#designingfuture

[artefactx]

My new routine every Saturday will be a 6 hrs tutorial. Tired but satisfied to see the students being motivated to turn their research into life changing solutions! Fighting！ 💪🏻 #innovationforlife #designingfuture #designerlife #teaching #hkiger #consultant #lifecoach (at Innovation Tower) https://www.instagram.com/p/CYwRFb7PQe5/?utm_medium=tumblr

[b-originaldesigns]

Still over excited about the Clothing Swap for my fundraiser Designing Futures! I can’t wait for it the next one in the Fall! And since I’m so motivated by what happened over the weekend Im just gonna run with it! Since everything went “away” To somewhere new and wonderful it really is the best way to recycle ♻️. #motivationmonday #designiseverywhere #clothingswap #fundraiser #designingfutures #interiordesigner #boriginaldesigns (at Maryland) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzZOOugHauM/?igshid=ynl0mtmfwxxm

[eurolactis]

#Eurolactis #Switzerland #newoffice #designingfuture #preciousdonkeymilk #precious #donkeymilk #futureisbright (à Passage du Loup)

[zoui]

Inspiration. It comes to me in a form of shapes and it also comes in a form of reasons. Nature means too much to not care about it. That’s why I prefer working with recycled materials. But when you’re in a fashion industry, nothing feels enough to heal the scars and stigma created the the industry and consumers. I used to laught about the term enviro-depression until i had to face that thing. The only way out is through, and the only way through is with the hands-on approach. You know, nature doesn’t need us, it can go by very well without us, but once we stepped on its sovereignity and took a full advantage of its power and majesty, we can’t expect things will fix themselves over night. Few weeks ago, I started replanting a forest that once stood on a hillside behind our house and now it is half empty. My neighbor and her brother decided to do the same. It feels like things are moving in the right direction. And it feels alright. What is your creative inspiration and what makes you move forward with your goals? Is it the dreams or the reasons? #reasonstocare #forest #replanting #naturebound #backtoearth #hellofrom #theearth #theworld #protectwhathastobeprotected #smallbusiness #businesswoman #environment #environmentaljustice #fashionindustry #slowfashion #zerowaste #consciousfashion #artoflife #balance #goals #reasons #designingfuture #futureisxbrightx (at Slovakia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_3QXNFhKm6/?igshid=9rm76zp1gf3o

[doslopez]

This #Wednesday #TuneIn to TapDetroit.com for ~Spread Your Music to the World~ 5-7pm with DJ #DosLopez & @djnghtrydr - - - - - - #radioshow #detroitshow #michiganradio #internetradio #NghtRydr #liveperformance #michiganshow #edm #Tapdetroit #Michigan #SpreadYourMusictotheWorld #graphicdesign #detroitartist #detroitdj #liveinterview #internetshow #Detroitinternet #localmusic #detroitmusic #controller #designingfuture #futuremusic #musician #bubblejam #MNML #techno #krowdktrl #djngjtryder Designed by @bizzystudio

[dzikrimu]

Menunaikan profesi yang sudah lama disimpan. #DesigningFuture #CieeDesainUndangan

[b-originaldesigns]

🥰 Had such a wonderful time today! Today we did a Clothing Swap/ Drive for my fundraiser Designing Futures ✨. The @dmvladies18 gathered to chat, eat, & do a clothing swap. So many girls (I think 😘) got so many wonderful lightly loved items. My heart also over flows with all the things we are going to be able to donate to help empower other woman. Whatever wasn’t swapped today will be donated between @mysistersplaceny & @dressforsuccess 💜. I have loved doing this fundraiser over the years and I’m so thrilled to keep in running in a new place. Thanks again ladies I had such a blast today! 🥂 #designingfutures #dclife #dmvladies #shedesignedalifesheloved #empoweredwomen #designiseverywhere #designlife #clothingswap #clothingdrive #charity #dressforsuccess #womansshelter #mysisterplace #dcdabbling #interiordesigner #boriginaldesigns (at Alexandria, Virginia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzWnrTWnLBg/?igshid=12ip9sm85rj0c

[b-originaldesigns]

👄 L I S T E N UP! I have to admit I’m super stoked that @stelladot has teamed up with @dressforsuccess 💞. This is something that is very close to my heart as someone who does closet clean outs & my fundraiser #designingfutures ✨. Right now a portion of your sale will go towards this awesome organization & help woman who have fallen on hard times. We all can use a little help sometimes and what better way that to do it in boss babe style! #shedesignedalifesheloved #designiseverywhere #interiordesign #interiordesigner #designlife #wiw #stelladotstyle #bossbabe #dressforsuccess #boriginaldesigns https://www.instagram.com/p/Byp4Rm6HBTu/?igshid=1x1jale8vuldk

[b-originaldesigns]

B. Original Designs Starting the New Year off with a Little (Or a Lot!) of Closet Organization (& Donation!)

Hello Design Friends! If you are like me your closet is most likely over run with more clothing & things than you could ever possibly need, want, or wear. With so many option from, in my case a long case of “collecting” aka hoarding ,that it is now a more than an over whelming task. Deep breath friends I know the panic is setting in but don't worry, we got this. And well only have to do it once! I swear it doesn't have to be a daunting task & in the end giving it to someone who loves them will be well worth it! TRUST ME! Who doesn't feel better helping others.

As I wright this I debate the fact if I don't have other issues like OCD so no judging, tehehe. I have learned over the years however that if I have a “system” yes I said it, system means you never need to start over from scratch once you get threw it once. And in my life I start over enough, so lets at least keep “things” straight. Plus as you wear threw things if you can stay on top of it this system actually makes this task super easy! So lets get started! I swear you will feel better.

If you look above you will see a very neat box of hangers, that shows you a lot more than the fact I  worked retail for a while lol. You will see that there are multiple colors as well as thicknesses (thats what she said). But there is a reason in retain they use different hangers for different items as well as for visual branding, says a former floor set manager. We are going to use these hangers in the below ways to get things straight & help you visualize and well as organize. Trust the Dyslexic girl, color coding is the bomb. And don't worry its always easier to clean out someone else stuff because your not emotionally attached. I could tell you a story or 2 trust me but in the end its always worth it, hard but worth it.

So here we go…  

               Well get the Hanger of this!

At the beginning of every year turn the hangers around in your closet. Yes, I know this is a “Pinterest Trick” but its a great one! It actually helps you visually see what you do or don't wear rather than what you think or wish you wore. We are not always as honest with ourselves as we should be. Depending on how much clothing you have will determine the length of time you choose before your “let got” point. If you are not purging 1st I would give yourself at least 90 days. Me I flip them in December so I can be ready by New Years and give myself 6 months so it covers a few seasons. However, I have done this before so remember I am constantly purging.  

Get Thicker Hangers for your coats and heavier sweaters. This will actually help them keep their shape a little longer. These ones in my case I don't color code with hangers. I just let the OCD kick in and do it by thickness but thats totally up to you. With Coats as far as purging goes I just decide at the end of each season what stays or goes based on what I wore that winter & wear and tear. Or if I you bought a new coat & you have a lot… one must go. I know I'm so mean.

Now its time to Color Code! (don't judge me I cross my heart it helps <3 ). I normally choose 4 colors but again if you need more by all means. And just a little FYI Target normally has super cute hangers of all thicknesses and colors if your looking for a good place to find them. Now below are my colors so of course you can choose your own or like I did.. matched my room decor “Wink”.

Teal - Brand New. THE EXCITING NEW THINGS EK! These are things I just got and have not had a chance to wear yet. Literally they should have tags on them. These could be things you bought for occasions that have not come yet, your saving for something special, or maybe you just couldn't resist the deal & just couldn't fight yourself. This helps you see how long you take to wear new things which should help you also gauge your intake of new clothes. DONE SPEND MORE THAN YOU CAN WEAR OBVIOUSLY! If it takes you a few months then you don't need to be spending money frequently on clothes when because there is always something new and exciting right there in your closet! (Side Note: for me this exposed a huge confidence issue. I had a ton of BOMB ASS clothing that I was to intimidate to wear because in my mind I was not pretty enough to pull it off. So sometimes a lot more comes from this than just organization.)

Green - These Items are still “Newer” you have worn them a few times but their still in style & great shape. So green means go, wear them & enjoy! These are the things you will normally hold on to for a few years and then move on. Or I have a rule that with these items if I put them on and take them off 3 times then they have to get down graded because obviously your starting to move on from these items. When I say down grade I mean that these items need to find a new way to live in your wardrobe.

Purple or Random Colors - Since hangers break I find this to be a good place to use them. These items are the “I don't care I love them” items. That favorite hoodie or that favorite shirt that weather its in style or not it doesn't matter you'll never let it go. Or items like that little black dress that never goes out of style you can always keep. WEAR THAT SHIT PROUDLY YOU LOVE IT FORGET EVERYONE ELSE! I have tons of clothing that I have bought that because I buy nicer pieces years later I still get compliments on them. It makes me feel that piece was worth the investment. And what makes it even better if then you know your one of a kind, so let them be envious of your good taste.

I Still Cant Part! However there are some items myself included we keep for memories sake but we know we will not wear (Like the 100’s of Zeta shirts I own). If they are starting to become run down you can turn these items into crafts, this is a great way to keep them in your life but not in your closet. Plus this is free fabric, let me repeat free, to make pillows or blankets out of that you can keep as a keepsake in your home. Or if you scrap book you can use them as the back drop. These are great ways to keep them without them cluttering up your closet, just your home on a smaller scale lol. But well share the how to on these on another day.

White - These are your Normal items. You have had them a few years, worn threw them. Their “fashion life” is coming to an end. I am a big believe in wearing things threw their life spans not their fashion lives and make it worth the purchase or you donate it to make others happy. (Thats true trickle down economics, but for another day). These items also come with a few rules. If you try to wear these items a few times and never end up wearing them they have to be given a good look at. Why are we keeping them if were not wearing them? I have the 3 rule, if I try and wear the item 3 times and end up taking it off and hanging it back up the item must go or make the final down grade. & when i say down grade i mean the following. They can become work out clothes if they can like tank tops or things like that (Never saw the point in spending a ton of money you sweat in, except the leggings). If you work in a job like I do that sometimes your clothes get ruined from paint or adventure you can always downgrade these items for that. That way your not messing up your fav shirt you can mess up something that you care so little about you can go home and throw right away if you  needed. In my case those are the items I keep in a little box in my closet until they are totally destroyed & I throw them away. Same goes for cleaning clothes. Cant get bleach on the cute stuff. But say some of these items are nicer & you cannot do those things in them or why would you. At this point give them to some one who will enjoy them and donate. Don't worry if it’s a little worn let the people your donating it to decide if its worth it or not. This is how you remove yourself from the emotional side and make a clean break from your junk. (Side Note: I keep a box in my bed room and put the items in there. Once the box is full I take the box to be donated or I save them for my fundraiser I will tell you about below.).

Ok PHEW! We made it threw the closet & all the many hangers and now you have gone threw the hardest part because you have basically just gone threw almost everything you own, hooray! Now besides possibly taking a break for a cocktail its time to go threw the draws. This should simple because like most of us this is prob where you keep most of your unmentionables, wink wink & just a few other things. These tips will be short and sweet. First if you have space take all those clothes that you don't care get destroyed & put them in the bottom draw or if you don't like in my case (because I'm a hoarder lol)  get an old box you can leave in the corner of the closet & rotate them from there. Also now take all those clothes you dropped down to work out cloths and make a draw for work out stuff. But here are a few other rules for your draws, not your under draws but your furniture draws lol.

               Rules for your Draws

These draws have organization but they also follow the same rules as the closet. If you take them off multiple times they go in the destroy or donate box. I also suggest put the things in the draw by order of which you use them. This will make them easier to get to and keep the draws neat. Also this means as you down grade things in the the draws or when you just need more room you can you remove from the bottom since those are obviously the things you don't wear as often.

I also make a draw for Tank Top Under Shirts and “Basics”. These draws I color code, I know I know I have a problem. If you don't really wanna do it that way I would suggest putting what you wear the most on top so the draw stays neat.

I also (Retail) fold my jeans and pants and make a draw for them. I group them by what they are, jeans, pants, leggings (which are pants if your crotch is covered cough cough) eat, ect.

Lastly but of course the most important the sock, bra, & panties draw. I have a little bit of a sock obsession so I have far more than I need. but what I say here is no match, no stay. (I do save them however because if you tie them together they make get dog toys. Also if the socks are super cute they make great sunglass cases Side Note: Tutorial on how to make those to come <3 ). Panties go by use just make sure you have a variety and their cuteaf. But what I do also & i know this is embarrassing to talk about that lady problem but get a baggie or I use old make up bags and take the worn ones and use those for your “monthly visitor”. This way you don't ruin your cute underwear unless its an “opps!”. Sorry ladies I know, who wants to talk about that but facts are facts & we made it threw. Bras go in order by either what they are or by life span, your choice. I just like that when new items come in I know that when I need more space I can always pull items from the back. I guess you can say I like it from the back hehehe.

Now that we have gone threw the tough parts the only thing left is shoes and accessories. Use baskets and organizers for these there are plenty and we can cover cute ideas for that another time. So now we have officially gone threw everything piece of clothing you own all the way down to your skivvies! Im Proud of you! Now take all those wonderful things to where you would like to donate them (Or if their nicer maybe consign those) and enjoy making someone else smile!

So Proud of you Design Friends! But now that you have all these treasures and no one to take them let me tell you there are so many places! Of course you can take them to Salvation Army or Goodwill. If they are nice you can try to take them to a consignment shop or a place like Platos Closet. Offer Up is a great app to sell things on also! You can donate them to churches or Junior Leagues. But below you will find an organization very dear to me Interact that I have started a fundraiser with which is a great place to donate & I will even help!

B. Original Designs Fundraiser 

Designing Futures                    

With Interact of Wake Forest

When I went threw a very rough time not to long ago I was turned onto a wonderful organization called Interact. Thank God! They are a woman’s shelter here that help woman with all sorts of needs but mostly domestic violence. Interact will help woman with everything from just a safe place to go sit like in my case, because they have RPD that work full time for them as well as the facility is completely safe and open 24’s. They work with RPD on a daily basis on domestic violence cases to help woman who have suffered from domestic violence get the help they need rather than leaving it to them to find on their own. Here Woman really do come 1st & it couldn't be more fitting given all the things recently going on. They offer therapy, and even go as far as to help woman who flee in the night & need to be relocated. I was so amazed by what they do and how little thanks (& funding they get) or even acknowledgment they get. They make most of their money from a thrift store that they don't charge the people they help to shop at & donations. They also make whats called “Happy Bags” that are for full family that are having to be relocated. So they make they not only for woman but kids, teens, boys and girls. They are truly amazing!

Now remember in the beginning of this blog we said no judging, but here is a little bit about Britter’s as a human. So if you live in the Raleigh area and are looking for somewhere to donate I would love to help you do that! Last year when I moved for the 2nd time since I left my Situation I realized not only did I not want to move all this shit, but I had way more than I needed. I didn't want to just throw it away, but I also didn't need to keep it any longer. Some of it was emotional baggage I was finally ready to get rid of & others were just things I knew I was never going to use but wanted it to go to someone who would enjoy it like it did or better yet needed it. Interact was a place that when I needed help and a  place to go they took me in, like so many other woman no questions asked. I knew I wanted to find a way for my donations to help them & thus Designing Futures was born. I wanted to find a way to use my design talent, & obvious organization skills to help people in their homes & people creating new ones.

So from January to April which is Woman's Domestic Violence Month we do all sorts of closet clean outs. If you just want help organizing and cleaning its only $50 when you donate your clothing to Interact or you can donate $50 to Interact & donate to a fundraiser of your choice. If you do a remodel I will chip in a free consultation if you donate 5 items to Interact. We can also apply the consultation to the organization if your frisky and want to take it all on! The great thing about Interact is because they make “Happy Bags” you can also donate mens and children clothing as well as some home goods, books, and toys for the relocation houses. So don't forget if you want we can clean house! Don't hesitate to donate whatever you are not using and want to find a new home. I will come get all of these things and donate them for you to keep a grand total. Last year we donated 689 items of clothing and a few hundred dollars and I look forward to even more this year with your help!

Welp Design Friends I hope you feel a little better for reading this & have a lot of direction for your closet. For help feel free to DM me as well as for pick ups! Now go get started!  

Cheers!

Britters

[b-originaldesigns]

Are you sitting on to many clothes? I know I am! Do you wish you could either make a little something off them or donate them to someone who will love them just as much? Don't worry it's a normal problem and that wonderful time of year again to clean out your closet! So happy that my fundraiser will be going 3 years strong! I debated a lot weather I was going to continue my #clothingdrive with @interactofwake this year after moving but timing worked out perfectly & we can even include more people! If you live in Ocean City, Baltimore, Annapolis Maryland , DC, Raleigh, Durham North Carolina you can participate! If you would like to schedule a closet organizer & clean out or just a pick up for donation towards supporting woman & #designingfutures just DM me! Hope to see some of those tips from the last 2 years I've shared in use! #closetorganizer #clothingaddict #womenhelpingwomen #domesticviolenceawareness #shedesignedalifesheloved #boriginaldesigns . . . . . . . . . . #design #designer #designlife #designlove #designinspiration #designideas #interiordesign #interiordesigner #furbaby #calpal #boriginal

[b-originaldesigns]

April is here! And although it bring May Flowers 🌺 April is full of showers. April is Domestic Abuse Awareness month and not only is this a cause that's close to me but Raleigh has an amazing place for Woman & Help @interactofwake ❤️. They help tons of woman (& family's) in the area get the help they need and rebuild their lives one step at a time. Last years Designing Futures Fundraiser we donated so many clothes!!! 💁🏻💕several bags of clothing for the "Happy Bags" & their Thrift Shop. Remember all month I will come and help you clean out your closet if you donate them to this cause. I will also be telling you lots more awesome things about Interact this month & the wonderful things they do. Thanks for making the world a better place Design Friends! 😘 #designingfutures #designingwomen #fundraiser #donate #givemeahand #womanhelpingwoman #interact #design #designlife #designnerd #designlove #interiordesigner #raleighlife #raleigh #northcarolina #boriginal #boriginaldesigns (at InterAct)

[b-originaldesigns]

A very successful closet clean out 💪🏼⭐️{remember anything you clean out and donate threw the end of April goes to the Designing Futures fundraiser with Interact!} #letgo #helpothers #designingwomen #designingfutures #fundraiser #design #designer #designnerd #designlove #designlife #designinspiration #closetorganization #closetcleanup #interiordesign #interiordesigner #raleighlife #raleigh #boriginal #boriginaldesigns (at Northeast Raleigh, Raleigh, North Carolina)

[b-originaldesigns]

Happy Hump Day! Another successful year (even if it did take a little longer 😊). So excited to share for the 2nd year my fundraiser #designingfutures that I do threw @interactofwake 💜. This year we donated 683 items! (& a huge shout out to @12thstatecf for donating 487 of them! You guys are amazing! 💪🏼🐼). Its no surprise that over time we all accumulate all sorts of things we no longer use and I love seeing these things go to great women who just need a little help. Everyone deserves a better tomorrow 👩🏻‍💼. #designforthefuture #shedesignedalifesheloved #designlife #designlove #wastenotwantnot #raleighlife #boriginaldesigns . . . #womenhelpingwomen #helpothers #fundraiser #clothingdrive #interact #bettertomorrow #fakeittillyoumakeit #design #designer #deaigninspiration #raleigh #oberlinrd #northcarolina #boriginal (at InterAct)

[b-originaldesigns]

& @12thstatecf for the win 🙌🏼. Mentioned my fundraiser #designingfutures with @interactofwake to my Crossfit Family and they showed up & more than delivered. I left he gym with an entire Jeep 🚙 Full of Clothing for my drive. I am so thankful for this box & all of these amazing people! ❤️ #amazinghumans #helpothers #clothingdrive #crossfit #crossfitgirls #crossfitfamily #betterlife #betterme #design #designer #designlife #designnerd #designlove #designinspiration #designideas #interiordesign #interiordesigner #interiordesignideas #raleighlife #raleigh #northcarolina #boriginal #boriginaldesigns (at 12th State CrossFit)