blog feature: Knock Off Decor

It's time for my weekly blogger feature! This week is, Knock Off Decor, a site I head to on the reg to get ideas for what to make next. This site is near and dear to my heart not only because I've been featured twice (shameless plug: here and here), but it's also a concept my mom and I have been actively practicing for years.

It never fails. We head into a store, see something we love and my mom busts out, "You know, all that is is [material] and [material]. You could just [instructions here] and it would be so much cheaper." Suddenly, the creative juices start flowing and I am on a mission to recreate.

Clearly, we aren't the only ones having these conversations. With the best of the best ideas (ahem), a hilarious tone and to-the-point explanations, Knock Off Decor collects ideas from the blogosphere and posts for all to enjoy. Plus, all the projects are organized by stores that were "knocked off" so it's easy to search based on your style or favorite place to shop.

Some of my favorite featured projects below.

White and Beige Pintuck Pillows via Cherished Bliss

Ruffled Throw Pillow via Bugglebee

Sisal Rope Bowl via Centsational Girl

Glass Vase Lamp via Thrifty Abode

Blue Vase with Flowers via Mama Says Sew

the little bathroom that could: revamp

Oh, my bathroom. The little, narrow, poorly designed place I absolutely hate but secretly love all at the same time. Word from the wise: light pink + sage green = absolutely hideous.

At first I thought the best plan of attack was to temper the horrendous color palette with white. The more white the better. White rug, white shower curtain, white, white, white.

Then I came to the realization that I had a dog, with black hair, that liked to shed, shed, shed. Paired with the fact that the space ended up looking more washed out than crispy clean, out went that idea and I was on to something else.

To work with the colors, I ended up pretending the choices were good ones by focusing on the hue vs. the actual shade. I added brighter, saturated, more modern versions of the pink and green, making the space feel warm, cozy and almost fresh. Slowly but surely, the tile started to look more like a plan and less like an eye sore. And with the final additions of busy pattern and lumpy fabric, I think I might just like being in there.

Except when my stomach hurts.

Then it's always bad.

Here are some beautifully photographed afters (thank you, Centsational Girl) to feast your eyes on. Yes, it's definitely not my dream bathroom, but I think it came together as best it could in the end. Highlights include:

[DIY silhouette of Ruby taking a dump]

[wine crate shelf used to balance out the giant vanity]

[pattern and texture]

[basket of reading material AKA my dad's favorite part of the space]

[refocusing the attention to brighter, prettier accessories]

shopping list:*
$21 shower curtain from Target
$5 wine crate from The Wine Merchant
$2 plant from Meijer
$3 pot from Goodwill
$13 rug from Ikea
$2 basket from Ikea

*everything else was found and collected from my own personal stash of junk treasure.

Boots, booties and photography lessons.

Attention readers: please feast your eyes on the gorgeous new blog banner just north of this post. I created this beaut after a quick point-and-learn sesh I gave myself last night.

Allow me to backup. One of my biggest lifelong goals is to have someone come up to me and say, "Wow, Kate, you have such an eye for taking photos." It's actually right behind being able to "throw something together". But, after browsing through my posts (and getting countless "lock it up" messages from my BFF Michelle) I could see why the "wow, Kate" statement hasn't surfaced quite just yet.

Then, just yesterday, I came across this post by Centsational Girl and decided that now was the time to in fact, lock it up. By no means do I have anything (let alone it all) figured out but the sesh did make me just cocky enough to play around on Picasa and create the lovely rectangle that is featured before you today.

So congratulations to myself for becoming one step closer to fulfilling a lifelong goal.

...

And now that I'm done bragging and feeling great about myself, let's move onto to something more important. Like boots.

That's right, not only am I presenting the banner masterpiece, I'm listing my top 5 must-have boots for the fall and winter seasons all courtesy of DSW. In order of necessity...

The Mia Pampa Desert Wedge Bootie

Not only do I absolutely NEED this pair of boots, I will go so far as to say I 150% must have them. So versatile, you can pair them with a pair of cropped slacks, skinny jeans, a tweed blazer, A FLORAL DRESS... The list just goes on and on.

The Mix No. 6 Taylor Bootie

Not only does these scream Y.U.P.P.I.E. and will look adorable with your everyday pencil skirt, they also offer an unexpected twist to the skinny jean/peter pan collared shirt combo. Add a multi-colored vest over top and you've got yourself one adorable little getup.

The BassWomen's Hadwin Duck Boot

I dont' know why but I just really, really, really want these. I feel like they are more stylish than rain boots or Uggs but are packed with just as much comfort and functionality. All you'd need would be some leggings and a bateau neck sweater to finish off a look - maybe adding some leg warmers or wool socks for added texture and warmth. There are a pair of Sorel's available if you're looking for something with a little more color and a little more clunk.

The Coconuts Duncan Boot

Wow, I just realized I have been introducing these boots like a mother/daughter fashion show. But you know what? It's kind of working for me. Anyway, I LOVE the ribbed top with the side zipper because I think it's the perfect accessory for some thick tights and your fave sweater dress. Or really any dress. The more layers with these boots, the better.

The Charles David Tory Bootie

These bad boys have some serious swagger. For the record, I was trying to find a taller pair that I liked but ended up falling in love with these instead. Especially the lace up and suede/leather combo, making them feminine and masculine all at the same time. Soften the look with fuzzy turtleneck or prep it up with a blazer or something striped. Regardless, you don't need much else to stand out in a crowd.

This post is 100% my own opinion. I was not paid by DSW in any way, shape or form and just happen to love, love, LOVE the store and variety of options available in it.