Ashley Shops Internet

(mirror / alarm clock / peony print / x-stool / horn bowl / pitcher)

One of my favorite things to do is shop, though I've definitely tempered my shopping lately thanks to budgets and all..you know, the un-fun but very necessary requirement of adult life. Even though I might not be whipping out my credit card every time I see something I like, I still love window shopping the internet. In the meantime, I'm sure to gather all my finds in my Ashley Goes Shopping board on Pinterest.

These six pieces are calling my name and I'd be super-grateful if anyone wanted to splurge and buy one (or all of these) for me. Bon shopping!

What have you found lately while browsing the internet? Help a recovering shopaholic out!

Steal vs. Splurge: You Better Shop Around

It's been a while since I posted in my "You Better Shop Around" series, but I've noticed too many look-alike  products while shopping online not to add another entry. And since these steals are so good, I have the feeling I might have to order a few for myself.

You Better Shop Around, Part II

In February, I started a new series called "You Better Shop Around," where I present nearly-identical  furniture and decor finds at two price points (steal vs. splurge). I'm back again today with a few more bargain finds that will hopefully show you that shopping around on the internet yields some beautiful bargains.

Searching for a silvery, serpentine chest?

The steal: Jules platinum chest, $500

The splurge: Regency wave dresser, $3,290

(a difference of $2,790!)

Want to add a well-traveled feel to your bedside?

The steal: Bone inlaid bedside table, $412 (on sale!)

The splurge: Mother of pearl side table, $795

(a difference of $353!)

Desperate for a nautical wire basket to hold your shoes, kids' toys, or whatever else?

The steal: Large clam basket, $36
The splurge: Korbo bucket 20, $198
(a difference of $162!)

Lusting for a wire-and-wood counter stool?

The steal: Perch stool, $225

The splurge: Perch barstool, $398

(a difference of $173!)

On the quest to find a timeless, stackable parsons-style end table?

The steal: Loft stacking cubes, $60

The splurge: Lacquer cubes, $350

(a difference of $290!)

What do you think of these bargain and full-priced comparisons?
If you're looking for a particular piece of furniture or decor for less, let me help!
Email me or send me a tweet, and I'll be on the look out.

For previous entries in the "You Better Shop Around" series, be sure to check out posts here and here.

Weekend Finds that I Just Had to Share!

Last week, I wrote about an antiquing expedition with my mom while in my home state of Connecticut. 

As it turns out, I spent this past weekend doing more antique shopping and I hit the motherload.

What's more: I spent less than $50 on everything I'm sharing with you today!

My first find is one I've been hunting for a long time. 

On my recent birthday wish list, a small kilim or persian rug was one of the first items listed.

 Also for the bathroom: this antique Spode sugar bowl, which now houses cotton balls.

Looks a bit like a sea anemone and a bit like a cactus, and I love it.

Another bargain treasure: 

This $1 faience-style dish is a piece from the Danish company Nymolle, which I've written about here before. It will hold our keys once I get my entry table/dresser situation figured out.

 Perhaps the most amazing find of the weekend: 

A paper sculpture from Jack Eisner in what could best be described as a junk shop.

I spent a whopping $5 on it and it is so mesmerizing in person, I can't even tell you.

With a little internet investigation, I found a website selling it for $750! Talk about finding buried treasure.

(via Eco First Art)

I'm wondering if I should plan another antiquing adventure for this coming weekend...

will lightening strike thrice?

Have you found any amazing finds lately?

New Series: You Better Shop Around

A few weeks ago I posted a round-up some of my favorite "steal vs. splurge" finds that promised to save you tons o' cash on products that varied only in terms of price. As it turns out, I received such overwhelmingly positive responses to this post that I thought I'd make this into a semi-regular feature, which I'm calling "You Better Shop Around". 

The truth is, I love hunting for deals and sharing them with anyone who will listen. 

So, let's dive right into the first entry into this series!

On the look out for a linear metal-framed coffee table?

The steal: Dakota coffee table, $120

The splurge: Box frame coffee table, $280

(a difference of $160!)

Need a touch of brassy, twiggy goodness to pair with your favorite chair?
(thanks for the heads up, Dina!)

The steal: Twig accent table, $50

The splurge: Twig table, $470

(a difference of $420!)

Longing for a handsome upholstered bench to add a bit of masculinity to your space?

The steal: Hampton pillowtop bench, $360

The splurge: Marit ottoman, $600

(a difference of $240!)

Want to introduce some woodsy lighting to your walls?

The steal: Branch sconce, $315

The splurge: Bare branch wall sconce, $550

(a difference of $235!)

What is your take on these steal and splurge options?
Does more expensive always mean better?

And, if there's anything you're longing to find in a less-expensive option, send me an email or a tweet and I'd love to track it down for you!

You Better Shop Around

Thrift store shopping didn't yield a new piece for my living room this weekend, but I did do a little online window shopping and I realized something: as the song goes, you better shop around (oh yeah, you better shop around). 

Sure, it can be easy to just snatch up something you love without doing due diligence to see if you're really getting the best deal, but I'll show that mucho dinero can be saved with a little patience and internet investigation.

Perhaps I'll save you some cash today...

Crazy for a glassy architectural coffee table, like me?

The steal: Almar coffee table, $730

The splurge: Origami coffee table, $1,298

(a difference of $500+!)

Desiring a gorgeous leather mirror in which to admire your beauty?

The steal: Hanging circle mirror, $410

The splurge: Captain mirror, $1,200-$1,600
(a difference of $800-$1,200+!)

Need an African-inspired table that doubles as seating in a pinch?

The steal: Carved wood side table, $200
The splurge: Village table, $575
(a difference of $375!)

Looking for a woven basket to help organize your stuff?

The steal: Rectangle basket, $40
The splurge: All-in-one organizer basket, $70
(a difference of $30!)


Desperate for a little porcelain light in your life?

The steal: Bone china table lamp, $195
The splurge: Hector table lamp, $225
(a difference of $30!)

What do you think of these steals?
How much have I saved you?
(and, lest you think I got all "spendy" on you, many of these items are relative steals--I'm a bargain hunter, through and through)