Commission your Own Art with "The Croquis"

I adore fashion sketches. I love the rough, yet whimsical strokes of charcoal or a brush on paper that create these elegant glimpses of a fashion masterpiece. So I was pleasantly surprised when I popped on to The Croquis one day while surfing the web. The Croquis is a fashion illustration company that provides made-to-order sketches. I must have one of these!

The Croquis is a boutique fashion illustration company providing made-to-order sketches. You can commission a piece for a wedding,birthday, anniversary, or even as a gift for yourself. Explore their products, learn about their process, and view examples at The Croquis.

Step 1: Details, please!

First, select a graphite, gouache or custom package. Then, select from a variety of options relating to your chosen illustration package, including any special comments or requests you may have. You can also request additional details for the illustrator to take note of. Before you purchase the illustration, you’ll be asked to upload an image or photo you’d like our illustrators to work from.

Step 2: We get to work.

Once your payment is confirmed and your order is placed, your croquis information and any specific instructions will be sent to one of our illustrators located in New York City. They’ll complete a round of sketches and ultimately a final composition, which will in turn be delivered within three weeks (but usually two) of the date your order was placed.

Step 3: Delivery!

Upon completion of the final croquis, we’ll matte, frame, and ship your original artwork to the location of your choice. We’ll be sure to package your artwork with care and we guarantee it’ll arrive in mint condition.

Food For Thought

Happy Valentine's Day

"In love" with these images today... See the gallery of Valentine's inspired images below. Spread the love!

"Cute as a button" World's Smallest Package

Don't know what to get your Valentine this year? Check out Leaf Cutter Designs for the World's Smallest Package. Not only are these just absolutely adorable, but they are handmade, affordable, and a thoughtful way to show someone you care:

Special for Valentine's Day, the WSPS is offering a teeny tiny package with custom "to" and "from" addresses on it. Inside the little box is a little strip of paper that says "You are as cute as..." Under the teeny tiny crumpled newspaper, your recipient will find either an antique china button from the late 1800s - early 1900s or a big red vintage button from the 1940s. Order while supplies last.

*I will write "Open on Valentine's Day" on the outside of the larger mailer.

Let's hear it for New York, New York, New York.....

This month is all about love. And I can't think of a city that people love more than New York City.

The "I Love New York" logo and advertising campaign was created by graphic designer, Milton Glaser, which was created over 3 decades ago to promote tourism in NY. The campaign was only expected to last a couple of months, but since it made it's appearance in 1977 it has become one of the most recognized American Pop Culture icon.

See Glaser in this short video via Big Think:

Beauty Blender – Modernize the

On a recent visit to Katrina Hess's makeup studio, on Newbury Street in Boston, I was introduced to the latest must-have in beauty products – the Beauty Blender.

This adorable hot pink, egg-shaped sponge is the most essential item in my make-up bag right now. It is designed to blend foundation, powders, and concealers perfectly. The result is a seamless, professional, foolproof make-up application. Better yet, for all you green loving gals out there, the BeautyBlender is reusable, recyclable, latex free, non-allergenic, and odor free. One of these will last you about 3 months with proper care and cleaning after each application. Celebrities like Gwen Stefani, Beyonce, and Kim Kardashian are all fans of this clever little sponge. Ladies, grab one of these for your beauty loving BFFs for a cute (and affordable) Valentine's Day gift, or Easter basket gift.

Sure to make your heart skip a beat...

Say "I love you" on Valentine's Day this year with handmade flowers from EmersonMade. Each bloom they build is one of a kind, varied, and has its own unique character and soul. Personalize a flower love letter, accessorize a sweater, blazer, or clutch with one of their 3 flower pins, or adorn your hair with one of their dahlia hair clips. EmersonMade is not just for women – surprise the special guy in your life with a Boutonniere. I will be sure to get my hands on one of these beautiful handmade creations for Valentine's Day this year.

February Swatches

Get inspired by these February / Valentine's Day Swatches! These colors are sure to make your heart flutter.