Fashion Soapbox: Trovata vs. Forever 21

(shirts in top row are Forever21 bottom row is Trovata)

The fashion sites are all abuzz about Trovata’s lawsuit against Forever 21 for copyright infringement. Now let me say this copying off someone’s paper in class, stealing from the store is wrong, but the essence of most fashion is “the trend” we tend to see many top name designers with similar looks for a season in different fabrications i.e. The Harem Pant, Big Shoulder Pads, Leggings, Ripped Jeans etc. In the case of Trovata and Forever 21 well the picture is worth a thousand words, and as much as I want to slap Forever 21 for straight up knocking a look off on the hand I just can’t. While there may be a moral issue here and Forever 21 is clearly in the wrong in that reagard legally I think they are home free. The copyright laws are clear they protect orginal prints and graphics ( so you t-shirt designers please have rights!).It’s also clear there is nothing orginal about various striped fabrics or mismatched buttons ( it's been done!). What's really making me angry and is just as bad as Forever 21 "stealing" a look is how designer companies like Trovata steal from the consumer. IT'S THE SAME MATERIAL people! I'm unwilling to accept the arguement that some people use to defend design houses "they don't use sweat shops" or "they pay a fair living wage" ( the fact is a lot of more exspensive brands do use sweatshops) because companies like American Apparel don’t use sweatshops and have living wages and do so without marking up the price of a product 500%.

photo cred:Courtesy Photo

B.A. Style "Steal" of the Day: Scoop Neck Pocket Tee

I love my American Apparel, and Urban Outfitters brand basic tees, but in this economy why pay $16.00, $19.00, $24.00 for a tee when you can get one for $6.80. Yes the Scoop Neck Pocket Tee from Forever 21 is basically 7 bucks (the v neck version w/o a pocket is $4.80). Don’t let the small price tag fool you these tees survive multiple washings, and the cotton is a perfect weight not see through paper thin or wintery thermal thick. The color selection online is limited, so head to your local mall if you want to pick up a few. Happy Shopping!

photo cred: Forever 21

Look of the Week: The New Hippie Chic

Viscose Dolman Sleeve T $32.00 American Apparel

Tie Dye Interlock Pencil Skirt $36.00 American Apparel

Marley $59.95 Baker's Shoes

Sneak Peek: Sweetheart Two-Tone Mini Dress

This is a really cute dress, which makes it hard for me to believe that it’s from American Apparel. Don’t get me wrong I love AA I have tons of stuff from them, but I typically like their basic i.e. jackets, and tees. I have been disappointed in the past with the fit of some of the dresses, they are usually way too short/too tight or a combination of short/tight. This dress or at least the picture of this dress is giving me a little hope( it's still a little short though). The sweetheart neckline is universally flattering, the sheer area gives it just enough style, and the overall look manages to be modest, but sexy all at once. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that when I try it on that it's as flattering as it is on the model.
Bad news it, it’s not out yet this is just a sneak peek.

photo cred: American Apparel

UPDATE: The dress is avalible now!

Breaking Fashion News (Update): AA to do Shoes?

Remember in the summer how I mentioned that American Apparel was going to start “doing” shoes well there hereeeeeeeee! I’m not that enthused about the current selection ( 3 so far), but if AA plans to do shoes like they do leggings, and comfy t shirts I’m sure some great selections are coming our way!



AA Shoe Debut by bastylefilegirl


Hartwick Skimmer Shoe- $97.00
Meg 2-Eye Oxford - $55.00
Victoria Tapestry Shoes - $45.00

"High" Fashion: Disco Pants

AA got it so right with the throwback look of it'sSatin Charmeuse Night Jacket but these pants are oh so bad! Don’t get me wrong, I actually like the shiny leggings and funky alternative leg wear but the Disco Pant not so much. It’s not that I totally hate the pants, it’s just well they are basically skin tight shiny nylon jeans that happened to be way overpriced at 90 dollars. One reviewer even mention that “it is like swimsuit material”…really and who wants to wear pants that look/ feel like a swimsuit? American Apparel I usually love your kooky, off kilter stuff, but seriously 100 dollar Sandra Dee Pants and it’s not Halloween is not a good look! “ You’re the one that I want oh oh ohhhhhh”

Style Note: Weird thing is Karla from Karla’s Closet actually makes them look cute???

photo cred: American Apparel

Style File Find of the Week: Satin Charmeuse Night Jacket

Move over Members Only there is a new retro jacket in town! The Satin Charmeuse Night Jacket by American Apparel is super cute, but a warning you have to have a shiny personality to pull it off! I really love this jacket, it’s simple in its bomber style, but the fabric is what takes this plain structure to the next level. To avoid looking to costumey I would avoid any other “shiny” clothing while wearing this statement piece. Another thing I like about this jacket is that it’s a perfect leather jacket substitute (it comes in black) I mean everyone has a leather jacket now a days, but who has a satin night jacket? And for such a statement piece with eye catching potential $45 dollars is not that much to spend on it. Of course I want more than one so I’ll have to decide which one to buy first!

photo cred: American Apparel

Style File Holiday Gift Guide: American Apperal

Finally American Apparel has done it they have created a "wishlist" function for the online store. Better late than never I say, but I'm sure you'll have to hurry up to create yours if you plan on getting anything before the Holiday! Here's my actual wishlist ( well most of it):

Cotton Spandex Jersey Contrast-V Bodysuit Size: MColor: Black

Unisex Shiny Wind Breaker Size: SColor: Lamé Black

Shiny Legging Size: MColor: Lamé Black

Unisex Helvetica Alphabet T-Shirt Size: SColor: White / Black Kk

Unisex Tri-Blend Long Sleeve V-Neck Size: SColor: Athletic Grey

photo cred: American Apparel

Accessory Find of the Week: Zoe Split Sunglasses

Yeah I know it’s winter, but I live in the Bay Area and it was actually warm last Friday, and we all know the sun will occasionally come out during California “winters”. That being said I of course couldn't resist the spectacular Zoe Split Sunglasses from American Apparel. Talk about shades of Mary Kate Olsen * cough* Chanel clearly making these glasses for the brave fashionista. The darkest part of the lens is insanely dark so don’t plan on doing any extensive driving in them, these little babies are all about fashion not function and isn't that sometimes how we like it? I have to say with the economy they are a little pricey at $75 bucks, but the frames are optical quality, and the lens style is unique and compared to the throw away 18 buck sunglasses and the designer brand sunglasses that are up to 200 dollars plus this is a happy medium.

photo cred: American Apparel

Style File Find of the Week: California Fleece Tulip Skirt

As some of you may have figured out by now, I’m not an ultra feminine dresser. Although I fawn over some dresses every now and then I rarely wear them, however I have started to really like skirts. The tulip shaped skirt is one skirt style in particular that I love love love, and American Apparel has come out with it’s version well that makes me DIE (thank Rachel Zoe for that new catchphrase I love so much). The California Fleece Tulip Skirt is well, fleece meaning it’s warm for this upcoming fall/winter, perfect for layering (pull out those tights), and ultra casual. Secondly the tulip shape is perfect for any lady, for those of use who are slender in the hip area it creates curves, and for those ladies who don’t like their upper thigh area it hides/camouflage and please don’t ask me how it does both, it just does! The only draw back is it’s currently only available in two shades of gray (Asphalt and Slate), but if you know AA then you know it will probably be available in at least 5 more colors soon.

photo cred: American Apparel

Accessory Find of the Week: Fine Jersey Circular Scarf

Remember a couple years back Mary-Kate, and Ashley made the eternity scarf so famous, well it’s back! I’ve seen them at Urban Outfitters and little hole in the wall shops, but the one I love the most is the one by American Apparel. The Fine Jersey Circular Scarf is fun, casual, and cotton jersey which equals no itchy neck for those who are sensitive to wool and cheap acrylic! This scarf is especially great for the Bay Area lady, since it doesn’t get terribly cold during the winter the cotton jersey acts as the perfect lightweight removable turtleneck to add to any winter wardrobe. The scarf is available in the timeless colors of black, grey ( slate), and navy and are prices at 28 bucks a piece.

P.S. It’s unisex, so you can buy your guy one for the holidays and just steal it from him :D

photo cred: American Apparel

Style File Find of the Week: Matte Faux Leather Hoody

I can’t lie I am that girl who foams at the mouth over Mike and Chris leather jackets dying to have one, but I am also that girl who works 8 hours a day 5 days a week and blogs as a hobby. So you know that means that I can’t afford to drop 800 plus dollars on a jacket no matter how wonderful! American Apparel must have heard the cries of me and many women like me who love fashion, but can’t always afford it because they now have the Matte Faux Leather Hoody. This jacket gives you a Mike and Chris style with the “leather hoody” but at a lower price point of 60 dollars (a steal). Another other good thing is vegans/PETA supporters etc, can wear this jacket too. Environmental/Socially conscious fashionista can also feel comfortable in the jacket (and all AA apparel) knowing that it is made in the USA in vertically integrated factory, that pays a fair living wage to all workers. The jacket is currently available in black but if you are a devoted AA shopper, then you also know that there are bound to be more fun/funky colors to come, and I’ll keep you posted!



P.S. You can also check out this jacket at Urban Outfitters for a more literal Mike and Chris look.

photo cred: American Apparel

Breaking Fashion News: AA to do Shoes?

WHAT?!!!

Source

Sneak Peek: AA Nylon Tricot Zipper Leggings

Yeap the obsession continues. Remember all the drama behind my Knock it off: LnA Vs. Royal Bohemian post, then you also remember me saying “I personally am going to keep waiting until the zipper leggings go on sale or someone else makes a more reasonably priced version hint hint American Apparel.” I’m not sure if someone at American Apparel is reading my blog, but they have gone above and beyond my legging hopes and dreams, and are coming out with the Nylon Tricot Zipper Leggings. And leave it to AA to do it like no other company before them, their zippers go all the way from the waist down to the ankle and I have to say out of all the zipper leggings ( Lindsay Lohan’s, LnA’s, and Royal Bohemian’s) I have seen they have done them the best. Unfortunately they are still on the coming soon page, so I’m unsure of the price or when they will become available, but rest assure I’ll keep you updated.

Update: Now avalible online check them out here

Photo Cred: American Apparel

Style File Find of the Week: American Apparel Le Sac Dress

Let me give credit where credit is due American Apparel is refusing to be held in the the t-shirts, and basics box that is been placed in for so long and is coming up with some new looks. I noticed a couple of items from American Apparel actually having a pattern and that’s a shocker! AA is also coming up with a little more fashion forward looks as well, my favorite being the Le Sac Dress, which much like AA’s bandeau dresses can be worn in a multitude of ways (my favorites are looks 1 and 6). The price is 32 bucks which is pennies because technically its 7 outfits not one. Bay Area ladies can check at American Apparel’s San Francisco or Berkeley locations or buy directly online.

Update: Now AA offers Le Strings for the Le Sac Dress to add even more variety!

Accessory Find of the Week: Shiny Stirrup Tights

I may have mislabeled these gems, because American Apparel’s Shiny Stirrup Tights are much more than an accessory. What better way to be on the cutting edge of the hosiery trend for fall ( because tights are back) by adding the twist of stirrups and some shimmer. I personally love the red which are just stunning, the black is a staple, and the royal blue well they are mesmerizing. The tights would look prefect accompanying those open toe booties you have or have been lusting after, or even the open toed oxfords that are becoming so popular. And how can I forget the shimmer that highlights the tights which makes it a no brainer for nighttime wear. There are 11 colors (so far) to choose from and they are priced at $14.00 dollars so what are you waiting for?

photo cred: American Apparel

Look of the Week: All Zipped Up

Jacket: Twelve By Twelve ( Forever 21)
Tank: American Apparel Sheer Jersey Racerback Tank Blouse
Purse: Woven Oversized Clutch
Jeans: 4 Stroke Clutch Jean

Shoptalk: California Select

photo cred: California Select

American Apparel has done it again, no no no not creep you out with some of the underage looking models in soft core porn poses. American Apparel has lunched their own very vintage ebay site called California Select. The store is filled with one of the trends of the moment gear from the 1980’s as well as many other decades past. I have to give AA a hand on the eclectic selections made by their “tastemakers” (I could run with the use of the term tastemakers but I’m not) picking items like a 60’s floral dress to 70’s disco jumpsuit. Hell, what would you expect from the store that brought you high waisted silver lamé leggings? California Select items are also available in store at limited locations (sorry no NoCal locations) with plans to open a non ebay online store in the future but for now you can take a risk and place a bid!