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Cleaning out the Closet!

Happy Tuesday to you all! I'm really excited about today's guest blogger. Beth Locker of Beth Locker Style is here to share her strategies on how to start the love/hate relationship that can be cleaning out your closet for Spring:

As April showers fade and May flowers begin to pop we all start to feel renewed. Winter's short cold days give way to open window breezes, lingering sunshine and whatís ahead for summer's endless possibilities. People are outside more --exercising, working in their yards, cleaning up and planting. As this shift happens, it is a great time to re-assess our wardrobes and cluttered closets.

For over 25 years I have helped people edit their wardrobes and seen them transform before my eyes as they get rid of clutter that makes getting dressed every day almost impossible. A recent Wall Street Journal article claimed that people wear only 20% of what's in their closets. Secretly we all know this is true. Here are a few tips for getting started.

A few things to remember as you begin the process: First, make sure you are well rested, fed and hydrated. This sounds ridiculous, but necessary, as this is a surprisingly emotional task. People are attached to their stuff and have stories about pieces of clothing that they wore to a special event back in the eighties that they just can't get rid of or a sweater that an old boyfriend gave them, etc., etc. you get the picture. Next, start in a far corner of your closet and go hanger to hanger asking yourself a few important questions: When did I last wear this, did I feel great in it, is the color and fit flattering? Once you get going make 3 piles: give, sell and throw away. If you touch a hanger holding something that you are not sure of, leave it and keep going.

As you start the process something remarkable will happen. it will get easier to edit and give your items an honest assessment. Go back to the pieces that you were having a difficult time releasing and clarity will come (we all have that little place in our heart where if we know someone else could use or enjoy something we have, it is a pleasure to be generous and give and freeing, I might add). Itís also important to state your intentions or goal of this project. Perhaps you are starting a new job which requires a different look, or youíve lost those few extra pounds and are anticipating the excitement of getting some new things to celebrate, or you are stuck when it comes to putting your clothes together or simply, going through the process twice a year as it is a great exercise for an orderly life.

Learning the difference between want and need is a lesson relearned over and over again in life. Loving fashion, design and following trends is oh so much fun and an important part of the human existence and we advertise who we are by the clothes we choose to wear. We get dressed 7 days a week, so you might as well start with a cleaned-out well organized closet. Think about it.

Do you clean your closet out each season? Do you love or hate the process? Join the conversation!

Lukfin Jr. League Spring Market

Pop-Up shops are one of my very favorite expressions of creativity. Each one can be different and a slew of DIY projects take hold. I made a little video showing you some of the fun that goes on behind the scenes:

Bold Pattern Mixing

This week, I asked one of our adorable Affiliate Bloggers, Chelle of Spangled Paraphernalia, to share some tips on styling her favorite Spring Fashion Trend. Chelle weighs in:

While classic floaty florals will always be in for spring, this season I'm really excited to ditch the pastels in favor of styling some seriously bold prints. Here are my top four favorite ways to dust winter off my shoulders with some killer prints.



1. Big sassy prints are the new color blocking, amiright? The key to making this trend scream, "I'm a classy dame," is to pair your prints with solids and minimal accessories. This keeps on-lookers focused, not on the loudness of your shirt, but on what really matters: your fabulous sense of style.



2. Mixing textures is another great way to rock that pattern like it ain't no thang. Pairing a chiffon shirt with suede boots provides some contrast to your ensemble without adding too many competing patterns. Added bonus, subtle details like the right texture mix gives your look that "je ne sais quoi" quality that people go crazy for. And let's face it, who doesn'tappreciate compliments and approving stares from perfect strangers?



3. If you want to rock the print, but aren't quite in that look-at-me-I'm-a-bird-of-paradise mood, throw on a bold accessory like a vintage silk scarf, tribal wedges, or a striped cardigan with something more classic and simple. This is a great option for professional work environments - classy does not have to be boring, my friends!



4. On the opposite end of the spectrum, when in doubt, more is, well, more! Be sure to mix 'em up, though. As we have been taught throughout the ages, it is very difficult to pull off head-to-toe animal print. Try combining a bold geometric print with something more subtle like tiny polka dots or stripes. This is especially effective with black and white patterns. Then, you can throw in a bright green chevron clutch to spice things up.

At the end of the day, I say, "wear your patterns and enjoy life!" Spring is all about new beginnings, so bust out your bright colors and crazy prints and be fabulous you to the fullest extent!

Make sure to keep in touch with Chelle for more inspiring ways to make pattern mixing seem fabulously effortless!

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Fair Trade Tiny Totes

I'm sure you've heard me say it before, but I'm a tote gal. And with the arrival of our adorable new Fair Trade totes from India, here's just a few ways to put one to good use:

1. As a lunch sack


2. To carry your clutch inconspicuously in a sketchy area of town


3. To hold your dirty laundry on a weekend trip


4. To ensure that you are never without a good book


5. To carry wine bottles from the grocery store with ease


6. As a conversation starter on what it means to buy fair wage


7. As sustainable, reusable wrapping paper for a Mother's Day gift


8. For bringing wine to a party in style


9. To hold your valuables at the gym instead of stuffing them in your bag or locker


10. As sustainable, reusable wrapping paper when gifting an adorable Fair Trade Clutch to your BFF just because!


11. To compartmentalize toiletries in your suitcase


12. As sustainable, reusable wrapping paper for a hostess gift (sensing a theme...?!)


13. As a odd and unflattering hat


14. As a way to support handmade, Fair Trade companies working to help create jobs in developing countries


15. To carry things while riding your bike


16. As a shopping bag at the Farmer's Market to hold your fresh veggies

What would you add? What creative ways do you use a tote bag?



- P.S. Enter to win an adorable Fair Trade Tiny Tote by posting a review & Tweeting with #AprilToteGiveaway -

Urban Light

I asked our amazingly creative Fashion Photographer & Stylist, Stephanie Press (also of Hold Vintage), to share some tips on styling her favorite Spring Fashion Trend. Steph weighs in:

Denim is always in.  But this year, I'm inspired by the fresh take of denim on denim using pristine whites and treated blues.  Yes, your acid-wash jeans from back-in-the-day are set for a major update this season!  This works best as a very clean look that plays on classic shapes with a textural feel enhanced by minimalist styling and a casual California-cool vibe.



Denim and white is an excellent foil for bold accessories.  Think big, oversize metal cuffs, bold contrast print purses, and neon-bright sandals and earrings.  It's also a look that will put tailored pieces in your closet that can be recombined season after season, and will outlast trend cycles.  Remember, denim will go with any shade of lipstick and can easily be dressed up or down.  Heavier denims are structured, graphic and flattering, relaxed denims are floaty and can be whimsical or have a dream-like air.

If you dare to get crafty, reach into the closet for an old pair of denim, and get busy doing this:  Or cut them off and make shorts.  Head to your local thrift store for an oversize denim shirt (mens will do) and try your hand at adding a few embroidered details to the collar (like these arrows), or easy appliques like iron-on studs.  Old denim looks good in a bit of wear, so don't be afraid to take another look at what is already in your closet for ideas.

Pair it with crisp whites (either jeans or an easy button down shirt), throw on some neon sandals, grab your clutch, and done!

Some of my favorite pairings and styling suggestions:

White vintage (or vintage-inspired) eyelet shift dresses with dark denim moto jackets.  Keep your hair and makeup retro fresh with a messy updo and cat eyes.  Feminine heels and small handbags with fun details like candy-colored leather and gold chains make it look luxe.

Acid wash denim leggings with a breezy white button down shirt.  Crunchy beach waves, aviator sunnies, and a pair of neon yellow sandals make this look hip and effortless.  It will also fit a wide range of proportions.  If you're worried about the leggings showing a little too much, go for a shirtdress or even a swimsuit cover up in white and layer a tank or sports top underneath.

High-waisted white shorts with a button down shirt in a washed out denim.  Be sure to roll the sleeves up and pair it with chunky wedges.  Add vintage scatter pins to the collar for some color and texture.  Loosely braided updos and bright pink lips provide just the right bit of polish.

But most of all, have fun dressing up your denim this Spring.  A smile is the best accessory.

Purchase the Moto Jacket from the photo here.
Purchase the Convertible Bucket Bag from the photo here.
Browse our Pinterest Board to see these trends in action!

Companies with Intentionality

When it comes to companies that give back, there are three basic models:

1.) A portion of sales are donated to a specific Non-Profit or cause

2.) Buy one give one - a comparable item to the one purchased is donated to those in need of that item

3.) Intentionally purchasing items from groups who fairly compensate their artisans and ensure a positive work environment

Often times, a company will fall under multiple catagories. Here are a few examples of some of my favorite ethical companies of women who I have had the privilidge to meet in my journey of small business ownership:

Nicole of Radiant Cosmetics

The mission of Radiant Cosmetics is to bring awareness of human trafficking by raising funds through cosmetics to provide resources for those on the forefront of change, as well as victims of trafficking.

The cosmetics industry generates $170 billion annually. Women dominate this industry and of the over 2 million human beings trafficked each year, 80% are women and girls. Nicole's dream is to awaken a generation of women to not sit back and allow this injustice to happen to our fellow sisters.

And besides, they have great products! As a regular make-up purchaser, why not have a portion of my purchase help fight human trafficking? Her innovative business fits within the first category.

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Jessica of OAK Lifestyle

OAK (Ordinary Acts of Kindness) makes beautiful backpacks and fits in the second catagory. When you purchase a backpack, OAK Lifestyle provides a child with a backpack + school supplies.

CapCityKids is serving the homeless population with tutoring in area shelters provided by certified teachers, counseling provided by supervised graduate social worker students, and more.

AfricaNewLife educates orphaned children, and houses the children in a family setting. Each home of 16 children has a dedicated "Auntie" who nurtures the children's emotional needs.

Each backpack has a little pouch for quick acts of kindness. It's the perfect size to hold a few dollars to give to a homeless person, tip a musician, or pay for a stranger's coffee.

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Amanda of Amanda Deer Jewelry

Amanda handmakes her adorable, dainty necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. She chooses to source her materials from a Fair Trade Organization in Indonesia.

This is a great example of the third catagory of ethical businesses and highlights the seeminly small steps we can do to make sure that we are investing in groups who treat their artisans and employees with respect.

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What ethical companies have you discovered?