Spring Fashion: Made in the USA

The phrase "made in the USA" is something we sure don't see much of anymore, especially with regards to clothes!

My father used to own a high-end men's clothing store, and part of what he advertised was that all of the things he sold were made right here in the US. In the MEN's clothing business, that is quite a bit easier to do, as you have some fabulous clothing lines such as: Hickey Freeman (suits), Robert Talbot (ties), Bill's Khakis (casual/sportswear), Hart Schaffner Marx (suits), Allen Edmonds (shoes), and many others. Many of these brands can be found at Twill, a FABULOUS men's clothing store here in Edina, MN at the Galleria. I met Scott Dayton, the owner, at a few of the buying trips I made with my dad & he's a great guy!!
Unfortunately, it's much harder to find merchandise that is completely made in the USA in the women's clothing business. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not boycotting any retailer or brand, it's just something that got me thinking...

I completely LOVE many of our local designers here in the Twin Cities, and support them through their fashion shows, trunk shows, here on the blog, and of course own many of their pieces. Some of my favorites include: KJurek, realia by Jen, Sheer Addiction, and of course all of the fabulous artists/designers on Etsy-many of whom are from the US.

I was just curious to see who/what else out there is still made right here in the good ol' US of A. It was a tough search, but I found a few labels that I own and wear that are still made here in the US.

Denim seemed to be the easiest category to still find labels that are made here. Some of these locals are: AG Jeans (love), True Religion, only some of Levi's jeans are still made here, and William Rast jeans are assembled in the US with Mexican fabric. Several shoes are also made here: New Balance-the ONLY athletic shoe made here (Maine & Massachusetts), Red Wing Shoes (of course, right here in MN), and Eastland (Maine).


While searching for information on the products I buy and wear, as well as my typical perusal through other fashion blogs, I came across a FABULOUS new brand...and it's MADE IN THE USA!! LOVE! EmersonMade is the name, and it consists of a husband & wife team working together (of course) ...she designs/styles/creates and he is her business partner/photographer/right hand man.



I am LOVING so many items on their website....I wish I could just order one of everything!! My absolute favorite are the EM LowRiders, in the sunwashed color---FABULOUS, and so fitting with the 70s vibe of Spring fashion!! I'm just always nervous about ordering jeans online from a designer/brand I've never tried on!
I also LOVE LOVE LOVE the Trench dress---SO versatile--easy to dress up or down! (pictured right)

There are so many great pieces....from denim, to dresses, to fantastic skirts. Not only is this a great place for apparel, EmersonMade also makes wonderful accessories--beautiful clutches, great belts, and fabulous flower pins --perfect for a fun new spring addition to that favorite jacket or sweater, or something for a bride, your bridesmaids, or a fun gift for your girls! SO many great items to choose from! I definitely recommend checking out their website and/or "liking" them on Facebook!! It will be worth your time--I promise!

PS--Check out their "photos" tab at the top of the website--SO much fun!!!


So now that I've thrown out the "Made in the USA" topic....how many of you will go home and check the tags of your favorite pieces....how many items of yours are made right here in the US??

Dressing for the Holidays

With the holidays approaching you may be dreading the decision of what to wear to all those holiday events.

Do you go out and buy an outfit for each event, buy one new item to wear to all of the events, or can you put together something from the choices in your closet??
Depending on your budget, it is easier than you might think to put together an outfit worthy of any holiday event!


GLITZ & GLAMOUR

A great way to determine what to wear is to think “old Hollywood” when dressing for the holidays. Bring back old time glamour and elegance. Your dress should accentuate your figure & make you FEEL as good as you look! Bring out your fur, stoles, little short jackets, or your tuxedo blazer. A sequined bolero jacket or cardigan, a velvet blazer, or a satin skirt can be the perfect wardrobe essential for holiday dressing.

Just remember not to go overboard. You don't want to be dressed in sequins head to toe (just like you wouldn't do with animal print)!

A holiday party is also a time to get away from the typical cocktail dress and wear a pair of wool shorts or tuxedo trousers. Pair them with a sequined cardigan, a shimmery or tuxedo blazer, dark tights and your favorite pair of heels... Add your statement jewelry pieces and an evening clutch and you're ready to go! But if shorts or pants just isn't your style....finding that amazing dress isn't so hard either...

THE DRESS
If your budget has no limit....you can go out and buy any number of items--I wish this was my status--where should you go & what should you get? I LOVE this fun & fabulous icicle shift dress from J.Crew. It is so fun, and unique-you would definitely stand out from the crowd in this!! BUT....it comes at a high price! If you are one who looks fabulous in green, like us redheads, this AMAZING jewel toned jade dress (again, from J.Crew) is a bit more affordable and would assure that you stand out from the crowd.

If you can afford to buy a new dress, but have a limit to what you can spend, there are many options out there. Anthropologie's dance away dress is a new take on the little black dress that can be worn to any type of holiday party. Love the uniqueness of the skirt details--add any fun shoes & clutch and you're set! Anthropologie has several dresses ranging from $130-$400...click here to find the one that's perfect for you!

Can you get a dress for under $100? Of course! This lace scallop dress, from Ann Taylor LOFT, is fabulous. Lace is big this fall/winter, and the black lace is dressy and festive! Add some dark tights, or tall boots, some fun jewelry, and you're ready to walk out the door.
ModCloth is a great website with pages & pages of dresses at very affordable prices, such as the one shoulder mine all mine dress--love it! There are so many more, and with just as interesting "names"...check them out here!

THE ACCESSORIES
If you can't afford to purchase a new dress for the holidays, you can easily work with what's in your closet by adding the right accessories!

Adding some statement jewelry is a great way to add interest to your "go-to" little black dress (LBD). As always, J.Crew is a great place to find fabulous, sparkly, statement jewelry. I love the ribbon (and silk) wrapped crystal bangles, and at only $39.50, it's fairly affordable. The olive moss green would stand out when paired with your LBD. The silk-ribboned multi chain necklace would make a statement, and gives that layered look with only one piece. It's already on sale, and J.Crew is constantly putting out EXTRA 30% or 25% off of sale & free shipping, so buy now and save even more!! Ann Taylor LOFT is again another great place for statement-making jewelry!

Of course, our FAVORITES for AMAZING jewelry, realia by jen (etsy shop for realia) & Sheer Addiction are the perfect place to find that one piece that you can be guaranteed no one will be wearing! We LOVE that!!!

No matter what it is you choose to wear, as long as you FEEL BEAUTIFUL you will have an amazing time. Good luck finding that perfect new holiday dress or the right accessories....so that you SPARKLE & stand out wherever your holiday plans take you!

SHEER ADDICTION - Giveaway

One of our FAVORITE FABULOUS local jewelry designers is hosting a facebook giveaway--just in time for the holidays!! Her jewelry is the PERFECT statement piece to complete your look for all of those holiday parties!! LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!
To ENTER: "LIKE" Sheer Addiction on facebook....then suggest the page to all your fabulous fashionista ladies and post how many you shared it with on Sheer Addiction's page. The winner receives $100 gift card for Sheer Addiction & will be announced on Friday, November 19th at noon!!

GOOD LUCK....and here's hoping!!

Boutique Critique: La Rue Marche

With the start of boutique week, and the 30% off all shoes & clothing, I decided to FINALLY make a trip to Hudson and check out La Rue Marche....it was SO worth the short drive over the river!

What an AMAZING store....i was IN LOVE with the decor--completely vintage with every inch covered with something....from plenty of old high back chairs for the guys to sit and wait in (mine was playing his nintendo on his phone)....to the many beautiful vintage dresses--not for sale, but for eyes to lust after....which fits, as the store's tagline or moto is: A store that speaks of lust, life, and shopping.


This couldn't be more true...it was a store that you could spend hours in, and I almost did....trying on everything from their premium denim, mostly Miss Me and 1921, to their FABULOUS shoes...totally in LOVE with the collection they carry!! From my favorite Seychelles to the fabulous, vintage style of Poetic License. (I left with this fabulous pair!)

As it is boutique week, they are also doing a drawing for a FREE pair of Poetic License shoes! They will draw the winner on Friday, September 17th, and that lucky lady gets to CHOOSE the pair she would like to own! FANTASTIC....here's hoping!


Along with the fabulous shoes, denim, and clothing by BB Dakota, Jack, hype, and so many more... the beautiful, and personally coveted, jewelry by Tamara of Sheer Addiction is carried here! Her studio is just above the store, and over the weekend--with the kick-off of boutique week, she was down in the store working and selling along with the ladies of La Rue Marche. I was so excited to meet her, and she truly is amazing (just like her jewelry)! It was great to chat with her about her jewelry and see many of her pieces in person....and of course, I couldn't leave without one... it was so difficult to choose, but I am loving my choice (pictured here).


If you are looking for fabulous shoes for that fall wedding, a unique necklace to add to your fall wardrobe, a new pair of jeans, or a great fall coat this is the store for you! The drive to Hudson is no more than 45 minutes from the Twin Cities, and you won't be disappointed! I guarantee you will leave with something you are dying to wear!! I know I did!

Today is the final day of the 30% off, but the Poetic License shoe drawing goes all week, and they are always getting in new merchandise. Check it out, and I'm sure you will become a regular visitor... I know I will definitely be going back!!
La Rue Marche, 513 Second Street, Hudson, WI 54016 hours: Mon-Thurs 10-6, Friday 10-8, Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5
You can also check them out online here! (although they don't have nearly the inventory online as they carry in the store!!)

Local Jewelry Lines we LOVE:
Sheer Addiction
& Realia by Jen

SHEER ADDICTION
I just can't say enough great things about her jewelry....it's all unique, one-of-a kind pieces handmade by Tamara right here in the midwest: Hudson, Wisconsin.



She incorporates mixed metals, beads, pearls, and other unique elements such as pieces from old doors & mirrors, metals from across the globe (most often Paris), vintage ribbons, and more!

Check out her blog or her website to purchase a piece you will love and wear forever!!! You can also find Sheer Addiction on Facebook!

realia by Jen

Jen is another local girl, working out of New Prague, MN. She sells her goods in a few places around the Twin Cities, but has most of it on her website.

Realia byJen is also on Facebook.

Her website is fantastic! She has something for every style, perfect for your wedding or just to add to your collection. She is very willing to work with you to create exactly what you need or want.

She often uses beads from the Czech Republic in most of her jewelry, along with other found objects such as crystals from old chandeliers.


I LOVE LOVE this necklace I bought from her and have gotten many compliments on it!!