white jeans, kimono, socks with sandals, rastacap, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Accessorizing to Support Small Businesses & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #168

April 14, 2020 / 71 Comments
white jeans, kimono, socks with sandals, rastacap, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
white jeans, kimono, socks with sandals, rastacap, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
white jeans, kimono, socks with sandals, rastacap, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
white jeans, kimono, socks with sandals, rastacap, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

With so many small businesses suffering right now, it is important to support your favorite ones as we all struggle to get through this trying time. That being said, it is difficult to support any business if you too have suffered a loss of income due to government shut downs. But it is the small businesses that are the backbone of our economy. So even if you are only able to do a little bit, any little bit is helpful.

I have always been an advocate for supporting small businesses and since I never have an unlimited budget to indulge myself in all the wonderful things these shops have to offer, I do what I can. Sometimes, it is something as small as purchasing a tiny trinket, a unique accessory, or an unexpected gift for a friend. Other times, when my money tree has failed to bloom, I share my favorite small businesses here.

red coat, white jeans, kimono, socks with sandals, rastacap, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
white jeans, kimono, socks with sandals, rastacap, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge, red coat
white jeans, kimono, socks with sandals, rastacap, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge, red coat
red coat, white jeans, kimono, socks with sandals, rastacap, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
white jeans, kimono, socks with sandals, rastacap, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge, red coat

Today’s outfit features six accessories from five different independent business owners in three different states. I purchased all of these items before businesses were forced to close and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to do so. To continue my efforts in spreading kindness and supporting my friends, I figured this was the perfect time to share how I incorporate unique and whimsical pieces into my very eclectic style choices.

Anne M. Bray of SpyGirl on Redbubble (California): My dear friend, Anne M. Bray, artist, blogger, and all around really cool gal, puts her amazing digital artwork onto all sorts of products sold through Redbubble, an online retailer where independent artists can share their art in wearable and displayable ways. I purchased this Fashion Rainbow Scarf over 3 years ago and it is still one of my favorite accessories. Not only because it is so colorful and versatile but because it features Anne’s fashion sketch of little ole me (6th one in the top row). To shop Anne’s entire Redbubble collection, click here.

white jeans, kimono, socks with sandals, rastacap, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
white jeans, kimono, socks with sandals, rastacap, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
white jeans, kimono, socks with sandals, rastacap, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Solitary Consignment (New York): Solitary Consignment is the pre-loved clothing boutique where I worked last year. Over the course of the year, I managed to accumulate quite a pile of second hand fashions that I love. I am a huge advocate and a fan of second hand shopping for clothing and accessories. Not only is it so much better for the environment and the bank account, but there is a certain thrill in the hunt for unique pieces. You all know my undying love for kimonos and I cannot resist a bright and cheerful print. While a kimono may not necessarily be considered an accessory, I think it can fit into that category as a piece that can complete any outfit. I scored this colorful Lularoe kimono for under $20 last summer and this is the first time I am wearing it. I am not sure if you can currently purchase any items from Solitary Consignment online.

white jeans, kimono, socks with sandals, rastacap, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
yellow sandals, socks with sandals, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
white jeans, kimono, socks with sandals, rastacap, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

EyeCrave Optics (New York): My entire collection of eyewear is all from a local optical boutique in my neighborhood specializing in unique independent eyewear designers. My sunglasses are by Oliver Goldsmith and my tortoise frames are Gotti Switzerland. I am long overdue for new sunglasses and regular glasses, but my budget restrictions are in full force right now for this kind of purchase.

white jeans, kimono, socks with sandals, rastacap, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
white jeans, kimono, socks with sandals, rastacap, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Moontide Arts (New York): I featured this adorable little shop last month which specializes in all things spiritual and mystical from oils and herbs to crystals and pendulums as well as an incredibly extensive selection of really intriguing jewelry. I have recently become a tiny bit obsessed with all things mushroom. But I don’t have anything with a mushroom print. Recently, I tried on an adorable mushroom print swing dress in a boutique in Asheville, North Carolina, but it was one size too small and I was forced to leave it behind. When I spotted this darling mushroom necklace in Moontide Arts, I couldn’t resist the temptation especially since it was under $10. And so it marks the beginning of my mushroom collection. (I suppose it is not a collection quite yet since I only have one mushroom thing.) Moontide Arts is currently unable to offer shipping on products bought online, but you can still browse. You can see my sodalite pendulum necklace, also from Moontide Arts, here.

white jeans, kimono, socks with sandals, rastacap, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
mushroom necklace, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
white jeans, kimono, socks with sandals, rastacap, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

The Open Door Boutique (North Carolina): When I visited Asheville in February (you can read about that trip here), I stumbled upon this wonderful clothing and accessory boutique while I was wandering aimlessly around downtown. The Open Door Boutique specializes in bohemian styles for both women and men with a wide array of unique clothing, jewelry and other accessories, and all sorts of holistic health items as well. I purchased this super fun rastacap as well as a stone hair stick (you can see that here) and a whimsical tree-of-life bracelet for my dear friend Becca. Unfortunately, I didn’t take a photo of the bracelet before I mailed it off to her. The Open Door Boutique does offer online sales and shipping. So if you see something you love, why not treat yourself!

red coat, white jeans, kimono, socks with sandals, rastacap, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
white jeans, kimono, socks with sandals, rastacap, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
red coat, white jeans, kimono, socks with sandals, rastacap, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

If your favorite small businesses are currently offering online sales and you are feeling moved to show your support, why not purchase a gift for yourself or for someone you know who can use a mood booster. I mean, who doesn’t love to receive an unexpected gift in the mail?

And now your featured favorites from last week.

Reader Favorite (Most Clicked)

Dee of Grammy’s Grid shared a fun post, No Housework Day, giving us all sorts of lovely ideas for things to do to celebrate a day of no housework. Although No Housework Day was on April 7, that doesn’t mean we can’t make up our own days for things of this sort! In fact, let today be any day that you want it to be!

Grammy’s Grid

My Favorite Fashion Post

Katie of Hello Katie Girl made me smile so big with her post, Keep It Bright! I really need to follow her lead and start getting dressed in my brightest and most cheerful outfits right now. It really does help to boost your mood and elevate your energy level when you look like a cheerful rainbow! Seriously though, isn’t Katie’s dress the most adorable thing?! And now I am really wanting some orange shoes for myself, too!

Katie of Hello Katie Girl

My Favorite Non-Fashion Post

Maggie of Thrift Shop Fashionista also cheered me up exponentially with her post, Happy Memories, where she shared some wonderful photos from her recent trip to the happiest place on earth. If you need to smile right now, go check out her post!

Maggie and her husband of Thrift Shop Fashionista

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Have you been able to indulge your online shopping whims recently? What have you purchased? Did it support one of your favorite small businesses?

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.

Shop my look…

Outfit Details: Coat-Torrid / Shirt and Socks-Target / Jeans-Gap / Sandals-Old Navy / Kimono-Thrifted from Solitary Consignment (Lularoe) / Scarf-Anne M. Bray on Redbubble / Necklace-Moontide Arts / Hat-The Open Door Boutique / Earrings-Old / Sunglass and Regular Frames-EyeCrave Optics

red coat, white jeans, kimono, socks with sandals, rastacap, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
white jeans, kimono, socks with sandals, rastacap, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

*I know that sharing Amazon shopping links may seem counterintuitive to this post, but if you do purchase through any of these links, it actually supports my personal small business which is this blog and my freelance writing projects. I am an Amazon affiliate and I do earn small commissions if your purchase through my links.

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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