Scared of listening to your intuition? Don't be.

This morning I had the pleasure of being interviewed on BCTV to talk about living in the Sweet Spot and how creating The Desha Show on BCTV has opened up doors for me that I could never have imagined. Less than three years ago I was struggling with that never ended esoteric question, "What should I be doing with this fine life of mine" but really it was probably phrased more like, "What the HELL am I doing???"

How cute is Roland at BCTV?

I love my day job as the Director of Career Development at Marlboro College because I get to help people with this question daily. I encourage students to get in touch with their intuition and explore fields they might be interested in. Then it occurred to me, maybe I should take my own advice. I had this dream of doing something creative... but WHAT?

I'd dabbled in ceramics, knitting, Chinese brush painting, sewing, photography and more.  I loved home decor, fashion, art, travel and inspirational stories but couldn't see how to pull all my passions into one thing. Until a fateful day when I went to see Patti at Silvermoon and through some heart opening conversations I came to the realization that I should start a TV show. But, seriously, who starts a TV show in Brattleboro, Vermont? Shouldn't you be in LA or NY or something? And I admit, I was sort of like... what's the point?  But you know what, I didn't let my ego get the best of me. I did it anyway. I produced 7 shows with the amazing support of BCTV and it's opened up so many amazing opportunities for me.

Besides making new friends and being inspired by their Sweet Spot Stories (like author Suzanne Kingsbury from my very 1st episode!) , I've also won an award for best series, hosted several large scale Red Carpet events, and now.... I am writing my first published book- the working title is Sweet Spot Style: Creating the style you crave on  a budget you can afford. I never dreamed of having my own show or writing a home decor book, it's so perfect for me that I can barely believe it's real.
But it is.

A huge thanks to Patti for helping me tap into my own intuition and following it. And thanks to BCTV, because I never would have created The Desha Show without you.

Are you struggling with making your dreams come true? Are you scared to listen to your intuition? What can you do TODAY to get closer to your Sweet Spot? I'd love to hear your story in the comments below.

xo Desha

Thrift Fashion Party!

Hello and how are you today?

I'm excited because this Sunday I'm hosting a fashion party at my house in support of a fellow Fire Starter and personal shopper, Stasia Savasuk. Stasia is a fine example of someone taking their passion and turning it into a business and I LOVE that! If you'd like to join us for some fun and fashion, please RSVP at our Facebook Event Page or send me an email- deshapeacock@hotmail.com

Stasia's Story
My name is Stasia Savasuk.  I've been a thrift shopper all my life, but only recently has it become an obsession of sorts.  I simply can't get enough, and I find myself scouring through jammed racks of color coded shirts and disorganized bins several times a week, at various thrift stores throughout Vermont and New England.  I've come to know, through experience, that if I wait long enough, I will find just about anything that I want at a thrift store, for a mere percentage of the actual retail cost. 

You know how friends will often compliment you on a nice piece of jewelry, nice shoes, or a sweet pair of jeans.  Well, I simply love saying, "Thank you, this entire outfit cost me $9."  I'm not shy about stuff like that.

Well, over the years, friends have asked me to shop for them.  I wasn't much into the idea because I always felt badly if I bought something that they didn't like, which left one of us to deal with the unwanted item.  But after a while, I thought... wait a second, perhaps I COULD do this for people.  If I shopped for lots of people, then it wouldn't matter if somebody didn't like something I purchased, because I could see if somebody else wanted it.  I was onto something.  Perhaps I could be a personal thrift shopper!  I just loved the idea... especially for the many moms I knew that didn't have the means to run over to Anthropolgie or J.Crew to buy $300 worth of new clothing, nor do they have the time, patience or will to do what I do... scour through racks of color coded, sometimes stinky clothing - for that one in a thousand gem.  I don't see it as a chore, but as an adventure.  A thrill.  I've been brought to tears (I'm a little embarrassed to admit) when I've found something at a thrift store that is simply fabulous. 

Say NO to FRUMP!
For years, I've been frumpy.  My frumpy-ness went through the roof after my daughter was born.  I've worn clothes that didn't fit right, were all the wrong color, and really never fit my style.  The style that I wanted was WAY out of my reach fiscally.  So, my style became whatever I could find on the sale rack at Old Navy or if I was lucky, GAP.  But then, I started thrifting in earnest.  I now wear brands and styles that I've always loved, that feel perfectly ME.  I only buy things that are exactly what I want... the right color, the right fit, the right style, the right price.  Although I may have to search high and low for the right piece - I know it's out there, it's cheap, and it just needs to be found.  There is something to feeling good in the clothes you wear.  It puts a little bounce in your step.  And as Danielle Laporte says in her book, The Fire Starter Sessions, "When you feel good, you act smarter."  And who doesn't want to act a little smarter!

Good for the Environment, Good for YOU
You combine this with my ecology background, and thrifting makes perfect sense.  Just about everything I own is second hand... right down to the furniture in my house.  I recycle/upcycle, I compost, I only buy second hand... my global "stuff" impact is minimal, and that feels good.  I feel proud!  AND - at the end of the day, I've got a little room in my budget to support local non-profits that are doing good work in my community.  And, that feels good too.  

Overcoming Self-Doubt
First came the idea.  Then came the self doubt.  Is the idea a good one?  Will others think it's silly?  I can't do this... I'm just a mom and wife with a regular old job and I don't do stuff like this.  I'm ordinary.  But, it's been a year and I can't shake the idea.  Every time I think about it, I get excited!  What if...

What If? The Art of Imagination

What if I became a personal shopper?  What would it look like?  Would I do closet consultations with clients, where I find out what they want/need/look good in - and shop from there?  Would I create style menus?  Would I shop for men, too?  Would I just have folks over to my house to check out my inventory when they're feeling like they need new clothes?  

Start Small

I started small, with a fashion party at my home. I priced and displayed all the clothing, invited over a bunch of girl friends, served food and drink - and celebrated! I called the event, Fashion Friday.  I received great encouragement and feedback. And now, I'm having my second fashion party, and it's being hosted by Desha Peacock on September 23rd.  I've been shopping for months, and have bundles of clothes to sell. I focus on high quality clothing that is in excellent condition. Brands like:  J.Crew, Banana Republic, Patagonia, GAP, Horny Toad, JOE'S jeans, Isis, Seven for All Man Kind, Ann Taylor, Lucky.  The list goes on.  

Now, I'm in the process of getting serious, and am starting to answer some of my own questions of HOW.  

If you would like me to personally thrift shop for you, or would be interested in hosting your own fashion party, or have any ideas for me, you may contact me at stasiasavasuk@gmail.com. 

FASHION in Brattleboro

FASHION IN BRATT
Twice Upon a Time has a fashion show during Gallery Walk in Brattleboro, every first Friday of the month at 7pm. Don't miss the next one hosted by Ken Schneck on May 4! 

spring

Source: anthropologie.com via Desha on Pinterest

Source: bl158w.blu158.mail.live.com via Desha on Pinterest

Source: sacramentostreet.com via Desha on Pinterest

Source: anthropologie.com via Desha on Pinterest

Split Milk: Ode to Fabulous, Creative Women

Thanks to Diana Whitney for including me in your article in the Brattleboro Reformer!

ODE TO FABULOUS, CREATIVE WOMEN
November 22nd, 2011 by Diana Whitney as published in the Brattleboro Reformer



Desha in action, photo by Diana W.

This one goes out to all the amazing women in my life who inspire me EVERY DAY with their creativity and passion. Desha Peacock in action Just Saturday night I went out to a gala Fashion Show– WILD NIGHT ON THE CATWALK– where my friend Desha Peacock hosted the Red Carpet scene. Desha is a blogger and has her own TV show and there she was, all decked out in designer sequins, interviewing models and guests in her enchanting Southern accent, looking like she could be on E! or something. Except Desha is one-of-a-kind, not a plastic Hollywood-clone– she’s funny and warm and drop-dead gorgeous to boot, an authentic, artistic, tres-chic Vermont-transplant. (Plus she’s the loving mom of an adorable 5-year-old who plays with my girls!) All dolled up and (finally) someplace to go!

Diana Whitney ready to go WILD!

Yes, on Saturday I actually WENT OUT with a group of women friends and felt alive surrounded by their fun energy and sheer good looks. (Everyone looked HOT that night, clad in tight frocks and freed from the usual drab VT uniform of jeans, wool, and clogs.) These women are strong and smart, they have both children and jobs. They give to their families, clients, patients, customers, and/or students every day. They also somehow, despite the demands on them, despite being tired or down or sick or lonely sometimes, find creative outlets in their lives. (read more...)

Sneak Peak: Wild Night on the Catwalk...Part 1

The first photos are in and there are many more to come (and video of course!)

But for now, here's a sneak peak of the coolest event I've been to in Brattleboro!

Wild Night on the Catwalk was a complete success with over 600 people cheering on nine amazing designers. Monte Belmonte from WRSI, the River was the MC and I had the honor of being the Red Carpet Hostess!

It was a benefit for the Brattleboro Area Hospice, and people poured in to support this amazing non-profit organization whose mission it is to give support to those nearing the end of life.

It provided the community with a chance to get dressed up, have a glass of wine or two, and simply feel glamorous- something we all need every once in a while, right?

I hope to introduce you to each designer and their amazing garments, but for now, I hope you enjoy this sneak peak~

I had the honor of being the Red Carpet Hostess. Here I am chatting it up with a cute Brattleboro local.
Photo by Diana Whitney

Anastasia on the Little Black Dress

As part of my Focus on Fashion Series, I'd like to welcome, all the way from Australia, Anastasia!


LBD

Hello! Its Anastasia here today and I'm thrilled to be Guest posting here at Desha's blog! I think fashion shouldn't have any rules and regulations, style is all about personal expression after all, ...but we've been told time after time that we must have at least one ' Little Black Dress ' in our wardrobe..

me? i have a few...i do love a pretty black dress. they are my 'go to' options when I'm suddenly invited somewhere special that requires me to look elegant and chic but the LBD is available in so many styles and designs so a perfect way to express a fashionable mood.


It wasn't that long ago when it wasn't acceptable for women to wear black in public, unless in mourning of course, so here's a little tribute to the LBD.

Top image Jean Seberg
* 1960s black lanz dress by Thrush
* 60s mod party dress by factoryhandbook
* 1950s Vintage Cotton sun Dress by Allencompanyinc 

* Hugs Anastasia

Do you have a favorite LBD? Pop over to Anastasia's lovely site, and let her know! Also make sure and check out her Etsy shop with the cutest tags ever!


xo Desha

Brattleboro Style

 

Happy Birthday Daniel, it was a fun party.

Color! Color! Color!

Do you love color?

Did you know many of us see colors in a different way and that men are typically more color blind than women? Yep.

I'm thinking about color a lot lately-

Colors can evoke emotions and we need to think about this in our wardrobe, in our homes and even in our businesses.

I'm curious, is there a way to study color? Could there be a degree in color symbolism in design?

Now, that's something I'd like to study!

I did take a one day workshop on Fashion Feng Shui and that was pretty cool. Maybe I'll do a little post on that one day... but I truly want to know more about all things COLOR!

I've noticed I tend to go for neutral shades on my walls and furniture, but like to add color with accessories, art, and fabric. I tend to do the same thing with my wardrobe. As I think about a design for a business card and website, I lean towards neutrals and pastels. But, there's so many beautiful colors- how does one decide???

I'm taking a course on designing a personal website and my professor told me about COLOURlovers, where you can create color palettes, patterns and share ideas. Check out this example of a color palette that is just lovely over at Chance of Rain.

There's even a page on business branding and it gives you the colors of sites like Etsy, for example.

pics found on oh my dear threads

For more color inspiration, check out  A Creative Mint and her Color Me Pretty posts on decor8.

Also check out Starlet from Can you Come Home, who takes color inspiration from food and turns it into the coolest fashion spreads!

Okay, this list could go on and on, but I'll end with one of my favorite new blogs- Anastasia Drawing and Dreaming- she has amazing taste in fashion and has a section on color, too.

What about you?  Where do you find color inspiration? Do you use the same color palettes for your home, clothing and business? How do you pick your colors??

Do tell.

A little update

What's happening with The Desha Show?

I thought you might want a little update of how my 12 month experiment is going so far. You might recall that my first post described how I would make a TV show based on the things I love: fashion, art, overall creativity and inspirational stories.

I started off with grand plans of a 30 minute show with a million different elements, including HOT DANCE, thus I had an amazing dance contest to find the best dancers in the area. What an amazing event that was! Since then, the show has morphed into a short series of interviews where I incorporate dance where I see fit. It's been an incredible learning process. Have you ever tried to make a TV show with no previous experience, and no money? ha! It's been a pretty fun and interesting challenge for sure!

Indeed it would be easy (well, easier...) to pull off a great show with a big budget and team of people, but hey, you gotta start somewhere- and at least I'm STARTING.

Here's some good news since I began this experiment-

1. The other day my brother asked me when the show was airing on TV, and I kinda laughed and said I didn't know. I don't really bother to take notice since I don't OWN a TV and really, no body I know has one either. I just hand in the DVD to the station and they play it whenever they want, so imagine my shock and awe when real people, like my neighbor,  tell me they saw it on TV!

2. I took Holly Becker's Blogging Your Way class where I met my "tribe" of super cool artists and designers. I'm finding much inspiration and support from this new found community of talented women.

Beth from Do What You Love

3. I found someone who has similar interests to glean inspiration from on the website Do What You Love, by Beth Nicholls.  I feel honored to be featured on her blog this Monday and I'm so excited to share an interview I had with Beth here on the same day!  Come check it out on Monday.

3. My TV show is now being shown on 3 local stations! BCTV (Brattleboro Community Television),
GCTV in Greenfield, MA and MCTV in Montague, MA- ssooo close to MTV!

4. I applied for a Vermont Arts Council grant which would help the ole' pocketbook, please send me good vibes (will know in Aug), or if you know someone on the board- well, you know what to do... or better yet, if you have money- gimme some. :)

Robin MacArthur

5. I acquired a fantastic editor, Robin MacArthur, amazing writer and singer in my favorite band Red Heart the Ticker and a great intern who's filming, Melinda T, also known as Pinecone. although she's back in Brooklyn for the summer. Need another one, if your interested.

6. And finally, even though I'm producing shows slower than I thought, and everything is harder than I thought....and I'm broke as hell,  I'm still hangin' in there, and actually I'm diggin it. It's fun.  And it feels good.  Although I can't get all my creative ideas out on film yet, I'm really enjoying the blog as a creative outlet, too.

Marshall Jarreau and Luminz Dance Studio Owner, Aurora Corsano
Photo by Jeff Woodward

And so, WHAT'S NEXT? In the near future, look for Episode 3 featuring VERY HOT and oh so wonderful Dancer and Circus Extraordinaire, Mr. Marshall Jarreau.

Also, on the blog front, we'll  hear from Ms. Erin Lorenzen, a cutey pie fashion designer from my home town of Little Rock, Arkansas.

Erin Lorenzen, Fashion Designer 

In the interiors department, you'll see another super duper cute VT apartment, occupied by the manager of the one and only ALTIPLANO, one of my very fav stores in town.


Stay tuned.

xoxo desha