Miaz Brothers

Miaz Brothers-1-Design Crush

 

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.

 

Miaz Brothers-2-Design Crush

 

Miaz Brothers-3-Design Crush

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Jules de Balincourt

Jules de Balincourt-1-Design Crush

 

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.

 

Jules de Balincourt-2-Design Crush

 

Jules de Balincourt-3-Design Crush

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Emily Gherard

Emily Gherard-1-Design Crush

 

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).

 

Emily Gherard-2-Design Crush

 

Emily Gherard-3-Design Crush

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Milk Farm Road

Milk Farm Road-1-Design Crush

 

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)!

 

Milk Farm Road-2-Design Crush

 

Milk Farm Road-3-Design Crush

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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.

 

My-Favorite-Things-1-Design-Crush

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.

 

My-Favorite-Things-2-Design-Crush

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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Jackalope Heart

Jackalope Heart-1-Design Crush

 

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!

 

Jackalope Heart-2-Design Crush

 

Jackalope Heart-3-Design Crush

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