Being Geek Chic is a blog for stylish geeks, sophisticated nerds and people who enjoy the musings of a complete dork. Join us as we dream of driving the TARDIS, cuddle with our eBooks and test out an iPad sleeve. It's written by Elizabeth Giorgi and a team of brilliant lady nerds. Meet the team.
The Lady Geek of this week is Shelley Summitt, owner of Etsy shops Reconstitutions, a charming 1950s vintage shop, and GeekItUp, where Summitt sells picture frames, light switch covers, pendants and more inspired by her inner geek.
A few years ago, Summitt threw caution to the wind and completely abandoned her 9-5 career. She happened upon the world of Etsy, and began Reconstitutions. After a few years, she states, “I needed a creative outlet as well as a way to work my love of gaming and all things nerdy into my business. GeekItUp was born.”
GeekItUp features all the “usual” characters of geek culture, like Star Trek, Captain America, and Wonder Woman. But also, Summitt provides us with some sassy pin-up girls, old anatomy books, and dictionaries to spice up our homes.
For Summitt, her inner geek chic is mixed with a love story. (aww!)
“I really didn’t let my inner geek loose on society until I met my husband in 1998. He taught me to play Magic the Gathering, introduced me to FF Tactics (best console game ever) and years later twisted my arm to play World of Warcraft. The rest is history, I suppose. I’ve been addicted to MMORPGs ever since, and I’m completely proud of my geekiness.”
Is Summitt an expert on every aspect of geek culture? Hardly.
“The original Star Wars. I know, I know. Please don’t revoke my Geek Card. I was only 4 when it released and it just didn’t interest me at all when I got older. I played Star Wars: the Old Republic and watch Star Wars: The Clone Wars, though! Am I forgiven?”
Yes, I think so!
Post by Emma Bauer, who works as BGC’s official intern. Clearly, she’s got great taste. She is a PR enthusiast, history scholar, tea drinker, fashion devotee, and of course, aspires to Be Geek Chic. On twitter: @emmalynnbauer
The Lady Geek of this Week is Beca Lewis Skeels of Tumbleweeds Handcraft (on Facebook, Blogger, and @tumbleweedsshop on Twitter). With the adorable Doug Switalski, Skeels crafts reconstituted wood veneer sunglasses, much in the style of the Being Geek Chic logo! Of their little shop in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Skeels writes,
“Two gypsies - a pastry chef and a skateboarder - with a house full of rescued animals, happened upon something really rad and ran full speed ahead into the world of small business ownership, designing and hand crafting wood veneer sunglasses. One year and 1700 pairs of sunglasses later, here we are.”
All of you lady geeks should definitely go check out Skeels’ glasses. They are completely unique. My favorites are these patchwork cateye style glasses. Très chic! Check out these clubmaster style glasses embedded with turquoise, too!
As if you needed any other reason to snag a pair of Skeels’ shades, she’s offering free shipping all summer! AND, Skeels and Switalski donate $1 for every order in their Etsy shop to the Save the Manatee Club, Florida. Could these two be any cuter or any more talented?
But what about those dreaded creative ruts that we all seem to fall into now and again? Skeels’ tactics,
“We pack up our ’79 Dodge van with the dogs, fishing poles, watercolors and our bikes, and get as far away from our work as possible. Into the woods or on the river, where we can breathe a little easier, see the big picture and get excited about getting back to work.”
What a lovely life!
Do you know someone worthy of Lady Geek of the Week? Send her name and her website (or blog or Twitter account) to emma@beinggeekchic.com.
Post by Emma Bauer, who works as BGC’s official intern. Clearly, she’s got great taste. She is a PR enthusiast, history scholar, tea drinker, fashion devotee, and of course, aspires to Be Geek Chic. On twitter: @emmalynnbauer
Sophie of Sweetcheeks Stitches (on Etsy, Facebook, and @sweetcheeksshop on Twitter) is our Lady Geek of the Week! Sophie fashions pretty tops, skirts, and dresses in unexpected fabrics, giving us all a chance to be Geek Chic.
Sophie graciously took the time to respond to a few questions I asked her about her geekiness. Check it out!
Q: What has led you to your passion?
A: I’ve been into sewing for as long as I can remember. My grandma used to take care of me while my mum was at work, and she was always on the sewing machine, so I learned a lot from her. I moved to London from my hometown a few years ago, just as my son was starting school. I wanted to be able to take him and pick him up myself, so needed a job that fit round his hours. I took several courses on dressmaking, and last year was given an award at the end of one, and featured in a fashion show. This, along with compliments on items I had made for myself, gave me the confidence to take the plunge and open SweetCheeks Stitches.
Q: What inspires you in the world?
A: Mainly my 6 yr old son, he’s my biggest supporter! He’s a huge geek as well, and loves helping me choose which fabrics to get for the shop.
Q: When is the first time you realized you were “geeky?”
A: I was 10, and it was the final day of term at school. As it was the last day, all the kids were allowed to bring in a toy to play with. People brought games, and balls, all kinds of things, but I took my Walkman. The tape inside? The Wrestlemania album. I still know all the words to Never Been a Right Time to Say Goodbye by Bret Hart.
Q: “I admit it—I’ve never seen/read/experienced: ____”
A: Harry Potter. Never read any of the books, or seen any of the films. I only started selling Harry Potter things in the shop after making a dress for my friend who loves them. Anything I know about it comes from her!
Q: What would you tell your 13-year-old self?
A: Don’t believe anyone that tells you ‘Your school days are the best days of your life’. Being an adult rules. You’ll probably never be a ‘grown up’ though.
Do you know someone worthy of Lady Geek of the Week? Send her name and her website (or blog or Twitter account) to emma@beinggeekchic.com.
Post by Emma Bauer, who works as BGC’s official intern. Clearly, she’s got great taste. She is a PR enthusiast, history scholar, tea drinker, fashion devotee, and of course, aspires to Be Geek Chic. On twitter: @emmalynnbauer
1. BGC Ring (mentioned here and then my boyf got one for me… because he’s the best)//(Etsy, $59)
2. Theory blazer//bought mine at Gh2 in Northeast Minneapolis//(similar at Neiman Marcus)
3. Dotted pussy bow blouse//Seriously, why must we call it a pussy bow??//bought at Nordstrom Rack (similar at Net-a-Porter)
4. Black pencil skirt//from The Limited, but everyone should own one!
5. Boutique 9 Cesena Wedge//(Saks, $150)//Look for sales on Amazon if you like them!
I’m not feeling very inspired by my closet this week… in fact, I had planned on trying to get it together today, but it just didn’t happen. So, I decided to make a mood board of the things I’m lusting after… with any luck (or with a lottery win), they could be in my wardrobe.
1. Rock Star Diamond pendant from Etsy, $75
2. Personalized Initials Ring from Etsy, $59
3. Helmut Lang Linen Suiting Jacket, $795 (ouch)
Whenever I watch my favorite home design shows (see Secrets of a Stylist or Dear Genevieve), it seems they’ve got an endless source of incredible vintage items to place within the homes they feature. If you’ve got vintage love, but you don’t have access to the goods - why not turn to Etsy?
It’s a great resource, but I’ve also been heartbroken. A lovely vase arrives broken. A piece of art isn’t what it seemed…
That’s why I’ve some some tips for shopping vintage on Etsy:
1.Don’t be afraid to ask. If you need to see more photos, don’t be afraid to ask the seller for them. Have a question about the origins of an item? Don’t be afraid to ask for that. Want proof that the item you are about to buy is authentic? Don’t be afraid to ask for that either. Most sellers are happy to answer questions if it means they will make a sale.
2. Save the winners. When you buy a great time, save the seller for later. If they sold something great now - they’ll probably find another wonderful item later too. I love Upscale Yard Sale and Dear Macy Vintage.
3. Get organized with Pinterest. I’m really into mint right now. I could literally put every single vintage mint object I find on Etsy in my cart and of course I would regret it later, but it’s all just so perrttty. This is what happens when you’re shopping in real life too. You start buying object after object and an hour later you realize that you have purchased 4 ceramic orange bowls. I’ve made this “Vintage Mint” board to organize my thoughts and make purchases one by one as I need them. Sure, I might lose out on a couple things, but I’d rather be a smart shopper.
Any tips from other online vintage vets out there?
