....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!

Swap Till You Drop: How to Host a Swap Party!

As you guys know, our websites (both adult and kids) are a great way to not only sell your clothes and make cash for new apparel, but also allows you to swap with a fashionable female (or a stylish gentlemen!) We have been swapping our clothes for years (search #rockandswap on IG to check it out) and we truly believe it's a great way to spruce up your wardrobe without spending a dime.

So last Sunday, we invited a few Chicago bloggers over for a swap party which resulted in an afternoon of treats, selfies and of course, swapping. Here's a peek into the party and some ideas on how to throw your own:

1. The Guest List: 

We have hosted a few similar parties in the past and have found that depending on the space, 6-10 attendees is best. This time, I (Kaitlyn), hosted at my home so there wasn't an extensive amount of space (once you figure in all the wardrobe racks and accessories) and we provided a sit down lunch for the girls so we wanted to keep it intimate, allowing for more time to chat and get to know each other better, outside of our blogs and digital profiles.

Clockwise from top: Deb, Tiffany, Cheryl, April, Lisa, Kaitlyn

2. The Decor:

We wanted to dress up my living room so that it not only felt like you were shopping in a mini pop-up shop but also include some fun details for photos (I mean, we know our audience here...bloggers capturing moments to share on social!) 

3. The Menu:

Our party was from 11-2, so we wanted to provide a light lunch with a killer signature drink. We served chips, guac & salsa during the first hour of swapping and then invited everybody to join us at the table for mini sandwiches, cookie & brownie bites and Tiffany's "are these even real" cookies that were basically the hit of the party! 

Aren't these amazing? Tiffany needs her own cookie shop STAT! 

Our drink of choice was a strawberry vodka lemonade (we're thinking Spring here, ladies!) It was super refreshing and perfect for sipping. 

Here is the recipe:

2 Parts Raspberry Lemonade
2 Parts Club Soda
1 Part Smirnoff (light) Strawberry Sorbet Vodka

1 Part Lime Juice

1 Part Lemon Juice

4. The Swapping!

Our goal was for all our guests to leave with something new (to them) and mission accomplished! We decided that we could just host a jewelry swap next time because accessories were the hot items, though a few major clothing swaps were made (and we can't wait to see April in Kaitlyn's jumpsuit!)

 The pieces that didn’t find a new home during our event were donated to a few different causes including the Children's Cancer Society & St. Vincent's Church in Chicago. 

5. The photo shoots...

Once the signs and cookie lips were brought out, there was no stopping us...

Each girl also left with a swap bag of their own and a Sisters Marie graphic T...

We can't wait to see how they style them!

Thanks to all the girls who came out to support us, we loved spending our Sunday with you! Don't forget to check out Deb's swap post here. 

And a big thank you to all the following companies who made the event so pretty :) 

Planning a swap party of your own? Shop the post:

Custom Pillows; Tiny Prints

Swap Till You Drop Glitter Sign: Etsy

Table Flowers: Bloompop

Tassel Garland: Etsy

Wardrobe Racks: Ikea

Photo booth signs: Etsy

Plaid PINspiration

Women (and men) alike are all about plaid this season and we are no exception, as some of our favorite daily accessories include plaid flats and blanket scarves. Can we talk about how handsome men are in plaid flannel (especially when paired with leather or shearling and 5 o'clock shadow..."hey girl," are you drooling yet?) 

For your weekly outfit Pinspiration, check out some of these plaid combos:

Shop these items and more on Because I Shop Too Much & Because They Grow Too Fast

What are your favorite go-to plaid items this season?

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! 

Shine Bright Like A…Sequin.

From Costume to Closet...

Now that Halloween has come and gone, it's time to figure out what to do with your child's adorable costume that got all those likes on Facebook yesterday. 

Start a closet on Because They Grow Too Fast and upload the costume in the "Dress Up" Category so another tiny face can enjoy something brand "new" for half the price. And while you're there, pick up an adorable Cars costume for the little man in your life or the purr-fect jacket for your pink lady…

Every day is dress up day when you're a kid :)

Questions about starting a closet? Email us at info@btgtf.com.

Lisa: Meet & Greet Outfit Details

I picked up this TopShop dress when I was at the Nordstrom YOUphoria event late last month. I have been waiting for our meet & greet to wear it because I thought it would be perfect with a crop boot and a blazer for a fall layered look. 

Well, on this day it ended up being on the warmer side so I ditched the blazer and just went with the dress then added killer accessories to get some color into it. 

Dress: TopShop via Nordstrom // Boots: c/o Sole Society // Bag: c/o Just Fab // Necklace: Charming Charlie // Cuff & Nail Ring: T+J Designs // Watch: Fossil // Chain Bracelet: House of Gemmes 

I love the black & white pattern and how it serves as a great canvas to add pops of color where you want. In this case, it was in my necklace and clutch. 

What do you think? Ever wear black & white and then add your color in the accessories?

Thanks to all who came out and shopped our closets!
For those of you who missed it, you can always shop my closet on Because I Shop Too Much and my kids closet on Because They Grow Too Fast! 

Because We Worked a Designer Pop-Up Shop!

We teamed up with Blank Nation Apparel and House of Gemmes this past Saturday for a meet and greet during their 3 day pop-up shop!

We had such a blast and appreciate Kristin and Brooke letting us share the space. It was a great location with White House Black Market and LOFT as our neighbors, so we were in good company and met some fun people spending their Saturday at the Orland Crossing sidewalk sale.

Lisa & Kaitlyn of Sisters Marie, Brooke of Blank Nation, Kristin of House of Gemmes

Here is what the BISTM/BTGTF set up looked like:

Here are a few of the people who shopped our closets...everyone left with something new for their closet and a FriendSwap Bag as well.

Also, can we just talk about how adorable that little bean is in Lisa's daughter's rain boots she was selling on BTGTF... Cuteness overload!   

Kristin had an amazing set up. She had quite a few of her classic style wrap skirts and dresses along with other dresses and tops from previous collections (if you don't know, Kristin had her own clothing line before House of Gemmes...the pieces are so cute and we were so happy to shop it this weekend!)

There was also tons of House of Gemmes jewelry with crazy reduced prices. We both snagged an adorable Illinois necklace along with quite a few other items.

Here is what Kristin's boutique looked like:

Blank Nation Apparel:

 

A few of our friends stopped by to say hello! (Thanks girls!)

Lindsay from Lindzee Lu and Jessica from Jess+Jill  

Of course we did some shopping too (we aren't lying about the "shop too much" title!)

Here are a few looks we picked up:

Left to Right: 
Kristin Hassan tee & Skirt // Kristin Hassan lace skirt // Blank Nation Dress // Blank Nation Dress

We loved this experience and can't wait to work with our fellow fashionistas again!
Stay tuned for outfit details from the event...