Furniture Accessories

Thanks to a workshop I took at Haverty’s, I now have a new outlook on furniture accessory pieces.  During the month of April, Haverty’s had series of Home Fashion Workshops on color patterns and--my favorite--accessories.  Not only did I win the drawing for a gift card toward new furniture (or accessories,) I also learned the importance of not skimping on accessory pieces.  The advertisement that drew me to sign up for the workshop had a nice setting with a chair, hutch and console decorated with lamps and decorative fixtures.  In my small minded thinking, I assumed the workshop would focus on different types of lamps and fixtures that could be used to decorate this and other spaces. 

To my surprise, the lamp focus wasn’t the case at all; the workshop was actually centered on the chair, hutch and console which was easily set up to be used in a sitting area.  The instructor discussed how the hutch could also double as storage space for shoes, for instance, in a bedroom.  The console used to decorate the sitting area, of course, can be used in a dining area or behind a couch.  I learned from the workshop that buying quality pieces actually has more value because these pieces can be reused in different spaces once you’ve grown tired of seeing them in their current space.

Bedroom Repurpose

Dining Room Mirror

For example, a mirror that stands up against a wall in a dining area can also be used in the corner of a living room or bedroom in future decorating arrangements. You’ll have your money’s worth in a few short years and can continue to use it over and over again.  A TV stand that I found in  American Signature Furniture can be used once in a living room or den and then repurposed in a guest bedroom as, perhaps, a chest of drawers.  The same goes for an Ashley Furniture end table I found that can double as a night stand.  When I was in Ashley, the sales associate told me that each store usually only gets one or a couple accent pieces so you’ll have to shop around to find your unique piece. 



Ashley End Table

There are also flea markets and yard sales all over the region (and country) that are perfect for finding unique pieces to repurpose.  I have several old friends (oldies but goodies!) who shop the Goodwill in addition to flea markets and yard sales to find fabulous pieces that only needed minor changes for spaces in their homes—very cost effective.  Here’s a great website for ideas.  The moral of the story is:  Be responsible with your spending.  You don’t have to buy the entire advertised set in the store package.  Find pieces you possibly already have that can be repurposed or seek out pieces with repurposing in mind.  No one wants their room to look exactly like someone else’s, right?

Tiffany Like the Jewelry

I was speaking to someone in customer service who said her name at the beginning of the conversation.  By the end, I had forgotten and asked, “What did you say your name is?”  She replied, “Tiff-a-ny, like the jewel-e-ry” which brings me to today’s topic: baubles & things.  If you’ve been following my blogs, the last one spoke of saving on fashions and mentioned that jewelry would be discussed later.  Guess what today is????

Photo Credit:  Los Angeles Times



Please keep in mind that my blog topics are strictly related to my experiences and what I have observed works for me.  I am not a “professional” blogger.  I do not get paid to talk about these topics and no one is leading my hand.  I do, however, get compliments and/or asked, “How’d you do that” regarding various things such as clothes and jewelry that will be discussed in these articles and felt the need to share.  In my experience with fashion, mixing highs and lows has always worked—even in a recession—because it doesn’t break the bank.  Our wonderful former FLOTUS has demonstrated this tried and true strategy throughout her tenure at the White House.

Many stores, including Old Navy have gone the way of adding jewelry to their accessories to lure more people into the store.  Judging from their website, Nashville must be special.  I picked up this cute leopard necklace about a month after Old Navy introduced their accessories line here.  I also have a tendency to walk into Target stores on lazy Saturday afternoons just to peruse the accessories and see what has gone to clearance.  I’ve gotten quite a few cherished pieces that way.  I’m told their accessories get marked down on Tuesdays, if I remember correctly. 

Wearing unique pieces best helps me be confident in my selections, which is why I love MODA Boutique.  This small Nashville business often offers very unique pieces and the staff is extremely helpful. I found a lovely obscure necklace once when I needed a confidence booster.  I went into the store with just the idea that I didn’t want anything gaudy and both the associates went to work thinking about and looking for a piece that fit my request better than I imagined.  They were so hospitable.  I also met a great and most definitely unique jewelry designer at the Southern Women’s Show this year.  He was extremely helpful and so nice that even though he’s from California, he gets a pass for Southern Hospitality. Check out his website.  He has a piece for every budget.

Finding the right piece takes time.  Don’t be fooled by what I call “junk jewelry.” Buying pieces for just one outfit is a big mistake.  Whenever a piece catches your eye, always mentally look through your closet to see what else will match it before making the purchase.  I like to have at least one other complete outfit in my head before making purchases because chances are, there will be other outfits once I get home.  There’s no right or wrong way to make a selection.  Find your style and what works best for you; though if the item is extremely cheap and you weren’t watching & waiting for that to happen, please think twice about the need for that piece.  My mantra is always:  I never pay full price for anything.  But this is one department where I do make reasonable splurges.  It helps greatly in the long run and no one ever says, “She wore that necklace last week.”