A few weekends ago we celebrated my Mom’s birthday atop the tallest building in Oklahoma when we dined at Vast on the 49th floor of Devon Tower. We had fantastic seating right next to the windows and a decently clear day for our meal, which was full of four delicious courses and cocktails. I tried jalapeno vodka for the first time – definitely a high point (for sure DIYing that!) – in a mango cocktail, and experienced bananas foster in an entirely new way when served as fried pies. And then I took half of my meal home and relived it all the next day in my pajamas. YUM.
Vast 101 N. Robinson Avenue, 49th + 50th floors | Oklahoma City, OK 73102 | 405.702.7262
Paul Octavious is definitely one of my photographer crushes, the intensity of which is only exacerbated when it comes to his Instagram feed. Paul’s latest ongoing series is The Pantone Project where he’s challenged himself to match Pantone swatches to real life objects. So far I’d consider it a success (and can only hope that prints are coming!)
When summer rolls around (as it unofficially has) this is my go-to dinner that I eat four or five times a week. The Summer Mix-Up Bowl, as I haphazardly refer to it, is light and healthy and takes advantage of not only all the lush summer produce available this time of year but also any leftovers you might have laying around.
It’s really versatile, too. I like to start with a bed of greens, then layer on a grain like brown rice or quinoa, two to three vegetables (some steamed and some raw), then finish things off with some seeds or nuts and a drizzle of vinaigrette. Yeah, it’s that easy. Of course you can always add meat if you’re so inclined, but I’m not.
I’m thrilled to finally be able to share the latest work of my friend Dane Horvath, PGH / Digs is an art and architectural documentary focusing on residential homes in the city of Pittsburgh (my hometown) through graphic illustrations. Ranch, town, Victorian – no style is excluded from Horvath’s project. You can even commission a house of your own in Dane’s hand, Pittsburgher or not. And I’m crossing my fingers that prints are soon to follow! (See more of her creativity at Steeltown Anthem and Reconstructing Ideas.)
You know the drill. You’re on Pinterest, you click through to something you want to add to your wardrobe, and it’s an image with no link. Or you’ve spotted a piece that’s waaay out of your price range and you’d like to find a more affordable version. Or maybe you just don’t have any idea what to wear with that cute summer skirt you picked up last weekend (ahem). It can be a long list of reasons why you can’t seem to locate the fashion you’re looking for, and until I discovered the hunt I was off trolling Google images just like the rest of you. BUT NO MORE, because now there’s The Hunt.
The premise is simple, The Hunt‘s community helps each other find the items they’re after. To start off sign up for an account in one easy step, then post a photo with some details about what you’re looking for. Congratulations, you’ve just created your first Hunt! Now the community hops to work either finding the piece you’re looking for, finding a more price conscious version, or even giving you solutions on what to pair a troublesome piece with. Brilliant, right??
I picked up this easy and comfortable skirt on a whim while shopping last weekend. I thought it would be perfect to pull on over my bathing suit or for a casual day out and about. But I have no clue what to pair it with besides a white t-shirt! That’s where The Hunt comes in and offers suggestions. I can already tell this is going to be a new obsession.
Suggestions started rolling in within minutes! And when you find someone with a fashion sense that you trust you can follow them to stay connected. Can you imagine all your friends joining and being able to get one another’s help and opinions at the same time? You should probably all sign up for The Hunt immediately.
This post is sponsored by The Hunt, however all words and opinions are my own.
Rachel Gant manages to combine three of my favorite things in her ever-evolving jewelry collection. Vintage materials, minimalistic aesthetics, and architectural details. Pieces come and go as Gant collects materials from estate sales and collectors the world over, so if you lay eyes on something you love snatch it up before it’s gone for good. (No pressure.)
S.W. Basics was founded on the idea that fewer ingredients equals gentler skincare. Makes sense to me, how about you? Everything is made once a week in small batches using locally sustainable ingredients that are both whole and highly potent, then packaged up in glass bottles. In fact, each product has five ingredients or less. And after receiving mine I realized they’re all safe enough to eat if you wanted to go there, they truly are all-natural products. Right now next to my sink: organic lip balm, exfoliant, body scrub, and makeup remover.
Pencil Me In is chock full of bright geometrics, fun stationery, and bold textiles. I have a massive crush on designer Keema’s Girl’s Best Friend Diamond Neon pattern and the throw pillow is calling my name (in a semi-creepy stalker way). You can check out Pencil Me In’s full spectrum of work right here.
I love Dear Kate‘s line of underthings and even own a few pairs of my own. Their latest collection is The Starlet – black, lacy, lovely and available in two cuts (hipster and thong) and two linings (full and mini). One of my favorite qualities of Dear Kate’s pieces is that second part, the lining. It’s stain- and leak-resistant making these skivvies the perfect pair for summer, you know when sweating (I’m sorry, glowing) is de rigueur. Not to mention that super awesome few days we ladies look forward to each month. (Ugh.) One less thing to worry about when we already have world peace and summer weather on our minds.
And here’s the part you’ve been waiting for, Dear Kate is giving away your choice of either the Starlet Hipster or the Starlet Thong to THREE WINNERS! (And if you don’t want to wait they’re also offering $10 off on any purchase using the code ‘designcrushlove’ through Monday, 6/10/13.)
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
To Enter:
1. Visit Dear Kate and let us know what your favorite piece is!
2. Leave a valid email address in the comment form, NOT the comment itself. (For notification purposes only.)
3. Do it all before 11:59 pm Sunday, June 9th, 2013.
Winners will be announced shortly after and posted here.