You know that stylish friend of yours that dresses herself and her home in such an effortless mix that you never can quite put your finger on where her finds come from? Yep, I want to be her too. I think the first step is to search in unlikely sources…
A great place to start is in stores you aren’t the target market for. Junior stores are technically aimed at high school aged girls, but that doesn’t mean the rest of us can’t still shop them. They are gold mines for trend right pieces at after school job price points. Here, a few ideas. (Be warned: Edit ruthlessly at stores like this, you don’t want to overdo it and look like you’re literally forever 21).
Nest: PB Teen (the preppy younger sibling to Pottery Barn at a slightly lower price point) happens to have some great finds. Polka dot sheets under crisp white bedding would be super chic. Mod shaped white ceramic lamps would look right at home on your Parsons desk. I found these Jonathan Adler inspired needlepoint pillows at a comparative steal.
Dressed: A simple skirt shape gets an update with a sweet scalloped hem. This black mini from Nordstrom Juniors is the sort of un-boring basic you’ll end up wearing all the time. Pair it with a chambray shirt and flats or a statement necklace and ankle strap heels.
The Rest: This iPhone case from Charlotte Russe calls to mind carved stone when it’s really simple rubber in a hue that will brighten up even the dreariest of winter days. While you’re there, check out their jewelry selection for similarly affordable additions.