I’m forever on the lookout for products that are not only well made and look great, but that give something back. ESPEROS does just that. When you purchase one of their amazingly well-designed bags they give 10% to to fund education initiatives – in fact, every single ESPEROS bag sold helps fund one year of education for a child in the developing world.
But they go even further with total transparency concerning their factory and workers in Shenzhen, China, where the bags are manufactured after being designed in Austin, TX. Average age? 33. Average work week? 45 hours. ESPEROS provides these workers with three meals a day as well as free housing and full benefits.
Oh, and the bags are waterproof, stain resistant, machine washable, and made with durable, fine-aging canvas. Now that’s a purchase you can feel solid about making.
I’ve been a fan of Bridge & Burn from the start. Their classic, functional clothing designs are right in line with what I prefer to wear most days. Since 2009 they’ve been creating classic, understated apparel inspired by the natural beauty and culture of Portland. Each piece is designed right above their flagship store by a small team, meant to stand the test of time and be worn again and again – occasionally from the outdoors to dinner and back again! I picked up the Howell parka (below) and a few other pieces last month and am in love with the quality and fit of every one. This is a line that’s sure to be a staple in my closet for a long time to come.
The Stitch is part of Speak Your Silence, a nonprofit on a mission to conquer the stigma of child sexual abuse. Founder Matt Pipkin was abused by a family friend as a kid and is now doing his best to transform lives and protect future generations. The Stitch is a zigzag symbolizing your unique voice frequency. By wearing it, you become a voice that can help move the issue of child sexual abuse from a taboo to a cause people love and support. When you wear it each conversation you spark carries the power to transform the life of someone you love and break the stigma of child sexual abuse. You can purchase a sewing kit to add The Stitch to your clothing or purchase a t-shirt with it already embroidered and support Speak Your Silence‘s mission in the process.
Kimberly Huestis creates her beautiful jewelry line – Porcelain and Stone – through rock sculpting and ceramics. Design and environmentally-driven choices are at the root of her work, as well as quality of materials, and I’d say all of that comes through in spades.
By this point in December most of the gifts have been bought and maybe even wrapped, cookie recipes have been researched and are about to be baked, and chances are you’ve hit up more than one holiday party. It’s high time you pamper yourself just a bit before running headlong into the last week of the year, dontcha think?
This year I’m part of Dream Shop Collective, a group of bloggers and makers that have come together to host nine holiday giveaways from shops that are independently owned and primarily run by women. (Maybe you’ve seen me sharing the other gals’ giveaways on Twitter?) We’re shifting the focus away from the hyperstimulated e-commerce world to offer a place of calm, inspiration, and beauty – and I’m happy to host the 9th and final giveaway from Menagerie.
The Portland-based shop – housed in a renovated 1979 Airstream! – is on a mission to provide products that are good for the body, good for the environment, and good for the people who make them. Menagerie carries non-chemical skincare with ingredients you can pronounce, cosmetics, fragrance, and grooming products from companies who pay the very best attention to their quality, and hand-made goods that help support the small businesses that craft them. There are at least ten things on my wish list from this well-curated shop! But you’re the lucky ones, so…
Enter below to win something special for yourself – here’s what’s up for grabs. (U.S. entries only)
Menagerie Gold Bar Earrings
Laqa & Co Doppelganger Fat Lip Pencil
Aenon’s Sea Kelp & Rose Clay Facial Mask
LURK All Natural Perfume Oil (scent BS003)
Cast Iron Garden Snips
I always struggle when explaining just what I do for a living to others. You’d think after 8 1/2 years of Design Crush I’d have nailed down an elevator pitch, but nope. Usually I resort to saying something about the site being a reflection of my aesthetic yadda yadda yadda. That is until a few months ago when I came across this quote by Maira Kalman and it resonated like no other. I feel like this is the absolute perfect way to describe my day to day and if I could use it as the entirety of my bio I would.
I share things I love daily with you, but of course I don’t own all of them. Not even a fraction. One of my favorite posts each year is this one, where I get to share the things I use day in and day out that have stood the test of life. So in my best Oprah voice, herewith are my faaaavorite thiiiiiings for 2015!
1/Artifact Uprising’s Wood Cleat – This sleek reclaimed wood cleat has a magnetic closure system, making it super easy to swap out whatever art/photo/etc you want to display at any given moment.
2/Casper – You’ve surely heard about this startup that’s changing the mattress industry. I got mine back in March and haven’t woken up with a sore back or hips since. I really cannot recommend it enough! (Hit me up if you want a coupon!)
3/Cold Gold – This line of hand-crafted geometric and leather jewelry has become my go-to for daily wear and gifting. It doesn’t hurt that the owner is super sweet either!
4/Neoflam – Cast aluminum cookware that’s non-stick and seamless is perfect for making dinner every night. Because when something is this easy to clean up it’s way less likely to end up sitting in my sink for a week.
5/Urbanears Plattan ADV Wireless – I’ve worn this line for years, but they recently released the first Bluetooth headphones in their lineup and I’m completely hooked.
6/Parabo Press Risograph Prints – Really all of their personalized print goods, but especially the pink risographs are amazing. The app is also super easy to use which says a lot in this day and age.
7/Treat Collection – Since trying out this non-toxic line of nail polishes and remover I haven’t used anything else. Great coverage, no odor – what else could be better?
8/Nest – I first plugged my new learning thermostat in this past spring. Not only is it interesting to see it learn your habits, it’s also fantastic seeing the difference in your bills.
9/Canary – Quite simply the easiest all-in-one home security system that’s ever been. You control it all from your phone and there’s zero setup.
10/Frederick’s & Mae Playing Cards – Some of the most eye-catching I’ve ever come across, they even make solitaire that much better!
This is maybe the first year I’ve had a tough time coming up with a Christmas wish list. I’d always heard about reaching that age where you just buy yourself all of the things you want and/or need, but I thought it was probably one of those adulthood myths. (You know what I’m talking about.) But after combing through my Pinterest boards I realized there were a few things on my list after all…
I’m ready for layers, aren’t you? A few weeks ago I bought my first new winter coat in seven years (fair thee well, sturdy black peacoat!) and the coziest white knit hat. Now to add a new pair of gloves or mittens and a few sweaters to my winter wardrobe…
