Monday, October 1, 2012

Top 5 Places to Shop: Accessories


Hive Vases (West Elm)
Places to Shop for Accessories
I exited the freeway the other day and noticed that there is a new Home Goods store coming soon. This store is one of my favorite stores to shop for accessories and it got me thinking about other stores that I love. I realized that this is another question that I get asked a lot. Where to find accessories that are affordable, yet chic?

So, I have compiled a list of my Top 5 Places to Shop for Accessories (in no particular order):

1. Home Goods
Where do I start? This place is great if you are on a budget, but want to find gorgeous things for your home. They have amazing sales (think T.J. Maxx/Marshall's pricing) and TONS of accessories ranging from dishes, kitchen gadgets, glassware, placemats, bedding, pillows, lamps, art and small furniture pieces. My personal favorite thing about Home Goods is their amazing vase and accent table accessory section. It is organized by color and they have beautiful big pieces that are perfect for any home. Lamps are my second favorite thing about the store. They have a big selection, are very reasonably priced and come with the shade. 


2. West Elm



Another one of my ultimate favorite places to shop for accessories. My main draw to West Elm is the eclectic, modern and chic style. Prices are a bit higher than Home Goods, but they do have decently priced smaller accessories for decorating tables, bookcases, etc.  Their pillows can be a bit pricey, but if you time it right, they have sales and even free shipping online (if you don't want to leave the house).  I am a believer in paying a little bit more for a statement piece that you know that you will have for awhile. One of my Living Room pillows is from West Elm and it is my color and style inspiration and was my jumping off point for the design of the room.

3. Hobby Lobby

I would have to say that Hobby Lobby is a hidden jewel, so to speak, for accessory shopping. They have 50% off sales ALL THE TIME! I mean, pretty much every week, people. Check your local paper or go take a look at your closest store. Not only do they have crafting supplies, but a great selection of lamps, pillows, mirrors, picture frames, small rugs, vases, glassware and much more. I bought some fake succulents there because I can't keep the real thing alive, and I have been super happy with my purchase.  This is also a great place to shop for seasonal decorative items.  Once they go on sale, they are priced to get rid of!

4. Crate and Barrel




What I love most about Crate and Barrel is that they have gorgeous home accessories for a good price. It is surprising actually, since their furniture is a bit pricey. I registered here when I got married after I realized that they have my style accessories that won't break the bank.  I would say that almost half of the vases in my home are from Crate and Barrel. Many of the small ones you can get for around $10-12. They also carry some great kitchen cooking supplies and some splendid dish and glassware (which is also where I got my plates and glasses).

5. Pier One
The other half of my vases and accessories are from Pier One.  This is the place to look for tall sticks and grasses to go in a vase to add height.  They have a great selection of fake plants too. Candles, baskets, tableware and vases are other amazing finds there. Pier One also has holiday decor when in season and a plentiful selection of accent chairs and barstools.  One disclaimer, I have been disappointed over and over with their window treatment selection. The lengths never seem to be long enough for what I need. Other than that, I love their selection and the prices are similar to Hobby Lobby (minus the 50% off).

The Runners-Up
Choosing only the "Top 5" places to shop for accessories wasn't easy! Truly, there are so many places to look and some that I may not have uncovered yet.  I had a few close runners-up or honorable mentions that are worth a shout out to.



Target- I love, love, love me some Target. The only reason it didn't make the Top 5 is because their accessory inventory is not as full and versatile as the others mentioned. They do have great window treatments, pillows, bedding and towels. I have been disappointed many times with their selection of vases, picture frames and other decorative items. The prices are reasonable at Target and they do have good clearance sales. I mainly love Target for the baby/kids clothes and adult clothes and accessories. Also, strangely, you can get some really good deals on house cleaning products.
Garden Ridge Pottery- Garden Ridge is right up there with Hobby Lobby. They have amazing prices and quite frankly, is one of the best places to buy art. The downfall is how enormous and intimidating the store is. If you have time on your hands and are okay with scrounging around through many, many isles, then there are treasures to be found. I have had good luck there in the past when shopping for model homes. Not to mention a great selection of holiday decor.


Anthropologie- Words cannot express how much I love Anthropologie. Everything about that store inspires me and makes me happy. Then I look at the price of the clothes and almost faint and have to walk away. However, they have some decently priced houseware items such as mugs, glasses, bowels, tea towels and hot pads. Most of their picture frames, lamps and vases are still a bit pricey, but if you can catch a good sale in the "back room" of the store, then you could score a great deal. I also love their knob and hook selection. I have purchased fun and funky vintage knobs from there to go on my dressers, along with a unique hook to hang my necklaces from.

Antique Malls and Second Hand Shops- These are great places for those who love vintage items or want to find a good price on accessories. You will find unique items and at the very least be inspired.

Garden Glory Knob- Anthropologie


Good Luck!
The best of luck to you as you embark on your accessory shopping endeavors! These "Top 5" stores, along with the "Runners-Up" will be enough to get you going for awhile.  What are your favorite places to shop for accessories? I am always looking for new ideas and places. Message me if you have a thought or if you have any questions.





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