lildebbie's Profile

I moved in with my girlfriend who was a design snob, while my furniture was mostly Ikea. When our households merged, most of my stuff went to CL and we lived with her fancy furniture. After a month or so, I felt totally lost in our house because so little was mine. We had to do a lot of work to make the space "ours." We didn't have collections to merge, but it meant taking down her art that I didn't like and framing things that mean a lot to me. We've lived together 2 years and slowly our aesthetics have merged. I think ultimately, you have to come to some sort of agreement or comprimise. Otherwise, you might have a gorgeous house but it won't be a home.

I went to a Bay Area suburbs Target this morning and the scene was similar...sold out in 15 minutes.

I disagree with the general consensus that everyone buying in mass quantities was an ebay seller. I bought only 4 items this morning, but chatted in line with the women in front of me and behind me in the checkout. Both had stuffed shopping carts and both were buying only for themselves.

I also disagree that all the items were tacky and poor quality. There were many women's items without the telltale zigzag, including a simple black v-neck sweater, pink turtleneck, gold twinset. As for the quality, it varied pretty widely, but if you steer clear of the plastic tablewear, I think there's some good stuff.

Hopefully the website will come back up for those who missed out.

Like Foodelf, I have followed the advice of magazines in the past and stocked up on what are supposed to be great last minute hostess gifts. However, I recently donated the lot when I cleaned out my closets. At the parties I go to (people in their 20s-30s in the bay area) it would be a little ridiculous to show up with a darling box of rosemary soaps from West Elm. @RNM, maybe it's not so much generational, as what is customary in your social circle.

While I might not bring a tschochky, I almost always bring wine/beer or flowers and follow up with a thank you note, which most people find charming and old-fashioned.