Ciao From Fashion Week in Milan!

It was a thrill to see a fashion show in person in September. I had saved all my work monies for quite some time to take my husband on a two week anniversary trip to Italy. At the end I was able to get some fashion work in by checking out new spring line!

One thing I found was the profound beauty and sophistication of the Italians - they wear the clothes close to their bodies - tailored, not too much skin.

And in Milan - at least during fashion week, they enforce the exclusivity of their brands. I was not even allowed in to shop at Armani! They have security alike to Obama's at the front door. That aspect I will definitely not imitate at reDesign - where my focus is on educating women on how to look their personal best for less - everyone is welcome! Accessibility and education I say! So I will most likely not make Armani money - but I definitely want to make women happy.

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TOP TEN DIY ARTWORK PROJECTS

Don't be afraid - you too can create these gems!

1. Mimic an Abstract Acrylic
Simply go down to Bella's Art Supply - buy a thick canvas, print off an "inspiration photo" off Google images, and use some left over house paint - and wallah - instant masterpiece at a fraction of the cost.

2. Hotglue Buttons on Canvas
Abstract/monogram/simply tree outline.

3. Frame Scrapbook, Wrapping Paper, or Wallpaper
These papers are gorgeous and works of art in and of themselves. Simply buy a matted frame at good ol' Wal-Mart or Walgreens and your set!

4. Paint A Simple Silhouette
You don't have to be a fine artist to mimic a simple large silhouette. And if your scared to freehand simply use a projector. I painted the Bird image in a few hours start to finish.

5. Print our your Monogram
That's right - just type your initial in a font you love, print on card stock and place in a cute frame.

6. Staple material over Canvas
Visit Ikea or ITC here in town and cover a canvas with your favorite print. Now that's fast art.

7. Spraypaint a Twig
Sounds crazy - looks amazing.

8. Hang your Hobby
Turn your skis or kite board into whimsical art by simply nailing it to the wall.

9. Twigs in a Bucket
My husband brought me home 9 foot curly willow from the dump and I thought I had won the lottery! I removed the dead leaves - filled two faux -leather trash cans with rocks and positioned my twigs. They give our front room major "wow factor".

10. Add Architectural features in unconventional Ways
Use an old shutter for a memo board - or an exterior awning over your kitchen's breakfast nook - adorable! Paint ceiling medallions as wall art. So chic!

Hope these ideas help - please share your own!


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Hood River reDesign's Clothing Swap Turns Philanthropic!

Known by its loyal following the Frugal Fashionista, Hood River reDesign's bi-annual event attracts upwards of 100 local women who donate - they buy one another's gently used clothing & accessories. The May event, held at the Alliance Youth Center, raised $600 for the Gutsy Girls programs at Westide and May Street Elementary Schools.

The Fashionista combines a fun fashion class by yours truly, spa vendor goodies and new-to-you treasures to create a unique girls night out - and now - and opportunity to benefit a great program.

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The Fashionista is Coming!

You are invited to the 4th Semi-Annual Frugal Fashionista!


SPA VENDORS - FASHION LESSON - NEW-TO-YOU TREASURES - GIRLS NIGHT OUT

Friday May 14th 6-9pm
Alliance Youth Center
2650 Montello Hood River


So clean out your closet and bring your no longer needed gently used clothing & accessories to the Alliance Church or May Street Elementary May 10th - 14th! All seasons, styles & sizes welcome! Then show up at 6pm on Friday May 14th where will have set up the donations "store style" where all items are only$1*.

*The spring fashionista is a benefit for Gutsy Girls - the self esteem & empowerment program at our local public schools. Go girls!

Ladies Only Event - sorry no men or children

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How to Pick Out Eyeware

Hello Ladies --A little overwhelmed when it comes to picking out new expensive frames? I find it more doable making one decision at a time. Try this:

CHOOSE THE SHAPE
First determine your face shape: oval, round, square, oblong, triangle, upside down triangle or diamond. Then choose a frame that CONTRASTS your face shape. So if you have an oval face your frames should be fairly rectangular or boxy.

CHOOSE THE SIZE
The frame should be in scale with your face. I know, the trends say go big, real big! But frames are money and need to last longer then the season for most of us - so I say choose what looks best, not what J-Lo is currently wearing.

CHOOSE COLOR
Our skin, hair and eye color makes up our individual coloring. You can choose to compliment your warm or cool coloring or contrast it. Some people say that if you have blue eyes you should choose a blue frame to compliment. I'm too traditional/practical in the sense that I would recommend a metallic or neutral color for everyone to ensure your glasses will go with everything you wear.

CHOOSE RIM or RIMLESS
If you want the appearance of your glasses to be hardly noticeable go with rimless frames. If you want your frames to truly frame your eyes, by all means choose rims.

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How to Look Great "Past A Certain Age"

The key here is not to fall into common ruts:

• heavy, shapeless shoes - in a word, clogs
• Elastic waisted flat black pants
• "Grandma" sweaters complete with cutsy embroidery
• Never wearing skirts
• Never wearing jeans
• Never showing any forearm or neck
  

Here is what you want to do instead:

• Keep your wardrobe unexpected, ecletic, not so matchy-matchy
• Wear Jeans - dark wash, skim the thigh, straight or boot cut
• Sexy Shoes for the love of God are great at ANY AGE - check out the naturalizer, a fabulous comfort line at the Outlets in Troutdale
• Wear Color near your face - think scarfs and colorful tops!
• V-necks are not tabu! They are fabulous on most women - if your conscious of your skin try a multi-string necklace!

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How To Camoflage A Large Tummy

The number one fashion question asked - ah, the tummy. We all know we are to appear as an hourglass - but what if our hourglass doesn't go in? Well - the truth the smallest part of a woman is usually right under her breasts - NOT her stomach. So you want to emphasize this "sweet spot" through tops like the one shown here - then have the material gently flow away- not cling to your torso. Structured jackets also help tremendously!

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Wardrobe 911!Are you as addicted to TLC's What Not To Wear as I am? Have you ever fantasized about Stacy and Clinton coming to YOUR home and redoing YOUR wardrobe - minus the humiliation of appearing on national TV, of course?!! If that's the case, then come to class this Thursday and learn about proper fit, stylish alternatives to fleece and how to best flatter your shape. You will get to see several before and after makeovers and deconstruct the surprisingly simple steps to achieve your best look for the tiny price of $10! Taught by yours truly - you will not want to miss this class! Mark your calendar for this Thursday, 7 to 8pm, at the Hood River Middle School, 1602 May Street.Follow this link to register or simply show up with your check - What Not To Wear!

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