@1929Spanish-GW that outfit is to die for! Can’t wait to see you in it.

@1929Spanish -GW

I am not really being clear with what I mean, I guess.

Most durable things (like furniture) I like are outside my budget new, and I will only buy them if I can find them at a fraction of the price, which often takes a lot of work, means that they need to be redone and literally years may be added to the process. But whatever it is, I would have to be willing to pay full price for it, if I had the money, my attraction to it does not increase because it's cheaper. And I agree, I am not into fakes. If I can't afford the real thing, I would rather have a real version of something else.

@palimpsest that makes sense. Now I’m following your train of thought!

For the third time, I have bought a rug on Etsy from an source in India that is a dupe of a pricier version (Anthro, Serena and Lily, and now Nordic Knots). Once again, very happy.

Here is the original, which I needed in a custom size, I was quoted $1250 plus shipping, and 10-15 weeks lead time. Here is the descriptor and pic.

• Hand loomed cut pile design. 12 mm thickness.
• New Zealand wool, for softness and durability.
• Designed in Stockholm, handmade in Bhadohi, India.

Instead, I used an Etsy vendor. $279 total and eight weeks later.

Tufted Rug 100% NewZealand Woolen Area Rug With Medium Thick Pile And Cotton Backing

The seller kept calling it "yellow" and I was very worried about the color. It is a yellowy camel, just like the NordicKnots one.

As far as quality, the original is hand loomed, this is tufted. I do not know much about these differences, but did read this:

High quality hand-knotted rugs are still in use after 100 years. A typical hand-tufted rug will last 5 to 7 years, and top quality custom-made, hand tufted rugs will last 30 years or more. A typical hand-loomed rug will last 2 to 5 years.

mtn....OMG! Gorgeous rug! Great buy! THAT was a steal!

Big difference between hand knotted and tufted. And a ton of variables beyond that.

I wasn't willing to pay the cost of wool carpeting -- and don't like carpeting anyway -- but was willing to pay for medium grade, modern hand knotted area rugs.

Apologies for the swerve, but mtn's post reminded of a really interesting YouTube video I watched recently, about carpet makers in India, supplying handmade rugs to stores like Pottery Barn, etc. Perhaps some here might find it as interesting as I did...

Big difference between hand knotted and tufted. And a ton of variables beyond that.

Yes, of course, which is why I mentioned quality differences. But, as you see, the choice was between hand loomed, and tufted. The $1250 one was not knotted either.

Have to look at the video. When we travelled to India, we visited a place where they dyed cloth in big clay vats. The merchant we met with kept showing us things and then rattling off high end brand names, Things like "Osborne & Little," which is kind of insider-y. I don't doubt it though...

I have one-- I posted it in the what to wear thread but it belongs here as well.

I read the Travel Fashion Girls FB page, and so many people were raving about the Kirkland Signature Ankle Pants being a duplicate for Athleta Brooklyn pants.

The Costco version is $14.99. Someone did an in depth analysis and there was some difference, but really quite slight. I had previously ied the Brooklyn pants and liked them, but just wasnt sure, and at $89.99 I passed.

I raced to Costco 2 days ago and bought the Kirkland pants in 2 sizes ( they are S- M- L XL not number sizes) ... They both fit nicely but I think the smaller size actually fits better so it's a keeper.

They are especially great for travel. They are definitely above ankle but not much. ( I'm 5'4" give or take).

I found two cute J McLaughlin dresses on Poshmark in the Catalina cloth (nylon and spandex) I love so much. Both have horizontal stripes and fit perfectly! This is the more casual blue and white

The taupe and black one is in the wash and is more fitted and detailed but fits the same way. Jewel neckline, just above the knee, three quarter sleeves… the golden trifecta! Together just under $100, and both in perfect condition. And did you notice I have blue and white striped flats to go with this one?? Yippeee!

@Kswi....The shoes! OMG....super cute combo!

Thank you! I am reslly impressed with the shopping prowess demonstrated on this thread, Nicole. Collectively we have saved THOUSANDS!

Yep....Agreed! There are some designer names and high end bargains being acquired here!

I bought this Nanette Laporte dress from thred up, My first purchase there. New with tags, and I have the same dress in a different pattern color and I love it. I've had it for several years so I'm thrilled with this one.

That striped dress really suits you and just looks adorable on you K! And then to have those shoes......omgoodness. That is too much. As we say- meant to be.

Oh Bumble that is a gorgeous dress, the colors are so striking!

Yes, Salonvan a, when Irealized I had matching shoes it was like a sign from the almighty Herself.

I keep forgetting to buy a NEW BBQ grill that hooks-up-to natural gas. I found one FREE on CL. A Commercial Charbroil Infrared with a side griddle/burner. I found wild-caught salmon on sale for $5.59lb and picked up 12lbs & put it in the freezer. It was sold frozen. I'll be grilling it over the course of the Summer.

$800 on Wayfair site

So many cute things have been on sale … my new fave shoes, denim Mary Janes, half off from Nordstrom’s.

(When they couned the term ”matchy-matchy” they were talking about me 😎

Also was influenced into buying two striped cardigans (black and latte stripes and blue and white stripes) from Amazement and so glad I did, they are soft and comfy worn as tops and look far, far nicer than their $35 price tag. The buttons are awful but I’ve replaced one set already and looking for the right ones for the darker sweater, which is going to Scotland.

Love that color combo.

I am not ordering this, but it does seem to be a very good price.

Staub 4 piece bake set. $49.99 from the everchanging priced Wayfair.

Just thought it was worth sharing if anyone is interested

.here you go

That is a fantastic deal Salon! It is available in blue and also in white, which would make a very nice kitchen shower or wedding gift also. I have a set of Le Creuset bakers in various sizes and they are great for going from oven to buffet, just a little nicer than pyrex type baking dishes. I hope someone orders these!

My sister is here at her house for a month, so last Saturday we ventured a few cities over to a couple of antique stores I discovered when taking my car for service. I had not planned on purchasing a vintage Thomasville Allegro faux bamboo dresser, but it was only $395. I saw the price and told my sister to stand guard. It slipped off one of the two dollies when they were taking to my car (left fret broken a bit) but I've already repaired.

We purchased the little house next door to ours and will keep it a STR. New HVAC installed yesterday (guys took dresser to MBR for me) and a new roof going on mid-June. Then we will close the calendar in late Oct/early Nov to remodel. Already have LPV selected, a few accessories and art purchaesd, along with a pair of MCM rattan chairs.

What a beauty that is Allison!

What is STR?

STR= Short term rental.

What a fun project, Allison!

thanks. I got the R but couldn't quite get the ST. :)

Maybe I need more coffee.

Thanks! Yes, short term rental for the win!

Brooklinen is (or was) having a pretty good sale. It was time to replace our bed pillows and DH is tired of down and feathers, so this seemed like a good time to try out a down alternative. They came today and are almost unbelievably light and fluffy and soft. Also bought more linen pillowcases, not on sale but not absurdly pricey.

I've been purchasing outdoor plants. 4 Goldfinger Potentillas, 2 Barberry bushes, 1 Snow Mound Spirea. Regular price was $10ea, I paid $4ea.

Where? Great buy!

Okay, I am in the process of replacing my mattress. Queen size. I need firm, my back and hips are starting to ache. Any recommendations? Any and all advice welcome. I believe there will be sales starting next week.

@njmomma.... Click on this Link This Firm Sealy Posturpedic mattress was $1300, NOW it's on closeout + a coupon for $399. I'd want to go into the store and try it out first....but ....that's a GIVE AWAY price!

The plants I purchased from Lowes, in Colorado. Sale prices vary.

I will check that out! Thanks so much!!!!

Just took a Quick Look at the description. It’s not for me, but thank you so much for looking.

I bought these two heavy crystal bowls for a total of $11 and they will make nice bowls for flowers on the dining table.

Did anyone buy linen sheets from Quince? If you did please post your honest review. Thanks!

Freebie I scored today!

Wow, Sue, that is a beauty! How did you manage to get it free?

Bumblebeez, nice find. You'll have to post pictures when you add flowers.

Lizbeth, it was on our ”everything free” town FB group.

Saw this on etsy: almost $700 plus $300 shipping.

Sue, that's why I was so surprised that you got it free. And it looks like it's in perfect condition-almost like it's been refinished.

That’s a great find SueB, someone has obviously taken very good care of it.

Interestingly, the sewing machine/table belonged to this woman’s dad. She said it has always reminded her of him. (She is elderly now.) Several people wanted it, and somehow she chose me. Hmmm, maybe my dad had something to do with this?

It is gorgeous but HEAVY. DH and I picked it up this morning and it’s still in the car! We need to pace ourselves LOL.

@Sueb20....I assume, it's not just GORGEOUS! It is! 🤩The sewing machine is intact? A beauty? Lets see....more photos please.....

@Bumblebeez....Lovely!

I will post more when we get it in the house!

Don't know what you plan to do with the sewing machine, but I bought one years ago with a damaged top. We removed the sewing machine (kept) and had a cultured marble top made. It was used as a bedside table in our bedroom. Prior to cell phones, the drawers still came in handy.

Gorgeous!

Wow! Gorgeous piece! Is that side decoration what is called fretwork? And Is that in the spot where you were looking for a bench?

I've never seen one with fretwork, so I Google image searched to learn more. Here is one at auction. The sewing machine sure is pretty.

Here is another one, with a cleaner machine. Wow.

Lizbeth — yes.

I removed the sewing machine and propped it on a shelf because it’s too pretty to hide.