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??

Fall Fashion: Kjurek Couture

Saturday's Arctic Studios was alive with the Puerto Rican-based Bomba drums & dancing. The dancers moved their bodies to every beat of the drum, making it a very wild and rich dance. It was the perfect way to start the evening, as you could see the inspiration from Bomba throughout Kimberly Jurek's fall 2010 collection.

It was a BEAUTIFUL show!

The collection consisted of fun, bright prints, in dresses, skirts, tops, and jackets, as well as the debut of a new handbag line--a collaboration of two local talents: Kimberly Jurek & Amanda Christine.

The styling, by Andrea Oseland, was fantastic as well--as she assembled together each piece, often multiple times, showing the various ways to style Kimberly's designs.

We love the print of this skirt paired with the sheer knee high socks-a great look for fall!

Almost every model was wearing a beautiful scarf in teal & magenta prints, draped luxuriously with the clothes. The color palette consisted of strong jewel tones that were complimented by graphic, ethnic-inspired prints that left us feeling inspired and excited about fall fashion!

The handbags are a combination of leather and suede, with lots of fringe and fantastic hardware. A unique yet functional addition to anyone's wardrobe. (I would LOVE to own one myself!!) These will not be available in the typical boutiques where you would find the designs of both Kimberly & Amanda, but instead will be sold independently by the ladies themselves-most likely through a website at some point. (We will keep you updated as to when that happens!)

Her fall collection should be in boutiques next month. A few select pieces have already arrived at some locations. Check out Cliche, Drama, Parc Boutique, or Karma to start adding to your fall wardrobe!

For more details on Kim's collection & take on fashion, check out her interview with l'etoile magazine on the l'etoile magazine blog.

We love the ease of this flowing skirt

and great vest, not to mention the

handbag that we are obsessed with!!

Who could resist this amazing dress?? The fabric was draped amazingly - it has a casual, yet very elegant feel to it, which makes it perfect to wear everywhere!!

*All pictures in this post taken by Shawn Brown.

Kjurek Couture Fashion Show--Tonight!

We are headed to the kjurek couture 5 year/fall fashion show tonight!
Read a FABULOUS write up on Kimberly's success in the star tribune, and check back here next week for details from the show including pictures of her new fall collection!

Local Fashion Designer we LOVE:
kjurek couture

Kimberly Jurek is the woman behind this FABULOUS label! She is a fantastic person, and her clothes are beautiful.

From her website:
The result is a fashion forward clothing line that offers a sense of romanticism with a modern spark; creating pieces that are decidedly forward thinking and fresh and also reminiscent of the past. Voted top local designer in Mpls-St.Paul Magazine in 2007, Kimberly Jurek creates unique collections for her boutique clientele. Inspired by her travels and experience, Kimberly produces her clothing in Minneapolis with great attention to quality and originality. In addition, each piece is “locally and greenly” produced, and Kjurek Couture is dedicated to the support and promotion of free trade.

I couldn't say it better!

She works right here in Minneapolis and sells her clothes at several small boutiques around the Twin Cities, such as: Drama, Cliche, Karma, and Parc Boutique.




Boutiques in California, Michigan, South Carolina, Washington DC and Chicago also sell her designs.

I was fortunate enough to visit her in her studio/home, and I wanted to buy everything she had!


Her 5th anniversary/Fall Runway show is coming up this month, July 24th-don't miss it! You can purchase tickets at any of the following boutiques: Cliche, Drama, Karma, Parc Boutique, and Gallery 360. For more details, click on "upcoming events" on her website.