American Classics: The Chambray Shirt

Top (L-R) : Side Stitch // Pladra 'Lola Salt Teal' //  Theory 'Will' 

Bottom (L-R)  American Apparel //  Tradlands 'Hayes Valley' //

Starting a new series here on the blog! It's a take on the "Wednesday Wish List" series that is incredibly popular across the blogosphere. I'm going to highlight 5-6 American made pieces each and every Wednesday. Total confession - most of these posts are really entailed to help me purchase more American made goods. The real goal is to force myself to find that there are plenty of American made options available and that many of those options are priced competitively. 

Second confession: I do not currently own a chambray shirt. WHAT?!?!? I feel like I might have to surrender whatever fashion credit I possibly owned with that confession. Buying a chambray shirt has been on my proverbial to-do list for quite some time, but truth be told I'm not a huge fan of the whole "denim on denim" look. Thankfully I've found a plethora of other things in my closet that I can pair a chambray shirt with, which means I can finally take the plunge and buy one. 

I'm really torn between three of the pieces on that list above! The Side Stitch and American Apparel pieces are right on par price wise with anything from J.Crew/Madewell/Banana Republic/Gap and that's nice to render the notion "buying American costs more" invalid.  I just can't decide between one front pocket or two! In addition, I love, love, love the Pladra's washed out color and the snow tree lining on the cuffs and collar would help me stay in a winter frame of mind all year round. 

If I wasn't a red head I'd snatch that Tradlands red take on chambray in a second. I'm all about marching to the beat of a different drum! Chambray pertains to the fabric and not the color, which means that shirt is an amazing way to stay on trend, but stand out at the same time. 

Unfortunately, finances are a concern which means that Theory beauty is out of my price range. But, it's so pretty!  

How about you? Have you found a chambray shirt that's made in the USA? Which is your favorite one listed above? 

5 Year Blogiversary

Made in USA: Dress: Three Dots (on sale!) // Purse: Luciana Verde via MyHabit 

Imported/Unknown: Shoes: Christian Louboutin // Ring: Gossip on 23rd 

Five years ago I took to the internet and 30 seconds later started a blog. I had have no idea what I'm doing. I can't quite explain why I do this, it certainly isn't any aspirations to leave my 8-4 job and blog full time, but five years later I'm still here.  

I started blogging when it seemed liked every woman on The Nest started a blog as a way to string together a few sentences and share a few hobbies.  I've certainly experimented with a few things over the years. There's that sewing machine that was purchased, abused, and then neglected.  Thank goodness the hubs talked me out of learning how to make my own candles. Then, there was that running flirtation that has blossomed into a full blown lifestyle choice. I'll never forget my first marathon and I'll be eternally grateful that my first one was with my best friend and surrounded by my family in the city I've wanted to work in since I was in the 8th grade.  Okay, technically I work outside of the The District, but when I was in 8th grade I didn't realize how expensive it was to live in DC! 

It was funny to look back at some of my earlier posts and realize that that I'm still obsessed with a few things.  My first post about wanting a DSLR was in 2008, then I begrudgingly waited until May 2010 to take the plunge and purchased my first Canon. That was an expensive hobby! It's yielded a few more lenses, a ton of accessories, and one gorgeous Canon Mark 5DII purchased in December 2012. 

It's good to know that my fashion obsession has only grown since starting this blog as my very second post was about me lusting over a pair of shoes. Granted, I don't think I ever would have dreamed of going to NY Fashion Week, but that happened in February 2013! My first outfit post in October 2010 wasn't even intended to be an outfit post, I just wanted a decent picture of me wearing a cute dress. I even made a pledge to shop local in September 2008 and that pledge has not only led me to discovering amazing treasures in Baltimore and DC, but to finding my passion of purchasing American made goods. 

These past five years have been amazing. The hubs and I have moved three times and bought our first house. I started my career in a field that I love and that I happen to be pretty good at - if I may say so myself. I've definitely wracked up a few more wrinkles over the course of the past five years, but with the hubs and the pups it was only to be expected. 

Thanks for stopping by. It doesn't matter if you've been here for 5 years (thanks Aunt Ev!) or you stumbled here this morning because you were searching for a pair of Christian Louboutins. I've meet some absolutely wonderful people through blogging and I wouldn't trade any of those conversations  for anything in the world whether they be in person or via electronic means. There's comfort in knowing that each and every one of us has a voice in this world. This little blog is my attempt at putting my voice out there in the midst of all the noise the world has to offer. I don't know what the next five years will entail (kids? moving? Nikons? new hobbies?), but I know it'll include a lot of laughter. A heck of a lot of laughter. 

Beating the heat

Made in USA: Shirt: Bobeau (similar)  // Camisole: American Apparel // Skirt:  old Anthropologie // Clutch: Gigee Marie //  Nail Polish: Essie 'Marathin' 

Imported/Unknown: Shoes: Target // Bracelet: Derng // Pearl Ring: family heirloom //

This is the first time I've worn my hair down in longer than I can remember. I don't know about where you live, but the heat has been oppressive on the East Coast for the past few weeks. I get that it's summer and all, but every time I decide to chop off my hair I realize I can't live without my topknots, braids, chignons, and good ol' fashioned ponytails. 

It was rather nice to walk to work this morning and not have to immediately pull my hair back or feel like I needed to shower after walking outside for 15 minutes. #masstransitproblems

I'm surviving this summer heat in lots of breathable fabrics, light camisoles, and plenty of easy, breezy skirts and dresses. I'm pretty sure I don't own pants anymore.

How are you managing the summer heat?

Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sauce

Not going to lie, but eating out sounds incredibly tempting during the summer months. I'm more inclined to stop and pick up food, order in, or just go out when it feels like it's 800 degrees outside. The thought of turning on my oven, even in a centrally-cooled house, makes me get hot flashes. 

Thankfully, the hubs loves to grill.  Actually that's bit of an understatement. The man's life wouldn't be complete without his grill.  I wanted to get him a monster sized grill for his 30th birthday earlier this month, but he objected because he's still head over heels crazy about his Weber grill he got for his birthday a few years ago.  Instead he got every grilling accessory known to man. 

I have zero complaints about the hubs and his grilling obsessions. Why? Because it's awesome during the summer to let the hubs do his thing with the grill and keep the house oven free. 

We're just a few weeks away from our third annual pig roast, which means the hubs is working on perfecting his BBQ sauces. Here's a quick and simple sauce that uses your basic pantry ingredients (as long as liquid smoke is a basic necessity in your house like it is in mine!) and can be stored in a mason jar if you make it a week in advance. 

Ingredients: yielded enough to smother 2.5 lbs of boneless chicken thighs and a small steak 

•  1 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/2 molasses
• 2 Tbs Cider Vinegar
• 3 Tbs Honey
• 1 1/2 tsp hot sauce 
• 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
• 1/4 tsp salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a small sauce pan. Heat for 10-15 minutes over low heat. Stir occasional.
2. Remove from heat. 
3. Let cool.
4. Use it

Seriously this sauce is that simple! The hubs made this sauce last week for steak and kept the rest in a mason jar in our fridge. Monday night he prepped the chicken and it marinated for 24 hours before cooking. 

The hubs was more than happy to try making baked beans on the grill using his new Lodge cast iron melting pot.  I'm happy I got him two for his birthday. Just make sure you don't pick one up first in store and try to carry it around for an hour. Those things might be small, but they're heavy! 

In case you were wondering - the hubs is a charcoal man and has pledged his allegiance to it for the foreseeable future. 

What's your favorite BBQ sauce? I'm a big fan of the sweet and tangy varieties.  The hubs likes his North Carolina (vinegar based) sauces for pork, but I'm more of a chicken fan and I think the sweet sauces go better with chicken.  The hubs is working on finalizing his BBQ sauces for our pig roast and he's tinkering with an Old Bay sauce and a sauce that uses "a lot" of liquid smoke. I imagine that means I'm going to be eating a lot of BBQ in the coming weeks and I'm okay with it! 

Made in USA at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Top Row (L-R): Pleione Shirt // Trina Turk Wine Berry Dress // Theory 'Lanai' Open Blazer // Amanda Uprichard Cobalt Dress // Elie Tahari 'Kelsa' Skirt //

Bottom Row (L-R): Paige Denim 'Skyline' Jenna Jeans // Munro 'Ann' Boots //  NYDJ 'Megan' Faux Leather Trim Jeans // Munro 'Jerrie' Flats // Joe's 'The Skinny' Coated Jeans

If you haven't had a chance to stop by Nordstrom yet, I'd suggest you drop everything and get there fast because the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is in progress and it's one of those yearly sales you don't want to miss.

This sale couldn't come at a better time for a variety of reasons. First and foremost - it's hotter than heck on the East Coast and thinking about fall is a welcomed relief. Thinking about fall fashion is even better. Thinking about fall fashion items on sale before the season even begins is just the proverbial icing on the ice cream cake (hey, it's HOT out!).

Purge your closet now and figure out what go-to basics you're going to need for the rest of your life. Then, scoop them up while they are on sale now at Nordstrom's!  Yes, I consider coated denim skinnies a basic necessity. They are like leather pants without the irrational fear of leather pants.

I'm definitely getting at least one of those items above. I completely torn between those suede boots or the blazer. If Kate Middleton can wear her suede boots every day, why can't I? But then as soon as I make up my mind those dresses and jeans call to me. Looks like I have to make up my mind soon because this sale ends sooner than I want it to!

What are you picking up during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale? If you haven't thought specifically about buying more American made clothes, then this is a great time to give a chance to one of many amazing American made items sold at Nordstrom's.  This isn't a sponsored post by Nordstrom, but I'll vouch for their impeccable customer service until I'm blue in the face. So take a chance, buy American.

Roadside flowers

If you've ever thought to yourself, "those flowers on the side of the road are really pretty. I wonder if it would be crazy to jump out of the car and take a picture of them?"

My answer - you are not alone!

I saw these purple coneflowers while at the beach last weekend and casually mentioned to my friends that if light was softer when we drove by them again I was going to hop out of the car and take a few photos of them.  My friends might have thought I was kidding, but the hubs knew better. He's put up with my antics for over a decade and after nearly six years of marriage he just goes with it when it's not too crazy.

What's your favorite roadside flower?  I'm in awe of the amazing wildflower patches that dot the highway medians in Maryland and West Virginia. The mishmash of colors is just the thing to keep my attention from faltering during a long drive.

Beach Essentials

Sunscreen // Book // Oakley "Sweet Spot" Shades // Eco Swim Bathing Suit  // Hat // Larabar (gluten free goodness) // Gum // American Made Matters key chain bottle opener (you never know when you need a beer) // Splendid bag to hold more sunscreen, chapstick, keys, wallet, etc. // Beach Towels 

Beach umbrella. The only way I could survive on the beach during prime sun light hours. Beach chair not pictured, but also necessary. 

My hubs might be the only person in the world who doesn't wear sandals/flip flops/sneakers to the beach. At least his Sperry's are colorful! 

A little bit of waves and clean sand. Not like I went in the water or anything. 

Random sidebar: this is the most I've gone to the beach in one year. Yes, a whopping two times. I haven't bought a bathing suit in six years so when it came time for this last beach trip I knew I needed a new bathing suit. One of the things I absolutely love about blogging is being introduced to new brands. A big thank you goes out to Mrs. American Made for introducing me to Eco Swim by Aqua Green. 

Not only does Eco Swim company make all of their bathing suits in the United States, but they also use sustainable building practices, recycled materials, and they participate in beach and ocean clean-up activities. Eco Swim for the win! I love my new suit so much that I'm already eyeing up this polka dot number to purchase next. 

I'm pretty sure if I buy two bathing suits in one year that means I should really learn how to swim sometime here soon. 

All I know is I came home with the beach with zero sunburn and that makes me a winner in my book. Even if I got my butt handed to me in Pac Man and Banana Grams. 

What are your beach essentials?  A bottle of water didn't make it into my picture, but that's always a must.