If you have to buy 1 thing this winter, it should be this…

Oversized knit sweaters!

Bundeling up in way too big comfy knit sweaters is no longer something you have to do in the privacy of your own home. And thank god because it’s going to be a cold winter! Whether it’s a cream colored cable knit cardigan or a dark fleece pullover, all over-sized sweaters are welcome this winter. Fashion can be comfy and warm too!

And if you’re feeling daring, you can even borrow your boyfriends…

Urban Oufitters

Top Shop

American Apparel

American Apparel’s Harsh Beauty Guidelines

I just read an interesting article on TheCut that talked about the strict guidelines that American Apparel has for recruiting and employees. Having worked and interviewed at many retail stores, American Apparel was the only one where I had to have my picture taken for the application process. Apparently your physical appearance has to be approved by a few people before you can be considered for the job. After reading the guidelines of what American Apparel is looking for – I am still baffled about why I didn’t get the job (the only retail job I didn’t get!) – my hair is natural, I never wear a lot of black eyeliner… perhaps it was my perplexed look when they asked to take my picture…

Here are a few of the guidelines:

• a) Makeup is to be kept to a minimal- please take this very seriously. Liquid eyeliner, pencil eyeliner and eyeshadow are advised against; mascara must look very natural (ie. should not be clumpy or a color that does not compliment your skin and haircolor). Blush must not be overdone- should not have glitter or sparkles. Liquid foundation is prohibited (undereye concealer is understandable if it looks natural- ie. not clumpy or caked on, must match your skin tone). Please do not use a shiny gloss on your lips; any lipcolor must be subtle.
• b) Eyebrows must not be overplucked. Full eyebrows are very much encouraged. Please do not dye your eyebrows a different color.
• c) We encourage long, healthy, natural hair, so please be advised of the following:
• -Hair must be kept your natural color.
• -Blow-drying hair excessively could cause heat damage, so this is advised against.
• -“Bangs” or “fringe” are advised against. It is not part of the direction we’re moving in.

American Apparel Now Has Nail Polish !!

Anyone that knows me knows how absolutely addicted I am to nail polish and doing my nails. And now, while browsing through AmericanApparel.net, I find out they have their own nail polish line! And the colors are beautiful! (My personal favorites are Office and Mousse). They are only $6 (not bad for nail polish) and come in 3 packs for $15. Needless to say, I will be making my way to American Apparel very shortly…

Uniqlo

Uniqlo is a new store I recently found while strolling through SoHo with 2 friends. They’re all about the basics – every type of shirt, tank top, leggings, skirt, sweater, in every type of color. It’s like a less expensive and less raunchy American Apparel.

They also have great denim too – including boyfriend jeans and denim skirts (in multiple colors). The first time I went there I got a great red cardigan I’m obsessed with and it was definitely under $20.

Although a little overwhelming at first – the one in SoHo is 3 stories and it’s always crowded – it’s so worth it to take your time and look through. You WILL find something. And of course I love American Apparel, but for tanks, you can get the same thing for so much less.

Click here to visit the website.

Ski Masks Fashionable?

I would REALLY love someone to learn how to make ski masks fashionable. Maybe some cool prints? Different fabrics? Sequins? Anything! The weather in Boston has driven me to day dream about covering my head and face in a ski mask. But I am definitely not self-confident enough to walk around the city sporting one. Although it is my secret desire. And I’m sure many others have it too!

If only American Apparel, Urban Outfitters, even Gap could come out with some sort of stylish rendition of the ski mask – my face would no longer freeze to death. Please? Anyone?

American Apparel Has Finally Gone Too Far

Although I LOVE American Apparel, and every pair of leggings I own is from there, I think they have finally pushed the limit.

They just came up with “butt-cheekless” tights. Ok first of all, these tights are completely unnecessary, unless you are an exotic dancer. And therefore, they should be sold in a dirty lingirie shop – not American Apparel.

Also, these are so tacky. Who would really wear these? American Apparel is sadly slowly turning into styling for pornography.

Paris Fashion: American Apparel Sweatshirt

If you are a boy living in Paris, it is mandatory that you own one of these American Apparel Hoodies, or so I have learned. Almost every boy I see here owns one – whether it’s red, purple, blue, gray – you will seem them everywhere!

Note: I love when a boy wears a leather jacket over one of these gray hoodies or a similar looking one.

Erin Lucas for Maxim

Erin Lucas recently posed for Maxim – I couldn’t find a real photo of the spread but here is one picture from the shoot: (taken from http://hills2city.wordpress.com/)

Wouldn’t she make a great American Apparel Model?