{design spotting}

You all know that I've spent the past few months redecorating my apartment and rebuilding my wardrobe according to my style and taste, but I'm in a spending freeze right now. That means no more clothes, and no more new furniture, until November, at least. 

Sometimes, even when I don't have money to spend, I like going to the mall just to see what is out there right now. It can get depressing at times, especially when there is a lot of great stuff (like now), but I think it's a great exercise in actually seeing the true value and design of things without being prejudiced by price or brand. It's purely to refine your own style, figure out what you like, and get an idea as to what types of designs you'd like to bring into your life when you actually have the chance. I do it every once in a while, and I always find myself drawn to things that I wouldn't normally be drawn to if I was restrained by a budget (since I have no budget at all).

When we got married, we didn't even consider putting a formal china set on our registry. Now, however, I have a better eye for detail and a taste for pretty things, so I'm regretting that decision. I would love to get a beautiful set of china with a pretty design, such as this set with gold rimming. 

I try to avoid the stores and departments that I can't afford when I'm shopping for real, but I definitely go in when I have no intention to buy anything. I saw quite a few pairs of denim with pretty designs, such as these sweet polka dotted pants from Macy's. 

I'm finding myself drawn to a lot of gold these days, which is interesting since I've always been a silver person. I attribute it partially to the trend in gold, but there's just something about using gold in design that is so elegant and classic.

And coming back to my boring white dishes that we registered for at our wedding, I'm seriously coveting some colorful plates right now for fall. I really want to bring more warm colors and designs into my home for the season, and the table is one major way that I want to do it. Fall, for me, means nesting and cooking, so what better way to celebrate the season than to use fall designs in that. 

Do you ever go non-shopping and design spotting? How has it influenced your taste and style?

What designs and colors are you wanting to bring into your home and life this fall?

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