More Cateye Please....

So New Years means I make need some sort of upgrade. Don't get me wrong , I LOVEEEEEE my cat eyes, and honestly could never truly part with them, but everyone needs a change once in a while right?

I currently have about four pairs of glasses that I rotate regularly. I have a few rectangle frames, two pair of vintage cat eyes, my ray bans and of course my rounded frames. I love them all and change them depending on my outfit, but for some reason I am feeling restless with my selection as of late.

I have been browsing the internet, and fell in love with these specs from Bonlook. I am thinking of switching to a rounded frame, but I know that I will end up with some cat eyes and possibly some rectangle frames but for now, I am continuing to browse the internet, and of course pinterest to see if anything catches my eye...What sites do you guys use to check out new glasses?

This post is sponsored by Bonlook but all opinions and choices are my own. Thank you for supporting companies that support LTV!

Let's Swap On Swapdom!

So I'm pretty sure you guys have heard of Swapdom, or at least seen some postings on other blogs about how cool it is.  Today is the perfect day in New Jersey to be using this site. I am cozied up on my couch watching TV in front of the fireplace, all while browsing clothes to swap from other people's closets. It's pretty spectacular if you ask me. 

See how simple it is? Swapdom handles the "swapping" aspect, and all you have to do is worry about shipping the item. I have already started scoping out some things that I would love to swap, and I am in the process of adding more items to my items as well. If you're on swapdom, make sure you keep a look out for me , my user name is : littletreemaria.

So what are you waiting for? Get on over to swapdom and start a new account. It's such an awesome way to get new-to-you items that will refresh your closet, all while getting rid of some things you don't get a lot of wear out of.

Sponsor Feature : Pinup Brooches

Hey guys! I am so excited to share this feature on one of LTV's sponsors this month, Pinup Brooches. She creates brooches, necklaces, and hair pieces from recycled goods. Everything from broken machinery, jewelry, vintage textiles, and computer chips - on average, about 85% of her products is eco-friendly with only the hardware purchased new.

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hi, my name is Kaylin. I live in the beautiful Bay Area of San Francisco where I am constantly inspired by the people and life around me. I adore antiques, have a weakness for vintage frocks, and am helpless without a cup of coffee. I also have the Pinup Brooches shop on etsy which is somewhere I share my passion for making unique pieces.

How did your blog & shop get started?

When I opened my shop, I was teaching Pre-K full time and mainly created accessories for fun. In my search for finding ways to reuse scrap paper or pipe cleaners in my classroom, I was finding new ways to use old jewelry and fabric samples in my accessories. There was, and still is, a strong sense of treasure hunting. What can I create from this? What can I do with these items that can give them new purpose? Asking those questions, led me to opening my own shop and creating some pretty awesome lesson plans. Haha  

What inspires you the most?

My love for brooches, specifically, began as a little girl staying after-school with my grandparents. I'd spend my afternoons playing dress up in my mom-moms red dancing shoes and sparkling brooches. She always had the most beautiful things and a story to go with them. To this day, I'm still inspired by those memories and am always seeking the stories behind the pieces I use. Whether they're old trims from a wedding gown or an earring missing its companion, stories are everywhere. It's also why I enjoy reading so much and often draw inspiration from favorite novels or characters. Characters, different time periods of fashion, really fun and colorful patterns - all these things inspire me.

What advice do you have for anyone who is looking to open up their own online shop?

My advice is to do something you love. Everyday. Make sure that what you sell is something you're proud of and can stand behind. If you love it, they'll love it. When opening an online shop(s), take time to make your shop/brand look cohesive. Best way to communicate information is through great pictures. Nothing will help you more like having clear, descriptive pictures of your product. Other than that, be friendly, be you, and have fun!

What are your future goals & plans, where do you want to be in 5+ years?

Hmmm...5 years ago, I would never have thought I'd be where I am now! Seems crazy to attempt a plan, but my goal - wherever I am - is to make the best of this product. If I continue and strive to make the most beautiful, well-crafted, whimsical accessories I can, the rest will fall into place. 

Minnetonka For The Holidays : Thanksgiving

I am so excited to be sharing this holiday series with Minnetonka today! I will be posting some ways to "dress up" your Minnetonkas this season for holiday parties, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. I love the comfort that comes along with wearing their moccasins so I knew that sharing some cute holiday outfits would be really fun. This Thanksgiving was a super warm one. We had a bad rain storm two days prior so finally when the sun peeked out it was time to hangout with the family and eat our faces off.

I decided to dress up my Minnetonkas with a dark denim for Thanksgiving. Although I wasn't in a dress or heels, I think there's still an awesome way to dress up your outfits and still keep the comfort in what you're wearing. I was in my mocs all day and my feet felt perfectly comfortable, plus they were carrying the extra weight I put on from all the turkey I devoured :). I love the little feather accent on the side of these mocs. It adds a little pizazz to them and made me feel fancy for turkey day.

I can't believe we're already in December! Where did the time go? It seems like Christmas was months away, now it's right around the corner and the days just keep flying by. I can't keep up! Did you guys have fun for your Thanksgiving? What did you do ?

Details : Concho Feather Side Zip Boot // Courtesy of Minnetonka 

 Hat // Courtesy of Choies , Kimono Jacket // Courtesy of Lulus, 

Ring // Vintage , Little Ring // ONecklace, Shirt & Jeans // Urban Outfitters 

Oliver's first Thanksgiving was a success! He got a few bites of turkey and spent the day lounging around with my family. It's funny how quickly he's become a member of my household. My Mom obviously outdid herself as usual. She really can't do wrong in the kitchen, best cook--hands down. I am always happy for holidays to arrive but once they gone, I get a little sad because I know I have to wait another year for them to come back again.

Soul Makes Jewelry

Some of my favorite picks: (from left to right)

African Amethyst Crystal Fringe // Quartz Crystal Oracle // Desert Gypsy // Gypsy Dreamer

Hey guys, not sure if you've ever heard of Soul Makes, but I am so proud to have them as a sponsor this month on LT.  I posted an outfit wearing their gorgeous Wanderlust necklace and I have to say it's become one of my favorite pieces to wear. I love jewelry that looks beautiful, isn't too heavy around my neck and is handmade with love...their pieces do just that. They use quality products, and with a unique boho-gypsy vision, their pieces come to life. 

I like that the pieces are high in quality, and will last a long time. I think the biggest problem most young ladies have with jewelry is the fact that it falls apart within weeks of wearing. Soul Makes has high quality items that are well designed to last. 

If you haven't already, go check their stuff out. You won't regret it.

Keep up with Soul Makes:

Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest // FB

Sponsor Love

Bubby and Bean is a lifestyle blog that focuses on living creatively through fashion, design, DIY projects, photography, music, travels, love and learning.

Blog // Twitter // Pinterest // Facebook

Hi there!  My name is Heather and I'm a former ballerina turned writer and social media junkie.  I love 1960's fashion, 1940's films and my cozy little life in Los Angeles with my Irish husband!  On my blog, Lilac & Lace, I share posts on my daily adventures, DIY tutorials, dance obsessions and my quest for the perfect burger in Los Angeles.  I love meeting new people and finding new blogs - Come on by and let's be best friends!

Twitter // Facebook // Bloglovin' // Pinterest
 

Hi, I'm Shannon from Shannon Heart's.  I blog about personal style, fashion, photography, travels and all the beautiful things that inspire me along the way.  My fashion blog is lighthearted and fun. I am a California girl who loves cappuccinos, nail polish, Mad Men and maple syrup.

Blog // Bloglovin' // Facebook // Twitter

Friday Is For Favorites: Paper Love Stationery

Tell us a little bit about yourself? 

I'm a twenty-two year old college student who is majoring in accounting. I work full time for a wholesale paper company and attend school at night. I love coffee, sushi, movies, camping, and adventures. Harry Potter and Optimus Prime are my heroes.
 

How did your blog & shop get started?

I started a personal blog in 2009, that I rarely post on (I seriously can not find time!) and I started my shop in May of this year after I found a really great way to express my creativity. I always had a love for creating pretty things and within the past year, I discovered designing paper goods was a really great outlet for me, and so I decided to open my Etsy Shop, PAPER LOVE STATIONERY.
 

What inspires you the most? 

It really depends. Sometimes I'll go days without designing a new invite or card, and other times I won't go to bed because I can't stop creating. I tend to create my designs based on the type of person who may be purchasing them, so I guess the people around me and my environment are what really inspire my designs.
 

What advice do you have for anyone who is looking to open up their own online shop?

You have to be dedicated and ambitious! If you don't work hard to get your hard work out there to others, you won't see as much success with your shop. The best thing is to Promote. Promote. Promote.Let others know about your creations and how much you love what you do, and they will be more inclined to visit your shop and even purchase some of your items.
 

What are your future goals & plans, where do you want to be in 5+ years?

Oh my gosh! This question never gets any easier does it? 5 years used to seem like forever when I was little, but it really isn't that long, I really hope to have graduated from college with a degree in accounting. And from there, I would absolutely love to open a brick ad mortar store where I can display all my items for my community to visit.
















*As I stated in my previous post, stick around for a giveaway from both of these wonderful shops*

Friday Is For Favorites: 11 Eureka Boutique

Hi everyone! Today's favorites are for our large sponsors. First up is 11 Eureka Boutique. I posted about them last month and wore this pretty dress from their shop. I really love their items, and they are so great to work with, so I am excited to share my favorites from the shop today. If you haven't already, go take a peek! I will be posting a giveaway from both large sponsors today, so check in later for that! It's definitely a good one :)

Dream in Tangerine Vintage Dress // Gypsy Crown Headpiece // Turner Blocked Dress

Check back in later for the giveaway, they'll be giving away a dress of choice to one lucky reader! 

Meet My Sponsors

My favorite part of summer is pretty simple:  the sun!  Seriously though, it disappears in Chicago from November through April, so I relish in every second of the warmth and longer days during the summertime.

Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Coupon Code: Readers can get 15% off at Bubby and Bean with code:  LITTLETREE

My favorite part of summer is FREEDOM (or so what feels like freedom!) freedom to wear the clothing that has hung in my closet untouched for 7 long months. free to go on spontaneous road trips and vacations with my husband. freedom to wander outside without crunching leaves or snow under my feet. free to be a free bird.

Blog / Twitter

My favorite part about Summer is living in flip flops and sundresses.  I love backyard bbq's and spending time with my friends and family.  Summer is my favorite time of year.

Blog / Twitter / Facebook
Coupon Code: VINTAGE for 15% off ad space through PassionFruit Ads

Interested in sponsoring little tree next month? Send an email to littletreevintage(at)gmail.com for more information :)

Featured Sponsor: 11 Eureka Boutique

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Renee and I hail from the suburbs right outside of Chicago, IL. I run a clothing boutique called 11 Eureka. I live with my boyfriend (the love of my life:) and our dogters (a.k.a. daughters) Gretta and Marley who you will see splashed across the website and blog about from time to time. I am a lover of all things color, mini weekend trips, music, and gardening. I have two sisters who are my closest friends (although we can argue like champs), and a mother who inspire me daily.

How did your blog & shop get started?I graduated with a bachelors in fine arts and concentrated on Interior Design but always had a secret obsession with clothes, so when an opportunity was presented to me, I jumped head first.

I was given a chance to manage a small boutique in my hometown. This was a crazy roller coaster of a ride! I learned to hire and fire employees, buy new/ manage inventory, create displays, and mostly organize everything all while working my day job at a construction company. After three years, we decided that the location was not right for out overall look and it was time to shut down. Devastated, I decided to start my very own boutique.  This took exactly 1 year to plan and design before the site was up and running. I must say that I learned so much in that year, in fact, my head is still spinning:)

After the site went live, I created the blog as an additional creative outlet and everyday I get to obsess and indulge in the world of fashion!

What inspires you the most?This has to be the hardest question to answer only because EVERYTHING seems to inspire me! Ok, if I have to really think about it, I am inspired from a few favorite fashion blogs (Little Tree Vintage included), everything Free People offers, and mostly nature.

What advice do you have for anyone who is looking to open up their own online shop?
Be true to yourself! When I was managing the boutique, I stocked the store with items I was NOT in love with but thought they might sell better then something I loved. I found that although it may sell, it compromised the overall feel and flow of the store.

When I opened up my online boutique, I decided to stock items I not only loved but would wear myself. It is ok if the style is not for everyone, but when someone does come across our website, hopefully they will find something colorful and a little special:)

What are your future goals & plans, where do you want to be in 5+ years?
I would love to be able to run 11 Eureka Boutique with my sisters while traveling for new goodies and be free of the 9 to 5 job! I love to work, but I want the strings cut and the website allows me to do that:)
Also, fashion trends change from month to month, so I am excited to see what direction we (the store) are headed into in the next few years!



Find 11 Eureka on (Facebook) & (Twitter), also be sure to check out their site for some fall shopping!

Meet The Sponsors

Blog - Shop - Twitter

Offering 15% off with code: LITTLETREE

 Blog - Twitter

 Blog - Twitter - Graphic Design

 Blog - Shop - Twitter

 Blog - Twitter

Offering 15% off advertising with code: VINTAGE

Blog - Shop - Twitter

Tips On Running A Successful Etsy Shop

Hi readers, I'm Larisa and I run the etsy shop Rissy Roo's. Most days, you can find me at the hair salon making art and developing relationships with my oh-so-lovely clientele.  On my off time, one place you can find me is sitting indian style in my room "crafting", which means making any and everything that feels right to me. I’m so happy to be a part of the goodness over at Little Tree this month!  Today, I’m going to share some of my personal tips on owning an Etsy Shop.

Tip # 1.  Strike a pose.  As everyone says…take good photos!  I played around with millions (literally) of backgrounds, colors, angles, etc.  What I wound up with?  Well, a huge sheet of poster cardboard under a bright spotlight with no flash.  I’m no photographer, and I don’t have a fancy camera, but I can tell you that if you focus right with this background and an iPhone it’s not so bad!  Besides the product, photos are a big part of Etsy shopping.

Tip # 2.  Find the right goods.  As in, supplies.  It’s really easy to go around the corner to Michael’s or A.C. Moore, but over time I’ve come to learn that Etsy itself carries the greatest selection of unique supplies.  Plus, those sellers are part of the community I’ve come to love so much.  I tend to find my most original pieces right here from my computer.

Tip # 3.  Stay fresh.  As an avid lover of black, I’ve learned to think outside the box a little bit.  For me personally, I try to go with the seasons while also staying true to myself.  Right now, it’s summer, which means you’ll find some traditional cheery colors surrounded by that familiar rush of black in my shop.  Hey, I’m traditional.

Tip # 4.  Pack em’ good.  I’ve learned so much on pretty presentation and customer service from my oh-so-many purchases.  People like pretty.  They’ve treated themselves to something they loved, so send it to their door in true fashion!  A book is sometimes still judged by its cover.

Tip #5.  Be positive.  It’s tough out there.  There are countless sellers, and the beauty is endless.  I am amazed and overwhelmed by some peoples’ creativity, that it’s hard not to question my own motives.  Why do I do this?  Are my goods worth their price?  Am I posting too many tweets about new products and sales?  Questioning = negativity.  Just do you, and those who wish to follow simply will.  If you don’t stand behind your product, it’s going to be hard to get others to.

Thanks for all your tips Larisa, if you guys would like to chat with her you can find her here.

Shop / Twitter

She is also offering a coupon code to readers for 25% off 

when using coupon code LITTLETREELOVE, so go check out her shop!

Featured Sponsor: Adrian Loves Owls

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi! My name is Adrian and I blog at Adrian Loves Owls. I was born and raised in the Midwest, but moved to the desert about 8 years ago. I currently reside just outside of Phoenix, AZ with my husband and our son. I’m a photographer, vintage lover, and a thrifting queen. I enjoy playing on a kickball team and exhibiting my artwork throughout the Phoenix valley.

How did your blog & shop get started?

Last summer my best friend and I opened an online vintage clothing store together, Superstition Vintage. After blogging on the Superstition Vintage blog for a few months, I discovered how much I loved blogging and decided to start my own blog, Adrian Loves Owls.

What inspires you the most?

My friends and family inspire me the most. I’m surrounded by so many talented and creative people. I feel so fortunate to be part of this tightknit community.

What advice do you have for anyone who is looking to open up their own etsy or online shop?

A piece of advice that I would give to someone interested in starting up their own Etsy shop is to be patient! It takes a lot of time to style, photograph, measure, and post items online. Being organized and having good time management skills helps me stay sane. I don’t have a lot of free time to work on things for the shop so I have to be extremely organized with everything, especially my time. 

What are your future goals & plans, where do you want to be in 5+ years?

If you would have asked me a year ago what my future goals and plans were, I would have said my plans are to get a Master’s degree in Photography, to continue to exhibit my artwork, and to work as a photography professor at a university. I’m not so sure that I want that anymore. I recently discovered my love for blogging, and selling (and hunting for) vintage treasures. I'm enjoying working for myself (Superstition Vintage), on my own time and I may choose to head towards that direction instead. I’m still not sure, but I know that I’m not done learning so a master’s degree is most likely in my future plans.

Get in touch with Adrian:

Blog , Shop , Twitter , Facebook

Featured Sponsor: Rissy Roo's

Hi everyone! Happy Friday! Today I am honored to introduce one of my IRL friends AND sponsors Rissy Roo's. Larisa and I have been friends for years, and she recently joined the handmade community on Etsy. Her items are beautiful and have a very natural feel to them. Here is her interview, please be sure to take a peek into her lovely shop! She has also offered a coupon code for readers, LITTLETREE20 for 20% off everything in the shop! 

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I'm a hairstylist by day, and crafter by night.  I live down the street from a beautiful beach, get to see a sunrise every day, have a crazy Italian family and an amazing boyfriend.  I like to keep busy, and often refer to myself as having "ants in my pants".  I am a big fan of nice people, colorful hair, coffee, music, and peace.

How did your blog & shop get started?

My shop started out of a spur of boredom, really.  I was tired of going shopping and spending a bunch of money on accessories that I could have potentially made myself.  So, I tried.  And it wasn't bad!  I wore them, I asked for feedback, and I just went ahead and listed them!  I'm still on the fence about blogging, but I have really come to love the community within it, and I could see myself eventually jumping on board.

What inspires you the most?

Lots of things inspire me!  Mainly though, good and genuine people.  Inspirational people.  People who speak, and relay a message rather than just words.  I find that the more good people I run into, the better.

What advice do you have for anyone who is looking to open up their own etsy or online shop?

Just do you.  I know for me, the beginning of my hobby turned shop was scary as all hell.  I was basically throwing myself out there and waiting anxiously for a reply.  You'll see that one sale will turn into two, and three will turn into ten.  And you'll also see that ten sales is just as good as a thousand because someone, somewhere likes you and your product.  Like I say in the salon: "there's a hair stylist on every corner, but everyone is going to have their personal preference for who they rely on".  Same goes for  your shop!

What are your future goals & plans, where do you want to be in 5+ years?

Happy, really.  That's all everyone wants to be!  Maybe throw in a house, marriage, 4 kids and a dog?  Just kidding.  I want to be wherever I wind up, and be happy with it. :)

You can find Larisa's shop here, and you can talk to her on twitter, here!

Meet My April Sponsors!

Here are some of my sponsors for the month of April! Go take a peek and say hello!

I'm a voracious thrifter, music aficionado, heathen,  and owner of a 1984 Westfalia Vanagon. I'm a writer and a designer, but mostly just a secret cat lady. A is for Ampersand is about all of these things with a little bit of thrifty goodness and old-fashioned magic for good measure.

Blog // Twitter 

I'm a blogger, vintage shop owner and Taco Bell enthusiast. When I'm not writing or eating Mexican food, I'm usually just trying to figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life. Ah, isn't being 23 fun?!

Blog // Shop // Twitter

  Hello! My name is Renée and I am a Twitter addict - hee hee. I like to own things that brighten my day, so most of the designs I dream up for This Creative Life or my other shop Robo Roku are whimsical and fun. On my blog you can find posts about food, fashion, music, my days working from home as a creative business owner who also does roller derby, and pretty much anything creative.

Blog // Twitter // Shop 1 & 2

Coupon Code: LITTLETREE30 for 30% off!

Closet Groupie is a website where fashionable girls sell items from their closets directly to other people.  I worked for many years in the fashion industry and noticed that some of the best clothes were not in stores, but in my friend's closets.  Closet Groupie helps you save money and earn money so we can all enjoy a more fabulous & fashionable lifestyle.  

Shop Closet Groupie

A combination of classic and eclectic accessories, mainly for your hair and ears. I'm just your local hairstylist  by day, crafter by night.

Shop // Twitter 

Coupon Code: LITTLETREE for 15% OFF!

Featured Sponsor: Closet Groupie

Meet our large featured sponsor for the month of April, Kelly from Closet Groupie!

Tell us a little bit about yourself?  Hi, I'm Kelly!  I grew up in a family that was all about fashion... I even used clothing racks for monkey bars as a child.  I studied fashion design at Parsons and worked for a few of my favorite designers including YSL, DKNY, and Ralph Lauren.  I love getting lost in textile markets around the world.  My closet (and apartment for that matter) reflect that.  

How did your shop get started and what's the premise behind it?  I was in my friend Reina's closet one day and it is one of those closets that is to die for.  I was thinking that every woman should be able to shop in her closet.  On Closet Groupie you can sell items from your closet that you are no longer wearing or that you've outgrown.  You can also sell the things you never got around to taking the tags off of!  People follow you (Become your Groupie!) if they like your style.  If you need to make some extra money because you've been shopping a little too much, you can sell your clothes on Closet Groupie and recoup a little of your investment.  It's really fun to ship your clothes off to another fashionable woman to enjoy. 

What inspires you the most?  I'm inspired by many things.  I'm used to being in very creative environments where everyone is allowed to express themselves.  Art, nature, and other people tend to be my biggest sources of inspiration.  I'm also personally inspired by Bill Cunningham.  He puts into perspective a world that can seem very superficial and frivolous.  

What advice do you have for anyone who is looking to open up their own etsy or online shop?  I'm going to steal a line from Nike and say Just Do It!  Whether you are selling your closet on Closet Groupie or setting up a shop on Etsy, you just have to start.  You will figure out things that seem complicated such as photography, pricing, shipping, and maintaining relationships with your customers along the way.  There will be some small failures, but you will learn from them and keep going and improving.  You would be surprised at how many people fail just because they never start! 

What are your future goals & plans, where do you want to be in 5+ years?  At Closet Groupie we want to turn every fashionable woman's closet into a boutique.  We want to give everyone access to some of the best closets on the planet.  We want to enable fashionistas to earn money by selling their closets so they can do things they were never able to do previously...like buy that designer handbag they've been eyeing or take a fabulous vacation.  And we want to make all of this EASY and FUN.  It's going to be a fun five years!  

Find Closet Groupie, here!