My top 5 favorite designs from the store

By /

The Power of the “Soft” Statement

Hey, awesome people.

We often think of advocacy as loud, sharp, and demanding. But there is a unique kind of power in the “soft” statement—the idea that our most feminine, playful, and cutesy aesthetics can carry the weight of our most radical hopes. This week, I wanted to step away from the design desk to talk about the “why” behind some of my favorite pieces.

The “Coquette” and “Dark Academia” trends are more than just lace, bows, and old books; they are the backdrops for a conversation about our history and our future. Whether we are talking about fundamental rights, the importance of labor unions, or the necessity of reading theory, these designs are meant to be a spark. They are a reminder that we can love the “sweet” things in life—like a heart-shaped cake—while still demanding a complete dismantling of the systems that leave so many behind.

Girls Just Want to Have Fundamental Rights

This design is meant to remind us the fight for fundamental rights for women has been a long-standing, unfinished historical journey. Of course, our fight for fundamental rights does not end until we have secured basic human rights for everyone. I love styling the Girls Just Want to Have Fundamental Rights tee with a lacy skirt, ballet flats, and some dainty gold jewelry.

White crop top on pink satin with a vintage illustration of two girls in dresses. Text reads, "Girls Just Want to Have Fundamental Rights." Surrounded by roses.

Read Theory Vintage Books with Roses

“Read theory” is such a simple yet powerful message when you think about it. Reading theory is how we educate ourselves. It’s the spark that lights the fire and the fuel that keeps it burning. I love styling the Read Theory Vintage Books with Roses design Baby Tee with a plaid skirt or some jeans and a cardi for that scholarly, moody look. Check out the personizable matching Read Theory Vintage Books with Roses tote bag also!

Young woman in a cozy library, wearing a brown cardigan and black T-shirt with floral book graphic and the words "Read theory". She has a thoughtful expression, surrounded by bookshelves.
A woman in a pink dress stands in a lush garden of pink roses, carrying a tote bag with a stack of books and floral design that reads "Read Theory", evoking a serene, literary vibe.

Have Your Cake

The heart-shape cake with the delicate, feminine features contrasts with the message of dismantling the system. Yet, at the same time, the cake represents the disconnect between the wealthy owning class and daily struggles of the working class. I style the Have Your Cake Baby Tee with a pair of black, high-rise jeans and my favorite Chelsea boots. Don’t forget the matching Have Your Cake tote bag while you’re there!

A woman stands confidently in front of a wooden bookshelf filled with books and a hammer-and-sickle symbol. Her black T-shirt reads "Have Your Cake and Dismantle the System Too" with a cake graphic. The setting feels intellectual and bold.
A person holds a tote bag with a pink cake illustration and text "Have Your Cake and Dismantle the System Too." The room is decorated with red and pink accents, posters, roses, and chocolates, creating a playful yet rebellious tone.

Unionize Bow Minimalist

I am a firm believer that we need powerful unions representing the working class. The minimalism of the design is intentional to emphasize the message. I love the Unionize Bow Minimalist Baby Tee being worn everywhere! Style it with your favorite maxi skirt and sandals this summer! The matching Unionize Bow Minimalist Canvas Tote Bag can even be personalized!

A woman in a white t-shirt and beret stands in a vintage room with a bookshelf, framed portraits, and a lamp, conveying a classic, nostalgic vibe. The shirt reads "unionize" above a simple drawn bow.
A woman in a pink dress stands in a rose garden. She holds a white tote bag with "unionize" and a bow design, conveying elegance and empowerment.

Let Them Eat Cake

This design is a favorite of mine because I love how it evokes feelings of cuteness and playfulness but also reminds us of the cluelessness of the owning class. I love styling the Let Them Eat Cake tee with a mini skirt and Mary Janes. 

A woman wearing a red beret and a pink T-shirt with a cake design above the words "Let them eat cake", standing in a vintage room with roses and pink decor, smiles warmly.

Style Meets Solidarity

Whether you’re styling the Unionize Bow Minimalist Baby Tee with your favorite pleated skirt or carrying the Read Theory Vintage Books with Roses tote bag to your local library, these pieces are designed to be worn everywhere as a badge of solidarity. I am a firm believer that the fight for fundamental rights doesn’t end until we’ve secured basic human rights for everyone.

For the full collection, check out my Etsy store: GreatLakesSparkle

Stay sparkly (and radical).

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top