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Shopping blog featuring products made by people not factories.

Winter Adventure: Ice Skating

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The cold winter months can drag on when you’re stuck inside all day, but sometimes the best thing to do is get out and embrace the chilly weather. The ice rink in downtown Chicago has some of the best views of the city and I would try to go at least once a year to take it all in. It was always crowded and I was always wobbly, but, if nothing else, I would have a good laugh at myself and enjoyed some hot chocolate at the end of it all.

If you’re ever looking for an excuse to put on a twirly dress, ice skating is it. This knit dress by Jessica Rose Design features a full skirt that’s perfect for 360 spins or just trying to stay on your feet. The classic design, v-neck and full skirt are figure flattering for women of all shapes. And, since it’s cold outside, the knit fabric is perfect for layering with sweaters and scarves.

These amazing screen-printed leggings by Pretty Penny Designs are truly going to set you apart on the ice. Made of a cotton Lycra blend, you’ll be able to move around the ice with ease and stay warm as well. The blue and white fireworks pattern is a surprising accessory to your classic blue dress.

Of course, your legs are going to need a bit more warmth if you’re going to be out on the ice all day. These speckled blue leg warmers by Uniquely Chic for You are a great accessory, both on the ice and off. Made of wool and viscose yarn, these are sure to keep your legs warm and the relaxed fit ensure that they will fit right over your ice skates.

The cute and eco-friendly ice skates featured at the top of this post were created by Recycled Parts.

Retro swimwear

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Tani Marie: I have been handcrafting clubwear, swimwear and lingerie since 1999. I learned my craft building exotic dancewear. I was hired as a house mom at a gentlemen’s club and started selling clothes that I purchased to the dancers. Not being impressed with the clothes available, I decided to start making them. After a few months of designing and experimentation I was able to construct outfits to sell. Six months later, having a large variety of patterns, styles and custom orders it was time to do it full time.

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The experience gave me incredible insight into fitting and complementing for all body types. My style has always leaned to the sexy side, and I draw inspiration from hip hop, 80’s punk rock, classic funk, classic pin ups, classic cinema, anime, lowrider cars and bicycles, roller skating and surfing.

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Olympic Minded

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February. The shortest month of the year is also one of the most eventful and emotional. There’s anticipation—will the groundhog see his shadow? Who will win the superbowl? There’s a celebration of love, leadership, and history. There’s carnival revelry and reflection. And this February, there’s the Olympics—evoking pride, spreading excitement and awe and, maybe best of all, inspiring. (Wall quotes from Its Written On The Wall help keep the inspiration alive.)

I love the Olympics. When I was 10 years old, I liked the summer Olympics, in awe of the gymnasts. Back-flipping on narrow beams. Flying through the air. The pressure, the dedication, the incredible disappointment one tiny slip-up caused, and conversely the amazing elation of a perfect performance. I lost interest a little over the years, but fell in love again four years ago, when the Olympics were in Turino. I obsessively watched the coverage from Italy. The skiing, the skating, the snowboarding—amazed at what these athletes could accomplish. It takes an amazing amount of self-discipline to compete at such a level. I, myself, can’t make it to the gym most days, because it’s cold. What a weak excuse! (Maybe, if I had this workout towel from Words To Sweat By in my gym bag, I’d be more motivated.)

Going for gold is what the Olympic athletes do. They compete to win. they are the best of the best, and if they win, and come out on top they’re awarded the gold medal. Maybe if I awarded myself a token of appreciation every now and then, I could motivate. (This necklace from Second Sister Jewelry, titled Olympic, might help.)

Sit down, watch the Olympics and marvel at what we all can do. The possibilities are endless.