It's in the bag

Nixie bag by Be&D

Shoes may be my primary weakness, but handbags are a close second.  In high school, I rebelled against the need to carry one, preferring to be low-maintenance and use my pockets instead.  But college changed everything.  Coach was all the rage and I jumped on the band wagon.  Imagine my horror when I discovered this icon of American craftsmanship actually produces their bags in China!  And they are not alone. So many companies use Chinese labor for their bags, finding one not made in China for less than $500 is quite a challenge.  My friends T.J. Maxx and Marshall's can be very helpful.  In addition, here are some designers that ideally produce at least a few bags under $500:

   

Tylie Malibu  www.tyliemalibu.com

Bryna Nicole shopbryna.com

Be&D  beandd.com

Gianni Chiarini  available at Nordstroms

Sundance Catalog (most bags)  www.sundancecatalog.com

Pietro Alessandro  www.parkavenuehandbags.com


Happy shopping!

The dark side of luxury

I recently finished a very interesting book by journalist Dana Thomas.  Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster is part history, part expose of the luxury industry today.  Thomas covers the rise of many major brands, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermes, and Prada.  I'm a history nerd so I found each brand's background fascinating.  But what was even more captivating was the way many luxury brands have become globalized, with their emphasis shifting from quality to profits.  One shocker is that most brands are owned by a few large corporations, such as the vast holdings of the LVMH group, which owns everything from Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, to Givenchy, as well as Moet & Chandon, Dom Perignon, and Vevue Clicquot champagnes.  But most disturbing is Thomas' section on the counterfeit industry.  Often made by children with the profits funding terrorism, fake handbags don't just hurt the companies they are imitating.  Thomas' book is a must-read for anyone interested in the fashion industry or consumer culture.    

All that glitters

Vine Necklace by Gorjana

When it comes to jewelry, I prefer simple and understated to loud and blinding.  So I am a big fan of artisan made pieces.  Luckily many of these are made right here in the U.S.  Here are some of my favorite designers:

Gorjana  www.gorjana.com
Clean and modern earrings, bracelets, rings, and necklaces
Erica Weiner  ericaweiner.com
Unusual (and sometimes strange), vintage inspired earrings, bracelets, rings, and necklaces 
Dogeared  www.dogeared.com
Necklaces, bracelets, and earrings with meaning
Sundance Catalog www.sundancecatalog.com
Features many different artisan designers, in a wide range of prices
Etsy.com
A great resource for unique, hand-made designs, from all over the world.  It can be a bit overwhelming though if you don't have something specific in mind.

Happy shopping!

The latest from Anthropologie

Anthropologie's latest catalog contains a surprisingly good number of very cute items that are made in the U.S.A., as well as Italy and Spain.  Here are some of my favorites:

   Different Degrees Maxi Dress, made in U.S.A., $178 

   Soft Bands Tee, made in the U.S.A., $48, comes in a variety of colors

  Clover Grains Tee, made in the U.S.A., $68

 AG Stevie Ankle Jeans, made in U.S.A., $158

Red Pepper Heels, made in Spain, $390

 

Bright Eyes Tote, made in Italy, $198

 Happy shopping!

As American as apple pie

Splendid Chambray Stripe Tank

I’ve already covered jeans, so naturally I need to follow that up with t-shirts.  What could be a more appropriate way to celebrate this holiday weekend than with a beloved American tradition!

C&C California

Quintessential West Coast tees, tanks, and dresses

Ella Moss

The sophisticated tee (and comfy dresses too)

Splendid

Trendy and relaxed tees, skirts, and dresses

American Apparel

Good basics, in a wide range of colors

Rebecca Beeson  bluefly.com  revolveclothing.com

Simple and sophisticated tees and dresses

Black Hearts Brigade  bluefly.com

Rock & roll tees

Happy shopping!