CasaSugar

Desire/Acquire: Luna Chandelier

CasaSugar — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:30:30 -0700

If you're into dark glamour, run, don't walk to the Luna Chandelier ($1200). With gothically elegant charm, this chandelier balances its dark exterior shade with a cluster of clear crystals. However, even if you absolutely adore this piece, your pace might be slowed down a bit thanks to the chandelier's tragic price tag.

To find a more upbeat price for a similar chandelier, read more.

For a quarter of the price, you can pick up a near match in the Artcraft Lighting Claremont Chandelier ($317.55). Granted, there are fewer crystal, but you could add your own by buying some chandelier crystals on eBay. Do you like the cheaper option? Or is the original worth the higher price tag?

Desire/Acquire: DWR's Cellula Chandelier

CasaSugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:00:05 -0700

While the Cellula Chandelier ($2,210) may be on sale for nearly $400 off the original price, over $2K is more than most of us are willing to spend on a light fixture. Still, since the Cellula chandelier is studded with Swarovski crystal pendants, it's a definite head-turner. It's a great upgrade on the traditional chandelier, and is sleek enough to fit the most cutting-edge home.

To find out where to get a lookalike for nearly a tenth of the price, read more.

The Linear Bar Pendant ($306.99) may not feature Swarovski crystals, but at this price, who cares? They're a close enough match to forgive the lack of Swarovski crystals on the cheaper pendant, in my opinion, especially when there's a $2,000 price difference.

Desire/Acquire: Pretty Patterns at Differing Price Points

CasaSugar — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:00:14 -0700

Shrewd online shopper and Su Casa member The City Girl recently discovered some very interesting similarities between some high-end Neiman Marcus products and some low-end Target products.

She writes, "I think that almost every company could have something in its collection to offer - if not in actual product, then perhaps with inspiration. It's just that various designers usually offer quite different, distinct looks - especially companies such as, say, Target or Neiman Marcus. So imagine my surprise when I discovered not one, but two parallels between the Neiman Marcus bed linens line, and the new(ish) Target upholstered furniture line! Take a look yourself!"

First, The City Girl showed off the Blossom Bed Linen (now on sale for $36-138), seen here.

Does this pattern look familiar? That's because it's also used on this Smoke Target Settee ($549.99).

For two additional finds from The City Girl, read more.

Next, The City Girl tracked down the Daybreak Bed Linens ($100-687.50) from Neiman Marcus. The pattern, woven in Portugal by Pinecone Hill, features a modern mix of birds, flowers, and stripes in shades of bluegrass and green tea.

However, if you'd like to see this pattern on a chair, you're in luck, because The City Girl found it at Target on the Canary Print Armless Chair ($299.99). I love this little chair!

Have you noticed any similar patterns featured at both high- and low-end retailers?

Desire/Acquire: Oversize Ruffle Laundry Bag

CasaSugar — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:00:02 -0700

Looking to add some girly flounce to your laundry routine? Then check out India Rose's White Devil Bag ($56). It's super cute, and who can resist heading to the laundromat when she's carrying her dirty duds in this fabulous canvas ruffled bag? Still, at over 50 smackers, it's a little hard to justify all that cuteness.

Good news: There's an exact match for less than half the price. Find out all about this great steal when you read more.

The Ruffled Laundry Bag from eco retailer Acacia is only $22.97. Made of the same sturdy cotton canvas, and boasting four tiers of ruffles, this bag is an exact match for the White Devil Bag, at a much lower price.

Desire/Acquire: Looolo Fly Cushions

CasaSugar — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:00:55 -0700

The Looolo Fly Cushion is super chic, and I love that it's made of organic Melton wool with no nonbioegradable closures. But still, at $140 to $180 per cushion, these are some spendy pillows! If you don't have the cash to burn on the Looolo, I've found some pennypinching pillows that are near matches. To see them, read more.

This Contemporary Felted Pillow ($24) from Etsy sellers Twinfiber (Cute! They're twin sisters!) is made from felted, repurposed 100 percent wool clothing and has a vintage button-back closure, so it's about as eco-oriented as the Looolo, for a much more affordable price. In fact, I'd ask the twins to make several of these pillows for you!

Desire/Acquire: Dessouschic Console Table by Noé Duchaufour Lawrence

CasaSugar — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:00:09 -0700

I'm absolutely in love with the shape of the Dessouschic Console Table ($11,334) by Noé Duchaufour Lawrence, and you also know how much I love white furniture. But unfortunately it is hilariously out of my price range. Lucky for me, there's a much, much, much more affordable alternative. And it's equally chic. Want to see it? Then read more.

The Brocade Home Silhouette Console Table ($499) has a very similar shape, with slightly less detail, and comes in the same glossy white finish. For a table that's only used as a landing strip or a decorative piece, it definitely fits the bill.

Desire/Acquire: Molded Plastic Rocker

CasaSugar — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 07:00:00 -0700

The Eames Molded Plastic Rocker ($479) is a design classic. Originally produced in 1948, it's known as the RAR (rocking armchair rod) and was out of production for 30 years until Design Within Reach, with the Eames Office's blessing, started reproducing the design. The molded shell's deep seat is perfect for rocking a baby or relaxing on a front porch, and it's built from environmentally friendly molded polypropylene.

However, if you're comfortable rocking out on an unofficial reproduction, there's a much cheaper option available to you. To see what it is, read more.

Overstock.com sells the Vinnie Cradle Chair ($157) at a significantly smaller price than the official Eames rocker. However, it's kid-sized, so be prepared for its diminutive proportions. I'm guessing that the small size is the loophole around which this chair can be made. While I'm all for good design within everyone's reach, I'm not so comfortable with such a blatant ripoff of the Eames's classic, graceful design. What about you? Would you buy this knockoff?

Desire/Acquire: Ceramic White Animal Napkin Rings

CasaSugar — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:15:38 -0700

Jonathan Adler's new Animal Napkin Rings ($18 each) are irresistibly adorable. But, a whole set of four will cost you $72 smackers! I don't know about you, but I'd prefer to spend those dollars on a good bottle of wine or an indulgent menu. Luckily, I've found a similar set of barnyard napkin rings for much less! To see them, read more.

These Vintage Animal Napkin Rings ($24 for four) on Etsy will save you $48 on your dinner table décor, and are equally cute. The chicken, piggy, rabbit, and duck have country flair and are more true to form than Adler's modern napkin rings, but they're too sweet not to love!

Desire/Acquire: Kartell Stone Stool

CasaSugar — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:00:04 -0700

Designed by Marcel Wanders, the Kartell Stone Stool ($245) has a very precious appearance thanks to its geometrical facets, which reflect light like a Cartier engagement ring. I'm a fan of the stool's hourglass shape, and the range of colors offered allows you to cue the stool to your room's palette. But, like all of Kartell's products, it is made of plastic ("durable polycarbonate"), and at $245, many of you may consider it a splurge. Luckily, there's a more affordable alternative. To see it, read more.

The Prismatic Pedestal Side Table ($74.99) from Overstock maybe be a knock-off, but it could have fooled me! It has the same hourglass shape and faceted surface for a fraction of the price.

Desire/Acquire: Madeline Weinrib Zig Zag Rug

CasaSugar — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:00:06 -0700

The cotton flatweave Madeline Weinrib Zig Zag Rug is one of my all-time favorite designs (see it in a room here), but unfortunately it's also quite pricey - if you must "inquire for price," don't bother. Luckily, there are two much more affordable alternatives. To see them, read more.

The West Elm Zig Zag Rug ($39-$649) has a similar traditional chevron pattern, is hand-woven and handloomed, and made from 80 percent wool and 20 percent cotton. It's also reversible! It's available in an ivory/espresso/flax colorway or iron/ivory/fez red.
If those colors aren't up your alley, you can get yours the DIY way. With basic sewing skills, you can transform a basic stripe pattern into your beloved chevron with a few supplies and some patience. Learn the steps here.Source