Design Show 2011

It will be hard to beat last year's trip to fashion week in Milan - but I'm on the prawl to find a great design show in 2011 stateside. Have you been to one - in graphics, home or wardrobe design that you would recommend? I'm all ears.

Unfortunately it appears that the "biggy" is IDS - Interior Design Show for interiors is THIS WEEKEND - of course it is - Jan 27-29 in Toronto Canada. So, I will have to mark my calendar for next year. Sandy, are you coming?

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Design + Technology

I'm on the hunt for slick presentation technology. And knowing my clients and I think alike, I thought I would share my findings as they may help you all in your next design dilemma.

Do you know there are great design programs available for 3D interior design renderings that don't cost much? Google provides the free SketchUp! Some of the other top brands include Live Interior for $49, Home Designer Interiors for $79 and Punch! Interior Design Suite for only $39. Apps for design include Ben Color Capture which allows you to snap a picture of any color and have it matched exactly to a Benjamin Moore paint color!

And as far as wardrobe is concerned check out the amazing http://www.closetcouture.com/ site - fabo!

I am also debating on buying an ipad or laptop for my upcoming classes and don't know if I should splurge on my own projector or only book speaking engagements at locations that provide their own. Please weigh-in if you have any advice for me!

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Inspiration

Hood River reDesign's office is going through its own reDesign! Exciting times. Soon, it will feature a custom granite partners desk, round conference table, and full length mirrors. A place for my lovely clients to come for coffee and talk all things design!

So I thought I would take the opportunity to share my go-to inspiration: google images. I simply type in "chic office" or "white office" or "designer's office" and in two seconds I am looking at hundreds of gorgeous thumbnails. Don't recreate the wheel people - find image resources that will guide you to your next dream space. This pic is from http://www.ballarddesigns.com/ - great affordable goodies.

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Confessions

I've been a very bad blogger. Please forgive me. In the new year, among other things, I hope to faithfully blog weekly. How can you help, my loyal fan? Sooooo glad you asked! Write in comments and questions! Let me know I am not typing aimlessly into the void...I know you're out there - mainly because you hassle me in town for not blogging...but I need you all to be successful. So go for it! Let me know your design dilemmas! I'm here to help!

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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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