Oh, How I Love Preston Bailey!

I don't mean to make Mr TBS jealous but there is yet another man in my life (siiiiigggghhhh....it's tough but someone has to do it!).  I've been fascinated by this gentleman since seeing him on an episode of Oprah.  His eye is the best.  His style is impeccable. He can turn the most drab space into an interior pop!

Can you say "Preston Bailey"?

The New York Times ran a story last week about Mr Bailey and his latest book on opulent entertaining. Proving that the devil is certainly in the details, a collection of photos highlighted some of Mr Bailey's tips that lend to a dynamic entertaining experience for you and your guests.  Though there are a couple of exceptions, what I LOVED most is that the majority of the recommendations (LOVE those Thomas Paul napkins) are budget-friendly. Music to my ears.

Who are YOUR style icons?

Photo credit: brides.com

Eddie Ross Would Be SO Proud!

Last Friday was Mr TBS's birthday.  Because of our schedules, I did not have an opportunity to bake his birthday cupcakes (I know...bad, bad wife but my dear of a husband is tres, tres understanding).  I felt very badly about this and can't wait to get in the kitchen and chef up a batch.

Boy, will he be surprised when I do.

While I was at the Salvation Army Thrift Store last weekend, I came upon this set of cake plates for $9.99. Yep.  Doesn't this look like a gem that can only be unearthed by the likes of Eddie Ross?  Can't you see it on one of his delightful tablescapes?  And at this price, I couldn't snatch them up quickly enough.

In this month's issue of LonnyMag, Eddie and Jaithan highlight five entertaining tips. I've synopsized them for your consumption:

• Keep things simple.
• Know the measurements of your home and carry swatches when you are trying to match up items for it.
• Preparation is key. (MY FAVE!)
• Go to Bergdorf's to educate yourself on stylish pieces then high-tail it to flea markets and thrift stores to replicate the more expensive looks. (NO, this is MY FAVE)
• To achieve a WOW! factor, set the table just before guests arrive.

So how will I redeem myself and ascend to Good Wife status again? Just you wait for the tiers of cupcakes on these babies and I didn't break the bank!

Have you a signature serving piece? What is it?

TBS's Weekend Thrift Store Find: Part One

Somehow or another, I ended up in the Salvation Army Thrift Store on Saturday Morning. Though I was on my way to brunch, its flashing light was calling me (much like the "Hot Donughts" sign at Krispy Kreme).  I've since found out that this particular SA location is notorious for having a great furniture selection.  I got a fab etagere there last year, so I should have remembered.  I'd only made a semi circle in the entrance when I came across the diamond-in-the rough below.  Marked $70, it had been on the floor greater than 40 days (and waiting for me) which entitled me to a 50 percent discount.  Can you believe it? I couldn't.  I thought I would hyperventilate.  Yes...it's banana yellow.  Yes...it'll take a little elbow grease to turn it into the perfect piece.  I'm OK with that. 

I'm thinking that I should put it in my home office (since so many big deals are being brokered in there these days).  I've decided on this little sofa from Nate Berkus (and, y'all, don't discount HSN!)

Won't it be lovely painted an orange-ish red...maybe blood orange? I am OBSESSED with the blood orange/Tiffany blue combo these days.  I'm currently hunting the perfect pink/white fabric for drapes as I continue to outfit the room from which I shall build my empire! *rubbing hands together*

Do you shop at thrift stores?  Which ones in your area do you recommend?

TBS's Shoe Closet Runneth Over...An eBay Coup!

What do I love more than life itself? (OK...maybe not that much) You got it...shoes!

I recently scored another shoe coup on eBay. If any of you are fans of The Rachel Zoe Project(LOVE her...I wanna be like her with assistants like Taylor and Brad to boot) and remember this week's episode, she styled a shoot on a budget. One of the models wore a pair of green Pour La Victoire platform sandals that were absolutely to.die.for.

Even TBS likes a little foot spice in her life so I started search the world wide web for a pair of my own. I had to go no further than eBay...much to Mr TBS's chagrin, they almost never let me down. Normally this shoe would have been too high-fashion for me but can't you see them with jeans or a cute dress this fall?

And you thought the mere find was the good part. Nope!

As you can see here, the shoes retailed for $330 and are now on sale at Endless for $181.

TBS's winning bid was $50 plus shipping! Yep...a savings of $230! Take that! I can't wait until they get here.

Don't you LOVE a great deal?

*swoons*

Preparing For Oprah On Monday? Get A Headstart Today!!!

A couple of months ago, I shared what I thought was a pretty sweet magazine deal. Y'all remember, don't you? A 12 month subscription of Real Simple magazine for $5. I am thrilled to say that I have received and enjoyed 2 issues already.

Well, I've found the motherlode of magazine subscriptions on Amazon...O! Until September 30, you may purchase a two-year subscription for less than $20. To be precise, it's $19! If you don't receive the magazine, now is just the time. It's always chocked full of practical fashion tips, recipes and overall lifestyle appreciation. Get it...or gift it! It'd make a wonderful holiday or hostess gift. If you bought the mag from the newsstands, you'd pay $4.50 per issue. Let me do the math (insert cash register sounds). That comes up to $108...!!!

You can't walk away from this nearly 80% savings!

Get over there. Now.

Have a great weekend. And never say that I've not done anything for you. LOL!

Great Overstock Sales At Lands End!

Hello Lovelies!

I hope you enjoyed your holiday weekend. Can you believe that summer's nearly over? Waaah, waaah, waaah! Don't get me wrong, autumn/fall is my favorite time of the year but the thought of putting away the sundresses and seersucker renders me a tad crest fallen.

There's ALWAYS shopping to cheer me up, though. I've had some pretty good end-of-season luck over the past week or so. I couldn't complain if I wanted to. One of the retailers that's been the best to me is Land's End. I've scored a few tailored shirts and casual dresses that are right up my alley. Land's End used to be one of those places that I didn't give the time of day, then...well...I got a little older and began to develop my personal style. Whatever I select almost always works for me (except a dress that I had to return because it was too big...YES!).

If you've never shopped there, do give it a pass if it's your style. Do also google for online coupons...there's almost always one available. I've included a pic of the shirt that I purchased. Did I say that it was originally $54.50 and I paid a mere $19.99. I SO think I can sport this early fall.

Are YOU doing any end-of-season shopping? Deals to share?

A Flat...$24 - TBS Shares...For A Change!!!

Let me tell you a secret about the fair TBS. As much as I hate to admit it, I am very selfish. Especially when it comes to unique finds...you see, I don't like "running into myself". It has rarely happened but when it did...it was enough to give me the frights of a thousand years. Paranoia aside, I do my best to be more benevolent with stylish finds.

So...today, you shall benefit from my thawing heart because these shoes and their fabulosity are too wonderful NOT to share.

I ordered these last week and ,because the quality of patent can be iffy, was concerned about how they might look in person. I didn't want to recommend them to you if they turned out to be...well...cheap-lookin'. My, oh, my...they arrived today and I almost fainted when I opened the box. Lovelies, don't hesitate...grab a pair. I've been watching these all summer and they were on backorder. I happened upon the site last week and noticed that it was meant for these to dwell in my shoe collection....they were in stock.

The brooch is heavy and substantial...it complements the simplicity of the peep toe flat and will be darling with a skirt/dress, trousers or the perfect pair of jeans. Oh, I can't wait to wear them.

On sale for $30, there is a 20% sitewide discount until Monday. Do the math? Yep...$24 plus shipping and tax. They are also available in deep teal but that hue is on backorder until September 25.

I try not to steer y'all wrong...I really do. So don't wait...get them. Like NOW.

Oh The Drama! TBS LOVES These...

I don't care what anyone says...I'm bringing the faux corsage back to my wardrobe this fall. Not only will I wear it, but I shall do so with confidence. Let's be clear about something...I LOVE drama....no, no...not that kind. To the contrary, signature pieces such as dramatic corsage on my lapel simply make me swoon.

I was enjoying Ms Bright's blogroll a couple of weeks ago and one layer led me to another and then there was emerson.

Since each of the petals is handmade, the corsage is not inexpensive...it's an investment of sorts. I say this at the beginning of almost every season...signature pieces are the benchmark of your wardrobe. Find the best and most striking that you can afford and rock it with your head held high.

What are YOUR signature pieces for the fall?

Today's Visit To Big Lots!

It's no secret around these parts: I 'heart' Big Lots. Like in a majorly obssessive way. There isn't one near my home; so when I stumble upon one of their locations, I nearly lose my mind.

Today, I thought I'd swing by a store in the 'burbs because I'm looking for plant stands for the deck project. While I was not successful in the pursuit of garden decor, I did manage to stumble upon some other fab odds-n-ends.

Here's the list of finds (l-r in photo):

*Spices ($1 per bottle: Cajun Seasoning, Seasoning Salt, Red Pepper Flakes...pantry essentials) = $3

*A plastic sugar container (who knew, right?) = $2

*A box of 12 individual packets of Bear Naked Granola (which y'all KNOW I LOVE and is great atop yogurt) = $5

*A DVD copy of one of my fave movies ev.er...I nearly know the script by heart: The Holiday. A classic = $6

*(Let me qualify this next item by saying that I have not been a Crocs aficianado in the past...however...) A pair of black ballet flat Crocs which will be great for cleaning/mopping/running the occasional errand = $12

I nearly need a paper bag. I am thrilled with my bounty. What a great way to kick off the weekend.

Good luck finding your own bargains this weekend! See you on Monday...

Sunglasses, 2 Guys and A Fainting Chair: A Preview To TBS's Weekend

Someone should pass me the most widely-rimmed, black Jackie O sunglasses that she can find. I will need them to conceal the tremendous bags that I will surely have under my eyes on Saturday morning. Is "Is TBS clairvoyant?" going through your gray matter? Well, I'm good but not quite that good.

I live my life by this mantra: 'To thine own self be true!' and, lovelies, I. Know. Me.

I already know it, I will not get one wink of sleep tonight because I (yes, little ol' me) is spending tomorrow morning with the fabulous, magnificent, wonderful, handsome, stylish (blah, blah, blah, blah, blah)

EDDIE ROSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *someone...anyone...fetch my fainting chair*. I'll be too excited to count any sheep.

Can you believe it? First of all, who doesn't know Eddie Ross? Shame on you! He looks great on paper but, baby, his style and 'eye' supercede a mere three or four paragraphs of biographical information. Eddie is a brand, baby!

ANYwho, Eddie and his partner, Jaithan (my BFF...LOVE him) will swing through Atlanta to lead a tour at Scott's Antique Market here in Atlanta that's focused on getting the best items for a bargain when antiquing.....Doesn't that sound very TBS-ish? Now you know why I HAD to be there. The things this man does with antique linens and dollar store bounty (yes, I said dollar store!) is AMAZING! His budget-centric projects will surely make you swoon.

Joining me tomorrow are my dear friends Kelly and Amy, so you should expect pictures and great stories. While I'm eager for Eddie's trip, I am shopping with a purpose (this is for you, Mr TBS). I need plant stands for the deck and have been seeking art or "art" for the powder room and foyer. It will surely be a blast!

Should Eddie and Jaithan decide that they need TBS as their personal assistant, I will be writing from their country home on Monday.

Until then, what are YOU doing this weekend?

Photo courtesy: Eddie Ross

Love Home Decor? Love Eddie Ross?

Well...get a paper bag! Eddie Ross has opened an Etsy store featuring some of his darling flea market finds...I am, literally, about to hyperventilate.

These treasures make me feel like I'm in my grandmothers' china cabinets.

Just lovely!

Do you do flea markets?

Photo credit: eddieross.com

I Am SOOOOOOO Loving This...

As perfect as this Liz Claiborne dress is, you'd think that a one style maven, Isaac Mizrahi designed it for me himself! *swoons* This dress is so very TBS!

You should check out his line...it's really yummy! The price points really aren't that bad.

Have you seen the ad campaign?

Photo credit: Belk.com

DVF On The Classic Wrap Dress

No editorial needed. She speaks; I listen.

Check out the current offering at Saks. Ebay is a great spot for discount DVF as is the Saks Outlet, Off Fifth. Should you sign up for Off Fifth's deals, every so often a great 30 percent off coupon will come your way.

Life Is Good For TBS: A Shoe Coup (Of Course)!

I had the most remarkable weekend. It wasn't that I experienced anything different or new but the warmth of the sun (and especially after last week's snow) just put an extra pep in my step. On Sunday afternoon, I managed a few good deals which I'll share with you this week. Rest assured...these are deal that I simply couldn't leave behind.

As you have likely surmised, I am addicted. Addicted to shoes. Yes. Am I ashamed? Absolutely, positively not. What you should know is that I never, ever pay full price. Does that make my sickness any less real? Absolutely, positively not. When you see these shoes and hear about the deal, you'll understand why.

Originally $325 smackeroos, I scored these from the Nordstrom Rack: Cole Haan (with Nike Air Technology) Leopard Pony Hair Print Pumps for $119 dollars! Since I didn't have my paper bag handy and was shopping alone, I reached out to my Twitter network. The dearest Nicole of The Sale Rack and Melanie of Lucky Paperie were my "Jills-On-The-Spot" and co-signed that it was such the great deal. Nicole even did some quick comparison shopping and immediately tweeted that she couldn't find a better price on the shoe.

When I got home, I checked here and here...Nicole was on the money!

Don't you love 'em?

Did you enjoy any steals this weekend?

Between A Shoe and A Hard Place

Dear Mr TBS,

Hello there! I hope you're having a wonderful day. You know that I love you so, right? Well, our good thing may come to an end because you've forbidden me from bringing another pair of slingbacks into our home. I think I even heard you mumble something about putting my bags outside the door. Well, the peep toes above are as good as mine. Gotta have them. They're sooooooooooooooooooo TBS. When we took our vows, I thought we'd never part 'til death or until you made me choose between you and a pair of shoes. The shoes will win every time. (read: please, please, please let me have these shoes. I promise I won't talk anymore trash).

Check out these shoes at BODEN USA. For a 10% discount and free shipping, use coupon code WMAR.

Happy Wednesday! How About These Chairs?!

Happy Wednesday!

And boy aren't I happy! This is one of the best hump days EVER! If you can believe it (but I'm sure that you can see), I found my new chairs!

Originally $400 each, I scored them for $150 each! Can you believe it? I found them at a secret location (tee hee hee) and they are fab, indeed. Now comes the business of finding juuuuussssttt the right fabric for reupholstering them. I also think some nailheads might be nice.

If you'll remember, I will sell my orange slipper chairs to off-set the cost. I've one person in line to potentially scoop them up; otherwise, they will go on Craigslist by the weekend! This all makes Mr TBS happy, of course since the transactions are a wash and no actual dollars are lost.

What do you think? How'd I do?

In The Trenches: Trench Coats

I've almost always had a trench coat in my wardrobe; after all, it's an essential. I can say, though, that I've rarely seen one as great for me as the one above. I happened upon Tar-zhay yesterday and this kelly green number with a fab trellis print was waiting for me. I wish I could articulate how absolutely adorable it is. Can I say that it made me feel like a million bucks?!

Oh, what a difference a $45 investment makes. Yep...you heard me right. This wonderful topper didn't break the bank. I'm sure that I'll be wearing this signature piece for quite a while. I LOVE it!

Do you own a trench coat? Any fun patterns to share or do you stick with classic khaki, blue or white?

Happy Monday (Yes, Yes...Again)!

Happy, Happy Monday!

I know...the weekends are far too short. To whom do we speak about this? Seriously.

Are you all Super Bowl-ed out? I had a long day leading up to the game; so, needless to say, I was too worn out to enjoy it at all.

This week will be a busy one for me. I am working on some very fun activities in the pipeline for all TBS readers; so pardon me if I seem a bit distracted. It's all for you...my readers. Awwwwwwwww....

Please mark your calendars now! This Thursday, February 5 at 7 PM EST, The Broke Socialite, will appear on The Chatterbox: The Prime Time Edition. Hostess Christie Crowder and I will discuss Frugal Finds: Valentine's Day on a Budget. You won't want to miss this! If you've only a small amount to spend, I've got you covered!

I'm sure you're wondering why such the prominent driving moc pictured in this post. Well, Mr TBS wanted to share his coup this weekend. He scored these Cole Haans for $60 (and over 50% off) in black. He'd been stalking them for quite a while and was juuuuusssstttt about to purchase a less superiour brand, when he went to the Cole Haan store and was able to take advantage of this weekend's 30% off storewide sale. The mocs had been marked down to $80 and were, obviously, awaiting Mr TBS's arrival. He (and I, of course) is so proud.

Y'all know the drill: who happened upon great deals over the weekend?

Just Scored From The Salvation Army Store During My Lunch Hour !

Look at my lunch! *dancing, dancing, dancing*

I so, so, so snagged this 72" faux finished, metal rattan-ish shelf for a mere $64!

Marked $80 minus a 10% discount delighted TBS! How about that?

Shoppers at the Salvation Army until I pick up the piece on Saturday: note the red "SOLD" tag...step off!

Like it, love it, don't care (how could you not? LOL)?

From Dear Reader, Renee: Bargain Jeans At Macy's!

Dear TBS,

This just in! Macy's is having a crazy sale! Take 40% off of clearance items. That's right if it is marked clearance, take an additional 40% off. These jeans were originally $58.00 and I got them for $17!, which is about how much I want to spend since I am working on losing weight and won't be able to wear these jeans for very long! *crossing fingers* I am not sure how long the sale is going on but the deals are ripe for the picking!

Renee

Thanks for sharing, Renee! That's my kind of deal. All, please visit Renee's website www.cutiebootycakes.com and blog cutiebootycakes.blogspot.com.

When was the last time you bought jeans , what was the brand and how much did you pay?