedding to Matthew Broderick.  I think she looks great and so happy.  

photo credit: Hudson River Photography

photo credit: my wedding photographer

photo credit: People Magazine

photo credit: Whitney Lee Photography

Cynthia Nixon wed Christine Marinoni on a New York roof top.  I love Christine's suit but I'm more in love with the dress that Cynthia is wearing in the picture on the right from an event. I love the water color effect and I think it would be a fantastic and unique wedding dress.

photo credits: (left) Laurie Rhodes, (right) unknown

Thanks for indulging me again.

Black & White and Read All Over

The classic combo of black and white can't be beat. A black pair of pants and a white shirt can make you look a bit like wait staff unless you jazz it up with accessories and a little color. Like this twist with a bit of an 80's feel.

Shirt - Coldwater Creek, Tank - Target, Jeans - Lane Bryant, Jacket - Target (outerwear not 30 for 30),
Boots - Dolce Vita for Target, Tie - thrifted, Necklace - Kohls, Ring - JewelMint, Earrings - gift

A simple black sweater gets some visual interest with a white bow tie blouse.  Well in this case it's a DIY collar.

Sweater - Isaac Mizrahi for Target, Collar - DIY,

Even plaid can play a part in black and white style.  Throw on a white top, a cropped faux leather jacket and some bright tights for a pop of color.

Jacket - Belk, Top - Coldwater Creek, Belt - Talbots Outlet, Skirt - Swap,
Boots - Silhouettes, Tights - We Love Colors, Necklace - Self made, Bracelet - JewelMint, Ring - JewelMint

This post is part of the Everybody, Everywear blogger challenge.  Check out all of the cool black and white outfits that the other bloggers are wearing.