Crown Jewel Boutique -- coming soon!

Yet again I've been notably absent-- this time for focusing on trying to launch the website for my Jewelry Business! I wanted to give you guys a sneak peak-- my friend has talked me (reluctantly) into modeling my own jewelry but I LOVE this photo-- we still have to take a few more and edit some more photos as well... (and make some more jewelry)-- I'm going to be selling earrings, necklaces and bracelets -- I will even custom make pieces as well. Before the site is even up I've already sold 15 pieces-- so I'm happy about that! Anyway just wanted to check in and give you guys an exclusive sneak peak at what is coming!!

Get excited, tell your friends and stock up for Christmas!

Perfect Self Portrait!

Just wanted to share what I feel is the most perfect self portrait! Sorry I've been gone I've been working on developing a jewelry business-- more to come!! :o)

My Kid Could Paint That!

I recently came across a documentary that I think is essential for any art lover to watch! It is entitled "My Kid Could Paint That" directed by Amir Bar-Lev. The story surrounds young artist Marla Olmstead who started painting at the age of 2 (now 9). The documentary follows her success as an international abstract painter. Her paintings become more and more coveted as the prices of her paintings soared into the tens of thousands of dollars range.

What is most interseting to me about the documentry is the fact that she literally came out of nowhere when as a "novelty" she was asked to show a couple of paintings in the local coffee shop-- and things took off from there. As her paintings become more and more in demand speculation started to surround her family (her father who dabbles in art is suspected of either assisting Marla with paintings or completely creating the paintings himself). It's facinating to watch as even the director of the documentary who was 100% confident in the autheniticty of the work, starts to wane in his faith as the documentary progresses.

I give this documentary a perfectly chic rating of 10.0 for the way it grabs you, tells a story, and really questions the authority of modern abstract art.

Christine Berrie

If you follow Perfectly Chic you know that I am a nut for anything and everything retro. That is perhaps why I am so infatuated with the work of Christine Berrie of CB78. Her work is comprised of graphite and colored pencil drawings of old cameras, scooters, cars even landscapes. Her subjects are both iconic and beautiful. What I think I love most is the way she can draw/ render imperfectly-- yet it still comes off as believable. Her shop offers prints in a series, individual images or a poster of like minded pieces. I am happy to say I am the soon to be proud owner of the scooter series displayed here. I hope you enjoy her tantalizing touch of retro as much as I do! Chic Factor 9.8

Graham Franciose

During my aforementioned sojourns to the impending doom of Z Gallerie I came across a painting I ADORED -- I kept my eye on this painting in the hopes of holding out long enough to strike an unbelievable bargain. To my dismay the painting sold well before it hit 40% off. However I researched the painting online and found the artist (to be disclosed on a later post). In my research I came across the fact that the artist is co-owner of an art gallery/ store down town Austin.I've found that researching artists often brings forth a rewarding trail for the avid blood hound. Since I loved this artist's work it's only natural that I would love most of the artists that artist loves. In other words it's a big family tree of aesthics inbreeding in the artistic gene pool. So with that being said-- through the artist I researched I found Graham Franciose's work. It's childlike and lovely with it's juxtaposition of sketch vs oil and acrylic.

Franciose states that his work evoles as he creates it -- he never does thumbnails-- this speaks to me because as an artist I'm very much the same way-- if I plan it out completely it turns out looking like junk becuase I rely more on my precieved final work (which incidently never matches initial expectation) rather than relying on emotion and working organically.

Anyway-- I hope you enjoy his work as much as I do! Chic Factor 9.6

One of my Many New Treasures!

Z Galleries Stores are going OUT OF BIZNASS lol. So I've been stocking up on chicness like it's my job! Check out this perfectly chic chandelier! Now I know what you're thinking "Ana you don't even have a house" well... that's correct and I found myself saying that in my head as well-- but the way I look at it-- a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. I'm making an investment in my future and for 50% off I might add. All I have to do is find a house to compliment my fabulous Chandeier and TADA Houston "all systems are go". Chic Factor : 9.8

Spectacular Shoes!

I admit the fact that I have a shoe infatuation especially shoes in bright, bold colors. Check out my most recent order from Zappos.com-- they are bright, cheery and utterly chic!

Shoes by Me Too -- they are bright and relatively inexpensive-- casual enough to wear right from work to dinner or shopping! Chic Factor: 8.5

French Sole. Sadly I had to return these gems. They run about 1/2 size too small (and being a size 11 already rules out any hope of my step sister sized feet squeezing into this Cinderella's slipper :o( Chic factor :9.8

Jessica Bennett-- I loved the colors and the detail on the "strap and button" that run the opposite pattern as the rest of the silk shoe. Chic factor: 7.8

Black Eyed Suzie

Wow after long hiatus I must apologize for being MIA for so long! I've been busy with "life" in general-- through a new job and losing 40lbs (and recording that on my other blog) I am going to attempt to be more regular on this blog!

Black Eyed Suzie creates the most ugly- beautiful dolls I've seen in a long time. The disheveled hair, bulgy sad eyes and stick thin figures make you just want to take em home and show them some love. The artist refers to her dolls as "Tattered Victorian Gothic" which I think explains them perfectly! Her 3 dimensional work reminds me much of the work of previously featured artist, Roadside Projects. Black Eyed Suzie will even custom create dolls to your specification (especially nice for slightly gothic special events like weddings). Chic Factor : 8.9

Stepanka

Porcelain pillows? Maybe not such a great resting place for your head... but a perfectly plump piece of art for your wall to rest your eyes on! Stepanka's work evokes a sense of beauty in three dimensionality whether it stems from geometric shapes, frantic lines or devilishly clever text. It's quick, it's thoughtful and most of all fun! Chic Factor 8.9!