February 21, 2015

Under the sea..”Sais Quoi” style

Seaweed is always greener… at TSPA! Thursday, Feb. 19, The Villages Salon Professional Academy surfaced life from under the sea in a photo shoot competition for fashion designer/ educator Gina Sais Quoi’s line of beautiful fashions! 4 models, 8 students, and a lifetime of memories, Gina held this competition for a chance for her students to experience editorial makeup/hair as well as see whose model will appear on her new fragrance. Now how exciting is that for the students? To be able to have their model showcased on a “Sais Quoi” fragrance bottle!? Dripping with glitter, clothed in shells, TSPA once again rocked the house!

Here are the models and names of the stylists:

Gina Sais Quoi Models

Gina Sais Quoi Models

I had the honor of being one of Gina’s models Thursday. Gina is a very sweet, beautiful person with a talent that is just through the roof. If you asked me to sum up her dresses in one word it would be…. STUNNING!!!! Every dress and every makeup/ hair look literally had its own theme. Taking Gina’s vision, the personality of each model and the personality/creativity of each student, combining it into one “walking ocean” design, showed that these students will be ready for anything in this industry!

Gina Sais Quoi models

Gina Sais Quoi models

Gina’s show and fragrance launching will be held on April 16 at the Orpheum in Tampa. Stay tuned to my blog for updates on the winner of the photo shoot competition and for the upcoming show! For more info on Gina Sais Quoi Designs visit www.ginasaisquoi.com

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February 9, 2015

Party Perfect Cocktail Hour

I LOVE this concept for a wedding, party or celebration. A nice eclectic mix of the old with the new…it’s simply chic and charming with every detail from the lighting to the linen bar and ottomans to the punch of hot pink as the accent color that is carried throughout the theme of the design. Hmmm…this makes me what to start planning my next party!

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Photo Credit: Stylemepretty.com

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January 15, 2015

DIY on a Dime

There are a few things that I am passionate about as a designer, lighting, saving more than a dime, and using my hands to get really creative.  I love this simple inexpensive way to repurpose and bring new light to your room by adding trim to a lampshade.  You can find basic shapes and sizes of lampshades at local craft stores such as Joanne Fabrics or at popular retail store chains such as Target and Walmart or you can simply take your current lampshade and embellish it.

When you have your desired lampshade that fits your lamp all you have to do is find a simple trim from a fabric store that has the right pop of color, texture and style that strikes your fancy.  Be sure to take your lampshade with you when you go to select your trim so that you can lay it against your shade to measure the correct yardage.  You don’t want to end up short! If you don’t have basic sewing skills the shop clerks are always willing to help out so don’t be afraid to ask for assistance.  Now that you have your trim you are ready to go! I found this no sew sample lampshade on Pinterest via hercampus.com.  I wanted to share it with you because the photos are simple to follow step by step and it demonstrates just how easy this project really is!

hercampus

Photo credit: hercampus.com

Remember, you don’t have to be an expert seamstress to create a beautiful, inviting lampshade that fits your unique style and personality. All you need is a lampshade, trim and a hot glue gun with some of your own creative juice!  Have fun with it and please share your creations with me so that I can post and share them on my all of my social media platforms. I can’t wait to see what you all come up with!

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January 7, 2015

Five Money Saving Home Decorating Tips for 2015

I love the fresh start that a new year brings. In my book, change is good and that includes altering your living environment, breathing new life into it. This year add, “home makeover” to your new year’s resolution list and make subtle changes turning a room from drab to fab quickly, setting the tone for a brilliant new year! Here are my top five money saving decorating tips for 2015

  1. This year take the time to go room by room and collect things that you don’t wear, use, or absolutely love and donate them to a local charity. Eliminate clutter from your countertops, cabinets, cupboards, and dressers by putting away what you don’t use on a daily basis. This simple task will easily change the look of any room without having to spend any money.
  1. The mantel is always the center of attention in a room. Instead of the traditional mirror, piece of artwork, or a family portrait try using three smaller works of art to create pattern and a new interesting focal point in your room.

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  1. Change your accent color to give each room a renewed look. Start by finding a color that you love, then change out your accent pillows and accessories in the same color scheme to rejuvenate the look of your room. Purchase a colorful rug or runner, which can also help to anchor your space. Try painting your chairs and picture frames, or even swapping out the seating of your chairs. Don’t worry about having everything match exactly; it’s much more interesting to see a color in varying hues combined with pattern.
  1. Lighting is essential and it’s “the jewelry” for each room, yet it’s often given the least attention. It sets the tone for your space just as an invitation does to a party. Make your room more inviting by changing out a lampshade with a splash of color or pattern or replace a tired fixture with something new. You can also add dimmer switches to create mood lighting throughout your home.

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  1. Add some plants to your space. You don’t have to have a green thumb to add some greenery to your room. Consider using succulents. They provide texture, color, and require very little maintenance. An occasional spritz of water will do. Consider using larger silk potted plants – they’re beautiful, realistic, and carefree. Plants bring new energy to a room and are often in decorative pots, adding both texture and a design element. Nature’s botanical color palette fits with any environment and offers an inexpensive way to create harmony in any room.

Make it your new year’s resolution to breathe new life into your home in 2015! After all, change is good.

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November 21, 2014

Do I Need to Brand Myself?

As someone who works in the field of product development and “branding” I am often asked: ” What needs to be branded?”  “What does it even mean to “brand” oneself?”  “Do I need to brand myself?”

These aren’t simple yes or no questions. No matter your field, your goal, your dream, your current position, branding yourself doesn’t hurt your image and it can even help guide you towards creating your dream job.

Business branding is, in large part, protecting yourself.  Buying your business domains, trade marking your name and/or business name, getting copyright or patent protection on things you create or invent is crucial in building your brand and business.  In the sense of business, consider branding as protection and a necessary step if you want to ensure no one can recreate what you do exactly as you do it.

Personal branding is different.  It’s about making sure that when a group of people picture you or your personality they are all thinking of the same things.  It doesn’t have to be what you wear, but it can be as simple as that, especially if you are in the field of design or fashion.  It doesn’t have to be your comedic timing, but it can be, if you are a writer, comedian or television personality.  It doesn’t have to be your products or services, but it could be if you are to be considered an expert in a certain field.  It is truly about representing yourself on any and every platform in a way that is uniquely and authentically you.  It’s about being remembered and having the true you represented so well that you leave a lasting impression with people whether it be at the close of a meeting or when someone reads your “about” page on your website. 

Photo by Debbie Walton

Photo by Debbie Walton

Do you need to brand yourself? Only you can answer this question and your answer depends largely on if you want to be thought of and remembered for what you contributed to the world when you’re not around. Personally, my greatest contributions that I hope to be remembered for above all else, is as a woman who inspired others through her work and who was a really good mom at the same time.

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