THE CITIZEN INDEX

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Tuesday, April 19, 2011

outfit post: Bloom

Spring is in full bloom here in Sacramento, and I'm feeling the effects. There is some changes on the horizon for the Citizen Rosebud, and I'm both riddled with anxiety and thrilled for my new beginnings. I'm pleased to announce that the Citizen headquarters is going to be moving to a new location in May, to a small, hopefully somewhat permanent place where I can set up and focus on building my online shop on Etsy. 

I won't be moving far from Lindsay's; in fact just down the alley to a co-operative office space called The ThinkHouse Collective. I'll definitely tell you more about it as the time comes, meanwhile, I need to get busy packing and moving out of Lindsay's studio and into my posh new space! A big, big thank you to my dear friend and artist Lindsay Rickman for opening up her studio to me and my huge collection of vintage- THANK YOU SO MUCH LINDSAY! I could not have done this without you!

And speaking of thank-yous, I received the sweetest gift from another local artist, Dana Grey, who wrote a wonderful post dedicated to me on her blog, Catnip and Mint, and gifted me with this beautiful painting (see below). I am so touched by this generous gesture, and know that this lovely image with be place in a prominent place in my new space.  Thank you so much, Dana!

The outfit shown is what I wore last Saturday at the studio for the Fool-For-You Vintage Sale. It was a very disappointing day with not one soul stopping by to visit. I have to say, last week-end was an incredibly discouraging time for me, with me second-guessing everything I've been doing, and worrying about the financial feasibility of my endeavors. I can only cross my fingers, focus on getting items ready to offer online, and hope for the best. Meanwhile, I'll be in fool-bloom. Wish me luck!

Bloom, Bloom, Bloom: Original Art by Dana Gray


Now Wearing:
  • (In hair:) Vintage sheer pink scarf, freebie
  • Hand-knit striped scarf, Lindsay23 for The Citizen Rosebud
  • Felted flower pin, Worf, Midtown Bazaar
  • Cotton floral dress, Crossroads Trading Company
  • White Crinoline, freebie
  • Floral tights, Fringe on 21
  • Coach Espadrille wedges, Macy's

38 comments:

  1. FrancaApril 19, 2011 at 12:55 AM

    Oh Bella, i am so sorry to hear that your sale didn't work out. It can be so hard to make selling on etsy a success - as we are discovering with Dave's bags! Everyone loves them but no sale yet :(

    I'm glad you are excited about your new space though, hopefully being there will energise you! The painting is beautiful! As is your lovely bright outfit, of course!

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  2. MartaApril 19, 2011 at 1:26 AM

    sorry about the sale's fail, but also excited about your new plans! i will keep my fingers crossed! and you make my heart blooming too! love this dress <3

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  3. UnknownApril 19, 2011 at 2:07 AM

    Best of luck with your new plans, success never comes overnight anyway! Love the dress, especially with the floral leggings!

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  4. Pam @ over50feeling40April 19, 2011 at 2:47 AM

    Bella, first of all you look so cute in this dress...great spring look! Secondly, I get discouraged about the blogging-thing at least a couple of times a week, and so far every time I am down about it someone online gives me encouragment (without knowing how I was feeling) and I have what I need to hang in there. This painting is a major dose of encouragment...whenever you are struggling just look its way!! You are creative and talented and need to hang in there...I believe you will see the fruits of your labor!!

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  5. UnknownApril 19, 2011 at 3:28 AM

    I love the mix of florals! you remind me of a beautiful garden. those wedges are great too. Don't be discouraged... sometimes things get difficult i think to encourage you to stand up and fight for what you want in life. Dont give up!

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  6. mispapelicosApril 19, 2011 at 3:59 AM

    I wish you more than luck, my dear Bella. Sometimes the beginnings are difficult. I understand your worries, but everymorning remind yourself what your aim is, and one day, before you know, it will become true.
    It will be easier for people to buy on line, anyway.
    You look and smell like spring to me.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  7. jessicaApril 19, 2011 at 4:43 AM

    Bella, I know how you feel, but dont get discouraged! I opened my own shop nearly a year ago and I still have days like that! Some are good, some great, some really really awful. On days like that I just remind myself about all the good things, better to focus on the positive!

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  8. OfeliaApril 19, 2011 at 4:45 AM

    Bella, best of luck and congratulations in moving to a new location, the painting and the blog post.
    You look very springing and like Spring you are growing into new and exciting beginnings!

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  9. The Semi SweetApril 19, 2011 at 5:24 AM

    First off, I'm sorry your sale didn't go as planned. It happens to the best of us, I'll assure you. I once put together a card making workshop and it took a whole month to put together. No one signed up for the class and it never happened. It's discouraging, but you'll preserver! On the bright side, a reader gifted you with a gorgeous painting and you look fantastic in your floral dress!! That's the sunny side of life right there:)

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  10. AdrienneApril 19, 2011 at 6:01 AM

    Best of luck on your new business plans! Keep on keepin' on, and everything will work out!

    Love the floral tight and floral dress paring, brilliant!

    Adrienne
    http://lolarocksclothing.blogspot.com/

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  11. AnonymousApril 19, 2011 at 6:46 AM

    Sometimes you need to move for a fresh start!
    Best of luck on your endeavors Bella.

    PS: love how you incorporated two floral patterns into one outfit.

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  12. ElleApril 19, 2011 at 6:48 AM

    Congrats and good luck! Love the look! and those tights are fabulous, in fact I have a similar pair! (only different store!)

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  13. RebeccaApril 19, 2011 at 7:18 AM

    I like the mix of floral prints. Sorry that your sale didn't work out, but it sounds like you've got a lot of good things going on right now.

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  14. Nora-transient*treasuresApril 19, 2011 at 8:41 AM

    Congratulations on the new digs!! Sounds fab. Don't let one dull day be the measure of your success. By putting your items on-line, you will be open 24 /7 - and WORLDWIDE!!! I am able to make ends meet by having my various eggs in MANY baskets. I am SURE you will be successful. "believe and it will be"

    Namaste,
    Nora
    PS--the painting is lovely--- coincidentally, I have a fridge magnet with the same sentiment :~)

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  15. SantinaApril 19, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    Bella, I am loving this clash of florals; you've given pretty florals an edge while still staying feminine! I must have told you this before, but I'll say it again: I love when you wear hair accessories!

    Sorry to hear about your discouraging start. Keep with it, amiga! Good things come to good people!

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  16. AnonymousApril 19, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    More than a little jealous of your springy weather! We're due for snow today. Boo.

    That dress is just glorious.

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  17. Nikki MorthamApril 19, 2011 at 9:25 AM

    I keep hearing about the think house collective, but havent figured out what it is! You will have to fill us in soon :)
    Nikki
    PS-beautiful dress!

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  18. UnknownApril 19, 2011 at 9:28 AM

    Bella, you bring an edge to the florals and it's WONDERFUL!! By the way, I understand when you said you found yourself questioning everything you're trying to do. I find myself doing that sometimes....it will pass and you'll do great. And a year from now, you'll be encouraging an upstart saying, "Wow, my first sale, no one showed up! But look at me now!!!" Big huge Hug girly!!! ~Serene

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  19. The Holly Rivers ShowApril 19, 2011 at 9:31 AM

    just been swimming around in your blog.....made me smile! love the colourful clothes/dark tattoes combo - a bit like me!

    i will be back.... and keep your dreams

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  20. The Closet ShopperApril 19, 2011 at 10:55 AM

    You are too freak'n cute. I love all that floral. And you make it look fantastic.

    It's not fair that we live so close but your weather is by far so much better than ours. *pout*

    xo,
    Tracy

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  21. Comtesse de ferveurApril 19, 2011 at 11:02 AM

    Sorry to hear about the sale - but don't second guess yourself for a second. Go forward and bloom, as I see you ARE doing! You look beautiful, flower of Sacramento! xxx

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  22. AnonymousApril 19, 2011 at 11:27 AM

    If this is your dream - keep at it and don't let that little voice in your head talk you down. You have great style and I KNOW everything is going to come up roses for you :)

    Doreen

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  23. UnknownApril 19, 2011 at 12:02 PM

    flippin awesome outfit!
    Makes me look like a school-marm today ;)
    NOT THAT THERE'S ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT............
    LOL
    XxX
    rEVA

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  24. UnknownApril 19, 2011 at 12:31 PM

    I love the use of colour here. I also really love the patterned tights, they're really detailed. The corsage, if it is that is and not part of the dress, is a nice touch too.

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  25. AnonymousApril 19, 2011 at 12:40 PM

    Oh No. Sorry things didn't go as planned, but just know good things will come your way, and you cannot feel discouraged. You just gotta keep on going.

    I'm digging your style doll!! I never thought of pairing floral tights with a floral dress, but it totally works, and you rocked it!! I, too love to shop at crossroads! It's one of the best places to find the steals!!!

    You should post your look on The Wear to go Girls' facebook for a chance to be featured Best Look of the Week!!
    http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Wear-to-go-Girls/138631736207424

    xoxo,
    melrod

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  26. Casee MarieApril 19, 2011 at 2:40 PM

    I'm so sorry things didn't work out for your sale, lovely, but it thrills me that you put your time and effort into making it happen in the first place. People say the real success is in the trying, right? Whatever happens after that is just consequence. If we defined our lives in what we accomplish rather than what we put our heart into life wouldn't be half as exciting.

    That being said, I can't wait to see what fabulous endeavors you take on next. You're a rockstar!

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  27. UnknownApril 19, 2011 at 2:57 PM

    Oh my gosh, I am in love with your layering here!! That dress is glorious, and I love your crinoline underneath. You look gorgeous, Bella!! I am excited for you and all of your new endeavors!!! (I know there are a lot of exclamation points in this comment, but it was necessary, I promise). :)

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  28. My Heart BloggedApril 19, 2011 at 3:30 PM

    I really hope you succeed. I'm sorry you had a disappointing weekend. I love the crinoline peeking out. The floral on floral is so amazing on you.
    My Heart Blogged

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  29. UnknownApril 19, 2011 at 8:24 PM

    I may need another twitter tutorial!
    E-me!
    re: adding my url?
    xXx
    Reva

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  30. Stephanie LoudmouthApril 19, 2011 at 9:30 PM

    WHAT!? No one came to see you -- not even friends or acquaintances? I'm pissed. I wish I lived closer. You KNOW I would have been there!

    Keep pushing toward your dreams. You have a big heart and a creative soul, and I know you'll get there. Don't let this little bump in the road cause a full-on stop.

    Anyway, I LOVE this outfit. You look so cute, yet cool as a cucumber. That painting is GORGEOUS! How kind of Dana.

    The-Loudmouth.com
    Twitter @theloudermouth

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  31. AngelineApril 19, 2011 at 9:56 PM

    You're moving to Thinkhouse? We need to have lunch or something! I'm like, right there (well, across the street), all day long.

    BTW, this dress is super-fab. I love how spring-y you look!

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  32. LeiaApril 19, 2011 at 11:18 PM

    Oh Bella! I absolutely love florals and you look wonderful in them! How exciting that you'll be moving soon... I can't wait to find out where your adventures take you :)

    ♥ Leia

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  33. AnonymousApril 20, 2011 at 12:04 AM

    Rosebud--I would have come last weekend...if I'd been anywhere in the vicinity. Hope the new studio makes a difference for you. The new artwork is a good sign. Remember that sometimes it is darkest before the dawn.

    Did you get your hair cut? I really like it.

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  34. Penny Dreadful VintageApril 20, 2011 at 2:17 AM

    You certainly suit headbands Bella, that pink one is so cute on you.

    I'm sorry to hear about your sale. We all have times like that, I certainly have. The thing that makes you a brave person is when you keep going, despite setbacks and upsets. And I know you are brave. Big hug from me xx

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  35. Sara KristiinaApril 20, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    You are such a cutiepie!

    And I wish you good luck my dear!

    -Sara
    xx

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  36. AnonymousApril 21, 2011 at 3:03 PM

    Oh I love your outfit it shouts spring...I totally own those tights but have yet to figure out how to wear them.

    I'm sorry your sale was disappointing. A woman told me last week that it is really important to set goals and then to detach from the outcome. Your next sale COULD be awesome, so keep that positive attitude.

    Best of luck on the move!

    PS- I heart the word pun fool-bloom.

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  37. UnknownApril 23, 2011 at 7:59 PM

    I'm sorry to hear about your disappointment with the sale! That really sucks and I appreciate your honesty about it. I just retweeted a quote from @simplyluxurious that is appropriate here: "This thing we call 'failure' is not the falling down, but the staying down."
    Get back up and call it experience (I bet you've done that already).

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  38. SweetApril 24, 2011 at 1:56 AM

    sorry to hear about the sale Bella...I can relate to your disappointment my love. I know how it sucks...do not worry, I know you will succeed in the future my dear love...just charge it to experience my darling and I know you will be able to be okay....
    And see look out the dress...it does not even look that you had a disappointing experience...

    Kisses Bella

    always
    Sweet
    PensandLens
    @mistytewest

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