Perfectly Chic

Crown Jewel Boutique -- coming soon!

2009-09-12T14:37:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-08-06T19:45:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-05-15T18:57:00.001-07:00

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

2009-03-09T16:53:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-03T20:38:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-03-02T19:15:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-03-01T16:17:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-28T11:08:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-02T10:29:00.000-08:00

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!

I LOVE Christmas!!!

2008-12-15T14:28:00.001-08:00

There's something undeniably warm and comforting about Christmas--whether it be the crisp cold days in stark juxtaposition of the burning fire of the hearth... or the laughter of close friends and family.. the ugly "holiday sweaters" coupled with egg nog, roasted chestnuts and hot cocoa-- rosey red cheeks and the shine of ornaments on the Douglas Fir-- the off key hymns and carols sang unabashedly round the piano and the crunch of snow beneath your feet as you shuffle from one Christmas parade to the candle lite Christmas Eve service at church. The snow flakes that dot your coat-- the scarf that's just long enough to cover the tip of your nose-- icicles that form on the bottom of your car and the beauty of the lights adorning the front porch. The taste of candy cane and the aroma of freshly baked culinary perfections. For these reasons and many more--- I love Christmas.

Paper Lanterns!

2008-12-05T14:38:00.001-08:00

I've always been a fan of fun and intimate lighting.. I love the feel these paper lanterns give.. it's soft but makes a HUGE statement. Chicness factor of 9.8

My Dream Rug! -- if I had $900

2008-12-04T10:10:00.001-08:00

If I had $900 I'd spend it on this fantastic rug from Anthropologie! I'm also intrigued by their wild assortment of unique Christmas Ornaments!

Crate And Barrel

2008-12-04T10:02:00.000-08:00

Crate and Barrel just opened outside of Kenwood Mall! When I went to the grand opening I found a couple of lamps I really LOVE! --- the inspiration room is also perfectly chic!

Fashion Prints!

2008-12-01T15:09:00.000-08:00

Here is a sample of some work I've been doing--- the original idea was to create a nice juxtaposition of patterns vs. flat figures in interesting fashion statements... what came next was the introduction of the same concept to retro chic furniture.. let me know what you think? The fashion prints were recently in a show @ NVISION. -- Give some feedback-- good and especially bad!

Charlie Harper

2008-11-27T10:29:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite artists is Charlie Harper. His work is fantastic but largely over-looked by the art community. He has a cult following in his home town of Cincinnati-- but has received recent acclaim by Todd Oldham who has worked to archive the work of Charlie Harper shortly before his death earlier this year. His work is largely simplistic and graphical. Chic factor or a perfect 10!

Happy Thanksgiving you turkeys :o)

2008-11-27T09:40:00.001-08:00

Here's some retro-inspired Thanksgiving Memorabilia! Happy Turkey Day :o)!

SHOES!

2008-11-27T09:31:00.001-08:00

J. Crew has some spectacular new shoes available.... simply beautiful...

Inspiration!

2008-11-18T06:14:00.001-08:00

Some beautiful things to help inspire you.. the chair with the pillow has SUCH beautiful contrast of colors/ textures...

My New Favorite Shop!

2008-11-17T07:52:00.000-08:00

One of my friends recently introduced me to a shop down town Cincinnati called "H igh Street" -- it had the most beautiful and unique items in it! Please visit the shop virtually if you don't have
the opportunity to do so in person!

EYE CANDY Furniture! -- take a bite out of this!

2008-11-16T13:29:00.000-08:00

My wanter is working in overtime!

Pistachio Press

2008-11-15T08:43:00.000-08:00

Wow! I found this calendar on etsy.com-- I absolutely LOVE letterpress... so I certainly couldn't resist purchasing this 2009 jewel by Pistachio Press. If you like what you see you can purchase one as well (but it's a limited edition of 300) ... It's simple things like this that make me very happy! 2009 is going to be awesome! :o) -- This is chic factor off the charts!-- exquisitely scrumptious!

Elle Moss

2008-11-13T21:25:00.001-08:00

Wow! I came across this artist's work a couple of days ago and it literally stopped me in my tracks.. it's so hauntingly beautiful-- quirky-- kitschy --retro inspired... I am in such AWE! Elle Moss photography amazes me! It's not self conscious at all... and that's what I think is soooo fabulous about it! Chic Factor 9.8

BEST FIND!

2008-11-13T15:58:00.000-08:00

I came across this bust of a little girl with a song book about a month ago in an antique store... yesterday I went back *hoping* it was still available and it was! So I bought it.. a mere $50 I think it's one of the best antiquing finds I've had in a long time! BEAUTIFUL!

Digital Painting!

2008-11-12T12:26:00.001-08:00

sooooooooooooooo I've been working on digital painting and was inspired by one of my best friend's wedding photos..... take a look! (you can also visit her wedding blog) I basically create the painting by referencing a photo and using Corel Painter X (an awesome program I might add). The inspiration photo was taken by Look Photography. I am going to start doing commissioned works in this style.. I can blow them up to larger sizes... please either email me or leave a message on the comments for pricing!

We're going to switch Gears

2008-11-08T21:28:00.000-08:00

It's been a bit much keeping up with one artist per day.. so I'm going to collaborate with my other blog, The Creative ARK and start incorporating everything that inspires me... including design, fashion and artwork... I'll still have a steady stream of featured artists.... but the difference is they will not be the every day post... and I'll mix things up with other tidbits of life I LOVE!

Kitchen Lust

2008-11-08T21:24:00.000-08:00

Chic Factor PERFECT 10!

Olive

2008-11-04T11:40:00.000-08:00

Today's featured artist is Olive. I love the variety of kitschy pillows she creates! They are fun and cartoon-esc in nature. Truly a happy bunch of pillows to brighten any decor. Chic factor 7.8

Foster Weld!

2008-11-02T12:53:00.000-08:00

Lets talk about some chic gear you can wear! Meet Foster Weld! Make a statement with your belt buckle-- this isn't your typical Texas belt bling! It's big-- but not too big-- and it makes a bold statement. It's sexxy-- it's loud-- it's art you wear! Chic Factor 8.2

One Up Designs

2008-11-01T17:19:00.000-07:00

Wall paper and faux textures are completely out! Say hello to One Up Designs and wall decals! Perfect as an accent to any room---- it's art that doesn't need a frame! What a great way to add that special touch to any room! Humorous, classic, beauty... all add chicness to your room-- make it the accent or the focal point! Chic Factor of 8.9!

Roadside Projects

2008-10-31T08:49:00.001-07:00

The work of Roadside Projects is captivating because of it's 3 dimensional depictions. With pop-up works ranging from original pieces to prints and cards Roadside Projects has a little bit for everyone! I love the mixture of papers with textures and depth-- it's beautiful. The characters are also depicted in a somewhat captivating but unusual ugly-beautiful format. The unique quality of these items is what gives it the extra fabulous chic factor of 9.1.

Newby Art

2008-10-30T09:39:00.000-07:00

Encaustic paintings have a spot in my heart due to the fact that I used to dabble in them a couple of years ago. Encaustic is derived from the mixing of oil pigment with wax. It really is a difficult process but have have a huge payoff! I love the encaustic paintings by Newby Art-- they are sometimes graphical-- but also incorporate the wax as a bonding agent for collage materials. All of the layers created a hauntingly beautiful finished product. Chic factor 7.9

Galerie De Illuminata

2008-10-29T07:46:00.000-07:00

Galerie De Illuminata specializes in digital collage... The images are beautiful and reminiscent of old photographs--with a touch of whimsy. The warmth of the colors in each print along with the rugged textures help to offset rather stoic subjects. There is definitely an air of irony in most of the portraits typically utilizing anatomical sketches. The end result is hauntingly beautiful. Chic Factor 8.1

Monkey Powered

2008-10-28T14:58:00.000-07:00

After a few days.. we're glad to be back! Today's feature is Monkey Powered. Playfully strong and quirky-- Monkey Powered prints utilize a series of textures and patterns to give these delectable prints extra pow! Witty without being overly dramatic-- retro without being cliche. Perfect for a child's room-- or for a child at heart's room :o) Chic Factor 8.8

OUT OF TOWN!

2008-10-24T05:08:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

I am going to be out of town for a wedding today -late Monday--- Perfectly Chic will be back on Tuesday!

Miss Braches

2008-10-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

It's my pleasure to introduce our first fashion feature! Miss Braches, Inc---- I actually came across her work while looking for a custom dress to wear to one of my best friend's wedding. I fell in love with the Desi dress for not only it's shape but also the pattern. I contacted Diane and asked if it would be possible to get done in a week and a half-- she got it to me in a week! I LOVE everything about it-- The general style nods to retro fashion but with a more up beat feel to it! She has no problem making custom dresses-- even for the plus sized ladies out there! Simply beautiful! Chic factor 9.0!

Yumi Yumi

2008-10-22T10:05:00.000-07:00

Yumi Yumi's work is some of my favorite pieces of all time! Her work incorporates the use of splashes of color to fill silhouettes of birds, plants and animals-- I'm such a huge fan of these sophisticated prints. You really have to look close to appreciate the beauty-- which are reminiscent of Asian scroll work! -- truly beauty in the form of liquidity. In some of her other work, she utilizes a more straight forward rendition with echoes to the retro feel. Chic factor 8.6.

Duda Daze!

2008-10-21T11:16:00.003-07:00

I've been a long time follower of Duda Daze! I love her angelic mixed media pieces. Each work effortlessly incorporates relevant text with a wonderful image. Her images evoke a sense of peace and happiness. She sells a range of original works and prints-- that also include Aceo. Chic factor 8.8

2008-10-21T11:16:00.001-07:00

Monster Gallery

2008-10-20T07:24:00.000-07:00

Retro influenced prints are soooo much fun! I love everything about them-- which is why I absolutely LOVE Monster Gallery! -- I especially love old cameras or ray guns--old video games-- anything that's somewhat playful and iconic-- and definitely scratched up. Chic Factor 8.3!

Daydreamer photography

2008-10-19T12:02:00.000-07:00

Our first photography feature is Day Dreamer-- while she does produce a variety of art in various media-- my favorite is her photography. The images are beautiful in their close nature and array of colors. I especially love the photos of the old rusted cars. -- Done in a larger size they can be the center point of your room! Chic Factor 8.7

Little Brown Pen

2008-10-18T08:17:00.000-07:00

Cards you can print yourself? Get out! Little Brown Pen will sell the PDF file of the images/ templates for cards, calendars, and gift tags! This means you get to choose your paper and prints as many as you need-- when you need them! What a great idea! Her images are simplistic but always have an air of humor to them! The best part is --- they only cost $4 - $5 per file! Today's feature Little Brown Pen gets a chic factor of 8.5!

Whisker Graphics

2008-10-17T08:10:00.000-07:00

Whisker Graphics utilizes silk screening and digital art to create the beautiful graphics on her cards. Her designs incorporate vintage items, animals and elegant designs with themes for any occasion imaginable or for every day use. You can even have your cards customized with you name or initials which comes complete with a matching themed envelope. Often very intricate in detail, the images are reminiscent of letter press. These would be perfect for customized wedding invitations! Chic Factor 8.9

Belle & Boo

2008-10-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

What I love about Belle & Boo is the story-book like characters she creates! Her renditions of children are soft and beautiful and filled with warmth and love. Each print tells a story-- and the inclusion of soft white animals make the prints sweet and charming. These prints are perfect for a child's room or library. Belle & Boo also has branched out to put her sweet prince and princesses on buttons, mirrors, bags, magnets, cards and clothes! There's enough variety to make owning one of these precious illustrations possible for any budget! Chic factor 9.2

Lois Aronow

2008-10-15T07:48:00.000-07:00

It's my pleasure to introduce our first hand thrown porcelain artist, Lois Aronow of Misslo. What is most striking about her work is the juxtaposition of the textures. Her work is striking beautiful yet functional! Perfect for display out in the open of the kitchen or in a glass cabinet. I imagine drinking hot chocolate out of her white mugs with platinum rim on a cold winter's day ( I think because the texture is reminiscent of a nicely toasted marshmallow) -- I'd feel like royalty! Chic factor 8.5

Jenn Ski-- today's artist!

2008-10-14T08:07:00.000-07:00

I'd like to introduce one of my favorite etsy artists, Jenn Ski. What I love about her work is the playful throw back to retro style. Her shop offers a variety of paintings, cards and prints in a miriad of sizes. Aside from her stellar patterns she offers a series of A- Z prints (A is for Alligator). While the renditions are relatively simplistic in style they abound in humor and playfulness and are utterly irresistible! The A-Z prints be a nice shower gift-- but would be perfect for any child's room (they avoid the too cutesy for older kids factor). Chic factor 9.5!

Featured Artist : Sugar Panda

2008-10-13T06:48:00.000-07:00

Sugar Panda sells a variety of token jewelry that is ECO-FRIENDLY! the pendants are made from recycled scrabbles pieces (how clever!) While there are several artist who utilize this sort of technique-- Sugar Panda stands out for her inclusion of cute little slides coupled with the pendants! She has a huge variety of subjects ranging from plants and animals to geometric pattern or illustrations! She even makes custom pieces! With prices under $20 we can all afford to have these eco-friendly goodies! Chic factor 8.5!

Etsy shop : Branch Accessories

2008-10-12T14:49:00.000-07:00

Today's featured Etsy.com artist is Branch Accessories who specializes in fused glass rings and necklaces. What I love most about this shop is the variety of colors on these oh so in chunky cocktail rings! What's even better is the price-- ranging from a mere $12 - 30-- WHAT A STEAL! All the rings are adjustable so you can switch them around on different fingers or hands-- perfect for borrowing your sister's treasure! Chic factor of 8.9!

Michele Maule from Etsy.com

2008-10-11T06:22:00.000-07:00

I've been following Michele Maule's work for quite some time! What I love about it is it's retro subjects with a modern mixed media execution. She typically works with subjects such as beehives, Remington Typewriters, Polaroids and Cameras-- but an occasional bike or plant will appear. I was first struck by her renditions of Remington Typewriters with the keystrokes being visible. Her illustrations are normally light and airy-- but are particularly nice when the paint is transparent enough to reveal words from collaged paper lurking underneath. It's fun, it's playful and best of all they are all affordable originals! Chic factor 9.2 -- value and originality perfect 10!

The first Featured Artist : Judith of Some Pretty Things

2008-10-10T06:09:00.000-07:00

I came across this artist on one of my favorite sites, Etsy.com . What drew me to Some Pretty Things is the sheer beauty of the purses/ clutches she makes. What I find most beautiful is the juxtaposition of prints between the in and outside of each clutch. The patterns are always vibrant with a graphical nod to Mod prints! Take a look for yourself! -- In my opinion we've reached a chic rating of 9.8!

Special Thanks to Judith @ Some Pretty Things for being brave enough to be our first!

Welcome to Perfectly Chic

2008-10-10T06:04:00.000-07:00

The goal of Perfectly Chic is to share beautiful things and help introduce new artists. My *goal* is to feature one new artist per day-- along the way I will introduce ideas and challenges for daily readers as well as occasionally share inspiration in the form of interior design or fashion.