Treat

Tint Magazine

Great inspiration resource — Tint magazine.

Sika Designs

Love, love, love these really, really, cute dresses by Sika Designs! The designs are a mix of London's urban fashion with the beautiful textiles of Ghana, West Africa. All garments are handmade using traditional methods such as tie dye, batiks, and wax prints.These were my favorites which are all from the Fusion collection. Also check out Sika Designs' other collections: Wonderland, Spellbound, and Goldcoast.

Spartina

The temps are getting a bit warmer, so preparing for that beachside vacation doesn't seem so far away. Spartina 449 in Hilton Head, SC has some cute "beachy" accessories that really make you think "ahhh....vacation." Find handbags, luggage tags, towels, cosmetic bags, wristlets and more from this island inspired company. Andrea Glover, one of Treat's very own, is the Graphic Designer behind the brand identity, photography for Spartina. She's even contributed to designing a bag or two. Check out her interview on Treat. Way to go Andrea!

Rebel Green

Gone are the days when green was merely a color. Now, when we use the term green, it signifies a whole movement. A movement that speaks, thinks, and acts in support of earth's longevity—for cleaner air, energy efficiency, clean water, and a host of other "kindnesses" for the earth. In essence, we want a healthier planet for healthier people and to ensure that 3,000 years from now — as well as sooner and later — the Earth will continue to spin on its axis.The minds at Rebel Green want to help reinforce this movement by creating design chic products that will make you be proud to share and use...and recycle!

Spring Themes Part II

More Spring concepts from the fashion world. See more styles at Style.com

Marrakech Express

Sporting Goods

Trash and Vaudeville

My Design Youth Forum Update

Just wanted to let you know that the Design Youth Forum that took place on Friday, March 27th at UIC (University of Illinois at Chicago) was a success. The students took a class in Graphic Design, Fashion, Industrial, Multi-Media, Interior Design, or Architecture with the theme being Sustainability. The students had so much fun, and I did too. It's amazing to hear the thoughts of young kids. They see ideas that older adults take for granted. So, it was refreshing to hear they're thoughts and see their brightened eyes and smiles when we exchanged ideas. So, if you ever have the time, it would be great to meet some of my Treat readers at one of the Project Osmosis events. I'll be continuing to post events in the future, so be on the look out!

Spring Themes Part I

Yeah, it snowed in Chicago on Sunday. It's hard to believe that it did, but I guess it is Chicago, right? Well, although we got a little snow, it's technically Spring. So, it's time to start checkin' out what's in vogue. Although we're in a recession, picking up a magazine or "scanning" the stores to see what can inspire your design and wardrobe, doesn't hurt. Here are some of Style's take on themes for the Spring.

Depression Chic – Why this theme was chosen is pretty obvious to us all.

Geometry Lessons – It's taking a lot more than simple arithmetic to figure out how to get us out of this recession.

Goddess – Continue to work and hold on to your aspirations.

Chicago students design Kobe Bryant's basketball shoe

If you saw the Bulls/Lakers game this past Saturday, then you probably saw Kobe Bryant's new sneaks which were designed by eighth graders at Claremont Academy and Parkside Elementary Community Academy in Chicago. Four teams of six students were part of Nike's After-School All-Stars program, where they selected materials, colors, and design using Nike's interactive site, NikeiD. Oh, and don't think these students didn't design without a concept. The winning design included snakeskin at the tip and heel because of Bryant's nickname, ''The Black Mamba.''

Read more about this story by clicking here.

photo credit: Jean Lachat/Sun-Times

Attention high school students! Design Youth Forum

Click image to view larger, or read information below.

The OSMOSIS Education Mentoring Initiative™ Design Youth Forum is a day-long event in which area high school students choose from workshops in Industrial, Multi-Media, Graphic, Fashion, Architecture, or Interior Design. Along with emersing students in a college learning environment, the Design Youth Forum provides instruction in the following:

• Basic principles of design
• Career opportunities
• A design project and critique

Students will be addressed by the college design and admissions faculty regarding the details of their particular design programs. In addition, students will be encouraged to register for candidacy in the OSMOSIS Education/Mentoring Initiative™ Mentoring Program.

STUDENTS! Register today. Walk-ins welcomed!

Space is limited. First serve basis. Giveaways and gift bags for every participant! Design Youth Forum Packets (Registration) will be mailed upon reservation.

RSVP by March 20th, 2009 to info@projectosmosis.org or call 773-779-1352

Please provide name of school, e-mail, and contact information with your reservation. 

Sponsored by Richard and Jean Coyne Family Foundation and AIGA.

Trace Magazine

I'll take that, that, and that....oh, and that's cute too. Love, love, love the fierce fashions and photography in Trace magazine's Issue #83, a magazine established in London that celebrates transcultural style and ideas.

Girl is workin' the natural in the top image. Check out Trace magazine's web site to download a free pdf of this issue as well as previous issue #82.

Fleurette Rings

Ok. I may have to get one of these. Also at Pier 1 Imports.

Ellita's Flying Snail

Ultra cute and snuggly, Ellita's Flying Snail offers a selection of unique knitwear to keep you warm on those cold winter days. Great additions to wear over large collared coats.

Project Osmosis All High School Design Competition

Calling all Chicago area High School students! Show your creative talent at the annual Project Osmosis All High School Design Competition. To participate, you must be a high school student. No submissions will be accepted after December 5, 2008. Winners will be notified by mail no later than January 5, 2009. For more information, entry forms, and contest rules, visit projectosmosis.org.

Tippy Thai

Cute handmade bags by Etsy shop Tippy Thai.

Raghouse International: beyond artful living

Renaissance Austin, Artistic Designer of Raghouse International, is the creator behind the fabulous collection of fashion forward knitware and jewelry you can't find anywhere else. Guys and gals don't have to be in Los Angeles to rock these fashions. You can get them at the Raghouse International Etsy shop.

All images are from Raghouse International.