American-Made Things Loved This Month

A distillery tour + a street art surprise, a hair lotion, a concealer, and a screwdriver set. Here are more than a few American-made things that I'm loving this month:

American-Made Giveaway Package

I would love each and every one of the items in this American-made giveaway:

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:

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!

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.

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:

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:

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.

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.

(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.

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.

Sugar Daddy

This classic, almost-nude pink is a great basic nail polish to have in your personal stash, for when subtle trumps bold or when you want to take a break from dark colors.

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?