Hillery Sproatt Launches a New Online Shop Called Specks & Keepings That Specializes in Handmade Objects

Hillery Sproatt launches a new online shop called Specks & Keepings that specializes in handmade objects and clothing that are not likely to be found anywhere else.

Hillery herself is an artist with a fine art background. She makes prints, drawings, and embroidered objects all of which are made with great attention to detail and much care. Hillery lives and works in Baltimore, MD and is very pleased to be able to showcase the work of a select group of artists from all over the country whose work she admires. She places great emphasis on curating a beautiful collection of fine goods, many of which have been carefully and thoughtfully made by hand.

Through Specks & Keepings, Hillery aims to reexamine the contemporary idea of craft as it pertains to marketable handmade objects, often found at craft shows, which seem to be popping up all over the world as the new way to shop handmade. Within this movement, Hillery is primarily interested in the idea of a slow craft movement; a bit like the slow food movement. She is drawn to artisans whose work takes time, cultivated skill, and an intimate knowledge of process. That is not to say that she doesn't have a great appreciation for more quickly mass produced craft objects that are playful and whimsical. At Specks & Keepings, customers are likely to find a bit of both as they shop the wonderful collection of knit sweaters, hand embroidered dolls, handmade backpacks, and women's clothing; mixed with a few irresistibly sweet and playful found and collected object women's jackets s.

Many of the goods featured at Specks & Keepings are environmentally conscious. There is evidence of reclaimed materials that have been made into new objects throughout the shop. Nearly all of Hillery's hand embroidered mobiles as well as the entire Anschtecka collection by artist, Annika Blomberg, are made from reclaimed materials and cutting room scraps. The Anschtecka collection, which is only available for purchase online at Specks & Keepings, includes handmade backpacks, braided pins and pouches, jewelry and accessories. Annika's work is just as much about breathing new life into discarded and forgotten things as it is about making beautiful and interesting objects. Specks & Keepings also features the work of women's apparel designer, Debra Weiss of Rebe. Rebe's wonderfully feminine sweatshirts are made entirely from recycled fiber and many of her scraps are used to make large patchwork blankets, which are lined with organic cotton and will be available this coming Winter.

For Hillery, Specks & Keepings is more than a shop. It is an environment where she can continually share wonderful objects made by talented artists, with people all over the world. Hillery hopes that by showcasing fine handmade articles, she might encourage others to share her enthusiasm for the handmade and be more conscience of the objects they surround themselves with. Hillery states, "I want people to have a memorable shopping experience at Specks & Keepings. I want them to feel connected to their possessions, because they know and understand that this article they are purchasing, which will hopefully be something they use and love for years to come, was made with care by another human being, whom they are now connected to."

When browsing the shop, Hillery hopes customers will be overwhelmed with a sense of wonder at the beauty of a handmade life. She wants to create a shopping environment where people think about what it is they are bringing into their home and in turn into their lives. Hillery believes "on some level, our possessions are an extension of ourselves and they should speak to who we are as individuals. Things are always more beautiful when they mean something to us". Specks & Keepings is a showcase of thoughtfully made goods that aim to inspire a simple lifestyle that is carefully shaped and chosen. It is a sense of connection to the people who make the things we surround ourselves with. It is the small pleasures we feel when we eat from our favorite bowl or wear our most loved sweater. It is the belief in special goods that age with us and the idea of home as a space we love and can love in. It is story telling through design.

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IKEA Announces Finalists for Second Year of Life Improvement Sabbatical Contest

IKEA, The Life Improvement Store, announced today the five (5) finalists of the Life Improvement Sabbatical Contest who are in the running to win a year-long sabbatical* (worth $100,000) to improve the lives of others. Understanding that people have a desire to be a positive force within their community, IKEA offered the second year of this unique contest to give one deserving winner the opportunity to pursue their passion, and share their experience with the world.

Public voting will take place from November 28, 2011 – December 23, 2011 at http://www.thelifeimprovementproject.com to determine the winner, who will be announced on or around January 17, 2012. IKEA will donate $1.00 for every received vote (up to $50,000) to U.S.-based education programs.

"IKEA believes in creating a better everyday life for the many people and we continue to be inspired by people's heartfelt desire to improve the lives of others," says Leontyne Green, Marketing Manager, IKEA North America. "This year women's jackets 's more than 1,000 Life Improvement Sabbatical contest submissions included thoughtful and passionate ideas and we can't wait to see who the public chooses as the winner."

The five (5) finalists (in alphabetical order), selected by an IKEA judging panel, are as follows:

Cheryle Clarke (Longmont, CO)
PROJECT: New Safehouse Completion

•     Alternatives to Family Violence is a domestic violence service center provider for Adams County, CO (located near Denver). The program provides food, clothing, counseling, medical treatment and ancillary needs to those who enter. Each year, more than 400 women and children find emergency refuge at the program's Safehouse. With the Grand Prize, Cheryle would contribute to acquiring and furnishing a new Safehouse facility, expanding the number of beds and growing their program to help more victims.

Lisa Dunster (Missoula, MT)
PROJECT: Rebuilding Military Family… Strengthening A Nation

•     The Compass Retreat Center is an organization that provides a supportive setting for military service members and their families following return from deployment, with an emphasis on renewing relationships and strengthening bonds. By providing intentional family time in a safe, neutral environment, the whole family works on healing through family activities, workshops, small group encounters, team-building and trust-building exercises. With the Grand Prize Winnings, Lisa would increase the program's outreach to more family from across the country.

Nan Jenkins (Stockbridge, GA)
PROJECT: Changing the Life of a Child

•     Located on the outskirts of Atlanta, GA, A Friend's House has been providing and operating a facility for the community's children in need for over 13 years. A Friend's House collaborates with local and state agencies to help the children with medical issues, education, and potential reunification with their families. With the winnings, Nan would help update the facility to further help address the needs of these children.

Melissa Matthews (Wake Forest, NC)
PROJECT: Special Technology for Special Kids!

•     The mother of a child with Down syndrome, Melissa Matthews would like to expand the work being done at the Frankie Lemon School in Raleigh, NC, a school for children with intellectual disabilities. This institution uses technology and cutting-edge therapy to help these children with special needs. If selected as winner, Melissa would infuse more technology deeper into these classrooms and create a website to facilitate the sharing of these technologies and techniques with other teachers across the country.

Scott Millard (Landing, NJ)
PROJECT: Connor's House

•     Deeply affected by the loss of his son, Scott co-founded Connor's House, a resource center to assist families with chronically ill children, providing short-break respite, family support and end-of-life care. The organization has provided parental support, advocacy training, resource and referrals, as well as implemented a sibling support program. As the winner, Scott would expand support services further building the foundation to help more families through Connor's House.

In addition the year-long sabbatical* (worth $100,000), the winner will also receive a 3-day/2-night trip to a spa resort in Phoenix, AZ, (date TBD) to participate in a one hour life coaching session with O, The Oprah Magazine's life coach Dr. Martha Beck, and will be featured in advertorials in issues of O, The Oprah Magazine. The public can also continue to follow the winner throughout the year as his/her project is chronicled on http://www.thelifeimprovementproject.com.

IKEA launched the Life Improvement Sabbatical Contest in 2010 as part of the company's Life Improvement Project, an initiative designed to inspire and empower people to improve their lives at home, as well as the lives of others in their community. In addition to the contest, the national program consists of: a series of free Life Improvement Store Seminars for consumers, hosted in IKEA stores across the U.S.; a Life Improvement Challenge, providing $10,000 to each of the 38 IKEA stores in the U.S. to help community projects and local charitable organizations/causes; Random Acts of Life Improvement, unexpected activities throughout the year where IKEA directly engages consumers outside of the store to surprise them with free tokens of appreciation to help improve their day; and a Soft Toys for Education Campaign, running from November 1 through December 24, in which IKEA donates 1 euro (approximately $1.35) from the sale of every soft toy, children's book and finger puppet to partners Save the Children and UNICEF.

For more details on the Life Improvement Project, visit http://www.thelifeimprovementproject.com.

Connect with us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/IKEAUSA) and follow us on Twitter (@DesignByIKEA).

*The grand prize winner is not required to take a leave of absence from work. If the grand prize winner chooses to take leave from employment to work on their project, they can utilize a portion of the prize toward living expenses.

ABOUT IKEA
IKEA strives to be 'The Life Improvement Store,' and since its 1943 founding in Sweden, has offered home furnishings of good design and function, at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 330 IKEA stores in 40 countries, including 38 in the U.S. IKEA, the world's leading home furnishings company, incorporates sustainable efforts into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information, go to IKEA-USA.com.

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Fashionable Plus Size Sweaters For 2012 Available at eloquii by The Limited

eloquii by The Limited, launched November 2011, is an online clothing retailer which carries plus size clothing which is geared towards women between the ages of 25-35 years old who yearn for great fashion. This full figured clothing line carries designer clothing which ranges from sizes 14 to 24. They also carry trend accessories and jewelry such as belts, clutches and chandelier earrings.

To start off the new year, eloquii's featured products for January 2012 will include their plus size sweaters. The collection on the site includes a wide range of colors, trendy cardigans and fashionable sweaters that range from soft spring yellows to bold seasonal colors, all complete with stylish accents.

Some of the favorites from this line include the cowl neck sweaters which are available in a variety of color women's jackets s, the fur collar cardigan available in camel and black, and the rib angular cardigan available in dark grey heather, black and camel. These sweaters can be paired with denim for a casual look or a pair of slacks for a sophisticated office look.

Each piece in the eloquii collection has been designed with attention paid to fit and comfort during the process. eloquii by The Limited offers an assortment of pieces which are professional and chic, taken straight from the runway, keeping in mind that every woman deserves great fashion.

With recognition from bloggers and publications alike, eloquii's line of women's clothing has been showcased in many magazines such as Marie Claire and Glamour, a variety of fashion industry websites such as Refinery 29 as well as being featured on TV programs such as Good Day New York on Fox. A few of the pieces that were highlighted there included the plus size skirt, the pink and black ruched satin plus size dress and the plus size bomber jacket.

To make a purchase from eloquii by The Limited, which is available exclusively online or to find out more information, please visit: http://www.eloquii.com

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New NBC Show Fashion Star Features Graduate of Fashion School FIDM

Lisa Vian Hunter, a graduate of FIDM's Fashion Design program, is a contestant on NBC's new design competition show Fashion Star, which debuts on Tuesday, March 13, 2012. The weekly primetime show will feature fourteen designers participating in tasks where they will be mentored by Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie, and John Varvatos.

Supermodel and fashion entrepreneur Elle Macpherson is the host and executive producer of Fashion Star. At the end of each episode, America shoppers will have the chance to purchase the week's winning designs at Macys, H&M, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Lisa, who lives in Mercer Island, Washington, is a women's wear designer, mother of two, and lover of all things vintage. She is particularly inspired by fashions from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, and started designing original fashions in 2003. By 2006, Lisa had launched her retail collect women's coats online ion, Vian Hunter House of Fashion, in Palo Alto, California, and debuted a Seattle store in 2009.

She says that women are desperate for gorgeous, affordable clothing made in the USA, and that is what she intends to give them. She is competing for the chance to win a multi-million dollar prize to launch her collection at America's largest retailers.

FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising is a specialized, private college dedicated to educating students for the Fashion, Graphics, Interior Design, and Entertainment industries. Known as a one of the top fashion design schools, FIDM is also a leading graphic design school and digital media college. Visit fidm.edu for more information.

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NAPW Providence Local Chapter Gathered for Their First Professional Networking Meeting of The Year

The NAPW Providence Local Chapter gathered for their first ever professional networking meeting on March 3rd at a trendy local restaurant.

Members in attendance were Ilaine Bednarik, Providence Local Chapter President and Owner of Sak's Consignment, which is a high end resale clothing store;. Beth Goulet of Positive Living Life Coaching, who works with woman to help them get on a positive living path; Marcia M. Rabaiotti of Maffe Financial Group, who helps woman plan for their future financial goals, and Marybeth Mainelli of MBM Insurance Resource Center who works with company's insurance needs.

Ilaine Bednarik kicked off the meeting at 6:00pm by welcoming all in attendance. In order for the group to get to know each other better, each member went around the table with a brief introduction of themselves and their companies. The group then talked about the benefits and what they wish to gain from NAPW.

Beth wanted to share an inspirational quote with everyone after they introduced themselves and networked. She felt this was a great way to start the meeting and relay information she felt every professional women should abide by. "Creating a positive living women's coats space leads to a positive working environment," she said.

Next on the agenda the group shared ideas and discussed the importance of increasing the growth of attendance within the Chapter.

"With this being our first meeting, it is important to discuss various ways to increase growth in attendance for both existing and new members for future meetings," said Ilaine.

Everyone agreed to work together to recruit guests and encourage existing members to attend the next meeting in April. It was decided that the four members would divide up the member list and make phone calls to each and every member to extend the invitation to both meetings in April. Ilaine also told the group she would send monthly messages via the Message Center to ensure that all members would be reached.

"We could come up with a theme for the meeting in May, in which one member would be given 30 minutes to pitch their business," said Ilaine.

Everyone in attendance agreed the first meeting was a success and expressed their excitement about the growth that will potentially happen from this meeting forward.

The National Association of Professional Women (NAPW) is the largest and most recognized network of female professionals. NAPW provides a forum where women can interact, exchange ideas, educate, network, and empower. NAPW Local Chapters allow members to maximize their experience through meetings, networking opportunities, and professional events.

For additional information regarding the NAPW Providence Local Chapter and/or [NAPW please visit http://www.napw.com.

Follow NAPW on Facebook and Twitter.

Make Dermatologists Proud: This Summer Duluth Trading Company Has Your Back; Features Outdoor Workwear with the Baked-in Goodness of Sun Protection

Baked-in UPF/UVF? Check. Flip-up sun collar? Check. Breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics? Check and check. With the longer, warmer days of summer upon us, Duluth Trading Company, the national workwear retailer, introduces the gotta-have UPF and sun protective clothing that will keep women safe from the harshest of steamy outdoor elements – including the sun's harmful rays. Go ahead, make dermatologists proud!

From the sun-shielding Crusher Hat, to the sweat-busting Long Sleeve Action Shirt, to the skin-saving Garden Pant, Duluth Trading Company has the sun protection hats, shirts and bottoms to safeguard skin – no matter what the outdoor chore.

"Whether digging in the garden or simply mowing the lawn, Duluth knows that women spend a significant amount of time working outdoors in the summer and that means serious exposure to the sun," says Stephanie Pugliese, president and chief merchandising offi women's coats cer, Duluth Trading Company. "With the help of Duluth Real Women testers and models, we've been able to design outdoor workwear with built-in sun safety features to ensure that women can do what they love – better, longer and more safely."

To check out all of Duluth's sun protective gear, check out Duluth Trading Women.

For more information about how to stay 'sun-safe' this summer, watch "Sun Protection Tips of the Trade" featuring Duluth Trading Real Woman Model and sustainable farmer Rebecca Claypool. Claypool shares her tips of the trade on how to manage the risks of working outside.

About Duluth Trading Company

"There's gotta be a better way." Duluth's story began in 1993, when two tradesmen saw guys lugging tools to the job site in all kinds of strange containers, and thought, "There's got to be a better way." So they invented the Bucket Boss?. Today, Duluth Trading Company is a multichannel apparel retailer carrying on that tradition of ingenious workwear that solves problems for hardworking men and women.

Duluth Trading's tough, functional workwear is designed and tested to endure and meet the demands of tradesmen and a hardcore team of Real Women testers. Signature products, like the Longtail T? (the cure for "plumber's butt"), Ballroom? Jeans (with a crotch gusset for crouching without the ouch), and legendary Fire Hose? Workwear are developed at Duluth Trading's headquarters in Belleville, Wisconsin. Duluth Trading opened its flagship store in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin in 2010 and plans to open its second store in Port Washington, Wisconsin in fall 2012.

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