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A TRULY CASUAL OUTFIT
Here is an example of something I would wear on a lazy weekend at home, maybe for cleaning up or organizing the studio. The outfit consists of rolled up big, baggy jeans (not super flattering and not to be worn out much) and a plain white t-shirt. But items are comfortable and easy to wash. But I could not resist something cute so I added the summer tank top over the tee.
AMERICAN MADE MATTERS DAY
Tomorrow is “American Made Matters Day” and American Made Matters asks consumers on this day to purchase one U.S.-made product. American Made Matters Day kicks off the holiday shopping season and encourages shoppers to continue to buy U.S.-made gifts for their friends and families. November 19th has been declared American Made Matters Day not only because of the positive impact that manufacturing has on jobs, but also because of the impact it has on local communities, the U.S. economy, product safety, the environment, and the future of America.
One reason I spend a lot of time encouraging people to buy things that are made in America is that the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reports that every $1 spent on American-made goods invests an additional $1.32 in the U.S. economy. If Americans dedicated just a small portion of their holiday shopping budget to buying American-made goods, it could have a very positive impact on our economy. In fact, according to ABCNews, if each American family spent just $64 on American-made goods during the holiday shopping season, it would generate 200,000 new jobs. That is pretty cool.
So today I want to give you all some practical advice on how to do it. Because every day is American Made Matters day for me, I know that it takes a little bit more time and a little bit more research and a little bit more effort to buy American-made, but it really is worth it. Here are some tips on how to make it just a little bit easier. Don't get me wrong, I'm not advising that people just go out and buy more things for the sake of buying. Every day I believe more and more in the motto “buy less; choose well,” but I do know the holidays are coming up and there will be things we will all be shopping for so here's some practical advice on how to do it.
1) First and foremost, check your tags - always check your tags.
2) Secondly, you can shop online. You can target specific brands and “A Continuous Lean” has a great Guide to things still made in the USA. Or you can search the internet for made in USA widgets or whatever you're looking for.
And there are several different ways to go about this. Let's say you're looking for a specific item then my advice would be to go online and Google that item and then made in USA. Hopefully, you'll find some options.
3) Otherwise, if you're just looking for gifts for a specific person in mind then maybe you go to one of the sites that sells predominately made in USA items. You can browse or shop at sites known to carry more made in USA or sometimes all made in USA - this ABCnews list is from 2011, but many of these sites can still be helpful.
4) And don’t forget that I link to every brand that I wear that has manufactured garments here so if you are looking for a piece of clothing, just type it in my blog’s search bar and the ones I have found will come up.
Happy shopping!
Oops, I almost forgot to describe my #madeinusa outfit details: colorful printed tunic (formerly dress) by Renee C; black leggings by Beyond Yoga; Spring 2011 collection turquoise print scarf by Camilla Olson; drop earrings by Michal Golan; diy wool/leather tote; “Missy” frame sunglasses by Kala Eyewear
Sharing this post on Nancy’s Fashion Style Fancy Friday.
WEEK OF WOOL
So this week I started off touting the benefits of wool with a bright blue wool blazer and a very eco-friendly outfit. Wednesday, I posted some more beautiful Fall photos by Dylan Crossley and a super cozy piece, my Woolrich buffalo plaid cape. Yesterday I went back to an older post featuring various wool pieces. And all of the days I was reminded what a great fabric it is for most seasons here in Colorado - be sure to check out and read those posts if you missed them.
Wooly and bright #madeinUSA outfit details: “Electric lines tank” by Renee C from Evereve; bright pink wool jacket by Trina Turk from Nordstrom Rack; Earnest Sewn skinny jeans from ThredUp (and I did that cutoff and fringe-y thing to them that everyone seems to be doing these days); my own earrings and necklace by Dana Birke designs
Sharing this post on Nicole’s High Latitude Style Top of the World Style, Jennie’s A Pocketful of Polka Dots Fabulous Friday, and Shelbee’s On the Edge of the Week.
TUNIC WEEK AND A LABOR DAY THANK YOU
“Labor Day in the United States is a public holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September. It honors the American labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of the country.” from Wikipedia. This blog honors the American laborers and manufacturers every day, and today I want to honor you the readers:
I would like to take a minute today to thank all of you who follow, LIKE, retweet and support Mrs. American Made in any way. Four years ago, I started this initiative and I had no idea where it would it take me. I have learned so much and I have even strengthened my to commitment to buying American-made. It is more work to keep up the blog than I thought it would be, but it is my favorite thing that I do. And without you readers, it would be much less successful. SO thank you. Each and every one of you.
Happy Labor Day to all, and if you go shopping, please buy #MadeinUSA.
Hello, September, #madeinUSA outfit details: colorful printed tunic (formerly dress) by Renee C; Black knit “Twiggy” pant c/o Peace of Cloth; the “Page” pack by Chelli Harms Collection; self-made tassel necklace from vintage beads; “Missy” frame sunglasses by Kala Eyewear
Sharing this post on Catherine’s Not Dressed as Lamb #IWillWearWhatILike, Patii’s Not Dead Yet Style Visible Monday, Nancy’s Fashion Style Fancy Friday, Jennie’s A Pocketful of Polka Dots Fabulous Friday, Shelbee’s On the Edge of the Week, JoLynne Shane’s Fashion Friday, Shopping My Closet’s Style Me Wednesday, and Debonita’s Elegantly Fashionable.
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.
A happy accident!
I loved this colorful Renee C tunic (seen here in post from last Fall) that I bought last year, but somehow a dry clean only item ended up in this week’s laundry. I had planned to use this as one of my many tops that also work as dresses - but no more. When I pulled it out of the dryer, it looked more like a shirt. It came out way too short! But I tried it on and it still fit - actually better. So here it is - my happy accident.
Oops, I made an outfit #madeinUSA details: tunic dress by Renee C; JBrand jeans from Nordstrom.com; lightweight khaki twill military jacket by Current/Elliott; navy leather handmade tote with gray tassel byElke; chevron necklace by Mercer & Jayne; gold circle necklace by Mary Louise Designs, Miami; earrings by James & Jezebelle; “Missy” frame sunglasses by Kala Eyewear
Steppin’out #madeinUSA outfit: tunic dress by Renee C; Black knit “Twiggy” pant c/o Peace of Cloth; metallic clutch byElke; earrings by Mercer & Jayne; necklace by James & Jezebelle
I absolutely love these pants. They are the perfect alternative to jeans - they aren’t quite pants and they are not leggings - with a bit of stretch for comfort and just enough structure to wear anywhere. I am in love. Here I have styled them tucked into knee high boots but you will see them soon with booties as well as a strappy sandal.
And a little bonus: every Peace of Cloth garment is made with love and the “affirmation labels” placed inside each pant and jacket give the wearer a positive message to consider every time she puts them on.
*Jacket made in Italy by Band of Outsiders, but purchased secondhand at Common Threads, Boulder
Sunday Summer picnic #madeinUSA outfit details: “Electric lines tank” by Renee C from Evereve; denim shorts by Trina Turk from Rags consignments, Boulder; jewelry by Mercer & Jayne; black leather “Annie” duffel bag by Shana Luther with braided tassel key fob by Lotuff Leather; “gaucho panama hat” in black from hats.com
Linking up with Jess’ Turning Heads Tuesday on Elegantly Dressed and Stylish.
photo by Zeke
