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:

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 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:

(Almost) From Head to Toe: The Mini-Golf Outfit

I got a relief from the frigid Northeast on a recent visit to my in-laws in South Carolina. One of my chambray shirts, some gray cords, and leopard smoking flats were the perfect thing to wear to play a fiercely competitive family game of mini-golf.

Fall Wish List

Having my spring wish list was a great way to set priorities for things that I needed and wanted. It was really helpful for me and I've referred back to a lot over the past months, updating as I found American-made products and made purchases. While not everything got crossed off, I did find the majority of the items.

So, of course, I set out to make a wish list for fall. In addition to some basics (tank tops, tees, leggings, socks), here are the top 12 things on my fall wish list for clothing, accessories, and beauty products:

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.

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.

Spring Wish List

American Apparel Unisex Stretch Twill Slim Slack Lite in camel

Here are the top 12 things on my spring wish list for clothing and shoes:

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.)

From Head to Toe: The Snowy Weekend Outfit

 

 

Boy, has it been really cold lately. It was particularly cold and windy in Upstate NY where I spent last weekend. I did little else than to snuggle in front of the fireplace, drink cups of piping hot tea, sit around chatting with a few friends, and bundle up in a chunky sweater for the snowy outdoors.

(Almost) From Head to Toe: The Winter Travel Outfit

 

 

 

This is the perfect outfit for winter travel: black skinnies, chambray tunic, cashmere socks, wool fringed scarf, and some black riding boots.