Fashion-meets-design-on-a-dime with today’s Guest Blog Interview. New Dress a Day shares Marisa’s creative journal of 365 items of clothing on a $365 budget in 365 days. Checking in with Marisa’s latest makeovers & creations has become a daily habit as she shares her designs, process and incredibly inspirational end results.

When Marisa lost her job last year she turned to a creative endeavor that would keep her occupied and pull her through a tough time.

In Marisa’s own words: “I’m spending the entire year without doing an ounce of traditional clothing shopping… The thing that makes this girl happiest is scouring flea markets, vintage stores and garage sales… I love finding vintage goodies that may not fit me perfectly or translate well with the current state of fashion and then make them work on me. I get out my trusty sewing machine to change hems, cut sleeves and tweak to transform a lowbudge piece that had its’ moment back in 1976 and give it another shot today, decades later.

Each day for the entire year, I’m going to introduce a new piece into my existing wardrobe that I’ve found from these places. On top of this, I’m giving myself a budget of $1 a day. 365 days. 365 items of clothing. 365 dollars.”

Neat, right? Generally, Marisa starts out with a vintage piece that is quite out there – a muumuu, an oversized pair of overalls, a frilly 80′s smock  – but the end result is hip, stylish and fun. I love to incorporate unique pieces into my closet collection as well, and this has been all of the inspiration I need for a good Goodwill hunt.

Today Marisa shares a bit about her personal inspiration, favorite trends as well as a few fun suggestions for trying her project out yourself. I’ve added a healthy dose of my favorite ‘before & afters’ for more eye candy.

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{PDB Interview with Marisa of New Dress a Day}

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What inspires your design style?

I’m such a visual girl!! I’m inspired by classic movies (Turner Classics is always on!), traveling and seeing different landscapes. I love going to garage sales and flea markets as it’s eye candy for me with all the eclectic and vintage goodies to check out. I love paging through magazines (Lucky is my go-to!) and pulling out sheets from them. I have a book that I put all my favorite celeb looks that I’ve cut out in as well as favorite designer runway pieces. There’s a lot of Kate Hudson and Chloe in it .

What do you love most about what you do?

I love that I get to be creative each and every day. When times were tricky for me last year when I lost my job, I knew that I needed to carve time out each day for myself with something that inspired me. I feel so incredibly lucky to have created a daily routine that is the one thing that’s the constant in my life. Amidst all the hectic-ness, this is where I can zone out, and enjoy every moment.

What are three design suggestions that you would like to offer our readers?

{1.} First and foremost, go with what strikes your fancy! The one thing for me is that I’m making new outfits each day that I love and that I’m drawn to. There will always be things that people won’t like, but that’s part of fashion! I’m head over heels about them which is ultimately the most important thing – going with what I like. As long as you’re enjoying and loving what you’re creating be it a living room or an inspiration board, that is the most important thing!!

{2.} You don’t have to be a professional! With clothes and refashioning, just because you’re not a sewer doesn’t mean you can’t create the same kinds of pieces I’m doing. Use duct tape instead of hand stitching. Tighten up pieces with safety pins. Use what you have and what you’re comfortable with and you’ll be creating in no time!

{3.} Don’t be too hard on yourself. If you mess up the first few tries, it’s alright!! Work with cheaper pieces so that you don’t have to worry or stress about making a wrong cut or sewing the wrong seam shut. The more you do, the better you’ll become!

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If you loved this interview, check out more great spotlights {and tips & tricks!} from fantastic bloggers!

Here’s a great little blog that I travel out to quite often. Helena highlights everything design and shares regular inspiration on fashion, food, travel, home, party decor… you name it!

My favorite is a regular post called “My Stuff Series” where she creatively shares the loves of a fellow blogger (from places to shoes to bedding to perfume) and I always walk away eager to try out a new shampoo or lip gloss, or hunt down that great cardigan that was featured (the series is based off of Vanity Fair’s “My Stuff” series and is plenty of fun).

I love Helena’s casual writing style (almost as if you really were peaking into her ‘diary of lovely’) and the fun images she includes. She’s all-over-the-board talented and super cute. You don’t want to miss her interview answers to PDB’s four questions – especially Helena’s highlights of favorite trends and all of the fabulous images! (Did I mention she lives in London?? Added bonus).

Let’s jump right into the interview with A Diary of Lovely.

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{PDB Interview with Helena of A Diary of Lovely}

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What inspires your design style?

Everything around me. My style has evolved incredibly since I started blogging. I have always liked interiors and fashion but now I have a more global view and at the same time a more closed one, a more communal one, the blogland one. I have met some incredible ladies, extremely talented that daily inspire me through their blogs, their ideas, DIY, beauty and kindness. London inspires me, it’s such an incredible city with something going on every single minute. I’m inspired by my loved ones, fashion, art, blogs, magazines, books, anything and everything really.

A little vignette in my apartment, inspired by many magazine, blogs and talented people

What do you love most about what you do?

Blogging has brought me incredible joys. It’s a learning curve. When I first started almost a year ago I would have never thought that it would take this path. I remember hiding it from everybody and never sharing it, it was my secret. Now I still shrug when someone asks me about it but the reactions are always positive and this is incredible. Hearing my mom and dad proudly tell shop owners “my daughter has a blog” and chatting about it always put a smile in my face (and a bit of embarrassment as they do it rather too often!). it has also boosted my self confidence, hence my weekly outfits post I have loved incredible virtually meeting some great blog friends, I treasure them because we share so much in common. The blogosphere is to me a micro cosmos, not different from the real one, but one where we all have common interests and somewhere to enjoy your passions, it’s absolutely incredible!

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4. Lucite, I never get tired. I want coffee tables, ghost chairs, boxes, anything!

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5. Wallpaper. Before starting my blog and getting involved in the blogosphere I dreaded wallpaper, it reminded me on old tired houses, now this idea belongs to the past and if I could I would make good use of some great designs!

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What are three design suggestions that you would like to offer our readers?

That’s a difficult one, who am I to suggest anything? There are so many talented ladies and gents out there that can really give great advices! Follow your heart and do what you please, your home will be yours and you have to do what you love and will make happy.

Thank you so much Morgan, I’m honored to be here among some great ladies! xoxo

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If you loved this interview, check out more great spotlights {and tips & tricks!} from fantastic bloggers!

Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo {yes, ABCD Design was inspired by her actual initials!} is an artist, designer and stylist based in New York City. Her blog is collection of images, sketches, formal design inspiration and casual ramblings of a diversified designer.

Today, she answers a few of our favorite questions – why the slow home movement is a favorite trend, best design suggestions, and how ‘transitionalism’ defines her style – while sharing a tour of her NYC apartment that might easily double as a spread from House Beautiful {and don’t forget to check in on the renovation project of her new Connecticut country home on her blog}.

Her design philosophy is simple: no matter what design medium you are working with – a painting or sculpture, design of an interior space, an arrangement of flowers, or when styling a beautiful plate of food – one must always follow the same elements of design. In order to create a beautiful product there must be unity, flow, texture, harmonizing color, balance and a focal point to please the eye.

Amy Beth’s education and training is as uniquely diverse as it is design-oriented. She first studied fine art at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, then completed a six-month chef-training program in NYC at the Natural Gourmet Institute and finally earned a Certificate in Floral Design from Parsons School of Art and Design. She has worked in event planning, interior design, window display, and photo styling {whew!}.

But let’s jump right in…

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{PDB Interview with Amy Beth of ABCD Design}

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What inspires your design style?

My interior design aesthetic is rooted in transitionalism. Does that sound like an oxy-moron? Here’s what I mean: I don’t want to walk in a room and be able to pinpoint when it was decorated. I believe that the home should be an amalgamation of the items that the owner loves. Layering pieces from different eras that fit your taste will fuse to form a relaxing environment that reflects your personality. I am particularly drawn to pieces that are difficult to place in history. They are the perfect bridge between rustic and modern, traditional and today.

Amy Beth’s gorgeous living room

What do you love most about what you do?

What do I do again? LOL! Kidding. Seriously, I have lived about 5 lives since I attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I have worked for a knitwear designer, in interior design, window display and styling, floral design, and most recently, I have been creating bespoke wedding stationery designs.

I derive immense pleasure from creating things that are visually beautiful. Nothing is more gratifying than creating something that brings happiness and satisfies the visual pleasure of others. Whether it is preparing a colorful plate of food, or creating a space that feels like home sweet home the moment they walk through the door, or surprising someone with a gorgeous arrangement of flowers, the act of making something that brings peace of mind and contentment, even if it’s just visual pleasure is a pretty amazing thing.

An example from her unique line of stationary

What are three design suggestions that you would like to offer our readers?

{1} Live with what you love. If you’re truly honest with yourself and you select items for your home that you believe are beautiful, your home will be a perfect reflection and representation of your personality.

{2} Don’t ‘save’ your ‘good’ things to use only on special occasions. My motto is simple: “Life is short. Eat off the good china!” I know, you received beautiful china for your wedding and it sits on the shelf collecting dust until you pull it out of the hutch for holidays and special occasions. So what if you break a dish once in a blue moon? You can replace chipped or broken pieces. In 50 years time when they’ve stopped making your pattern- THAT is when you can be dainty with it. Until then, use it! Bring it out of the cupboard everyday and enjoy it. There doesn’t have to be fancy food upon the plate to warrant a fine dining experience.

NYC apartment kitchen

{3} Display collections or groups of items in odd numbers. 3 or 5 of something always looks better than a grouping of 2 or 4 of the same item.

Her sketchbook-meets-blog style of sharing display tips

Thank you, Amy Beth!

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Made by Girl shares some of the most wonderful inspiration and finds, and if you love home decorating ideas it’s definitely a daily read… I’m thrilled that Jen is participating in PDB’s Friday Guest Interview series!

Launched November of 2006, Made by Girl is a blog full of interior design, art, food and fashion – a few of my favorite posts include featured reader homes and diy projects. Jen’s home is beautiful {a little walking tour after the jump} and it’s so fun to be inspired by her ideas.

In addition to a successful blog, Jen is a graphic designer and entrepreneur with plenty on her plate. MadeByGirl, the shop, carries stationary, home decor and a selection of kid’s room prints that I especially love. Jen’s store has appeared in several publications including Inside Out, Marie Claire, Pregnancy, Lucky and Real Living Australia.

Let’s get on to the interview! Jen shares her inspirations, favorite trends and three suggestions for decorating your own home – love these. {For more great Guest Blog Interviews, check out this link.}

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{PDB Interview with Jen of Made By Girl}

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What inspires your design style?

I’m inspired by so many things. Mainly artwork, color swatches, random photos in design magazines, certain fonts/typography styles and I’m also inspired by Love and experiences in my life.

What do you love most about what you do?

The freedom I have to get up from my chair and make an iced tea or cappuccino whenever I like. Walk outside & feel the sun on my skin or watch CNN without having a boss piercing his head over my shoulder! I also love hearing feedback and receiving photos from my customers of my designs hanging in their homes! That makes my day!

{MadebyGirl shop creations}

What are three design suggestions that you would like to offer our readers?

{1} Make your own version: If you can’t afford something, find something that is close enough & make it look similar. I’ve done lots of DIY projects & this is something I recommend people doing when they know they shouldn’t splurge on certain Louis chairs. You can always buy a similar style chair or a reproduction and repaint them to make them look more like the pricier ones. You can do this with lamps, accessories and furniture! Easy fixes like that can end up saving you lots of money down the line!

{A recent Louis ebay find for Jen}

{2} Artwork works: Don’t get so consumed in buying art for every space in your home, how about buying a couple of blank canvases and making your own? You don’t have to be Picasso to create something beautiful that you will cherish for years to come. I find that the artwork that I create for my home makes it feel more personal. Of course, you can buy art, but save a couple of spaces for your own art pieces.

{3} Let’s face it, we aren’t all good at decorating a space. Luckily there are a ton of blogs & magazines at our fingertips! Using design mags and blogs are a great source to spruce up your decor….you can either read about how to mix & match style etc. or you can view tons of pictures to get a bright idea for your own home. There were many times I went through blogs trying to get ideas for my DIY home office and I gathered several pictures. The photos became the source for my inspiration and it made things a lot easier when it came to decorating my office space!

Thank you, Jen!

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Images in this interview are Jen of Made By Girl.

{Jen’s home!}

Today’s guest interview is all about the party… from fabulous celebration inspiration to great gift guides Pizzazzerie (and the delightful creator behind it) shares delicious party details on a very well organized site (I love that).

Courtney, who’s self-proclaimed favorite dessert is vanilla cupcakes, designed Pizzazzerie after a growing love of entertaining for family and friends during college. She shares that her love of entertaining comes “from the pure joy of hosting parties that create memories”, and her site is full of oodles of memory-making inspiration.

{Pizzazz: An attractive combination of energy and style.}

While you’re on the site, be sure to check out the great Paperie Guide, adorable Children’s Parties and beautiful Wedding Showcases but together by a collection of contributing writers.

Follow me as we jump out to the full interview, including Courtney’s favorite party trends, her three party must-have suggestions and how she describes her design style!

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{PDB Interview with Courtney}

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What inspires your design style?

I could probably go on and on with this one because I’m inspired by even the smallest things. Sometimes I “see” a party in something as simple as a cute handbag! Patterns, fonts, and colors all inspire me to design fabulous parties and events to share with the readers of my site. Of course other parties and the talented event planners I have met along this journey inspire me on a daily basis, but I also find simple joy in creating a party around something I found out and about in Nashville, TN. I am working on a fun Music City tablescape now – think fun guitars and earth tones! We all have that excited feeling when we see something we really enjoy (a stylish dress, fabulous wallpaper, cute china plates) – I love to bring those to life in a party!

What do you love most about what you do?

Ooh this one is tough! Of course I love styling the few events I design each year, but my main job is running pizzazzerie.com and sharing entertaining inspiration with my readers on a daily basis. What I love MOST would have to be brainstorming with my 2 fantastic writers and my Mom. They are a joy to work with on a daily basis and the three of us are filled to the brim with exciting ideas for the future of the site. We are all designers with a marketing twist and love to creatively brainstorm fun ideas. They keep me going on the long nights when HTML and I are just not getting along .

What are three design suggestions that you would like to offer our readers?

{1} Paper! There are so many fabulous ways to use paper to enhance a stylish event. I recently showcased this very trend on a local Nashville news segment, explaining how scrapbook paper is a party designer’s best friend! There are so many fabulous ways to use it – as placemats, water bottle labels, candy bar labels, the list goes on! And with all the fun printables out there now, you can create favor boxes (we love Paper & Pigtails’ favor boxes) – the possibilities are endless!

{2} Favors! I wouldn’t say this is a trend exactly but a suggestion There isn’t a party I throw where I don’t give a favor. This can be as simple as a chocolate chip cookie in a cellophane bag with a pretty bow. Sending guests home with a little something is the icing on the cake to a fun event. It is the happy ending and shows you have gone the extra mile to make them feel special. Lots of bakeries are even offering to wrap their treats as favors with personalized labels. Or get creative with your favor and incorporate it into the party! I’m hosting a beer tasting in August where everyone will get a glass mug as they enter. I’m adding a bit of personalization by etching a logo with the date, birthday info, etc onto the glass. Find fun ways to send your guests home with a favor!

{3} Patterns! I am loving fun stripes these days, but any type of pattern can be a fun addition to a party from the tablecloth (I love using fabric as tablecloths), plates, ribbon, etc. Solids are great, but there are so many options these days with fun patterns. I’m working on a party now that is inspired by a simple plate from Target that is blue, yellow, and green stripes! Simple but fun. We are incorporating the stripes all around the party. Color schemes are fun, but try pattern schemes and get creative!

Thank you, Courtney!

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Images in this interview are from Courtney of Pizzazzerie.

I recently discovered a neat little blog (while participating in this series) that has become a regular in my reading: Three Men and a Lady. I asked Michelle if she’d like to participate in PDB’s Friday Guest Interview posts so that I could introduce her to you as well!

This mom of two boys has a wonderful knack for interior design. She fills Three Men and a Lady with inspirational ideas and documents her own home design progress (isn’t that striped entryway wonderful?):

Michelle has a beautiful, modern sense of style with an emphasis on refashioning the worn-down and old, bringing new life and meaning to each of her pieces.

I love her answers to PDB’s four interview questions and you’ll thoroughly enjoy the eye candy too (especially her grey and yellow living room).

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{PDB Interview with Michelle}

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What inspires your design style?

I wish I could give a tangible answer as to what inspires my design style but really it’s just a feeling. I’ve seen designers go in to a space and start immediately give orders to, “rip this wall down, paint this ceiling gold, bring in the yellow rug…” I prefer to sit in a space for a time and get a feel for the energy and personality of a room then design from that perspective. The process is quiet and thoughtful.

What do you love most about what you do?

What I love most about what I do is that it makes me feel good. When I was young and imagined what I’d be doing when I grew up it probably included something in philanthropy or working towards world peace…something much more important than decorating rooms. However, a wise man once told me, “you don’t get to vote about what makes you happy.” meaning, you come to this earth with your likes and passions in place. Interior design speaks to me and I’m following my dream despite how unimportant I make think it to be.

What are three design suggestions that you would like to offer our readers?

Many people’s wardrobes have about a 2 year life span before they go out of style and get changed out. Your furnishings also have a style lifespan as well. People tend to get so excited about new trends that they run out and spend an “obscene amount of money” on a trellis printed sofa which goes out of style in a few years. Then when they’re ready to change it out in a few years they find they’re still making monthly payments it.

{1} Shop second hand as much as possible and perform a little DIY surgery if necessary. Not only will have pride and satisfaction from working on it but if you tire of it in a couple of years you won’t feel guilty passing it along or changing it out.

{2} Use neutral colors as much as possible on your large scale items such as carpet, sofas, bedding. When you use neutral colors on your big ticket items you can add pops of color or pattern through your accessories. Changing out the accessories is much less expensive than changing out your sofa.

{3} Use trendy and upscale stores as your inspiration then shop thrift stores to copy the look. It will save you money and save things from the landfill.

Thank you, Michelle!

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Images in this interview are from Michelle at Three Men & a Lady and Ashley Ann Photography.

It would be a close call… but if I could choose one person to decorate my home from top to bottom it would be Janell of Isabella & Max Rooms. Her style is a creative combination between traditional & contemporary – with a comfy twist.

I adore her daily posts about diy projects and decorating – Janell shares step-by-step tutorials on everything from sewing and lining drapes to reupholstering occasional chairs, along with her inspiration process for her beautifully decorated home & client projects.

You might recognize the above room from an inspiration board I created a while back for my own living room . I *love* it – everything from the colors to the beautiful patterns and those wonderful antlers above the mantle.

A bit about Janell: “I have always been passionate about design… I first studied painting and drawing, receiving a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. After working briefly for a clothing manufacturer, I launched my own line [and] when a move took me to San Francisco I opened a boutique where I continued to design for my wholesale line.

Several years later, with a move to Portland, Oregon and the arrival of my wonderful children Isabella and Max, my focus shifted to the home and interior design. In 2006, I started my current business creating warm and eclectic interiors. It is a field I am thoroughly enjoying being involved in and challenged by!”

Let’s dive right into this interview and see the rest of her home! Including her son Max’s map-inspired bedroom (the chalkboard paint is genius), a beautiful teal & coral bedroom and remodeled living room.

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{PDB Interview with Janell}

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What inspires your design style?

Nearly anything and everything! Color, fabric, art, my children, furniture with beautiful lines, travel. Finding a bargain and figuring out how to make it be beautiful…seeing the possible in the unlikely.

What do you love most about what you do?

What are your favorite design trends?

My favorite trend in design is to build a design with items that don’t necessarily match, allowing a very eclectic and personal space to be created.

What are three design suggestions that you would like to offer our readers?

{1} Buy only what you love, be patient and keep looking if you have to. You will not regret it.

{2.} Building on the previous advice, if you bring things into your home that you really love it will all somehow work well together.

{3} Don’t be overly concerned about trends, decorate your home in a style that speaks to you.

Thank you, Janell!
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Images in this interview can be credited to Janell at Isabella & Max Rooms

Many of you may remember a little giveaway I co-hosted with Alexis from Made by Lex in the fall of last year – we teamed up to share a beautiful tablescape complete with handmade napkin rings made by this oh-so talented blogger. We actually grew up in the same neck of the woods (Santa Cruz, California) and share a similar stomping ground, so I was SO surprised when I learned last year that she has a fabulous blog full of her beautiful style and delicious handmade clothing & refashions!

And while I’m not quite ready to reveal a little project I’ve been working on for Pepper, Made by Lex and her beautiful designs are right up my and its alley. Her original designs and tutorials are stunning – she shares tips for replicating our favorite pieces from Anthropologie and even couture designers like Valentino. Alexis shares daily wear ideas (it’s so fun to see how others dress) and all of her designs are modeled by any one of her four sisters.

Alexis began sewing as a little girl with her Grandmother but really fell in love with the art a few years ago. Since then, she has created and sold beautiful patterns and clothing through her Etsy shop and just recently launched a line at the clothing & home goods store Stripe (an Anthropologie-style store in Santa Cruz).

Mom to three beautiful daughters, much of her inspiration began with the girls – but it has slowly grown into a stylish design collection of both refashions and originals for women, too. Her former blog, My Mama Made It, took on it’s own transition earlier this year when I helped to launch her new Made by Lex identity (a great look, if I do say so myself!).

Alexis takes a moment to share her favorite inspirations and to answer PDB’s four questions, after the jump!

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{PDB Interview with Alexis of Made by Lex}

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What inspires your design style?

I like classic looks- looks that stand the test of time. I love it when an outfit looks nice, but not too put together. I call it “effortlessly chic”. I’m obsessed with white and all shades of it. I always think it looks classic yet modern at the same time. I love asymmetry. Most of my designs are slightly asymmetrical. I think it’s so much more interesting and unexpected. I also am inspired by interesting textures I love simple designs with lots of dimension. Again, it makes it much more interesting.

What do you love most about what you do?

What are your favorite design trends?

I love the nautical and military themes going on. I love navy, cream and grey together, vintage nautical buttons and the rawness of ropes that are being used to accessorize. The light denims are refreshing. I love the sweet, feminine looks I’m seeing on the runways- tiny vintage inspired floral prints, crochet/lace accents, and girly textures and ruffled details.

What are three design suggestions that you would like to offer our readers?

{1} Spend money on classic, quality pieces, not trendy fads. The things I’ll spend more money on are higher quality items that I know will last me years so I don’t have to keep replacing low quality pieces. And since the pieces I buy are classic, you never have to worry about them going out of style.

{2} To keep up with the latest styles, buy trendier items in the form of inexpensive accessories, shoes or bags. That way it just adds a pop of a trendy look, not head to toe. It keeps your look timeless, and you’re not spending too much money on things that will be out of style next month.

{3} Don’t put too much emphasis on it. It’s just clothes. You don’t need quantity, just some pieces that make YOU feel good. Something I try to remember each day is, “Live, laugh love. The most important things in life aren’t things.”

Thank you, Alexis!

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Images in this interview are from parties and inspiration boards found at Made by Lex.

Last Friday’s Guest Blog Interview took us across the Pacific to Australia, today’s brings us around to the other side of the world and into the home of Creative Hostess, where Jenin shares her ideas and inspiration for kids parties and baby showers from the UK (new update: just last week Jenin moved with her family from the UK to the Caribbean! jealousy to ensue…).

Jenin has captured her niche perfectly – you would be hard-pressed to find a more delectable and inspiring collection of inspiration boards and ‘real parties’ for everything kids and baby.

In Jenin’s own words: “Creative Hostess seeks to provide ideas & inspiration to help you create fabulous & memorable children’s parties & baby showers (simply because I have a 2 year old bundle of fun!), because when everything else is gone, the wonderful memories will remain.”

Jenin launched Creative Hostess after losing her young sister in April of 2009, “that made me realise how essential it is to celebrate life, and the ones we love… it’s so important to take time to celebrate life’s moments, to share & enjoy time with friends & family, & to make every event special & memorable.”

A quick trip out to her magazine-style blog transforms you to a world of diy cupcake designs, color-coordinated princess & construction parties, and sweet-themed baby showers for every style of mummy-to-be.

Follow the jump for Jenin’s answers to PDB’s four interview questions, and don’t forget to check out the wonderful party inspiration boards she has assembled and shared (everything from an Ice Princess theme to Marie Antoinette and the book Good Night Gorilla!) – plenty of eye candy to go around.

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{PDB Interview with Jenin of Creative Hostess}

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What inspires your design style?

I love nature, and I am greatly inspired by all the beauty around me. I love to quietly retreat into my garden and find inspiration in the colours, shapes and designs of the lovely flowers, butterflies and birds around me. I love the beach, and beautiful orange sunsets, and I’m just generally deeply moved by nature. I also love the Renaissance, and Victorian eras…I love Marie Antoinette! I’m definitely inspired by some really great bloggers who share lots of beautiful ideas with the world.

What do you love most about what you do?

What are your favorite design trends?

I love that moms are moving away from uninspiring plastic and foil party decorations, and are really thinking and planning, and coming up with some awesome themes. I was so impressed last year with all the amazing parties that moms planned, that I hosted a Most Adorable Kids Party Contest, to celebrate and reward moms’ talent and hard work. I’m hoping to make this a yearly contest, so that moms can look forward to their efforts being recognized and rewarded.

I also really love the new trend of candy buffets and dessert buffets. I think they add to the design element of a party, and create a great focal point, where so much talent can be displayed. I especially love the dessert buffet that Jess from Pen and Paper Flowers designed for her daughter’s first birthday party, and I’ve featured many great candy and dessert buffets on Creative Hostess.

Lastly, I love that people are ditching the goody bags filled with cheap plastic toys, and replacing it with one really great personalized party favor.

What are three design suggestions that you would like to offer our readers?

{1} The key to designing a really great party is to plan way in advance. Start looking around the blogs for inspiration, throw together an inspiration board, or have one created for you, then start tying in all the elements. Buy, and start collecting everything you need over time so that you don’t get too stressed.

{2.} Use the great talent of designers on Etsy to create unique, personalized party decorations instead of using bulk plastic and foil decorations from party stores.

{3} Choose a party theme that’s personal and means something to the person who is the object of the party. It will be unique, and fun, and the recipient will love it. For instance, I created a Good Night Gorilla inspiration board for one of my readers who was planning her daughter’s second birthday, around her favourite book.

Thank you, Jenin!

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Images in this interview are from parties and inspiration boards found at Creative Hostess.

Happy Friday, everyone! I’m delighted to share a favorite blog today that encompasses all things home and fashion design. Viv, from Ish & Chi, shares her crafty know-how, decorating ideas, beautiful style and fashion favorites — and it’s wonderfully enchanting to read.

I could not introduce her better than sharing the sweetest ‘about me’ collage she assembled for her site:

Her home decorating style is classy yet casual, evoking that cozy-and-comfortable feeling while introducing just the right amount of modern patterns and prints to keep her rooms fresh and chic. You’ll love her house tour entwined with each of Viv’s answers to PDB’s four interview questions.

And so let’s jump right in, because I am thrilled to take a moment to pick Viv’s brain on some of her favorite trends, how she defines her ‘design style’ and a sneak peek at her fantastic home (where she’s put all of her fabulous creativity and style to good use!)

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{PDB Interview with Viv of Ish and Chi}

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What inspires your design style?

I’m inspired by so many things. I am a very visual person and so I get inspiration from just about everything I see in my environment as well as the many blogs I love to visit. There are so many talented and ‘real’ people out there with such an eye from design it is impossible to not be inspired by them. I am also naturally inspired by the different seasons. During summer I find I dress my home (and myself) in bright, fun colours and then during winter it is all about soft colours and textures. I am also inspired by fashion photography, not so much by the trends but the way in which colour, patterns, texture of the fabrics (even though I can’t feel them I can imagine what they would feel like) and light are combined to create a beautiful image.

What do you love most about what you do?

What are your favorite design trends?

I try not to follow trends and do what I personally love but I suppose it is difficult to not be influenced by them. If I were to pick a few they would be:

- Wallpaper: I love the different colours and patterns and that you can change the impact of a room with wallpaper. My son’s room is my most favourite room in our house. I could stare at his wallpaper all day I just love it so much. I have recently started thinking about mixing wallpaper with patterned fabrics. I think it can be tricky to get it right without looking as though each pattern is trying to compete with each other.

- Painted floorboards: I am a little obsessed with white painted floorboards at the moment. I don’t think I could do it in my own home because I love seeing the detail of the wood in our floorboards but I adore looking at white painted floorboards and the way in which furniture appears to ‘float’ on them.

- Feminine curves and shapes, for example I love curved headboards with tufting but also geometric patterns in fabrics, rugs, furniture.

- Revival style: I am really enjoying the mid-century style furniture on the market at the moment. It makes me want to throw out all my furniture and start again! Okay not really but I do like them.

What are three design suggestions that you would like to offer our readers?

{1} I think people should ultimately create a home that they can feel very relaxed living in. I recommend decorating slowly and collecting things found during your travels, given as gifts or pieces that are sentimental to you. I think it is lovely to look at a person’s home that isn’t just following a trend but telling their ‘story’ through the pieces they surround themselves with.

{2.} Reuse what you already own if you can. Think of new ways of using your existing furniture rather than just throwing it out and starting again. I know how tempting it can be! Consider recovering old furniture in modern fabrics to breathe new life into them or moving furniture around to achieve a different look or function. I think pieces that have travelled with you for many years can add beautiful character to a home. Adding wallpaper to the back of a display cabinet or bookcase can keep things fresh too.

{3} If you have an unused corner or space in your home think of ways in which to make good use of it. Perhaps you can pop a desk there for your crafting projects or a cabinet to store wrapping paper, cards, ribbons all those bits and pieces we collect and need but never really have a good spot to stash them. Our garage had an unused section which we found ourselves using as a dumping ground for bits and pieces. We already have a lot of storage space under the house so we didn’t need to use this space but we did because, well, we were lazy and the space was available! Instead, we turned it into another room which is now my studio. I use it to work on orders for my store but also for any other crafting projects I work on. My suggestion is to think about the way in which you live and make your home help you achieve that.

Thank you, Viv!

PS: if you love her blog, you will adore her crafty creations in her Etsy and MadeIt stores (especially if you’re an Amy Butler, Tanya Whelan or Heather Bailey fan!)

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Images in this interview are credited to Viv of Ish and Chi.