BrittanyMakes

Did you know I have a day job?  I'm an accountant – I crunch data, book journal entries, analyze financial statements, blah blah boring stuff.  (Shh, don't tell my boss I said that).  While I work, I'm usually day dreaming of interior design, thrifting adventures, furniture makeovers, fabric prints, paint swatches… I could go on and on.  Bottom line?  I'm definitely not dreaming about accumulated depreciation or revenue recognition.

Don't get me wrong, being an accountant has it's advantages.  I'm inherently frugal, strict with my monthly budget, quick to strike on deals, and I watch my finances like a hawk.  I actually have a lot of fun with it – mixing my accountant ways with my love for home decor & DIY – it has spawned into a game I like to call "the look for less". 

So, how do we play this game? First, think of something you've been pining over for a while but can't justify forking up the cash.  It could be anything – a mirrored dresser, a faux fur blanket, an industrial chair.  Next, ask yourself, "can I DIY this?".  If the answer is NO, let the game begin! This is the moment where I search high and low for a more affordable alternative.  Today I'm playing the game at Target!

I have an endless wishlist of must-have home decor/accessories – items I adore, things I feel like I can't live without – and it just so happens Target has almost every single one of them, and at a much lower price. 

Arteriors Home, Target

The Arteriors mirrored metal fretwork tray.  SOOOO lovely! I pretty much said "forget that!" once I saw the almost $400 price-tag.  Target to the rescue!  At nearly a 94% savings, you can get almost the exact same tray, minus the mirror.  I'll take it! (and in the basket it went…).

West Elm, Target

Ooooh precious ikat pillow.  How I want thee.  West Elm's ikat pillow isn't too pricey, but it's also the same price as a tank of gas… sooo…. it's too much for me.  Target's ikat pillow is an easy rival, I almost prefer it's simple gray and blue tones over the other.  And at $24, that's a 27% savings.

CB2, Target

I like CB2. My boyfriend? He likes it A LOT.  Lately we've been discussing how we plan to decorate our hypothetical new apartment.  CB2's twine floor lamp is just up his alley, and guess what? Target has one too! 75% savings, people! Target's doin' it right.

PotteryBarn, Target

I'm always drawn to PotteryBarn.  Everything on PotteryBarn's menu is so soft, easy, traditional, and classic.  I'm always impressed with their selection of baskets, but in the range of $60-$100, they're a little impractial.  And guess what? Target is always ready with an alternative, and 50% less expensive.  Sweet!

West Elm, Target

I saved my favorite for last.  West Elm is no doubt one of my favorite and most inspirational places to shop.  They've had this tucked duvet set as long as I can remember.  And what did I spy while perusing the aisles at Target? A puckered duvet! It's nearly identical! I restrained myself and didn't buy it then, but it's been on my mind since Wednesday and I foresee it looking absolutely perfect on my bed at home.  If I buy Target's version, I'll be saving 41%.  Wow!

So there you have it! Target is uh-mae-zing!  And No, I wasn't paid to say that.  I just wanted to share how easy it is to get the look for less!  If you found something that you just can't live without, chances are stores like Target will have something similar, for less.