#byelke

[mrsamericanmade]

QUICK-N-SUMMERY

This week I will be posting a few outfits for easy, warm days - not yet ready for bare legs here - featuring fun tops with jeans and this awesome backpack from byElke. Check in later this week when I post the same top with two different bottoms. I clearly prefer one look over the other, after seeing the photos. Let me know what you think… 

Pretty in Pink #madeinUSA outfit details: pink print boho top by Weston Wear and jeans by Hudson from ThredUp; “Missy” frame sunglasses from Kala Eyewear; my own earrings and necklace by Mercer & Jayne; cognac leather backpack byElke

Sharing this post on Catherine’s Not Dressed As Lamb’s #IWillWearWhatILike, Shelbee’s On the Edge #SpreadtheKindness, Walking in Memphis in Heels #Trendspin, Jess’ Elegantly Dressed and Stylish #TurningHeadsTuesday, Alison’s Get Your Pretty On #IFeelPretty, Nicole’s High Latitude Style #TopoftheWorld, Jennie’s A Pocketful of Polka Dots #FabulousFriday, and Patti’s Not Dead Yet Style #VisibleMonday

[mrsamericanmade]

VERSATILITY - DRESSY LOOK FOR DRESS

Hello and happy Monday! This piece by Corey Lynn Calter has made numerous appearances on the blog so far as a tunic with jeans and as a top in a conservative office look. Here you can see the whole thing, worn as intended, the dress - with a waist-cinching belt. I can also picture it next fall with tights, boots and a sweater. 

And a little bit about the slip I am wearing under the very sheer dress... “Farr West is immensely proud to be an American company whose lines were designed primarily by Lindsay Roscoe, and Manuka Clarke and made in USA. Instead of outsourcing manufacturing to ethically unreliable countries, Farr West is still made by a small sewing collective in its home state of California where it is guaranteed to provide a sustainable wage, humane work conditions and stimulate the local economy.”

Fancy feathers #MadeinUSA outfit details: sheer navy/cream print silk dress by Corey Lynn Calter from Common Threads, Boulder, worn with my own belt, and a Emily Essentials bias-cut chemise black slip by Farr West underneath; metallic silver/blue leather clutch byElke

[mrsamericanmade]

DETAILS - WRAP UP

I am so in love with this piece. The ruched turtleneck collar, the fluttery sleeves.... But I don’t know what to call it. Is it a top? Is it a tunic? Is it a dress? Get ready because you are going to be seeing it play all of those roles coming up in the next couple of weeks. Realistically, though, this is how I will wear it the most - with a belt and jeans for an average day.

Here I am wearing a black camisole under the sheer navy/cream print “top” and because the weather was somewhat unpredictable and windy today I brought along my new black Loup sweater that I purchased recently on sale at Ethica.com. 

And don’t miss this great backpack from byElke - it converts to a tote also, but I am a big fan of the hands-free benefits of the backpack. It is the perfect size for me and the color goes with anything. This is the bag I have been carrying around most days now. 

For daily use #madeinUSA outfit details: sheer navy/cream print silk “top” by Corey Lynn Calter from Common Threads, Boulder; Black ballet sweater by Loup from Ethica; Paige Denim distressed boyfriend jeans from Nordstrom Rack; feather necklace by Mercer & Jayne; my own earrings and my own diy bead bracelet (instructions and original post here); cognac leather backpack byElke; “Missy” frame sunglasses by Kala Eyewear

Sharing this post on Jennie’s A Pocketful of Polka Dots Fabulous Friday and Nancy’s Fashion Style Fancy Friday. 

[mrsamericanmade]

TRANSFORMATIONS - ALL PATCHED UP

On Monday of this week, I shared a top that I changed up by adding several inches in length to make it more tunic-like. Remember, you’re not stuck with the shape of an article of clothing when you buy it. You always have the ability to change and modify clothing to suit you better. It is good to know a bit about garment construction, though, because it helps you to know what can be done to achieve a better fit. Fortunately, I sew a bit - but a good tailor can help, too.

Today my outfit begins with a pair of American-made jeans by Current/Elliot that I scored for $10, but they had many more holes than I wanted so I went ahead and pulled out the sewing machine and patched them up. I also tore the hem seam open and added an inch in length, a little fringe and personality.

Patched up #madeinUSA outfit details: older dress by Anna Sui, hemmed to be a long top (an older transformation) from Common Threads, Boulder; black knit cardigan by Splendid and wide leg patched jeans by Current/Elliot from ThredUp; chevron earrings by Dogeared and my own diy bead bracelet (instructions and original post here); navy leather handmade tote byElke; “Missy” frame sunglasses by Kala Eyewear

Sharing on Nicole’s High Latitude Style Top of the World Style, Shelbee’s On the Edge #SpreadtheKindness and Walking in Memphis in Heels 

[aconica]

This shot (yep that's me) is courtesy of @anandra108 We we're walking through empty Italian villages in middle of the day. Still showing off my favorite @byelke #fannypack You see I'm a bit addicted to these lovely accessories. #traveler #fannypack #byelke #italy #musthave (at Tuscany)

[aconica]

Pulled over for an apricot brake and to smell the rain. Decided to take this opportunity to give @byelke a shout out for my new trusty travel companion- the Danny pack, over should clutch is in and a must !!! If your in Barcelona you wear it in front (pick pockets 😫) walking in safe places the back, and in safer cities this is my fave! 💓💓💓 #perfectpurse #fannypack #byelke (at Tuscany)

[mrsamericanmade]

BLACK EYELET FOR DAYTIME

I love this #madeinUSA Little Black Dress by Nanette Lepore and I usually think of it as a “fancy” dress (see it dressed up here), but I decided that I don’t wear it enough and it deserves more attention. So I brought it out and tried dressing it down with some casual flat sandals and my easy summer bag for a day of shopping. You all know how I like to make my pieces work in many ways, and I think this was success. Would you wear a “fancy” dress out on a hot summer day?

Summer simple #madeinUSA outfit details: “Rendezvous” black lace dress by Nanette Lepore; linen handmade bag and leather tassel byElke; “Missy” frame sunglasses by Kala Eyewear; 

Sharing this post on Catherine’s Not Dressed as Lamb’s #IWillWearWhatILike, Jess’ Elegantly Dressed and Stylish THT, and Debonita’s Elegantly Fashionable. 

[mrsamericanmade]

WHITE PANTS SEASON

Well, folks, Memorial Day has passed and we all know what that means - white shoes and clothing!! And whether you wear them all year ‘round or you pack them away for Winter, these are perfect days for lighter, brighter pants. This week I will share a few of my favorite, new and old, #madeinUSA outfits that feature white pants. Usually I wear them with a colorful printed top as shown here - and since I love a jacket, I often finish the look with some sort of blue or black blazer. But this day was sunny and warm and I really did not need the extra layer so here it is.

White pants season #madeinUSA outfit details: wider leg white jeans by Citizens of Humanity; colorful printed tunic (formerly dress) by Renee C; linen handmade bag and leather tassel byElke; Tortoiseshell shades by Parkman sunglasses; necklace by Mercer & Jayne and earrings by James & Jezebelle

Sharing this post on this month’s “Ageless Style,” Jess’ Elegantly Dressed and Stylish Turning Heads Tuesday, Elegantly Fashionable, Shopping My closet, Style Elixir’s Style Sessions and Catherine’s Not Dressed as Lamb #IWillWearWhatILike linkups

And my photoshoot visitor friend is Toby the Cat.