Spring Fever Wishlist

Spring-Fever-Design-Crush

1. A pair of mid-length deconstructed denim shorts that can be worn with tights on cool days.

2. A set of simple circle studs that can be worn with anything.

3. A knit sweater with a sweet 60s neckline to layer or wear alone in lieu of a jacket.

4. A pair of black peep toe flats for those extra warm days that warrant a little skin shown.

5. The perfect sized boho bag to stash the essentials, along with whatever else.

6. A double-wrap cuff in a whispery pink as a hello to spring colors.

7. A pair of booties with extra character to pair with skirts and dresses.

8. A slouchy pair of tapered drawstring pants, because comfort is key.

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Son of a Sailor: Land Collection

Son of a Sailor Land Collection-1-Design Crush

 

I’ve been a fan of Austin-based Son of a Sailor since their start, and as they release their third handmade collection – LAND – I’m just as enamored as ever.  William Knopp and Jessica Tata found inspiration for their latest work in the geographic forms and colors of the western frontier, leading to brass geometric forms and bold color choices. The collection features a variety of gems, intricate beading and metalwork, and an exploration of the lines and patterns found in nature. So perfect for spring and summer.

 

Son of a Sailor Land Collection-2-Design Crush

 

Son of a Sailor Land Collection-3-Design Crush

 

Son of a Sailor Land Collection-4-Design Crush

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Happy Hearts Day Gifts + Treats

Valentine's-Day-Roundup-4-Design-Crush

Valentine's-Day-Roundup-1-Design-Crush

DIY Concrete Love Hearts Necklace // Skip a Beat Tea Towel // Candy Buttons // DIY Cupid’s Arrow Piñata // Heartstring Garland // DIY Heart & Arrow Headband // DIY Leather Conversation Hearts // Heart Backdrop // Darling Dearest Frame

 

Valentine's-Day-Roundup-2-Design-Crush

Heartbeat Necklace // DIY Floating Heart Backdrop // DIY Fabric Valentine // Heart Lips Graphic Tee // iceDrops heart Ceramic Beverage Chillers // Besties Floral iPhone 5 Case // Makes Outs Foil Stamped Print // Love Necklace // Black Triangular Wall Hearts

 

Valentine's-Day-Roundup-3-Design-Crush

Baked Chocolate Cherry Doughnut Hearts // DIY Valentine’s Pillows // Linzer Cookies // Marbled Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies // Heart Hole Punch // Heart Pattern Friendship Bracelets // Heart Shaped Mini Cookies // Not Soap, Radio Body Wash // DIY Copper Arrows

 

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Trending: Aztec

Aztec-1-Design-Crush

Black and White Aztec Patter iPhone Case – Vasare Nar // Printed Long Sleeve Knit – Seed Heritage // Globetrotter Loafers – Forever21 // Winter Aztec Dress – Necessary Clothing

The new year is kicking off with Aztec-inspired prints across the board. This bold, graphic print has been popping on garments, accessories, and in the home. It’s equally eye-catching in black and white or bold colors, and lends itself especially well to cold weather essentials like cardigans and throws. I can’t wait to get on board!

 

Aztec-2-Design-Crush

Loom Beaded Geometric Earrings – Everything Golden // World Traveler Open Front Cardigan – Forever21 // Aztec Necklace – Joyo // Janey Pillow – CB2

 

Aztec-3-Design-Crush

 Magical Thinking Metal Wall Bin – Urban Outfitters // Aztec Clutch – Nikita & Vesper // Bold Vintage Pattern Headwrap – Claire’s // Rustic Draped Front Cardigan – Forever21

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BEPARTstudio

BEPARTstudio-1-Design Crush

 

Slovakian artist Petra Arbetova is passionate about all types of art and design, and it shows in her handmade jewelry collection at BEPARTstudio. Nature and geometry are evident inspiration in each piece, as well as Petra’s attention to detail. The rings below are begging to be added to my collection!

 

BEPARTstudio-2-Design Crush

 

BEPARTstudio-3-Design Crush

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DIY Holiday Gifts

Yesterday we talked food gifts, and today we’re talking handmade DIY presents. I don’t know about you, but I would  much rather receive something small with lots of thought put into it than something pricey that was an afterthought. It just means more knowing someone spent their time rather than their money. Here are fifteen gifts that would be perfect alone or partnered with one of our suggestions!

 

antler-monogrammed-door-mat-Lia-Griffith-Design-Crush

Pair with: a boot brush, a small rosemary bush for the porch.

 

bullet-horn-necklace-The-Merrythought-Design-Crush

Pair with: simple earrings, a pair of bangles.

 

etched-snow-globe-Apartment-Therapy-Design-Crush

Pair with: a pretty brass bell, bottle brush trees.

 

geometric-tree-puzzle-A-Beautiful-Mess-Design-Crush

Pair with: a few vintage ornaments, homemade pomanders.

 

knotted-leather-bracelets-Henry-Happened-Design-Crush

Pair with: a soft pair of gloves or mittens, a silk scarf.

 

leather-cup-jacket-Design-Sponge-Design-Crush

Pair with: hot toddy ingredients, a set of mason jars.

 

leather-stained-coasters-Design-Sponge-Design-Crush

Pair with: a set of mugs, mulling spices.

 

leather+wood-trivets-Design-Sponge-Design-Crush

Pair with: soup mix, a vintage pot.

 

painted-mugs-Front-&-Main-Design-Crush

Pair with: gourmet hot chocolate, homemade cookies.

 

polka-dot-napkins-Freutcake-Design-Crush

Pair with: crackers and cheese, pretty cocktail plates.

 

rope-chargers-Whimseybox-Design-Crush

Pair with: letterpress place cards, a set of linen napkins.

 

soy-wax-candles-Henry-Happened-Design-Crush

Pair with: a candle snuffer, a nice box of matches.

 

stitched-clutch-Henry-Happened-Design-Crush

Pair with: a bottle of nail polish, a pair of sunglasses.

 

sweater-wrapped-votives-BHG-Design-Crush

Pair with: a cozy scarf or blanket, a favorite board game.

 

tablet-sweater-case-Sweet-Paul-Design-Crush

Pair with: an iTunes gift card, screen cleaner.

Click on each image to go to the project.
All photos copyright of their respective sites unless otherwise noted.

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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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