The Black (Preppy) Hole

On Monday night I ventured up to North Dallas to go to Buy Buy Baby. I had to purchase a gift for an upcoming baby shower and wanted to see the options in person so I took a mini-trip outside my bubble. Well, Buy Buy Baby just so happened to be next to The Christmas Tree Shop. I have been wanting to go to CTS since they opened last year, but I honestly rarely head above 635 as everything I need is closer to me and I have no need to. Well, it is a GOOD thing I had not ventured up to the CTS because it is a like a black hole! Everything is SO inexpensive and there is stuff EVERYWHERE. This is NOT somewhere you want to go if you are trying to clean out and downsize...however, do not fear, I only came home with one item and it was something I needed.

These toile vases were fun and only $1.99 (everything at CTS is SO inexpensive...hence how one can get into LOTS of trouble!). I thought these would make a cute hostess gift filled with some fresh flowers.

If I did not already have drawers filled with cards I would have scooped some of these up. I thought they would make a cute edition to a bridemaid's gift (along with the below soaps) or just a fun happy to mail to a friend.



These initial soaps were perfectly preppy and at $2.99 another great little gift!

This lattice, chinoiserie paper was my favorite find of the night!

Of course there were lots of preppy school supplies to be found. I would have loved these argyle and paisley items back in my day. Though not photographed, there were also toile notebooks and clipboards. School supplies are going chic!

The above votives were only$.59! Wouldn't the British flags have been perfect for our Royal Wedding parties? Of course the American flags could be used for Memorial Day, Labor Day and the 4th!

The melamine fish collection was so reminiscent of our beloved Lilly. These were small, salad plates, but there were also large trays that were identical. There were corresponding cups, dinner plates, bowls and much more in this whimsical collection too. SO cute for the beach or pool or a festive, summer party.

This umbrella stand (the green) was on MEGA markdown. I think it was maybe $2 or $3. It looks just like the Jaye's items I have purchased!

These koozie's were just so preppy and happy. They would make great favors at a party!

Finally, the one item I left with was a little bookshelf. I was in need of a small shelf to use temporarily, but have had the hardest time finding something in my exact dimensions. Thankfully, CTS helped me out for under $50! The shelf fits in the space perfectly, but still needs some organizational tweaking before it looks right.

I had such fun going up and down the aisles at CTS and will most definitely return when I need favors for a soiree or some inexpensive, but cute decor. As you can it, it is a FAB store, but also a preppy, black hole!