Anthropologie’s May catalog arrived in the mail this past weekend, and I found several American-made pieces that I really love. There are still a few questionable products in the catalog and the manufacturing location is unclear, so I’m only focusing on those brands that I know and trust from past purchases. All of these outfits are just things to admire, since my clothing challenge starts in a few days.
(Dolan’s Pieced Petal Pullover and Liberty Garden’s Campanula Tank.)
Dolan’s Pieced Petal Pullover is truly stunning and the lace detail is beautiful. I’m not sure how that banded waist would look on my shape, but it’s a lovely top overall. Their entire line at Anthropologie is domestically made, and the collection is very large, too.
The Campanula Tank by Liberty Garden is a perfect summer top, and the color and detail makes it easy to wear with everything from denim shorts to dressy skirts. I wasn’t previously familiar with Liberty Garden, but they have five pieces currently at Anthropologie, all made in the United States.
(The Mismado Dress by Weston Wear and Wilt’s Tulipan Tank Dress.)
Weston Wear is one of my favorite brands, and the Mismado Dress is really gorgeous. I love the contrasting patterns of the skirt paired with the ivory lace bodice, and this piece is great for all summer long. There are several dresses available in this line at Anthropologie and all are domestically made.
And Wilt is another brand I just discovered, with three dresses currently at Anthropologie. All are made in the United States and the Tulipan Tank Dress is a very pretty summer dress that could easily transition to fall.
As always, this series is meant to show how you can make more responsible clothing choices by doing a little research at your favorite stores. I’m a fan of Anthropologie’s style, but I’m also on the hunt for more American-made brands to include in my Style USA series.
(Image created by Eden Hensley Silverstein.)
Last week, Eden shared this post on Google+ and asked if anyone was interested in taking on the challenge in May. I jumped at the chance, because it sounds like the very thing I need to do right now as I’m figuring out my wardrobe and working to create a more basic overall style. I’m feeling too old for Peter Pan collars these days, but am I ready to commit to a lifetime of black and neutrals? Maybe.
Beginning Sunday, May 4th, I’m committing to wearing six carefully chosen pieces through the end of the month, along with Eden, and I hope you’ll consider joining us! In some ways, I think this challenge will be easy, since you know I already live in a uniform most days. I’m still choosing my six pieces, and will share all six with you next Monday. I’ll also give a little update of this clothing experiment each Monday during May, and Eden will be sharing a newsletter on the same day with great clothing-related topics.
The challenge also asks us to refrain from shopping for clothing during the month, and I think that part will prove harder for me. I’ve had my eye on a few soon-to-be-released pieces from Everlane, and I’ll have to wait until June to decide if I really need them. My goal with this challenge is to do more with less, since I already have a great supply of ethical and fair trade clothing in my closet. I don’t need more colorful dresses or skirts, though I could use a few basic pieces (that’s where Everlane comes in), but for May, I’ll make due with what I have.
I need to consider the weather, which has become extremely hot here overnight, as well as any plans my family has for the month. The only event I’ve got scheduled in May is James’ pre-school graduation at the end of the month, so I’ll be sure to include a dressier option in my six pieces. Also, things like underwear, workout clothing, and accessories don’t count, and I’m excited to see if I can change my basic looks by accessorizing throughout the month.
For the full details, please read Eden’s post at The Road to the Good Life, and let me know if you decide to join us!
(Local strawberries. Shari’s Berries have some lovely, fresh gifts for Mother’s Day.)
This week was spent recovering from our Easter celebrations. The boys are still on a candy high and I don’t foresee the end of that anytime soon. The weather is officially entering the “hot” phase of the spring, and we’re trying to enjoy being outside while the temperatures aren’t in the triple digits. Here are a few things that caught my eye this week.
“Why performance art is so silly.” I can’t help it, I love stuff like this!
Meryl Streep’s words of advice as she received an honorary doctorate recently.
A beautiful short film about fashion industry workers.
Shayla shared this post with me. It’s a very well-written and thoroughly researched article about supporting Bangladesh.
Frank Deford, my favorite sports writer, on the way things used to be. He always gets it right.
Libraries are hiring social workers to assist their homeless patrons.
“North Korea’s Fashion Police.”
And creepy photographs of abandoned malls.
Have a wonderful weekend!
