'All George Washingtoned Out'

It may be the start of President’s Day celebrations, but if you were to flip through my wallet don’t be surprised to find only first president George Washington.

Yes, that’s right. All I have in my wallet are $1 bills. I’d be lucky if I had a $5 bill imprinted with the face of Abraham Lincoln. A $10 bill with Alexander Hamilton’s face? Not this month.

Money is tight. Luckily, Décor Innovation has select merchandise marked 25-50% off until March 2.

Pinch Pleat Curtains = 50% off

Who said the romance had to end simply because Valentine’s Day is finished? These sweeping pinch pleat curtains will leave a great impression thanks to its use of curtain rings. Note: The larger the ring, the better the curtain will fall to the bottom floor and be able to drape over the sides of a sofa or chair.

The curtains also heat things up by keeping out the cold thanks to its thermal, blackout abilities. The curtains, now $34.99 a pair, are available in classic neutrals like burgundy, chocolate, black and beige.

Organic Baby = 25% off

Every good parent wants what is best for their child. They want baby clothes that will keep their baby warm without irritating their soft, sensitive skin. Now there are organic cotton products just for your infant and all 25% off: receiving blankets, newborn bodysuits, onesies, mittens and even crib sheets.

Not a parent? I’ve gifted several sets to my cousins and boss with young infants, always with rave reviews. The baby might not be able to say “thank you,” but the lucky mom and dad will.

Faux Fur Blankets = 25% off

Throw this one for size! Select faux fur throws like wild cat, cheetah and giraffe are 25% off!

I never go anywhere without my faux fur throw. I’m not kidding. I take the throw along for ride during cross-country road trips; to football tailgates in the fall; and now in the coldest month of the year, I lay the throw over my duvet for when I go to sleep at night. Plush and warm, a faux fur throw in your favorite animal print is a wonderful investment piece.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of decorinnovation.com

'Old World Glam'

Vintage style anyone?

People spend a fortune trying to inject the kind of vintage glamour you might find in a Parisian flat situated near Montparnasse.

There's no reason to.

Vintage glamour is easy as sifting through a garage sale for a $30 wrought iron sofa and adding new cushions. It beats finding a used sofa and reupholstering. The homeowner (see photo above), in this particular case, placed a serving tray on top of a used an industrial trolley as a mobile coffee table.

I know that I’ve suggested this before, but incorporate vases of different shapes and sizes in your home. Apothecary jars are not only good for storing jam, but for holding flowers and little odds and ends.

Discovered at Better Homes & Garden, I think I might take this idea home. Use chalkboard paint to write messages on your refrigerator doors in response to family photos.

Old World become New World love

Romance comes sweeping in the use of Old World draping technique (see photo above). The curtain rods are positioned higher than the window panels and hang loosely from hooks strung onto the rod. The mega-long curtains, edged in ruffles, fall gracefully over a slip-covered sofa. An arrangement in the center balances the look of the drapes.

Bathroom gone vintage

I personally admire styling that looks effortless. And in the case of this bathroom, vintage glamour is achieved by using a beaten up wood table, birdbath to hold jewelry, flowers in a glass jar and free-standing mirror. The arrangement is so nonchalant, one would wonder how long it took the designer to select and arrange all the pieces.

Use old lockers bought at a thrift store to hold groceries in the kitchen.

From old hutch to living room centerpiece

If you’re lucky enough to find an old hutch in good condition, make it a centerpiece to your living room. Throw on some blue paint and you now have an antique piece to show off your collection of plates and silverware.

When it comes to vintage glamour, who needs a Parisian flat? With an expert eye for style and finding a good bargain , you are already halfway there.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of bhg.com

'A Baby Is Born'

Sneak Peak of the FW11 Rachel Zoe Collection

For the pregnant Rachel Zoe, the baby boy expected to be born in March will mark only one of the new additions to change the celebrity stylists’ life.

Come Fall-Winter ’11, expect to find Zoe’s first eponymous contemporary collection in stores like Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus. Reports say that Zoe, unable to meet with buyers and editors during New York because of her pregnancy, scheduled an early preview in January.

Take Two with Model Nell Rebowe

Find [hotos of the entire line now on style.com and others like wwd.com, fashionista.com, etc.

With so much of Hollywood already with its own fashion labels, it’s a wonder why a stylist already with her hand in the fashion cookie jar did not create a fashion line earlier. Zoe told instyle.com: “I’ve been subconsciously building this collection in my mind for a long time.”

Perhaps like celebrity-turned-designer Victoria Beckham (not to make comparisons), the timing and collection needed to be right. One glimpse of the Rachel Zoe collection and any fashion enthusiast will admit it was worth the delay.

While there is a tinge of 70s references, the collection is not entirely comprised of long, bohemian dresses infused with disco glam. Not like most fans and followers would think, according to Zoe.

The collection does break some of the preconceived notions of her style of dress, which is refreshing.

Third's a Charm with Romantic Ruffles

In the collection, you will find the following well-cut and on-trend pieces: tailored pantsuits with a Yves Saint Laurent reminiscent le smoking jacket; faux fur vest; military jackets; silk blouses with bows; camel jumpsuit; romantic ruffle skirts; and a camel cape with a fold-over neckline. My personal favorites include the camel cape, faux fur trim coat and tapered trousers.

Fellow model Nell Rebowe (who I had the pleasure to work with on a shoot last September) and Caroline Deisler and Georgie Badiel sported the various looks.

Check out the collection and let me know whether you think these creations were blessings or mishaps.

-S. Gonzalez