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The Edit : Packing Advice

Posted on by TheAmericanEdit

True story : I’m currently obsessed with pouches, envelopes, and totes. It’s sort of becoming a problem but at the same time they are so useful – and pretty!

I travel a lot. And now that I work from home, I find myself running all over town during the day. I have a great bag that holds all of my junk (even my DSLR!) but I was constantly digging around in it looking for lipstick, earrings, a pen, etc. I felt like a disaster at all times. And I was always losing temporarily misplacing stuff. Even though I am already that person who is constantly checking to make sure she has her I.D./keys/cell phone/wallet/etc. It was not good. Not good at all.

I knew I had to get it together before New York – 8 days and 3 hotel changes is enough to make anyone crazy without also having to deal with misplaced necessities. I ransacked my closet for any and all pouches and tried a few different combinations – here’s my most recent packing advice!

1. Baggu Leather pouches

I use the medium pouch for chapstick, mints and makeup I may want to take around with me during the day. The smaller pouches stayed in my suitcase most of the time but were filled with jewelry, hair pins and hair ties – all the important things that I usually lose to the bottom of my suitcase!

2. J.W. Hulme leather envelope

Perfect for a pen, receipts, business cards, and some easily accessible cash (I hate digging into my real wallet on the street!). The bright color also helps it to stand out in my bag!

3. Feed NYC Tote

Reusable bags are amazing – they take up little to no space so I almost always throw one in my suitcase in case we need some extra storage during or after a trip. But most of our bags are branded and I don’t love being a walking advertisement… unless it’s for a good cause. This FEED bag is cute , durable, and the proceeds went to supporting Hurricane Sandy relief. win win!

4. Clare Vivier Oversize Clutch

This clutch is enormous but takes up almost no space in a suitcase. I pack delicate tops in it to avoid errant snags and holes from other items in my suitcase and then can take it out on it’s own when my duffle feels too casual. These are technically foldover clutches, but I prefer to carry mine vertically and roll down the top … like a lunch bag!

any other organization tips? I’m still working (will always be working!) on putting important things (hello, license and credit card!) in the same exact place every time… would love to know what works for you!

The Intro: Kieley Kimmel

Posted on by TheAmericanEdit

I discovered Kieley Kimmel sweaters at Spiritual America in New York – I walked in and was immediately drawn to the intricate knits. The sweaters have the most perfect neutral palette, and are incredibly soft and lightweight, but still warm. Even better, the entire line is made in Los Angeles!

Now that it’s officially winter in Minnesota, I am really regretting the fact that I didn’t bring one home with me…

ABOUT KIELEY KIMMEL:

Kieley Kimmel is a textile and clothing designer living and working in LA. Guided by color theory and the liminality of unconventional geometries, her clothes explore the emotion of space and place with a distinct attention to texture. Animated knits, weaves, silkscreen, hand-painted and digital prints converge with simple and elegant cuts that imbue the garments with a comforting and wearable yet idiosyncratic air. Garments are manufactured with consideration in Downtown LA.

Kieley Kimmel is also available at Ten Over Six (of course it is!) and online at Pour Porter.

 The Introduction is a new series I’m launching for TAE where I will share new-to-me brands and collaborations!

FOLLOW KIELEY KIMMEL:

Clark & Madison

Posted on by TheAmericanEdit

I’ve always loved a gorgeous leather weekender bag… I even remember trying to convince my parents that I needed one for Christmas when I was 13! (they disagreed.) When I learned about Dina Epstein’s LA-based line, Clark and Madison, where she combines vintage fabrics (think, Navajo blankets and Moroccan rugs!) with gorgeous leather to create the most unique weekenders I’d ever seen, I knew I had to learn more! Read on for an interview with Dina and for more information about their current storefront as a part of Arts reSTORE LA!

clark-and-madison-dopp-kitWHAT INSPIRES YOU?

Nature, I love going on walks and making time to take in everything that is around me. Its a great time to think. Expert craftsmen, chefs, designers, builders. . .people that are incredible at what they do and take pride in everything they put into this world. There are so many people I admire.

WHAT MADE YOU START?

The two of us [Dina and her partner in Clark & Madison, Frosti] had been traveling across the country to see each other for six months, living out of carry on bags. There was one bag I always took that had been passed down to me from my late grandmother. I really believe in things that last. Well made, timeless pieces never go out of style. I still have that bag hanging in our studio, it reminds me to put good things into the world.

WHAT IS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR LINE?

Well, the name Clark & Madison originated from the story of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. I was inspired with their efforts to explore and map America. Upon completing the expedition, Clark was appointed and the governor of the Missouri Territory by President Madison. Clark & Madison is a depiction of adventure and American heritage.

clark-and-madison-navajo-bag

WHAT ARE YOUR STYLE ESSENTIALS?

Tods loafers, J-Brand jeans, a soft T, cashmere sweater, and a Clark & Madison tote (this is more like my everyday wardrobe!).

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER MAKERS?

Don’t be scared, be excited. There’s no better time to start making the life you want for yourself than right now. Getting to wake up each day and make products that I am proud of is extremely rewarding.

WHERE DO YOU ESCAPE?

We love to travel, we were in Baja last weekend and we’re running up to Canada soon for my birthday but most of the time you’ll find us on Sawtelle st. for dumplings or noodles.

clark-and-madison-weekender

WHY DO YOU MANUFACTURE IN AMERICA?

We built this company around the idea of making high quality products locally. By making things here, the products travel less before they reach the consumer, bringing them closer to the source.

WHY IS AMERICAN MADE IMPORTANT TO YOU?

I think it is important to create jobs here in in the US.

WHY IS YOUR COLLECTION SPECIAL?

All of our bags are made in limited quantities from materials that have been hand selected. I can name 90% of all the people that touch our bags before they make it into the consumers hands. It is more about a lifestyle choice. It is wonderful to be able to know the story behind the products you have, to know that every piece is significant and has exceptional quality. Our bags will last you a lifetime or more. They are meant to go on vacations and adventures with you! When you pack it up you should be excited for the journey your about to embark on. It will stay with you through all your journeys and hopefully like my trusted bag from my grandmother carry not just clothes but many memories. Take away all other luxuries in life but if have the ability to make someone happy, that is the most special gift, and those trips are our happy times.

You can always support Clark & Madison via their site, but they are also currently available at Arts ReSTORE LA: Westwood, an effort that aims to re-energize Westwood Village with the creative force of local Angeleno artisans and craftspeople. For over a decade, the once vibrant Village has fallen on hard times and has lost the unique luster that made it a destination neighborhood on LA’s westside. This fall, from November 1 to 24, the Hammer will fill empty storefront spaces donated by landlords with artisan vendors, setting the stage for a new retail experience in the neighborhood and an opportunity to revitalize the Village community.

If you make it, let me know – I’m so sad that I don’t have a trip to LA planned this month! Thanks Dina for sharing your story with us!

The Edit : New York Called

Posted on by TheAmericanEdit

lexi-cross-new-york-called-the-editLexi Cross is the Social Media Director of Lulu Frost and writes New York Called, a gorgeous blog that combines thoughtful interviews with beautiful photos to tell the story of creatives who (like Lexi) have moved to New York to pursue their dreams – recent interviews have included TAE favorites Rebecca Atwood and OTTE!

I’ve read Lexi’s blog for a long time – she has incredible style and I was so excited when she agreed to share her favorites with me for this series. Soon after, I happened to meet her at the Lulu Frost x J. Crew popup in Soho (when I accidentally crashed the press preview… whoops!) and now I can tell you for sure that she is as awesome in real life as she is on the interwebs!

Thank you, Lexi!