Comments for Thrift Talk Diva ... Barb Tobias

Comment on Repurpose On Purpose by Barb

Barb — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 04:18:49 +0000

Thanks Sharon…you’re so right.

Comment on Repurpose On Purpose by Sharon Breay, A.S.I.D.

Sharon Breay, A.S.I.D. — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 21:45:59 +0000

Barb–Great repurposing article! One point for repurposing that I didn’t see–It makes your home/space more interesting and unique to you! In the first of my workshop series on the Principles of Good Design, I make it clear that one
doesn’t need to use a piece for what it’s intented for! Sharon Breay, licensed interior designer helping others to help themselves.(http://facebook.com/breaydesignassociates

Comment on Grouping Collections by Barb

Barb — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 03:14:10 +0000

Hi Peggy,
Yes, odd number groupings are more pleasing to the eye. . .3,6,9 and so on. Another technique is to vary the heights of the items. You’ll notice on the table I have five (odd number) pieces of pottery (in varying hues of green)of different heights and sizes.

Comment on Grouping Collections by Peggy

Peggy — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 15:27:52 +0000

I was told by an interior decorator that a general rule of thumb for displaying collections or items on shelf or table space most pleasingly is to use groupings of three. Do you find that to be true?

Comment on Eight Divalicious Tips That Will Turn You Into a Garage Sale Maniac by Peggy

Peggy — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 15:22:44 +0000

Great tips Barb. There’s one experience I had as a garage sale seller I’d like to mention, that kind of highlights the emotional dynamics that go into the barter of personal goods. The last day of my sale a woman came over, looked around and asked how much I wanted for the step stool. I explained to her the step stool was not for sale – I used it on a daily basis around the house to reach things, and had in fact used it to set up my sale, which is why it was out in plain sight. I suggested there were lots of other beautiful and useful things for sale though. She was very insistent, kept telling me she needed it, would pay for it, etc. It became clear to me that my sale was nothing more than a potential conquest to her – that she could get something from me that I didn’t want to let go of for cheap. I sort of resented the “game” attitude. I didn’t sell her anything, but ended up seeing that as sort of a “win” on my part. Have you encountered this kind of thing?

Comment on What is Divawear? by Barb

Barb — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 13:03:21 +0000

Pretty amazing for 99 cents . . . Yes? I love it too, and have worn that beautiful coat to multiple events already this year. With my busy schedule I simply don’t have time to thrift shop like I used to, but I do make a point of stopping my the DAV every Monday (when I am in town) for their superly frugal 99 cent sale. I love it, and I’m so in the zone when I am hunting for bargains.

I will be in Michigan to ski with my fav girls in February, and help a friend run an Estate Sale. Let’s make a point to hit some of those trendy bargain bins that pepper your town. What could be more fun? Let’s see . . . the best girlfriends on the planet, catching up on all the juicy happenings, skiing (yes, in Michigan), estate sales and thrift shopping. Hmmm…lovin’ it already.

Comment on The Secret Contents of a Diva Tool Box by Barb

Barb — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 12:52:26 +0000

Hi Peg,
OMG . . . How could I forget those important Divalicious things? How careless! lol
Actually, you are right on. I DO put those things in my tool box, but I was so focused on including all the ‘real’ tools of the trade . . . I forgot the ‘tricks’ of the trade. Thanks for the gentle nudge.

Comment on The Secret Contents of a Diva Tool Box by Peggy

Peggy — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 19:20:56 +0000

Barb, does your thrift toolbox contain the important diva tools like: concealer, hand lotion, sunglasses (to protect the eyes from glare from the paparazzi of course), visine, lip gloss, cell phone, fragrance . . . what am I missing?

Comment on What is Divawear? by Peggy

Peggy — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 18:58:25 +0000

LOVE that coat! And I still love that designer label suit-jacket you found for me when we were in that little hole-in-the-wall resale shop in the Colorado boondocks last year. I could not believe I was getting that quality for that price. Looking forward to visiting more of those buried treasure shops with you. Could you come back to Michigan for awhile and find a few of those for me here too??!

Comment on Stack for Attention and Space by Barb

Barb — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 17:28:09 +0000

Hi Beth,
Stacking is an easy and frugal way to create interest while using various objects to make a whole. And, an array of old suitcases is just what the decorator ordered!

Decide for what purpose you will be using your suitcases . . . as a decoration or table. You can be much more versatile when stacking for decoration. For example you can stack the suitcases so that they are at different angles or sitting askew. You can put plants or other interesting décor in between the cases to make an interesting arrangement. Use your sense of style and have fun with this kind of stacking.

If you are stacking for use, start with the biggest case for the bottom and work up to the smallest. Always stack in odd numbers for the most pleasing effect. However, the height you need may determine how many cases you use. You may place a piece of glass or a tray on top of the last case to create a larger or smoother surface. Or, just enjoy the rough worn surface of the old case itself.