Warby Parker Spring Collection 2014

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I look forward to Warby Parker‘s seasonal frames like some kids look forward to Christmas morning. After years and years of contact lens wearing that began in the 7th grade, I’ve reverted to wearing glasses most days. My eyes feel incredible, more relaxed than they have in years even after hours behind my laptop screen. And let’s be honest, I love all of the affordable stylish frames.

The spring 2014 collection features six everyday frames and three pairs of sunglasses. I went with the Marcel in Aurora. The frames are large without being too large, and round without being too round. In other words, they don’t overwhelm my face. And the dark tortoiseshell is a great dappled whiskey brown that makes my hazel eyes pop. It goes without saying that they’re become instant favorites – I’ve worn them every day since they arrived! Now I’m eyeing these Absinthe green Quimby frames for sunny days this spring.

 

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Disclaimer: I received a pair of Warby Parker eyeglasses. As always, all words and opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that keep Design Crush going!

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Fotostrap

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For the past few months I’ve been reviving my love of analogue film, so when Mako Haus contacted me about reviewing their line of FOTOSTRAP camera straps it was perfect timing. FOTOSTRAPS are available in three lines – canvas, leather, and seersucker – and a whole rainbow of colors.

 

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I went with the most neutral canvas option (because of course I did) called Stone and the first thing I noticed was the quality made in the USA construction. This thing is sturdy and I love how well it balances the weight of my camera on my shoulder. In the past I’ve had others than felt like they were digging into my skin, but the FOTOSTRAP actually makes my classic Rebel 2000 feel light.

 

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One of the best parts is that with every FOTOSTRAP purchase 10% is donated to Fotolanthropy, a non-profit that gives portraits and short films to inspiring people who have faced adversity. When great products team up with great causes everybody wins!

 

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Disclosure: I received a FOTOSTRAP to review for this post. As always all words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep Design Crush going!

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Happy Hearts Day Gifts + Treats

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DIY Concrete Love Hearts Necklace // Skip a Beat Tea Towel // Candy Buttons // DIY Cupid’s Arrow Piñata // Heartstring Garland // DIY Heart & Arrow Headband // DIY Leather Conversation Hearts // Heart Backdrop // Darling Dearest Frame

 

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Heartbeat Necklace // DIY Floating Heart Backdrop // DIY Fabric Valentine // Heart Lips Graphic Tee // iceDrops heart Ceramic Beverage Chillers // Besties Floral iPhone 5 Case // Makes Outs Foil Stamped Print // Love Necklace // Black Triangular Wall Hearts

 

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Baked Chocolate Cherry Doughnut Hearts // DIY Valentine’s Pillows // Linzer Cookies // Marbled Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies // Heart Hole Punch // Heart Pattern Friendship Bracelets // Heart Shaped Mini Cookies // Not Soap, Radio Body Wash // DIY Copper Arrows

 

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A Few of My Favorite Things

I’m playing Oprah today! Hundreds of products cross my screen on a daily basis as I search out the best to share with you, and a girl can’t help but have a few favorites! And while I wish I had one of each of these fantastic pieces to give to every one of you a la Oprah, I hope my opinion will hold its weight in salt for you. Because these are all shops and creators whose things I own, that decorate my home and my self each and every day.

 

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Splendid Orlando Oxford. These shoes are a new addition to my wardrobe for winter and I love their sleek look (no laces!). Splendid‘s entire lifestyle collection is ultra-comfortable and effortlessly chic, which is perfect for my every day and mixes with existing pieces easily.

American Giant Womens Heavyweight Full Zip Hooded Sweatshirt. I’ve been a hoodie aficionado since junior high, but it’s tough to find one that doesn’t resemble a garbage bag on a woman’s body. This zip up from American Giant is not only sturdy, but made especially for us ladies. If I’m home I usually have it on over whatever I’m wearing, it’s that good.

Emily McDowell’s Foods of the World New York City Tea Towel. Emily McDowell just might be one of the funniest people I know, and her humor translates seamlessly onto her illustrated line of cards, dish towels, and other miscellaneous goods. This towel featuring a recipe that actually involves zero cooking is just the tip of the iceberg.

Warby Parker’s Durand Eyeglasses in Woodland Tortoise. Warby Parker has had my poor vision and my heart in its grasp for several years now. I just recently snapped up this pair from their winter collection, the round-ish lenses are super flattering and their buy 1/give 1 model is tough to beat.

Bloggers Love Cats + Bloggers Love Dogs 13-Month Calendars. Shameless plug alert! I teamed up with other well-known bloggers who are animal lovers to create these two calendar downloads featuring our pets. All proceeds go directly to the Humane Society of the United States and all of the little critters in need.

See Scout Sleep’s Nice Grill Cream + Vermillion Brass Buckle Collar. Both of my pups wear this collar and it stands up to their rough and tumble lifestyles like no other. All of the pet goods See Scout Sleep offers are high quality, environmentally-friendly, and handmade in Louisiana.

Cursive Design’s Apex Studs. Cursive Design is one of my favorite jewelry shops by far, I just love Sarah’s eye for detail. These studs, along with much of the fall/winter 2013 collection, were inspired by a project we collaborated on together for NYFW 2012. They’re molded from vintage glass and cast in yellow bronze.

Jaime Derringer’s Untitled 3. I’m the proud, happy owner of three works of art by Jaime Derringer. Her bold use of color and constant exploration of shape and space never leave me bored. And both Jaime’s original pieces and prints are super affordable.

 

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Pencil Shavings Studio’s Gold Lucite Tray in Palm Springs. Pencil Shavings‘ designer Rachel Shingleton has a great way with both color and pattern. It’s reflected in her shop’s incredible line of phone cases, trays, paper goods, and more!

Alexa Chung’s It. There’s no denying she’s the darling of the fashion world, but after ready through this pink linen-covered book filled with short musings and photos she seems down-to-earth as well.

Paloma’s Nest Custom Monogram Tiny Text Bowl. Paloma’s Nest creates some of the best heirloom-quality ceramics I’ve seen. I own one of these plates and have gifted numerous others over the past few years. You just can’t go wrong with a piece that’s lovingly personalized like these.

Gingiber’s Deer Tea Towel. I love shop owner Stacie’s whimsical, geometric illustration style used on all of her animal characters! Gingiber‘s prints, pillows, towels (and more) are always the highest of quality and meticulously checked over.

Whimsy & Spice’s Chocolate Orange Cardamom Shortbread Cookies. Whimsy & Spice‘s tasty baked goods make the perfect gift for just about any occasion. Now’s a great time to stock up on hostess gifts, snacks for overnight guests, and of course a little something for yourself.

Miró Watches from Urbantrait. Among an incredible selection of modern watches from Urbantrait, Miró definitely stands out. Made from stainless steel, hardened mineral crystal, and calf leather it’s sure to stand up to wear and tear for years to come. Mine has made me a watch wearer again after years of depending on my cell! Find your favorite from tons of men’s watches and women’s watches.

Meow Meow Tweet’s Grapefruit Rosemary Body Oil. Come winter, lotions just don’t cut it for me. I coat myself in Meow Meow Tweet‘s body oil before I get out of the shower and don’t need to re-moisturize until right before bed. Each amazing scent if filled with natural ingredients and infused with botanicals.

strawberryluna’s Morrissey Pittsburgh Poster PETA Donation. My favorite stop for gig posters, and it doesn’t hurt that strawberryluna is based in my hometown either! Allison and Craig do stellar silkscreening work for more bands than I can think to name, and on more posters than I can count that I own.

 

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Gifting with Baba Souk

Sometimes you find that perfect shop – let’s call it the sweet spot – that not only fits your own taste and style, but where you can also find the perfect gift for just about everyone on your list. That’s Baba Souk. Full of color, pattern, and inspiration, all under the online roof of an indie boutique.

And they’re helping to make your holiday shopping that much easier by offering a 15% discount with the code designcrush through November 30th! (Thanks, Baba Souk. You’re definitely on Santa’s Nice List this year!)

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This post is sponsored by Baba Souk. All words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush going!

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Plain with a Punch

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Brought to you by Motorola Moto X: Thousands of combinations. Design yours.

Color is one of the biggest elements of my style, of most peoples’ really. You can choose to be moody one day while cloaking yourself in black, or fun and playful the next while mixing bright hues. Innocent and ethereal in white, or downplayed in shades of brown. The point is that color infiltrates our lives in every way and definitely effects our mood. It’s reflected in my home, my closet, and now technology as well!

Motorola’s Moto X has been blowing up all over the place, and with over 2,000 color combinations it’s easy to see why. I’m glued to my phone and I’m sure you probably are too, so it’s especially it’s nice that Motorola has realized what a huge chunk of the market thinks of their phone not only as a lifeline but also as an accessory! After really examining my aesthetic and style preferences I decided on a blush Moto X with lemon lime accents. It perfectly mimics my taste, Plain with a Punch! Neutral tones, casual style, with an unexpected touch to make it really special.

 

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PROEF

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Nude hosiery went out of style in the 90s. Or so I thought until I saw PROEF‘s updated take and minimal style. And thanks to their sheer yet matte look, the graphics look like tattoos or drawings on your legs. A bold statement that’s sure to give new life to any skirt or dress you thought you were tired of.

 

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