Dee-Dee Shkreli is a fashion designer from Ontario, Canada. She lives with her husband, Jerome, and cat, Tuna, in the town of Windsor, where she designs for her label, Dilly Daisy. "I started making clothes back when I was in University working towards my engineering degree. One day, I set up a booth in the Student Center at school and started selling my clothing and jewelry between classes, and Dilly Daisy was born."

Dee-Dee managed to graduate from college, work as a full-time engineer, and spends every free moment building her business. Her work has paid off; Dilly Daisy has received media attention, and has been involved in numerous fashion shows. Her line is available in shops in Windsor and surrounding areas. "I absolutely love what I do and I wouldn’t change a thing."

She has been interested in fashion since she played with dolls as a child. "I always wanted the dolls with the cutest clothes and always loved dressing up myself." After learning to sew, she started making her own clothes. She began by remaking purchased clothing, then learned to draft her own patterns and create her own designs. "Once I started getting good feedback, I decided to sell them to girls who wanted more out of fashion than just what the malls had to offer. And now I thank all those girls who got me where I am today."

Dee-Dee believes that fashion is a way to express yourself and your mood. "I’m a pretty happy girl, so my clothing is always bright and colourful. You could call them 'Happy Clothes,' but I call it 'Eye Candy'." She loves to create and display her designs. "Fashion shows are the most fun part of my job. I love the excitement of the show, and I love sending out gorgeous models in fabulous clothes and watching them strut their stuff. I also love getting nice feedback from my customers. It’s such a good feeling to hear that they love what I have made."

Her favorite designers are Betsey Johnson and Jessica Louise - she loves "everything bright and funky." For inspiration, she observes the styles of others. "I find inspiration everywhere but mostly from individuals with good style. I love to people watch, or fashion watch, as I call it. I also find inspiration from other designers, magazines and even shopping. Who doesn’t love shopping?"

Dee-Dee is proud of her many career accomplishments. She was featured in Lou Lou magazine. "I remember a friend telling me I was mentioned in the magazine. I didn’t think it was true but I ran out on my lunch break and bought a copy and there I was on page 34. I was so excited, it was my first real fashion magazine press."

A-Channel news featured Dee-Dee and her winning UsTrendy design, “The Yellow Collared Dress”. "Windsor is not a fashion town, so I think it made people excited to see a local designer trying to make it big. It was so exciting to have people I didn’t know recognize me from TV and wish me good luck."  Another huge accomplishment for her was “winning the UsTrendy design competition and getting to go to London and be a part of LGN’s “A La Mode” Fashion show”.

She offers encouraging advice to new designers. "If you really love it, stick with it and it will show through. You definitely have to work hard but if you really love what you do… it won’t feel that much like work."

Dee-Dee Shkreli is a featured UsTrendy designer. You can visit her store at: http://store.ustrendy.com/dilly-daisy, and you will find her blogs and portfolio at http://www.ustrendy.com/dilly-daisy/portfolio/3660/spring-2009/.