Sure, your rooms look OK at first glance: You finally got rid of that lumpy sofa and own a set of kitchen chairs that don’t fold up. But what would an interior decorate have to say about the state of your home? If you suspect your attempts at “mix and match” just look messy or your furniture arrangements are a little too fussy, read on to see if you’re committing decorating faux paus, and learn what you can do to fix them.

Faux Pas #1: Ignoring Scale

Every piece of furniture looks great in the store—but chances are your rooms aren’t showroom size. “Measure your space and decorate accordingly,” suggests Kenneth Brown, a Los Angeles–based interior designer who sells home decor pieces through QVC. For smaller rooms, ignore your instinct to use a series of diminutive pieces; fewer large-scale pieces will make it seem less busy. On a similar note, consider filling a wall with a single large painting, rather than a group of smaller frames. “It will act as an additional window and draw the eye beyond the room,” says Brown.

Faux Pas #2: Relying on Recessed Lighting

“I’m so tired of recessed lighting,” says Brown. “It makes a room look like a football field.” If you have recessed lights, use them, but layer your lighting by incorporating additional lighting features. Consider table lamps and floor lamps, and highlight artwork with picture lights. “Your room—and everyone in it—will look beautiful,” says Brown.

Faux Pas #3: Buying the Entire Matching Set

Just because a store showcases a sofa, loveseat, chair, table and ottoman as a set doesn’t mean you have to buy every piece. The first piece Brown recommends leaving behind? The loveseat. In its place choose two chairs, which will allow you to mix and match colors and patterns. Another way to mix things up: Choose a traditional sofa in an unexpected, modern color.

GET MORE HERE

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Problem: The check arrives, and while you had a salad, everyone else had steak.

Solution: If there’s just a few dollars’ difference, consider splitting the bill evenly. If you’re really in a money crunch―or the house wine you had doesn’t exactly compare with the three $100 bottles the rest of the group shared―just say up front, “We’re all paying for our own meals and drinks, right?” Make it plain and simple. If it’s a large group, you can also ask your server for a separate check when you order. Most restaurants have software systems that can easily print multiple checks. If you don’t get a separate check and one of the pricey wine drinkers moves to split the bill evenly, it’s OK to be pleasantly assertive, says Post: “Try, ‘Hey, guys, I figure $30 will cover my meal, glass of wine, tax, and tip. Can I throw that in and let you split the rest?’” Your message is clear (“I owe less”), but it’s not the least bit confrontational.

GET MORE HERE

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Take a look:

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1. During the holidays, creating a budget and knowing your spending limits are great ways to keep a clear sight on what you can or can not purchase.

2. Once you have made a budget for yourself, you can start your list and write down the items that you are looking to buy.

5 Ways To Save Money In The New Year

3. If possible use cash, but we all know credit cards are designed to capture us and make us want to spend money! However, if you must use a credit card use one that offers rewards for your spending, like cash back or reward points.

What Do You Give The Man Who Has All The Joy He Can Stand?

4. Check articles for any sales or coupons, like newspapers, magazines, or an online site. A great website for you to find offers, online codes and printable coupons is www.retailmenot.com. This website offers coupons for more than 100 retail stores.

Lanvin For H&M: Budget-Friendly & In Time For Black Friday [PHOTOS]

Mark your calendars for black friday, where stores open early and close late, so you can make the best of your day shopping.

Take a look at some of our faves:

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]]> http://hellobeautiful.com/style-beauty/hellobeautifulstaff1/fall-trend-over-the-knee-boots/feed/ 0 http://hellobeautiful.com/style-beauty/item-of-the-day/hellobeautifulstaff1/bcbg-foldover-tote/ http://hellobeautiful.com/style-beauty/item-of-the-day/hellobeautifulstaff1/bcbg-foldover-tote/#comments Mon, 11 Oct 2010 15:00:12 +0000 Hello Beautiful Staff http://hellobeautiful.com/?p=1384485 If there's one bag you splurge on this season, it should be a spacious carryall that can hold your everyday items. This spacious burgundy bag features rich accents, like chunky pewter hardware and oversized exterior pockets, give it a little attitude, but the bag is still down-to-earth enough to carry anywhere. Sling it on your arm for a slouchy look or grab it by the handle... Read more..]]> If there’s one bag you splurge on this season, it should be a spacious carryall that can hold your everyday items. This spacious burgundy bag features rich accents, like chunky pewter hardware and oversized exterior pockets, give it a little attitude, but the bag is still down-to-earth enough to carry anywhere. Sling it on your arm for a slouchy look or grab it by the handles for a modern look. In three colors.

$83 at bluefly.com

Check out other items of the day:

Bohemian Floral Quilt

“Forget Me Knot” Ring

When it comes to decorating you should always have a statement piece, and this abstract vase from Crate & Barrel is definitely a must-have.

Elaborate craftsmanship creates an art glass beauty with an abstract river “landscape.” Each unique piece is repeatedly rolled and dipped in yellow, red, black, white and blue glass, fusing into a richly, layered round vase.

* Handblown cased glass

* Scissor-cut rim

* Watertight

* Clean with a damp cloth

$44.95 at crateandbarrel.com

Check out some of our other items of the day:

Statement Skull & Heart Detail 3-Finger Knuckle Duster Ring

Melie Bianco’s Margo Belted Canvas Tote

Enter HelloBeautiful’s “Beautiful Friendship” Contest

Keep the essentials of everyday life right at your fingertips with this trendy oversized canvas tote by Melie Bianco.

The two faux leather belts with grommet details gives you that military look that’s right on trend. Oversized shape gives you plenty of storage for all your possessions. Removable strap will allow you to wear it as a messenger or on the shoulder.

Also available in tan and black for $96 at meliebianco.com

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$44,000 for a king set.

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Lace-up boots are a huge trend for fall. We’re loving them both tall and short,with everything from dresses and skirts to skinny jeans and leggings.

11 Swinging Jewelry Pieces For Under $50

FANTASY FRIDAY: Christian Louboutin Leopard Chain Bag

L.A. Triumph is asking the court to stop Madonna from using the “Material Girl” name and make her hand over any profits she’s made with it.

Read more at popeater.com

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Halle Berry has been absent from the big screen for the last few years, but that is about to change, as she has just signed on to star in a new movie titled Shoe Addicts Anonymous.

The story is about four Chicago women who all wear size 7.5 shoes and trade looks. Filming starts later this year.

Halle will play an agoraphobic who has to shop online to indulge her love — her three friends in the film have yet to be cast.

SOURCE

Take a look at Halle out & about yesterday:

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Here are some options that range from pretty sundresses to flowy maxi dresses. Remember to keep from sinking into the sand, ditch the heels and wear jeweled flat sandals instead, or wedges if you need a little height:

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As if the iPhone hasn’t saved your butt enough times, the new WorldLive Shopper App helps you save money while shopping.  Didn’t think it was possible? Hear me out.

The WorldLive Shopper app is simple to use: All you do is program a list of your favorite stores into the app.  Rather than having to look up the stores and keep track of the latest deals, the app tweets the latest deals right to your phone, even if you aren’t an active Twitter user.  You can even share your favorite deals with your friends through Facebook, Twitter, or email.  It’s the perfect way to stay on top of your shopping without having to keep track of a million coupons in your wallet.

The WorldLive Shopper app is for us ladies who love to shop but have a hard time organizing everything that our favorite stores have to offer. We are just as technologically capable as our male counterparts, so let’s use this awesome app that’s specifically designed for us.  You will be updated on deals without having to search for them yourself.  We are huge fans of this convenient app at HelloBeautiful, and it has definitely helped us when we needed a good deal fast!

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We all have seen this.  A woman who is at least 20 years older than the outfit she is wearing. Thoughts range from “what does she have on?”, “why is she wearing her daughters clothing?” and the ever popular “she knows she is too old to wear that or the variation of she knows better than that”.Is our assumption that a person should be aware of the age restrictions placed on clothes right?

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They always sway that you are only as young as you feel.  Well, perhaps she feels young enough to be fifty years old and wearing a tank top with cut off booty shorts and her bright orange thong showing. I know. I shudder at the thought too but the fact remains that we never know how someone sees themselves despite the ever changing world around them. You ever noticed that some people get stuck in one time warp and continue to dress that way? If they were hot stuff in the 70’s then chances are they will continue to dress in 70’s fashion. So, if your Granny was a starlet back in the day then chances are she may still see herself this way today. Regardless of how inappropriate it may seem to onlookers and small children…..

Should a person be able to wear whatever makes them happy? In theory yes.  In reality?  No. There is a big difference between your Uncle wearing his bell bottom pants to all the family functions as opposed to your Aunt who loves those infamous booty shorts. The pants may become his signature look but no one wants to see their Granny’s thongs. In other words, dressing age appropriately is a tool that we all must grasp at some point in our lives.

HOW TO: Dress “World Cup”-Appropriate

The truth is that some things have an expiration date. Clothes included. I encourage people to dress age appropriately. What fit your level of development at 25 is not going to fit your level of development at 55.  Just like at some point young men must learn to move on from the casual white tee and jeans, a young woman must also know when it is time to retire her favorite pair of booty shorts. Also, it is important to know when you have matured past a look.  Once you hit a certain age, certain clothing is simply not acceptable for you to wear in public. You may think that you are sexy but in actually you appear to be foolish and diluted from reality. Just as you grow and mature internally your outer appearance should reflect that change and growth as well.  People expect for you to understand the maturation process and accept it. Now, the direction of this growth is on an individual basis but it is something that everyone must go through and learn to accept. No matter how good you think those daisy dukes make your 66 years old booty look. Should Granny be forced to wear dresses down to her ankles and big sweaters in the summer time to assure that she is covered up? No. She can still be sexy but age appropriate sexy.

For More LJ Knight Visit YeahSheSaidIt

We can’t stress it enough: this season is all about prints and patterns! So throw away your old denim and khaki shorts, and try these ones on for size. SOURCE

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LaLa tells Life & Style:

Kim and Ciara have incredible bodies, so I thought “if he’s the guy responsible for that, I need to get in there”.

She reportedly dropped from a size 8 to a size 6 through a mix of cardio exercises, weight training and practicing portion control. The wedding will take place in New York on July 10th.

READ MORE HERE

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$545 at dannijo.com

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We’ve shown you some of our favorite trends this season, from tribal, bright colors and patterns… so if you’d like to incorporate more neutral shades into your closet, why not try sleek white pants to give your wardrobe an added touch of sophistication. A girly printed top or tunic paired with skinny white pants is one of our favorite summer looks.Take a look at some of our faves below:

Prada Launches Bags For Those On A Budget

GALLERY: 12 Patterned & Printed Shorts

If you’re looking to invest in one must-have accessory this season, then gold bangles bracelets are the way to go. These bracelets make a nice wrist or arm accessory. Take a look at some of our faves:

GALLERY: 10 Perfect Lightweight Summer Jackets

GALLERY: 10 Printed Sunglasses For Under $35

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With Memorial Day right around the corner, chances are you’ll be grilling somewhere this weekend. If you’re like most of us with limited space ,here are some mini-grills that you can work with for your BBQ this holiday weekend:

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RECIPE: Memorial Day Menu

Diddy’s son: “I Wanna Continue To Live Off  Of You”

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Run’s girls Angela and Vanessa Simmons were spotted out and about shopping at Fred Segal in Beverly Hills yesterday.Vanessa showed off her new haircut and Angela rocked a grungy look complete with bustier and boots.Take a look:

Vanessa is trying to gain a little bit of weight. She tweeted “Y is it that when u tryna Gain weight your apetitie sucks … U wanna lose weight U wanna eat errthang in site… I’m tryna Gain!”

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ShoeDazzle is a new website providing fab-shoe enthusiasts with the flyest footwear, at a great price! Every shoe available on the site cost only $40.00!

The site was founded by Kim Kardashian, a true-blue fashionista, and features many designer inspired shoes at a fraction of the price. The sight provides an interactive experience, as it gauges your style via short (but accurate) quizzes. Once your style category is identified, the site suggests shoes that are appropriate and appealing for your individual style. Once you become a member, monthly selections are made for you by the sites expert stylists, and you can even choose to have them shipped to you automatically. The best part is, shipping is free!

Hot shoes selected to fit your individual style, by seasoned experts, and sent to you for only $40.00? What more can a girl ask for?

Check out the website here to become a Shoedazzle member, or just check out the offerings.

V Mag Asks: Thick Or Thin Models, Which Do You Prefer?

Check out this gallery to see a few of the cute shoes available at Shoedazzle.

Also, check out this gallery of celebs with the hottest shoe game:

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Gwen Devoe: The Mastermind Behind Full Figured Fashion Week!

2010 Trend: How To Rock A Fierce Ponytail

We think now is more important than ever to be smart about spending money during the holidays. Here are 4 tips for smart holiday shopping:

1) Create A Holiday Shopping Budget And Stick With It. No need to try to keep up with the Joneses’. First look at your overall budget to determine what you can and are willing to spend this holiday season. Remember that time is tough for many people, so it’s okay to not spend a lot of money this year. Be realistic. Next, sit down with your family and make a list of everyone you are going to buy gift for. Next to their name, write an amount you are going to spend on them.

2) Get a gift receipt. Gift exchanges do happen, so be prepared by providing a gift receipt. That will ensure that the recipient gets a proper store credit. Purchases made in November and December are often eligible for extended return or exchange privileges.

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3) Buy Online. Buying online is a great way to save money when you are shopping for presents.

4) Avoid priority shipping. The deadline for free holiday shipping from major retailers generally expires about a week before Christmas. Keep in mind that ordering one-day service can add $20 or more and does not typically guarantee delivery within 24 hours. The arrival date is calculated from the moment the package is shipped, so factor in two or three days of processing time (unless otherwise stated). Read the fine print before rushing a delivery.

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You’ve stored the leftover turkey, enjoyed the parade, and watched a couple football games. If you plan on relaxing in your pajamas the day after Thanksgiving, you’re missing out on the official start of the holiday shopping season. That’s right, it’s time to get serious and come up with a plan to get ready for Black Friday. What is Black Friday, you ask? Only the most popular shopping day of the year! While it’s known for its major sales and late hours, Black Friday is also one of the most hectic days of the year, as shoppers across the nation literally trample each other to get their hands on the most popular items of the year.

If you’re planning on saving big bucks but aren’t ready for the crowds and commotion, here are some tips to get you through this marathon day of shopping.

Make A List - If you write down exactly what you plan on getting for friends and family, you’ll save a ton of time and money by not buying things you’ll end up returning later.

Get A Good Night’s Rest – Most retailers open their doors as early as 5 a.m., so you’ll need the right amount of sleep just to survive the first two hours of shopping.

Wear Comfortable Clothing and Shoes – This translates into sweatpants or jeans and sneakers. This is not the day to be cute! You’ll be grateful after the third or fourth hour of shopping.

Shop Early -You will get the best deals during the first 4 hours of the store’s opening, and get all of your holiday shopping out of the way so you can enjoy the rest of your day.

Shop at Malls -Think one-stop shopping! Make a list of your most important purchases beforehand, then hit each store in order of priority. It also helps to make a mental map of each store location if you’re unfamiliar with the mall; you’ll save time not having to wander around looking for stores.

Travel Light -Ladies, I know we love our big bags, but this day requires all hands on deck! Leave the big bags at home.

Leave the kids at home – Leave the kids at home with Grandma! You’ll have a much more efficient trip, and you can get the little ones their Christmas gifts early.

Use Coupons – Clip those coupons, ladies. You’ll be able to add between 30 and 50% in savings if you do. You can typically find coupons the week before or week of Black Friday, so check your local papers or the Internet.

Compare Prices – Just because it’s Black Friday doesn’t mean everyone will have additional savings, so please comparison shop via the internet, sales circulars or by way of the Sunday newspaper. Do your homework, ladies and gentlemen; you’ll be glad you did once you calculate the savings.

Black Friday deals are coming early in 2009 and Hellobeautiful have rounded up the best deals for our readers. Major retailers, including Toys “R” Us, Walmart, Kmart and Sears are holding pre-Black Friday sales and promotions on their websites, so with the big day fast approaching, it may be time to start thinking about your shopping strategy for the holidays.

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Take a look at what some of the biggest retailers are offering:

Here are some links to make your shopping easier:

Black Friday 2009 Ads

Black Friday.net

Walmart Black Friday

TheBlackFriday.com

Babies r us.com

Target.com

ToyRUs.com

lowe’s.com

We’re not sure about this one, but if it’s true, we’re sooo excited..There have been rumors swirling about what Apple might offer for its 2009 Black Friday sales, and now Boy Genius Report has gotten a copy of what may be a leaked Apple ad detailing its Black Friday deals.

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Many of us aren’t even beginning to think about Christmas but if we just plan ahead we can maintain our monthly payment on bills and get all of the holiday must haves. Many stores like Wal-Mart, Kmart are advertising the reinstating of the layaway plan, so consumers can put a little money down weekly until the item is completely paid off.

Discount stores like Filene’s Basement and Daffy’s have also continued the once popular payment plan.

Amerie’s Brian Atwood’s pumps

Now even the web is getting in on the game with sites like elayway.com offering lay away/payment plans for a per transaction fee of less then 2 percent on items like ipods, laptops and even furniture that will be deducted directly from your checking account. It is free to join. The user sets the payment schedule either pay your item off in six months or in a year but if you become a member for 8.95 per month you will not be charged the transaction fee. Make payments online and consistantly and elayway will report to Fair Isaac to improve your PRBC bill pay score.

Layaway is Here to Stay

Take a look at the hottest celeb pics on the net!