Fashion Revolution: 2 Years after Rana Plaza

Photo Credit: Fashion Revolution

Wow, Earth Day and Fashion Revolution in the same week! Awesome.  

Unfortunately, the date of Fashion Revolution is the anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse that occurred in Bangladesh on April 24, 2013. To sum up in case you missed it, 1133 people died when a garment factory collapsed. Structural cracks has been found in the building the previous day and a bank and a few shops on the first floor closed immediately due to safety concerns. However, the garment workers were forced to go to work, some where even threatened to lose a month's pay if they didn't, and the 8 story building collapsed during the morning rush. 

It took over 6 months for some fast fashion clothing brands to even admit that they had clothes made in the factory. Primark offered the families of its deceased workers $200 if they were able to provide a DNA sample proving their loved ones death. Primark didn't provide any DNA sample kits, thankfully the United States stepped in to provide DNA kits. 

Is your blood boiling yet? A building was deemed unsafe, yet workers were forced to go in because people half way around the world needed $10 tshirts. Companies tried to hide that they even worked there and then when they couldn't they offered victims a measly $200. 

Would that happen in America?

HELL NO. 

Should it have happened in the first place?

HELL NO.

No affiliate links today, no lists of "buy this," just a call for everyone to think about what you're purchasing dollars mean. Did your clothing purchase put someone's life in danger? Did a child make your sneakers? Is a young mother able to support her family while making your clothes? Can a dad pay for his kid's school supplies while making accessories? 

Worker safety is one of the biggest reasons I only buy American made clothes. I'd love to be able to support others around the world, but unfortunately there are so few companies that provide the transparency to feel secure knowing that my dollars were spent safely. Don't get me wrong, companies are listening and we've now got places like Everlane and Zady that provide radical transparency and work to ensure that their foreign workers are safe and being treated fairly. They produce items both domestically and internationally and tell you exactly where each piece is produced.  And I support that! I've yet to buy an imported item from those companies, but I plan to in the future because I want to support the mission that they are doing. 

I believe in hustling. I believe in putting yourself out there. If you've got an idea, then go for it. Put yourself at risk. That I totally support.

I don't support treating workers like subhuman people and taking advantage of cheap labor. Human lives are not cheap, no matter what the person looks like, what body parts they have, what they believe in, and where they live. 

Get involved. Look at your tags today and ask the brand "Who Made My Clothes?" Visit Fashion Revolution for more information on how you can get involved.  #WhoMadeMyClothes 

Earth Day Beauty Essentials

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream // Mineral Fusion Lipstick // RMS Beauty Eye Polish // 

Alima PURE Natural Definition Mascara // Pacifica Transcendent Concentrated Concealer // Physicians Formula Nude Wear Touch of Glow Palette

I am not a makeup guru by any stretch of the imagination. Pulling off a smokey eye is a challenge for me, which is why I keep my beauty routine very simple and straightforward. But in the spirit of Earth Day and my belief to REDUCE, REUSE, and RECYCLE I'm happy to share that I keep my makeup collection green because I try to buy natural products whenever I can and I keep my stash to a bare minimum. Not having 10+ tubes of mascara or lipstick is green because just think of all the packaging waste.

Without further ado, here's my top "green" beauty makeup products:

Face: 
Juice Beauty Steam Cellular CC Cream: This is a light coverage CC Cream, but you can mix it with another foundation or cream to build the coverage or finish with powder. What it lacks in full coverage it more than makes up for in the fantastic for your skin ingredients, including a chemical free SPF 30 sunscreen protection. This was the first beauty item I purchased when I found out I was pregnant because I wanted to cut down on the chemicals going onto my skin immediately.  Parabens Free, Cruelty Free, Pesticides Free, Phthalates Free, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Free, Articfical Dyes Free, Made in USA. 

Today only at Ulta get a FREE full size Juice Beauty Green Apple Age Defy Moisturizer with any $50 online purchase.

Pacifica Transcendent Concentrated Concealer: This concealer is amazing. It's great for both covering spots and working under the eyes without creasing. I used to pick this stuff up at Whole Foods, but now my local Target is carrying more Pacifica items in store. Parabens Free, Cruelty Free, Vegan Friendly, Phthalates Free, Articfical Dyes Free, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Free, Made in USA. 

In addition, Pacifica is committed to its goal of being a zero product-manufacturing waste in their Portland factory. I haven't tried their lipstick yet, but they just came out with a line of lipsticks with recyclable tubes!

Physicians Formula Nude Wear Touch of Glow: I'll be fully honest, it took me a long time to come onto the bronzer/blush train because my skin is so pale and yet I get red cheeks extremely easy. I've used other PF products in the past and saw them on sale one day at the drugstore and figured why not try this whole bronzer/blush thing out with a nice little palette that doesn't look too crazy or shimmery. Voila! Done. Parabens Free, Hypoallergenic, Fragrance Fee, Cruelty Free, Non-Comedogenic, Made in USA. 

Eyes: 
Alima PURE Natural Definition Mascara: I've tried other so-called "green" and "natural" mascaras and found that they don't hold well and tend to flake off as the day progresses. This stuff doesn't! I don't wear mascara every single day because I have freakishly long eye lashes and they tend to look crazy big with most mascaras. I know, I hate myself too sometimes for this problem. This mascara is great for every day at work, but is build-able for when I want a bolder look for after hours. One of the big reasons I switched to Alima is I was fearful about the trace amounts of mercury in mascaras. Apparently if the ingredient makes up less than 1% of the product companies are not required to list it as an ingredient! And mercury is one of the top utilized preservatives in mascara! Preservative Free, Parabens Free, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Free, Phthalates Free, Certified Natural Ingredients, Cruelty Free, Made in USA

RMS Beauty Eye Polish: This is probably the creamiest eye shadow in the world and yet it sets and doesn't sink into the creases! I know it sounds crazy to go on about the packing of a beauty product, but RMS uses such simple and minimal packaging that it's really refreshing. Plus everything is recyclable. I have the eye shadows in lunar and karma. The lunar color can be used as both a highlighter and lipstick, whereas I use the karma color mainly as an eyeliner. Again, green because you're reducing the number of products you own. Certified Organic Ingredients, Parabens Free, Soy Free, GMO Free, Cruelty Free, Made in USA

Lips:
Mineral Fusion Lipstick: My obsession with Mineral Fusion started on a solo shopping trip to Whole Foods when I came across a trio of their sheer moisture lip tint chubby sticks packaged as a gift set. Hey, if the hubs doesn't come with me to Whole Foods then he doesn't have to know I'm buying makeup while I'm there :) After a week of use I ditched all of my other lip glosses (save for a few Burt Bee's ones) because none of the others compared to how moisturized my lips felt while using the Mineral Fusion ones. On a road trip I went to a super fancy Target and saw that they carried the Mineral Fusion lipsticks in stores... and I might have picked up more than one tube. Oh my goodness. Creamiest lipsticks ever. Parabens Free, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Free, Phthalates Free, 100% Vegetarian, Cruelty Free, Made in USA. 

What are you essential green beauty products? Please note, "green" means something different to everyone and I fully respect if your definition differs from mine.

Purple Birthday Gift Ideas

It's my birthday! I kind of act like a small child on my birthday. I refuse to wear boring shoes and even today I'm wearing a pair of purple peep-toe pumps to work. On a Friday! I don't ask people to sing to me on my birthday because it would be a crime for me to return the favor, but if there isn't cake don't bother going to bed because the day isn't over yet. The hubs learned that one year after making an amazing dinner and when it was done I asked, "where's the cake?"  I felt bad about it, I really did. My grandmother used to mail me a cake when I was away at college, so I guess it's safe to say that there has always been cake present on my birthday.  That's just how my family does it!

I might wear a lot of black, but if you asked anyone in my life what is "my color" they'd quickly respond with some shade of purple. It's because Amethyst is my birthstone and I was the world's biggest tomboy growing up. I didn't do pink, but my parents could get me to wear purple. Maybe it's because there were a few professional sports teams that had purple as their colors. If it was good enough for those big dudes, it was good enough for me!

With that being said, above are a few of my favorite purple gift ideas. I'd be happy if any of them found their way into my life.  Just hinting :)  Of course they're all made in America.

Have a great weekend everyone!  There might be a snowstorm in the area tomorrow that might disrupt a dinner the hubs has planned, but as long as there is cake tonight I'll be happy as can be. I'm pretty easy, I just want cake! That's not too bad is it?

A Clutch Moment

12 of the very best American Made clutches

For the few years I've been trying to get better about not overloading my purses with too much stuff. But I think as we can all admit, that's harder to do than it sounds. Yes, there are times when I find 5 different tubes of chapstick in one bag and then there are the days where I can't find my car keys because they're stuffed in the pocket of a bag that I forgot I used.

A little over a year ago I started keeping my absolute essentials (wallet, keys, chapstick, concealer, Altoids, hand moisturizer, travel tissues, etc.) in a leather dopp kit. It's made moving from one bag to another really easy. Especially going from a work day to a night. Let's face it, my company issued laptop bag is not pretty by any stretch of the imagination, but that sucker holds everything I need it to plus a pair of heels. However, the nanosecond I get to a car and can ditch it the better because the bag is so heavy it might be a contributing factor to some of my back problems. Okay fine, it's not the bag, it's what I put in it!

My little dopp kit bag wasn't really cutting it on its own as a clutch. It's gotten pretty beat up and it's not a fun color. Yet, it still does the job for helping me stay organized.

A few weeks ago my hubs and I had dinner plans with friends immediately after work. That meant straight from the train, to a car, to the restaurant. Instead of using my dopp kit as a clutch I put my essentials, plus a lipstick, in my new Clare V fold over clutch and I seamlessly transitioned from work to night. Added bonus, the hubs bought me the clutch for Christmas and he was pumped I actually liked it. Duh, I love it! And it's a clutch made in the USA!

I'm kind of dropping not-so-subtle hints for another clutch for my birthday later this month. I know keeping essentials in a clutch isn't ground breaking by any means, but if this is your standard operating procedure - what types of clutches work best for you? Do leather clutches scratch easier with all the jostling? Really, is this an excuse to get that leopoard one that everyone seems to have? I'd be okay with that!

American Made Cyber Monday Deals

Anthropologie*: free shipping and 20% extra off sale items.
Bailey 44: 40% off site wide + free shipping
JBrand*: 25% off full priced items with code 'CYBER2014'
J.W. Hulme: The more you spend the more you save. $50 off up to $250 with code 'CYBER50' + free shipping
Karen Kane: free shipping + 20% off + all day specials with code 'CYBERMONDAY'
La Mer Collections: 35% off + free shipping with code 'CYBER35'
Loren Hope: 20% off entire site + free shipping with code 'THANKFULLY'
Need Supply Company*: 20% off with code 'CYBER20'
New Balance*: 20% off and free shipping
Oak73: 30% off entire site with code 'CYBER'
Oka-B: BOGO with code 'CYBROGO'
Piperlime*: 30% off entire site and 40% off sale items with code 'CYBERSALE'
Toggery: 25% off entire site with code 'TOGGERYTHANKS'
Venley: 50% off entire store

*Not everything for sale is American made, but there is plenty of USA made goodness on these sites. Make sure to check the item description. Now is a great time to get a Clare V clutch or bag on sale at Piperlime.

Made in USA Scarves

I might be in the minority of people, but I do not like blanket scarves. There I said it. Whew. I feel better getting that off my chest. I just can't wear them because they look like they're eating my head.

I also can't stand the blanket scarves paired with a silk shirt (and no jacket). This is the winter equivalent my mind of Uggs and a mini skirt. Are you cold? Are you warm? I don't understand what is going on.

But scarf season is definitely here. The high temperatures next week will be in the upper 30s.  Time to break out the good ol' wool scarves and prepare for winter. I am so excited.

Thankfully, there are plenty of made in USA scarves available to keep you functional and fashionable this year. Have you heard yet about the Faribault + Target collaboration? It's a great partnership between two of Minnesota's most favorite brands. The quality and craftsmanship of Faribault's time honored, American made products, but at a Target friendly price point. I'm picking up at least one scar and maybe a second. Or a scarf and throw. Still haven't decided.

Scarves - blanket: yay or nay?

Made in USA Pajamas

It's that time of the year - I slept in my flannel PJs for the first time this past weekend.  My love of flannel pajamas knows no bounds, nor does my love with a good pajama set. Honestly, I could pack for a week's vacation and easily bring a different matching flannel set for each and every night.

Yet, I'm always on the hunt for another adorable set to add to my sleep routine. Let's be honest, I've been known to roam around the house far longer than I should in my pajamas on lazy weekends. But they're just that comfy!

It might be a bit early to start thinking of holiday shopping, but take it from someone who used to get a pajama set from her grandma every year, that pajamas are an awesome gift. Thankfully there are plenty of pajamas made in the USA that would be perfect as any type of gift.

Pajama sets - yay or nay? Shorts version? Long version? And who's rocking a footy PJ onesie from time to time?

Shopbop Sale: Made in USA Picks

If you were in the shopping mood and needed to grab a steal this week, well then you're in luck! For the next three days you can take 25% off almost everything at Shopbop with code: FAMILY25 

Above are just a few of my favorite made in the USA picks.

There are a few brand exclusions, which means the beloved Rag & Bone fedora is still $195. Ouch

It's okay, I found another felt fedora that is much more wallet friendly and on sale! Check out this Hat Attack wool fedora that's only $70 include the sale discount.

I'm definitely torn on what to pick up - a pair of staple denim or a dainty piece of jewelry that I'll keep forever. But then my mind reminds me that Clare V. clutches never go on sale so this is the time to pick up one of those. Decisions. Decisions. Decisions.

Hey anything to keep my mind from freaking out over catching the flu or worse on the train. I literally saw 2 women this morning sporting those surgical masks in hopes of fending off some disease other than sarcastic eye rolls. Yup, we've entered that stage of our lives!

So Shopbop sale - what are you getting?

Made in USA Moto Jackets

I'm a coat hoarder - well at least according to my husband I'm a coat hoarder. If you can wear a different winter coat every day of the week for at least one week, then in his mind you're a coat hoarder.

But with fall jackets I'm a bit different. I have more than enough blazers to get me through life (although that never stops me from buying more of them), but I don't have a single moto jacket.

Womp. Womp.

Thankfully I found few beauties above that are all made in the USA and shockingly cheaper than the leather jacket I bought in Italy years ago (rookie international travel mistake). Which is your favorite made in the USA moto jacket as seen above? Or have you found another one that I didn't list?

Dannijo Architectural Minimalism Collection - Handmade with Love in New York

Mae ($168) // Bitty ($78) // Magna ($148) //

Vice ($98) // Rory ($158) // Verity ($148) // 

I've been a fan of Dannijo's crazy, beautiful statement necklaces for the past few years. Thanks Man Repeller for fueling that addiction. However, with a lot of jewelry pieces made in the USA the price point was a little out of my league. I have a Dannijo cuff that I scored on mega sale and I get giddy every time I wear it (true story). 

So when I heard earlier this week that Dannijo released a new minimalist collection that was not only timeless and classic, but also more wallet friendly I was hooked. Every single piece in the Dannijo Architectural Minimalism Collection is handmade with love in New York. And every single item is priced $158 or less. 

Yes, please. 

I'm all about the bracelets in this collection. Don't get me wrong, the other pieces are insanely gorgeous, but those bracelets man. There aren't words to explain how gorgeous and perfect they are and how I could wear them every single day because they're work, day, and night appropriate. 

Which is your favorite piece? 

Made in USA: Fall Craving

I don't care if tomorrow's weather forecast calls for another 90+ degree day. I wore a jacket earlier this week and if that's not a sure fire sign of fall then I don't know what is anymore. Hopefully this fall I can stray away ever so slightly from my patented black/white, stripes, and polka dots color scheme. Oh wait, that's how I roll every season. Whoops!

However, this year becomes the year I finally buy a pair of coated denim. It's happening. I feel it. There are too many amazing made in the USA coated denim options out there to ignore. Now I just need to muster up the strength to try on 20+ pairs in one weekend. I apologize in advance to any salesperson who has to deal with me taking 8 items in and bringing back 7 or 8. It's jeans, we've all been there. I feel like they should just stock jeans in the dressing room and have a area designated for people trying to find the best jeans for their butt.

Also, can we officially welcome back plaid and flannel season? My hubs is ecstatic.

What are you craving for fall?

Football Season: Made in America

Welcome back football season! The hubs and I are heading to the Ravens home opener this Sunday and we have a few more games lined up this year. Which means it's time for tailgating, purple & black nail polish, spiked drinks, flannel scarves, and the ever demanding task of dressing for a cold weather game. I call my attire "snowmobile chic" when it gets to those primetime games in December.

Of course when I'm home or anywhere away from M&T Bank Stadium I'm all about my New York Football Giants. It's just rough being married to an Eagles fan, but we make it work.

Since it's known around the world as "American Football" it only makes sense to wear USA made clothing at the games. I've got my eyes on a bomber jacket for those fall games where layering is enjoyable and a necessity.

Who's going to a game this weekend? And who's excited to have football back on TV?

American Made Labor Day Sales

It's that time of the year again. Time to pack away the summer gear and look towards fall and winter. If for nothing else because Game of Thrones has been telling us for the past 4 years that winter is coming and after last winter's brutal weather I'm heeding the warning.

Just do me a solid and if you're in the buying mode, buy something American made this weekend. You know, because this weekend is a holiday that honors the American worker. I'll be adding more sales as I can, so make sure to check back often.

Anthropologie - an extra 20% off all sale items, no code needed.. Amazing cutting board, midi skirt, and plenty of other items made in the USA.

Bailey44 - Up to 70% off on select sale pieces now through 9/1. Hurry! I can't even describe how beautiful this dress is or how badly I need this top for every single blazer I own.

Black Halo - massive sale on select items including gowns and cocktail dresses. Is it too early to start picking out dresses for holiday parties? If you can pull off red then please buy this dress so I can live vicariously through you!

Clover Canyon - just a crazy deal on some of the best prints around.

Ella Moss -  20% off dresses with code LABORDAY20 now through midnight of 9/1. In love with this striped maxi, but this icon black dress is a classic! Check the fabric section on each dress to confirm it is made in the USA.

Eva Franco - 30% off select sale items and an additional 20% off all other sale items with codes LABORDAY30 and LABORDAY20. Sale ends 9/4!

Heidi Merrick - take an extra 20% off already reduced sale items with code LABORDAY. Need a vegan leather pencil skirt?

James Jeans - 30% off with code JJLABOR14 now through 9/1. Now is the time to stock up on jeans and finally get a pair of Twiggy Dancers in Black Swan.

J.W. Hulme - 15% off sitewide through 9/1 with code MAKERS. Their iconic legacy handbag just came out in cobalt blue and you do not want to miss adding this bag to your life.

Karen Kane - take an extra 25% off all sale and clearance items through 9/1 with code LABORDAY14. Seriously, this is a good sale. Too many items to pick just a few to highlight!  

Nordstrom Rack - extra 25% off all clearance items. Look for American made favorites like Alexis Bittar, Eva Franco, and more. Again, check the description.

Oka B - buy 1, get 1 50% off on all summer styles now through 9/1 with code LDAY2014

Sparkly Soul - 20% off entire order now through 9/1 with code LABORDAY. Fall running season is upon us so stock up on headbands that actually work now!

Splendid - 20% off select skirts and tops with code LABORDAY20. Oh hey classic black midi skirt. Welcome to my closet! Check the fabric section on each dress to confirm it is made in the USA.

Three Dots - extra 15% off all sale items with an order over $100. Amazing deal on this cropped jacket.

Trina Turk - extra 20% off all sale items. Check item description for Made in USA status.

Tuckernuck - Extra 20% off sale items now through 9/1 with code LABOROFLOVE. Plus free ground shipping! Check out great dresses from Nanette Lepore, Amanda Uprichard, and others.

Wedges are what the Doctor ordered

Made in USA: 1: Julie Bee's // 2: Nanette Lepore // 3: Nanette Lepore // 4: Cordani

Made in Italy: 5: Acne Studios // 6:  Anyi Li // 7:  Diane von Furstenberg // 8: Aquatalia by Marvin K. // 9: Kate Spade 

I hate wedges. There, I said it. Okay, hate is a strong word. I hate Crocs. I have strong lukewarm feelings about wedges. They aren't my least favorite heel type (see previous statement about Crocs), but they just don't excite me the way a pair of stilettos or chunky heel does. 

However, since I've been wearing my beloved hated plantar fasciitis boot nearly every available second I've been home the past two weeks it's safe to say it's that time of the year again where I have to give up my favorite type of heels. And before you get all "just wear flats you idiot!" on me please note that a licensed doctor actually said that flats are NOT GOOD for those with plantar fasciitis! Something about letting the fluid build up in one's heel. Wedges, on the other hand, are the ideal shoe type for those suffering with PF.

With that being said, I'm on the hunt for a pair of wedges that I can wear to work and after hours. In brutal honest talk, I wasn't overly impressed with the pump options in the American made category. Booties - done! Julie Bee's and Nanette Lepore have got me covered. If I can't find made in the USA footwear that I love then I look to the Italian options. And man did I like what I found. Honestly, I can't pick a favorite, but those Acne Studios, Anyi Li, and Aquatalia by Marvin K. wedges pulled at my heart and I'm just trying to make a rational decision.

What's your favorite wedge? Seriously, I'm in the market because I've got just about 2 months until my next marathon and 3 months until my next half marathon. I need shoes to wear outside of the house!

American Made at Need Supply Co.

I do find as I get older I shy away from the typical brick & mortar mall stores. I think it's mainly the fear of showing up wearing the exact same thing as someone else that keeps me away from the Gap, H&M, Banana Republic, Express, Old Navy, and yes, even my former love J.Crew (who is slowly working its way back into my heart). I appreciate trends just as much as the next person, but I'm always trying to make my clothes my own, rather than a mannequin's.

I think that's why I love smaller boutique's that much more because their curated selections bring in designers I've never even heard of and definitely do not see at the mall. I've been smitten with Need Supply Co.'s selection for the past few years. They do an amazing job of bringing together the designers you know and the ones you don't. Plus, any place that has thousands of American made pieces is top-notch in my book.

Last November when I was in Richmond I had every intention of stopping by the Need Supply Co.'s actual store and I'm sorry to say I ate dinner right around the corner and literally ran by, along the marathon course, and didn't make it in. I blame the searing pain in my hip and the massive chip my pride took with my worst marathon time ever for the reason to miss visiting. That's not happening again this year. I'm definitely stopping by for a proper visit this November on race weekend.

What's your favorite boutique?

American Made Copper

I've got copper on the brain. The hubs and celebrate our seventh wedding anniversary next Monday and we're romantic saps when it comes to our anniversary. According to Hallmark Google the traditional gift ideas for the seventh anniversary are copper, wool, or desk sets. Now that we're home owners we try to buy gifts that will double as decorative pieces in our home so that we can both enjoy them. A large wool blanket sounds amazing, but every nice blanket that comes into our house has been claimed by two Boston Terriers and while we knew the pups would rather enjoy a new blanket we elected to go after something shiny for our anniversary this year.

Hence, the copper items above. I did put it out there that we should get matching copper hued sunglasses, but that idea didn't go over well.  Instead we're adding this copper tray from Jacob Bromwell to our kitchen and we can't wait.

If you're in the market for some copper, well then don't forget to give a glimpse at one of the above American Made copper pieces. My nerdy hubs told me that our copper tray will outlive us which I took to mean it should be a highly durable material.

American Made Rompers

I can't explain it, but I've been inexplicably drawn to rompers lately. Not actually wearing one out of the house just yet, but I've tried on 20+ over the past month and even brought one home. The tags are still on it because I'm still stuck on "will I look like a small child when I wear this?"

And I've got this Buzzfeed list bookmarked and keep coming back to it. Safety in numbers because clearly I'm not the only one concerned about having to strip down to go to the bathroom.

Alright romper crowd - who has one? What does it look like? And how long on average is a bathroom trip?

American Made Jewelry at J.Crew

Hello, my name is Heidi, and I'm a former J.Crew addict. Chances are if you wanted to know where I bought something I was wearing in college the answer was J.Crew. I used to leave room in my suitcase and money in my wallet just to stop at the Hagerstown Outlets on my way to and from school. That was back when the outlets weren't the Factory stores and actually had last season's "real" J.Crew pieces. Yes, I'm that old. 

My grandmother, aunt, and even the hubs further helped fuel this addiction. J.Crew became my defacto brand to pick up dresses for sorority teas and weddings. Then, I suggested my bridesmaids wear J.Crew for my wedding and they were happy to oblige. Of course the groomsmen needed new ties and J.Crew happened to be the only store visited for that purchase.

The final straw cementing my addiction was when I talked my own beloved sister out of pink bridesmaid dresses and into black cocktail dresses from you guessed it - J. Crew. "We can add pink sashes to them!"

Yes, I've gone to J.Crew at midnight to shop Black Friday Sales. Been there done that.

However, when I started to buy only American made clothes I had to give up my J.Crew addiction because as much as I loved them, the little "made in China" tags on everything including my cashmere sweaters was really started to wear on me. J.Crew and I were done professionally.

Last week one of my favorite stores, Catbird, sent out an email blast that they were doing a collaboration with J.Crew. Of course I had to check that out. Sure enough, while perusing the J.Crew website I found a few other gorgeous gems from other American made designers - Maya Brenner, Miansai, Jennifer Fisher, Mociun, BRVTVS, Lulu Frost (not every piece is made in America, check the description).

Thanks J.Crew for bringing me back to you. Now, please add a MADE IN THE USA section to your women's collection and we'll be good to go.

Which jewelry piece is your favorite? Those Catbird Diamond Elfin studs just might make me an everyday earring wearing type person because they're that good!

American Made at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

It's here! The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale kicked off this morning and runs through August 4th. The timing is always perfect every year because the sale runs through a few family birthdays and ends right before our wedding anniversary. It's the perfect time to buy gifts for family and be a tad bit selfish and pick up something for myself for the upcoming fall. After this latest run of heat and humidity I'm already looking forward to autumn and cooler temperatures. Except for that bathing suit, that needs to happen ASAP!

Are you picking up anything during the Nordstrom sale? Don't forget to try to pick up something made in the USA - there are plenty of gorgeous pieces!

Made in USA Patriotic Tees

1: U.S. of Awesome 1776 Tee // 2: Allen Allen 'USA' Tee // 3: Recycled Karma American Flag Graphic Tank // 4: TEXTILE Elizabeth and James USA Wide Stripe Bowery Tee // 5: Wildfox 'Made in USA' Raglan Sleeve Tee // 6: LIFE USA Faded Muscle Tee // 7: New Balance 990 Graphic Tee // 8: Chaser USA Muscle Ringer Tee // 9: Five Crown American Flag T-Shirt // 

Holy goodness - the calendar flips to July next week! June has completely flashed by in a blink and I can't even comprehend how the Fourth of July is in a week. 

Major rant - every year a certain store known for its flashy commercials comes out with an American Flag t-shirt just in time for Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. And every year I think to myself how I can't buy one because its made in China or Bangladesh.  Something just really bugs me about wearing a shirt that proclaims 'Merica! if it isn't made here. 

Thankfully, there are plenty of patriotic made in the good ol' USA shirts available that will show your true patriotism. I've already ordered my shirt for next week's festivities and there's still a short amount of time for you to do the same. 

What's your plan for the 4th of July? We're putting in a new patio and that means lots of BBQing while we're working outside.