Quirky accessories for your home

I'm not an expert when it comes into the arena of interior design. But like fashion, you shouldn't be so serious all the time. Have fun with it. Quirky accessories tell a lot about our personalities.

Recycled Glass Head $15.00

What does one do with a glass head? I mean, it is a little creepy to have a decapitated-looking head in your room. I guess you could use it as a wig stand or hat mannequin, but I'd personally would fill it up with something (maybe paper stars, like the ones I used to fold as a kid).

Carton Vase $6.95

This vase is very random, but very cute. You can use it as a vase, pencil holder, or literally as a milk carton. You can a ton of fun with it. It'd make a great gift, plus, the price is not bad.

Fungi Low Table Lamp $79.99

These lamps are adorable. They look like toadstools from a Super Mario video game, especially the green one. Stick on a few white dot stickers, and it'll really look like one. For what it's worth though, $79.99 is kind of asking for a lot.

TV Frame $18.00

I remember when I was a kid, I thought you could just go inside a television. Well, it has come true with this picture frame. Simply put a picture of one of your favorite memories, and it'll be playing on TV forever.

Novelty Whatever Wall Clock $14.99

Time can be such a bitch sometimes. That is why this is the perfect clock for not keeping track of it. Hey, the "Whatever!" says it all.

Wood Calendar Box $29.99

When I was a kid, my dad got me this wooden block calendar that I could change everyday. It was very educational, let me tell you. Unfortunately, I grew lazy, and stopped using it. This calendar takes less effort and is much easier to use than than block calendar.

Courtesy of Pier 1 Imports, CB2, Target, EQ3, Urban Outfitters

I sure love me some Doc Martens.

Their signature yellow stitch is like the signature Christian Louboutin red sole, except this brand is a lot more unisex. Throughout the years, this company has created some pretty awesome shoes for people like me.

Patrice Black Nappa CBR $70.00

These shoes are adorable, yet still maintains its edginess. It kind of reminds me of those kung-fu shoes they sell in those souvenir shops in Chinatown. However, these are much cooler.

3989 Dark Brown Zenith $110.00

I have a pair of wingtip Docs, but mine isn't as classic as this one. Well, I did buy mine from Ross for $24.99 afterall. Had I found this at Ross for the same price, I would've gotten this one. Oh well.

1460 Womens Black+Rose Stripe Patent $110.00

Ooh, patent leather! The whole ombre patent leather combination is reminiscent of the shoes from Prada's Fall/Winter 2007 collection. Are these "out?" Yes, but who cares if they are; they're gorgeous.

Vintage 1460 Oxblood Quilon $150.00

I own a pair of the original style of Doc Martens, which are a little on the boring side. Had I known I had more color choices, I would've chosen this one. They actually do have a pair of these in this color (less expensive too), but they just don't look as nostalgic.

Anyway, prominent Japanese designer, Yohji Yamamoto has collaborated with the company to create a whole new line. I like Yohji Yamamoto's designs and his diffusion line, Y-3, but this collection kind of sucks. Also the price range is way too high for me to like. I'd just stick to good old Doc Martens.

Yohji 10 Eye Boot Black + White Softy T $570.00

I think this one is okay, but the color contrast is too much. I also feel like for $570, I could totally just get a pair of classic Docs and paint the front and tongue white.

Yohji Strip Boot Dark Brown Grizzly $600.00

This is my favorite form the collection because it's the only one that's obviously different. I didn't like this one in black because the buckles made it a little too S&M.

Yohji 10 Eye Boot Black Canvas $520.00

A canvas boot. Now that's a first. I actually like this one because it's an interesting take on the classic Doc Martens. It's still kind of expensive for canvas though.

Homme 10 Eye Boot Blue Illusion $890.00

I do like this shade of blue, but I have a rule when it comes to blue shoes: don't wear them with blue jeans. This pair really stands out from the others, but I still don't think it should cost $900...Yohji Yamamoto or not.

Courtesy of Dr. Martens

It's winter and getting all rainy. I hate the umbrella I have right now, and am planning to get a new umbrella.

Sky Umbrella $48.00

This is the first one I looked at and wanted. It's from the MOMA, which is why the price is so high. Anyway, I love the idea of the black on the outside and the bright sky inside. I'm sure it could cheer up anyone during a walk in the rain. There's a mini version, but it just doesn't look or seem to work as well as this one would.

Color Spectrum Umbrella $40.00

I did not think I would like this umbrella when I first saw it because it had too much color to it. But after reading the description about it, and understanding the scientific background (color spectrum), it kind of grew on me. I like the silver handle, which makes it a lot more sleek and not look like one of those beach umbrellas or playchutes I played with in elementary school. Still this umbrella is kind of expensive because it's also from the MOMA.

Slang Print Umbrella $16.00

This is the most controversial umbrella I've ever seen, and I'm always in for controversy. Imagine walking in the streets, and just cussing people out without saying a word. However, you might want to avoid children. Then again, they'll learn anyway. I also love that this umbrella at a reasonable price. I might just get this one because of that.

Galleria Paris Auto Stick Umbrella $26.99

When I think of Paris, "epic romance" comes to mind. The umbrella portrays the city in such a perfect place fall in love that it gives me hope. I realize how pathetic it is to believe in something because an umbrella makes you feel so.

Auto-Open Wooden Duck Handle Umbrella $16.99

Purple is currently my favorite color. I actually think this a woman's umbrella, but I don't care, I still like it. I've always wanted a duck handle umbrella; I just could never find one I liked. This is the perfect one.

Totes Stripe Jumbo Family Umbrella Black/White $19.99

This umbrella is very mesmerizing. It's what my friend would call a good "LSD trip." Hey, if I could mesmerize people with my umbrella, why not?

Futai Futai Umbrella/Walking Stick $67.99

I love the multifunction-ness of this umbrella. It could be an umbrella when it's raining or a cane when you're old. I do not have those kind of geriatric concerns yet, but I want it regardless. It sure is expensive though.

Courtesy of Amazon, MOMA

I love A&F, and it's not Abercrombie & Fitch!

Anzevino and Florence is an L.A. based company specializing in designs for those who to find some individuality in a sea of convention because in L.A., you're pretty much screwed if you don't look like everyone else. The cool thing is Anzevino brings in a bit of East Coast flair while Florence brings in some West Coast swing. They are artists first, so design is secondary to them. But I think when you use the concept of art for your design vision, everything turns out a lot more interesting.

Nirvana Flannel $152.00

I like the idea of this shirt, but I would not wear this because it does not look consistent enough. If you're using different plaids, use it for every part of the shirt, not just the sleeves.

Brit Coat $128.00 (on sale for $68.00)

It's a zip and button-up hoodie. It's a little traditional, but what makes it modern is the fleece. Fleece makes everything modern and casual.

Hooded Dress Shirt $118.00

When you think about it, it's not even that hard to come up with. I'm just amazed that it came out. I'm defintiely going to get this when it becomes an accessible price.

Float Cardigan $220.00

This cardigan is crazy looking, but it sure is a show-stopper. It's ethereal in a very casual way; you don't always have to dress up to look like a princess. The drape is so long that you can not stop looking at it.

Sylvester Coat Dress $308.00

Now, I've never really been a fan of polyester/nylon coats, but this coat dress is amazing. Who knew parkas could ever be formal?

Dinner Bell Dress $174.00 (on sale for $90.00)

I think this dress is kind of ugly, but that is exactly what I find so endearing about it. That green with the different materials on the bottom give this dress great potential for disaster. I'm sure if you go to the prom in this dress, people will cringe, but at least you'll know that you were original.

Courtesy of Anzevino and Florence

I was able to snag a few things from the Comme des Garçons exclusive collection for H&M!

I was really looking forward to the event because finally, Comme des Garçons is somewhat affordable. I kind of knew things were going to turn out crazy, but I did not anticipate "jungle" turnout. I got off class at 9:30, and the store was going to open at 10:00, which is a very tight time slot if you ask me. The bus took forever, so by the time I got there, I had last minute hopes because I didn't see a line. That was actually the bad part because it usually indicates that something is sold out. When I finally got there, the windows all had "sold out" signs and some guy was supposedly taking backorders. I went inside the store with a sea of people trying to find pretty much anything that was left; I couldn't find anything. I had to ask one of the salespeople, and she told me everything was in the front. Fortunately, I did find a rack of shirts and a few items later. People were trading off things in line, which was kind of hilarious, except I didn't have anything good enough to trade. I ended up only getting two things because I was going to be late for work if I stayed any longer.

I found this shirt on a rack in black. It was a rather plain shirt for $50, but I figured "what did I have to lose?" I got a size 42, which to me sounds more like woman's sizing, but since it kind of fits, I'll keep it. Actually, I'm thinking about auctioning it off on eBay; I'm pretty sure most people are going to do that.

I got this t-shirt in polo form, which I have to admit, was a last minute steal. Surprisingly, this was my most coveted item in the collection, so I got what I really wanted. Sadly, I had to get out of an already long line to get this.

I saw this on a rack when I finished shopping. I like the fact that this sweater's design is very raw. I even thought about getting it, but I would've been late for work if I got back in line again. Plus, I don't really have the money to pay for dry cleaning.

This is my second most coveted piece in the collection. I totally had no chance of getting this because everyone in the store seemed to have it but me. Then again, I'm kind of glad I didn't get it because it's so basic. I can find it pretty much find it anywhere. I guess the underlying factor is that it's not Comme des Garçons.

This is another shirt I wanted for no apparent reason other than it being Comme des Garçons. Yes, that stitch line is cute, but anyone could do that. You know what, I might do just that. All I have to do is buy a plain white shirt, some thick black thread, and thicker needles. It could be a fun DIY project.

Courtesy of H&M

The "Holy Grail" of my mug search

So I've been on a search for a nice mug. I've seen a lot, but most are either too expensive or over-designed. I think I know a thing about design or two, plus I work in a home furnishing store. I walked into Ross the other day and spotted this very avant-garde looking mug. I looked at the price tag: $1.99. And to my surprise, it was not made in China. That is why I got it.

Tyler Florence Chef's White Collection Bead Mug
$12.99 to $1.99

So the Emmys sucked this year as well as the fashion, but here are some I liked.

Tina Fey in David Meister

She looked gorgeous in her fitted David Meister gown. I think she played it a bit safe with the color and silhouette, but I guess you don't want to look foolish on your victory day. I also like that she kind of kept her "Tina Fey look."

Debra Messing in Monique Lhuillier

Okay, so maybe her whole look wasn't that exciting, but maybe I'm just biased because she's one of my favorite actors. Still, I think she looks great and she kept it classic. You can never go wrong with classic. Good one, Grace!

Cynthia Nixon in Calvin Klein

Although I do like her hair red, she does manage to pull off her look. I absolutely love the simplicity of her whole look because a lot of jewelry can make you look gaudy, which isn't a good thing.I also love the color of her dress.

Mary Louise Parker in Roberto Cavalli

Okay, I'm totally biased because she is also one of my favorite actresses. Then again, unlike Debra Messing, she at least took a risk. This blue is very hard to wear, especially on the red carpet. She could've turned out looking like a bad 80s prom queen, but she managed to pull it off. Yay, Nancy Botwin.

Carlos Miele

This dress might have less oomph on the red carpet than on the runway, but it'd still be a lot more interesting than a lot of the other dresses on the red carpet. While the silhouette may not be that unique, the different shades of green make up for it. (Kathy Griffin, I love you, but you should've worn this instead of your probably purposely hideous dress.)

Halston

Even though this dress looks incredibly simple, it is very versatile. (I love Halston.) It can be worn in a formal or casual setting. You can even use the sash in many different ways. Also, here's your chance to wear a lot of jewelry and not look gaudy.

Elie Saab

I like this Elie Saab dress because it's one of his more interesting pieces. Elie Saab designs a lot of gorgeous dresses, but they kind of look or less the same. This dress, however, is like a piece of art because of all the geometric shapes. (Mondrian?)

John Galliano

I think John Galliano is very talented, but I'm not sure his designs fit everyone's taste because he takes fashion to the extreme. I tried looking for one of his more wearable designs and this what I found. Some of the younger actresses should've worn something like this because short dresses will enhance their youth. This dress is reminiscent of a 20s flapper, but if you want to modernize it, you can change up the hair or something.

L 'Wren Scott

I usually don't find L'Wren Scott's designs interesting enough to say anything, but her design aesthetic is very red carpet appropriate. So here's a dress pretty much anyone can wear and look great in. The design is very old Hollywood and the color may be good luck for the nominee, not to mention, she'll have a twin when she goes on stage to accept her award.

Courtesy of People, Style.com