The Style Edit: Made in the USA

Happy almost 4th! Writing Friday’s newsletter last week got me to pondering why I wasn’t taking a long weekend. So, on Friday, I decided I should be. Today’s impromptu vacation day is the first one of my career - I always plan this sort of thing three months in advance. With my husband still heading into work and the child off to day camp and the house already clean, I think it’s going to be an excellent day. My plans are mostly things like ‘drink coffee on the porch’ and ‘visit Whole Foods alone,’ but still. Those aren’t desk-based, grey cubicle activities.

In the spirit of America’s birthday, I wanted to share a handful of pieces I own and love that were made in the U.S.A. It’s so difficult to find items that were made in America, and I strongly prefer to buy things that are U.S. or U.K. made. If you have a U.S.-made item you love, please share! I would love to add to this short list.

Molly Moorkamp Palma Swimsuit

This is one of my favorite clothing brands in general. The fact that all of the items are made in the U.S.A. is a major selling point for me. The quality is excellent and shows a lot of care in manufacturing/design. I have multiple pieces from MM, but am sharing the swimsuits today because a new batch just came available for pre-order!

I have the Palma style linked above (mine, pictured, is a print that isn’t offered anymore, but that solid navy Palma currently on sale is so tempting!). You can’t really go wrong with any style of these suits - they’re all fully lined and full coverage. I was nervous about ordering swimwear online, especially spendy swimwear. I’ve been burned every single time I’ve tried to do so. I reached out to MM on Instagram with a sizing question, and the advice was spot on. Finally, a swim order that wasn’t a massive fail. With being made in the U.S. to rigorous standards, the MM sizing is very consistent. I was tempted to size up due to being pear-shaped, but my usual size ended up being a great fit. The suits really are full coverage in the back. Highly recommend running to the site if you’re a lady in the market for swimwear.

Patsy Kane Earrings

This is one of my favorite small brands and is based in one of my favorite towns, Marblehead, MA! I especially love the Monkey Fist yachting earrings, although I think that specific style is designed in the U.S. and manufactured elsewhere. The metal pieces like the cuff bracelets are manufactured completely in the U.S. I always get compliments on this jewelry IRL and have never posted a photo because it turns out I’m terrible at taking photos of jewelry. That aside, these are fun, well-made pieces that are very affordable. The Monkey Fist earrings are only $15!

LL Bean Boat and Tote and Duck Boots

Not everything by LL Bean is made in the U.S. anymore, of course, but a handful of items are still manufactured at their facility in Maine. They’re doing better than Brooks Brothers, who did away with U.S.-based manufacturing during the pandemic. LL Bean’s clothing is primarily imported, but the totes and a few shoe styles are made in America.

I’m not sure what I could say about the Boat and Tote that hasn’t already been said in a thousand other preppy-leaning blogs. The quality is fantastic, and I love knowing that someone named Cheryl made the bag I carry to work every day. The bags are a bit addictive. Once you buy one, you’ll buy more. I have the matching lunch tote (imported), which I’m really happy with as well. The monogram and its irony (or lack thereof) are up to the individual.

The Women’s 8-inch Duck Boots, among other boot styles, are also U.S.-made. I have the vintage Maine Duck Hunting Shoe version, which goes to show how well these hold up. They’re honestly not the most comfortable boots I’ve ever owned, but adding insoles does help. The durability is the real selling point with these, plus the fact that they keep my feet dry every fall and winter without fail.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Independence Day, if you’re here in the U.S.! I hope everyone has a wonderful week, and I’ll see you back here on Wednesday.