American Apparel

Influential International Style: M.I.A.

kate napleton on Nov 17, 2009 2:25 PM PST

Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam broke into the music scene in 2004 and is simply impossible to forget, because of her lyrics, both catchy and intense ("All I wanna do is... BANG BANG BANG BANG"), and her unique style. M.I.A. seems to take style inspiration from all areas of her life - whether it's her love of prints coming from her past as a graphic designer, or drawing a love of dyeing techniques from her Sri Lankan decent. Her style is incredibly unique - and she puts things together the way no one else would, with a surprising mix of color, crazy textures and a great love of neon and shiny material. To get even close to M.I.A.'s signature style, you'll have to mix it up - bold bangles with loose-fitting neon shirts over shiny leggings with some bright kicks. Top it off with a hat and you're on your way. Check out my slideshow for some great ideas on how to get started incorporating M.I.A.'s look in to your personal style!

Tags : tye dye , tie dye , style , shiny , american apparel

Find Endless Style In An Infinity Scarf This Fall

Anna Yu on Nov 9, 2009 2:25 PM PST

Fall is my favorite season of the year because I can wear cute boots, peacoats, and scarves galore. However, I have to wait while the fickle San Francisco weather decides whether we're going through one last heat wave or if it's finally going to get chilly. In the mean time, I've been window shopping online for some new scarves. I've got long and short scarves, but don't own any infinity scarves. Also known as circle scarves or loop scarves, these scarves are one big knit ring that you can loop around your neck. Hang it over your neck once like a casual necklace or wrap it around twice (or more) to protect you from the cold. I've found infinity scarves ranging from under $15 to $350! On the lower end, American Eagle has a rugby-inspired Sparkly Striped Circular Scarf you can take to a sporting event or on a day out with friends. If you're looking to splurge, I'm loving the super luxurious Infinity Cashmere Scarf by James Perse. Check out my slideshow for more infinity scarves!

Tags : urban outfitters , style , scarf , roxy , american apparel

Easy Halloween Costume Ideas From American Apparel!

Anna Yu on Oct 22, 2009 4:16 AM PDT

Love them or hate them, American Apparel is probably one of the best places to get your basics. I wear their t-shirts almost everyday but I generally stay away from their more body-conscious (and body baring!) clothes. However, I've found that Halloween is the best time to let loose and go for something you wouldn't wear on the regular basis. American Apparel has a Halloween costume guide every year that includes old standbys like an aerobics getup, Grecian goddess or cabaret dancer. One idea that really stood out for me was dressing like your grandparents and then I also brought together two costume ideas that are more simple and cost-effective. Go as a figure skater with a short dress and leg warmers or as a Parisian in a striped boatneck shirt, skinny pants, and a beret that's worthy of landing you on our favorite street style websites! Check out my slideshow to see how you can win best Halloween costume by going all American (Apparel).

Tags : dress up , costume ideas , costume , american apparel

The American Apparel Flea Market Is Coming To A City Near You!

Lisanne Silverman on Sep 10, 2009 12:44 PM PDT

American Apparel isn't exactly expensive, but sometimes, shelling out upwards of $20 for a plain t-shirt is too much to handle- even if we know we'll wear it to shreds. But $2 t-shirts? That's an entirely different story! The American Apparel Flea Market is on the road now, and if you're lucky, it's headed to a city near you. Prices start at just $2! That's cheap enough to stock up on an entire rainbow of t-shirts, or perhaps prepare for multiple future DIY projects. The market will be at Arizona State University in Tempe today, San Francisco State University on Tuesday the 15th, and three more cities, spanning through the first week in October. The flea market is just for one day in each city, so we'd recommend getting there early unless you feel like chasing them down on their next stop! See the schedule and details on the left, and tell us... will you be stopping by?

Tags : american apparel , basics , deals , fashion

Shop Fall's Hottest Trend And Dare To Bare With Something Sheer!

Anna Yu on Sep 9, 2009 8:19 AM PDT

Sheer clothing always evokes a little bit of the '80s and also seems futuristic at the same time. Clothing with sheer insets and panels is usually considered to be a nighttime kind of outfit, but brands and designers like Alexander Wang and Free People have made sheer clothing a great daytime option too! From tops to even denim, it's easy to find this daring trend. For a subtle sheer look, check out the jersey sheath dress by Maggy London which has small sheer insets around the waistline. If you're feeling a little bolder try the boa burnout sweater by 3.1 Phillip Lim (with a nude bandeau bra underneath). Sheer clothing is definitely very sexy so don't overdo it with a head to toe sheer look. Click on over to my slideshow to see how you can incorporate the sheer trend into your wardrobe!

Tags : trend , style , siwy , sheer , american apparel

Don't You Dare Call These Tees Basic!

Lisanne Silverman on Sep 1, 2009 2:19 PM PDT

We love our basics, we really do... but we'd be lying if we said they were the most exciting things in our closets. Sure, that American Apparel v-neck goes with 18 other outfits (and that's just the grey one) but honestly, it's kind of boring on its own, right? Why not swap out those boring basics with tees that have just a little something extra? Tiny embellishments transform plain tees from reliable standbys to fashionable favorites in their own right, and they're just as versatile as ever. Take this jersey tank from Casual Couture by Green Envelope- from the front, it's a simple, well-cut top, but the back features an exposed zipper that will add a little edge to any outfit. The pearl tee from Sauce is a girly spin on everyone's favorite slouchy pocket tee, and J. Crew's jeweled tissue tee practically has a statement necklace built in and would look perfect paired with everything from scruffy boyfriend jeans to a polished skirt and blazer. See the slideshow for your new favorite basics!

Tags : young fabulous and broke , top , tees , t shirt , american apparel