September 13, 2017

Harriet’s Blue and White

 

Harriet Damave’s hand-painted porcelain cat brooches caught my eye several months ago and they’re still on my mind. Her technique – painting cobalt oxide on unglazed bisque – is rather unusual, she likens it to watercolor paintings because of the super absorbent surface. There are a number of other lovely items available in her shop – Harriet’s Blue and White – but I’m counting adding one of her pins to my jacket this fall.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted In create, house and home, jewelry, living, painting, sculpture, style, wear it
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September 12, 2017

Moop Canvas Bags

 

Wendy Downs, founder of Moop canvas bags, is making things happen. Her shop turned ten earlier this year and she’s constantly looking for new ways to improve, from seeking out quality materials from tested manufacturers to making sure each super-versatile bag is as mindfully made as possible. Each one is handmade from start to finish in Moop’s downtown Pittsburgh storefront by her small yet mighty team, who do everything from design to shipping. I very much admire her commitment to thoughtfully creating Moop’s line of fifteen bag designs while looking towards the future of not only her shop but small batch manufacturing.

Shop Moop Canvas Bags

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted In bags, behind the scenes, create, pittsburgh, style, textiles, wear it
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September 11, 2017

OATMEAL

 

Elise Birnbaum is a maker, skill collector, coveter of interesting objects, and founder of Pittsburgh-based OATMEAL. She works predominantly with clay and metal, creating pieces for both body and home that are inspired by simple things and made in a narrow, often neutral, color palette. I’ve been following Elise, and the creations she often shares on Instagram, for some time now and very much appreciate the way she doesn’t depend on color to make her pieces standout. (One of those knot necklaces is definitely on my birthday wish list!)

Shop OATMEAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted In behind the scenes, create, house and home, jewelry, kitchen, living, pittsburgh, sculpture, style, wear it
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September 11, 2017

BLAK RUST

 

Shannon Pultz creates BLAK RUST‘s textiles by combining contemporary aesthetics with 7th century Japanese shibori silk painting techniques. With a focus on hand-made, high-quality, and hand-dyed traditional art, custom colorways and patterns are reproduced on textiles for apparel, upholstery, and wall coverings. Products available in BLAK RUST’s shop are luxury silk stoles and scarves that are wearable one-of-a-kind pieces of contemporary art.

Shop BLAK RUST

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted In accessories, behind the scenes, create, house and home, living, pittsburgh, style, textiles, wear it
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September 7, 2017

Reiko Yamamoto

 

Reiko Yamamoto is a modern ceramicist combining her skill in creating versatile, functional pottery with her experiences growing up in Japan. Eating meals meant a collection of handmade pottery rather than a matching set – a completely foreign concept – and Reiko has brought that approach to her Pittsburgh studio by creating pieces of various sizes, colors, shapes, and patterns that all work together harmoniously. The jewelry she creates has the same organic feel and presence, with a weight that feels substantial but not heavy.

Shop Reiko Yamamoto’s work

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted In create, house and home, jewelry, kitchen, living, pittsburgh, sculpture, style, wear it
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September 6, 2017

Savannah Hayes

 

If you’re a lover of bold, graphic prints then Savannah Hayes has got your number. The Pittsburgh-based textile designer refined her urban aesthetic through years of living and studying in various cities – San Francisco, London, New York City, and Los Angeles – and working with big shots Kelly Wearstler, Martha Stewart, and Kravet Fabrics. In October 2015 Savannah struck out on her own and has since expanded her eponymous line to include products for the living room, dining room, bedroom, baby, and tech. But if you have an idea of your own, she also sells fabric by the yard. I own one of her blankets, a heavy knit that’s ready to be brought back into rotation for autumn any day now!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted In accessories, bags, create, entertaining, house and home, kitchen, living, pittsburgh, style, textiles, wear it
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August 28, 2017

Dagne Dover

 

Even though I haven’t been traveling nearly as much, hunting down great pieces to make it easier is still basically a pastime. Dagne Dover creates some very thoughtfully designed pieces that do just that – even if your travel is only a commute. Their smart living pieces are constructed by combining the beauty of fashion with athlete caliber function for the best of both worlds.

 

 

 

 

Posted In bags, style, wear it
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August 23, 2017

AÃRK Collective Minimalist Watches

 

I haven’t worn a watch since roughly 2004, but I’m all about these minimalist timepieces from AÃRK Collective. Their pieces are inspired by the challenge of balancing function and beauty, each watch created to last and unique with geometric and playful details. From Swiss and Japanese Quartz to hand-dipped casings and Horween Leather straps, everything is of the highest quality – you can even swap out bands for some fun customization.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted In accessories, style, wear it
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August 21, 2017

The Human Made’s Graphic Tights

 

My mind is already in Fall Mode, including when it comes to wardrobes options. I first saw The Human Made‘s line of graphic tights last year and they’ve been on my mind ever since! Most of my clothing lives in the world of neutrals, and a few pairs of these would be just the thing to shake things up a bit. Currently there are 61 designs available, with several on sale for 50% off so go take a look!

 

 

 

 

 

Posted In create, graphics, style, wear it
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August 16, 2017

ABLE Denim

The Jacket – Merly Wash

One of my favorite brands – fashionABLE – just released its first line of denim! I’m pumped to say the least, because I know ABLE denim will serve to create more job opportunities for women while remaining ethically sound. They’re starting with ten denim staples in a few different washes that are full of comfort, quality, and style and the line will expand from there. I can’t wait to see what’s next because this is an amazing start! (Free shipping today and tomorrow in celebration!)

 

The High Rise – Elvira Wash

 

The Skinny – Angie Wash

 

The Western Shirt – Rita Wash

 

The Kick – Susanna Wash

Posted In create, do good, style, wear it
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