March 18, 2013
March DIYs
Click on each image to go to the project.
All photos copyright of their respective sites unless otherwise noted.
March 8, 2013
Happy Weekend
01/ Giant ocean waves made of wood and glass.
02/ I’m not much for the nail art craze, but love these watercolor nails.
03/ Matchstickmen – giant matchsticks with human heads.
04/ Check out Stick-lets then go build a fort!
05/ Overcast – an animated short about a guy followed around by a rain cloud.
06/ Pantone Pairings, a series of typically paired foods as Pantone swatches.
07/ Banknote portraits!
08/ This giant mirrored canopy – the Port Vieux Pavilion – is beautiful.
09/ A series of photos of a photographer’s girlfriend leading him around the world by the hand.
10/ Love these CMYK playing cards!
This week you might’ve missed…
We Hope You Like This Song
Win It: Artifact Uprising
Minimal Acrylic Jewelry
Home State Address Stamps
Animals Loose in NYC
West African Peanut Soup
The Daily Dish
Old English Company
March 5, 2013
Minimal Acrylic Jewelry
Last week I wrote about Sandra Fettingis and her latest exhibit, and today I’m sharing another of her talents – Sandra is also a talented jeweler! She creates the best minimal acrylic jewelry that I want hanging all over me. Get a load of those earrings, wouldja!
March 1, 2013
Pear Diamond E/R
Let’s face it, the chances of being able to afford diamond earrings this massive are slim to none. (I’m sorry.) However, this pair of Pear Diamond E/R sublimate printed earrings are closer within budget. For a fun surprise check out the reverse side – it’s a vintage print taken from an antique biscuit tin!
Posted In jewelry, wear it
February 27, 2013
By Loumi
Elegant. Modern. Porcelain. By Loumi makes the most beautiful jewelry, and is a relatively new line having just launched in 2012. Every piece is made by hand in the artist’s studio in France, then packaged and sent your way. One of my favorite pieces in the spring collection is the Melia square brooch, I wish more jewelers created pins!
February 25, 2013
Winter Maintenance
Lots of things need special care come the colder months – your car, your home, and definitely you. I’m sort of ashamed to admit to it, but this is the first time in my life I’ve ever made changes to my everyday routine to account for winter. (Just another thing that happens once you hit your 30s I suppose!) The biggest deviation for me has been adding crazy amounts of moisture to my skin and drinking so much water. I’m crazy dry this year and I’m doing all I can to stay hydrated inside and out. Here’s my Winter Maintenance Package, have anything special in your arsenal that I should add to mine? Please share!
Pureology Hydrate Shampoo + Conditioner. My hair is probably the one thing that isn’t dry, but I’m addicted to the minty smell and tingly scalp sensation these leave behind.
Bliss Soapy Suds Body Wash + Bubble Bath. In the Blood Orange + White Pepper, please. This isn’t specifically to add moisture, but I can’t get enough of the light scent and gads of bubbles. One of the few products I use year-round.
EOS Shave Cream. A few years ago my skin started freaking out after I shaved, it was super sensitive all of a sudden. After trying a slew of products this is the one that was most calming, it’s also very moisture rich.
Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser. I was lucky enough not to have teenage acne, but it bit me in the ass in the form of cystic adult acne once I hit 30. My dermatologist recommended this above all others and I love how smooth and soft it makes my face feel. Also, fewer breakouts and no tightness post-wash.
Bliss Maximum Moisture Cream Body Butter. Let’s talk body butter, because I know what you’re thinking. Thick. Greasy. No thanks. This product is the exact opposite of that despite the name. It’s light and absorbs into your skin immediately. I have never found a lotion I love more. Oh, and it smells lovely too. I use this before bed most nights.
Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer. I didn’t know this moisturizer existed until a few months ago. My skin is combination and it’s always been impossible to use the same facial lotion all over. Until this. It’s light, sinks in, doesn’t make me shiny, and has an SPF of 50+.
Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Lotion. It should come as no surprise that I first encountered this lotion at my Grandma’s over the holidays. I was desperate for something to stop the itching and flaking so I tried it. And it worked. So good that I bought some as soon as I got home and use it every day.
C.O. Bigelow Chapped Hands Remedy. I’ve had this for years, which shows how little you need to use. My hands aren’t chapped, but I hate wearing gloves so the backs get dry. Before bed I use some of this peppermint miracle and things stay soft as can be.
Honest Organic Lip Balm. I’m a lip balm junky/whore/addict and this is my latest obsession. Right now I’m using the Lavender Mint and it’s the best smelling, smoothest stuff. I can’t get enough of it.
Bliss High Intensity 24 Heaven. This is basically the older, wiser sister of Bliss’s Body Butter. I put it on my feet a few times a week before putting my socks on and it works miracles.
MAC Pro Longwear Eye Liner. In black. Always black. This is one of the only eye liners I’ve found that actually stands the test of a day. It’s also a softer pencil, which means you don’t end up stabbing yourself in the eyelid as much which is always welcome.
Maybelline The Falsies Mascara. My favorite mascara is this one, it adds length and volume to my lashes which is a necessity when going for a semi-natural look.
Laura Geller Balance n Brighten SPF 15 Color Correcting Foundation. Whew, that’s a mouthful. I found this a random way as well, by my mom ordering it on QVC. Yup, for real. I like to use a light layer over my foundation in place of powder for some extra coverage.
Stila Convertible Color. If I had to swear allegiance to one thing in my makeup bag it would be this one. It gives a great pop of color to my fair complexion, and being a cream adds moisture instead of wicking it away like a powder blush.
MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15. This foundation gives great coverage. I use a light layer under my powder foundation and it’s like magic for dark spots.
Rimmell Fix & Perfect Foundation Primer. I don’t use this primer every day, only when I know it’s going to be a long day of makeup wear and I need some help keeping it on. It helps me face look a little dewy and hangs on to my foundation for dear life.
Posted In beauty bag, my life
February 22, 2013
Awards-Worthy Looks
What would Awards Season be without sassy, smart, witty women dressed in stunning frocks? Oh sure, a bunch of awards and acknowledgements about hours of blood, sweat, and tears poured out of actors and actresses. (But really, it’s all about the dresses.) Here are a few of the trends rocking the red carpet during 2013’s accolades.
Ona Leather Bustier Gown by alice + olivia // Florence Gown by Reem Acra
One of my favorite trends that’s always present on the red carpet are layered tulle skirts. So ethereal and ultra feminine, they have the ability to turn any lady into a star for the evening. And they nearly always end up on the Best Dressed lists!
Nicolette Leather Trim Gown by Catherine Deane // Side Drape Gown by Halston Heritage
This year I’ve noticed a lot of cutouts and black/white dichotomies, both are all about geometry. While the striking black and white ensembles are visually powerful, the cutout panels bring a strong confidence all their own. Neither is for the weak at heart.
Wrap Cowl Sequin Gown by Elie Saab // Nannie Sequin Knit Maxi Dress by Calypso St. Barth
Now, as always, sequins and shimmery beading are show-stoppers that a lady simply can’t go wrong with. These dresses say all eyes on me in the best possible way.
Crepe Dress by Marchesa // Embellish Collar Georgette Gown by Elie Saab
Figure-skimming gowns with one embellished area are hot this season. I love the understated quality (if that’s possible in a gown) of these garments, they really allow the women wearing them to shine bright and be the focus.
Baileys Tiramisu Parfait // Easy Baileys Brownies // Baileys Hazelnut & Ice Cream
Everyone knows the best part of any event is the After Party, and when you’ve worked tirelessly to fit into a form-fitting dress the pinnacle are the sweets waiting at the end of the evening.
If you’ll be tuning in to the Oscars this Sunday you can find me tweeting along at @designcrush!
Sponsored by Baileys Original. Join @BaileysOriginal on Twitter to celebrate #girlsnight and the women of the Red Carpet.
February 19, 2013
Angela & Roi
Fashion meets philanthropy with Angela & Roi‘s vintage-modern vegan leather handbags. For their Donate By Color mission, Angela & Roi promise to donate a portion of each sale to a chosen non-profit health organization by color of a handbag sold. Help them support the community in a positive way by making a purchase you’re sure to use for years to come!
February 18, 2013
February DIYs
Click on each image to go to the project.
All photos copyright of their respective sites unless otherwise noted.
February 15, 2013
Make It: Hardware Store Jewelry
Last week I took a trip to the hardware store to pick up some spray paint to give new life to my filing cabinet and happened to walk down the fasteners aisle. Where inspiration smacked me in the forehead. So many shapes, weights, and options just waiting to be gussied up and turned into something beautiful. When I came home and sat down to start creating the other piece of the puzzle seemed to be waiting in my bathroom (stay with me here) – in the form of nail polish. I have bottle upon bottle of every color in the rainbow, have never finished one in my life, and love the lacquered finish. Here’s what I ended up with.
These Hex Nut Rings were the first piece I came up with. They’re chunky for sure, but quite the statement. I love the metal finish sans any sort of color, but decided to play around with some different combinations – just painting the edges a dark navy blue, painting half fuchsia half purple, etc. These would also be fantastic strung on a chain and worn around your neck!
These Washer Brooches may be my favorite piece, I plan on clustering several different sizes together to wear at one time. Some monotone and probably one patterned. Pro Tip: While painting such a broad flat surface is to dab the nail polish rather than brush it on. Don’t be afraid to load it up with paint either, it ends up leaving a great enameled finish.
I love these Washer Hoop Earrings! I painted them with a gold flecked black polish and can’t wait to wear them out. Pro Tip: Be sure to paint the edges and backs of these guys as well as the surface. I think with the next pair I’ll do a contrasting color on the backside. Don’t be intimidated, they’re surprisingly light to wear!
I couldn’t resist doing a small pair of Washer Stud Earrings as well.
Lastly I created a large Washer Pendant, though I’m not thrilled with the black cord. I’d rather have used something like a beaded silver chain and hope to find some to replace this with. But I really like the pendant itself, especially with the swoosh of purple on navy. You could also use a smaller washer here for something more delicate of course.
MATERIALS
• 3/4″ hex nuts (or whatever size best fits your finger)
• large washers
• small washers
• earring backings
• pins
• cord or chain
• Gorilla Glue (hot glue didn’t hold all that well)
• varied colors of nail polish
