Meet Gift Guide Guest Curator Amy from the American-Made Guide to Life

The 2014 Holiday Edition of My Fair Gift Guide was a labor of love, and it would not have been possible without the contributions of my fellow eco-bloggers. In the coming weeks, I will be introducing you to some of the guest curators who contributed to the guide. First up: Amy!

Amy lives in New York City and writes about quality items made in the USA on her blog, The American-Made Guide to Life. She loves lip balm, her favorite pair of jeans, hot chocolate, Pilates, and math.

What are your three favorite items from your curated collection and why?
The Tradlands buffalo check plaid shirt is insanely cozy and the fit is perfect. My Bella cashmere socks get a lot of wear in the winter. They're luxurious, soft, and great for wearing with knee-high boots. But most of all, I love my shearling-lined Bean boots. They keep my feet dry and warm in snowy weather, are reasonably priced, and come with a lifetime warranty.

What is your (latest) favorite ethical brand/product and why? 
 Right now, I'm obsessed with everything from the Faribault Woolen Mill Co. They have gorgeous, well-made blankets, throws, scarves, and accessories. Their recent collection for Target is all priced under $100 without compromising that traditional Faribault feel. They also just launched a small collection of capes and vests that are just divine.

Do you have a go-to or signature holiday gift you like to give? 

I always give my family members a pair of socks and they now request it. The key is getting a pair that is a bit more luxurious or whimsical than the person would get for themselves. There are so many great options in terms of textiles, colors, and patterns.

You can check out all of Amy's American-made gift recommendations to keep warm this winter on pages 24-25 of the Gift Guide: Polar Vortex Prep! 

 

Required Reading: Why "My Fair Vanity"?, R29 & Ecocult explain the cost of an organic t-shirt, and more

Image is from Ode to the Classic White Tee. See full post for brand and purchase info.



H&M says it wants to begin guaranteeing a living wage to the workers in its factories-- what they mean by "living wage" and how they propose to do it is unclear, but I'm happy to hear they are thinking about it...? (NYT)

Alden Wicker of Ecocult explains the high cost of an organic t-shirt on Refinery29. (R29)

Stephanie Clifford of the NYT examines the ‘Made in U.S.A.’ Premium . Take away: "it is the shoppers who will make this movement [towards American-made goods] succeed or fail." (NYT)

Luke Leitch discusses why "ethical fashion only works when it appeals to our vanity as much as our conscience."  This is an older article, but it goes a long way towards explaining the rationale behind the name of my blog,  its content, and why it's challengin but certainly not impossible to be fashion-conscious and eco-conscious. (Telegraph)

If you haven't finished up your holiday shopping, shop sustainably and stylishly for everyone on your list using one of the 175+ gift ideas for Mom, Dad, Tots, and more in My Fair Gift Guide. 

Required Reading is a series in which I share what I've been reading, something that inspires me, or maybe a little something I've learned that has helped me in my quest to lead a life that is kind to the earth and the people on it. See more here.

An Ethical Alternative to Black Friday: 175+ Green Gift Ideas from My Fair Vanity

As you mentally prepare yourself for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, I offer you a tasteful and ethical alternative: a catalog chock-full of eco-friendly, made in America, and fair trade gift ideas that will empower and inspire you to make thoughtful gift choices for all of the loved ones on your list.

Settle in with a cup of tea or a mug of cocoa and see what you find-- you may discover a few surprises, especially since I've enlisted the help of a few of my favorite green lifestyle bloggers to help me curate the coolest and kindest gifts around!

Alden from Ecocult put together a collection of covetable gifts that are 100% made in New York. Dominique from Let's Be Fair has golden, sparkly treasures from afar, and Juliette from spades + siLK will share her uber-cool knowledge of all of the hippest, newest sustainable designers. Yoga teacher and blogger Carissa Ciuca curates for the yogi in your life, and surface designer Aaryn West has enough patterns and colors to keep even the most eclectic person on your list intrigued and impressed with your artsy street savvy.

Happy shopping, happy holidays, and happy thanksgiving! It's such a pleasure to write and post about sustainable style for you here on My Fair Vanity each week, and I hope you'll accept this guide as my small way of saying thank you so much for reading. If you find it helpful, I hope you'll choose to share it with friends and loved ones, so that this year, they can join you in giving on-trend, stylish gifts that are kind to the earth and the people on it.

With gratitude and love,

Rachel