American Apparel

I wish I lived near an American Apparel. I'm obsessing over these, but afraid if order online they may pull an Urban Outfitters and send me hideously discolored, cheap sub-par versions of the items.

The AA circle scarf is just a looped piece of fabric but can be worn as almost anything. I read reviews online and apparently the scarf is gigantic, but  I tend to cocoon myself often in bundles of fabric, so that sounds just fine with me.

I really like leggings. And buttons. And these.

Okay, so this tee is the hotness. It starts out as a plain faded  tee and changes color depending on your body temperature. Sounds weird, but the effect is really sweet. 

This red skirt is so festive for the holidays and is what I consider a "good" red, not a garish one with too much pink or orange. Plus, high waists flatter everyone.

I actually have this striped dress in black and white, and it's just as Parisian chic as it looks on the model. However, it is a bit tight in the bum (which, if you know me, is very

 odd since I don't have much junk back there.) Apple bottoms beware, this fruit-hugging horizontal stripe could be potentially disastrous. Try adding a

 black vest, tights and camel riding boots to keep it flattering and stylish at the same time. 

This Helvetica letter tee is ingenius, simple and only $20. I was initially thinking about getting the "Cc" one for my intial, but "Zz" is sounding pretty cute. Or, even better, I wish they would get "Xx" so I could rep my hot female genetic makeup. Or "Mm." Maybe I could get a group to wear a bunch of different letters and we could spell something out!? Someone stop me, the possibilities are endless.

Classic unisex AA v-necks are probably the most flattering t-shirt available. I like this set of three in black, grey and blue. Don't forget to order a size down if you's a ho.

This electric blue cardigan can apparently be worn as a dress as well. I'm curious to see if the color is that bright in real life. 

Go buy all of these. Tell me what you think. Then send them to me in the mail. 

 

I approve: Hanes White T-shirts and A-tanks

I literally have two entire drawers devoted to today's subject; one for my EXTRA long white ribbed tanks and one for my white v-neck tees. As a fitness instructor, it's imperative that I have a number of these t-shirts and tank tops so I don't have to do laundry every week (instead it's more like every month...or two....) These tees and tanks are CHEAP, and at around $5.00 for a 3-pack I can afford to buy new ones every few weeks to make sure they stay white. They are also versatile; pair a tee or tank with some retro Nike tempo shorts and they say "RAWR, I'm in shape, I'm hardcore, watch my LAT PULL-DOWNS!" Add jeans, a Tolani, and ballet flats and they scream "I'm fashionable, check me out, but hey, I don't try too hard!" Natalie Portman and my beloved Jessica Alba do a great job of pulling off both styles.

The ribbed A-tanks are also nicknamed "wifebeaters," but I just like to call 'em beaters.

"Wifebeater"


(as defined by urbandictionary.com so you KNOW it has to be accurate...)

1) Someone who beats his wife is a "wifebeater" but this isn't the main definition of the word when used to define an article of clothing.

2) A type of sleeveless undershirt, of the kind that used to be worn by almost all men in the 50's. If you watch the HBO Drama The Sopranos, you'll see Tony (the lead character) wearning this type of undershirt.

They also have associations with being slovenly, unkempt, sloppy, etc. Someone who just woke up and hasn't combed their hair or washed up and appears at the door in a wifebeater shirt, scratching themselves, is a stereotypical picture that comes to mind.

This sleeveless undershirt with a deep round neck and deep arm openings has acquired the connotation of an article of clothing worn by someone who beats his wife -- perhaps because of the unkempt, slovenly nature of the garment when worn alone on a middle aged man with a gut, sitting in an easy chair, scratching at himself and demanding to be waited upon lest he smack around the person waiting on him.

3) The same shirt, worn as daywear or nightwear by slender young women as a kind of fashion statement. It is considered cool for a woman (who can get away with it and looks good) to wear this type of undergarment as an outergarment.

Note: It wouldn't be called a wifebeater when worn by a woman, for obvious reasons. It would just be another instance of a woman wearing typically male clothing and looking better in it than the guy does.

There goes Anthony answering the door in his wifebeater; you'd think with the gut on him that he'd realize it doesn't look good.

"Take that off right now! You look awful; like a wifebeater in that greying old sleeveless undershirt!"

"She's slender and in good shape; that slightly snug sleeveless undershirt (wifebeater) she's wearing looks great on her."

For the most part, I agree with these definitions - I especially like the "scratching" part, heh.

Note: for anyone who wears beaters or tees, make sure that they are truly white. Greyish-yellow stains at the neck and pits of any white shirt is NOT an attractive look.

For guys, try wearing a round-neck t-shirt instead of the v-neck. It's nice when a little sliver of white shows underneath the neck of another shirt on top. This is not gay. Plus, the shirt absorbs sweat so you can stop worrying about pitting out or having those awkward sweaty back streaks.

Also....don't try Britney's look. I realize that there are many Britney "don'ts", so I conveniently included the specific one here. Ladies, please wear a bra with your tanks. And keep them long so you cover that belly.

ps: Fruit of the Loom sucks. Trust me on this one.

I approve: Tolani scarves

Those who know me well know that I have a soft spot for anything Italian...particularly designers. One of my favorite Italian designers is Missoni, but being a college student living in the middle of Missouri (yay) somewhat hampers my ability to attain lots of my favorite designer items. The Tolani scarf, however, is the poor man's Missoni; you get pashmina-like fringed edges combined with the Missoni zig-zag print. I love this thing.

I received an e-mail while in class today from Swank Boutique, one of my favorite places to shop here in Columbia. It's hard to find good stuff in mid-MO, and Swank is one of the few stores here that carries great brands like Juicy Couture, French Connection, Hanky Panky, True Religion, etc. They JUST got these Tolani scarves in, and once I saw the photograph of Jessica Alba wearing the zig-zag pattern, I had to get one. Ah consumer whore-ism.

The Tolani scarves are expensive. Don't get me wrong, you're paying for quality and design, but at $75 a pop, these babies are a small investment. Their mission statement reads:

Welcome to Tolani Collection. Our designers have combined elements of traditional cultures and blended with the modern design elements to create elegant and fun to wear products. We are committed to producing cutting edge design and the highest quality handcrafted clothing.

Beware: if you decide to purchase one in Columbia there are waiting lists. I just happened to stumble upon Swank the day they received the new shipment so I was lucky enough to have the chance to choose my colors and design (similar to the one shown to the left.) The scarf is so versatile; it can be worn with literally anything. This scarf can pull any outfit together; always a plus for college students who live in hoodies and jeans.

For those outside of the CoMO area (lucky you) the scarves are available at a number of online stores.

Blue Heaven Boutique
Boutique to You
Singer22
Kitson

And, if you cannot drop that much cash moneydolladollabills on a scarf, there are some more inexpensive options. Urbanoutfitters features a number of scarves for around $30, while H&M is always featuring scarves year-round in stores. Throw on some riding boots, a long cardigan, and a Tolani and you're pretty much good to go.

I approve: my trusty Riding Boots

My current Mon-Fri schedule requires that I essentially live in black spandex pilates pants, white v-neck Hanes t-shirts, and underarmour. Therefore, I cherish the weekends when I can finally dry my hair, put on some real clothes, and LOOK HOT to go out. For days like this (slushy snow, 28 degrees) there's nothing more comforting than capping a killer outfit with the perfect leather boots.

I have approved riding boots ever since I bought my first pair almost 2 years ago. Secretly, I hope they never go out of style, and for practicality reasons, I doubt they will. The reason I am re-approving these now is because they are both stylish, comfortable AND, most importantly, WARM. (To up the warmth factor even more, I sometimes wear wool socks inside my boots when I go out...those stumbles from the bars downtown to my west campus home in the early morn are pretty chilly.) Boots are also a wonderful alternative to heels. I already don't trust myself to teeter on 4" stilleto heels, let alone trust my inebriated self. Boots, flat or heeled, are a lot easier on those precious ankles, plus they keep your calves a lot warmer if you opt for tights. (don't get me started, I could blog all-night long about tights, I love them so much.)

My particular pair of riding boots are Franco Sarto, purchased for half their obnoxous $400 asking price from the magical Nordstrom Rack (which has a HUGE selection of Joe's Jeans, if you're in the market) in Schaumburg, Illinois. THE name, however, in leather riding boots has to be Frye. They are available at almost all large department stores, specialty boutiques -think activeendeavors.com, shopbop.com, urbanoutfitters.com- and of course, fryeboots.com. (their engineer style is featured to the right)

"The Frye Company is the oldest continuously operated shoe company in the United States. The Company was founded in 1863 by John A. Frye, a well to do shoemaker from England. John A. Frye ran the business for nearly 50 years. After his death in 1911, his family continued to run the company until 1945.

Frye products have a long and illustrious history; Frye boots were worn by soldiers for both sides of America's Civil War, soldiers in the Spanish- American war, and for Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders. When home-steading drew adventurous New England families to the West during the mid and late 1800's many of the pioneers wore Frye Boots for the long journey.

Frye's current Harness Boots are rooted in tradition and continue to draw influence from the Cavalry. In 1938, on a trip to Washington, D.C., John A. Frye's grandson and namesake met a U.S. Navy Admiral who confided that he had trouble finding the Wellington style he liked so much. As a favor, John agreed to make him a pair. Frye continued to fill requests for these boots through the second World War. During World War II, Frye supplied thousands of servicemen with Frye's Wellingtons, known as Jet Boots, by mail order . Jet Boots traveled the world on feet of U.S. servicemen during the war. Even General Patton wore a pair.

In the 1960's, Frye reintroduced the Campus Boot, from its 1860
original, featuring a bulky toe and chunky heel that came to epitomize the attitude and the style of the 60's and 70's. There was nothing like the "new" Frye Boot on the market, and consumers began to demand "Original Frye's." When searching for items to represent the America of the 60's, the Smithsonian Institute chose a pair of Frye Boots, which remain on display today.

Today Frye's classic Harness Boot holds a place in American culture.
The Harness Boot has been pictured in fashion spreads internationally and enjoys strong sales in the United States, Europe and Japan." (fryeboots.com)

These Frye Sunny Tall Cuff Boots, from Urban Outfitters, rock. Butter yellow is my favorite color, and combining it with soft leather is like having the perfect purse on your feet- ie: Ambika's Kooba butter yellow bag...mmmm

Sweet. For a more updated version of the riding boot, however, you could opt for different material, like suede, or a more slouchy look. Micheal Kors combined both of these in his MICHAEL Michael Kors Harness Slouch Boot, currently sold out here. Keep checking though, maybe they'll get more in soon.

Chinese Laundry makes a fabulous tall suede boot in a variety of colors as well...it's quickly becoming a classic. I, personally, adore the grey (DON'T COPY ME) but the red and plum are equally fierce. These boots are a bit more attainable as far as prices go, $99 compared to Frye, Kors, and Jeffrey Campbell's prices that are usually upwards of $200.

Okay, I need to stop with all the riding boot talk, my trusty Chestnut Sundance II Uggs (boots with da furrrrr) are getting jealous.