HOW TO BUY THE RIGHT AREA RUG...

Purchasing an area rug is an investment. One of my clients compared it to buying a car citing several similar factors to consider when deciding what to purchase: Size, Material and Cost.

SIZE - In this case, size matters. Most rugs come in 5x8, 6x9, 8x10, 9x12 and 10x14 (give or take an inch or two). Determining where the rug will be used will dictate what size to purchase.  The function of each rug size varies from room to room. (Stay tuned for the post on successful rug placement.)

MATERIAL (or fiber content) - Choosing either a natural or synthetic fiber depends on the style of the rug and how much traffic you expect. Where the rug will be used should also dictate what type of material to select as well as the style, color, etc.  Some materials are more expensive than others and will also determine durability and where they can be used.  Although most people enjoy sunlight especially during the winter months, area rugs usually can do without it. Style, pattern, weave and texture vary within fiber categories as well.  The selections, not to mention colors, seem endless.

Here's a chart on the benefits of the most popular fibers...

Fiber Type	Composition	Uses and Benefits
Cotton	Natural	Durable Soft feel Wide range of colors Ideal for high-traffic areas
Jute	Natural	Beautiful natural coloring Suited for low-traffic areas Soft feel Should not be placed under furniture Difficult to clean
Nylon	Synthetic	Strong and resilient Ideal for high-traffic areas Stands up to heavy furniture Conceals and resists stains and soil Available in many colors
Polyester	Synthetic	Retains color clarity Easy to clean Provides a plush feel Ideal for living areas
Polypropylene  (Olefin)	Synthetic	Easy to clean Resists moisture and mildew Best for low-traffic areas Colorfast May be used outdoors
Sea Grass	Natural	Inexpensive Difficult to clean Should not be placed under furniture Natural coloring provides a rustic look Well suited to high-traffic areas
Silk	Natural	May provide highlights in wool rugs High luster Soft feel Best for low-traffic areas
Sisal	Natural	Strong Ideal for high-traffic areas Best for indoor use Coarse texture Difficult to clean
Wool	Natural	Provides a luxurious feel Soft and thick Strong, resilient and static-resistant Perfect for high-traffic areas May shed when new

COST - You should buy the best rug you can afford, even if it means living with bare floors while you save.  Usually the most expensive, a wool rug can develop a beautiful patina over time and last for years, thereby become a family heirloom. In general, use the cost of the other furniture in the room as a guideline for how much to budget for an area rug.  Set your price limit before you shop then add 10% so you can have some flexibility in that range.

Later we'll discuss proper rug placement...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of ThePerfectRug.com, AreaRugsCLub.com HomeDepot.com

THE LOW DOWN: THE TARGET-NEIMAN MARCUS COLLABO...

Remember when the FLOTUS Michelle Obama made headlines by "making a Target run" a few years ago. I was uber-excited because I had something else in common with the "friend in my head" - our love for Tar-shay!!  

So finally, the Target-Neiman Marcus collabo that I mentioned here back in September began this past Saturday, December 1st. Although my weary bones couldn't make the grand launch, my daughter was at the store at  our local Target store at 8:00am. 

The 24 designers featured in this legendary partnership are such luminaries are offering 50 gorgeous gifts from apparel such as blouses, scarves and handbags to housewares such cocktail and serving items to recreational items such as bikes and yoga mats.

Here's what Courtney scored:

Brian Atwood Leather Gloves - $49.99

Tracey Reese Sequined Blouse - $79.99

Some of my favs are:

Altuzarra Set of 4 Glasses - $49.99 & Shaker - $49.99

Alice + Olivia Bike - $499.99

Judith Lieber Compact Mirror - $59.99

Derek Lam Slippers - $49.99

DVF Yoga Mat - $49.99

Tracey Reese Dessert Plates - Set of 4 for $39.99

Rag & Bone Flask - $29.99

Altuzarra Tray - $79.99

Of course, I wonder what Mrs. Obama had her eyes on. I could totally see her rock that beautiful purple Lela Rose number. I think I might get it myself to channel my inner-First Lady.

Lela Rose Dress - $99.99

The items are available through January 5, 2013 which is also the last day for any returns, although I'm sure that won't be necessary...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of NeimanMarcus.com and Target.com.

FASHION'S NIGHT OUT: NYC STYLE - SEPTEMBER 6TH...

I'm looking forward to the 4th Annual Fashion's Night Out on Thursday, September 6th in the fashion capital of the world - New York City! 

FNO is an event where fashion editors, designers, celebrities and fashionistas in cities across the country and around the world flock to their favorite stores for a fun night of shopping and entertainment. Its also the kickoff to New York Fashion Week. In describing the event to a Facebook friend, its like a "fashion bar crawl!!" (Even the Empire State Building will be bathed in a special FNO-themed light display.)

According to their website, last year's FNO bash featured events in 18 countries and more than 4,500 events here in the States. American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), NYC & Company and the City of New York created Fashion's Night Out in 2009 to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, boost the industry's economy and put the fun back in shopping. Proceeds from the sales of official FNO gear go to benefit the NY Community Trust's NYC AIDS Fund.

I'm planning to visit some of my favs such as Bloomingdale's (of course), Alice + Olivia, Sephora, DVF, Haute Hippie and Stuart Weitzman to name a few.  To plan your Fashion's Night Out itinerary and for more details, click here.
See you on Thursday in NYC...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

THE LOW DOWN: WEST ELM...

One of my absolute favorites, practically every room in my house has something from West Elm - whether its accents and accessories or furniture pieces. As part of the Williams-Sonoma family, it offers GREAT quality at affordable prices. There are 42 stores throughout the US and one in Toronto and one in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Known for their clean line approach to furniture design, West Elm pieces are both trendy and classic. Great "first apartment" furniture that will last - not like their Swedish competitor (no disrespect intended).

Emmerson Bed



Essex Ottoman







Narrow Leg Dresser

High Rise Coffee Table

Parsons Metal Filing Cabinet

Victor Chair

Last season's influence was Moroccan inspired furniture and accessories. I absolutely loved the textural rugs, colorful poufs and pillows, and intricately carved wood pieces that are staples in Moroccan design.

Poufs

Moroccan inspired textiles and accessories

This season's crop of ethnic influenced treasures are from the other end of the continent - South Africa.  I especially love the chair and bench from South African designer John Vogel and the Kuba Bench and Stool. The even have pottery and tableware handcrafted by local artisans.

Chair by John Vogel

Bench by John Vogel

Senufo Bench

Kuba Bench

Kuba Stools

Potter's Workshop Tableware

If your taste is more modern and urbane, you might enjoy the new Wood Tile Bedroom Collection. Love the iron leg detail on these eclectic pieces.



Wood Tile Bedroom Collection

Can't wait to see what's to come next season. In the meantime, happy shopping...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of WestElm.com

THE LOW DOWN: Z GALLERIE...

I'm going to let you in on a secret - I have champagne taste and beer pockets! (Not really a secret for those who know me.)  I'll let you in on another secret - I don't like to pay a lot but I still want quality. (Yet again, stating the obvious.) Since I've done a lot of legwork already, I'd like to share a few places where I shop for affordable quality pieces.  I'm introducing a new feature to my blog - THE LOW DOWN. I'll let you in on chic but affordable decor from some of my treasured sources - brick & mortar and online.  First up:

 I love Z Gallerie because it offers a collection of fashion forward and exclusive home furnishings, art and accessories at an affordable price.  The stores are ever-changing with a combination of stylish, traditional and contemporary designs.

Z Gallerie focuses on products that encompass the best ideas from around the world. With 56 locations across the US and online, Z Gallerie inspires both professional interior designers and amateur design enthusiasts. It’s the perfect store to pop in for a unique gift, to find accent pieces or to create an entire room.

I was devastated when the NYC store closed a few years ago.  Now the closest one to me is in Tyson's Corner in McLean, Virginia!  But there's always online.

Happy shopping...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

TARGET & NEIMAN MARCUS COLLABO...

I just found out some wonderful news.  Two of my favorite retailers are teaming up for a new collaboration - TARGET AND NEIMAN MARCUS. 

Target is joining forces with Neiman Marcus to offer a limited-time-only holiday collection of products from 24 of America’s most talented designers. This collabo will allow Target "guests" (as they like to call them) the opportunity to give or receive high-quality gifts from designer labels at affordable prices. “This collaboration is unlike anything Target has done before and we are confident our guests will be thrilled with this extraordinary collection that features some of America's most preeminent designers,” said Gregg Steinhafel, CEO of Target. In the past, they have teamed up with the likes of Issac Mizrahi, Zac Posen, Missoni and Proenza Schouler, all of which I am proud to have items from these sales.

Starting Dec. 1st through Dec. 20th (or while supplies last), Target will sell more than 50 gift products, ranging in price from $7.99 to $499.99 with most under $60, from the following designers:

• Alice + Olivia                     • Altuzarra

• Band of Outsiders              • Brian Atwood

• Carolina Herrera                • Derek Lam

• Diane von Furstenberg       • Eddie Borgo

• Jason Wu                          • Judith Leiber

• Lela Rose                          • Tracy Reese

• Marchesa                          • Marc Jacobs

• Oscar de la Renta             • Philip Crangi

• Prabal Gurung                  • Proenza Schouler

• Rag & Bone                      • Robert Rodriguez

• Rodarte                           • Skaist-Taylor

• Thom Browne                  • Tory Burch


Missoni madness at Target Pop-up Store in NYC

I remember the madness surrounding the Missoni Collection that premiered last September.  I went online at 7:15AM EST to shop and the majority of the items were already sold out (the sale started at 7AM). I might have to camp outside my local Target for this one...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of NYDailyNews.com