Handmade Goodies

I'm so blessed to be connected with so many creative people in this world! I know several people that have side businesses creating handmade items that are SO adorable I wanted to share them with you.Katelyn Block - Domestic Charm She bakes some of the most beautiful and creative cakes out of her home. If you're having a birthday party, bridal or baby shower or wedding, definitely give her a ring! Plus, she has a great blog that you should subscribe to get yummy recipes!

Tarrah Ritchie - Laila's Lovelies She makes fun, eclectic bags that can brighten up any outfit. She just had a beautiful baby boy named Patrick, so she has taken a break for a bit from sewing, but she's back in the swing of things. She has even started a blog sharing her designs loves. Tarrah's also a very accomplished artist, so I'm really excited to see what else comes out of Laila's Lovelies.

Emily Hall - Emilee Rose Designs I went to high school and was in youth group with Emily. She is an amazing artist that has pursued her talents and recently started her own stationary business. She also has a blog that shares her new products and life updates. Make sure to check her out next time you're in the market for stationary or invites!

Danielle Axtell - Baby Mae Couture My dear friend Danielle has started her own baby line that just got picked up by some local boutiques. If you want to buy a unique gift for an infant or toddler, check Baby Mae out! I just had a dress and bib made for my niece's first birthday. Picture will be coming, but until then check out her stuff! She also has a great blog that shares her life and fun finds.

Amber Crudele -Crochet Addict I've never gotten to meet Amber, but she is a dear friend of my sister-in-law, Nicky, and she crochets some of the cutest things. From teddy bears to coffee cozies, check Amber's Etsy page for unique, handmade gifts.

Alexis Lundberg - That's Sew Lexi Lexi is very talented with a sewing machine and started a business sewing aprons that are the perfect a wedding shower gift. Not only do you get to pick your own colors, but she personalizes each one with a message or verse of your choice to be kept in the pocket of the apron. I had one of these made for a best friend of mine, and it felt so good to give her something more personal than a picture frame.

Mix & Matching Patterns

For most of my life I've been the person that always buys solid color shirts, jackets, pants, etc. Maybe it was my simple and practical side dominating my creativity or because I thought solids had more versatility, but thankfully the fashion world has really embraced colorful prints and patterns in a new way over the past two years and now you see people mixing it up all of the time! Kate Spade, Tory Burch and Diane Von Furstenberg are some of the designers that have lead the charge with vibrant colors and geometrical shapes. Well, I've finally embraced it myself and created a collage of fun finds to prove it.

Mix & Matching patterns and color by Alexandra Evjen featuring Juicy Couture accessories

Project Runway's Sister Show

Project Runway has launched a sister show called, "Models of the Runway," premiering on August 20, 2009 on Lifetime. The show is a look at Project Runway from the model's perspective. (Hmmm...I'm intrigued). The models are still competing to be paired with the winner of Project Runway, but the prize is a lot more this year. $25,000 cash, a spread in Marie Claire and a special prize from L'Oreal Skin Genesis.

When I first read the blurb that there was going to be another modeling show I rolled my eyes, but the fact that the whole show is another look at Project Runway and the designers could potentially separate this show from Top Model, etc. Regardless, you know I'm going to watch it.

Oh...almost forgot...I watched one episode of The Fashion Show to give it a chance...and that's the only episode I've wanted to see. Anyone else have the same thoughts?

Dwell Studio for Target

I love reading the magazine Dwell, and now I'm in love all the more because Dwell Studio has designed affordable bedding for Target. Not only have they done this for our bedrooms, but also nurseries. Cool, huh!?

Creative Space

The interior design of the spaces in which you live and work play a huge part in your mood, productivity and creativity. I'm thankful for a great, contemporary space that I get to work in on a daily basis. It is a mix between historic and contemporary architecture with a lot of natural light coming through. However, there isn't much color here and it feels sterile at times. So, I got to thinking, what elements would I love to have in a design studio that would inspire creativity within fashion design? Here are some things that I love. I would say vibrant colors, contemporary pieces, lots of light and a touch of glamor would be the elements to my creative studio.