Website of the week
If you haven't yet seen this week's New York magazine (it's the fall fashion issue), I'd highly suggest buying it--especially for the article on American Apparel founder Dov Charney. Strangely enough, I've never been in an American Apparel store, but they're popping up all over the city--and, if all goes according to plan--all over the world. Charney seems like an incredibly charismatic guy, and he actually appears to have moral and ethical standards: American Apparel products are manufactured in downtown Los Angeles by workers who are paid up to $18 per hour and receive benefits like health and dental insurance, free English classes, and free checking accounts. (This is in comparison to most garment workers, who probably live in China or Honduras, make 20 cents an hour, and work in poor conditions.) American Apparel also offers a line called Sustainable Edition, made from 100% organic cotton.

As for the online store, think C&C for the masses. The merchandise is basic--tees, tanks, shorts, undies, pants, and skirts, all knits--but stylish and extremely affordable. There's the Classic Girl line for, well, girls; Standard American is for guys; and Classic Baby is for the wee ones. The best-selling Classic Girl Short Sleeve T-Shirt is a mere $15; the Thick Knit Jersey Skirt is $18; the Loop Terry Zip Jogger and matching Lounge Pants are $70 combined (that's half the price of a Juicy tracksuit); and the Thong is a mere $9. You can even treat your puppy to a Baby Rib Dog T for $14. Shipping for orders over $100 is free (otherwise, shipping is $7). If you'd prefer to visit the actual stores, they're at 183 E. Houston (Orchard St.), 373 6th Ave. (Waverly Pl.), 712 Broadway (8th St.), and 121 Spring St. For more inspiration, read the New York article.