So, for the first time ever, I bought some new lamps for my living room yesterday (that weren’t from Ikea). New new. Not vintage, not from Craigslist, and at full price. All kinds of emotions followed: How could I spend so much money? Why didn’t I wait until they went on sale? I’m normally such a cheapo! This was also just after I declared to the world that everything in my apartment is used, vintage, or handmade; I felt like a bit of a tool, honestly. Anyway, I contemplated returning the lamps or exchanging them for another design. (Have I mentioned I have the worst buyer’s remorse? If it’s returnable, I will bring it back.) When I finally returned to West Elm, tail between my legs, I realized that, upon closer inspection, I really did love those lamps like my newfound children and that, yes, it was okay to buy something mass-produced if you really, truly love it and can’t find it anywhere else. And so, I have two shiny, voluptuous glass gourd lamps in my living room, and I couldn’t be more pleased. End of therapy session.

On that note, I kind of love West Elm now, but I don’t think I’ll buy anything there again. (Though I do have a West Elm card now.) Also, can we talk about how nicely this room is styled? From their website, natch. I need something huge to hang over my couch — I’m contemplating a pull-down map — but I’m really digging the antique leather circles (does anyone know what those are?) and the framed vignette. Maybe I’ll get some antique leather strops, worn chaps or an old saddle. So many ideas!