The Best of Everything
I believe that my sixty two years on this earth qualifies me to have opinions about everything I have experienced. I have been out to eat many times and find that the best places are the ones that keep it simple and don't overload the plate with bad food. I also believe that you can go to inexpensive places and discount stores and find some truly beautiful and quality items, that are classic and long enduring. Although we have been sold this idea that high designer stores hold the key to fashion I think often times that it is quite the opposite when high end stores copy what lower end stores are selling and much to our advantage when low end stores copy high end designers. I don't want to pick on "Design within Reach" but my God are they really serious? My favorite find ever were my "wishbone" design chairs that I bought at Marshall's after freezing in my tracks when I saw them and taking a deep breath. I had actually sold a client on them over the phone but later saw these same chairs in AD in several issues and in several finishes. My very first find many years ago was the "dove" lamp which I saw in AD after that and which a higher end light company copied by doing it in many colors. I love that lamp not because it is sleek and sharp but because it is my example of my ability to find things that literally become famous pieces and are used in magazines like metropolitan home, AD and Elle.
This blog is a start to something new for me and that is to share what is out there that I deem the best and at an affordable price. Here are some suggestions in various areas: clothing, home accessories, furniture, greeting cards, note pads and good food. These places made the top of my list:
Francesca's:
Francesca's are family owned restaurants that serve the best Italian food I have eaten at the very best price. They started in Chicago and named the first one Mia Francesca and although that would be the one I'd not recommend (too loud and too effected) the others have been lovely, especially the Brymaur location in Chicago and the one on Taylor street. What they do with sauces is simple and natural with fresh ingredients that vary in flavor and are absolutely delicious. Everyone I have sent to Francesca's has continued to eat there and say they also love it. Their prices are unbelievably affordable and the quality and portions are superb. I love that they take requests and will alter a dish when the integrity of their food is not compromised. They are the best.
Home Goods:
Of all the places to find some truly unique, beautiful, affordable, designer furniture, accessories, kitchen items, rugs and children's toys Home Goods is at the top of my list. If you have not already seen for yourself go see for yourself. The lamps alone are so different as to make it worth your visit. I have seen items by designers like; Calvin Klein, Laura Ashley, Holy Hunt, Ralph Lauren and Basset. They have some of the most baby accessories and children's lounge chairs I have seen. Their rugs vary in fabric but many times they carry wool and wool blends. I have a fantastic quilted gray leather and chrome sofa chair, a mini ottoman made in India, a bamboo motif chrome lamp, white hurricanes, a candelabra, two cabinets by Basset and other objects in my home from Home Goods. Every single artifact I have purchased there have turned out to be perfect down to the wood white washed sign that says "Welcome to the Beach House" and a thumbs up hand. On average you will see things that you will later see in a major design magazine sooner or later, guaranteed.
JC Penny's:
JC Penny's seems to be some best kept secret and what I know is that they have the best sales often times marking their merchandise down 70%. One of the things that surprised me was their higher end suits with a modern fit and high quality fabrics like sharkskin that we have seen in many high designer stores. They also carry others great makers like Levi, Tommy Hillfiger, and Adidas. Although their ties and squares are not my recommendation they do have a lovely array for a very reasonable cost. Where I would focus is on their suits, pants, active wear, Tommy and IZOD shirts and cool underwear. If you have a deserving eye you could walk out with an entire suit for under 150.00 on sale that will look like you stepped out of a Gucci ad.
Bobtail Ice Cream Shop:
If you want the freshest milk shake and the best ice cream this place is it! Although it is on the expensive side it is well worth it. Located in Chicago on the corner of Welliington and Broadway it is truly an ice cream lovers paradise. Their select flavors are delicious and creamy. Their milkshakes are to die for.
Trader Joe's: to be continued
This blog is a start to something new for me and that is to share what is out there that I deem the best and at an affordable price. Here are some suggestions in various areas: clothing, home accessories, furniture, greeting cards, note pads and good food. These places made the top of my list:
Francesca's:
Francesca's are family owned restaurants that serve the best Italian food I have eaten at the very best price. They started in Chicago and named the first one Mia Francesca and although that would be the one I'd not recommend (too loud and too effected) the others have been lovely, especially the Brymaur location in Chicago and the one on Taylor street. What they do with sauces is simple and natural with fresh ingredients that vary in flavor and are absolutely delicious. Everyone I have sent to Francesca's has continued to eat there and say they also love it. Their prices are unbelievably affordable and the quality and portions are superb. I love that they take requests and will alter a dish when the integrity of their food is not compromised. They are the best.
Home Goods:
Of all the places to find some truly unique, beautiful, affordable, designer furniture, accessories, kitchen items, rugs and children's toys Home Goods is at the top of my list. If you have not already seen for yourself go see for yourself. The lamps alone are so different as to make it worth your visit. I have seen items by designers like; Calvin Klein, Laura Ashley, Holy Hunt, Ralph Lauren and Basset. They have some of the most baby accessories and children's lounge chairs I have seen. Their rugs vary in fabric but many times they carry wool and wool blends. I have a fantastic quilted gray leather and chrome sofa chair, a mini ottoman made in India, a bamboo motif chrome lamp, white hurricanes, a candelabra, two cabinets by Basset and other objects in my home from Home Goods. Every single artifact I have purchased there have turned out to be perfect down to the wood white washed sign that says "Welcome to the Beach House" and a thumbs up hand. On average you will see things that you will later see in a major design magazine sooner or later, guaranteed.
JC Penny's:
JC Penny's seems to be some best kept secret and what I know is that they have the best sales often times marking their merchandise down 70%. One of the things that surprised me was their higher end suits with a modern fit and high quality fabrics like sharkskin that we have seen in many high designer stores. They also carry others great makers like Levi, Tommy Hillfiger, and Adidas. Although their ties and squares are not my recommendation they do have a lovely array for a very reasonable cost. Where I would focus is on their suits, pants, active wear, Tommy and IZOD shirts and cool underwear. If you have a deserving eye you could walk out with an entire suit for under 150.00 on sale that will look like you stepped out of a Gucci ad.
Bobtail Ice Cream Shop:
If you want the freshest milk shake and the best ice cream this place is it! Although it is on the expensive side it is well worth it. Located in Chicago on the corner of Welliington and Broadway it is truly an ice cream lovers paradise. Their select flavors are delicious and creamy. Their milkshakes are to die for.
Trader Joe's: to be continued
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