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Shopping blog featuring products made by people not factories.

Bridal Party

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My best friend from high school got engaged this week and I couldn’t be more happy for her and her new fiance. She’ll be the first in my group of friends to tie the knot, making her wedding a momentous occasion for all of us. Despite the busyness and excitement around the engagement, I got a chance to speak with her over the weekend about the proposal, her engagement ring, and, of course, her ideas for the wedding.

My friend has loved the color baby blue ever since I’ve known her (we met in the 1st grade); therefore, it didn’t surprise me that she wanted to have it as one of her wedding colors. When I came across this beautiful baby blue dress by Ananya, I couldn’t help but think of my friend’s wedding. Besides being the perfect shade of blue, I love the elegant simplicity of this dress. The architectural collar adds just the right amount of elegance to this otherwise simple, but timeless piece. And just in case my friend changes her mind, there are plenty of other fabric colors to choose, everything from hot pink to black.

My friend wants to make sure that every girl in the bridal party feels completely comfortable in her dress, no matter what their body type. The Coda wrap dress by nataJane is the perfect solution. It can be worn a dozen different ways, from strapless to sleeveless to kimono style, and will look great on everyone in the bridal party. Oh, and it comes in baby blue as well as 44 other amazing colors.

My friend loves strapless dresses, and I think she would just adore the sweet ruffles and the architectural look of the Kia dress by Nostalgia. Accenting the smallest part of your waist and falling around the knee, this dress is universally flattering and timeless. With a price tag of only $89, it’s affordable as well!

I can’t wait to pass along the links to each of these dresses to my friend. With so many great choices, I have no doubt that her bridal party will look absolutely amazing for her big day!

**The photo featured at the top of this post was taken by CAPow Art & Design.

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.

Boyfriend Chic

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Wearing your boyfriend’s clothes is one of those fashion trends that keeps coming back year after year in one form or another. Sure, it sounds easy enough – just throw on your man’s collared shirt – but for those of us who aren’t fashion models, this trend can be difficult to pull off. Those over-sized collared shirts can easily create a messy, even frumpy look. For women in need of something more tailored, there are plenty of handmade artists creating pieces that will keep you on trend, but still looking chic and pulled together.

I just love the look of this tunic by Ma chemise d’homme. Made from a man’s collared shirt, you still get the comfort and relaxed look that is typical of the boyfriend trend, but the round neckline, puffed sleeves and contrasting bias tape add subtle touches of femininity. Ma chemise d’homme’s entire shop features women’s clothing made from upcycled menswear and some of her designs are truly surprising – a must see.

If you love the relaxed look of boyfriend jeans, but are looking for something a little more tailored, the Charlie Pants by Three Little Ducks may be just what you had in mind. With a relaxed fit and flattering pleating across the front, these pants combine masculine tailored details with a feminine cut and fit, and could be easily dressed up for a night out or worn out while running errands.

This acorn yellow satchel by breagha is another great combination of masculine and feminine details. The leather shoulder strap and detailing along with the boxy shape mimic more masculine messenger bags while the bright yellow color and compact size make it perfect for female body types and taste. Made from tweed woven in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, this bag is both unique and utilitarian.

The sweet print featured at the top of this post was created by Sparklehen.

Get the Look: Yoga Class

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I took a hiatus from yoga class for a few months, but this week I’m making a commitment to get back in the studio. Previously, I went to class every Sunday morning, and left feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the week’s tasks. I can’t remember exactly why I stopped going, but I’m excited to get back into a regular yoga routine–breath, stretch, repeat!

If you’ve ever been to a yoga class you know that the right pants can make or break your stretching session: too tight and your movements will be restricted, too big and you’ll be pulling at them throughout the class. The solution is to pick a fabric that is stretchy, breathable and light. Enter the Hamsa from Kaya Yoga Wear, a capri pant made from cotton lycra. With just a little bit of rouching, these pants are cute enough to wear to a cafe, the grocery store or on whatever errands you need to run after class.

It’s just as important that your yoga top is comfortable. I prefer to practice in loose fitting tanks that keep me cool and allow me to move and twist easily. This tank from Purusha People is made of a cotton blend, and hand dyed a beautiful shade of blue.

Yoga mats can be a pain to carry around, but a cute yoga bag makes the task a little more enjoyable. This option from Lslie Art features a thick shoulder strap, drawstring closure and an eye-catching bold and organic pattern.

I typically don’t wear any jewelry when I practice, but these sweet lotus sterling silver studs from Shizen Designs are too cute to leave at home. They’re small enough that they won’t distract from your practice, but big enough to add just a bit of sparkle to your outfit.

A higher level of consciousness awaits! Grab your mat, head to the studio and breath your way to relaxation. Namaste!

Warm Weather Getaway

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Are you ready to get away from the cold and snow yet? Summer may still be a few months away, but a warm weather getaway is the perfect solution to your winter blues. Just imagine the hot sun, a cold drink and the perfect beach read – a tropical getaway, if you will, to some exotic local. Despite the cold weather, there are still plenty of handmade artists out there ready to outfit you in the stylish clothes you need to thoroughly enjoy some rest and relaxation.

This sweet patchwork tank top by good morning – midnight is just perfect for a summer getaway. Comfortable and light weight, it’s casual enough to wear to the beach and stylish enough to wear around while exploring your new sunny local. The gray triangle gives this top a modern look that is versatile for both daytime excursions and nights out on the town. It can easily be dressed up with a skirt or dark jeans, or worn with shorts.

What better way to beat the winter blues than with a pair for brightly-colored shorts? These vintage-style pink shorts by MirthQuake Clothing are the perfect way to add a pop of color to your summer getaway outfit, allowing your legs (which, let’s face it, are probably a bit pale) to soak up some of that glorious sunshine.

A trip to the beach just isn’t complete without a magazine bag to carry around all of your necessities. Large enough to hold your beach read, sunscreen, wallet and more, this stylish cotton bag by Bundarra features two fabrics – a black and white screen printed geometric print and a black and cream striped print. The geometric pattern will accent your new tank top perfectly.

The photo featured at the top of this post was taken by Sarah Jarreett Photography.