Month: July 2014

Independence Day

Posted on by TheAmericanEdit

Happy 4th of July, friends!

America happens to share a birthday with someone very important to me (and a birthday week with me!), so on this holiday I often feel extra thankful – for my family and my friends, for my health, and for the life I am free to live in this amazing country of opportunity. My parents moved here almost 40 years ago to pursue the American Dream and build a better life for their future family and despite the setbacks and hurdles, that is what they did.

Although I’ve always been proud to be an American, I never considered myself to be incredibly patriotic – it honestly just wasn’t something I thought about. I didn’t get into this business because of some deep-seated love, respect for, or obligation to America, but because of my belief in the amazing makers and entrepreneurs and creatives I’d met over the years. But the more I dive into this adventure, the more I realize that that is America – the enduring optimism and risk taking and creativity of our citizens. And I love that. And I believe in it. And I am proud to be a patriot. This week and all weeks, I am thankful to live somewhere that considers Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness to be my unalienable rights.

I was honored to work on American made product round ups for TWO of my favorite shops this week… please check them out!

Barneys New York

Shop Mille

Happy, Happy 4th! Be safe. Have fun. Eat some s’mores.

collage via artifact uprising. images from left to right: top row – @maxwanger @rachccouch bottom row – @littlecoal @leacicerarophoto

American Made Swimwear

Posted on by TheAmericanEdit

Swimsuit shopping is absolutely my least favorite thing to do…the only good thing is that American made swimwear is readily available – and also pretty fantastic.

Curious as to why swimwear is made domestically? I asked around and learned:
– Special sewing machines are needed to handle typical swim fabrics (Spandex, Lycra) – these machines are still commonly available in the US which leads to more production capacity.
– The traditional swimwear season is quite short. Brands have no option but to manufacturing during peak production times, which can drive up manufacturing costs and limit traditional manufacturing discounts. Similarly, the brief amount of in-store time gives designers less time to react to sales and reorder from overseas manufacturers; domestic production allows brands to maintain consistent inventory levels and drive sales.

My swimsuit shopping rules: 1. Order online (from a retailer with a good return policy!) 2. Order multiple sizes 3. Try on in the morning, ideally following a great workout (and shower!) 4. Start with the largest size first! 5. Be nice to yourself! (Your body is far more valuable than a clothes hanger.)

My favorites:

ONE:

TWO:

COVER:

Happy shopping!

[image, graphics by TAE]