Woot, I finally got through the 200+ photos I took at two of my favorite on-the-road-to-Atlanta-and-back shopping stops: The Pottery Barn Outlet (in Gaffney, SC) and Mary Jo’s Cloth Shop (right outside of Charlotte, NC). So here are all the things I loved the most (and yes, I actually got something, which I’ll call out at the end of this post). So fasten your window shopping seat belts, we have a lot of ground to cover.
First let’s start at the PB Outlet. Does the building beckon you in too, or is it just me?
Since we had Clara and Burger with us for the Haven trip, John very selflessly offered to stay outside and entertain the bean and the burgs. Aka: he didn’t want to shop. Go figure. Haha.
I was happy to poke around inside with me, myself, and I (and my camera) which is where I came across these two fun metal chairs (the adult-sized white one on the right was $245 marked down to $123 and the red kids chair was $119 marked down to $59 (I felt a pang leaving the cute red kids chair there since I knew Clara would love it but we already have two kids chairs at home – that we got for $5 from a yard sale up the street – so it just wasn’t meant to be).
I was also kind of in love with this red stool with a cool slatted top (marked down from $150 to $75). The price is still a little steep if you need a bunch of them, but I think it’s a nice inspirational DIY idea too (you could spray whatever wood stool you have red on the bottom and keep the wood top au naturale).
Sticking with the I’m-on-a-red-kick theme, this awesome giant light (this picture does the size no justice, but it was probably 24″ wide) was marked down from $160 to $70. I almost got it. Almost. Just didn’t have a spot for it and knew John would kill me make me return it if I walked outside to greet him holding this behemoth. I hope somebody adopted him though. Please tell me someone did.
My favorite area of the whole store is the giant rack of on-sale rugs in the back. There are tons of them (both from PB and West Elm, which are my favorite). This nubby silvery blue one and this bright orange Morrocan one were among my favorites. I forget the prices, but they’re always marked down a ton – sometimes over $500 off!
Here’s a light that I think was so delicate and pretty. Wouldn’t it be awesome in a little girl’s room? I love the antique bronze color but could also see it sprayed glossy white or even matte gray or something fun like lemon yellow. It almost has a bird’s nest quality to it.
Dude, this lamp = my dream. It was about three feet (!!!!) wide. And get this, it was more than 50% off (it was $550, and was marked down to $200). Still kinda steep, but in a room with a lofted ceiling over a giant dining table- yeah it would be the bomb.com. You can’t really see it well in this photo because it was giant and I was trying to hold it up while taking this picture all by my lonesome, but it was basically a hammered silver finish on the outside and the inside was super silvery and metallic. I could just tell it would toss around so much light and add so much sparkle in a modern and industrial way. Delish.
This pretty mercury glass lamp was marked down from $100 to $50 (which seemed comparable to most of the bigger lights at HomeGoods) and the globe light was marked down from $125 to $60 I think (still thought that was a little pricey, but here’s hoping they get marked down more over time).
Oh and as for kids stuff, in the Pottery Barn Kids section, they had these cute colorful lanterns (in blue, green, and pink) for something like $19. And this red desk lamp (you know I’m on a red kick…) was so cute since it was a little retro looking airplane. Didn’t catch the price for you guys though – so sorry!
Then there was one of my favorite things in the store. This math art. Why? My dad is a mathematician. My hubby went to a math & science magnet high school. And I am terrible at math. See how it ties into so many people I love while reminding me of my math deficiency? Gotta love that.
Each giant frame (we’re talking at least four feet tall) was marked down from $99 to $69 (which honestly isn’t a bad price for a frame that giant) but I also thought it could be a fun DIY art idea for anyone at home who wants to decorate with numbers. The item on the right is a chalkboard/corkboard that was marked down to $60, which I thought could be so functional in a kitchen/pantry. It would be a great place to pin up homework assignments and art and fliers from school along with writing lists and notes, etc. Or you could make one yourself with some cork from Target or Office Max with some chalkboard paint on the other side.
I loved both of these sheet sets since they’d each add a little je ne sais quoi. The ones on the left were marked down from $140 to $50 for the set and I forgot to check the price on the cute kids ones (called Penelope) but I think they were reduced at least $40 from the regular price.
And now for this hunk of gorgeousness. Yes, it was giant. Yes it would never fit in our car. Yes, it was still $1330 (marked down from $1900) but I totally pined for him. He was handsome with a capital H. I hope someone else snagged him for some posh and amazing bathroom remodel that they’re doing. If so, send us pics so we can house crash you (I need one last chance to tell him how much I love him).
They also had some fun more industrial pieces that looked like they were full of history (like the episode on Friends where Rachael convinces Pheobe that her coffee table is from a flea market when it’s really from Pottery Barn). This printer’s armoire on the left was originally $1400 (!!) but was marked down to $800, which is still steep but it was a pretty amazing piece. The metal shelves on the right were marked down a lot too but I didn’t catch the price. I loved the giant castors on the bottom and thought it could be awesome in a bathroom (picture it full of towels and soaps and stuff) or even in a kitchen (loaded up with dish cloths, cook books, and some glass containers full of flour and sugar).
This chair. Oh this chair. I was more into this chair than Game Of Thrones (and I’m really into Game of Thrones right now). It was marked down from $600 to $420, which still put it well out of our price range, but I thought it would look so cute in our sunroom. So yes, I totally whispered “I’ll never let go” after snapping this picture. It looks kinda bland here, but picture it with some amazing pillow on it next to a fun colorful side table (maybe a bright yellow ceramic garden stool) in a room full of windows overlooking the great green outdoors. It could be epic.
Speaking of the great outdoors, these wooden lounge chairs were marked down from $709 to $355 (around 50% off) which still make them kinda spendy, but they looked really well made. I’m sure they’re gone now. They were total charmers in person. And if I was a lady who lunches I would totally want to lunch on those (Housewives style with butlers and such).
These giant glass hurricanes were around $39 I think (down from $80). I loved how big they were (a cluster of three would look awesome on a giant 14′ long patio table or something – you know, if you’re handy enough to make one like my girl Katie B, or if you’re a housewife and can buy one to match your diamond studded sunglasses). Or if you’re like me, one would be awesome on a front porch, on one side of the door for asymmetrical charm. Now I’m sad I didn’t get one to do just that…
These were also around $39 (marked down from $80) and they were also pretty large (maybe about 18″ tall?). I bet one would look so pretty in the middle of a patio table with a candle gleaming inside (and shining light out of all those lace-like holes).
Pretty glassware. And lots of it. I loved the cups on the top shelf. I think they were $3 each. So cute for anything from juice to wine (my Italian momma taught me that anything can be a wine cup, even an old jelly jar). Wait, that makes her sound like a lush, and I promise she’s not. Just a lady who doesn’t want to be restricted to stemware only when it comes to her wine.
I was very very very tempted when I saw a pile of delicate lettered candle sconces. And of all the remaining letters, they still had Clara’s initials – C. P. (what are the odds?). Then I looked at the price tag and realized they were selling the whole stack of five letters as a set for $50. Boo! What if I just wanted two? Then I realized that they spelled out the word Peace. Made a lot more sense after that realization. I do get a kick out of the fact that Clara’s initials are in the word Peace (although she can definitely disturb the peace like the best of them!).
I snapped this picture because I thought these pillows were an awesome example of how someone who isn’t into decorating with Santa or reindeer could still gussy up their house for the holidays. Wouldn’t that red berry pillow with the long green lumbar be so nice on a sofa during the holidays? Plus they were pillow covers, so you could store them easily in a closet or something for the rest of the year (and just put your regular pillow covers back out once Christmas is over).
So that was my latest PB run. I can’t believe I didn’t leave with anything, but in the back of my mind I knew our car space was limited (traveling with a kid and a dog means bringing the dog crate and the pack & play along with all of our suitcases and other stuff). And I was kinda saving my money for Mary Jo’s since we all know I have a fabric problem. Haha. So without further ado, let’s traipse through there…
First I saw the bleached version of our dining room curtain fabric (Kanjhali Peacock by Robert Allen) and I loved it! So icy and soft.
Next I was won over by these fun imperfect polka dot fabrics in a bunch of colors (so sorry, I didn’t get the name of these fabrics, so your best bet is just to search a site like fabric.com or Mary Jo’s online shop (or check out Mary Jo’s in person if you can).
I was completely in love with this velvet-y rainbow fabric. How perfect would that be in a nursery or kids room? Heck, I want it in my room.
And then there were the “cabinet of curiosities” fabrics as I’m calling them. They were so cool that all I could think about is how awesome a yard or two could be stapled to a giant canvas and framed and hung as art. Again, I wish I knew the maker of all of these, but your best bet is just to see what you can find in an online fabric store or head over to Mary Jo’s if you can.
Here’s the snake fabric up close and personal. How bad-arse is that yellow snake with the big pink spots? I love her.
This cool “pixelated” looking fabric was fun too. I loved the more grellow one down below.
And then there were these fun ginko fabrics in a bunch of colors. I thought yellow or navy would be awesome for some pillows.
And then there’s this guy. Orange, pink, yellow and blue ikat? Yes please! I got two yards. Strike up the fabric-purchasing band! Yup, I gleefully ran back to the car with two yards of this (marked down from $25 to $16 a yard). For anyone wondering, I do have the name of this guy since I took it home and it’s printed on the side of it. It’s called Ubud by Iman Home/Waverly and it can sell for up to $27 in other places! No idea what the heck I’ll use it for. Maybe a bunch of things (table runner, hall bathroom roman shade, upholstering a chair, who knows!). Will keep ya posted.
So there was the whirlwind that was window shopping when we were on the road to and from Haven! Next time I hope we have more time to stop at a few more places (some locals gave us some awesome recommendations that we’d love to check out someday). Where have you guys been window shopping? Any new fabric or houseware purchases lately? Or have you see anything at a store that inspired you to DIY your own take on it?
Elizabeth says
Love PB Outlet! Also, I saw this fabric, and the colors and bees made me think of y’all, so I had to share.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10217278/
YoungHouseLove says
So cute!!
xo,
s
gemma@thesweetestdigs says
Loved everything — so jealous that we don’t have any PB outlets up near me in Canada!
Can’t wait to see what you do with your fabric!! I’m crazy for ikat too. Recently did an upholstered headboard in a gray and yellow one (http://thesweetestdigs.com/2012/05/14/the-diy-files-upholstered-headboard-how-to/)
YoungHouseLove says
Love that!
xo,
s
Jenny B says
I thought you were going to get the silver chandelier for your dining room! gorgeous!
Clif says
As a native of Gastonia, it’s great to see Mary Joe’s get some exposure, it’s been here for quite a while! They are very “old school”, and getting a written ticket to checkout as soon as you walk in gives it a personal touch that many businesses just don’t possess anymore!
Clif
Emily S says
Hi John and Sherry,
I love your great finds! I am wondering how you decide when you DONT like something? As a doctor, I am constantly trying to “rule in” and “rule out” when something fits with my style, similar to what I do to figure out what is going on with my patients. My husband thinks that I overthink everything (haha). On a trip like this you must have seen a lot that you like, but weren’t wild about. What are your thoughts?
YoungHouseLove says
That’s a really good question. I think over time you get more into a groove of having an instant reaction. Example: I know we typically love capiz, dark wood, clean lines, woven textures, bright pops of color, ikat patterns, and wool or jute rugs. So those might jump out as our style while other items are nice, but not as “us” as others. Tearing pages from a magazine that you love can help you pick out things that fit your style so they’re easier to zero in on when you’re shopping. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
rebecca says
I have some of that same fabric!!! I just used it to reupholster this bench:
http://needleworksinc.blogspot.com/2011/05/before-after.html
(I gotta get some new pics up of my finished product.)
Hope you to see what you did with yours soon! I’m a faithful reader of your blog and am always inspired by what you do!
YoungHouseLove says
So charming!
xo,
s
Molly says
I’m feeling a little crazy…Have we seen the pictures of the numbers art from Pottery Barn before? Having deja vu…like on Instagram or something?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah it was in our first Haven post, where we also shared a shot of the houses we crashed (and later shared the rest).
xo,
s
Koliti says
Hi! Thanks for the road trip! Always fun to tag along!
I live in Tucson and we have a Discount Home Decor Fabric Store which has helped supply my latest project. At the fabric store they have great prices – $2-$10+ a yard. I only need a quarter of a yard for my project. Score! I’ve spent $1 for one fabric and only 75 cents for another!
I wanted a small (7″ wide x 8″ length) bag w/ a zipper and loops to attach a 48″ long over-the-shoulder strap. (That’s my ideal purse – hands-free, carries cell phone, money, credit cards, lip gloss, pen.)
Add a 25 cent zipper on clearance from JoAnn’s (and how-to sew a zipper videos from You-Tube), a $5.99 leather strap (48″ long x 1/2″ wide) from the Tandy Leather Store, plus rivets to attach swivel-closing-hooks (already had). (Already had the very-lonely-sitting-in-the-corner sewing machine.) And Ta Da!! Stylish little bag for less than $10.
Before this I did not sew and now I can make as many stylish fabric bags as I want and just use the one removable strap. (I do have two straps now – one brown and one black – should cover all of my strapping needs.)
YoungHouseLove says
I love that. Sounds like a cool place!
xo,
s
Chris says
Oh how I love the PB Outlet! Have you guys ever checked out the rug outlet in Gaffney located near the outlets? I have not…wondering how the styles and prices are.
YoungHouseLove says
We haven’t. Anyone know?
xo,
s
Lisa says
First off, I’m glad I’m not the only one obsessing on Game of Thrones right now. Second, the “cabinet of curiosities” fabric is so freaking cool. I want to cover my entire house with it (though that would make me look like a crazy person). Made me think of my favorite coffee table book that was in so many design mags a couple of year ago:
http://www.amazon.com/Cabinet-Curiosities-Naturalienkabinett-curiosit%C3%A9s-naturelles/dp/3836515830/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1342195834&sr=8-2&keywords=curiosities
and which we have in my library! I can often be found hiding out in the stacks with that guy! (That sounded unintentionally dirty!).
Great post! Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha we have that book too. Love it!!
xo,
s
Melody says
I love that nest-y chandelier. I think your suggestion to put it in a girls room is right on! What a cool idea!
danielle says
I was in SC last year and there was a pottery barn outlet!!! How did I not know this? Probably just as well, I am too cheap for even their outlet prices. I just drool all over the magazine and then beg my baby to make me one! Since woodworking is a hobby of his it actually happens! YAY for marrying handy men!
Brynn says
Also- Just found this while perusing houzz.com
http://www.houzz.com/discussions/59761/Where-can-I-find-this-Island-Ikat-Wallpa#comments
YoungHouseLove says
Beyond gorgeous! I love it!
xo,
s
hkw says
Do you by chance have any more info on those black metal (?) shelves on casters? I love them but I can’t find anything like them on the PB or West Elm sites.
YoungHouseLove says
Anyone know any more about them?
xo,
s
Lisa says
The orangey ikat fabric is by Iman Home called Ubud in color Sunstone. I found it, now I must have it!
http://www.calicocorners.com/product/designer+fabrics+for+the+home/newest+collections/iman+home/ubud+-+iman+home+fabrics+sunstone.do
Teri says
I grew up about 1.5 hours from MaryJo’s and we used to go all the time to get fabric for costumes, house decor, prom dresses, wedding dresses…. Definitely the best place for fabric!!
Amanda says
Sherry, I totally cracked up when I read the portion about your mom and wine glasses.
For what it’s worth, I inherited a set of lead crystal wine tumblers from my grandmother. They’re from the fifties or sixties and they’re absolutely adorable.
YoungHouseLove says
I love that!
xo,
s
Jenn @therebelchick says
I need to track down a Pottery Barn outlet, I didn’t even know they had them! I could go crazy with all of that fabric!
Stefani says
This rug kind of matches your fabric you got!! :)
http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-verden-ikat/teal/200MJSM07C-5076.html
YoungHouseLove says
Fun!
xo,
s
Lisa says
PS: If anyone finds out who makes those imperfect-dot fabrics, please oh please share. I’m scouring MaryJo’s online but so far haven’t found ’em. Oh I need them!
Tabitha says
I google imaged Ikat dot fabric and found a bunch of different fabrics that were like this. Didn’t have time to find the specific one especially since I’m not sure of the type of fabric.
Stephanie says
I’ve been doing the same thing. I can’t find it anywhere. :(
Meagan Briggs says
We LOVE Mary Jo’s! My parents live in the Charlotte area and it is my favorite place to run off to with my mom when we visit. It really does have everything in there. Too bad it is in a sad run down building. BUT, you should have seen it 4-5 years ago!!! YIKES!!!
Loving those polka dots :-)
Karen says
There’s a thread store near Mary Jo’s that you should check out also . . . more thread in one place than you have ever seen.
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds fun!
xo,
s
Lisa Gay says
Yes – Long Creek Mills – they have an amazing selection of embroidery threads.
Janielle says
Haha. One of my favorite Friends episodes. “This apothecary table came from White Plains. NY in the time of yore” LOL….and it’s references like that why I continue to follow your blog everyday. (Also your incredible talent and hard work too of course. ) =)
Gabriella @ Our Life In Action says
I could stay in those stores for hours.
My mother-in-law’s name is Mary Jo and she owns her own quilt shop. If you’re ever up north (around the finger lake area) you’ll have to stop by, you would love it.
Have a super fantabulous weekend. :-)
Laura says
Thanks for reminding me about Mary Jo’s. I just moved to Charlotte and bought a fixer upper (it’s in great shape structurally, but decoratively it’s living in the 70’s with stained vinyl flooring, big heavy curtains, and stained white formica counters). I will be visiting Mary Jo’s and doing no-sew curtains, among other things :-)
Megan @ Two Live Colorfully says
All of those fabrics are so gorgeous! I have been searching high and low for the perfect fabric for our new living room curtain and some of the ones you shared would be fantastic! Happy Friday!
Allison Lawson says
Love all the stuff at PB!! I think I see a trip to San Marcos in my future to check out the outlet there.
Stephanie says
we are 2.5 hours from both of those stores and my wheels are turning trying to figure out when/how I can leave the kids at home with hubby so I can shop unencumbered! Trying not to get my hopes up as it may be a few weeks and I’m sure my favorite fabrics that you featured will be gone. I’m so excited to visit Mary Jo’s – thanks for sharing that gem!
Careen says
Sherry, I’ve been meaning to say for awhile now, everytime I watch Game of Thrones, when I see Daenerys, I think of you. Resemblance, yes/no?
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3592338/
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, I totally think the IMDB pics especially look like we’re sisters. I want to meet her in real life to see if it’s as close as those pics.
xo,
s
rachel says
I always thought that too, Careen! I found myself inexplicably thinking about home design when I was watching it, and then finally realized why. So funny…..glad I’m not the only one who noticed the resemblance!
Gaidig says
I didn’t think of fabric stores earlier, but next time you’re in Atlanta, you should check out Forsyth Fabrics and the other discount upholstery fabric stores in the surrounding area, right around the intersection of Howell Mill and Huff Rd. There’s a ton of great stuff there, and some of the best restaurants in the city are in the area as well.
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds awesome!
xo,
s
Ang says
Great pictures!! Your pics make the fabrics look beautiful but the ones on Mary Jo’s site could use some retaking or brightening. They need to hire you :)
jen says
That fabric is awesome!! Thanks for showing us all the great finds! I per-ordered your book off amazon today! Looks like it will be arriving in time to do some thanksgiving break reading!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Jen!
xo,
s
Ally says
I *love* these virtual shopping trips! So fun to see what’s available in this big world of ours :)
I’m pretty much obsessed with anything “on wheels” (now that I have wood floors, that’s how I roll :) I may have “Burger-Yelped” with glee when I saw that metal shelf on casters! $herdog, you’re picturing it loaded up with towels and soap…I’m picturing it laden down with all kinds of tasty food (to be rolled out during my next par-tay :)
Happy Weekend, Youngsters! :)
xox
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh that would be fun!
xo,
s
Hannah says
Wow that PB Outlet is expensive! Sometimes I wonder if those Outlets fake a high retail price in order to put lower “sale” price. Like that AWESOME black rattan patio chair for $420, it’s amazing but that seems like a true retail price to me. But maybe i’m just super paranoid like that.
Sherry, I saw these on etsy and thought of you. Maybe you’ve seen them before but I got a kick out of it!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/88031494/placemats-paint-chip-placemats-set-of-4
YoungHouseLove says
So cute!!!
xo,
s
Kristin @ The Southern Summer says
Love Mary Jo’s! I grew up in Gastonia (where Mary Jo’s is located) and have many a memory of wandering through the huge aisles of fabric and shiny things with my grandmother, who is a quilter. It brings back such good memories! I hadn’t been there in many years until last year, on a trip back home. It was just like I remembered it! Certainly, a fabric mecca. Looks like y’all had a fabulous trip!
eileen marie says
Your house-crashing post inspired the rekindling of my obsession w/ Moravian stars, and the black & white stripe-ed rug you guys vetoed for your kitchen (I liked the look, but also the one you went with) is now our entry rug (2×3 version from C&B-$20!). YHL is my personal pinboard!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I love it!
xo,
s
Kristin Cadwallader says
Have got to go there! We have family in the Atlanta area and that would be an added bonus! Love your blog! I hope they have Haven again. I want to to go!!! Kristin
Renee says
Ahhh, you don’t know how timely this post is. We recently visited a PB outlet 3 hours from our house to decorate my son’s “big boy room” to make room for his new baby sibling on the way. We got that airplane lamp and some other wonderfulness. Now, I’m tempted to visit again to redecorate the nursery for baby #2 (found out yesterday, another boy! :)
Heather @ What Does She Do All Day? says
I wonder if I can convince hubby to make a slight detour on our trip to NC in a few weeks to head down to Charlotte? I need me some of that polka dot fabric!!!!!!!!!
Anika says
I love these ‘window shopping’ posts – thanks for sharing your finds and ideas with us!!
Erin says
GORGEOUS fabric! Love the name, too – Ubud is in the middle of Bali, and it’s super-artsy and gorgeous there. I’d buy the fabric for the name alone; bonus that it’s so cool!
AmandaonMaui says
Hey! That’s the Yellow Mall! My mom, sister, grandmother and I all go there whenever we visit my mom as she doesn’t live very far away from there. Super cool!
Beth in DC says
Is Sue the Napkin still your guiding inspiration? I’m curious because of your (new?) crush on red.
YoungHouseLove says
I think a year and a half later we still love Sue for the larger colors in the house (wall colors, etc) but small accessories and pops of color in all hues are still game because a house that’s only navy and grellow and real is a little flat, ya know?
xo,
s
lauren says
LOL @ Rachel’s apothecary table and birdcage from “white plains” which sounds like a magical place to pheobe
Hemma says
Do you know that Iman is/was a supermodel now fashion- and fabric and designer and the wife of the one and only David Bowie?
Great taste! : )
YoungHouseLove says
I thought it was her line. So interesting!
xo,
s
Melissa says
This post was so perfect! The hubby LOVES Game of Thrones (seriously obsessed, he has been carrying around gold dollar coins or “dragons” as he refers to them and leaving them as tips to try to make them “trendy”.) He is caught up on the books so I got him HBO for Father’s Day and we are in the second season. It is intense. I also was just thinking the other day that I should make a visit to our PB Outlet in Lancaster, PA to see if they had any good deals on the metal chairs. Love them! I saw someone post in the comments that Ikea has them too-great info!
Kelly says
At the PB Outlet near me (Jeffersonville, OH) you can let the staff know if you are looking for a certain item and they will call you if they get one in. This saved me from having to drive 45 minutes every week to check if they had gotten the matching frame to my headboard in the right size/color.
Just something to keep in mind if you have fallen in love with something at Pottery Barn and can’t afford full price!
YoungHouseLove says
Great tip!
xo,
s
Allison H. says
The spotted fabric looks like Waverly “Seeing Spots”.
http://www.fabric.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=de7495f0-ba77-4e0e-a8ed-7dcd447cc58d
katalina says
Dear Sherry
Please use me to cover your kitchen industrial funky chairs. I will be happy there.
sincerely,
Ubud
Melanie (melarse) says
My vote is to see that fabric over your kitchen sink!