Thursday, December 1, 2011

This little light of mine...

"The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize." 

Well, if that's true, I must be further down the evolutionary ladder than most because accessorizing is definitely not my strong suit. I love the look of a well-styled outfit or home, but I never trust myself enough to go for it. But yesterday I went for it.

While on my weekly pilgrimage to TJMaxx, I wandered through the lamp section, as I always do, hoping to find a gem. And, as I've done many times before, I found a lamp I liked. I put it in my cart and walked around the store some more. The more I walked. The more I talked myself out of it. It won't work. The color will clash. Especially now with all the red and green out for Christmas. Maybe it's really ugly after all. Finally, I put the lamp back on the shelf. 

I made a few more laps around the furniture aisles. Spied the lamp from across the floor. Fell in love again. And instead of walking away like I usually do, I went over and put it back in my cart. I can always return it if it doesn't look right. (Famous last words.)

I came home excited. Plunked the lamp down on the end table. Stared at it for a while. And waited for the usual negative thoughts to creep back in. It doesn't look right. It's too big. It's not the right style. Take it back. But low and behold. This time they didn't come. The quirky, turquoise lamp with the woven shade just made me smile. This silly little lamp was home.


Have you ever seen the show Secrets of a Stylist? Where the designer surveys the couple to figure out each one's style, and then blends them together to redo their home in their combined style? That's what this lamp feels like to me. A blending of my styles. I wonder what she would call me. Maybe Beach Modern? Or is it just the opposite...Retro Beach? I guess if I knew my house would be perfectly accessorized already. But then I guess I wouldn't be such a great galloper either.

19 comments:

Pam said...

I love your new lamp! love everything about it! Good for you for going for it! I don't know what my style would be called...

kim {the non-mom blogger} said...

Mad Men at the beach.

My Interior Life said...

Love that lamp! Definitely a keeper. So glad you followed your heart and bought it. Sometimes it's the simple things that make a difference!

Kerri said...

It's a beauty...and so chic! (Sheek, you know what I mean, right?!) I love the color and the textured shade! I've never seen that show...but I bet I would like it. I always watch decorating shows...but never take the plunge to do anything. I'm not sure what I'm afraid of. Because let me tell you, anything would be better than what I've got going on right now!

Kyria @ Travel Spot said...

I like that lamp! I think you made a good decision!

Andrea @ little buckles said...

I want that lamp! Your home is so airy and light. x

{cindy} said...

LOVE it Kim! And that show. Have you seen the Christmas one? Totally funky!!
Hmmm...I have no idea what my style would be either?!?!:)
Wish she would come tell me.
have a happy day kim

Debbie said...

Absolutely LOVE it! I wouldn't have been able to leave that at the store either- it's perfect. Great find!

Gabe said...

I'm glad I'm not the only one who talks to herself at TJ Maxx!!!

Love the lamp!

sloan said...

ok, i am all over that lamp, I love it! i'm also psyched for that giant clamshell full of smaller shells on the same table ... can i come over?!

Megan said...

I love that I am not the only woman who walks around the TJ Maxx with a head full of second thoughts. I often linger and pretend like I'm still shopping just to make up my mind. But you nailed it with that lamp. I love it and my couch at home is the same color, so now you've got me thinking...

mandy said...

Oh, how I love it! The lamp is beyond fabulous.

Kristin said...

Oh my, reading your story reminded me of myself at the store...in the basket, out of the basket, should I get it, no I can wait. Thus the reason we STILL have no real furniture in this beautiful new house we bought at the beginning of the summer...arg. Want to come to Texas for a few days so we can go shopping together and you can kick me in the patootie to buy something wonderful like your fabulous lamp? BTW, can you tell I LOVE IT! Good choice. And the bottom photo looks like it came straight out of a magazine for fun beach cottage decor. Love your style.

Karina said...

I LOVE it. Completely retro funk. The color is fantastic. My decorating rule of thumb: "if you love it ... It will all work together ". I'm so glad eclectic is in style.

Nicolle said...

I love that lamp. The color is gorgeous. My mom has turquoise accents in her living room, and they are just my favorites. The lamp shade goes great in your room too. Very beachy! I love your style. I am not a real matchy person. I don't have sets of things that all go together. I like eclectic and combined styles. love it!

Cathy M~(checkitoff) said...

Kim, I love this lamp! You have great style....you should trust your instincts! Turquoise and woven shade...so pretty!! Hope you are doing well! hugs, cathy

Corey Schwartz said...

Kim, you are so cute! Sorry I have been MIA.

Tery H said...

I do the same thing when I shop. Aren't you glad you got it? It's beautiful...might have to head to my TJMaxx!

Caroline said...

I am totally in love with that lamp!!!