I finally sorted through the 200+ photos I took at two of my favorite road-trip shopping stops: the Pottery Barn Outlet in Gaffney, SC, and Mary Jo’s Cloth Shop just outside Charlotte, NC. Below are the pieces and ideas that stood out the most — plus a note at the end about what I actually bought. Strap in: there’s a lot to see.
Let’s start at the Pottery Barn Outlet. Does the building invite you in, or is that just me?
We brought Clara and Burger along for the Haven trip, and John kindly volunteered to stay outside with them. Translation: he didn’t want to shop. I wandered the store solo with my camera and spotted several pieces that caught my eye.
One find was a pair of metal chairs: a full-size white adult chair marked down and a red kids’ chair. The kids’ chair was adorable and would have been perfect for Clara, but we already had two small chairs at home, so I left it behind.
I also loved a red stool with a slatted top — a great design for a DIY idea if you want to replicate the look on a budget: spray-paint the base and keep a natural wood top for contrast.
Keeping with a red theme, there was a striking oversized light fixture (around 24″ wide) reduced to a steep discount. I almost bought it but didn’t have space in the car — nor a clear spot at home to hang something that size.
My favorite corner of the store was the large sale-rug rack in the back, where Pottery Barn and West Elm rugs were heavily reduced. I spied a nubby silvery blue rug and a bright orange Moroccan-style rug — both excellent examples of how a bold rug can transform a room.
There were delicate light fixtures that would be beautiful in a girl’s room, and finishing options like antique bronze or glossy white. One lamp had an almost bird’s-nest quality that felt both modern and whimsical.
Another lamp was a dramatic, three-foot-wide hammered silver fixture that was more than 50% off. It felt industrial-glam and would be dazzling above a large dining table or in a lofted space.
Smaller lights were available too: a mercury-glass lamp with a reflective finish and a globe light that were both attractively priced compared with similar finds at other discount stores.
The Pottery Barn Kids section had colorful lanterns and a retro airplane-style red desk lamp — perfect touches for a kid’s room or play space.
One of the store’s standout items was math-themed oversized art. Because my dad is a mathematician and my husband attended a math and science magnet high school, I’m oddly drawn to pieces that nod to numbers — even if they remind me of my own math shortcomings.
Large framed pieces and chalkboard/corkboard combos were reasonably priced for their scale and could be great DIY inspiration. For example, a large cork-and-chalkboard would be extremely functional in a kitchen or mudroom for calendars, lists, and artwork.
I liked two sheet sets that stood out for their unique patterns and colorways — both would add personality to a bedroom without overwhelming the space.
On the splurge side was a massive, gorgeous piece of furniture marked down but still too large and expensive for our car and budget. I admired it from afar and hoped someone would give it a beautiful home.
The outlet also had industrial-style pieces that felt like they had a history — a printer’s armoire and metal shelving with large castors that would be excellent storage in a kitchen, bathroom, or living room.
A comfortable chair caught my eye — the kind of chair that would be dreamy in a sunroom with a bold pillow and a bright side table. It was marked down but still a bit outside our range; I lingered over it anyway.
Outdoor wooden lounge chairs were nearly half off and looked very well made — pricey but charming and ideal for a porch or patio setting.
Several oversized glass hurricanes and lanterns would make dramatic centerpieces for an outdoor table or a porch. Their scale and texture make them versatile for both indoor and outdoor decor.
There were also metal lanterns with intricate cutouts that would cast lovely patterns when lit — ideal for dining tables or entryways.
Plenty of glassware filled shelves: simple tumblers and more delicate cups that are useful for everyday drinks or casual entertaining.
I nearly bought a stack of lettered candle sconces, and coincidentally the initials matched Clara’s. They were sold as a set that spelled “PEACE,” which actually made more sense than buying single letters individually.
Holiday pillow covers caught my eye, too — festive without being overtly seasonal. A red berry lumbar paired with a green pillow would add subtle holiday flair and can easily be stored once the season ends.
Despite all the temptations at Pottery Barn Outlet, I left without a purchase because space in the car was tight with a child, a dog crate, a pack-and-play, and suitcases. I was saving my budget for Mary Jo’s Cloth Shop — where I knew I’d face some serious fabric temptations.
At Mary Jo’s, I immediately spotted a bleached version of a fabric similar to what I have for our dining room curtains. It had an icy, soft look that felt refined and fresh.
Mary Jo’s had playful imperfect polka dot fabrics in multiple colors — great for pillows, kids’ rooms, or small upholstery projects. I didn’t catch all the maker names in the store, so if you’re curious it’s worth checking fabric retailers or visiting Mary Jo’s in person.
A velvet-like rainbow fabric stopped me in my tracks. It would be wonderful in a nursery or a kid’s room — honestly, I’d even consider it for a bedroom accent.
There were also “cabinet of curiosities” style prints that looked amazing framed as artwork. One or two yards stretched over canvas would make a bold, inexpensive piece of wall art.
I was amused by a snake-print fabric with big pink spots — playful and a little cheeky. It felt like the kind of unexpected pattern that can give a room personality.
A pixelated-style print and several ginkgo prints in multiple colors also stood out. I could see navy or yellow pillows made from those fabrics working beautifully in a living room or bedroom.
Finally, I found an energetic ikat print — orange, pink, yellow, and blue — called Ubud by Iman Home/Waverly. I bought two yards at a marked-down price. I’m already dreaming up projects: a table runner, a bathroom Roman shade, or upholstering a small chair. I’ll report back once it’s in use.
That’s the recap of my outlet and fabric-shop window shopping from the Haven road trip. Next time I hope we’ll have time to explore a few more local recommendations we received. Where have you been window shopping lately? Any recent fabric or home-decor finds that inspired a DIY project or a new purchase?