Steal vs Splurge

I fell in love with these His and Her planters featured on Secrets of A Stylist a few months ago.  There is no way I could/would pay $300 for planters.

I popped into the Ballard Design Outlet on our way home from Scott Antique Show last weekend and spotted this for $19.95 (slightly damaged)

She is actually a lot cooler looking in person and I think a few succulents sprouting from her head will give her some character.  Perhaps a coat of high gloss white....or not.  Very cha cha cha chia, right? (BTW, who knew one could own an Obama chia pet?  And even better, you have the choice of his facial expression!)

Steal vs Splurge

I usually like to leave the copy cat steal to Reichel over at Copy Cat Chic, but I've had my eye on these 2 items and wanted to get some feedback from you guys.  While the "splurges" aren't necessarily breaking the bank, it is hard to pass up a better bargain.  What do you think?

I've always loved the simple lines of West Elm's parsons desk:

and was elated when I saw this in Home Decorators Collection for half the price.

I'd love 2 of them for the office/guest room, but we always end up doing our work at the dining room table.  Would the addition of this to the room make us more likely to use it?

I stumbled upon this lamp when I first went to the Jonathon Adler store on Newbury St. in Boston.  It was love at first sight.....and then I saw the price tag ($425)

Could I settle for something slightly different for $139?

How often do you compromise for price?  What do you refuse to skimp on?