Recent American-Made Purchase

I have a fall cocktail/dinner event to go to in a couple of weeks and was looking for something to wear. I wanted something comfortable and simple, a little bit more interesting than just a plain shift dress, and could easily be worn for future events. This dress fit the bill.

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:

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!

Company Spotlight: Glass House Shirtmakers

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.

Finding clothing I love and that my husband loves is a hard task on its own, no matter the item. He’s picky about colors and how things feel, and I’m into the styling, quality, and of course the fit. If I can satisfy the checklist for both of us, plus find something that is both Made in USA and sustainably made, it’s a match made in heaven.

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:

American-Made Weekend Links

The latest news regarding the Made in America Movement: small-batch whiskey, counterfeit products, luxury linens, outdoor gear, women's handbags from Shinola, power suits, Brooklyn-made, Made in USA e-commerce, national parks, why more clothing might be American-made, and why 'made in China' could be in decline.

Here are 15 articles and videos you need to see if you haven't already:

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:

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.

Mix and Match Swimwear

If you wait too long to get a new bathing suit for the summer, sometimes it's too late. I knew I'd need a new one this year, so I started shopping early in the spring. Instead of buying one, though, I bought two. In reality, I ended up getting enough to wear a different bikini for over two weeks. Confused? Let me explain.

Taking Stock

Stock Mfg. Co. new artist series tees pay homage to Chicago.

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.

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!

The Joseph Abboud Collection

Men's Wearhouse thinks you're going to like the way you look in American-made.

(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.

The Patton Shirt

Another great guest post from my husband, Dan. Bullet Blues sent him this shirt for review.

It's been ridiculously cold in the Northeast this year, so I've been in favor of layering. One of my standbys every winter is a casual button-down shirt. This year, I checked out a shirt from Bullet Blues, a Florida-based company known for their denim. In addition to their completely American-made jeans, they offer belts and shirts for guys.

Honor Thy President

In honor of President's Day, here are some fun American-made presidential things.

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?