TheAmericanEdit, Author at The American Edit

The Edit: Hats

Posted on July, 2014July, 2014 by TheAmericanEdit

I’ve started to wear hats more often in an attempt to protect my skin and hair from the sun… and am enjoying the fact that hats also take away the need to brush my hair (or wear makeup, when paired with big sunglasses!) I think this new habit may carry itself nicely into the fall…

Some of my favorite American made hat makers:

The Edit: Vintage Denim

Posted on July, 2014July, 2014 by TheAmericanEdit

I bought my Current/Elliott boyfriend jeans forever ago… The distressed, paint splattered jeans were the first pair I ever purchased that were over $200 and I couldn’t even wear them to work on casual Fridays. Not my smartest shopping decision at the time, but I’ve had them for at least 5 years and they are still my favorite jeans, so I consider them a wise investment.

I’m not exactly delicate with my stuff (which is another reason I love these – I go through all of my other jeans in about a year) and my beloved boyfriends are starting to show their wear (on top of the wear they came with with!). I still rock them but lately have been saving them for those special days where I want to feel awesome. (I almost wrote special occasions, but ripped up jeans and most special occasions don’t exactly go together. It’s sad, really.)

After years of holes in all of my jeans I’m starting to feel the patch instead… it’s a little more practical and it allows for so much more creativity. I’ve also been looking into vintage jeans, but honestly, I’m not that girl. I’m terrible at stalking markets/ebay/vintage shops and even if I find a pair that doesn’t gross me out, I always know they need some work but have no idea how to go about it.

Happily, there are experts at the vintage game, and they are taking their talents and making it available to the rest of us.

B Sides Denim and Ace & Jig have paired up to create a capsule collection of patched denim using Ace & Jig scraps, available exclusively at Beautiful Dreamers. I’m guessing these will be sold out before I’m in New York next month, but let’s hope this collaboration becomes a yearly thing.

If patches aren’t your thing, Redun reconstructs vintage denim into modern styles, and is launching on Monday with 50 exclusive styles. It looks like there are some pretty incredible stylists and talent behind this brand, so I’d sign up for the email list… I’d guess these will sell out quickly as well.

And, if you want the look but aren’t feeling the vintage aspect, these Paige patched jeans are pretty rad.

N.B. – both brands are using vintage materials, which may not be made here (+ Ace & Jig fabrics which are ethically woven in India) – but the reproduction is domestic, and in general, I believe that the ethos of these products aligns with that of TAE.

Images – Beautiful Dreamers Instagram, Redun

The Introduction: Almond Women by Heather Heron

Posted on July, 2014July, 2014 by TheAmericanEdit

I’m slightly afraid of open water and am not what anyone would call a strong swimmer. Needless to say, I don’t surf.

But I really, really wish I did. I’ve always been more than a little obsessed with the idea of surfing and with surf culture (and with Blue Crush, if I’m being honest!). I think surf lessons are a must on my life list, but in the meanwhile, I’ll just try to compensate by dressing the part.

My current obsession is Almond Women’s collection designed by LA-based designer Heather Heron. The gorgeous line is made in California and consists of (blue, white, and grey) pieces that would look equally amazing off of the beach (even in the good old Midwest!). I want it all. Particularly the Shibori Pullover, Spirit of the Sea Sweatshirt, Shibori Silk Cape, and the Bayside Chambray Pants.