Illustrated beauties and gents covered in tattoos, I can’t really think of anything sexier for Valentine’s Day if I try. I’ve long been a fan of Emily Winfield Martin‘s work and style, and you can make any number of her pieces your own at her shop – The Black Apple.
I’m completely and utterly fascinated by these dreamy, blurry portraits by Miaz Brothers. Every painting looks nearly airbrushed perfect with the exception of a paint drip or two.
Baltimore-based artist Seth Adelsberger creates paintings that appear to verge on scientific experiments, petri dishes in particular. I love the sharp, jagged angles and monochromatic color palettes used on each piece.
Paris born, Brooklyn-based painter Jules de Balincourt is crazy versatile. Figures, abstracts, landscapes, you name it. Yet everything he touches has a unique touch, making it unabashedly his style.
Emily Gherard‘s abstracts are phenomenal. They make me mind spin and turn in a way that makes me think I know what I’m looking at and then two seconds later I’m rethinking myself. I love that feeling. I’ll make you visit her site to learn what she’s actually painting (mwahahahaha).
These hyper-real paintings by Yrjö Edelmann make wrinkly, poorly wrapped items look downright good. I wouldn’t mind finding one of them under the tree Christmas morning.
I love the playful, creative feel of these textiles from Milk Farm Road (aka Heather Chontos). They’re sort of perfect for any occasion, each one is hand-painted linen that feels like an abstract work of art. The garlands would also be so fun to decorate with during the holidays (or any day, really)!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I’ve mentioned before just how elusive a good watercolor technique has been for me, but I don’t think I’ve told you that it’s also my favorite kind of painting. Longtime internet friend and designer Sarah Zero creates fun, colorful, lively watercolor abstracts and patterns in her shop – Jackalope Heart.
I love gifting art for any reason, and Jackalope Heart is ridiculously affordable. Sarah offers both original paintings as well as digital downloads for sale. And here comes the crazy/amazing part, so brace yourself. With the coupon code TURKELOPE13 you get $10 off a purchase of $20. That boils down to four digital downloads for only $10 or one original for $15 (limited supply). Take advantage for prettying up any bare walls in your own home, or crossing some names off of your gift list!