Splurge vs. Steal: Elegant Tabletop

Target’s new Dinnerware Collection in cream and gold porcelain (left) strikes an uncanny resemblance to Kate Spade’s “Primrose Hill” china collection (right). The price for the two sets, however, is quite distinguishable. For example, a Kate Spade “Primrose Hill” dinner plate is $38 each at Macy’s, whereas a set of 4 dinner plates at Target will only cost you $27.99. Gotta love saving money!

Auction Haus

If you’ve been to Scott + Cooner, you have probably found quite a few things you would can’t live without.  I know my husband thinks he’s in a toy store and wants everything.  Until he sees the prices.  Most of us non-royals can’t get everything there, but be sure and check out Auction Haus at 2150 Irving Blvd, November 21 12-4. I’ve bought quite a few pieces there at incredible savings, and they are open for bids.  I’ll probably see you there.

Happy Belated Birthday

Plano’s hippest home store, Fusion Home Fashion, turned 2 yesterday. Congrats on the major milestone and best of luck!

Tuesday Trend: Hippie Revolution

At least as far as Barneys is concerned. Barneys’ holiday catalog is straight from those peace-loving, bra-burning days of the 1960s. First off, how about Barry Miles Peace: 50 Years of Protest ($29.95) for your coffee table? After all, nothing says happy holidays like pictures of angry mobs and torches. Or, how about this Fazzoletti & Cane bowl by Venini ($2,960)? Pretty groovy huh? This Peace Lovin’ Piggy Bank by Billy Beads is too cute. Too bad it would require saving up 49,500 penies to buy the thing.  Last, but certainly not least, are these awesome “Peace Sign” ($250) and “Make Love Not War” ($295) pillows by Armand Diradourian.

Book Club: Megalomania

Have you noticed how everyone is downsizing, simplifying, and fleeing extravagance as if it’s a biblical plague? Hmmm… think it’s the economy perchance? While I’m all for being thrifty, I still like to celebrate life’s gluttonous moments. That’s why I like Megalomania: Too Much Is Never Enough by art book publisher extraordinaire Assouline. Author and architect Philippe Tretiack tackles the people and places that flaunt their excess with abandon and turns a snarky eye on them. It’s not only over the top fun full of beautiful, compelling photography but also an insightful commentary on human nature warts and all. You can find a copy at Oak Lawn gift shop Nuvo.

Gobble Up Savings at West Elm

The mod mass market retailer is having a Thanksgiving sale: Save up to 50 percent on more than 200 hip pieces like these seasonal leaf serving pieces. Both bowl and platter are only $19.99 each. I’m smelling gift ideas, people.

Barneys Private Sale

It’s here! It’s here! For one week only, save up to 40% off regular priced gifts and home items. There’s lots of smart and stylish stuff available including Superdeluxe monogram stationary, John Pomp vases, and coffeetable books galore. Get going and get shopping.

Weekend Shopping by Holly

Boy do we have some hot sales and new arrivals on our hands this week. The weather is going to be fantastic and our economy needs it, so get out there and shop, shop, shop.

First of all, I have two reasons for you to make your way over to Snider Plaza this weekend. At My Table has marked down all dining tables and chairs to 40% off (sale starts Saturday). That is a HUGE discount. If your desire for furniture has still not been fixed, Nest, located right across the plaza, has marked down their furniture by 40% as well. Also, if you don’t feel like hopping in your car and heading to Nest (and you live in the Park Cities), you can call in your order and they will deliver it gift wrapped for you or to you for FREE.

If you please, Crate & Barrel has a Thanksgiving sale worth gobbling up. If you haven’t gotten all of your pieces to set the table with, time is a wastin’ and this sale couldn’t have come at a more opportune time.

Casa di Lino (4026 Oak Lawn Ave.) just got in these beautiful tassels made of antique jewelry and precious stones. They would make for the perfect enhancement to any chair, lamp, curtain tie-back, and armoire.

Finally, Robb & Stucky Interiors of Plano will host sculptural lamp artist and Texas landscape painter, Elaine Gleason. Come meet her at 2pm and check out her work. RSVP to 972-403-3063.

Splurge vs. Steal: Beveled Mirror

Todd has been going on all week about how Z Gallerie is the place for “designer inspired” home decor. My personal fave, Target, is also infamous for replicating some of our favorite pieces from various stores (okay, just Pottery Barn). The Cyrus Silver Leaf Beveled Mirror from Target (bottom left) and the Devon Mirror from Z Gallerie (bottom right) are virtually twins. Identical, not fraternal. Who knows who copied who (I’m guessing they were both “inspired by” someone else), but one of them has a much lower price than the other. Who do you think has a better price? Z Gallerie or Target? The answer awaits you after the jump.

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Thursday Night Parties at Gardens and Nest

There are two big events going on tomorrow night. First, head over to Gardens in the West Village for a good cause. Gardens is hosting a booksigning and reception from 6-8 benefiting the Literary Council for the Dallas Arboretum. Pick up your copy of hard-to-find The Gardens of Brecy: A Lasting Landscape (not available through U.S. booksellers) and Sanctuary: Photographs (artist will be present; image below). And, as if you would need any more of an incentive, Gardens is offering a 10% store-wide discount during the event.

After you are finished up at Gardens, head over to Nest in Snider Plaza. Nest is having a bash from 7-9 to celebrate Greg Piazza’s art opening in their upstairs gallery. I blogged about Greg’s work in the past, but if you need reminding, he does the striped/plaid artwork on plexiglass backs (see below). Super mod and chic. You can gaze at all his work while sipping on some cocktails and grooving to some live music. Make sure to call 214-373-4444 to RSVP (if you RSVP, you get a gift!).

The Knockoff Files: Z Gallerie Sale Extended

Look, let’s be honest. You can’t outfit your entire house in showroom couture (or maybe you can and, if so, I applaud your financial dexterity). Sometimes you need to augment those designer pieces with a few choice knockoffs. That’s where Z Gallerie comes in. Shop carefully and you can find some choice pieces at reasonable prices. And shop now and you’ll save 15% on accessories, 10% on stocked furniture and lighting, and 25% on select bar and dinnerware. Whew. That’s a lot of savings. But shop quickly. The sale only lasts until Nov. 17. I’m in love with this Ming end table in white lacquered wood with tiered glass tops. It’s only $299 and that’s for any size: coffee, end, or console. Once again: that’s a nice price and for a lot of look.

Great Gift Deals at Wisteria

The Dallas-based online retailer has extended its gift sale until Nov. 19. Save 25 percent on affordable perfect presents for those hard-to-shop-for on your list. With party season upon us, I really dig these Venetain glass tumblers as a sweet hostess gift. A set of four is only $37.50.

Book Club: The Heirloom Tomato

My partner in crime often chastises me for my obsession with books, particularly big, beautiful ones focusing on food, home decor, and architecture. Seriously, they’re stacked everywhere in our small Oak Cliff abode. “You should start your own book club,” he snarled last night, tripping over my latest pile of purchases. Great idea, I thought. So, here goes: Every week, I’ll recommend a new and noteworthy tome and tell you where to buy it locally. This week? The Heirloom Tomato: From Garden to Table: Recipes, Portraits, and History of the World’s Most Beautiful Fruit by Amy Goldman. The award-winning food writer grows more than 500 varieties of tomatoes on her Hudson Valley farm each year. In her latest book, she waxes poetic about her favorite fruit, profiles each variety of tomato, and publishes more than 50 tasty recipes. The photography is stunning and Goldman’s words elevate Heirloom beyond the typical cookbook. It’s a true page turner. Get your own copy at Dicho’s in the Bishop Arts District. And if you have a book to recommend, comments are on.

Tuesday Trend: Black and White

It is not like the black and white concept is new or anything, but the contrasting color duo is very much on the scene. The best part about a black and white color palette is any color (yes, any) makes for a beautiful, bold statement when paired with the two. For instance, take this pillow from Stacy Hyde ($200). It goes with just about anything, whether your pad is decked out in soft yellows or plush purples. I don’t think there are even words to describe my obsession with these Thomas Paul doily melamine plates ($40). So chic and classy (even though they are melamine)… Last but not least, I love this rug from CB2. The abstract pattern of CB2’s Zephyr Rug ($199-$499) is bold enough to be conversational, yet sophisticated enough to not be a distraction.

Must-Have Monday

These Kim Seybert “Spider” Napkin Rings at Neiman Marcus are beautiful ($56). The perfect addition to any holiday table setting, don’t ya think?

Metallic Finds on Sale at Chiasso

The Plano-based online retailer has some big sales going on. Receive an additional 15 percent off all reduced merchandise and all items purchased are sales tax free, to which I can only say, “Nice.” I’m all about this slick skyline sofa in shiny silver metallic vinyl. Yes, it’s a bit hotel lobby-ish. But I’m transforming one of my spare bedrooms into a drinking lounge (because it’s the holidays and it’s time to get soused). I think this sofa will fit the bill to a Long Island iced T.

Weekend Shopping by Holly

I know what you are thinking. Is there anything even left in stores after two weekends of Partners Card? Yes, there sure is. Stores had products upstairs in hiding, just so they would have new stuff to whip pout after their stores were wiped clean.

Here is the scoop on sales you should check out: LFT is offering a 20% discount to all SMU students November 6-9. Oh to be in school again…

Nest is offering a generous 20% discount on all pillows and throws this weekend. I can testify that this sale is definitely worth checking out!

Last but not least, if you happen to do any shopping at Mockingbird Station this weekend SAVE THE RECEIPT until Monday at 5. Why? Because from 5-8, Monday-Friday Paperie & Co. will give free gift-wrapping for anything purchased in Mockingbird Station (with a valid receipt, of course). Score!

Global Sale

Global Views is a local source that supplies cool stores with products.  That means you probably don’t shop there.  Now’s your chance - get there early.  Well, as early as you can considering the sale started today at 7301 Ambassador Row, 75247 and goes through tomorrow.

Get Cozy at Nest and Save Money

The always chic Snider Plaza shop is offering 20 percent off all of their pillows, blankets, and throws. Indulge in traditional cashmere and wools from Maison Claire and Pineider. Then snuggle up with someone you love this weekend.

Dish Deja Vu

Something looks awfully familiar about FD Luxe’s new “China Syndrome” spread. Hmm. Where would I have seen this idea before? Oh, yes. It was just the cover/”Dishing It Out” feature for our current October issue (blue spread below). Silly me. Not only is the concept the same, but they didn’t even bother to use different plates. Madison’s “Ming Dragon” plate, Anthropologie’s peacock feather plate, and Hermes’ Cheval d’Orient plate all appeared on our spread first and now on FD Luxe’s. I suppose that is a testament to our great taste? After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Splurge vs. Steal: Fur Throws

I am sure I am not alone in pulling out my winter coat this morning after seeing a brisk temperature off 55 degrees. We Texans are so dramatic when it comes to the cold. Anyways, it is about that time to pull out our throws and get all comfy-cozy by the fireplace (wishful thinking, most likely). How fabulous and glamorous would you feel in Stanley Korshak’s $10,000 fox throw (yes, tails and all)? Probably not near as fab once you see that Pottery Barn has faux-fur throws in an array of colors for $149 each. It is senseless to spend that amount of money when you can get a PETA-friendly look alike for much, much less.

New Bookstores in Plano and Bishop Arts

Not that I don’t love Borders and Barnes & Noble. (Hey guys: Keep stocking those D Home’s on the shelves!) But there’s something cozy cool about independent book sellers. Alas, in recent years we’ve seen them fade away due to competition. Happily, two new ones are open: Legacy Books in Plano and Dicho’s in Oak Cliff’s Bishop Arts District. The first one, which Peggy blogged about last week, is having its official grand opening this weekend with books signings galore. One of my favorite local chefs, Grady Spears of Reata fame (pictured left), will be signing his latest cookbook The Texas Cowboy Kitchen at 3pm on Saturday. Dicho’s is much humbler: small selection of best sellers, coffeetable books, children’s classics, and a wonderful bakery/coffeehouse attached. But where Legacy has that Plano slick look, Dicho’s is Oak Cliff kitschy and cool. Check them both out this weekend and get reading.

It’s That Time of Year Again…

For those of you struggling with where to even begin looking for Christmas gifts, you will have all of your answers on November 13th (one week from tomorrow!), the day D Home’s November/December issue hits stands. Inside you will find 36 perfect gifts, including stocking stuffers, hostess gift ideas, and fabulous pieces you will quickly be adding to your own list. It is worth the wait…trust me.

Tuesday Trend: Ranch Dressing

Hunting season is officially off and running and ranch-style decor is invading all of our fave home shops. The Aluminum Tree Branch Lamp at Mecox ($585) looks awfully similar to deer antlers to me. The wooden veneer shade accompanies it quite well. Gardens cowhide chairs ($2,295 a pair) are simple and sophisticated with a sleek design. Last but not least, Williams-Sonoma Home’s new Pony Hair Zebra Hide Rug ($795) is fabulous. Very Hollywood Regency mixed with a bit of Texas ranch.

Exercise Your Right to Redecorate

Z Gallerie–the home of great knockoff lamps and vases–is having an election day sale online. Enter promotion code VOT at checkout and save 10 percent. But shop now. The sale is for today only.