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:

Not Your Garden Variety Florals

Spring is here! This day couldn't have come soon enough. Boy, has this winter been hard. I've been drooling over spring fashions as a way to get my mind off the deep freeze.

As Heidi of Jax and Jewels reminded me, florals for spring are neither groundbreaking or new. The recent American-made floral styles, though, that have been popping up just about everywhere, have been getting a bit of a modern update.

The Portland Collection, Spring 2014 (Part II)

Here are some of my favorite men's looks from the Portland Collection's inaugural spring/summer line. As I mentioned in Part I, Pendleton gives us some sporty, camp-y pieces here.

The Portland Collection, Spring 2014 (Part I)

Little Crane Pullover | Champoeg Romper

Here are some of my favorite women's looks from the Portland Collection's inaugural spring/summer line. All I have to say is: why, oh why, did they wait this long to design clothing for the warmer months?

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.

Amour Vert, Spring 2014

BONNIE – white pepper/indian ink henley shirt; SHERRY – natural paisley shorts

Despite the fact that we're in the middle of a major snowstorm and "polar vortex," fashion is already preparing for the warmer months. Here are my favorite looks from Amour Vert's Spring 2014 lineup, with some of my notes.