Do Tell: Splurging vs. Saving

As with building one’s wardrobe, when decorating one’s home, two of the most important factors are often style and budget. We’ll usually find something we love and depending on whether or not it fits into our budget, we’ll either decide to purchase it or move on and find something else. It’s a rather personal process as taste, budget and relative value are all subjective and vary from one person to the next. However, it seems that there are certain items some of us are happy to spend our hard-earned money on. So, today’s question is this…when it comes to decorating your home, which items do you splurge on and which items do you prefer to save on? What makes an item splurge-worthy in your mind?

{Image Credit: Design by Ryan Korban, Featured on Decorati}

Currently Loving: Inslee Haynes

{A Gorgeous Illustration by Inslee Haynes}

I recently stumbled upon a couple of fashion illustrations by artist, Inslee Haynes and instantly fell in love. Her work is absolutely beautiful. Each of her illustrations is so lovely and glamorous. Inslee has a background in studio art and art history and it was while studying at college that this enterprising and talented young lady decided to take her hobby and turn it into a business. Inlsee’s line includes stationery, invitations, holiday cards, prints and a yearly calendar. I am definitely planning to purchase her calendar for 2012! She also does custom illustrations which make for a very special gift. That may or may not be a little hint for my husband. Hint, hint…

 

{Tres Chic! Many of Inslee’s illustrations are inspired by fashion photographs.}

{A Chic Little Lady in a Classic Trench}

{Bringing A Little Glamour back to the Office}

{This is such a cute outfit!}

{Mixing Business with Pleasure: Chatting on the Phone at a Parisian Café}

{This one reminds me of my beautiful, ever-chic friend, Betty who owns A Bientot. She often wears her hair like this and is always perfectly accessorized.}

{Striped Jil Sander Dress- Inspired by a Photo from a Fashion Editorial}

{I love this stylish tourist!}

{This is one of my favorites, probably because my life has resembled this scene for the past 3 years, though I am usually not so dressed up in my home office. There are so many beautiful details in this piece.}

{Inslee was recently commissioned to do a custom illustration for Erika Bearman, otherwise known as OscarPRGirl. Her friends opted for one of her Instagram photos and surprised her with the custom piece on her birthday.}

This Week’s Quote

Fabulous Room Friday 07.22.11

This week’s fabulous room is a stunning master suite with plenty of gilded touches and sumptuous fabrics. Located in a Bangkok apartment designed by accomplished British designer, David Collins (he happens to be one of my favorites), the space brings to mind the decadence of the 1980s in the best way possible. In my opinion, the color palette and choice of textiles within the space are reminiscent “1980s Beverly Hills luxe” with a big dose of modernity. The bed is absolutely gorgeous and every last piece within the space has classic lines, yet everything feels completely current and modern. The gorgeous gold lamp in the photo above may just be my favorite item in the entire space. It is beyond!

{Beautiful Furnishings which I Presume to be Custom-Made- How lovely is that credenza?}

{Luxurious Materials in a Combination of Modern and Classic Shapes}

{This bathroom may just be the definition of grand! The marble has so much impact within the space. I am in love with all of the hardware in this room, including the beautiful brass finish. The bathtub and curved, tufted bench are nothing short of spectacular!}

Happy Weekend!

 

{Image Source}

Graphic Image Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Jeanine from Small and Chic, who has won a fabulous Crocodile Leather Embossed iPad Case from Graphic Image! Thanks to everyone who participated in the giveaway, especially Graphic Image for giving La Dolce Vita readers the opportunity to win such a great item!