American Apparel Dodges Bankruptcy (or Coutura Continues Her Love Affair with the Brand)

I was devastated by news that one of my favorite stores, American Apparel, was going bankrupt. And confused - how is that possible when atleast 60% of my modest web reporter paycheck goes to the company? I had to do some investigating to find out the truth.

After harassing several American Apparel salesclerks who insisted they had no idea whether the company would shut down or lay them off (similar to the surprise Ferocia experienced when she was laid off from her job...recession blues), I turned to the web. Here's what I found out via WWD:

Their lender, Lion Capital will revive the company provided that American Apparel makes $20 million in earnings by January 31, 2011. They will have to make $80 million by 2013. This shouldn't be a problem considering all the money I give them for basics, dresses (black/neon below at an '80's costume party, red at the office when I should've been working), swimsuits and leggings (that I share with Solange above).

Lion Capital says they love that the label, run by Dov Charney, is 'made in America' and employs 7,000 Los Angeles workers...in addition to sales reps across the country.

Do you think they can do it? Do you care? Do you want to see AA go? Discuss.

Kisses,

Coutura

WOULD YOU WEAR?: The Peek-a-Boo Bra Trend PLUS Bra Do's and Don'ts

Don't worry. We're not talking about pulling a Lady Gaga and hitting the streets in a coat and see-through underwear. The new bra trend certainly leaves little to the imagination, but it is a (bit) more demure and covered up than that.

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've spotted starlets like Sarah Jessica Parker, Janet Jackson and Letoya Luckett letting their bra show freely under sheer and lace blouses.

The trend is not for everyone. No matter how stylish or sexy, some ladies have a problem revealing their underwear. (Though in defense of the trend, I would say, a bra is better than nothing.)

Where do I stand? Well, I'm not completely against the look, when it's done right. But unless it's ultra sophisticated (like Janet) or tastefully sexy (like Letoya), it can look tackier than ever.

Check out the celebs who dared to bare their bra, and scroll down for tips:

Posing alongside former Destiny's Child member, Kelly Rowland, Letoya Luckett lets her bra peek out beneath her sheer and leather dress.

Flaunting her new haircut, Janet's lacy, gray bra adds a feminine flair to her sheer top. 

Leighton Meester gets daringly sexy with a lace turtleneck and pants, with a simple black bra underneath.

Gwen Stefani makes the look casual with red bra under a slouchy top and pants. The pop of color is perfect for her look.

Katie Holmes leaves little to the imagination under a sheer t-shirt. The look is simple yet sexy.

If you're the kind of daring sex kitten who'd love to show a little lingerie, the following tips are a must:

-This is the most important tip of all. If you're showing your bra, please for the love of God let it be a decent bra. Liza Minnelli's strapless bra was all function, no fashion (only the first of her many offenses in that outfit). Not something you want to incorporate into your outfit.

- Make sure you have the right fit. Sarah Jessica Parker's bra was an epic fail because, well, her boobs didn't look pretty. Since you are putting so much emphasis on your girls, make sure they look perky.   And beware: this trend is not for everyone. Too much cleavage can make you look like you should be in a Playboy ad. Not good, unless that was your intention. Wink.

-When it comes to the Peek-a-Boo bra trend, the operative word is..."Peek." Wearing your bra completely out is not the idea, but showing a hint of lingerie is both subtle and sexy. Though she's adorable, Zoe Saldana's look is a bit much to hit the town in. When rocking this trend, remember to cover up, if only slightly.

- Your bra is not merely a part of your outfit, it is the focal point. So it's no longer there just to support your girls, it's there for style. Go for pretty lace numbers or pops of color that add some flair to your look. Here are some chic bras that are just too pretty to be hidden:

More Elle Macpherson...

With these tips, would you participate in the new Peek-a-Boo bra trend? 


Kisses,


Coutura

WOULD YOU WEAR?: Underwear as Outerwear?

It's the new rage.

Corsets, slips and lace worn as everyday clothes.

On the plus side, the trend saves YOU money. A lace top, for example, is a piece you can wear under your clothes one day and as the highlight of your outfit the next.

The counterargument is, well, you're rocking your drawers out in public.

My opinion? I'm all for the underwear as outerwear look. Like any good thing (i.e. Louboutins, chocolate, candy), the trend is better in moderation. If you wear head-to-toe lace, you look like a Burlesque dancer, a stripper or Lady Gaga.

But by pairing a corset with a blazer or a lace top with a circle skirt. you achieve the perfect balance of sultry and sophisticated.

When worn the right away, this trend gives your everyday look the most alluring hint of sexiness.

Scroll below for celebrities that get the look RIGHT and some options to nail the trend in your everyday wardrobe:

Rihanna pairs a corset with leggings and a baggy white shirt.

A blazer and boyfriend jeans tone down Eve's racy black and sheer corset.

Don't you just love Zoe Saldana? She's so chic! Here, she lets her bra peek out of her demure button-down shirt and pencil skirt.

What's sexier and more romantic than lace? Leighton Meester pairs her see-through lace turtleneck with a pair of loose-fitting pants.

Fitted pants and a blazer are the perfect accents to LaLa's baby blue corset top. Adorable!

Check out some Glamazon-approved underwear as outerwear pieces from American Apparel, ASOS and more!

More Asos...

Would you wear the look? Discuss.

Kisses,

Coutura

Swim 2010.

American Apparel

In preparing for my travels I went swimwear shopping, I love buying bikinis. Fitting into various shapes and styles is not an issue for me, unlike some of my friends who struggle, and are forced into shops and styles they would rather not go into. I purchased in my first shop in H&M. Hot baby pink and bright royal blue stripes, with a rouch in the centre of the top, at £7.99 a piece I couldnt resist. I dont need bikinis I just adore them, i have millions, but the fact is you associate them with holiday, and your probably had the best time on holiday, so theres just too many good connotations attached! Here is what else I found whilst shopping...

H&M, Topshop and Agent Provocateur.

Would you wear...Solange and my two-toned leggings?

Lindsay Lohan has an entire leggings brand. Laquan Smith's cut-out leggings are a celeb favorite. And jeggings (jean leggings) are flying off the shelves. Take one guess what the trend of the winter is.

And leggings aren't going anywhere soon. Designers are coming up with innovative ways to keep the trend going, from graffiti and spray-painted designs to two-toned leggings. And I just have to buy every last design! (I'm a leggings fanatic.)

My latest purchase was a pair of two-toned leggings from American Apparel. The front part is black and white striped and the back is pure black. Cat-in-the-hat meets Rhythm Nation.

When I bought them, Ferocia told me, she likes them for me but wouldn't be able to pull them off herself. Admittedly, I'm drawn to crazy, wild fashions and wear whatever attracts me at the moment (this is why I totally fit in in New York!) so I picked them right up.

Check out Solange and I rocking the American Apparel leggings below. Solange paired them with a white tank and off white blazer. I wore a black tulle, babydoll top under my leather McQ for Target vest.

They retail for $40 at American Apparel stores and on the web.

What do you think? Would you rock them?

Kisses,

Coutura