Antique Trunks as a Coffee Tables

A friend of mine with a studio apartment has been struggling to find a coffee table that both fits in his small space and provides a bit of extra storage.  My suggestion to him was to keep an eye out for an antique trunk, chest, or footlocker.  There are tons of trunks around on Craigslist and in local antique shops. And, they can work great as coffee tables or for extra storage at the foot of a bed. 

Plus, trunks can work for a variety of different styles. They can be a bit more glamorous (or even "designer" like the photo above),  rustic (lots of unfinished wood options) or masculine and "worldly" (many have cool old stickers from traveling like the one below).

Here are some great affordable options in the Bay Area that I found with a quick Craigslist search.  (Click on the images for the original listings)

A fun blue one for just $25!

This one might need a tray or plexiglass top but I couldn't pass up the color.  And, the inside has already been cleaned out and restored!

Simple black with great brass detailing ($70 and I'm sure it could be negotiated down)

Another great looking black trunk. (Listed for $50)

If they're too short, you can always add casters (wheels) or legs, like Ashley did to an old suitcase here:

Or, if antique/vintage isn't your vibe,  The Container Store has some great (and bright!) new options for $85:

Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weenie

After a week in Hawaii, it was apparent that I needed a new bathing suit (it's been a couple years and my favorites are literally worn out!)

I (virtually) stumbled across this bikini yesterday, and I couldn't say no. I've said before that I have an insatiable appetite for polka dots -- that, combined with the sunny color, retro shape, and sale price, made this a no-brainer.    I know it's pretty loud for a swimsuit but I think it will be fun for the couple times a year that I'm out in the sun!

Delia's "Tropical Dot" Yellow Polka Dot Bikini   (Top and bottom $22.50 each and free shipping with code: 25RMNMD)

Hopefully it fits! Anybody found a good bikini this year?

Top 5 Designer iPad Cases (That Double as Clutches)

 When I bought my iPad, I picked up a sunny orange case from Apple. However, in recent travels I noticed that while it does a great job of protecting the screen,  my iPad could use a little bit more protection when I toss it in my carry on.  In shopping around,  I've noticed a bunch of cases are pretty enough that I would happily carry them out as a purse or clutch too! Plus given their prices,  I would feel better getting double use out of them.

Here are the top 5 cases/clutches that I'm currently coveting:

1.  Capulet London "Alison" leather clutch ($340)  - I love the beautiful color of this calfskin leather!

2.  J.J. Boyles "Penny Loafer" leather iPad case in antique brown ($185) - The darling shoe inspired details make this a bit whimsical, but it's still classic enough to carry every day.

3. Marc Jacobs quilted leather iPad bag ($495) - With the look of classic Chanel,  this chain strap would make it as easy to pull out this bag for an evening out as it would be to throw in your carry on.

 4. Beyza Red Leather iPad Sleeve ($117)  - This would be the perfect pop of color to a simple black and white outfit. (or if you don't like red, it comes in black and tan too)

5. Michael Michael Kors "snake effect" leather iPad case ($130)- This snake skin clutch is for one glamorous techie :)

 

Bonus:  This Yves Saint Laurent case is stunning, but at double the price of an iPad ($795)  I'm not sure it's worth the investment.

Real vs. Deal: Marc by Marc Jacobs Striped Dress

I loved Marc by Marc Jacobs' spring 2011 collection but most of the pieces were a bit out of my price range. That being said, I couldn't quite get the colorful stripes out of my mind. So, when I came across a great affordable knock-off, I had to share.  (I'm not saying I support copying designers, but sometimes  it's exciting when you get access to a style you might otherwise not be able to afford.)

Orignial: Marc by Marc Jacobs $628 at Nordstrom

Deal: Summer Festival Striped Dress $42.99 at Ruche

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Great Deal on Cute Letterpress Stationary

I love the darling designs from stationary and design company Linda & Harriett.  I especially love letterpress cards and I always end up picking out their cards out at my local stationary shop.  As I was clearly in a festive mood last week, I had my eye on these summery notepads:

I managed to hold myself back. But, then today I noticed a sale email from Linda & Harriett in my inbox, so I had to check it out.  They've re-launched their "Outlet"  which offers some great deals on beautiful letterpress designs.   I've paid full price for some of these cards (up to $4.50 a piece!) so I can tell you that $6 for 5 is a great deal!  If you like to keep extra cards around just in case (A habit I learned from my mother)  Check some of these out...

Thank You Mermaid Cards ($6 for 5)

Green Alligator Cards ($7 for 10)

Congrats Confetti Card ($1.50)

Thank You Hearts ($1.50)

Pink Flamingos ($5 for 6)

There's nothing better than getting a handwritten note in the mail...