Tuesday, February 11, 2014

A Powerful Pledge

I am guilty of shopping my favorite stores and brands without looking to see where the items are made. I will admit that the majority of my clothes, accessories, shoes, cosmetics and household decor are imported. It is by no means intentional. I just don't think to stop and look at the tags. I want to change that, change the way I shop and make a conscious effort to buy more products that are made in USA. I did a little research and was both happy and surprised that Nordstrom has an entire section dedicated to items that are made right here in the United States. What's even better? A handful of the designers and brands are some of my favorites, like Alex and Ani, Dogeared and New Balance. While clicking around online, I discovered a new line of state tees by Megan Lee that have the most adorable graphics.


Pickwick and Weller has a really awesome pledge going on to support American jobs and asking that we replace one imported item in our closet this year with an item that is Made in the USA. If each one of us took the pledge to spent $20 on an American made apparel item this year it would help create 62,500 new jobs. Did you know that 98% of the clothing sold in the U.S. is imported? I didn't and was floored by that percentage. It's mind blowing what the effect would be if we all did our part. It's a simple commitment with a compelling impact for our country. I have taken the pledge, added several items to my wishlist and purchased the Texas Megan Lee t-shirt, made right here in the United States. I hope you plan to join me and thousands of others.

This post is sponsored by Pickwick & Weller ,a California based apparel company. Find out more about their Made In America Pledge right here. All opinions and content are 100% my own.


Shanna

34 comments:

Chelsea Oliver said...

I'm really surprised by that percentage too! This is a great idea, and I've been trying to be more aware of where my clothing, makeup, even food is coming from, so this is helpful! Thanks!

-Chelsea
chelsandthecity.blogspot.com

Becky M said...

I don't look at where these things are made either! Love that you included these brands!

agirlandhersparkles.blogspot.com

Rachelle (http://pinksole.com/) said...

I love buying local, and these jeans are fantastic.

xo
​PinkSole​

MorganizewithMe said...

I love that you are sharing about this. This is been on my heart lately after reading a convicting book. We do have a responsibility to shop intentionally! Thanks for sharing!

Charming Lucy said...

Isn't this sad? It is like we are saying that no one in our country can make great things anymore. We started by never buying dog treats that were made in other countries. Thanks for the nudge to buy more American made things! Susan

Tara | The Mix said...

Love the bracelets and sneakers, so cute!

Caroline said...

This is a really cool and meaningful commitment! I need to purchase my first Alex & Ani bracelet - I think they're so cute!

Unknown said...

Love Alex and Ani!

xo,
ChaChaTheFashionGenius.com

Anonymous said...

I can 100% say I've never looked at where things are made, Is that horrible?

I am going to try to look at tags more, I guess it's just something I never thought of before.

Stacey said...

I've been thinking about this very same thing. If we all made the effort, think of the difference it would make. Have you seen

mrsamericanmade.tumblr.com

She dresses beautifully and has the same mission. She actually finds lots of things at Marshall's..which is surprising to me.

Lindsay @ la vita dolce said...

I love that you posted this!!! I think buying made in the US is so important. It keeps this country and it's hard workers alive!! :) Whenever we go to the store we try to buy US made...yes, Ill admit not everything is...but it has become more of a norm to ONLY buy US. And I love that those tennis are!!! Because I need need them ;)

Always Maylee said...

I never usually look or think about it much either, but I love supporting American companies! Good for you! :)

xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee

Heidi said...

YES! Seriously, jumping up and down reading this post because obviously this is something that I am incredibly passionate about. I will say the greatest thing I've found about buying American is this journey has opened my eyes to a whole new host of designers that I would have otherwise never have heard of: Nanette Lepore, Eva Franco, Clare Vivier, Sbicca, Three Dots, Splendid, Julie Bee's, etc.

http://jax-and-jewels.blogspot.com

TheTinyHeart said...

I don't usually check the tags either but thanks for sharing all of these US made items with us!

-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
Target Giveaway!

Kelly @ turned UP to ELEVEN! said...

I love this post and I love the message behind it. Thanks for all the heads up and for helping us all to research what we purchase and to make a difference in our nation and our economy!!! oxox KUDDOS GIRL!

Helene in Between said...

I love this! I want to support american companies. This is soo great!

Rebecca said...

That's an awesome & patriotic pledge Shanna....yes I'm all for bringing back the MADE IN USA stuff!!

Rebecca
www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

Unknown said...

Cute cute stuff Shanna! I love the state necklace!

Kayla
www.lovelucygirl.com

SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph said...

YES!

Love this pledge and will be sharing it.

I'm so happy my Essie is made in the USA, and Alex & Ani products too!

Anonymous said...

Love this pledge. Will share it.

Because of Jackie said...

Awe, this is great! I love a great, American made product and love supporting that. Thanks for the heads up!

Lindsay Erin said...

Kohls has a makeup line made in America called American Beauty. I try to buy from it when possible.

Sheila said...

I sometimes do look at where the item is made and determine if it's worth the price or not. I tend to wanna pay more for items made over in Europe or US. :) I love Dogeared jewelry!! It's my favorite.


xo - Sheila
www.sheislovelyblog.com

Jeans and a Teacup said...

I never check tags. But buying more US made products has always been on my mind. I really like your pledge!
~Jessica
Jeans and a Teacup

Darcy said...

That is crazy the effect purchasing USA made items can have! I had no idea. I am sure so many of my clothes are imported... but I at least have Alex and Ani! I will definitely look into doing more!! Great post, Shanna. Loved it!
www.amemoryofus.blogspot.com

A Labour of Life said...

thank you, i could sit here and try to think of some flowery pretty way of saying it but Thank you seems to work best. If only half of your followers took your advise think how much further ahead we will be, support your local businesses, keep it at home and start showing those companies we want our money supporting our own economies, So Thank You

Whitney said...

What a great pledge! You should do a link-up where all of these lovely ladies can showcase items made in the U.S. :)

JMoAtHome said...

Another fantastic company is Purity Cosmetics out of San Jose, CA. I recently purchased several of their 100% Pure items, such as Organic Mint Lip Balm, Vanilla Bean Nourishing Body Cream, and Virgin Coconut Hand Buttercream. These are natural, vegan products and the scents are delightful. They sent some free shampoo and conditioner samples, too. Go USA companies! Www.100PercentPure.com.

Kellie said...

Good for you...I love this idea! I will do some research of my own & make better choices & purchases as well. Thanks for bringing this to our attention!!
Kellie @ www.ie-style.com

Anonymous said...

Just another reason to love Essie!

Coco said...

I think this is AWESOME!!!

Unknown said...

WOW! That is a huge percentage! I'm in! I can off-set my guilt over my Bobbi Brown madness now too.

Holly said...

I never really think about where my clothes are made either. That percentage is shocking. Yikes! I will definitely have to be more mindful of where items I purchased are made in order to help the good ol' USA companies! And those tees are adorable!

Unknown said...

I too am guilty of not looking at my tags to see where the products are made. I knew the percentages were high but did not realize it was that high. I will pledge with you also to start looking at my tags and trying to buy at least 1 of my purchases from an product that was made here in the USA. I am going to check out those tees.

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