I was recently contacted by  Rethreaded which is an organization, in Jacksonville, with a mission to break the cycle of the sex trade; locally and globally.  I met with the founder, Kristin Keen, to learn how ASID Florida North designers can support their efforts by providing discontinued fabric samples from our design libraries as well as with donations of old cotton t-shirts, and by purchasing the beautiful products made with these donations.  Rethreaded employs women (who have survived the sex trade) in a variety of roles ranging from sewing to marketing and social media, to handling administrative duties.  These jobs provide opportunities for victims of the sex trade to start anew and gain skills they can carry forward to other opportunities.  Last night I attended an event, at the Rethreaded warehouse, where I heard the story of a young survivor who works for the organization and whose goal, now, is to start and run a Rethreaded location “somewhere” so that she can give back and help women and young girls “break the cycle”, as she did.   It was incredibly moving and I was so happy to be there to support the work that Rethreaded is doing.  Visit their website to learn more.  Following are pics from the event, of some of the lovely products; scarves, handbags, makeup bags, blankets, even men’s wallets.  All are one of a kind and hand made (some are made right here in Jacksonville while others are made in India).

Above and below are scarves and blankets made of Saris in India.

These scarves and hair bands are made from donated

cotton t- shirts  by Rethreaded employees in Jacksonville.

I  fell in love with, and purchased, a beautiful scarf, makeup bag

and a  plaid men’s wallet.  (Which was ironic – see previous post on plaid).

I am excited and honored to have recently received awards and recognition in the 2015  ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) Florida North Chapter Design Competition; First Place in the Residential Individual Space Category and Honorable Mention in the Residence Over 3000 Square Feet Category.

Whether you love it or hate it, plaid is indisputably a classic, which I define as something that never really goes “out” of style, and right now plaid is a “hot classic”  which I define as a classic that is, at the moment, a hot trend.  I am seeing it everywhere; from designer plaid flannel shirts and bags, to floor tile, wallpaper and designer textiles.  Some may think that plaid is “old fashioned” but depending on how you use it and what you pair it with, it can be decidedly current. Take a look…

Want this. Get it here… coach

This unexpected combo totally won me over…so clean and crisp and I love the combination of the contemporary

mirror with the traditional washstand and sconces.  The clean white walls {with a touch of panelling} let the floor and washstand take center stage.

Brilliant design by  andreamayinteriors

This is a very traditional plaid on a clean lined and contemporary little sofa.

A nice twist on a classic from Romo available through CSR Interiors 

Always classic; Ralph Lauren cotton plaid shirt in navy/green.

Get one here for a great price… polosralphlauren

This blue plaid wallpaper creates a wonderful backdrop for this contemporary seating.

It works beautifully with the clean lines of the little table and lamp and please note the cowhide rug. Love.

Thibaut Menswear Resource available through CSR Interiors

I love how Lee Jofa is showing us plaids with a mix of patterns for a boho vibe.

We are thrilled to announce that our website is brand new and we couldn’t be happier…Be sure to check it out and visit all of our new photo galleries in our PORTFOLIO. Thank you to Jessie Preza of Nest Design Group for your talent and design.