American Apparel

It has to be said that, even with the slightest glance at the garmentry in the window, I knew American Apparel would have something for me. I’m not big into brands, just as I tend to like my one-​off purchases, but everyone needs a staple to rely on and this place might just fit in.
So, firstly –some of my favourite tops are from here. Leotards, to be precise, but they go with virtually everything I wear! Be it a full length vintage A-​Line skirt, or just some casual skinny jeans. Perfect. Secondly, if you’re looking for something a bit more ‘showy’ there are plenty of special things to browse in here. Everything from fancy pants, sporty wear, velvet dresses and beyond — they have range. It’s mostly, in my opinion, stylish and slick.
Why not the whole 5 stars? Well, with brand comes price, and whilst I don’t mind paying for quality I think some of it is a tad high. For my two leotards I think I paid about £50+, which is a lot of money. In terms of wear, I’ve certainly gotten my moneys worth, as I do wear them a lot, but one has already started to develop a few holes in — and I’ve had them for a few months. Not so good. (Of course, it could be general usage, but at about £25+ I’d hoped they might last at least a year?!)
Regardless, I have been back and bought more bits, since they’re addictively cool. I’ve my eye on the long skirts at the moment so I may just have to treat myself come pay day… Staff are grand, the store is laid out really well, and the rest-​well. You can glean that from the eye catching displays.

Leeds clearly needed an American Apparrel long ago, what with all those skinny jeans, ugg boots and silly haircuts floating around the place. I love this shop because it unashamedly loves the ‘80s look and finally the people of Leeds can get on board! I first encountered it when a friend had an ’80’s themed party and casually whipped out a gold leotard, from American Apparel. Obvs.
They sell quality clothes, from the basic fashion needs (plain t-​shirts and and black leggings) to the ridiculous (re: gold leotard). If you love leggings then get down here as there are many colours to choose from and they even come is shiny material. There is a ‘dance’ section where you can not only get leotards but also leg warmers. At the moment I love the tight, short, plain and backless dress but haven’t decided if I am brave enough to wear it out. What I also love about this shop is that there isn’t an excess of useless floral bits of material floating around. Everything is sharp, bold and cool.

AMERICAN APPAREL IS HERE!
Finally Leeds has its very own American Apparel. No longer do you have to constantly order your leggings, salt n pepper hoodies and barrel bags from the website.
Famous for their sexually charged advertising campaigns, fashion basics and downtown LA factory, American Apparel is everything us fashionistas in Leeds city centre have been craving for. AA offers a little piece of LA for everyone, whether its some jogging bottoms for the gym or some high waisted leggings to top your outfit off, they have it all. Prices are high but just remember this isn’t your run of the mill, everything is manufactured in their downtown LA factory and this is medium-​high end fashion guys!
I live and breath American Apparel in fact my whole wardrobe is AA, this shop opening is a god send, it will be the mecca of all places to shop in Leeds. Its by far one of the hottest places to open in a long time. Perfectly located on Briggate opposite Victoria Quarter this is one shop you won’t want to leave out of your shopping trip, even if it is just to look at their amazing array of leggings.
The store is opening in April and i suggest you get down to American Apparel to buy some essential fashion basics to be bang on trend. Become part of a fashion revolution! Expect to see student nights from AA in the future, they hold events with up to 30% off fashion essentials.