99% Thrifted. 100% Visible

The sunglasses are the only items I'm wearing that weren't thrifted. The bandana and the necklace are thrift-shopped items that have been in my closet for YEARS. The top- a recent score from the local Value Village was something I picked up to re-sell, and well, I've been wearing ever since. I love it, and even though it's a bit, uh roomy for me, I'm going to hang onto it a while longer. Like I've said before, it reminds me of Vix, Misfit Sarah, and Helga, so all it does is make me happy!

Do you know what also makes me happy? YOU. 

#SHOPSECONDHANDFIRST Colorful. Visible and 100% Ethical.

 
I've got a few things up my sleeve, and it's all about you- something I think you're going to get a kick out of, something you are going to love. It's all shhhush-mums for now, but for those who just want to know- sign up for the Citizen mailing list- I'm going to send out very short and sweet monthly posting to get you in on the secret. Click HERE to sign up- my first newsletter launches the first of next month! 

I do have an announcement that I can make now, and here it is: as of July, 2013, I will no longer be accepting sponsors for this blog. So the sidebar should look a little cleaner, and I can re-focus this blog into a personal space. There are several reasons for this but it all comes down to my commitment to create great original content, AND to make a viable living.  

I'll be honest with you: I've been working hard for 5 years, trying to earn a living as a blogger  and freelance writer, yet struggling to do so. Juggling sponsors, my own small business of re-selling vintage, and promoting others (via the +40 Blog Roll) has been long hours, much of it unpaid and a bit tiring, and ultimately, not enough. I can't make ends meet doing what I've been doing, how I've been doing it. It has come down to my survival. I need to earn a living-  so my life, and my blog are getting a spring cleaning, and a re-boot. What will be left will be simply what works. 

 A big thank-you to my past sponsors: 

• Karina Dresses
• L'Affaire Cashmere
• Sunglasses Shop
• Funkoma Vintage
• ToothSoap
• The Style Confessions

There are some others as well, but the companies and individuals mentioned above have shown such tremendous support over a long haul, and each in their own way, have taught me so much!  If I've neglected to mention someone, please forgive me- every person who's helped me these past five years, deserves a shout out of thanks! 

For the moment,  this blog will see a a bit of a slow down, as I focus on other projects and on taking care of business. That also means, I won't be visiting my blog pals' blogs for a while: I hope you can understand- but my time management has got to be focused on earning a living wage, and right now, I've been burning candles at both ends, and not making ends meets. This is said in all honesty, and I hope without a whiff of complaint- I am so grateful for all this blog has given me! 

The Citizen Rosebud isn't going away, but look for some changes, and dare I say?  IMPROVEMENTS. 

A quick story about the sunglasses: they are NOT Pradas, but a knock-off, sold by a company called Moraleyes. They were $15, free shipping and for every pair purchased, they donated money to a charity. How win/win was that? I bought the pair over a year ago, because I intended to write an article about the company. Unfortunately, the company appears to have gone out of business. I'm guessing, like me, they had good intentions but a poor business plan. RIP Moraleyes. The MORAL of the story: vote with your dollar!  PLEASE support people and the companies you believe in!  


Wishing you all a very visible and cheerful Monday! --Bella Q

 Linking to Patti and all the lovelies for Visible Monday.