Iconic and Still the Best

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The Original 1952 Weber Grill
The Original 1952 Weber Grill

The classic look of a Weber kettle charcoal grill is perfect in its simplicity. In 1952 George Stephen Sr. was working at Weber Brothers Metal Works in Chicago, Illinois, manufacturing marine buoys when he came up with an idea for a better grill. His invention: a dome-shaped grill with a lid to protect food from the elements, while sealing in that only-from-the-grill barbecue flavor. So he cut a buoy in half, added some air vents and legs and, in the process, invented the grill that would spark a backyard revolution!

Whether you go for simple black, electric blue, copper, green, or red these beauties are a sure bet - not to mention they are still manufactured in Huntley, IL. The propane versions below, part of their Summit & Genesis series, are also made in Illinois.

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Utilitarian Light Fixtures

Originally inspired by a light used on an industrial parts washer, this Radar Sconce light fixture is the perfect accessory for your utilitarian-style home. Portland-based SCHOOLHOUSE Electric Supply & Co collaborated with ACE Hotel to create this 70s inspired Radar Sconce in 6 different color variations.

" When sourcing parts, we stumbled upon a 1970s stamped electrical box from one of our East Coast vendors that had the vintage tooling but hadn’t used in decades. We crushed hard on all the stamped details, including a cross, risk-of-fire warning, and wattage rating on the canopy box face. Functional communication incorporated into the design is what makes many vintage designs so rad. The perforated guard matches the original industrial parts washer diffuser, but we developed a clever way to attach it using magnets so that the thumbscrews don’t scratch the paint. This fixture is practical, colorful and flexible—a beautiful and simple example of American industrial lighting." - SCHOOLHOUSE Electric Supply & Co.

Available now for $159 at SCHOOLHOUSE Electric Supply & Co.

Schott in the Dark

They were the first company to put zippers on jackets. They helped make icons out of James Dean, Bruce Springsteen, and the Ramones. When you think of the iconic American leather jacket, you're thinking of Schott NYC. Still run by third and fourth generations of the Schott family, they continue to make all the classics like Peacoats, Bombers, and Cafe Racers. They also make fantastic non-leather garments. They are not 100% American made any longer, so be sure to click on "Made in USA" for your personal piece of Rock and Roll history.

Down at the General Store

The Brook Farm General Store is a small store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn filled to the brim with exceedingly tasteful and simple goods in the tradition of old-fashioned general stores, but with a modern twist. They're online store has made it possible for people all over the world to enjoy the old-timey general store feeling no matter where our may be. Not so long ago, they came out with their own line of products, called Tourne and their classic-yet-modern ceramics are all made in the USA and have a great handmade feel. You can get them in white or cream, or my personal favorite, a combo of both.

Drink American

If you think that not enough products are made in the USA, you're obviously not drinking enough! Founded in 2012, Kings County makes handmade moonshine and bourbon out of the 113-year-old Paymaster Building in the Brooklyn Navy Yard and also happens to be the first licensed whiskey distillery in New York since Prohibition. Their moonshine is smooth and incredibly mellow, making it surprisingly enjoyable. Aside from the slightly sweet flavor and a rather mild burn (it's still moonshine folks), Kings County's Moonshine looks like it belongs on the front page of Designsperation.com with it's turn-of-the-century branding and unique look.

Quick tip: drink it straight, there's no need to mix such good moonshine.

Classically Made

Pendleton blankets are iconic. True American classics. They are timeless and beautiful and endlessly useful. If you have one, you'll have it forever. The great news is that they've been a family-owned business for over 140 years, and for almost a hundred of those they've been weaving in their Northwest Mills. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, this company stays true to its roots. While they've grown a lot over the past few years introducing towels, purses, and fashion accessories, the blankets are still made in America!

For the Cowboy in You

Even though Cowboy Cauldron founder Mike Bertelsen grew up in the high desert of the American West, where campfires were a part of life, it took a move to the DC area for him to fully understand his calling. When he began spending time in Virginia, Bertelsen became fascinated by colonial crafts and cooking, as well as the art of the blacksmith. This is where the first Cowboy Cauldron was born. Mike’s goal was to develop a fire pit that would not only function as a fire feature, but could be used as a portable cooking device, as well. The cauldron he made was a huge hit with friends and family both in DC and Utah, where he moved to raise his family. So much so that Bertelsen decided to start producing them in 2008. Now, there are three sizes available, each is handcrafted the old fashioned way, and totally made in America.

Holiday Show Map

We know that our Holiday Show can be a little overwhelming sometimes: 350+ designers and artists, open bar, snack station, free drinks, photobooth, and a DIY den is a lot to process once you get to the show. So we're making things easy on you by releasing our map + list of vendors early. Plan your visit in advance and WIN this Holiday Season! Click images for full resolution.

Holiday Show 2012 Lookbook

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Our 5th Anniversary Holiday Show is this weekend and to get you even more excited about shopping from 350+ hand-selected designers and artists we put together a lookbook in order to show you some of the great things that you'll be able to get at UNIQUE LA this December 1st and 2nd. For those of you that won't be able to make it to the show (bummer!) or simply can't wait to shop made-in-America, we linked all of the products in the lookbook to each of the designers' online stores. For those of you that ARE coming to our Holiday Show this weekend... See you there!!!

An American Staple

"The Revival of American Excellence" - this is the tagline from Faribault Woolen Mill Co.'s website. Started in 1865, quality wool blankets have been turned out from this country town in Minnesota. They provided blankets to the army in both World Wars. They kept people warm in covered wagons during the frontier movement. Tough times hit the mill however, and they shut their doors in 2009. We are so please this week they celebrated their grand re-opening. Starting with a staff of 31, the mill is starting up under new ownership. But don't fret, their simple classic style is as relevant today as ever.

Backpacks for Good

Matthew Clough has a beautiful story to tell. On his incredible journey through Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro, he met a cheery man named Benson. Benson worked as a porter and after several days, the group learned Benson did not earn enough money to even put a child through school.

Although he conquered hiking the mountain, Matthew knew there was more to be accomplished when he returned home.

And that friends, is how Stone + Cloth began.

Stone + Cloth makes U.S.A. made canvas backpacks, where every $10 goes to their partnered supporter Knock Foundation, a company who believes in education and health care (among other things), for under privileged populations.

These well-built backpacks are made right here in Los Angeles, so not only does that make them super cool, but it also means if you buy one, you’re a supporter of better education. This is what we like to call, a win-win situation.

And for inspiration, their blog at: stoneandcloth.tumblr.com

 

 

 

Well Curated: Hickoree's

Most of you have probably already visited the brilliantly curated online shop Hickoree's Hard Goods. I just wanted to take a minute to say how much of an amazing job they did with their web store as well as their recently opened brick and mortar store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The selection might seem random at first, but it's definitely a collection of all of the coolest American heritage-style things you could ever find on the internet ranging from vintage Levi's jeans to Silly Putty along with their own line of skinny ties called the Hill Side.

The best part about he website is that they have an entire MADE IN THE USA section with literally over a hundred locally made products. You know that's our thang!

The Softer Side of Indestructible

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Proudly emblazoned on AT-95's website is the quote "A new American Industrial Revolution". That pretty well sums up their philosophy. With only a few select pieces of industrial, retro, exquisitely made furniture, AT-95 has concentrated on what they do best and kept it simple. Tables, industrial carts, chairs and stools. Cast iron bases, all "Designed and Built in Middle America."

Go for the Gold!

.Time to Shine

With the Summer Olympics upon us it's time for athletes around the world to shine. How about a little golden bling for us, here at home in the US of A? Here are a few of my favorite golden goods - all made here in America, of course!

Clockwise from necklaces at top: + These Morse Code necklaces by COATT each have a unique meaning such as 'swell' and 'wild horses'! You can even customize one with your initials or your name... + I love these Plume Studs by Tiffany Kunz, who makes everything by hand in LA + Every time I wear my Gold Number Band Cuffs by Robynn Molino I get compliments all day long. Love 'em! + Elston Dancer Oxfords by Nina Payne who is based out of Brooklyn + Love these Collapsible Gold Star Structures at DWR + I am currently obsessed with these Gold Woodgrain Cuff links by F is for Frank... Sexy!

Peaclock Giveaway!

Make your wall proud with a Peaclock! Enter to win this Dee&Lala letterpress wall clock worth $29.00.
Details & Rules: Contest ends August 29th, 2012; one entry per email address; by submitting your entry we’ll add you to our weekly newsletter (if not already subscribed) filled with exclusive deals, design interviews, studio tours, special discounts and more.

Good Luck! [contact-form-7 id="5331" title="Contest: Peaclock Giveaway!"]

Atomic Theory

If that retro look is your thing, have I got the company for youAtomic Living Design by Detschermitsch located near Denver in Englewood, CO. Husband and wife team Lisa and Jesse Detschermitsch have always loved the look of mid-century modern architecture and furnishings that recall the homes they grew up in. They were inspired to design and build their own line of "modern furnishings for the mid-century minded."Environmentally conscientious, they use low and very low VOC water-based lacquers and eco-friendly sheet goods wherever possible. Available for purchase online here.