buy this, not that: pier 1 edition

ooooh, i know! 

it has been FOR---ever since i wrote a "buy this, not that" post!

if you haven't checked out the other posts in this series, click here for the tuesday morning, ross and florida gift shop versions.

the intro:

ever walk into a store, and see something fabulous, and then, right next to it,

is something that is the SAME price, but it is frumpy and, well...not fabulous?

that happens to me all the time...and i wonder to myself..."why would anyone buy THAT, when they can buy THIS, and it's at least 10 times better than THAT?"

and so, this series was born.

and once again, here is the disclaimer:

realize that by reading this and looking at these pictures, that you are getting my big, fat 

opinions and you should not get offended if you have, in fact, bought "that". and, of course, EVERYONE is entitled to their own opinion. and these are MINE.

ok, here goes....

buy this:

simple.
chic.
great shape.
can go anywhere.
it's a keeper.

not that:

this mirror looks like it should be hanging in the type of restaurant where everyone gets sick after eating.
(also....i am pretty sure that if you looked at this mirror long enough, it would burn a hole
in your retina.)

buy this:

simple metallic frames and frames with interesting textures allow your pictures to shine.

these are really nice options.

not that:

sorta looks like someone got boozed up and took a decoupage class.
and also, that someone REALLY likes butterflies.
uh-lot.

buy this:

simple, sturdy baskets like this can be a lifesaver around any house. i use mine to corral magazines, "ugly" books, and other objects that i need around, but don't necessarily want to look at.

not that:

first lets talk about the shape. there is nothing "wrong" with it, but a more simple shape, like a square or round basket would be so much more classy. and what is up with that weird shell thing? and why does it remind me of star trek?

buy this:

simple cloth napkins should be a staple in any hostesses arsenal. these are a pretty color,

and the simple detail on the edge is nice.

not that:

this napkin looked and felt like fine mesh wire.
you would totally bleed if you used it to wipe your face!

buy this:

if this pillow were a person, it would tell you about adventures overseas and give you wonderful advice  on all kinds of stuff. (i have actually used this pillow in an e-design project before! the colors of this pillow are a great starting point for a color scheme for a room.)

not that:

if this pillow were a person, they would run into your heels with their shopping cart while in line at the store and talk REALLY loudly and graphically on their cell phone about their recent trip to the proctologist.

no thanks.

buy this:

simple shape?

great, classic color?

buy TWO!

not that:

uh.

this looks like it was fired in the pits of hell...and please know that hulk hogan
owns a matching camaro.

buy this:

yes, please!

mercury glass is reflective and looks great in any room.

me likey.

not that:

"hey, i have been all over EVERY store in town looking for a slightly irridescent ceramic penguin-----

oh!!! yes!!! you have them! i am SO happy!"

-said no one, ever.

buy this:

interesting colors.

looks handmade.

useful as a paper weight or decorative object in a bookcase.

this is a pretty great buy.

not that:

what is THIS??
monstrous describes this in more than one way.
just walk away, folks.

buy this:

objects like this can look great in a house or garden.
i like for things like this to have some meaning to their owners, so if you have traveled abroad and
this type of item brings back memories, i say go for it. (if not, think again.)

not that:

whaaaaa?
i have no words for this.
for real? how many people sat around a board room table and said "yes" to get this thing manufactured?
they should all be fired.

buy this:

nice shape?
simple reflective glass?
subtle textural shade?
buy me!

not that:

this lamp is just a little TOO much, ya know?
the two tone metal scrolls on the base.
the grommets.
the bow.
the scrolls stenciled on the shade....
it's overkill.
there are so many things to look at, that it makes me not want to look at ANY of it.

buy this:

as far as decorative hooks go, this one is pretty cute.
it has an "anthopologie-esque" quality that i find appealing. it would work well in a bedroom,
mudroom or girls room.

not that:

ok, ok.

i PROMISE that i don't hate butterflies.
i actually really like them...but not the glittery, fake-shattered glass version.
you can do better.

buy this:

i could go ON and ON about the benefits of having at least one set of all-white dishes, serving bowls and platters.  when i got married, i bought a set of 6 plates/saladplates/bowls from pottery barn. once my family got bigger, i bought a set of 15. we use these dishes every day. i also have a set of blue + white dishes from horchow, and these thomas paul plates that are great for outdoors. but, i like my white dishes the best!

not that:

these aren't horrible...
and that's all i have to say 'bout that...(said in forrest jump voice)

buy this:

the texture on this chair is great, and it is transitional enough to go with just about any decor.
the straight back and slight curve at the base of the woven seat are nice details.

not that:

i know pleather is super-tempting because it wipes up like a dream,
but the brown on brown isn't going to add any life/texture/personality/interest to your space.
(if you have something like this, consider buying or making some cute slipcovers in an indoor/outdoor fabric!)

buy this:

this chair would look nice in a sunroom or a kids room. i like the texture and shape,
and with a different cushion and accent pillow, this chair could look fabulous.

not that:

this chair is RAD.
IF.... it was 1984.
and you are 14 years old.
back then i think that every teenager begged their parents for THIS papasan chair
AND a calculator watch for their birthday.
(thank goodness they are so lightweight. makes it easy to carry them to the curb on donate day.)

buy this:

textural throws like this can add another layer of interest to a room. this one was nice and soft,

and i could totally see it working in just about any room.

not that:

is this throw working for anyone out there?
i just can't think of a single space where this would look good.
anyone?
anyone?
*leave a comment if you think you have the PERFECT spot for this throw!

thanks for playing along friends.
happy shopping...