Tuesday, July 30, 2013

The Portland Collection, Fall 2013 (Women)


If you've been paying attention to my blog for more than a day, you'll know that I've been crazy about Pendleton's Portland Collection since their inaugural fall line in 2011. I'd like to spend a couple of posts highlighting some of my favorites from their impressive 2013 collection. Still rich with nods to the historical Pendleton prints, the designs are clean and deliberate.

Here are a few more women's looks that I love:

Monday, July 29, 2013

Amour Vert, Fall 2013


Amour Vert Fall 2013 is yet another made in the USA clothing line that I am so excited about. The various elements are perfect for a fall collection: stripes, prints, neutrals, colors, knits, and denim. Amour Vert's clothing are hip (this look above is plucked right from European street fashion blogs, isn't it?) and have a heart. They value both style and sustainability, making sure to use environmentally responsible methods to manufacture their product. The company uses a zero-waste design philosophy, organic and sustainable fabrics, and low-impact dyes. The end product: glamour with a conscience.

I really had a hard time picking just a few looks to feature in this post. Here are ten that have me drooling:

Friday, July 26, 2013

Leopard Flats


Quick post about my new purchase from the Nordstrom anniversary sale: these Munro leopard smoking flats. They will be great, especially for the fall. (Thanks to Xochil for reminding me about them way back when.)

Shown here with AG Stilt jeans in the 20 Years Dwight wash.

American-Made Friday Links


Your end-of-the-week reading.

Here are six articles that you should read if you haven't already:

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Beach Picnic Lunch


One of my favorite things about going to the beach is having a little picnic lunch. For whatever reason, we've been bringing pretty much the same menu every time we go. It's satisfying and refreshing in between dips in the ocean or chapters of a book.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Beachy Waves


As you can see from my beach makeup post yesterday, my hair naturally has a slight wave to it. It can be unruly on a good day. Add the sun, wind, and sand of the beach and it can be kind of a nightmare.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Putting My Best Beach Face Forward


I apologize in advance for a post that might seem a little vain: makeup for the beach. There is something sort of wrong about putting on a full routine of makeup just to go to a place where, potentially, your face is going to get salty, sweaty, wet, and maybe even a little sandy. Some days, however, I like to have a little something on. So bear with me as I outline what I think is a fairly modest account of what I put on for the beach.

Monday, July 22, 2013

From Head to Toe: The Beachy Stripes Outfit


My husband and I took a much-needed day at the beach to escape the heatwave last week. It was gorgeous! There is something about the ocean that just makes me feel right. The sea breeze, the sound of the waves, the smell, the refreshing ionized air. After a few hours, it just melts away any stress.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Things I Spotted at Costco Made in the USA

Flexon Professional Commercial Grade Hose

On my last trip to Costco, I decided to snap pics of the non-food products I spotted that proudly displayed that there were Made in the USA. Here are eight more American-made things that I found in my brief visit (to buy milk):

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Powder Your Wig


If you had told me five years ago that I could go without washing my hair everyday, I would have laughed in your face. Under normal circumstances, I have hair that gets greasy and stringy after half a day. A hair revolution, if you will, occurred when I changed my shampoo and conditioner and started using this product: dry shampoo.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

A Stylish Cycling Jersey


Bicyclists, if you're looking for an alternative to loud, ad-filled, spandex clothing, I've got the answer for you. And it's all American-made.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

From Head to Toe: The White Colorblocked Outfit

 

Confession: I am spending Fourth of July outside of the U.S. for the second year in a row.

Red, White, and Blueberry


Happy Fourth of July! This holiday is the epitome of summer: barbeques, swimming, fireworks, and relaxing with friends and family. What's a better way to celebrate the USA than enjoying some American-made products?

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

That Star-Spangled Banner

4' x 6' nylon American flag, Made in the USA


 
Are you ready for the Fourth of July? Are you all decked out with the stars and stripes? Red, white, and blue? Here's the better question: are you ready to show your spirit with items that are American-made? If you answered no, you may want to rethink that plan. Why? Because there is little else you can do to show your commitment more than to use and buy products made in the U.S. of A.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Over the Counter Pils


I was recently in Kansas City for work and had the opportunity to try quite a few craft beers, including some local ones that I had never tried before. My favorite was the easy-drinking Boulevard Brewery KC Pils. Great both on draft and bottled. Crisp and refreshing. Unpasteurized and with a classic American beer taste. Light, but not watered down. When you're trying to beat the heat this summer, grab a local brew like this one. It'll be just what the doctored ordered.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Top Posts for June


I have been so busy this past month and, thankfully, I am now getting some time to relax. I have a couple of weeks to finally spend with my husband, absorb some sunshine, and maybe even do a little reading. Ahhh. The weather has turned hot, the farmers' market is in full swing (with berries and other yummy goodies), and I have some travel plans in the works.

The American-Made Guide to Life had a good month in June, even if I wasn't able to blog as much as I would have liked due to other priorities. Some of my work was published in the summer issue of Our USA Magazine, I reached and surpassed 150 followers on Facebook, and am continuing to grow on Twitter as well. Thank you for your continued support.

What you can look forward to this summer: new content (of course), a fun giveaway, and some guest bloggers. My husband has even decided to write some posts for you.

The top five posts for June 2013 are: