Travel Bags

Last year, my toiletry bag had an unfortunate accident involving a mysterious flower that left a sticky film and giant purple stain that won't wash out. I am on the hunt for a new one and, of course, want something made in the USA. It needs to be stylish but practical. I don't carry a lot of makeup when traveling so it doesn't have to be too big, but I'd definitely need it to be large enough for some makeup brushes, some makeup, a nail file, and a comb.

Crayola Colors

Crayola Markers

What kid doesn't love coloring, drawing, or painting in a rainbow of bright colors? Thankfully, Crayola produces some of its line of crayons, markers, and paints in the USA. Their website conveniently has a link to their products made in America. Appropriate for kids age 3 to 103.

Show Your Stripes

Can one really have too many striped tees? (I didn't think so.) I've been searching for a new striped top for the spring. A classic boatneck tee in a navy stripe? Yes, please. Here are a dozen striped tops: various price points; some that are in line with the signature look, some with a few modern twists; all made in the USA.

Lollacups: Stateside Sippies!

Today's post is from guest blogger Holly Crider. She is an educational researcher, a consultant for Tastefully Simple, and the author of When Two Became Four where you can follow along with her adventures of raising twin girls.

Lollacups, in pink and orange

As a mom of twins, we go through sippy cups like Kim Kardashian goes through, well, anything really. It seems like we're always in a love/hate relationship with various sippies. When Amy contacted me and asked if I would like to try Lollacup sippy cups, I was so excited to give these a shot.

Made in America: Fashion’s Fight to Save the Garment District - Time

Two great recent pieces from Time magazine. The first is a spotlight of The Garment District and a nice discussion of U.S. clothing manufacturing. The second is an interesting photo tour of the step-by-step garment production for Nanette Lepore in NYC.

Time, Feb. 19, 2013: "Made in America: Fashion’s Fight to Save the Garment District"
Time, Feb. 19, 2013: "Made in Manhattan: The Anatomy of a Garment"

I wonder if the author was inspired by my post last week?

(Photo courtesy of Save the Garment Center.)

Cannonball

Cannonball 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

I'm not a wine connoisseur by any means, but I know a good bottle of wine when I see one. Yes, I mostly choose wines by the label. Scoff all you want, Wine Spectator readers, but this system hasn't failed me yet. Cannonball Cabernet Sauvignon has a spectacular label and the taste to match. I could tell you all about the hints of cherry or the chocolatey notes or the smooth finish, but all you really need to know is that this is a damn fine bottle of wine. At less than $15 a bottle, it's not going to break the bank and, yet, it's classy enough to give as a gift.

As directed, please "dive in."

Renaissance de Mousse

Giovanni Natural Mousse Hair Styling Foam

Lately, I've been reaching for this hair mousse more than others. Yes, hair mousse. (Does this mean I am trapped in the 90's?) I like this one because it provides good hold, gives my hair some volume, and leaves my hair feeling soft not stiff. It adds just a bit of texture without leaving my hair too sticky. The non-aerosol pump dispenser is easy to use. Plus, it's made of natural ingredients that I can actually pronounce.

Confession: 99% of the time I blow-dry my hair, I only do my bangs and the hair on the crown of my head. It's okay, my hairdresser already knows. She has eased my concerns and assured me that no sin was committed in this case.

Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links.

Birthday Cupcakes

 

For his birthday, my husband requested cake. Did I mention that we're renovating our kitchen? That means that at the moment we are living without a working place to cook and bake. There's stuff all over the living room and we're managing with just a tea kettle, microwave, coffee maker, and mini-fridge. Thankfully, there's a wonderful local bakery that makes delicious cupcakes.

Sequin Sweatshirt

This long-sleeve blue and silver sequin top is another recent purchase from Three Dots. It's flashy but casual. I'm thinking of pairing it first with some light gray skinny cords or some light-wash jeans. What do you think?

The Red Dress

Last February, I set out to find a red dress. Nothing too fancy. Something that is easy and is as fitting with flip flops to the market as it is with heels to dinner. Fast forward a year later, I found this Ella Moss boat neck dress. With it's built-in adjustable slip, waist ties, shirttail hem, and three-quarter sleeves, this fits the bill perfectly. I can't wait to wear it.

Pendleton 2012 Portland Collection Fringed Scarves & Another 2013 Teaser

Are you still hemming and hawing over getting in on a fringed scarf from the Fall 2012 Portland Collection? My two from the 2011 Collections are some of the clothing items I get most complimented on.

Now is the chance to feed your inner desire and buy one, on sale. 
Painted Hills Sand, Ram's Horn Blue, and Ram's Horn Natural available for 20% off at Tildevailable for 20% off at Tilde.
Banded black scarf available for 20% off at Shopbop.

If you are in the Portland, Oregon area, Pendleton is having their closeout sale for the 2012 Portland Collection on Sat., Feb 23rd, 10 am to 4 pm. More information on their Facebook page.

P.S. Did you see the other teaser photo of the Fall 2013 Collection?

Wowzers.

(All photos courtesy of The Portland Collection.)

Belted Cardigan

This versatile gray Three Dots cardigan has quickly become a favorite. The two-way belt can be worn buttoned in back or in front. The sleeves are lined with jersey making it super comfy to wear, even with bare arms. Did I mention it has pockets? In the week that I've had it, I don't think there has been a day where I haven't put it on for some stretch of the day.

I've worn it with jeans and a mint green top. I've also worn it with black skinny jeans and sequin tank for a dinner date with my husband. I'm wearing it here with a striped tee (origin unknown) and my AG Stilt light gray skinny cords (available here, or in a darker gray here).

(Photos by my husband, Dan.)

In Honor of NYFW, The Garment Center

Right now, hoards of fashion fanatics of all kinds are in NYC to celebrate the coming of the industry's Fall/Winter 2013 Collections for New York Fashion Week. Here is a wonderful Op-Ed piece written last year by Nanette Lepore, NYC-based fashion designer, about why the Garment Center is so vital to NYC's fashion industry. She goes on to highlight the importance of American clothing manufacturing for the local and U.S. economy.

From Thirteen (Feb. 9, 2012): "Op-Ed: Without the Garment Center, There Would Be No Nanette Lepore"

Thanks Nanette.

Save the Garment Center is a trade organization dedicated to preserving the NYC fashion industry and keep manufacturing in New York City's garment district. Supporters include Lepore, Anna Sui, and Yeohlee Teng. Their website is extremely informative and has an extensive amount of information about clothing made in NYC.

In honor of NYFW, I'll be posting about fashion and clothing all week.

(Photo courtesy of Save the Garment Center.)

Tangled Up in Plaid Flannel

American Apparel William plaid flannel

This American Apparel plaid flannel shirt has become a staple for me this fall/winter. I have it in both the William and Sir Robert flannel plaids. It's a thick cotton flannel, perfect for when the temperature goes below freezing. Wear it with everything from a pair of jeans to a sequin skirt. Oh, and it's unisex so even the guys can get in on the flannel-plaid-shirting fun. Watch out, Seattle.

(Photo by my husband, Dan)

PM Facial Cleanser

At night, I wash my face with this oil-based cleanser from Boscia. Since I grew up thinking that an oil-free face wash was the only option for my skin type, I was very hesitant to use an oil cleanser. Not the case at all and I am glad that I got over my fear of oil cleansers. (To all you skeptics of oil cleansers, please give it a try.) This MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil takes off every bit of makeup and leaves my face feeling clean and moisturized.

The formula is very different from anything I have seen before. It applies as an oil but rinses away with a milkiness to it, without being greasy. Yes, you read correctly, I don't feel like I smeared French-fry grease all over my face after using this. If I am really feeling luxurious, I first steam my face with a hot cloth for a few minutes before applying the cleansing oil.

As long as we're being honest here, I can tell you that there are many nights that I don't wash my face before I go to sleep. In that case, I use a teeny amount of the cleansing oil on my eyes only and then wash as usual with my morning facial cleanser, also from Boscia.

Please note: older bottles of this product are labeled as being made in Japan; newer bottles indicate that it is made in the U.S. They have recently moved production to the U.S. since building 'clean room' facilities that can accommodate their needs.

AM Facial Cleanser

I wash my face in the morning with this gentle cleanser from Boscia. Their preservative-free, sulfate-free Purifying Cleansing Gel has become my go-to cleanser. It's great for those with normal to oily skin. I've noticed recently that the formula changed slightly (different color, slightly different scent) but it's still one of my all-time favorites. It rinses away easily, doesn't dry out my face, and isn't irritating to my sensitive skin. Although it claims to remove makeup, it doesn't do well with things like my waterproof mascara. (I have to use another Boscia cleanser for that.)

Grocery Bags

This weekend, I picked up a couple of these 100% cotton reusable grocery bags at Trader Joe's. They're sturdy, hold a lot of groceries, and are machine washable. The black and white kitchen utensil motif is fun and inoffensive. $2.99 each at your local Trader Joe's.

For Your Un-Valentine

I am not that into Valentine's Day as a holiday, so let's just call this an Un-Valentine's Day post. I mean, really, we should dote on our sweeties year-round. And not just on Feb. 14th, right?

Want a nice way to say, "Hey, I think you're swell?" Here are my suggestions for some thoughtful things for your sweetheart:

Wicked

 

This is one of my all-time favorite nail polishes. Described as "a deep and dark creamy sinister red," Essie's Wicked is the perfect vampy red polish. This is a perfect color to wear when the weather gets chilly, but it is classic enough to wear year-round. Great for hands and toes. Applies in two coats to a creamy opaque finish.

Pictured here with a Harding scarf in the squash color from Pendleton's 2011 Portland Collection (no longer available) and a deep v-neck tee from American Apparel. 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.