(Ruche’s Edworth Manor Lace Cardigan, with a scarecrow photobomb.)
November in Central Texas usually brings a bit of a chill to the air, on certain days, at least. Most women here break out their scarves once the temperature drops, but I prefer to accessorize with cardigans. I’m finally able to wear some of my sweaters, which get a lot of use in the fall and winter, and I’ve added two to my collection this year.
I first saw this sweater from Ruche on Melina’s lovely blog and instantly fell in love with its unique style. Though it’s no longer available, it is made in the United States, and to me, it looks like something off the set of Downton Abbey, maybe from Cora’s closet. The cocoon shape is really unique and flattering, and I think you could wear this just as easily with a dress, too. I especially love the lace fabric, which is very delicate and not too hot. I paired it with a simple black tee and dark jeans to really show off the sweater. I also added a long necklace, from Anthropologie years ago, since the sweater falls almost to my knees and creates a very long silhouette.
(A detail of the lace cardigan and my fun necklace.)
My second new sweater was a gift from my mother from Loft. She usually buys me a cardigan each year, and this year’s version, the Lace Trim Colorblocked Cardigan, is incredibly soft, with lovely muted colors.
(Loft’s Lace Trim Colorblocked Cardigan.)
Though I love pink-nude shades, I usually feel like they wash me out completely. But paired again with a dark top and jeans, the contrast is striking and the colors stand out more.
It’s so easy to update my basic uniform by adding a sweater for warmth, and I love the details of these pieces.
What’s your favorite fall accessory?
I love Anthropologie as much as the next girl, and their gorgeous catalogs always go on my wall for inspiration. Since I started my quest for fair trade and ethical clothing, I’ve had to say no to a lot of items I once might have bought without hesitation. I’m still able to find pieces I love there, but I always check first to make sure they are made in the United States.
Over the weekend, I did a quick search and found quite a few Anthropologie brands that are, in fact, made in the U.S.A. (some are even fair trade!), and I’ve decided to share them with you over the next few weeks. My research took a bit of detective work, as I started by searching for “Made in the USA” on the site itself. I jotted down the clothing brands that appeared (I didn’t cover furniture, accessories, or household items), then checked out each brand separately. Some, I quickly discovered, only had one or two items that fit the category, so I crossed those off my list. And some brands only had a few items available at the store, so I crossed those off, too. To meet my criteria, each brand must have at least five pieces currently for sale at Anthropologie, all of which must be made in the United States.
I also realize that the “Made in the USA” label is quite controversial. My goal is just to show you alternatives to some of Anthropologie’s other lines, and to take some of the guesswork out of shopping there. I couldn’t find an available list of these brands, so I’m making it myself.
In alphabetical order, here are the first four brands I discovered.
AG: A line of denim made entirely in the United States. The Stevie Cords are shown on top left.
Bailey 44: Features comfortable and flattering knitwear that’s also really elegant. The Pindot Column Dress is shown on the top right.
Citizens of Humanity: A well-known jeans line. The Racer Skinny Jeans are shown bottom left.
Current/Elliott: Another denim line that features jackets, as well as jeans. The Denim Jacket is shown bottom right.
I hope you’ll find this list helpful, and I plan to highlight more next week. Please feel free to leave your comments and suggestions, because I really appreciate them!
(Can’t get enough of the butterfly garden.)
Ahh, this week felt so normal and relaxed compared to the craziness of the last few weeks. We’re adjusting to the time change and a front brought cooler temperatures, too, so it really feels like the holidays are quickly approaching. This weekend, there are a few beer-related activities in the works, and hopefully I’ll get to squeeze in some downtime, too. Here are the things that caught my attention this week.
A new British photography exhibit details the rise and fall of a marriage.
A New York retrospective of Art Spiegelman’s work.
Bomb Girls is filming a movie! Fingers crossed it makes it to the United States.
A profile of Kate Winslet, in time for her new film release.
A profile of Saoirse Ronan, an up-and-coming Irish actress. (Remember that little sister in Atonement?)
The real truth behind the War of the Worlds “hysteria.”
Yesterday, six siblings found their “forever home.”
Examining gender bias within movies.
And a new book captures the beauty of beloved stuffed animals.
Have a wonderful weekend!
