sparklythings

The love-hate relationship continues with Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie (::spit::) Popped into both stores tonight in a fit of masochism, then continued the self-loathing online. Here’s what i found:

Not sure how I missed it, but there is a whole line of Alexander Girard housewares here. Hel-lo! There were actually a few other items in the store, but then some of the pieces online are on sale while everything in the store was full-price. A conundrum, for certain.

I have to pause and share this picture of Alexander and Susan Girard, which i found in this amazing post by The Invisible Agent. Lots of eye candy at the end of that link, y’all. Isn’t this shot faboo?

Back to the show. Just when we’d settled on an IKEA couch (for reals, we’re working out logistics now!) for a variety of practical reasons, I come across these beauties. The one on the right is even on clearance, which usually seals the deal for me. However, the reviews for each couch all say that they’re hard and uncomfortable and that just won’t do. I’ll stick with IKEA for now and admire the lines on these from afar.

Onto Anthropologie (::spit::) Can I just say that this store smells? It’s completely overpowering and will knock you over even if you’re out on the street. But i blame all the candles – because in the back I found numerous perfumes that I really, really liked. I didn’t catch the names on any of them them because a. they were written in hipster doofus frenchy fonts and b. I was moving fast, didn’t want to be spotted inside. But next time I am in the market for a new scent (sometimes Gwen needs a break) I will don my secret identity and go back. I also got a weird craving to buy a bottle of this:

I had a bottle a long time ago, but i can’t seem to find it anymore. It’s yummy!

The other thing that got under my skin and into my brain was this completely charming butter dish. It was so cute I could almost justify the inflated price on it – crazy, huh? I need an app that will monitor items and alert me when they go on clearance.

Also, dear misguided Anthropologie shoppers…you can get almost the exact same trees for $.75 each at Wal-Mart. You’re welcome.

**UPDATE** How about 16 trees for $6? Try Big Lots – add in a can of fake snow and brown paint if you want to be super technical, and you’re still out the door for less than $10. Rustle up some cute packaging for gifts and still keep a few for yourself. Easy!

Also dropped in on Pier 1 because I figured I’d get them all out of the way tonight. Opening complaint: most annoying employees ever. That’s at every Pier 1 location I’ve been in. I’m not sure what they’re teaching these girls at corporate HQ but if they keep following me around and shoving baskets into my hand somebody’s going to get hurt.

Secondary complaint – and this is not just limited to Pier 1 – this Christmas glitter fad needs to end immediately. Everything everywhere is covered in glue and rolled all around in glitter. It’s messy and none of it is going to hold up – and if you ask me, there’s nothing sadder than something glittery with bald spots. In ten years I predict we’re going to look back at all this glittery crap and cringe ala big 80’s hair.

Anyway – the only thing worth mentioning at Pier 1 were these large stand-up thingies. They serve no purpose at all, but I couldn’t help but stand there and stare. Much more striking in person (yes, there was SOME glitter) I almost want to say they’ve got a touch of Mary Blair/Small World to ‘em. Not enough to get me back into Pier 1 for another six months, but still.

I just can’t resist the lure of all the retail Christmas displays – even though we’re still weeks away from Thanksgiving – and I’ve hit almost all my usual haunts already. Nothing is really jumping out at me this year, though – nothing is making me “oooh” and “ahhh” and wish wish wish that I could get it. I guess i’m content with what I have, which is a nice feeling. I’m looking forward to getting it all out and putting it up soon!

This entry was posted on Monday, November 9th, 2009 at 10:57 pm and is filed under holidays, home decor, whining. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.