Ana Bogusky Real Life Rosie

My name is Ana Bogusky and I have a style blog called Mrs. American Made. I photograph my made in USA outfit almost every day and post photos on my blog. I am constantly searching for new brands that make things here because I want to support apparel companies that are aligned with my values and priorities.

I worked in advertising and design for years before having children, but when my oldest was born I decided to stay at home. Then a few years after moving to Colorado in 2006, I realized that the kids were getting bigger – and they required less constant care. (They are now 16 and 13, hard to believe.) In 2010, my husband started up the The FearLess Cottage, a brand advocacy firm, and I joined him. We work on building awareness on issues close to our hearts, such as Climate Reality, anti-GMO and sustainability. Through our work there we have learned the importance of shopping locally and manufacturing here in the USA.

Where did the inspiration for your blog come from? My blog came about as a combination of several factors. First of all, I love clothing and accessories, and making outfits is one of my favorite pastimes. I had discovered these style blogs and started watching a few every day. And my husband and I have friends who recently started an advertising agency, Made Movement, which is dedicated to supporting resurgence in American manufacturing. One of the ways they do this is the “Made Collection,” an e-commerce site offering really cool American-made goods. BUT I kept noticing that most of the items were geared toward men. And I when I looked elsewhere for cool women’s American-made goods, it looked grim. And wherever I shopped I found so much made overseas.

It was incredibly eye-opening to start looking at tags on clothing. It turns out that only 2% of the clothing sold here is made here. In 1960, 95% of clothing sold in the United States was made in the United States. And it turns out that if consumers spent just an extra 1% on U.S. goods, it would create 200,000 jobs here. And I realized most people are not even aware of what is going on. And it all came together for me: I could start one of these style blogs and feature only American-made apparel so that women could realize that it can be done.

What inspires you? My children inspire me on a constant basis. And I know their future depends on our collective decisions.

Favorite quote: One of my favorite quotes has to do with body issues that I know many women share. For me, as a pretty shy person, it’s not easy to upload a photo of myself to the internet and subject myself to being seen by so many. “Dress the body you have,” I heard Stacy London say one day on the TLC show “What Not to Wear,” and it literally changed my life. Many days I will repeat those words to myself. So many people wait to lose those last five (or ten, fifteen, or whatever) pounds that they end up wasting time. Make yourself look as good as you can today, for today.

What is the biggest hurdle you have faced in starting your blog? Expense. Almost all of the items on my blog are chosen, purchased, and paid for by me. And as people will tell you, buying American-made can often mean greater expense up front. But I feel it is worth it.

I was strongly affected by the recent Bangladesh tragedies. I was already shopping made in USA, but not considering specifically “why,” other than making things better here at home. To boost our economy, to support our country, and to make the world greener. But watching videos and seeing photographs of the workers overseas who died making another cheap article of clothing for us so we can stay “on trend” really saddened me. Now I go into a store and see a tag that says “made in Bangladesh” and I can’t do it. No matter how good the deal is.

As a mom, I know sometimes shopping for the family is tough, and I have shopped at Walmart. But now I think twice, even if made in USA is more expensive. It’s tough because everyone loves a deal, everyone likes to “save” money and not over-pay for anything. And sometimes, yes, you find that American-made goods cost more. Up front and when you make the purchase. But those imported goods that we might buy for less money come with such high externalized costs. And Made in USA items are usually classic, well-made and long-lasting and ethically produced. If we can increase awareness of these added benefits, I believe we will be willing to pay a little more.

Advice to those who want to shop more made in USA? Check the label. : )

Connect:

Website/blog: Mrs. American Made

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mrsamericanmade

Twitter: @mrsamericanmade for #MadeinUSA and @boguskyswife for other tweets

Pinterest: AnaBogusky