July 13, 2017

[paper.]

 

There’s not much to [paper.]‘s backpack and tote, and that’s where the beauty lies. These minimally designed, water-repellant bags are made from waterproof paper and hemp straps in Berlin. They have a leather-like texture and can be worn or carried in any weather conditions. Fantastic sustainable products from a super-transparent company!

 

 

Posted In bags, create, grand design, style, wear it
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June 14, 2017

10 Days of Design Crush Anniversary Giveaways: Day 10 Fashionable

 

Ten years ago this month I started Design Crush as a place to gather inspiration for my day job as a graphic designer, and five years ago it became my full-time job. To thank you all, as well as highlight some of my favorite sponsors from over the years, we’ll be hosting ten days of giveaways in celebration of ten years of this little site that could.

 

 

Over the past few years I’ve have the pleasure of working closely with two incredible companies who have business models built on investing in and empowering women in impoverished countries. The first of which was Fashionable, and in 2016 we worked together to create a line of table and kitchen linens.

 

 

Fashionable works with women, both locally and globally, who have overcome challenges ranging from prostitution to addiction to a lack of opportunity. With your help they work to give opportunity to women where there is often little, and then they effect change.

The line has grown from a collection of handwoven scarves to include leather goods from around the world and jewelry made in Nashville, Tennessee. Now just this month Fashionable has added apparel and shoes to their shop!

 

 

Like the rest of their collections, Fashionable‘s apparel and shoes are perfectly pared down versions of everyday styles. I’m aching to get my hands on the Cecilia T-Shirt Dress a pair of Pamela Platform Sandals for the perfect summer outfit. I can see layering some of the other tops in different colors over the dress to mix things up and create new outfits, too.

 

 

With lovely collections of leather, jewelry, apparel, and shoes, you’ll have no trouble spending the $250 gift card Fashionable is gifting one reader for our last day of giveaways! You have 22 ways to enter to win and 48-hours to get crackin’.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Posted In accessories, bags, behind the scenes, jewelry, series, shameless plug, shoes, style, wear it, win it
25
June 2, 2017

12 Dopp Kits

Alden Leather Travel Kit // Waxed Canvas Toiletries Pouch // Manready Dopp Kit // Herschel Studio Tarpaulin Chapter Dopp Kit

Nothing makes me feel more prepared for travel than a solid dopp kit – do you have one? I actually keep doubles of a lot of my toiletries permanently inside because it makes packing for a trip much easier, and thereby me far less likely to forget something. I have a patterned one from Hammocks & High Tea that’s served me well for at least five years, I love it and can’t wait to take it along for a few more adventures this summer.

 

Refresh Dopp Kit // Toilette Shave Kit // Filson Travel Kit // Kip & Co Mauve Toiletry Bag

 

Leather Dopp // Alchemy Goods Elliot Travel Kit // Too Designs Travel Kit // Waxed Canvas Dopp Kit

Posted In bags, round up, series, style, wear it
1
May 31, 2017

May Favorites

1/ EcoBark Dog Harness
After years of searching for a harness that helped control my dog’s tendency to pull, as well as one that fit her broad chest/small neck measurements, I’ve found it. This thing is a lifesaver and the straps are made from recycled water bottles – bonus. (Note: runs small)

2/ Lemon Tree
Plants are therapeutic for me, and I picked up one of these little guys during a plant buying binge. I liked the idea of trying to grow it so much that I bought my Grandma one for Mother’s Day, too. No doubt hers will be five feet tall before mine hits 18-inches!

3/ Native Union Night Cable
This ten-foot long cable is amazing for charging your phone and devices while lounging in bed. The weighted knot anchors it to any surface, so you’re not left searching for your fallen phone when the alarm goes off in the morning.

4/ Elemental Coffee
My favorite coffee from when I lived in Oklahoma City remains my favorite 2 1/2 years post-move. The small batch roastery imports and roasts their own, and you can order a subscription service to show up on your doorstep. I highly recommend the Perusha.

5/ NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square
A classic orangey-red that looks amazing on any skin tone, it’s been my go-to for a few years.

6/ Case Study Bentwood Tray Table
I rely on this tray table in the evenings, when I’m sitting on the couch with the dogs and either listening to records or half paying attention to something on television. It’s a great height and wide enough that I can sit crosslegged under it.

7/ Bebe drawn by Preserve a Moment
The super talented Susanne Kasielke drew my pup, Bebe, from a photo I’d shared in Instagram months ago. Her work is top-notch and I suspect it won’t be long until I commission her to illustrate my other pup as well!

8/ Tadesse Bucket Bag
The perfect bag for summer, its roomy interior provides so much space for essentials while the drawstring closure keeps it all secure. (It’s also available in a mini size and several colors of leather!)

9/ Yucca Plant
I had no clue that yucca plants could survive outdoors in Pennsylvania, or that I had three in my front yard, or that they bloom sporadically! Mine sprouted some tall stalks just about overnight, now I’m waiting for their white bell-like flowers to bloom.

Posted In bags, beauty bag, create, favorites, food, furniture, house and home, illustration, living, outdoors, pets, series, style, technology, wear it
0
May 3, 2017

The Big Spring Closet Clean Out of 2017

 

I’ve been slowly going through my house, room by room, and getting rid of things I haven’t used recently. Call it the Marie Kondo method, call it decluttering, whatever you call it it feels really good. I’ve had April earmarked for my closet since the start of the year and was really looking forward to doing some serious damage. Most things end up in the donation pile, but there are usually a few more quality pieces that I’d like to get a return on – enter eBay!

 

 

 

If you’ve never sold with eBay before it couldn’t be easier, let me lay it out.

Step 1. List it.
 Take a few photos to upload, decide on the selling format that’s right for you, and you’re done. (I love the feature that allows you to save a draft for later!)

Step 2. Ship it.
After your item sells mail it out.

Step 3. Get paid.
PayPal gets you your earnings in the fastest, simplest way – and for free.

Just think of all the potential cash you have laying around your house right now in the form of clothes you’re no longer into, kitchen appliances you’ve never opened, and decor that’s just not your jam anymore.

 

 

 

I’m good about keeping whatever’s on hangers down to what I wear on the regular, but things like jeans, sweater, and bags that are on shelves are more difficult to keep in check. By making a little extra cash on things I’m no longer wearing, I can justify buying this bamboo handbag I’ve been eyeing and this navy blue mini peasant dress that I’d love to have for summer. Like everything in life, keeping your belonging in check is all about balance.

 

 

 

Things I’m letting go of that are up for grabs?

A brightly hand painted, hand stitched clutch by Tiff Manuell.

A silk Missoni for Target scarf with a modern geometric zigzag pattern.

A rose gold MOTO 360 smartwatch that I just couldn’t get used to wearing.

A vintage 1980s black sequined handbag with a tied silk strap.

A linen scarf designed by one of my favorite painters, Kristi Kohut.

A small, sporty cross body goldenrod yellow leather purse with clasp closure.

A red, orange, and white bowling-style messenger bag from the 1990s.

A glazed canvas Wanderlust wallet from Petunia Pickle Bottom.

 

 

 

Be sure to check out eBay’s Clean Up, Cash In Game to learn what’s hot for selling by playing a fun match game, you’ll also be entered for a chance to win up to a $50 gift card. Add something new from your wishlist while clearing out the things from your own closet that might be on someone else’s – talk about a win-win!

This post sponsored by eBay. All words and opinions are my own, as always. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush creating fresh content!

Posted In accessories, bags, behind the scenes, sponsored post, style, wear it
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