I've Moved!

I've Moved.

Please click here to visit my new blog.

Nursery Design

Nursery design up on the blog today. Come check it out!

Reminder, all content associated with Shoestring Sophistication will be removed soon. If you would like to continue following, please visit my new site, Bobi Law Designs.

New Blog Launch!

 A little background behind my decision to switch things up...

 When I was asked as a child, "What do you want to be when you grow up", I, for as long as I can remember answered "interior designer". It might be in my blood, as my Dad is an architect. I remember being really upset when I found out that the college I was signed to play volleyball at, did not offer any interior design courses. If I could go back in time, I would. But I can't....so I am trying to do the next best thing. 

When I started this blog, I was busy tackling house projects in our home and decided it would be nice to document them. I had already fallen in love with several interior design and DIY blogs out there and was so inspired by all of those lovely ladies. After working in the corporate world for the last few years, I have come to realize the importance of balance in my life. Work does not make me happy. Design makes me happy. Which is why I have decided to open up an etsy shop to sell some of my creations. I have begun to stock up on beautiful fabrics and can't wait to get the shop open. 

This was more or less a branding decision for me. I was ready to take the plunge and chase my dream and I needed to get my name out there. I realize that many people think this is the "it" thing to do, but that is not why I am doing it. I am doing it for me. For fun. And for balance. I hope you will join me on this new adventure!

Thank you all for sticking with me during this transition.

Come join me at Bobi Law Designs!

Help me find a coffee table...I beg of you!

I thought I had some great coffee table options picked out. I also thought I had a great media stand picked out. Turns out, neither were true.

We went to NFM to check out the mirrored cabinet I featured in a post below, and the color was very green. No go.

I have found a replacement media stand, which is much more casual and will "go" with our current decor quite nicely. It is also much less expensive @ $296. I do plan on adding some new hardware to spruce it up a bit.

Coffee table #1 was dubbed a big fat no by my husband:

And coffee table #2 is only 12" high. In my house, this means dog tail height. No good.

Here is a current picture of our living space, and the new media center will be ordered the second I find a coffee table option that will work.

I am definitely in need of something light and airy...the opposite of our current coffee table which is large and clunky.

Any suggesstions would be wonderful!!!!!!

Kitchen Light Fixtures - Check!

It's about time I switched out the ugly, builder grade, boob lights in my kitchen. They were making me nauseous. Yuck!

I purchased this gem from Joss & Main a few weeks ago (for $54, down from $89!) and have been patiently waiting for my Dad to come into town and help me hang it. The directions were in no way helpful and I am usually pretty handy. I've hung my fair share of light fixutres...

This beauty will hang over my sink and in front of my window in the kitchen. I can't wait to see how it sparkles in the sunlight:) My newly made roman shade will really pull this little nook together, surprise!

I considered many different options for the overhead fixture. Even thought about track lights, due to their adjustable nature. I really couldn't find any in my price range that I even liked a little bit. So, I started looking for flush mounts and semi-flush mounts.

I fell in love with this one, but wasn't sold on the price...

$189 from Shades of Light

After a quick google search, I discovered some new fixutures by Allen + Roth sold at Lowe's. AND fell in love with the price of this baby...

Only $89 from Lowes.com.

They will both be going up this weekend and I will be sure to post pics when they do!

Ta-Ta! 

Pretty Storage Solution

The title sums up my dilemma in the living room. I have been on the hunt for a storage solution (a pretty one) to act as a TV "stand". We have been living with a $20 Craig's list purchase since we moved over three years ago, and it was time to upgrade.

I originally fell in love with this piece at Homegoods...

At my store it was atcually marked down to $299 because it had a damaged corner. I told my husband I was willing to live with it, but he didn't go for it. It was there for weeks. Just haunting me! I saw it probably six different times and finally, one day during my lunch break I drove furiously to the store and told myself that if it was still there, I was going to snatch it up. But guess what?? It was gone. Boo.

I was pretty heartbroken. I may have cried...well, inside. I cried inside a lot!

Most would say that I am a pretty good bargain shopper...so, I put my bargain shopping shoes on and went on my way.

I searched all over Craig's list looking for a piece I could redo. You know, those dresser turned TV stands? I really liked the idea and have seen some really good transformations, but alas, I decided I was ready to fork up some money to get a longer lasting piece.

And then..............

I found this!

You can find it here. It is listed at $669.99, but with a coupon code I can receive $75 off, for a grand total of $594! And the best part is, my husband agreed I could get the thing:)

We are going to go look at it in person this weekend and if all goes well, it will have a permanent home in my living room.

I think I've thought up a solution to hide my cable box on top of the credenza, but will still allow for easy use. More to come on that!

PS - I've got some fun DIY projects coming your way! Sneak peaks are always available on instagram:) Follow me @bobilaw.

Sophisticated Nurseries: Boy & Girl

I received a special package in the mail a couple weeks ago. No, not a baby. It was Restoration Hardware's new catalogs. Do they send everybody the Baby & Child version or are they just hinting at something? Anyway, I flipped through every last page and couldn't help but create a couple of moodboards inspired by their gorgeous pieces.

I've created an unnecessary debate inside my head. Back and forth. All. The. Time.

Will I end up with...

1. A glamorous, Mariah Carey closet, type nursery

2. A sophisticated, RH inspired space

3. A fun loving, kids color on the walls with crayons, type room.

Only time will tell. But for now, check out some option 2's.

*All items from RH or RH Baby & Child*

Seems like a pretty good option, now! Don't you think?

**Please don't forget to go follow my new blog, Bobi Law Designs, if you are interested in staying updated with my bizarre antics. Soon, all of my content will be published solely on the new site. Thank you!**

Sleek & Simple: Acrylic Furniture (& an Announcement)

I love this trend. Honestly, I can't get enough of it. I don't know that there is a more versatile piece of furniture. You want a glamorous space? Or modern? Traditional or eclectic? Acrylic furniture will work it's magic in any of these spaces. Check them out below.

Pictures via Pinterest

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Simple. Sleek. Beautiful.

It's amazing how many acrylic pieces are out there right now. From barstools, to tables, and even accessories. Below are some of my favorite, affordable pieces.

1.2.3.4.5.

As some of you might know, I have been on the hunt for a coffee table and have contemplated using a sleek acrylic piece. While I was searching for pieces to include in this post, I stumbled across what might be my favorite acrylic piece...ever! Unfortunately, it couldn't be included in the affordable finds above. But it is beautiful, nonetheless.

The Acrylic Leaning Book Shelf from Wisteria - $1399

Stunning, right? 

On another note, I will be changing my blog to a new address soon. If you would like to continue to follow me, please head over to Bobi Law Designs and add the site to your reader. I will keep this site up temporarily, but will eventually blog solely from the new site. Thanks:)

I thought SPAM was out : Apology!

Isn't it 2012???

Apparently, I have had meany readers send me emails over the last year. Unfortunately, they went totally unnoticed by me.

I want to apologize to any of you who have been waiting for a response from me.

I will work hard this weekend to respond to every last one:)

Sorry again...from Kodi and Molly, too.

Happy friday:)

Hump Day Randoms

1. Leopard Loafers are my go to flat this fall.

via Aldo 

2. When you go to the grocery store hungry....

You end up with these.

3. Wayne. Newton.

I'll see you this weekend.

4. Can't get enough of Minka's gorgeous locks.

We'll see how close my hairdresser can get next Thursday.

5. How many pumpkin recipes can one girl pin on pinterest?

(picture via sheknows.com)

You betch-ya I am going to try all of them.

DIY Drapes: Tutorial & Reveal

Good morning, friends! 

I've got the day off today. 

My new MayBook has tennis, shopping, and coffee on the agenda.

Hmmm...that bold, yellow, geometric pattern reminds me of something...

My new drapes!

I opted to use Covington's Windsor fabric in Citrus. 

5 1/2 yards at $12.98/yard = $71

$71 + 15% off coupon code + free shipping = $61

Not bad for custom drapes, right?

I do plan on getting a new curtain rod that is wider. I am hoping that will make the window look a little larger.

And now for the short, simple, bad iPhone pictured tutorial.

Step 1:

Iron your fabric. Yes, unfortunately, this step is necessary.

Step 2: 

Cut your fabric into 2 even pieces. My 5 1/2 yards was actually 203 inches long, because fabric.com gives you 37 inches/yard. I just folded in half, ironed to make a crease, and cut.

Step 3:

Prep the side hems.

 I opted to keep the edge piece on my fabric and used it as a guide for my hem.

Just fold over twice, iron, and pin.

Step 4:

Sew the side hems.

Step 5:

Prep the top hem.

I ironed a 1/2 inch fold at the top of my drapes, and folded over another 3 1/2 inches. 

Step 6:

Don't sew yet!

We need to add the tabs first.

I used 4 inch strips of white ribbon for my tabs. 

Pin the ribbon in place (under the top hem).

Sew close the the bottom edge of the hem. See Below.

Step 7:

Fold over the top of the ribbon and pin in place.

I sewed one inch from the top of the hem so that the hem would stick up above the curtain rod a little, when hung.

Step 8:

Hem the bottom.

This will depend on how long you want your drapes. I made a 3 inch bottom hem.

Step 9:

Hang and enjoy:)

Have a great weekend:)

Coffee Table Envy

I'm on the hunt. The hunt for a sophisticated coffee table.

I've spotted all different kinds, ranging in price and shape, but they are all glass and oh so pretty.

I would prefer a round coffee table to go "inside" our L shaped sectional, but there are many more options in the square/rectangle realm. 

You might notice the clunky coffee table covering up the cowhide rug. It HAS to go.

Here are some options. Of course, some are attainable, others are inspiration:

1. Pioneer Transparent Clear Coffee Table $199

2. Clairemont Coffee Table $699

3. Foxed Mirror Coffee Table from West Elm $399

3. Euro Style Sandor Coffee Table from Nebraska Furniture Mart $180

5. Smart Round Marble Top Coffee Table from CB2 $329

My favorite, #3. However, I wish it had a bottom shelf to hold additional items. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will go on sale soon! 

Hope you all had a great weekend:)

Product Rave: May Books

I stumbled across a Groupon this past week that I just couldn't pass up. 

$25 for two customized May Books.

The possibilities are endless with these books. Mix and match different backgrounds, labels, fonts, and calendars/notebooks (the insides!).

My original plan was to buy one for my cousin/bff's upcoming birthday, but once I started playing around on the website, I knew I needed one for myself.

Do beware, if you decide to buy one of these puppies, the selection process takes a while when you are indecisive like me. But I promise it is fun!

Here is what my cousin picked out:

And mine:

We both opted to go with the 'Weekly Agenda: Non-dated weeks'.

I will be sure to update you on the product once I receive it.

Enjoy your weekend:)