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:

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:

Putting Away Winter

I took the opportunity while I was on a spring beach vacation to send all my heavy wool and cashmere knitwear to get professionally cleaned. This past weekend, I happily tucked them away in my underbed storage. Ta-ta winter!

Emerson Fry, Spring 2014

Abstract botanical print shirt with white ankle-zip jeans

Emerson Fry's Spring 2014 preview shows that they're still sticking to the basics: black, white, gray, denim, stripes, floral and geometric prints, and simple silhouettes. Here are a dozen thirteen looks I like.

Weekend Laid Back

 

This past weekend was very relaxing. I spent most of it catching up on some much needed sleep and laying low. The weather is finally hinting at fall, I got some errands done, and I had a chance to wear some Made-in-the-USA things (old and new).

Emerson Fry, Fall 2013

 

Emerson Fry has successfully created a clothing line filled with stylish classics and covetable pieces. Season after season, she manages to offer chic items that are simple and familiar and, yet, always have women (and fashion editors) drooling. The key: making elegant, modern, but wearable items that can seamlessly fit into a woman's existing wardrobe. This fall, her line is filled with raglan sleeves, both skinny and slouchy fits, easy colors, tailored pieces, and luxurious materials. As usual, Emerson nails it with the styling. Here are some fall/winter style tips to take away from these looks:

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: