Howkapow Spring Collection

Bristol, England-based Howkapow brings a smile to my face every time I visit them online. Their shop is full of innovative, fun, interesting work from breakthrough talent as well as a few carefully-chosen independent, family-run brands. There’s an ever-changing collection of unusual pieces at affordable prices, and their spring collection was just recently released so I thought I’d share a few of my favorites with you.

 

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Wooden Dutch Wall Clock // Art Pop Mini Clutch // Rubi Floor Lamp // Labradoodle Tea Towel // Silk Canisters

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be packs

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Check out be packs, started by outdoorsman Rory Rogan who set out to make the perfect pack to carry his gear. be packs works with the African Education Program, giving $10 from every sale toward youth education in Zambia where secondary school must be paid for by the student. Every twenty bags sold provides a child with a year of education, one meal a day for the entire year, and their school uniform. Stitched inside every be pack you’ll find a Hope Patch, which has handwritten messages by children in Zambia. Now that’s a lot to fit in a backpack. (PS: The bags are all made in the USA and are UV, water, and mildew resistant.)

 

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Spring Fever Wishlist

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1. A pair of mid-length deconstructed denim shorts that can be worn with tights on cool days.

2. A set of simple circle studs that can be worn with anything.

3. A knit sweater with a sweet 60s neckline to layer or wear alone in lieu of a jacket.

4. A pair of black peep toe flats for those extra warm days that warrant a little skin shown.

5. The perfect sized boho bag to stash the essentials, along with whatever else.

6. A double-wrap cuff in a whispery pink as a hello to spring colors.

7. A pair of booties with extra character to pair with skirts and dresses.

8. A slouchy pair of tapered drawstring pants, because comfort is key.

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Trending: Shibori

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Hand Dyed Indigo Silk Shibori Scarf by Lizard Land // Black Shibori Oversized Foldover Clutch by Aiko Threads // Original Shibori Fabric Notecards by Cape Cod Shibori

Tie-dye is experiencing yet another comeback, but not just any tie-dye – shibori. Shibori is a Japanese process for resist-dyeing cloth by binding, folding, twisting and compressing. There are tons of ways to manipulate fabric for shibori, each one creating different designs and patterns. And right now it’s showing up everywhere in the home and on the runway.

 

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Shibori Pillow Cover by pillow1 // Hand Dyed Shibori Scarf with Fringe by Oh Suzanni // Blue Shibori Dip Dye Pillowcase Pair by Noble & Iron

 

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Blocked Tote by Job & Boss // Shibori Hand Dyed Indigo Dinner Napkins by Squid Whale Designs // Shibori Wristlet Clutch by Sea & Stone

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Trending: Aztec

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Black and White Aztec Patter iPhone Case – Vasare Nar // Printed Long Sleeve Knit – Seed Heritage // Globetrotter Loafers – Forever21 // Winter Aztec Dress – Necessary Clothing

The new year is kicking off with Aztec-inspired prints across the board. This bold, graphic print has been popping on garments, accessories, and in the home. It’s equally eye-catching in black and white or bold colors, and lends itself especially well to cold weather essentials like cardigans and throws. I can’t wait to get on board!

 

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Loom Beaded Geometric Earrings – Everything Golden // World Traveler Open Front Cardigan – Forever21 // Aztec Necklace – Joyo // Janey Pillow – CB2

 

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 Magical Thinking Metal Wall Bin – Urban Outfitters // Aztec Clutch – Nikita & Vesper // Bold Vintage Pattern Headwrap – Claire’s // Rustic Draped Front Cardigan – Forever21

Affiliate links may have been used within this post.

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Party Clutch

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I’ve done it. I’ve found the most perfect clutch for the holidays, the aptly named Party Clutch! This mega-fun piece by Megan Leone was made for partying (I mean, it’s in the name even) and thanks to a rainbow of sequins will go with just about everything in your closet. You can choose between all leather or a mix of leather and denim. The Party Clutch is the perfect size to fit all the essentials – license, debit card, keys, lipstick, mints, and your phone. Now it’s time to party. (Pssst… order by December 25th in the U.S. and it’ll show up in time for New Year’s Eve!)

 

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Disclaimer: I received product in exchange for this post, however all words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Design Crush possible.

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DIY Holiday Gifts

Yesterday we talked food gifts, and today we’re talking handmade DIY presents. I don’t know about you, but I would  much rather receive something small with lots of thought put into it than something pricey that was an afterthought. It just means more knowing someone spent their time rather than their money. Here are fifteen gifts that would be perfect alone or partnered with one of our suggestions!

 

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Pair with: a boot brush, a small rosemary bush for the porch.

 

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Pair with: simple earrings, a pair of bangles.

 

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Pair with: a pretty brass bell, bottle brush trees.

 

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Pair with: a few vintage ornaments, homemade pomanders.

 

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Pair with: a soft pair of gloves or mittens, a silk scarf.

 

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Pair with: hot toddy ingredients, a set of mason jars.

 

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Pair with: a set of mugs, mulling spices.

 

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Pair with: soup mix, a vintage pot.

 

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Pair with: gourmet hot chocolate, homemade cookies.

 

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Pair with: crackers and cheese, pretty cocktail plates.

 

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Pair with: letterpress place cards, a set of linen napkins.

 

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Pair with: a candle snuffer, a nice box of matches.

 

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Pair with: a bottle of nail polish, a pair of sunglasses.

 

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Pair with: a cozy scarf or blanket, a favorite board game.

 

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Pair with: an iTunes gift card, screen cleaner.

Click on each image to go to the project.
All photos copyright of their respective sites unless otherwise noted.

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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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