SECONDHAND FIRST: Link-up + Express Yourself

We've already featured Becky and her shop already last year, but Pink Cheetah Vintage deserves a return visit. Becky's always got a fresh crop of colorful and bold vintage items in her shop, and her warmth can be felt from her present digs in Asheville, North Carolina all the way across the interwebs. She's always got a kind word, and a supportive gesture, whether it be her liking something on Facebook, sharing a tweet or commenting on Instagram, Becky is there to cheer you on! 

So, here's a chance to cheer her back. 

Mind the Music: African Royals

"We don't care, we aren't caught up in your love affair"

Now when a pop-tune pops, it can break out all over the planet. I've been loving the myriad of covers done to Kiwi-darling Lorde's smash hit, Royals (see the US version here).

The Lookout: The Grommet + Celeste Stein Tights

Recently I signed up for the Grommet, a cool shopping website that highlights unique products made by up and coming small businesses. I would highly recommend this to folks who like real choices to add to their shopping options. 

One of the categories the Grommet offers are USA made items, and the first product that has snagged my attentions are Celeste Stein's colorful leggings and tights. Look at these amazing tights! Colorful and riotous patterns, and MADE IN THE USA.

Let's just say, I am intrigued.

 

Have you been on the look-out for anything in particular lately? 

Please share in the comments.

Linking up to the very visible Patti over at Not Dead Yet Style.

Secondhand First: Wall Flower

I'm been a bit of a wallflower lately, and haven't really been dressing up. It's hard to find incentive when all I'm doing is sticking close to home, working from the Citizen HQ, which in all reality is the back room of my casa! So I need a reason to spruce up, and a good one! 

Since I've got all the skills needed as a fashion blogger to style a good outfit and take some flattering pics, let's put them to good use. Announcing our #SECONDHANDFIRST Fridays. Each week, we'll be focusing on the Shop Secondhand First pledge, and the people who've taken the pledge. AND, on the last Friday of every month, we'll be hosting a #SECONDHANDFIRST link-up, where you can share your outfits that feature the values of thrift, ethical and sustainable shopping. And I'll have an excuse to doll up in my favorite thrifted, secondhand sourced or ethical branded garments, so it's a win/win. Use hashtag #secondhandfirst whenever you'd like to share your favorite thrifted outfits on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, and be sure to link up here of course, as well. 

 Here's a refresher course on the pledge: 

Shop Secondhand First.

I pledge to shop secondhand first. I resolve to buy items that are thrifted, swapped or handed down. My aim is to limit my consumption, and in doing so, I make my shopping more sustainable. I pledge to support businesses who commit to sustainable + smart design. My focus is on quality, and ethically produced new is my conscious go-to. I will barter + swap when possible, and shop charity, consignment and flea markets when probable. I pledge to shop secondhand and sustainable because I put the planet first. 

Our premiere event will be next Friday, February 28th, and I hope to see you there!

Mind the Music: Meow Mix

I’ve found you’ve got to look back at the old things and see them in a new light -John Coltrane

Introducing our new culture feature, mid-week: Mind the Music. Each Wednesday, we'll be posting some great tunes to get your toes tapping, and you, through to the end of your work week. Nothing could better launch this off than the mindful music of jazz giant, John Coltrane. Happy listening! 

For more of Coltrane's music catalogue, you can shop on Amazon.

Be Marvelous

 

Sometimes I think you CAN judge a person by the shoes they choose to wear. And this month's #SHOESHINE offered up the tiniest little big epiphany for me:

Be Beautiful in Valentino

"I know what women want. They want to be beautiful." -Valentino Garavani

Valentino nailed it. Creating garments that made women feel beautiful was the keystone to what made his design house a legend, and still fashionably relevant today.  I've had the recent opportunity to sell a couple of Valentino dresses, and I jumped at the chance. Up close, these dresses are gorgeous little creatures; the high standards of manufacture is evident. Different perhaps in expression, the two dresses both share a timeless quality. Whatever era they are worn, they will be "in style." And THAT, my friends is the keystone to being beautiful- having a constant, graceful presence. 

But, "beauty is more than skin deep." That adage reminds me that there is more to true beauty than just wearing a pretty dress off the rack. True beauty has layers, and underneath it all, beauty possesses within it, a grace that provides joy for others. While these dresses are indeed "beautiful," what will add true beauty to their refined elegance, will be the woman destined to wear them. 

Shoe Shine: Missing in Action

This month's #SHOESHINE is open to those who want to bare their "soles" and share their light.

I've been quietly busy, photographing and listing on eBay and Etsy. I might seem M.I.A. (Missing in Action) and yet not really. There's a lot of action- I'm not away on vacay, or taking a "breather" but rather doing what I should have been doing this whole time, and focusing on creating a viable business and livelihood for myself. However, the party goes on, and if you care to put your best foot forward please do so by adding a link to you in the shoes that make you feel like a star.

I've been admiring the new chunky lug soled gladiator sandals that have been showing up- my faves come from online venues such as Solestruck, and Nasty Gal. These ghostly numbers are a Nasty Gal exclusive and filling up my wishlist, for just $88. 

As always, SHOE SHINE is open to all.

See you on the upside. 

An InLinkz Link-up