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

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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!!

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.

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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

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.

Confidence is Sexy .. and the heat wave is a-comin’!

Feel your inner Elizabeth Taylor

The kaftan is back … only shorter and sexier.

Sseko is a fashion leader in bringing back the kaftan … in fact … I bought my first Sseko kaftan a full year before the big name fashion designers have been adding them to their runways.

Many ladies may think the kaftan, this big, flowing, unshapely dress can’t be sexy. I’m here to tell you that it can, but better than that, Sseko Designs has upgraded its kaftan style to include 3 (a 4th on it’s way soon to you in a capsule) new short kaftan styles.

• Black heeled boots, felted hat

• Nude wedges, long necklace, statement earrings

• Short boots, jean jacket

• Black leather sneakers, Moto jacket

• Sseko ribbon sandals

• Any kind of sandals

The possibilities are endless, but in the end, you’re looking at sexy legs!

• Skinny jeans, ankle boots

• Leggings

Tie it up a little on the side and you’ve got a beautiful tunic over a pair of skinny jeans or leggings. The prints and the fabrics are gorgeous and very travel friendly. I’m definitely adding them to my bags next time we travel!!

Give one a try for your next wedding or summer vacation.

https://ssekodesigns.com/?u=gabbyjacobsen

Time for a little truth

Do I stay or do I go?

How does this chapter end?

My mom’s Avon lady

When I was little, my mom would have a monthly (or maybe weekly, who knows) party around our kitchen table with all her neighborhood friends. Mom’s friend, Ione Bannister, would come over with her Avon loot and the ladies would shop and talk. There may have even been Tupperware parties here and there - but I always remember Ione and getting a bath with Skin-so-Soft that night.

Fast forward to when my mom passed away and I used my home sales business to keep my mind occupied and make a little money to help with those things she used to help us with, and then some. My little home business paid for cheer fees, swim fees, groceries and eventually our vacations. It was a wonderful little thing I had going! But all good things eventually come to an end and I found myself looking for another company to sell for 5 years later.

In came Sseko when I fell in love with the belt bag I saw on a friend of mine. I purchased one from her party, then hosted my own, then quickly jumped on board with this gorgeous company of inspirational women selling products in order to support our Sseko sisters in East Africa and India. But guess what, my regular customers were more of the bi-monthly, smaller purchase people. They loved the idea of new collections happening 4-5 times a year, with price points at less than $100 and lots of incentives.

Just recently a friend said “I’ve been watching your Sseko business, but it wasn’t until I actually received a piece, smelled it, felt it, that I realized just how high quality it is.” People still love their name brand bags no matter how often I ask them if they know where it was made or whether the leather was ethical or whether the purse helped women globally. I can’t share just how much it means to me that a women made the bag that I carry every day and that my bag is helping her live out her dream of attending university and building a better life for herself.

To be honest, I’m completely overwhelmed with work these days! I LOVE my new job!! I’m crazy about working with my new boss, and I have fun nearly everyday. I get home completely exhausted and between my job, spending time with family or over at Crescent Bar as much as possible, I just don’t have time for vendor shows or in-home Sseko events.

So here I sit, at a Starbucks (which I haven’t had time to do in awhile) wondering just how much longer I can keep this up. Do I hang up my hat on the whole home-business business?

I honestly miss all my old customers and our monthly communications. I wonder how they are all are … and I love watching their lives unfold on Facebook because we’re all still friends!

Oh what to do … what to do. I WILL be placing orders next week for some friends who will be ordering the “Like a Girl” is a Compliment tee shirts. Another friend has her eye on a few of the sale items. Maybe ya’ll just need me to reach out and nag you a bit more because you forget you liked something when I post about it.

If you read this and have an opinion, please let me know! I’d love to hear from you, whether it be to say hello, to tell me you want to order, to tell me to continue with Sseko because you believe in the mission, to go find another jewelry business to sell for because that’s your jam, or to throw in the towel because should try doing something different. Regardless of the reason, I thank God that I’ve had such a great run with home businesses because I feel confident about my ability to now live without my mom and it’s given me so many more wonderful people in my life.

Gotta run and pick up my kid who’s home from college this weekend.

Gabby out .. for now.

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.

Need all the flip flops!!

Sseko Leather Flip Flops

What made me kick my Havianas to the curb!

During my visits to Huntington Beach and Las Vegas, I would plan a whole day around picking out new Havianas flip flops to add to my collection. I loved them and packing for trips became very easy when I’d just throw in a few pairs of flips and call it good. LOL But then, came Sseko and their leather version of my favorite shoe.

My husband was floored the first time I grabbed my Sseko over my plastic Havianas. I’d been eyeing them for some time, but when I took the leap, it was like I’d stumbled on the promised land of sandals. (Ok, maybe a bit of an exaggeration, but they really are glorious!)

But DID YOU KNOW, you can order them as part of our CUSTOM workshop? You can order varied colors for the base, sole and straps. Monogram these babies and the customization is complete! My goal is to grab them in the black, but then perhaps custom some in the navy blue. Or maybe white.

You can find the CUSTOM shop at the bottom of my Shop Gabby’s Sseko Design page. Need help? Just ask and I’d be happy to walk you through. It takes at least a month to ship CUSTOM products, so if you’re thinking of that beach wedding or cruise this summer, start thinking ahead.

Other than heading into the water, these are my go to summer shoes. Dressy enough for summer dresses on vacation but looks just as trendy with my cutoff jeans and tanks at our Crescent Bar home. Get your pedicure on point and pick up a pair of these for your summer plans.

Available NOW.

Order your Customs Today!

"Like a Girl" is a compliment

Hopefully Yours …

Spring/Summer 2020 Collection

“Like a Girl” is a Compliment

I’ve posted quite a bit over the last year about this tee-shirt and this particular saying. The reaction I’ve received from men and women everywhere has been inspiring and long after it sold out in white, I’ve had to tell others to watch my Sseko site for a re-release. Well guess what my lovely people, its coming back even better than before, in black!

My white tee has been to other countries, over jeans and skirts, to work and to play, dressed up and dressed down because no matter where it goes, it’s giving life to an amazing truth. Girls are amazing and we can do anything.

We have all shopped online for tee-shirts and I’ve come up short with an ill-fitting and stiff tee more than I’ve been lucky. What I’m telling you now, being as picky as I am, is that this shirt is truly perfect. V-neck. Soft. Boxy and washes like a champ.

It’s going to sell out quickly, so you’d better get that reminder on your phone now … shop my Sseko site after January 28th.

Like a Girl Black Tee-shirt $39.99 (Size 1 or 2)

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A few of my favorite things …

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. Our Oiled Agave leather is a celebration of the sweetness that can be found in the struggle. The rainbow stripes are a call to believe that storms bring unparalleled beauty. And our stunning mixed metallic leather is a reminder that sometimes the reward is not just on the other side of the struggle, but in who you become when you dare to hope.In this collection you’ll find more artistry and artisanal excellence than ever. From handcrafted legacy leather goods to handwoven and block printed textiles, each piece in this collection is truly something to be treasured and celebrated. Just like you. We promise these pieces will become treasured items in your collection, telling not just a story of your personal style but of hope, resilience and belief.

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Hopefully Yours

Watch my Blog as I share my favorites with you!!

Happy new year to all my friends and family!