Shabby or Chic?

I adore this mirror, but I shudder to think how much it is.

I ended up in San Francisco for New Years this year.  To be honest, it’s the first time in YEARS I have done anything for NY, but stay at home and sleep through it.  Yes, yes, I am a volcano of excitement.  ha! 

Anyway, I had a blast, but the thing that really got my attention was the apartment I was at.  It’s a small one bedroom flat, that is probably about the size of my downstairs area.  The smallness didn’t take away from the charm!  The woman that sublets it from my friend has a quirky shabby chic style that is an odd combination of shabby chic and tri-athlete.  She had wonderful mirrors everywhere, curtains over the closet, a wardrobe with all kinds of pretty glitzy fake jewelry all set out in a lovely display and an old white stained secretary type bureau/desk.  I wanted to take pictures of it all, but it seemed to invasive considering the girl wasn’t even home.  It really got my home design juices flowing!! 

I love my small place.  It is just under 1000 square feet and is an upstairs/downstairs set up.  Unfortunately for me, I definitely do not have gift for interior design.  My sister has an amazing gift for design both in homes and in her wardrobe.  She has the best ideas!  Some of my things are here given to me by her and I love them!  (I’ll take some pictures).  I remember years ago going over to her apartment and she had Greek styled columns that she used to set her television on.  It's little things like that, that really set a place off!!

Having said that, my mission is now to try to find some affordable ways to dress up my place.  Thankfully for me I have discovered a love for Thrift Shops.  First on my list…mirrors, at least two big one.  =)  I’ll keep ya posted.