The Introduction: Beth Ditto Collection

This is awesome – Beth Ditto, lead singer of Gossip, activist, all-around badass, etc. has just launched a beautiful American made collection. Styled by Katie Grand, Ditto’s frequent collaborator, the collection is based on Ditto’s custom-designed wardrobe and was developed while she had some free time (!!). The 11-piece collection is available in sizes 14 through 28 and is priced between $65 and $395. With the exception of a vintage embroidered denim jacket, every piece is made in New York.

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“I wanted to make pieces to last years. Beyond trends, beyond chain stores. I wanted to create something all its own, something just for us, made with love and consideration. Made ethically in the USA as a small company with no corporate input. Uncompromising, unapologetic, humane, and timeless. Go-to pieces designed to last.”- Beth Ditto

Read more about the Beth Ditto collection via Fashionista

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PS – another beautiful American made Plus Size collection.

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The Introduction: Candamill

I’ve never been a huge bag lover, preferring to focus my energy on shoes, but my recent habit of losing (and thankfully, finding) my wallet has led me to realize that they exist for a reason. I tend to get overwhelmed with options, which makes searching for American made options a helpful restraint. While Clare V., Lotuff, and Baggu are my go-to classics, I do tend to feel a bit of envy when I see my friends carrying whatever the new and cool bag may be…

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I stumbled upon Candamill while deep in the internet wormhole recently. The bags are beautiful, terribly cool, and made entirely in New York using the finest leathers and materials by brother and sister designer team Cindy and Cristian Candamil.

Yes, please!

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My personal favorite – The Arc bag, in either color. Black is always perfect, but how good would that chalk blue look with white jeans in a few months?!

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Images via Candamill. Shop | Instagram | Twitter

The Introduction: ILĀ

I have never posted food before on TAE but I’m so impressed with ILĀ’s methodology and transparent sourcing – and of course with their outrageously beautiful packaging – that I couldn’t not share. Cofounded by Sunday Suppers, ILĀ’s goal is to provide you with all of the essential ingredients for your kitchen and home. Not all of the products are American made, but many are, and all are carefully selected based on product integrity.

In my previous career, I discovered some scary things about the spice industry… trust me when I say you should never buy pre-filled spice racks! Since then I’ve focused on buying spices in bulk from reliable sources or on buying from reputable brands… and ILĀ is now added to my list. The products are clearly a luxury; while a pantry full of them would be beautiful, I’m certainly not advocating getting rid of everything you have and starting over, but there is a time and a place for everything, right?! I can’t imagine anyone who wouldn’t love receiving these gift sets in particular…

My only qualm is that, at this point, there’s no ability to refill these products when you’ve used them up. I’d love to see the company start a refill program, similar to that of Common Good… at least in New York, where Sunday Suppers is based.

Images via ILĀ

Graphics for The American Edit by REBECCAH ERICKSON

The Introduction: No. 6 Clogs

It took a while, but I’m finally on the clog bandwagon.

No. 6 clogs are handmade right here in Minnesota but for many years, I just couldn’t see my Converse & high heel wearing-self rocking a wooden shoe. Lisa & Erin of Hackwith Design House took me to the clog outlet earlier this fall and I tried on a few pairs… and then I got the joke. They are comfortable, warm, and No. 6 has figured out how to make them super cool (if I do say so myself!…). I ended up with these boots, and I don’t really see myself taking them off this winter.

If possible, I definitely recommend trying clogs on first – I found the sizing to be a bit inconsistent, which is not uncommon with handmade products and natural materials. If you are ordering online and are typically a half size, I’d size up.

Shop No.6 clogs at Bird, Mille (10% off through December!), and Steven Alan.

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