Posts with tag secretsource

An on-line shop for stylish, eco-friendly home wares and fashion.


The Source:
Nimli
www.nimli.com

The Goods:
Green need not be boring, and the wares from Nimli prove the point. Founded in New York City in 2003 by Rajat Arora, the company specializes in clothing, accessories, beauty products and modern furnishings from independent designers.

Natural, organic, recycled, sweatshop-free and cruelty-free, all of Nimli's products fit the eco-friendly category and strive to conserve resources and protect the environment.

The Secret
An online-only retailer, Nimli perpetuates its eco policy by requiring designers to ship directly to the customers -- cutting out the extra shipping that the typical designer-to-seller-to-consumer sites entail.

Nimli also purchases Green Tags to offset the carbon released from shipping, energy consumption and other business activities.

The Source: MyKnobs.com

The Goods:
What seems like a never-ending aggregator for low-quality hardware is actually a diamond in the rough that's saved me many a headache. With the best selection of cabinet pulls (hands down) and an impressive variety of door knobs, this site is a breath of fresh air amidst a smog-filled and overpriced market of door dressings.

The Secret:
Everyone knows switching out hardware is one of the easiest ways to change the look of your kitchen, bathroom, or that new garage sale find. And instead of charging serious moolah for new hardware like many big box retailers (I think they've caught on to our makeover secret!), MyKnobs.com finds the best deals around the web and sells basic pulls, knobs and handles at a fraction of the price. Even better? The color selection can't be beat.

Things to Know:
Steer clear of their decorative accessories, as you can score better deals elsewhere, and face it, this is no decor website. Do, however, keep an eye out for the overstock collection where already low prices will be even more discounted. Lastly? Their special collections (like the pictured equestrian pull) aren't cheap, but the basics are indeed. Now all you need to do is find the perfect mid-century sideboard in need of some elbow grease and a bit of shiny, new hardware.

Happy hunting!

For more secret shopping tips, read on:
-Designer Furniture On The Cheap(er)
-Secret Source: Affordable Art at Artaissance

The Source
Z Gallerie

The Goods
I've been doing market work (shopping for a living) for nearly five years. And, admittedly, there are times when I get a bit lazy and repeatedly use the same source for one project (and often many projects in a row). But when that source consistently has a fabulous assortment of stylish and affordable products, it's hard to deny the return visits.

If you've yet to visit Z Gallerie, I suggest you take a look at their store locator immediately. With 54 stores in 18 states, Z Gallerie has approximately 1,800 square feet of style for every room in your home. Large-scale furniture, lighting, tabletop, artwork, bedding – the list goes on. The best part? You know how when you visit other chain home stores (Think: Pottery Barn, IKEA and Crate & Barrel), everything looks like it came from that store? That's never the case here. Whether your style is Asian-modern, boho-chic or leans toward the classic transitional, you'll find items to fit your niche.



The Secret
Although Z Gallerie has a sort-of big-box vibe (huge store full of affordable products), it remains a privately owned company. Started in 1979 by brothers-sister team Joe Zeiden, Carole Malfatti and Mike Zeiden, Z Gallerie has grown from a small poster shop (the trio would frame posters in their parents' garage at night) to a full-fledged (yet still family-run) home goods franchise that remains dedicated to providing us with attainable style. Joe, Carole and Mike, my bank account thanks you.

Things to Know
Sadly, a Z Gallerie store can't be found in every state, but every state can have a shopping heyday via their online store, which also happens to keep an updated page of their recently marked down items for extra-budget-friendly shopping. Sure, you'll incur some minimal shipping charges -- but it's a small price to pay for what will undoubtedly become your go-to source for incredibly chic, affordable home decor.

Inside tip for you Southern Californians: Z Gallerie's outlet store is located in Gardena and has a new assortment of fabulous products coming in daily. That's right: daily. Think of it as a design addict's personal dealer.

The Source
L'aviva Home

The Goods
Imagine the enchanting apartment of the most well-traveled person you know. Then imagine it all for sale on a highly curated website.

That's exactly what former travel editor Laura Aviva had in mind when she created L'aviva Home -- an online bazaar where she sells the best finds from her world travels -- Turkish hammam towels, South American cowhide rugs, Moroccan poufs....you know, the works.

The Secret
In the Wild West of online shopping, L'aviva lends a boutique experience where pieces are one-of-a-kind and are categorized into sections. Object, textile, and dowry are currently on display, the latter featuring traditional wedding presents from around the world (hint, hint to my friends and family).




Things to Know
But if you fear the mad rush to get that special piece, think again. L'aviva constantly restocks collections and will even work with customers to customize pieces. And another nice thing about this company? Everything arrives in thoughtfully wrapped eco-conscious or recycled paper -- and it's great-smelling to boot (was that a lavender sprig tucked in?). As if you needed another reason to shop here.

Read more secret sources:
Secret Source: The Evolution Store
Priscilla Woolworth: Our Fave Eco-Friendly Store

The Source
CSN Stores

The Goods
If you're an online shopper, you've likely purchased something from CSN Stores without even knowing it. With more than 200 individual websites dedicated to 22 major categories, unless you're searching for a hand-whittled candlestick made by a Peruvian goat herder (or other such obscure item), chances are you can find what you need here.

Looking for a daybed? Visit justdaybeds.com. Searching for all things modern? Take a look at allmodern.com. Simply need a desk? Yup, you guessed it: simplydesks.com.

More? Try these for starters: Allmodernlighting.com, Cookware.com, Allchildrensfurniture.com, CSNMirrors.com, Accentfurnituredirect.com, CSNRugs.com, Everyhomebar.com, Allmodernpet.com and on and on and on (and on).

The Secret
In 2002, CSN Stores began as one online shop with two employees. Year two, they added three more web-based stores. A mere seven years later, they've become the third largest online retailer of home furnishings and housewares in the U.S. (right behind that little store known as Crate & Barrel), according to Internet Retailer.

At this moment, CSN Stores plans to increase its workforce by 200 employees by 2010. Apparently, the privately held company that's valued at $200 million hasn't heard that we're in a recession.

Things to Know
With so much to search through, the easiest way to maneuver CSN Stores is to hit their home page. (There are approximately 148 sites are dedicated to home goods, while 71 others sell lifestyle-related products.) Browse through their categories, or simply type in a search (like "modern table lamp") to find what you need. You can even narrow down results by price, material, finish, etc. Of course if you are looking for a goat-herder-whittled candlestick, you're out of luck.

Want more shopping leads?
Colorful get-happy home stuff -- design boner
Kitchen planning with IKEA -- Door Sixteen
Striped sheets galore -- Apartment Therapy

The Source
OffTheFloorNow.com


The Goods
Interior design pros typically get first (and in most cases, only) dibs on high-end designer furnishings, but OffTheFloorNow.com is breaking that to-the-trade-only code, giving anyone with a little design and Web savvy access to designer showroom floor samples and textiles, at steeply discounted prices.

The Secret
Manufacturers like Dessin Fournir, Gérard, Kerry Joyce, Classic Cloth and Rose Cumming have partnered with the site to sell the high-end residential furniture models and discontinued textiles that were formerly displayed on their showroom floors. Dessin Fournir's Dupre Sofa, for example, originally listed at $20,440, is $6,240 at OffTheFloorNow -- a steal if you can live with the "slight rubbing off of finish color on the edges of all feet" described in the product's condition report.

Things to Know
All items by Dessin Fournir, Gérard and Kerry Joyce are personally inspected by the OffTheFloorNow.com staff and given a number rating based on the condition of the finish and the fabric. (4 = Excellent, 3 = Good, 2 = Fair, and 1 = Poor.)

The three-step purchasing process is all done via email and 5% of every sale is donated to one of two charitable organizations: Project Angel Food and Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA).

The Source
Karma Kraft

The Goods
Uber picky and can't stand any of those "generic" fabrics out there? Always dreamed of being a textile designer but never had the patience for the schooling? Or simply prefer being really, really unique? Another source, Karma Kraft, has arrived in the market of print-on-demand textiles. And all it takes is a little creativity and about two weeks to have your very own, one-of-a-kind fabric.

The Secret
This Raleigh-based online textile extraordinaire puts the creativity in your hands, enabling you to create your own fabric design in three easy steps. Choose from more than 15 base fabrics (cotton, linen, silks, blends) depending on your intended use. Prefer a fabric they don't offer? Karma Kraft will special order whatever you need -- with a minimum yardage requirement of course. And it all starts at just $20 per yard -- pricier than ordinary crafting fabrics, but a steal to get your very own one-of-a-kind textiles.





Things to Know
Professional designer or student? Let the team at Karma Kraft know and you'll get a special discount. Not the crafty (Krafty?) type? No fretting -- you can special order an item in your fabric (pillow, pet bed, tablecloth, nearly anything you'd like), and they'll make it for you. Talk about full service. And in case the environment is at the top of your concerns, Karma Kraft's facility passes the REACH regulations for environmental safety – so you can rest easy knowing your fabric is in eco-friendly hands.

Read more Secret Sources:
Graphic fabrics and housewares by Henry Road
Affordable art at Artaissance
HomeGoods: Bargain-basement beautiful

The Source
The Evolution Store
http://theevolutionstore.com/

The Goods
Lovers of steampunk and quirky decor unite! Sure, the storefront is a bit creepy, but there are some incredible hidden gems here. The Evolution Store sells unique natural history collectibles usually seen only in museums, such as butterflies, fossils, seashells, skeletons, medical models and tribal art.

The Secret
A landmark in Manhattan's SoHo art district since 1993, The Evolution Store now offers online orders and affordable shipping. If you're searching for quirky artwork in your home, the life-size anatomical posters' prices can't be beat. Another stellar find? A legally imported Ostrich egg for less than $30.

The Source
Exclusive French "house of chocolate"
La Maison du Chocolat

The Goods
Amazingly sensuous ganache candies made of melted chocolate blended with fresh heavy cream. Some flavors have kick of liquor or a crunch of nuts, but all are coated in paper-thin chocolate. Offered at six LMdC shops around the world.

The Secret
An online boutique that ships various tasting boxes, cocoa-coated truffles and dipped dried fruits anywhere. This chocolista's favorites: Jumbo bouchées ($6.50 each) – ganache candies the size and shape of graham-crackers which support the notion that some things really should be too rich, too thin and madly decadent.

Things to Know
In addition to boxed candy, La Maison offers top-quality chocolate bars. The Kuruba (8.8 oz) is the all-purpose bittersweet chocolate equivalent and the choice for dark candy coatings. Armchair chocoholics might enjoy La Maison du Chocolat Robert Linxe, a cookbook written by the founder. Prospective brides should know about the 3 boxes designed for wedding favors.

The Source:
Lin's Antiques & Collectibles
http://www.lins-antiques.com

The Goods:
Not only is Lin's a one-stop shop for all things vintage, but you'll find a variety of rare, unearthed treasures from the 40's and 50's (like these vintage state handkerchiefs we're currently pining for).

The Secret:
Hollywood set decorator Susan Bode Tyson is a big fan of vintage state handkerchiefs and even framed a few to use as artwork in the recent film Julie & Julia. Like all good things, state hankies are cycling back to the spotlight, so be ahead of the curve and grab a few now!


Things to Know:
You're paying for an heirloom, so be prepared to spend a bit extra than your average handkerchief. In fact, the Michigan handkerchief is thought to be extinct, so if you happen to spot a hankie from the Wolverine State, snatch it quick!





For ShelterPop's most recent shopping secrets, read more:
-Secret Source: The Silhouette's New Face
-Spoonflower Custom Fabric: You'll Get Hooked!

The Source
Artaissance, an original artwork site that's sister to high-end framing company Larson-Juhl.

The Goods
Drawings, etchings and historical prints by contemporary artists or culled from historical archives by Artaissance's experts.

The Secret
These aren't just regular prints -- they're giclees, made using a high-tech digital imaging process that duplicates the artwork and prints onto canvas or paper. Plus, they can be custom-sized by order, so a drawing can be blown-up to gigantic proportions or made into a postcard size piece.

Things To Know
The hundreds of artworks available on the site are all done by artists exclusively for Artaissance, so you're basically getting an original piece without the hefty price tag. Also worth noting is that the pieces come unframed, but can be sent directly to a local framer.







Read More:
-5 Sites for Affordable Art
-How To: Create an Art Gallery in Your Home

The Source
PlanCanvas
http://furnitureplans.plancanvas.com/

The Goods
OK, so you can't really purchase a living room set for $13, but you can purchase the plans for one. PlanCanvas provides handy shoppers with foolproof building plans for a variety of living room sets and accent furniture pieces, like the mid-century-inspired set above. And with a bit of DIY skill and technique (plus materials!), you'll be guaranteed the most inexpensive, well-made living room in your neighborhood. How's that for keeping up with the Jones?

The Secret
Boasting legible plans and easy-to-follow direction, PlanCanvas is a far cry from the photocopied IKEA directions we've grown accustomed to. And with various options to choose from, including sleek mid-century accent furniture, there's a plan for everyone.

The Source
Spoonflower
www.spoonflower.com

The Goods
Spoonflower is one of the ever-growing print-on-demand websites that offer at-home crafters the chance to design and then buy small or one-off pieces. Spoonflower's claim to fame just happens to be fabric. Users upload their own fabric designs and then they can order $5 samples or yardage of their own custom fabric designs.

The Secret
The secret here is that you don't have to be a designer to buy these custom fabrics from Spoonflower. Users are able to sell their custom designs through the Spoonflower shop. If you like a design, you can purchase it directly from Spoonflower in just about every possible standard and custom size from fat quarters to over 20 yards.

Things to Know
If you're a crafter or designer, Spoonflower can be very overwhelming at first. I know that when I first checked it out, I couldn't stop thinking about the different fabric designs I could create and buy. However, be warned that it is slightly pricier than your average craft store fabric yardage. But, for your own print-on-demand custom designs I think it's worth it. Happy printing!

Another secret source? Home Goods!

The Source
EQ3 stores, catalog, and website

The Goods
Modern and inexpensive furniture, lighting, and tabletop wares -- many with mid-century silhouettes and clean-lined shapes

The Secret
Mega stores, beware! This Canadian import is hot on the trail of becoming the next big thing in chain stores. And why wouldn't it? The products are chic, and the prices are amazing! Like this adorable red mini table lamp -- only $15. And we can't forget about the super-affordable upholstery -- a sleek, track-arm sofa costs about $1099. Not bad for a piece that looks like it could've come right out of a Billy Baldwin interior.

Things to Know
While stand-alone EQ3 stores are few and far between (Miami, Las Vegas, California, and South Carolina), the catalog and website are accessible to everyone. The upholstered furniture also comes in a ton of fabric choices -- something rarely seen in the mass market.

Read More:
-The Home Shopping Network's Designer Edge (Really!)
-HomeGoods: Bargain Basement Beautiful