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.

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

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!

I LOVE Christmas!!!

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!

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

Crate And Barrel

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!

Happy Thanksgiving you turkeys :o)

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

SHOES!

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

Inspiration!

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

My New Favorite Shop!

One of my friends recently introduced me to a shop down town Cincinnati called "High 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!

My wanter is working in overtime!

Pistachio Press

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

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!

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!

Kitchen Lust

Chic Factor PERFECT 10!

Olive

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