November 24, 2015
12 November DIYs
Click on each image to go to the project.
All photos copyright of their respective sites unless otherwise noted.
November 24, 2015
Blake Barash / B Street Shoes
I think I might need a new pair of shoes. And I think they might need to be hand painted by Blake Barash. He’s sold over 2,700 pairs so far in his Etsy shop, B Street Shoes. Brash favors painting on Nikes, TOMS, Vans, and Converse in his statement-making style. And yes, he does give you the freedom to customize on special orders.
November 16, 2015
EPICfail (+ a Giveaway)
I’ve been a fan of Christine Fail’s jewelry since she launched her first line, and only fell more in love with her classic organic pieces after meeting her in New York a few months ago. Christine’s latest line – EPICfail – is a foray into higher end jewelry that launched in September. The collection of 14k gold and sterling silver jewelry is accented with rose-cut diamonds and is intentionally ring-focused, with many of the pieces designed as contemporary ceremony rings. The collection includes six rings in a variety of widths and thicknesses, three pendant necklaces, two pairs of earrings, and a cuff. The line still fits Fail’s minimal aesthetic, but elegant texture is the focal point.
“With EPICfail, I’m returning to my roots in fine jewelry. I have been excited by the challenge of incorporating some of the more advanced techniques I am mastering, such as wax carving and stone setting, into the collection,” Fail says. “I’ve always been my own muse — creating pieces I would want to wear, knowing there was a customer with my sensibilities — and the same applies to EPICfail.”
We’re giving away one of my favorite pieces – the Slope Ring (above right) – or $495 towards anything else in the EPICfail collection! Christine is also offering readers 20% off with code EPICDESIGN through 11/25.
George Barberis, photography
Estelle Manifesto, model
Samantha Hough, hair/makeup
November 9, 2015
Juniper & Scout
Looking for a shop with a little bit of everything? Juniper & Scout has got you covered. They continually track down the best in modern, handcrafted design so you can always find the perfect gift or treat yo self reward. Everything is made right here in the USA by makers who embrace original design, small batch production, and environmental sensitivity (major bonus). Here are just a few of my favorites below. Use the code DESIGNCRUSH20 at checkout for 20% off your total purchase! (Expires 12/15/15)
I reserve the quiet ritual of French press coffee for chilly winter weekends, and vessels don’t get much prettier than this high gloss ceramic beauty with a copper pull.
This bar of Black Gold Equilateral Soap has an activated charcoal bottom to deep-clean pores and is scented with lavender and tea tree essential oils, plus it has that easy-to-grip shape. Pamper yourself or leave it out for guests.
My purse is basically a blackhole, so this Tropical Linen Pouch would be perfect for helping me get organized. It would also make a great gift, you could fill it with other little goodies or toss in a gift card.
Moscow mules are my cold weather cocktail of choice, and while they’re traditionally served in copper mugs I love these copper cups as a chic alternative. I’d also happily use one on the bathroom sink or to plant a few small succulents.
How sweet would this It’s Good to Be Home embroidery look hung over the front door or near the coatrack? I love the modern take on such a traditional craft.
I get so dry when temperatures drop, and this Rosewood + Blood Orange Lotion Ball looks like a fun way to stay moisturized. It would also make one heck of a stocking stuffer.
If you are or have a creative insomniac in your life you may want to pick up one of these Creative Ramblings Journals. I’d put mine on the bedside table so I could make note of all of the strange Google searches I think of at 3:48am!
This post sponsored by Juniper & Scout. All words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush churning out fresh content!
Posted In accessories, beauty bag, behind the scenes, create, house and home, kitchen, living, notebooks + journals, paper goods, sponsored post, style, wear it
November 6, 2015
Happy Weekend
This week on Design Crush:
Fifteen fresh pieces of art for your walls in this month’s Print Edition: November.
A shop full of fantastic handmade and vintage goods over at Lostine.
Maggie Chiang‘s art is inspired by real and imaginative places.
Loving these Takenaka Bento Boxes.
Mirador has created the most beautiful collection of scarves.
I’d happily fill my kitchen cupboards with Hasami Porcelain.
Annie O’Dorisio takes mixed media pen and embroidery art to another level.
A Design Crush x fashionABLE table linens collection was released yesterday – enter for a chance to win a set of your own!
Design Crush elsewhere:
My latest post pairing rugs and rooms is up over on Rugs Direct.
Check out how to be a tailgating superstar.
November 6, 2015
Britta Boeckmann
Britta Boeckmann‘s wood and resin is jewelry, sold under the name BoldB, is inspired by Australia’s flora and fauna. Her process varies from piece to piece, but involves the delicate process of making molds, casting resin and wood, gently sanding the pieces into their unique shapes, and then finally varnishing or oiling the jewelry.
November 4, 2015
Mirador
The unintentional theme of this week’s artists seems to be mighty talented youth, with today’s being Sydney-based Lauren Elise Cassar and her accessories line – Mirador. Right now she’s featuring a fantastic debut collection of eight handprinted cotton voile scarves that would look just as good slung around you as hung upon your wall.
October 27, 2015
Finding Your Scent
Scent is an extension of personality, style, and person. It’s something that can be deeply intimate, linked to memories and different periods of life. For me it was CK1 in junior high, white musk in high school, Ralph in college, and several more since. It’s all been an experiment in making sure what I’m wearing reflects who I feel I am at any given time.
Lately I’ve been exploring with MCMC‘s fragrance’s. I’d been curious about the Brooklyn-based shop for some time, and after meeting co-owner and modern perfumer Anne McClain in August, I knew I needed to dig deeper. I tried the six scents above, but what I fell in love with instantly was a new collaborative scent – MOCIUN #2. The perfume oil has elements of wild black spruce, patchouli, and Brazilian rosewood and I feel like this one is going to be with me for quite awhile.
Four things to keep in mind when choosing a scent:
One.
Sniff away at anything and everything, but know that your olfactory bulb weakens after the first three. If you’re testing more than that try burying your nose in your elbow crease in between to “reset” your senses.
Two.
Start with lighter scents like musks, then cycle through heavier ones like citrus, floral, and woodsy.
Three.
Just because you like the way it smells in the bottle doesn’t mean it will smell the same once it hits your skin. It’s all about chemistry, so make sure you try it on yourself before making a purchase. It can even change over a few hours making a test-run essential.
Four.
Make sure you understand what you’re smelling, so that you can isolate your favorite notes and look for them in other scents as well.
October 21, 2015
F/W15 Looks I Might Actually Try
Cherry Bombe Ombre Nails from OPI
It’s been a few years since I’ve attended New York Fashion Week, but I always make sure and pay attention to the trends hitting the runways. I like to imagine how I might translate some of them to fit my casual/modern style, but I’m also drawn to the makeup trends. My daily look is classically minimal with the focus on strong black eyeliner on my upper lids and usually red on my nails. If I’m going to step out of that box it has to be good, and usually a little off the beaten path. I’ve got these five looks bookmarked for days this fall and winter when my look is calling for a little something extra.
Minimally bold lids from Laura Coulson for Rollacoaster
Red ombre lips from LzJade
Striking colored brows from Edaline Lee via Najla Kaddour
Abstract painterly nails from jinsoonchoi
Posted In beauty bag, style
October 19, 2015
Actually, It Is Easy Being Green
Bloomsbury pattern // Susanna Vento // The Transcontinental Affair
This season there’s one color I can’t help but see everywhere I look, and that’s green. Green of all hues and shades, super saturated and pleasingly pastel. From home interiors to fashion to everywhere in between, this color that’s usually making a departure come autumn is all of a sudden making a play to stick around!
Jack Chair // Soft-Washed Linen Duvet // Sly Fox Knocker
Shining Pinstripe Napkins // Summit Ankle Boot // Here’s Looking at Me, Kid
Handmade Leather Bag // Oh Happy Day // Jacket with Faux Fur Lining
Posted In accessories, bags, furniture, house and home, kitchen, living, shoes, style, walls, wear it