Happiness is a moral obligation?

We've all been around those who seem to always have a dark cloud over them. They find things to complain about regularly and it doesn't take much for something small to set them off.

Aside from ruining my day by stomping on my sunshine, those dark cloud types give off an everlasting energy that seems to somehow attach itself like velcro to my body. I find their negativity overwhelming and often hard to shake. If, like me, you subscribe to the notion that our thoughts create our reality, then it's clear that negative thoughts breed negative results. Those negative Nellies are manifesting their life through the power of attraction and unless they jump off the hate train by themself, there are no stops.

So here's the question: is being happy a moral obligation? Do we owe it to others to be happy no matter how we feel on the inside?


 

Earth Day Sale!

Happy That the Holidays Are Coming!

Cancer Sucks!

In case you haven't heard, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Unfortunately, most of us know at least one person who has battled cancer in their life. I've personally lost a couple of close friends and family members due to this terrible disease.

Think of this as a reminder to have yourself checked, especially if you have a history of cancer in your family. Take a minute to visit the National Breast Cancer website and learn more about what you can do to help.

They love me...they REALLY love me!

It took a lot of self talks and encouragement from friends but I decided to send in my portfolio and compete for this year's "Seamless in Seattle" competition. And guess what.... I WON!!! *insert weird over joyous laugh here*

In it's 6th year, Seattle Magazine's "Seamless in Seattle" competition highlights some of our city's independent fashion and accessory designers. I was selected in the "Best Established Designer" category and I can't tell you how good it feels! Being featured (it's a full page spread people!) gave me the confidence I've been lacking since I went on hiatus last year. I find myself filled with tons of positive joo joos and the inspiration to get back to doing what I love! Thanks Seattle Magazine!

The competition is still open for the "Reader's Choice" portion, so take look at the entries and place your votes HERE

Back in the Saddle Again...

Since we closed the Collective back in August, I've been lucky to hear from so many of our lovely customers who miss us. First of all, thank you for taking the time to reach out via email, Twitter and Facebook. You have no idea how great it feels to hear your kind words!

So what's been going on since we closed?

Many of the designers that we featured at SPUN Sustainable Collective are doing great things and moving along on their own fashion path. Here's what a few of our favorite designers are up to:

* Cameron Levin  is the super talented designer who joined the Collective the minute we launched. Cameron was also there to man the register when I needed an extra set of hands. We're so excited to watch her grow as a designer and we're so proud to announce that she just released her much anticipated Ruby collection! Inspired by the art of flamenco dance, the rich red color palette is perfect for all the Holiday parties you have planned this Winter.

 * Bri Seeley has been busy too! A woman with a fashion dream and surrounded by love and support of her family, friends and fans, she is definitely going places! Fresh off the runways of Phoenix and LA Style Fashion Weeks, Bri was approached by Zappos who will be carrying her line next Spring! Way to go Bri!!!

* Marian Built is the talented line of lighting and furniture that designed the Collective. They recently re-launched their furniture line with a brand new website and online store! MB fans can now find their popular mason jar lights as well as lots of reclaimed and vintage MB pieces online. As an added bonus, if you use the code "SPUN" you save 20% off your order of $75 or more!

* OHA Skincare is my skin's saving grace all year and especially now that it's getting colder. I use OHA moisturizers and can't live without their Cleansing Milk. The OHA team is working away on a new website so stay tuned on that launch very soon. Rumor has it that they are releasing a new Perfume this Winter too! It's no surprise as I know first hand how truly amazing their products smell. Even better is that they are Organic and BioActive, meaning that they don't offer a million products for different skin types. Just use one product and know that the ingredients are working away on your skin, making it healthy and balanced. Way to go OHA!

Oh and I've been busy designing a new collection and am re-designing the SPUN website as well. It's due for a face lift! I hope to release an all new SPUN Organic Spring/Summer 2013 collection very soon! So be sure to follow SPUN on Facebook and stay in the loop!

xo, Sara

Thanks for the memories....

Dear Friends and Customers,

Well, you may have already heard but the lovely site of the collective is going to be re-developed later this year. So we have accepted the upcoming change and are packing it up! But not before one last goodbye and an exciting sale which will help us personally say thanks to all of you. Don't worry, SPUN will still be available online as well as select retailers. All of the other artists and designers that have been featured here at the collective are also still doing what they do....it's just the store that is closing up.

Please join us for the SPUN Sample Sale on August 11th. This is also our last day open so we're just going to call it a Closing/Sample Sale! Doors will open at 11am and we'll be here until 7pm. Please come by and see us and more importantly, save up to 90% off on old stock, one-offs, samples and a bunch of other goodies in the store. 

Thank you again for your love and support of all of us here at SPUN Sustainable Collective. The experience has been truly invaluable and we appreciate every single one of you. Please continue to support SPUN and other independent designers because without you, we can't continue. Here's to the next chapter! xo, Sara

Mother's Day Sale!

Join us this Saturday May 12th for a full day of savings!

Here's what we got:

50% off Cameron Levin's 2011 "Chelsea" Collection

30% off Kate Chrisman garments

20% off all jewelry

20% off SPUN organic clothing (excludes sale items)

PLUS... drinks, laughs and fun!

Speaking of laughs....

awkwardfamilyphotos.com

Crazy Pinning!

It seems that by the time we start getting used to a new app or social networking program/site, a new one comes along. Usually it takes me a while to start up with a new site but there is one that got my attention right away.

If you have already spent some time on Pinterest, then you know what I'm talking about. It's pretty much the answer to all of my prayers. Something that I never thought could exist or be as easy as it is. Talk to anyone who has been on Pinterest and they can tell you how addictive it is!

Pinterest is a social networking site that lets you create pinboards and dictate each one as a different interest. From there, each time you find something on the internet that you want to bookmark, you can pin it to the pinboard that falls under one of your catergories or interests. You can also just upload images straight from your computer. For example: if you're perusing a fashion site and find a dress that you love, you can pin it to your "have to buy" pinboard. Pinterest will keep the image and link to the image in your pinboard. Easy peasy!

The social part of Pinterest comes when others in the community find your image and can either comment, like or even re-pin it to their own board. Often times, I find myself spending an hour just re-pinning things that I see rather than adding my own!

Pinterest is currently by invitation only meaning that you have to apply to get access. However, I got mine in about 10 minutes and I've heard that the longest wait time is just a couple of days. Members can also invite friends to join with a special code. If you're interested in joining Pinterest and would like an invite, feel free to email us and we will send one out to you right away!

Follow SPUN on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/choosespun/