The Otter's Summer Accessories
In my mind, you're not properly dressed without the right accessories. A small item can pull an entire look together. It's really all in the details, after all. While stocking up on my Summer accessories, I discovered a number of Made-In-America brands I wanted to share with you, along with some classic pieces that will never go out of style. It's Summer, so naturally everything I own is navy and white. It's a bit of a read, but well worth it. Check out the full list below!
1. Kiriko Tsubaki Bandana - Kiriko is a Portland, Oregon based company that specialized in ties, pocket squares, scarves and bandanas. While their accessories are made in America, they draw inspiration from traditional Japanese textiles. Each fabric and pattern has a story and it's a beautiful symmetry of tradition and fashion. This floral bandana came with an brass safety pin so I can wear it a number of different ways. I love it because it's more than just an accessory. There's a story behind it and it was clearly made with love.
2. Billy Kirk tote bag - I have talked about Billy Kirk before. I'm obsessed with my grey carryall (you can see it here). This time I picked up one of their waxed canvas tote bags. All of their bags are made in the US and designed based on utility, not trend. They're invested in making things that will last an extremely long time and look better with age. I expect as I use this tote more it will lighten in color and only get more awesome.
3. Ray Ban Clubmaster - Here's another accessory I have been raving about lately. The Clubmaster is a classic sunglass shape and Ray Ban is known best for their quality and style. This pair comes in a few different colors and a super cool pair that folds in half.
4. Stone + Clark iPad case - Stone + Clark has the most amazing company mission called "Carry an Education". They produce a line of backpacks and iPad cases and for every purchase you make, you help fund scholarships for students in East Africa. They work with the Knock Foundation, whose "holistic approach always defers to the needs of the community." You're helping children in need and carrying great looking gear. It doesn't get better than that! I picked up one of their nautical striped cases which was a perfect change for my iPad this Summer.
5. Will Leather Goods key chain - Will Leather recently opened a location in NoLita and I had I hard time not leaving with the whole store. They're another company founded in Oregon and their primary focus is to produce high quality leather goods. Each design is rooted in function and build to last. You can really tell the quality of the leather they use and it makes a huge difference. Check out their new location and see what it's all about. You'll want to leave with everything too.
6. Maritime Supply Co. bracelets - Maritime Supply knows their anchors. They're a South Carolina brand putting out some great nautical bracelets for men and women. They have a hashtag (#anchorsinthewind) to inspire people to share their travels. Their bracelets are great because they're easy to stack and go with pretty much everything. I usually wear 2 at a time.
7. Ernest Alexander anchor pocket square - Ernest Alexander is known for their waxed canvas bags but they make so many other great things. This pocket square, for example, is made in the US and is bold without being flashy. It's not one of those stuffy bright silk pocket squares-- It's easy cotton and goes with all the blazers in my closet. Oh, and did I mention they're based in New York? They're my people!
8. Bedford and Broome bow tie and pocket square - As soon as I got these two in the mail I posted them on the blog (you can check it out here). The bow tie and pocket square are made from two different fabrics so you can switch them up and show them in a number of ways. Versatile and fun. Everything they make is done in small batches in Brooklyn and numbered by hand. Since I ordered the tie too, all 3 came with corresponding numbers (#30). It's the little details like that which make an item truly special.
9. Timex weekender watch - This is my go-to casual watch. It's classic and just the right size. I ordered a few interchangeable bands so I can switch it up a bit. They make it so easy to turn one watch into several.
10. Giles & Brother railroad cuff - Here's another piece you'll see me where all the time. It's made from brass and goes with everything. I will usually wear it stacked with my watch or the Maritime bracelets. This is another company doing amazing things in the world. The brother of Giles & Brother (Philip Crangi) was working on water projects in Africa (he founded Ethos Water) and saw an exceptional number of young boys with assault rifles. Joining the effort to lessen the impact of illegal assault weapons, Crangi began Fonderie 47. It's mission was to melt down seized weapons and turn them into fine jewelry, then use some of the money raised to help reduce the number of firearms further. He expanded the idea to address gun violence in the US. and started Liberty United to do just that. Liberty United makes a line of railroad spike cuffs and other fine jewelry made from recycled assault weapons. You can find more out about the company here.
So that's my list of Summer Accessories! Let me know what you think in the comments below. I loved discovering these brands and what they stand for and am always on the lookout more!