Odi et Amo's $25 and under stylish finds

Hi All,

Averill has one of my favorite go to blogs. It is always filled with inspiration for all, pictures of the projects in her home and lots of items that I always add to my must buy list! I'm already obsessed with the last item she featured below and it should be arriving at my house soon.

xoxo,

Camila
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Many thanks to Camila for inviting me to guest post while she's on vacation. One of the topics Camila proposed was that I spotlight 5 items for under $25 to perk up a home. Now, admittedly, I'm not a great bargain shopper and I wasn't sure I could come up with 5 inexpensive items that I absolutely loved to share with you today. But, once I started digging I realized just how many truly amazing options there are right now for folks on a budget -- and, let's face it, right now that's really just about all of us. And so, much to my surprise, when it came down to writing this post, I found myself actually having to edit myself down to just 5 (okay 6, but I just couldn't cut one of these!).

1. Iomoi matches ($12). As a candle-lover, I'm always on the hunt for matches -- and more often than not, I'm using the freebies I've picked up at restaurants, hotels, etc. But at some point, I'd like to think I'll get my act together enough to pick up a set of Iomoi's gorgeous matches. For $12 you get a set of 2, each of which comes with 250 matches. So you'll be get for a good long time (and looking oh so stylish whenever you whip these out at parties!).

2. 4-some bud vase ($9.95). CB2 consistently impresses me with their innovative, youthful style and they're impressively love prices. I'm often left wondering why on earth there are so many Crate&Barrel stores around when it's often CB2 that so often gets it right. In any case, if you're looking for inexpensive vases, candle holders or dishware with a modern edge, CB2 should be your first bet. I love the quirkiness of this bud vase, with its gently turned mouths and beaker-style shapes. A pair of these on a long table with some simple buds would quickly and inexpensively jazz up your next dinner party.

3. Blue & White Jewelry Box ($18). I love ceramics, especially if they come in blue and white. This little jewelry box (which could really hold just about anything) is handmade in Mexico is a wonderful way to bring a little pattern and character to some bookshelves or a vanity. Try placing it on top of a stack of books. You'll be amazed at how purposeful and thoughtful stacks of books can look when they're topped with a small and personal objet.

4. Jonathan Adler Paper Lanterns ($7.95). I've always been a fan of Chinese paper lanterns, and these great patterns make them downright irresistable. Of course you could always use them as temporary party decorations, but I think they'd work equally well as more permanent fixtures in a kid's room or den.

5. Summer Glass Vases (West Elm; $22-$29). I've got a huge thing for purple right now, and these amethyst glass vases are just the thing to take the edge off my purple fever. Follow West Elm's lead and group a few together for maximum impact.

Bonus: Greek key nut bowl ($28). Okay, so I've already given you a list of 5 items under $25, but I can't resist adding this final piece (and I'll admit that this is cheating a wee bit since it's a few bucks over, but don't I get some credit for going so far under the $25 ceiling with the first four items?) :) Besides, how lovely is this bowl? I'm a huge fan of anything with a touch of greek key and the brass is right on trend. Sure, you could fill it with nuts, but I'd keep it on my vanity and fill it with costume jewelry or other small odds and ends.