45% off Sseko Apparel tonight!

45% off my favorite apparel pieces

Those who know me well understand I have a style all my own. Luckily, I have my “go to” styles from a few of my favorite retailers.

• JJill

• Nordstrom Point of View

• Athleta

• SSEKO DESIGNS!!

The first 3 being more likely to show up in a “Who Wore It Better” photo opportunity, SSEKO Designs never fails to provide me with individuality and easy travel pieces. Of course, it always feels so much better when I can say “This was made for me by fair trade artisans in Uganda”.

Here are a few of my favorite go to pieces:

Magic pants

I had my doubts about these pants, but they are truly magical! They look gorgeous on every body, comes in sizes 2-24, packable, breezy, slimming and comfortable. I have the KAWA print and wore them recently to Mexico over my swimsuit. I also wore them on the plane. Oh and walking around Todos Santos shopping. I started wearing them back when the weather was still bad in Seattle with my tall boots and now with my sandals and a pair of wedges.

Whatever parts your hiding, they will magically make you look beautiful!

Also worth mentioning Is the Kawa Tank also featured above. It is reversible, can be worn inside out, as a vest and is #1 in my rotation of clothes! It pairs beautifully with my linen pants from JJill, my Sseko magic pants to create a secret jumpsuit, my staple jean shorts, or any of my Athleta wide leg linen pants or joggers.

Dresses

I also bought the Kawa print in the dress and it’s such a staple piece for your closet.

• Coverup

• Dress with heels for date night

• Layered with leggings for air travel

• Boots and long sweater in the winter

• Sandals for outdoor concerts and markets

There are literally dozens of ways you can wear these dresses, including reversed! A low “V-neck” or ballet neckline paired with reversible on seam pockets. POCKETS! It also comes with a skinny fabric belt that you can wear around the waist or perhaps as a skinny tie accessory for around your neck, as a belt with your favorite pants or decorating your purse.

I recently gifted the Solstice to my friend Rita in Mexico. She LOVES Sseko and was thrilled. She’s a petite little thing, but modest. I hope she loves how beautiful it will make her feel.

Kaftan

Ah, the Kaftan. Soft, long and totally gorgeous. I feel like I’m channeling Elizabeth Taylor in these “Halston-esque” wearable works of art. I MAY have about 6 of them in my closet (well except for the one that my daughter stole from me recently!") I’ve worn these to work, to bed, when laying around the house, traveling, fancy dinners, weddings, etc. I wore one of my favorites to my niece’s wedding several years ago and I felt beautiful.

If you’re wondering “I will feel swallowed up in this big dress” you couldn’t be more wrong.

I’ve always told my girls “You should feel as beautiful covered up and confident as you would in the most gorgeous gown.” Confidence and style IS SEXY. I don’t remember anyone ever saying that Elizabeth Taylor looked old and dumpy. She shown like the starlet she was and so will you.

“Like a Girl is a compliment” Tee

This is literally the softest and quality tee I’ve ever worn. These are the only ones I have hanging in my closet (the others are all in drawers waiting to be tossed out because they’re never worn). I have had so many compliments each time I wear these. I feel like I’m supporting “women’s rights” like a Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

They’re dressy enough to pair with a pair of slacks for work, maybe under a long sweater or blazer. I throw them in my Sseko duffle for trips to Crescent Bar or overnights with Dave. They can dress up a pair of cutoff jean shorts or with your Sseko magic pants.

I sincerely hope these will make the transition to the Noonday Collection!! Grab one just in case!

sale starts 10:00 pm pst tonight. don’t miss out on the great birthday deals and celebrate the collaboration of these two beautiful companies!

I'm back in the game ...

Noonday Collaboration

Sseko Designs + Noonday are now one Fair Trade powerhouse

What a whirlwind life has been these last 6 months! Things in the Jacobsen household have been crazy with all the home remodels, senior film productions, party planning, graduation ceremonies and vacations. We are finally at a place where I can physically take a break and breathe.

It was quite a surprise when I was approached by Monique, my former Sseko Director, who shared the news that my beloved Sseko Designs, led by the one-and-only Liz Bohanan, had joined forces with another Fair Trade powerhouse, Noonday, to create a new company supporting women globally. Your favorite, top quality Sseko designs will now be sold alongside Noonday’s creatively beautiful jewelry and accessories.

This exciting new collaboration peaked my interest and I decided to come back on board as a Sseko Fellow to see where this new adventure would lead me. You know I’ve always been a sucker for some great accessories and now my former Chloe + Isabel customers can join me in purchasing some great jewelry at an awesome price point. (And feel great doing it!)

13th Birthday Sale

〰️

13th Birthday Sale 〰️

Farewell to Sseko?! What?! Don't panic - I'm not going anywhere (and neither is Sseko, really)! Our beautiful, impactful brand you've come to love is all grown up (13 to be exact!) and we are taking a new name as we join forces with Noonday Collection. I am thrilled to get to co-create our new, collaborative, best-in-class fair trade brand, and I can't wait to share it all with you!

BUT FOR NOW...

As we close this chapter on Sseko's 13th Birthday, we are celebrating our impact with the BIGGEST BIRTHDAY BLOWOUT you've ever seen!!

Join me July 6-11 as we bid farewell to HUNDREDS of beautiful, quality, handmade products. We can't take it all with us, so YOU benefit the deepest discounts you've ever seen!!

HOW TO SHOP:

I will be posting on my personal Facebook/IG page until the end of July. August marks the start of the official change to Noonday - then I will create more business dedicated social media pages.

For now, you can click on the link below to shop. If you're new, welcome! Each day features a different deal, so make sure to enable all notifications and comment on the welcome post so you don't miss out.

KEY TIPS:

Don’t hesitate! Things move very quickly around a Birthday sale. Unfortunately, all the items are kept secret until the daily reveal. Each day has a theme, so watch for the posts on my social media pages. Browse the online catalog and make a list of the items you’re interested in. Then figure everything will be approximately 40% off and narrow down you list. Check out sizing - call me for more information. Then on the morning of the sale, click BUY and CHECKOUT!

PLEASE NOTE:

All Birthday Sale items are Final Sale. No returns/exchanges. If you are unsure of your size, please reach out to me directly! I find the sizing very accurate, sizes XS to XXXL! The descriptions and US sizing using a variety of models is extremely helpful, so check it out.

The sale starts on Wednesday, July 6th … watch for more information!!

OMG seriously?!?

You must get one of these shirts!

Sseko has seriously outdone themselves with this t-shirt. 95% cotton and 5% spandex, it is soft and thick which I didn’t even think was possible! It’s a gorgeous wine color with embroidery made by hand by our artisans in India. And this time around, they made them in sizes S - XXL!

I know I talk a lot about how wonderful Sseko is and how I love everything - well this is certainly risen to #1 on my list! I have a feeling this baby is going to join me on many Adventures.

Only $44.99.

Sseko Fall Collection 2020

Travel “Beyond” with Sseko

At Sseko, we’re doing what we can to help you look Beyond the current crisis and witness women make the world a better place

I am excited to announce the launch of the Sseko Fall “Beyond” Collection launching today. at 11am PST.

Bring on darker shades, luxurious layers and all the patterned prints. The Fall 2020 'Beyond' Collection has a gorgeous array of versatile apparel pieces, stunning bags, handcrafted statement jewelry, and eye-catching footwear– You’re sure to find everything you need to complete your perfect fall wardrobe.

Because of the current climate, it is just Beyond incredible that Sseko was able to launch a collection this Fall. COVID-19 has hit the fashion industry hard and we all have seen stores closing and big, chain companies are cancelling orders. Fashion industry workers are not getting paid for work they’ve already done. The workers who are most vulnerable are now even more so.

Sseko believes in a larger mission. We believe that it’s not always about the bottom line, but by building a business together, and being true to all of the employees, we create a model that works and supports everyone. At Sseko, many of our pieces are being made by women employed by Sseko, those that are not Sseko employees are part of the Fair Trade Movement. It is because of this collective ambition and commitment, our family isn’t just surviving - we’re thriving.

Our CEOs, Ben and Liz Bohannan are launching the collection LIVE on Facebook at 5pm PST. Let them explain just how much work went into launching this Collection during COVID and how Sseko is helping to keep the women who create these beautiful products in Uganda, Ethiopia and India safe and employed during this global pandemic.

Something Sseko cannot predict is how quickly the items will sell out. Keeping our Sisters safe overseas during the pandemic means lower inventory and slower shipping. If there is something from the new collection you can’t live without, I would encourage you to click that “Purchase” button quickly!

If that “can’t live without” item is a struggle financially, you can schedule a Facebook Trunk Show with me and I’m sure your friends would love to get together on a Zoom party with a little wine and their credit cards. You could earn those big ticket wish list items quickly. Contact me for details ….

In the meantime, I will be getting ready to click my own “Purchase” button for the things I can’t live without and provide a little support to my Sseko Sisters globally.

A few things to point out:

• “Like a Girl” black tee is back with limited quantities in sizes 2-20.

• The new “Say Yes to Adventure” tee is our latest t-shirt in a beautiful wine color.

• The Kawa print is back by popular demand in gorgeous bags, clothing and accessories.

• We’re introducing the short black kaftan for those extra COVID pounds to wear for all your holiday gatherings, but also to show off those gorgeous legs! Add a little heel or sandals and your favorite bling and you’re ready for anything.

Watch my IG posts for items I purchased today …

Introducing The Fall 2020 Beyond Collection. Somewhere beyond our wildest imaginations, our darkest doubts, our insecurities, our wounds, and our naysayers. Beyond me and you, there is us. And we are better together. We can't get there by going over or under, only through.

First name basis with the delivery drivers?

My husband just quit asking …

At this point, my husband just quit asking. Drivers show up at the door, sometimes multiple times per day, but being champion of the working class, he supports my online shopping to help keep businesses (and delivery companies) afloat. We’re both fortunate to be working remotely, saving money on gas, eating out, Starbucks that it seems the least we can do to support the economy. And no, with the exception to the UPS guy who’s been with us for years, I don’t know all their first names.

I received a few things that I’m especially happy about! I thought I’d give you a little “review” of how I’m enjoying these purchases.

My good buddy, who is a former Chloe + Isabel Merchie, is names Edlin Escobar. She lives in sunny California and is oh so fashionably fabulous! She has a great social media following because of her fashion and makeup knowledge. I am kinda envious of her apartment decor too - she has the perfect California Boho vibe. She recently started repping Beauty Counter so I immediately sat up and took notice.

Edlin is particular so I know to trust her intuition. She shared on social media about the All Bright C Serum and how wonderfully it was working for her. The serum purports to lighten the skin, reduce the appearance of dark spots and defend the skin against environmental stressors. That all sounded like something I needed to try!

Ever since the blasted 45 hit me, I’ve been struggling with some serious dark spots on my face. No, these aren’t cute freckles caused by the sun, but the large dark areas neglected in large part and exacerbated by no sunscreen during my formative convertible vehicle years. I’ve been using a regimen for the last few years, and while it definitely lightened my spots, sans makeup, my daughters still comment that they can see the dark lines on my face.

After using the All Bright C Serum and the Overnight Resurfacing Peel for about 2 weeks, I have to say I’m really seeing a difference, and it feels lovely. Sometimes the other regimen dried out my skin - but this feels soft and gives me a glow. Truly! When I put it on, I feel like I could walk out of the house with a bit of a sunshine on my face. The Overnight Peel is used a few times per week, dries in 15 minutes and simply washes off with your morning face ritual. Between the two, I’ve been really happy.

If you’d like to shop Beauty Counter (and I’m really considering adding to my collection) try Edlin’s website. She’s down to earth, friendly and budget friendly. I just received an email today informing me the All Bright C Serum was out of stock, but they’re taking pre-orders.

And tell Edlin I said hello!

My favorite hand soap

Oh Aveda … take me away

Waaaaay back, even pre kids I think, my sister in law Yvonne bought me some of this Avenda Rosemary Mint hand and body wash for my birthday. Once I started using it, I fell in love with the scent and softness of my skin. Since then, it’s always been on my “must have beauty requirements” list. I carefully guard the bottles against overuse on stuff like my husband’s greasy hands and let people know “a little goes a long way”. I buy the BIG bottles for body soap in the shower and love bubblebaths with the lovely scent.

After running out of hand soap at our vacation home, I returned home to find our own home supply diminished as well. Who figured it would be so difficult to find hand soap? I searched Amazon and checked to see if Bath and Body Works was open. I couldn’t find any at Target, Safeway or even Costco. So I spoiled my household a bit and placed an order (getting some lovely Aveda points along the way) for 2 of the 8.5 fl oz bottles to fill the shortfall. I can continue to refill these with my BIG guy and I’m loving having it at my fingertips once again.

I would encourage anyone needing some hand soap to give Aveda a try. It’s pricey, but one small pump will fill your hands with a lovely lather and spa like smell. All available at Aveda.com.

Much love from a fellow shopper!!

Gabby

What are you carrying this summer?

Well, hello summer …

time to break out my Sseko jute summer tote

Sseko’s Summer Capsule launched and I have been loving the items I pre-ordered. A favorite is this Jute Ring Handle Tote. I’m all about stripes this year - I can’t get enough! The size of this is awesome and it has enough room to fit all my essentials (including my MacBook!) I was pretty surprised!!

As many of you already know, Sseko employs 61 full-time workers in Uganda. Our Sseko Scholars complete a nine-month employment program that enables them to continue on to college. After your purchase, you can read about their dreams and ambitions and get an update on Sseko graduates! In addition to our university-bound class, we employ women from all walks of life. Moms, daughters, designers, and cooks all working together to make the world a little brighter. Meet the women of Sseko Designs! My beautiful bag was made by Binika … from beginning to end … she created this beautiful piece.

$79.99

This Jute Ring Handle Tote is perfect for all your summer essentials. The jute and cotton are locally sourced from our partners in India and are handcrafted with sustainability in mind.

• 13" (H) x 16" (W) x 5" (D)

• Cotton, Jute & Wood Lined with Internal Pockets and Top Zipper Closure 4 1⁄2" Inner Ring Diameter

• Made in India

What’s in your Summer Bag?

Due to the COVID-craziness, I’ve been working remotely. On the days I go into a courtroom to support my judge directly, I am toting my necessities from home. Additionally, when I’m moving my remote office to other locations, it’s nice to be able to carry them all in style. You could say this is my “Apple Picking Basket” (MacBook, iPad Pro, iPhone, AirPods … lol)

• Sseko Zippered Wallet

• MacBook

• iPad Pro

• iPhone

• Airpods

• Sseko Zippered Medium Moon bag (lipstick, chapstick, apple cords, pen, hand sanitizer, business cards, etc)

When our Stay-at-Home order relaxes and we return to regular outings my bag contents will take a turn …

• iPhone

• Sunscreen

• water bottle

• Sseko Zippered Wallet

• Airpods

• iPad Pro (downloaded books in the sunshine)

• Readers (for reading books … because blind!)

• Sseko Zippered Medium Moon bag (for all small catch all things)

• Keys to our vacation home

• Sunglasses

What would you carry in your new Sseko Jute bag?

Paper Bead artistry

Single strand paper bead bracelet in rainbow

Looking for a fun summer everyday bracelet? This lovely goes just perfectly with my Mexican bracelets for everyday.

$19.99

The colors of our Single Strand Bracelet in Rainbow are bright, celebratory, and joyful. The mix of yellows, teals, and pinks create a modern twist on a classic Ugandan paper bead. This handcrafted statement piece will brighten any outfit in all the best ways. 

• Paper Beads + Elastic

• 2 1⁄2" Inner Diameter

• Made in Uganda

… and if you think this is cool, you should check out the earrings and necklace! The earrings are now a new favorite everyday piece for me. Delicate and trendy.

---

Enjoy our beautiful summer day wherever you are. Stay healthy, follow all the COVID Stay at Home requirements and I hope to see you again very soon.

Love,

Gabby

Earth day isn't just 1 day - it's everyday

A not-so-fun fact: 100 Billion plastic bags are used by Americans every year. Tied together, they would reach around the Earth’s equator 773 times. With more and more states issuing plastic bag bans, we can get a head start and curb plastics bag usage with our Reusable Totes. Made of heavy canvas, these bags will hold your finds at the farmer’s market and grocery store goodies. And after using them over and over, you can machine wash them and you are good to go again.

Consider your single-use plastic impact on the environment and take action by getting yourself a Reusable Tote … it’s the perfect way to celebrate Earth Day as well as contribute to the renewed clean air and cleaner oceans we are experiencing now.

These bags are strong and made with love by our Sseko Sisters in Uganda. Each bag bears the name of the sister who made the bag in our workshop in Uganda and with it she sends her love and appreciation for your support. Through your purchase, you are helping keep her family safe from harm, poverty and violence.

Who Needs Luck when you have Pluck = $24.99

How it’s Made Matters = $19.99

Like a Girl is a Compliment = $19.99

Let’s keep this little world of our on the path we’re currently on.

“Much love and continued health,”

— Gabby

Who made your bag?

Meet Aidah (āidäh)

Aidah is from Kampala and joined us on August 23rd, 2018. Since then, she has been thriving in our sewing department making our Market Totes and apparel. Aidah first heard about Sseko through Joyce, who is another Veteran on our team. When she is not at the workshop, she loves to dance to Gospel music and spending time caring for young children in her community. Her dream is to live in a beautiful house of her own someday with a family.

A friend asked about my circle purse the other day. She asked if it was a Dooney … happily I said “no, it’s better! A lovely young woman in Uganda made my purse and I am supporting her efforts to live a live of purpose, safety and security.” Each item made for Sseko helps women in West Africa attend university or earn a living wage for their families. We protect our ladies from harm and sickness and give them options. Does your Dooney do that?

FYI: She ordered the Oiled Black Vintage Satchel that same day. ;-)

Just a mutt hiding among the Irish

What’s a Pollock doing here?

A story of acceptance and love …

Despite my late mother-in-laws hard and fast belief that her only son marry a lovely Irish lass, he chose me, a very American mutt with a crazy last name. She even held out hope after the birth of our first child when she invited us to dinner with the girl he “was supposed to marry” from her Irish hometown. Thankfully, my ever patient husband held true to his heart and we’ve been married a glorious 24 years. One thing I have always been certain of, is the love and acceptance I’ve received from my husband’s Seattle Irish Community.

My husband and his family were among the founding members of the Irish Community since the late 60’s. I don’t believe my husband has missed an Irish Week in Seattle since his birth 50 years ago. He’d been helping his dad, and then eventually took over, the St. Patrick’ s Day Parade around 1994. Immediately following the birth of our first kiddo, I started volunteering my mommy-time to help Mary coordinate the rest of the Irish festivities in and around the city. Both of the girls grew up with dozens and dozens of surrogate grandparents, aunts and uncles, including dignitaries and city officials. it’s been quite a ride!!

Which is why following Christmas Day, the Jacobsens skip right to shopping for green items to wear to some of our Irish social events. Annually, when the kids were little, I was forced to start shopping for their new green clothing items because wearing the Irish sweaters were a “no go” for most of their young lives. Ever tried finding a new green turtleneck for kids when your MIL insisted on the itchy Irish sweaters? It’s not easy, let me tell you. A recent green sweater purchase this week reminded me that each new year my eye is immediately drawn to everything green. Which is why I was SO THRILLED to see the Agave green pieces in the new Sseko Designs collections. The Agave crossbody arrived at my house this afternoon and so my hunt for the green is now complete!

Our Irish community members enveloped me in their arms (literally and even after Dave explained my personal space bubble). They loved on me, and my mom, and my girls with such honesty and exuberance that they have all become part of our family. I never feel alone in this world knowing that Mary, Heather, Ida, Suzie, Mary Catherine, Maureen, and dozens of other ladies are standing in for my mom at a moment’s notice. I worry when they are sick and delight in spending time with them. Irish Week is like a big family reunion, full of laughter and catching up. Heidi, Fiona, Kaileen, Barbara, Caron and many other ladies are like my sisters whose kids have grown up alongside mine and who I have such lovely memories with.

We are not a political or religious group (shoot, I’m not even Irish). The clubs were formed to promote Irish history, culture and a community for new Irish to Seattle to call family. Throughout the years we have been challenged to choose a side, but we have remained constant in our belief in family, community and sharing the love of the Old Country. One that, funny enough, I have never seen!

After the birth of our children, and the medically fragile condition of the first, we found it quite difficult to take the family on a journey to travel Ireland. It’s on our bucket list, but maybe after the 13 years of tuition finally comes to a close and we have enough time to actually take our time and visit all those places I can see quite vividly through the words, songs and stories of the last 25 years.

A BIG thank you goes out to all my Irish family who have taken in this small town all-American girl with the crazy last name and made me yours. I love you all and can’t wait to see you next month! The countdown is on!!

All my love,

Gabby

Instructions on ordering your "Like a Girl" tee shirt ...

“Like a Girl” is a Compliment

$39.99

Many of you have mentioned how much you liked the “Like a Girl” tee shirt, so I’m making this quick and easy.

1. Click the button below to go directly to the page. (Size 1 fits sizes 2-8, Size 2 fits sizes 10-16.) You can order your own through this link.

2. Venmo me $50 (which includes tax and shipping) to @gabby-jacobsen-3 along with your address, email, telephone number and size wanted. I will place the order for you.

If you thought the white 2019 version was difficult to find, then the 2020 black version is going to be gone soon. Don’t delay!

Also in a Reusable Tote

$19.99 a perfect gift!

If you are looking for more of the Spring/Summer Hopefully Yours collection, here is the digital catalog.

For the Spring 2020 "Hopefully Yours" Collection, we traveled the world in search of the most stunning materials and the most beautiful stories. We shot this catalog in Joshua Tree National Park as the Joshua Tree is a symbol of faith, hope and resilience in the midst of harsh conditions.