'Some things in life are free'

Going wild with animal print accessories

The old saying goes: “Nothing in life is free.”

That is, until now.

Décor Innovation is kicking off the Labor Day weekend with freebies. “Buy one, get one free” specials on items from fur-friendly chinchilla pillow covers to safari-inspired zebra stripe curtains last until Sept. 7. This means that you can let your wallet take a breather this weekend (after all, it is Labor Day) by spending on must-have items for your home and getting a little something extra in exchange.

Furry prints on the FW10 runway

The following items have package deals:

Spotted in Fashion

Spotted in Fall-Winter pre-resort and main collections: Fashion designers like Dolce & Gabbana showcased leopard print turtlenecks paired with knits and at Stella McCartney, models paraded around in snakeskin trousers and tops. These designers have still got their claws on animal prints and are not about to let go of the trend. It’s safe to say that the safari is operating all season long.

In the home, play with animal prints without fully investing in a print couch or chaise. The giraffe print is fun, playful and makes a wonderful addition to the top of any leather couch or any down comforter. And the underside is fully lined with hard-to-find, quality stitching. Plus, when you order a giraffe faux fur throw, you get a free matching pillowcase set.

Chocolate stripes that leave you craving for more

Lucky Stripes

Or at least you will be feeling lucky after buying a set of these luxurious curtains with a satin stripe and get another free! Finish draping an entire room with the price of one set.

Factoring in style for function, the curtains are made of a weighted satin with a shimmery vertical stripe pattern. The curtains, available in two generous sizes, are heavy enough to block sunlight and outside noise. Keeping energy loss at a minimum, few other curtains are capable of multi-tasking in luxury.

Now in rich fall colors like burgundy, gold and brown, team these curtains with furniture and accents in greens, berry reds and autumn golds.

Silk Road

Travel the silk road without having to stop by the dry cleaners. Instead, buy a set of silk dupioni curtains for your home and get another set free. The machine-washable curtains are of a thick fabric and etched in the way that is characteristic of dupioni silk. From sage to sand, these silk dupioni have all the qualities of upscale window dressings without the hefty price tag.

This Labor Day, it's all about giving your wallet some rest.

-S.Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of decorinnovation, coutorture.com

'Fur to the Fashion Forefront'

It’s all about keeping up with appearances.

Luxury and elegance, marked by warm fur coats and fur trim on jackets, returns to the fashion forefront. Despite the economy, showing what you’re worth has never been more important. Except this time around, designers are showcasing fur in the unlikeliest of places: in handbags, hats and even in shoes. In the homefront, fur can be found in the form of rugs, blankets, duvet covers and pillows.

Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag

Marc Jacobs, known for his eclectic style, created a selection of Fall-Winter ’10 Marc by Marc Jacobs handbags and clutches made entirely of fur. In the center of the flap is a gold-plated logo plate. The adjustable fabric strap has leather detailing and the inside is lined completely with a micro-plush lining. Talk about keeping your wallet and makeup essentials warm this season.

Christian Louboutin fur trim boots

If you thought wearing an entirely fur creation on your feet – like the ‘Big Foot-’inspired footwear at Chanel’s Fall-Winter ’10 show earlier this year – but you think it a tad too much, there are less furry concoctions. That is, if you don’t mind wearing some fur on your feet. Christian Louboutin introduces the Toundra: a gray suede boot with criss-crossing belt straps in leather. Running along the front of the boot, strapped in by the buckles, is a layer of fur.

Faux fur run in polar bear white

Keeping those toes warm is priority and all the more reason why fur is now an option for your floor draping needs. A faux fur rug in classic white will insulate hardwood floors, will not slide and adds a measure of class to your existing décor. It could have been my horror by the animal cruelty after watching a crocodile hunting special on television last night, but faux fur and leather products are the animal-friendly and cost-effective way to go.

Coyote-faux fur blanket and pillow

A faux fur rug in warm colors, like this coyote faux fur blanket, is a masculine touch that would go best thrown over a tufted leather chair in a study or home office. This coyote blanket comes available in two generous sizes: 58x60 and 60x86. Its underside is lined with a thick, quality microplush fabric, unlike other blankets out there. Pair a coyote pillow with the blanket to complete the look.

I’m keeping up with appearances this season thanks to all these fur-friendly options. Are you?

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of shopbop.com; fashion-style.becomegorgeous.com; christianlouboutin.com; decorinnovation.com