Seriously, what is it with American Apparel?

I have an unhealthy obsession.
My AA count:
3 basic v-neck cotton t's in black, white, heather grey
2 basic hoodies in sunshine & red (the red has still not arrived but i LIVE in the yellow)
1 polyester microfiber tulip skirt in navy
1 double-breasted cardigan in sahara w/ black buttons

and i continually lust after the cardigans. the orchid/charcoal striped one in particular keeps calling my name... and the basic baby rib cardi, or even the shag one.
i'm also dying for a whole set of their light thermals in fluorescent colors (and it's spring.. weird) and the infamous, amazing skater dress. someday i will have it in peach!what is this strange infatuation with a website that screams semi-porn and a company that mass produces basic things that are decidedly overpriced? it seems really emblematic of my generation, or perhaps just my location and my generation, but i swear the more i buy the more i am obsessed and i see everyone else just as infatuated as i am. i don't think of it as a social movement or anything but it has a sense of meaning - sex really sells, we're all done with the logo craze, we want to buy USA-made things without being overly patriotic.
i think we like the way its subversive and kinda creepy and edgy but safely mainstream. and wearable. no one ever says enough about how important it is for something to be wearable.

LookBook: MixMatch

This little vintage-y slip skirt came with a new dress, and I just had to try it out on its own. This is everything wrong - heather grey, cream lace, mustard leather, wood orange, brown - and even a mix of silver and gold accents. But. I kinda like it...

Shirt: American Apparel
Skirt: Odd Molly Uncorporated
Belt: The Jack Rabbit Collection
Shoes: Kork-Ease
Bag: B. Makowsky

and the slip skirt had an adorable waist detailing (although it's a bit big so it looks odd all hoisted up high, but i would try it with a more feminine skirt/shoe combo)

Oh, to be a sailor...

Everyone has a different "nautical" sailor style - some like the stripes, others go for the Peter Pan collar, and everyone piles on the navy and white. And I love classic nautical, too - there's nothing wrong with a sailor dress and brass buttons. But this is what I'd do:

Marc by Marc Jacobs Glitter Dot Jersey Dress
$298 at shopbop (of course)
(Probably the most wearable dress ever)

Pour La Victoire Dominique Woven Platform Sandal
$226 at shopbop
Marc by Marc Totally Turnlock Teri Bag
$428 at shopbop

ok, this shoe/bag combo is pretty much perfect in my book - similar color range but just off-matching enough that it seems thrown together and not over-analyzed. plus, with the dress it brings an earthy edge.

and the jacket was the hardest part to find. i wanted hot pink, but this bright poppy was the best i could find... alternatively muddy brown patent would be neat. with the dress i think you either go loose/sloppy or structured in a bomber-y way so as to not look too prim-proper-perfect.
Monrow Sweater Jacket
$209 at shopbop

And voilá... edgy sailor, thanks to Marc by Marc. perfect for your summer cruise or just dreaming of the salty seas.

Brunch in Town

Sunday brunch with the girls, involving huge omelettes and lots of cornbread. Followed by brief shopping... It was rather cool out, but sunny, so I had to do the between-seasons mix and match.
(Pose is a bit awkward, sorry).

Dress: Michael Stars
Boots: Corso Como
Belt: Abercrombie & Fitch
Bag: Hobo International

LookBook: Beach Ball

Please excuse the fire alarm accessory...
This was my outfit for a recent formal beach-themed event.
Dress: Nicole Miller
Shoes: Enzo Anglioni
Necklace: unknown

The shoes were surprisingly comfortable - I lasted for about 3 hours of steady dancing before succumbing to the appeal of bare feet.
And the dress was so light and whispery soft.

This would be fabulous evening wear for tromping around a seaside town in Portugal, don't you think?

Final Sale AND Fabulous

So the name is a bit scary, but this Rachel Pally Batwing Mini Dress in its soft navy color with silver etching definitely does not frighten, especially when coupled with a price tag of $66.60, down from $220 (at shopbop).
It's honestly adorable, promises to be comfy (Rachel Pally's jersey is tops), and isn't even reminiscent of jazzercise wear (which is the line that Pally sometimes crosses). The loose cowl neck screams sophistication and class.
Plus, it's versatile. Tights or bare legs, silver pumps or even sandals - they would all perfect the look. It is begging for an oversized clutch and charming outerwear, too.
I can see it nonchalantly sightseeing in France with some serious sunglasses and fierce footwear.

Dresses for Now & Later

This is one of those perfect dresses.

Alice + Olivia
Patent Band Mod Shift Dress; $330 at shopbop.com

It is body-conscious but fashion-forward. It is black but not basic. It is short but not revealing. It is demure but not conservative. Neither have I failed to notice that it is the perfect transitional piece; with tights, patent pumps (maybe in a bright color, á la Proenza), and a peacoat, you have exceptional winter wear; with bare legs, some nude peep-toes, and a sleek set of lucite bracelets you have the chic downtown spring look.

Fashion Week Favorites

Fashion Week has dwindled down. But still! A girl can dream...


So! One of my favorites, I have to say, is BCBG Max Azria. The cohesiveness - from the belts to the muted color palette - is just plain gorgeous. It may be safe, but it is stylishly wearable.

BCBG Max Azria

Next up: Proenza Schouler. Love the color combos, really rich and moody and complex... And the bright shoes just, really, make everything right.

Proenza Schouler

And also, a big swoon over Oscar de la Renta. I think it's in the fabrics, and the rich luxury of the colors, and the deliciously feminine silhouettes.

Oscar de la Renta

Finally, the return of Hervé Leger. It got mixed reviews, but the style is so iconic and so conscious of curves and beauty... it just makes me want to go on a liquid diet. And find some hips.

Hervé Leger

All runway photos from http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2008/fall/.