SECONDHAND FIRST™: Chrome Comes to Seattle

The arrival of Chrome Industries to Seattle seems so natural. I couldn't think of a better fit for this mobile, eco-conscious and active city than the products that Chrome provides. You've probably seen their signature item around town: the ubiquitous messenger bag with the cool seatbelt strap? Yup, that's Chrome. 

When I was telling the boyfriend about my plans to attend a press event at the Chrome HUB in downtown Seattle, about how cool their messenger bags looked online, he simply pulled out HIS well-worn bag and showed it to me. It's a nearly six year old Chrome messenger bag. He loves their products. And after checking out their new downtown digs, I think I do too. 

SECONDHAND FIRST ™ : Link-Up + Personality of the Year

Do you know this woman? All I know, is that she makes the top of every blog roll or list I can think of: best +40 blogger, best personal style blogger, best vintage seller, best Secondhand First...um ANYTHING. She lives and breathes fabulous style, sustainable shopping (being frugal and creative and not giving a damn about the status quo, really has got its perks!) and vintage dressing. She's Vix. She rocks, and there's no two ways about it.

Shiny, Happy Sheilas (Shoe Shine!)

SHINE THAT #SECONDHANDFIRST. The vintage handbag and shoes remind me of Sheila, so it seems a fitting tribute to Sheila's amazing (and mustard yellow rocking) style to make a shoe shine post for the premiere of Shoe Shine over on her blog. 

#SECONDHANDFIRST: Triple Rose, a Penguin, a Hound Dog (and Link-Up!)

#SECONDHANDFIRST: A Melange a Trois- enjoying a little rose on rose action.

A BEAUTIFUL FIND: One major score recently was this mid century 1950s wool mens cardigan sweater- the label, a classic Penguin, as in Seattle Knitting Mills. I've heard of the brand Penguin before, but didn't realize it was from the Pac NW: pretty cool! Bought for the boyfriend, who was keen on it, except it's too big. So it's now listed in the shop, waiting for its Mr. or Mrs. Right to take it home. BUY NOW.

SECONDHAND FIRST: My rose-infused outfit today is 100% thrifted. The dress, a new, retro flavored Maggie London, was a big splurge at the Goodwill last summer, clocking in at over $20, but it's a gorgeous print, fully lined, and made from a beautiful heavy weight cotton. Fits like a glove. Pity the zipper recently decided to break- what I hate about nylon zippers, and it kind of illustrates the cliche: they don't make 'em like they use to. Still, Maggy London is a fairly fancy brand, and the dress if purchased brand new in a retail shop would have set me back well over $120.  Similar can be purchased here. The headband, was handmade and gifted to me in my early fashion blogger days, and the tie, well, it's a vintage 1970s clip-on tie with rosebuds on it. I SHOULD list it to sell, but at the moment I'm having fun sticking it on various dresses and shirts and wearing it around town. The shoes are now officially "these old things." I just realized that I bought them over a decade ago. They were expensive then, and they were very well made, just only recently showing signs of wear and tear. Good job, Coach!

PUPPY IN THE WINDOW: is looking for a good home! We've been working on revamping a vintage home decor/kitchy cat lady collectable shop, christened Westminster Spinster, and this little pup was the first listing. Check it out here, more is soon to come!

SECONDHAND FIRST™: April Link Up!

You know the saying: April showers brings May flowers? Well, we are in for a blooming May. With the shift of the season, comes some changes- I'm going to fine tune what's WORKING here at the Citizen Rosebud, and what isn't. For starters, I'm considering shutting down the shutters to SHOE SHINE. I'm wondering if it's time to pass on our kicky community event to another blogger, or just retire it altogether. Any thoughts?  

Shiny Sayonara? Say farewell to our Stellar Shoes link-party.

SECONDHAND FIRST: Link-up + Express Yourself

We've already featured Becky and her shop already last year, but Pink Cheetah Vintage deserves a return visit. Becky's always got a fresh crop of colorful and bold vintage items in her shop, and her warmth can be felt from her present digs in Asheville, North Carolina all the way across the interwebs. She's always got a kind word, and a supportive gesture, whether it be her liking something on Facebook, sharing a tweet or commenting on Instagram, Becky is there to cheer you on! 

So, here's a chance to cheer her back.