Think Spring!

The new In Style Spring "Catalog" just arrived! I am giddy. It was a thrill to see a sneak peek in Milan and I am eager to see it unfold before me in my go-to guide book - In Style Magazine. I highly recommend picking up 3 or 4 style magazines a year to help you stay in touch with what is going on in the world of fashion.

You may never be as daring as the runway models but it encourages you to go beyond your standbys. A skinny belt OVER my cardigan - oh, I never thought of that!

Don't get stuck in your ways - keep trying new things!!

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Celebrity Double

Think about a celebrity that has:

• your same skin tone


• your eye & hair color


• your general shape

Now google/images that celebrity to find pictures of them in various outfits. This is a great time saver to help you shop! Even print a collage of outfits you love, go to your favorite store and have the sales attendant help you recreate the same looks!

This can also guide you in future hairstyles!

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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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