A Round-Up of Made in USA Finds

America is such a diverse country with so many points of view and traditions to draw on, it’s almost impossible to pin down one look and label it “American Style”. We’re all about freedom, and that includes the freedom to find your passion and express it through your personal style.

While we don’t have one standard look, we do have a set of ideals we’re known for, and these can be seen in the products we wear and use. Our love for wide open spaces is apparent in western wear like you’ll find at Cuddlestar. Our innovation is seen in the “Why didn’t I think of that?” simplicity of the The Little Lasso. Our respect for the innocence and beauty of childhood shines through in fashions from companies like Malley & Co. and A Little Annafaith.

When you buy American, you’re not only supporting domestic businesses and helping our economy recover and grow, you’re also enabling individual entrepreneurs to achieve the American dream.

Cuddlestar Baby Goes West and Wild!

Western wear was popular with American kids back in the ’50s, thanks in part to the influence of the many western-themed movies and TV shows. It seemed like every boy was running around on a hobby horse, dressed in his “dungarees”, a sheriff’s hat and a shiny badge.
Today, while Wild West films are not as popular as they used to be, the love for children’s western wear lives on. Its enduring popularity is based on the cuteness factor. There’s just something adorable about a little boy or girl in these down-home buckaroo fashions.

Cuddlestar is a children’s clothing company that specializes in updated western wear for babies and toddlers. This cute collection features one-pieces with images like cacti, ponies, sheriff’s uniforms and Native American themes. They also offer a selection of western boots. Details like real leather, appliqué and embroidery enhance the genuine Texas vibe.

Owner Adrian Layne is proud of her baby-friendly boot designs, as well as all her other pieces. She was inspired to launch Cuddlestar by her rancher dad. She loved his classic western style and wanted to create a kids’ version of that look. She created her early designs on a borrowed sewing machine, and is now reaping the rewards of her hard work.

Round it all up here: www.cuddlestarbaby.com

The Little Lasso Wrangles Baby Tosses

Continuing the western theme, we have The Little Lasso. While they don’t sell western wear, they are a Texas-based company with a big idea for a product that parents don’t want to live without.

Most parents of young children are familiar with the challenge of keeping a bottle or sippy cup off the floor. Many babies go through a phase where they enjoy throwing their bottle on the floor, just for fun. Of course it’s not fun for mom and dad, who have to pick it up a hundred times a day. As babies get older and turn into busy toddlers, the bottle is often dropped by accident during playtime or other on-the-go activities. Not only do dropped baby items lead to tearful tantrums, but it’s also a health concern when the items land on dirty surfaces.

The Little Lasso might just be the answer to these problems. This easy to use product anchors bottles, sippy cups, blankets, toys and other essential items so that the baby can keep them close by when riding in a shopping cart, car seat, or sling. The Little Lasso has no clasps or Velcro, and its soft fabric design is attractive and safe for babies.

It is available in 17 patterns/colors and is machine washable. Rope ‘em at www.thelittlelasso.com

Malley & Co. Decks the Halls with Holiday Dresses

The holidays are just around the corner, and this means it’s time for letters to Santa, cookie baking and family events. It also means that many parents will be looking to Malley & Co. for their kids’ special occasion outfits. While they make a spring/summer line each year, this Texas company is known for its high-quality holiday dresses and sets.

Founders Malley Gaulding and Teresa Helms launched their company with the goal of offering a children’s line that could stand the test of time and the ups and downs of fickle trends. That’s why so many customers keep coming back year after year. The pair pride themselves on their classic designs that have just enough of a contemporary flavor.

Comfort is also a large part of Malley & Co.’s line. The company understands that play is one of the major parts of a child’s life, especially during the holidays when magic and imagination abound. They offer clothing that allows kids to move around and relax, while looking great at the same time. Case in point, the Jingle Bell Joy, a festive red candy cane stripe top paired with cozy red leggings. Malley & Co. also offers a couture collection for formal events.

See what’s beautiful for the season at www.malleyandco.com

A Little Annafaith Is an Answer to Fashion Prayers

So many kids’ clothes are pretty much just smaller versions of adult styles. While many parents love this look and enjoy dressing their little ones to match the latest fashion models, some moms and dads miss the days when children’s clothing had a distinct yet age-appropriate look. A Little Annafaith brings this playful, innocent vibe to life with its line of clothing for girls.

At A Little Annafaith, customers will find roomy dresses in cotton seersucker or denim, with cute details, including little fruit or flower appliqués. They also offer seasonal styles, like spiders and pumpkins for the fall. There are solid and striped dresses as well, in addition to matching scarves and leggings in bright, eye-popping colors.

These simple yet well-made garments stand out from the crowd and may remind parents and grandparents of 1970’s fashions, but with a more modern, funky vibe.

Maryland-based entrepreneur Sarah Groves started A Little Annafaith with the hope of creating high-quality children’s wear with far-reaching appeal. She started out offering her designs for infants then branched out into fashions for older kids.

With such creative, comfy and fun designs, A Little Annafaith can very well be heaven sent: www.alittleannafaithkids.com