Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. To imitate someone is to pay the person a genuine compliment. Although the original quote attributed to Oscar Wilde actually states “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness” I'm guessing he was unaware of my budget and my love for all things Restoration Hardware. The truth is when it comes to decor - I do love me some high-end stores, I just can't marry that love with their prices.  For instance... I had been long lusting after this gorgeous Vintage Inspired Paris map from Restoration Hardware. It's a reproduction...

End table dilemma number 168. It's not that I can't ever find furniture pieces in stores; in fact, I discover wonderful pieces all the time. There are beautiful pieces but their price tags are just short of the balance in my checking account. In fact, they're so far down the road from my budget, that I can't even see them in my rearview mirror. You know the places I mean? The shops I like to call the Fantastic Four: Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn, Pier 1 Imports and Crate & Barrel. I spend some time walking through their physical stores or...