....Because Things Have Changed

Almost 4 years ago, we did something we never dreamed possible: We saw a void that needed to be filled, formed a company and launched a business. We designed two fully functioning websites from scratch, found our place in the world of blogging and made some impressions along the way. 

We garnered some press (1, 2, 3), initiated some lasting business relationships and learned a whole lot about running a business and how empowering it can be to become an entrepreneur. Fulfilling your dreams and being your own boss is both rewarding and exhausting, the perfect combination. 

However, over time, our exuberant efforts have started to outweigh the rewards so as smart entrepreneurs, we had to make a sensible decision to focus our passion elsewhere, somewhere where it would be best utilized. With that said, we regret to inform you that we have decided to end the services of because I shop too much and because they grow too fast.

All of you have made such a difference in this experience – By believing in our idea, starting your own closet, shopping our closets or writing about us on your blog (Mary, Zahra, Ashley, Nicolette & all the countless others!), you made everything worth it. It was definitely a labor of love, something that we will always be proud of. Hopefully you enjoyed swapping clothes or you purchased an item from a closet that has become one of your favorites...That is all we ever wanted.

Let us make something clear: While the websites will no longer be operating, we aren't done pursuing our vision. Our fashion & lifestyle blog has become part of our hearts and remains a creative outlet for us to share everything that makes us who we are from style to recipes and family to events. As it continues to become a central part of our lives, we look forward to sharing continued authentic and creative content.

There are no words to thank you but please understand how much gratitude we have for your support. Please continue to follow our story here and stay tuned for some exciting updates including a blog re-design and some fun collaborations to come! Oh, and one thing that will never change? The answer to a very popular question….because we shop too much ;) 

P.S. Can we just talk about our first promo photos? 

Thankfully, our creativity and photography skills have improved greatly...

Thanks for shopping with us!

Shop Small, Save Big

When we came up with the idea for Because I Shop Too Much and Because They Grow Too Fast, we were so excited to create a place where fellow fashion lovers could share their style by swapping with a friend or selling gently used items in order to make room for their new favorites. 

Our goal was create the portal and let the rest be in your control - We encouraged you to ship your items using your preferred methods and customize your packaging by inserting a personal note or a story about the history of the piece...maybe you wore it on a first date or for a tough job interview. We loved the idea of girls (& guys!) bonding over something as simple as an item from their closet and we hope you do too.

In honor of your support, Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, we invite you to shop our closets at 30% off today through December, 2nd. Between the two of us, there is a nice mix of boho chic, preppy, animal print (our favorite neutral!) and staples for each season so there is something for everyone. Just email us with your order: sisters.marie@yahoo.com or tag us with your wish list on Instagram! 

Click each image below to shop:

BONUS! Our graphic t's are on sale for  $20 $15! 

Click the image below to shop:

Thanks so much for shopping small...and too much ;) 

Stay tuned on Monday for some fun photos from Thanksgiving! 

Rocked it & Swapped it

 Everyone needs articles of clothing in their closets that will transition them through the four seasons. Being two ladies from the Midwest, owning lots of items like this is key to make the most out of our wardrobes. 

This graphic tee (that we sell) is really a style staple for the both of us. It can be dressed up or down, or even layered for the cooler months in the year. We have both worn it many times on the blog, but today we'd love to show you how easy it can be to wear it at different times of the year. 

Here is how we both styled our "because we blog too much" tee:

Warm Weather Graphic T Essentials:

(source)

During the summer months Lisa tucked her tee into a full skirt. This look was dressy yet playful and kept her cool in the heat. 

Cool Weather Graphic T Essentials:

(source)

To keep warm in her tee, Kailtyn added a blazer, jeans, and a great knit hat. This look is perfect for the cooler months ahead of us! 

Do you make the most of your wardrobe by transitioning items throughout the year? Do you own one of our graphic tees yet?

Graphic T Giveaway!

As two girls who shop too much, we must admit, blogging comes in at a close second on the list of things we are always doing. With that said, we figured it was smart to 1) start producing clothes we want to wear and 2) share our passion for blogging and fashion with the world and now we want to share it with you.

Whether you want to admit your blogging obsession or don't feel like picking out a top to go with your cute floral shorts, we have you covered. Enter to win your choice of our Sisters Marie T's!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winner will be announced one week from today on June 13th at 6:00am. Good luck, ladies! 

Peaked my Pinterest: Spring Maxi Style

(source of pinspiration)

Recreate this look on Because I Shop Too Much:

earrings // dress // jacket // hat // shoes

Remix: White Blazer Year Round

I have had my white Hive & Honey blazer from Piperlime for two years now and it is without a doubt the blazer I get the most use out of. What's great about a white blazer is that you CAN wear it year round!

I know some still stick to that "no white after Labor Day" rule, but in this, I support "rules were made to be broken" ;)

Here are a few ways I have styled the blazer over the past two years:

Naturally when we had a girls trip to Nashville the white blazer had to come with. On this night we had dinner at BB Kings and listened to some amazing live music (and of course ate fried pickles...yes, again!) I decided to pair my favorite blazer with a girly floral dress, fringe bag, and cowboy boots.

Blazer: Piperlime // Dress: Because I Shop Too Much // Boots: Just Fab // Bag: Rachel Zoe // Bracelets: c/o It's A Bling Thing // Watch: Fossil // Hair Extensions: Hair by Suzie

Do you own a white blazer?

Which of my seven looks is your favorite? 

Because We Enjoyed Blogger Brunch (Part 2)

We are still daydreaming about the better than Martha brunch we attended 2 weeks ago. Mary of Sportsanista hosted a group of Chicago fashion bloggers at her lovely home in the west loop and we really enjoyed the intimacy of it all. 

Even though we see each other at various events around the city, it's hard to have a real conversation because there's always so much going on (outfit posting and shopping, the usual) so this was a great opportunity to get to know the girls outside of their blogs.

Here are some of the brunch details that made us swoon:

"Just add champs"

A gorgeous Spring table setting in turquoise and green

Simple yet such elegant details

Blueberry & Bacon Pancake Muffins

Scones with tasty Rare Bird Preserves (Chicago ladies, you must check them out!)

Rustic personalized place settings with a mini greek yogurt, fruit & granola 

Can't wait to see these ladies rock our T's! (zahra, jess, jill, mary, johanna, jess)

Probably talking about a very serious Instagram matter...

Our personal favorite

Only 100 different takes to make it happen ;)

A few iPhone views…the avocado eggs were uh-mazing, not to mention baked brie!  

Thanks again, Mary! Xo