Top Posts for 2014

Thanks for another great year for The American-Made Guide to Life. This marks my 301st post.

I made a somewhat unconscious decision to post less this year, yet my posts are still true to my goal of writing about the quality things I find and love that are made in America. Although, I know some would like me to post more, I've been having a busy (and successful) year with my paid work and that has been rewarding as well. I think finding that right balance of writing and just doing are always difficult for me. I would love to be able to write more about everything I have and find, but there's just not enough time to be able to do it the way that I would want.

Regardless, thanks for all the kind feedback and steadfast support. I have enjoyed all the personal (virtual and real) connections that this blog has helped me make, the journalistic outlet that blogging has given me, and the reaffirmation that supporting my local craftspeople and makers is making a difference in my community. I hope that the new year brings even more development into American manufacturing, that the support expands, and people continue to see the positive impact of having local production of goods and services. I wish for a 2015 with prosperity, peace, and good health.

On that note, the top five posts for 2014 are:

Things To Do Before the End of the Year

Call this a to-do list for the year's end. Things to do before New Year's Day, that is the end of tomorrow:

American-Made Things Loved This Month

A pair of jeans, a pop-up market, a Cabernet, wool socks, legwarmers over leggings, a tote bag, two shirts, oranges, and a leather protector spray. Here are more than a few American-made things that I'm loving this month:

American-Made Christmas

 

Merry Christmas!

Spotted on the Christmas Tree

 

Made in the USA Gift Guides 2014

This year, I embarked on the great task of creating some gift guides that really indicated things that I would like to give or receive.  I made them as gender-neutral as possible. In each, as well, I tried to feature at least one locally-made, made-in-NYC, or made-in-New-York-State product. I hope you enjoyed these lists of gift ideas that I created.

Just in case you need a little extra help getting that last-minute holiday shopping done, I've got a gigantic roundup of some other American-Made gift guides. In my list of other gift guides, I've tried to focus on locally-made as well. Happy Holidays!

American-Made Hanukkah

Happy Hanukkah.

American-Made Friday Links

Here's what's happening recently in news about the Made in America Movement: the entertainment industry is alive and well in NYC, wage theft in U.S. garment manufacturing, the Hollywood starlet launching her own made-in-NYC clothing line, Chinese companies getting in on American-made, the 9/11 Museum selling patriotic goods made in Asia, falling wages for American factory workers, made in Brooklyn market, the Promoting New Manufacturing Act (H.R. 4795), buying made-in-USA for the holidays, the newsman behind a Made-in-Maine brand, the damage of outsourcing to China, 3M's investment in American manufacturing, the Pope's advice to holiday shoppers, and more.

Here are 20 articles and videos you need to see if you haven't already:

American-Made Gifts for Holiday Traditions

Here are five American-made gifts for some memorable holiday traditions:

Tailored by Tradlands

 
Today's post is another from my friend, Xochil. She's got a killer fashion sense and is deeply committed to American clothing manufacturing, especially in her hometown of Chicago. She has some great insight as an insider in the fashion industry and will likely be contributing every now and then. 

I recently wrote about tailored shirts for men, but what about for women? Sure, finding any old button-up shirt is pretty easy, but finding one that fits really well and doesn’t have the dreaded “boob gap” (even without a large bust), is much harder. I can’t remember exactly how I found out about them originally, either through a #ff on Twitter or Instagram, but either way, I’m so happy to have found Tradlands!

American-Made Gifts for a Standard Poodle

Here are five American-made gifts for the standard poodle (or other big dog) in your life:

The End of Movember

The end of Movember? Yay! Here's a great way to celebrate:

American-Made Gifts for At-Home Cooks

Here are five American-made gifts for the at-home cook in your life:

American-Made Gifts for City Babies

Here are five American-made gifts for the city babies in your life:

American-Made Gifts for Whiskey Lovers

Here are five 13 American-made gifts for the whiskey lovers in your life:

American-Made Gifts for Jet-Setters

Here are five American-made gifts for the jet-setters in your life:

American-Made Gifts for Your Nerdy Friends

Here are five American-made gifts to give to the nerdy friends in your life:

American-Made Cold Weather Essentials

Last winter was cold and snowy. Last winter was downright brutal. As a native Upstate New Yorker, you can call me an expert on knowing how to bundle up and battle the snow. If reports are correct, this winter could be just as bad. I've already been taking inventory of my winter gear and making some key purchases to make sure I am ready for it. For me, the key to good winter clothing is function first, style second. Thankfully, I've been able to locate items that both fend off the chill and are fashionable.

Here are almost 20 American-made items that I'd consider cold-weather essentials:

American-Made Wednesday Links

This month in news from the Made in America Movement: NPR's great series, China's rising wages, why American manufacturing jobs will require more smarts, J.Crew gets in on Made-in-NYC suiting, Martha Stewart's fave fall items made in Brooklyn, a great photo tour of Faribault Woolen Mill, Zady's American-made private label, LA's garment workers, the history of the American t-shirt, how US-made watches are now ubiquitous, and more.

Here are a dozen articles and videos you need to see if you haven't already:

Partner in Crime

Lately, nail polish companies have been bringing back creamy brown polishes, hinting a bit at the hues I wore in the 90's. So it's no surprise that I am in love with this rich, dark chocolate nail polish.

Made-in-USA in a Box: Founded 1776

Today's post is another from my friend, Xochil. She's got a killer fashion sense and is deeply committed to American clothing manufacturing, especially in her hometown of Chicago. She has some great insight as an insider in the fashion industry and will likely be contributing every now and then. 

Here's her review of the Made-in-USA subscription boxes from Founded 1776 where everything, right down to the packaging, is American-made. 

I love getting packages in the mail, and subscription boxes feed that love of surprises and trying out new products and companies. I’ve tried the Birchbox, Ipsy and Fab Fit Fun. Recently I found out about a Made-in-the-USA box called Founded 1776. It happened to be just a couple of days before the release of their 2nd curated box, “The Paul Bunyan,” so I placed my order, and my box arrived within days. Here's what was inside:

Faribault Mill for Target

"Loomed in the Land of Lakes" -- The Faribault Mill x Target line of Made-in-USA throws, scarves, bags, and accessories launched yesterday. Faribault Mill style at Target prices.

American-Made Things Loved This Week

What do a mug, a light bulb, a screen cleaner, a wine aerator, and a popular TV show have in common? Well, they were my favorite American-made things this week.

Spotted at the Pilates Studio

These make Pilates crunches even harder.

American-Made Tuesday Links

Jeans for men, jeans for women farmers, Woolrich's new store (yipee!), Target's new American-made collaboration, NYC's hidden factories, made in Detroit, more things grown in New York, keeping the Fiesta line alive, light bulbs made in the USA, the US-made sweatshirt with a cult following, fashion for the guys that's inspired by motorcycle culture, custom New Balance, and the 2014 winners of the Martha Stewart American Made contest.

Here are 14 articles, audio, and videos you need to see if you haven't already:

Company Spotlight: Glass House Shirtmakers

Today's post is another from my friend, Xochil. She's got a killer fashion sense and is deeply committed to American clothing manufacturing, especially in her hometown of Chicago. She has some great insight as an insider in the fashion industry and will likely be contributing every now and then.

Finding clothing I love and that my husband loves is a hard task on its own, no matter the item. He’s picky about colors and how things feel, and I’m into the styling, quality, and of course the fit. If I can satisfy the checklist for both of us, plus find something that is both Made in USA and sustainably made, it’s a match made in heaven.

National Manufacturing Day

Today is National Manufacturing Day!

Emerson Fry, Fall 2014

Dear Emerson Fry,

You nail it every season with design and styling. I love the knits, the coats, the textiles, and the sleek silhouettes of this fall collection. You deliver on neutral-palette staples, make pieces that layer effortlessly, brought back some old favorites, and then surprise me with a few new colors and prints for good measure. Thank you for your commitment to production in NYC. Please send me one of everything.

XOXO, Amy

Here are some of my faves from the Fall 2014 looks and pieces:

Batting (Not So) Average

Baseball fans are either disappointed or excited this time of year. The post-season can be a roller coaster. Locally, New York Yankees fans are mourning the retirement of Derek Jeter. Los Angeles is getting a double dose of playoff mania. These bats are so design-worthy, I personally think they'd be a hit even in the off-season.

Baseball Season and Summer End

A couple of weekends ago, my family met up in Baltimore. To go to one of the Yankees v. Orioles game, one of Jeter's last. To go to some of the festivities for the 200th anniversary of the Star-Spangled Banner. And, of course, to eat, drink, and relax.

Some highlights:

American-Made Weekend Links

The latest news regarding the Made in America Movement: small-batch whiskey, counterfeit products, luxury linens, outdoor gear, women's handbags from Shinola, power suits, Brooklyn-made, Made in USA e-commerce, national parks, why more clothing might be American-made, and why 'made in China' could be in decline.

Here are 15 articles and videos you need to see if you haven't already:

Five Cool Things Made in Canada

When you think of Canada, you might just conjure up images of maple syrup, beer, and hockey. In honor of my family and friends north of the U.S. border, here are five awesome Canadian-made things that may surprise you:

Spinach Pesto

The other night I didn't want to make too much of a fuss with dinner so I decided to make some pasta. Although, I have some tomato pan sauce in my freezer, I opted to make some fresh pesto with spinach instead. Best idea ever. We've been eating it every day since we made it.

A Grown-Up Skateboard

Growing up, almost all my friends skated. Kids built half-pipes in the garage, watched skate videos on VHS over and over again, and their skateboards became like an extension of their body. The skateboards themselves were flashy and graphic. Skateboards these days have changed a bit in shape, but the decks are still just as loud. So, when I saw these skateboards last year, I was a bit blown away by the design. It's like the skateboard that grew up, got a job, and acquired a bit of a sophisticated palette. Much like those same friends I grew up with.

American-Made Friday Links

Some recent news in the world of American-made: kitchen items, bike helmets, stuff for kids and babies, Brooklyn, Chicago, the American salmon fallacy, a tour of a NYC Garment District sewing studio, an LA shop with made-in-America items for guys, why iPhone will not be part of American manufacturing, fake 'Made in USA' labels (yep, apparently it's a thing), the FTC getting strict on those labels, the most 'American' companies, and more.

Here are 16 articles and videos you need to see if you haven't already:

Bandana Fana Fo Fandana

I recently made good use of my decades-old bandana while walking the rim trail at the Grand Canyon. This little piece of fabric can be used as a furoshiki (to transport items), headband, pocket square, and even a handkerchief. With additional uses from everything from a head or neck covering (as I have used it), to a face mask (while riding your motorcycle), a napkin, adornment for luggage or a purse, a pet neckerchief, a makeshift potholder or tourniquet (while hiking or camping), to a baby bib. They can range from classic paisley to fancy designs, from cheap to more pricey, and are great for both men and women. I found over 20 great options but have whittled it down to my favorite 13 choices for American-made bandanas.

From Head to Toe: The Summer Stripes Outfit

A quick couple of photos of one of my favorite outfits this summer combining stripes, comfy pants, and my go-to sandals.

Mix and Match Swimwear

If you wait too long to get a new bathing suit for the summer, sometimes it's too late. I knew I'd need a new one this year, so I started shopping early in the spring. Instead of buying one, though, I bought two. In reality, I ended up getting enough to wear a different bikini for over two weeks. Confused? Let me explain.

Kansas City and Hammerpress

I always like to have a souvenir from my travels that is not so blatantly a souvenir, but will always make me think of my trip when I see it or use it. I am a sucker for letterpress. So when I walked past Hammerpress studio in Kansas City, I knew I had to have some of their great prints.

This is part III of my account of my trip to Kansas City during Craft Beer Week.

American-Made Tuesday Links

Some news from the Made in America Movement over the past few weeks: Motorola's decision to stop assembling the Moto X in the US, $500K fines for violating the Buy American Act, Walmart's struggles to meet its promise for US-made items, robotics' role in American manufacturing, American Apparel boots its founder for misconduct, Obama thinks 'Made in America' is the new DIY and the brand is stronger than ever, American-made cast iron cookware's popularity, the New Jersey bill to mandate the purchase of American-made products, Mercedes' made-in-USA milestone, American rum (America's first spirit of choice) from craft distilleries, how American manufacturing is struggling to get a foothold... except in Brooklyn, and others believe it's going to make a comeback.

"... the US is the best place to locate, the best place to invest, and the best place to hire." -- President Obama

Here are 20 21 articles and videos you need to see if you haven't already:

Kansas City and the Belfry

On this year's trip to Kansas City, my friend Josh and I made a great discovery... The Belfry, a new bar located in the Crossroads. We loved it so much we went five of the eight nights we were in town. And on our final night, a beer dinner pairing the fine food of Celina Tio and beers of Jolly Pumpkin brewery.

Consider this Part II of my account of my trip to Kansas City during Craft Beer Week.

Kansas City and Craft Beer Week

I just got back from Kansas City, where I was drinking and eating working for the past week. As fate would have it, it just happened to be their American Craft Beer Week and, boy, did I really take advantage. I drank, rubbed elbows with a great chef, and made a few key purchases that made in back to NYC with me. Here's what happened.

This is part I of my account of my trip to Kansas City during Craft Beer Week.

Taking Stock

Stock Mfg. Co. new artist series tees pay homage to Chicago.

Memorial Bears for the Military

On this Memorial Day, a reminder about those in the military who don't make it home to loved ones.

Lighten Up

The weather this spring has been a bit bipolar. It's hot and summer-like one minute, and then cold and rainy the next. Time to lighten up what you've got on your bed. This linen quilt is the right weight for such weather.

Spotted at the Office II

I've been using these all week at work. 

American-Made Sunday Links

Some news from the Made in America Movement over the past few weeks: U.S. steel, cars, electric buses, solar panels on the White House, 'Made in USA' labeling, what American manufacturing really looks like, Chinese consumers, U.S. production costs, a new store where everything is made in the USA, the Made-in-USA revival fallacy, the White House's message to the U.S. Spanish speakers, and more.

Here are 15 articles and videos you need to see if you haven't already:

American-Made Things Loved Today

Five American-made things I've been loving lately: a bath mitt made of honeycomb material, a leopard calf-hair belt, a Pinot noir from Oregon, a trio of eyeshadows, and espresso gelato.

White Hot Chicago

Today's post is from my friend, Xochil. She's got a killer fashion sense and is deeply committed to American clothing manufacturing, especially in her hometown of Chicago. She has some great insight as an insider in the fashion industry and will likely be contributing every now and then. 

Chicago finally saw a couple of beautiful sunny days this spring, after enduring one of the longest, roughest winters in history. It felt like a great day to walk around the city, and enjoy the sites of Millenium Park before all the tourists start to over take it for the summer. 

From Head to Toe: The Little Black Dress Outfit

In general, you can't go wrong with a black dress. But you really can't go wrong with a little black dress in a drapey jersey that can be dressed up or down.