May 3, 2017

The Big Spring Closet Clean Out of 2017

 

I’ve been slowly going through my house, room by room, and getting rid of things I haven’t used recently. Call it the Marie Kondo method, call it decluttering, whatever you call it it feels really good. I’ve had April earmarked for my closet since the start of the year and was really looking forward to doing some serious damage. Most things end up in the donation pile, but there are usually a few more quality pieces that I’d like to get a return on – enter eBay!

 

 

 

If you’ve never sold with eBay before it couldn’t be easier, let me lay it out.

Step 1. List it.
 Take a few photos to upload, decide on the selling format that’s right for you, and you’re done. (I love the feature that allows you to save a draft for later!)

Step 2. Ship it.
After your item sells mail it out.

Step 3. Get paid.
PayPal gets you your earnings in the fastest, simplest way – and for free.

Just think of all the potential cash you have laying around your house right now in the form of clothes you’re no longer into, kitchen appliances you’ve never opened, and decor that’s just not your jam anymore.

 

 

 

I’m good about keeping whatever’s on hangers down to what I wear on the regular, but things like jeans, sweater, and bags that are on shelves are more difficult to keep in check. By making a little extra cash on things I’m no longer wearing, I can justify buying this bamboo handbag I’ve been eyeing and this navy blue mini peasant dress that I’d love to have for summer. Like everything in life, keeping your belonging in check is all about balance.

 

 

 

Things I’m letting go of that are up for grabs?

A brightly hand painted, hand stitched clutch by Tiff Manuell.

A silk Missoni for Target scarf with a modern geometric zigzag pattern.

A rose gold MOTO 360 smartwatch that I just couldn’t get used to wearing.

A vintage 1980s black sequined handbag with a tied silk strap.

A linen scarf designed by one of my favorite painters, Kristi Kohut.

A small, sporty cross body goldenrod yellow leather purse with clasp closure.

A red, orange, and white bowling-style messenger bag from the 1990s.

A glazed canvas Wanderlust wallet from Petunia Pickle Bottom.

 

 

 

Be sure to check out eBay’s Clean Up, Cash In Game to learn what’s hot for selling by playing a fun match game, you’ll also be entered for a chance to win up to a $50 gift card. Add something new from your wishlist while clearing out the things from your own closet that might be on someone else’s – talk about a win-win!

This post sponsored by eBay. All words and opinions are my own, as always. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush creating fresh content!

Posted In accessories, bags, behind the scenes, sponsored post, style, wear it
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April 12, 2017

11 Perfect White Tees

Few things in my wardrobe have been more elusive than the perfect white t-shirt. One that’s not too long or too short, too tight or too loose, with a neck that’s not too big or too small. It makes me feel like Goldielocks. When I think back, the closest I ever had was a sort of thin, boxy cut version from the Gap when I was in high school. (My Grandma actually found it at her house and we were reunited last year!) How about you, have a favorite white tee that just goes with everything?

 

Basic White Tee from Sabo Skirt // Relaxed Casual T-Shirt from James Perse // T-Shirt from Baserange

 

The Cotton Scoop-Neck Tee from Everlane // The Cotton V from Everlane // The Luxe Drape Deep V Tee from Everlane // The Perfect Pocket Tee from Levi’s

 

Remade Dancing Tee from Urban Renewal // V-Neck Tee from Wear Pact // Valmere T-Shirt from Talula // Whisper Cotton V-Neck Cotton Tee from Madewell

Posted In round up, series, style, wear it
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April 6, 2017

Boobs!

Viva la feminism! No part of the human form should be taboo, and I love people and companies who stand for that thought in tasteful, tongue in cheek ways. Best of all, several of these shops donate a portion of proceeds from each purchase to organizations that give back!

 

Boob Hook by Thing Industries

 

Boob Necklace by Melopepo

 

Boob Pillowcase by Gravel and Gold

 

Boob T by Never Fully Dressed

 

Boobies Collar by Shed Brooklyn

 

Eyes on You Tee by Egg Press

 

Female Support System Brass Hook by Kaye Blegvad

 

Free the Nipple Brooch by Pretty Ugly

 

T(it) Shirt Original with Beading by Still Here

Posted In accessories, accessories, house and home, jewelry, living, pets, style, wear it
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April 3, 2017

Sseko Sole Sisters + Giveaway

 

Sseko Designs is an ethical brand that’s using fashion and design to help bright, brave young women in East Africa attend university. To date they’ve enabled 86 women in Uganda go to college to pursue their dreams and become change makers in their communities!

At the beginning of February I first connected with Sseko Designs founder Liz Forkin Bohannon, thanks to a mutual friend we met up and when she reached out about being a 2017 Sseko Sole Sister I was in 500%.

 

 

 

As a Sseko Sole Sister I’ve been connected to one university-bound woman on Sseko’s team in Uganda – meet Shakira! She lives with her mother and three siblings and loves wearing bold prints in simple designs, reading for fun, and spending time with her friends. Shakira seeks out happy moments, loves horror films and chili-flavored snacks, adventure and exploring new places, and hopes to one day get to Switzerland to see the sights and learn more about its neutral and stable history. She looks up to her mother and the strength she has shown in every situation. When things get tough, Shakira likes to remind herself that, “for every successful man, there are very many unsuccessful years.”

She reminded me a lot of myself and so the deal was sealed! (And that dress! Style for days.)

In school Shakira’s favorite subjects are literature and geography, and she hopes to go on to study art at the university level – specifically design. “One thing that makes me love art – I love nature,” she explains. “I love everything about nature. So maybe if I can put it toward design, something can come out of it.”

 

 

 

The fifteen women in this year’s Sole Sister class won’t be making beautiful sandals, bags, and accessories forever – they’re destined for more and deserve the chance to pursue their dreams. The Sseko community wants them to know we’re here, rooting for them and cheering them on the entire way.

And with every single purchase made through mine and Shakira’s link, sales will go towards earning her an additional scholarship towards university!

 

 

 

To kickoff the start of my year as Shakira’s Sole Sister and to get you outfitted for spring in some super stylish ethically made goods, we’re giving away $100! Choose from their incredible selection of handmade sandals, leather bags, and accessories – I’ve already picked up the Brave necklace with a few charms and a pair of camel Rue sandals or myself.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Posted In accessories, bags, create, do good, jewelry, shoes, style, wear it
27
March 17, 2017

Rock Salt Vintage

 

Rock Salt Vintage is a new shop find full of minimal, affordable jewelry. Katelin Reeser’s influences of architecture and natural forms are evident in each piece she creates in her signatures structural yet delicate designs. Every piece would take a little black dress to the next level or be just as at home with a pair of jeans and t-shirt, my kind of jewelry.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted In jewelry, style, wear it
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March 13, 2017

GRAV GRAV

 

GRAV GRAV is the wearable wood handiwork of Merve Burma. In her Istanbul-based workshop she creates wooden bags with natural materials like walnut, oak, and beech accented with cross-stitched imagery and leather details. Each piece feels as unique as the person who will one day carry it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted In bags, create, style, wear it, wood
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March 2, 2017

Nevertheless, She Persisted Tees!

 

LET’S TAKE THIS ONE STEP FURTHER. After our hugely successful post full of printable #resistance postcards some of you reached out about the possibility of selling my design as a t-shirt. My gears immediately started turning, because why hadn’t I thought of that??

I submitted my design to Cotton Bureau (a favorite business right here in Pittsburgh) and as of today you have two weeks to purchase it on their site! The shirt is being offered in white, maroon, and vintage black in both men’s and women’s sizes for you to rock on your hot little bods. (Note: None of the shirts are pre-washed, but should only shrink *maybe* half an inch if washed in cold water.)

Half of all proceeds are headed straight to the ACLU! So buy it, wear it, and stand up for what you believe in.

 

 

Posted In behind the scenes, create, do good, graphics, my design, shameless plug, style, wear it
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