Aimee in America | GH Gatsby

Hey Fashionable Dudes&Bettys!

...I had that familiar conviction that life was begining over again with summer

1. Even GH ♥'s Gatsby.. Gilly Hicks Gatsby tees (left, middle, right). All with shine details. These tees make cute references to the fabulous film, like GH had done for "Mean Girls" a month or so ago.

2. And of course more glam sparkle.. A&F Shine Detail Skirts. The Natalie Shine is a sweet eyelet skirt with beaded embellishment and sequin at the hem. The Alexis Shine sparkles with all-over sequin. And the Molly Shine has a subtle all-over floral pattern with hidden gold foil floral detail on the interior.

3. And yummy fragrance.. A&F Wesgate Prep Body Mist&Lotion. Fragrance of orange zest, sugar crystal (like rock candy), and vanilla blossom with undertones of raspberry&cream and sandalwood&amber.

Happy Weekend,
Stay Fabulous&FIERCE!
xoxo Aimee ♥

Aimee in America | Fabulous Holiday Fashion

Hey Fashionable Dudes&Bettys!

Great Gatsby has finally premiered here in the States. And finals week for universities/other schools are finishing or will be within a month. So I think we can officially start Summer!

1. The Mia and Jody Lace Dresses (US$78). The Mia in both white and navy has all-over floral patern. And the Jody Lace has all-over lace

2. Skinny Leather Belt (US$28).

3. Pretty Summer Scarf and Cute Vintage Scarf (US$34). The pretty summer scarf has cute tassels and a mixed plaid pattern. And the cute vintage scarf is an infinity scarf with a mixed floral and stripe pattern.

4. Kitteredge Prep Body Lotion and Body Mist (US$15 / 2 for US$20). Fragrance of peach, freesia, and blonde woods with undertones of apple, kiwi, jasmine, and vanilla.

Happy Weekend,

Stay Fabulous&FIERCE!

xoxo Aimee ♥

IG @bowsandbeau_ties

Aimee in America! | Crazy into Floral

Hey Fashionable Dudes&Bettys!

If you follow me over at Bows&Beau-ties, you know I'm crazy into the floral trend this spring. So I searched Abercrombie for even more floral and found these...

Womens | Quinn Skirt (US$48)

Sheer (with an 'underskirt' underneath of course!), light, and fun. The navy one has a pink/purple floral and leaf pattern and the white one has a red/blue floral and leaf pattern. Wear with- a white lace top. or denim/chambray crop top, but you all know how I am about denim tops.

Mens | Lake Arnold Swim (US$50)

Classic 9" inseam board short with vintage floral pattern. Both red and blue with white print and lace up closure. Wear with- killer abs. ;)


Happy Weekend,
Stay Fabulous&FIERCE!
xoxo Aimee ♥
NEW instagram name (if previously following, don't worry) @BowsandBeau_ties

Aimee in America! | HCo Pre-Summer

Hey Fashionable Dudes&Bettys!

Last weekend, I stopped in at Abercrombie and Hollister. I didn't get anything from A&F this time but the chiffon dresses and Adin Shine tees did look really cute. The playlist was cool; I didn't recognize a couple of them from the A&F club and unfortunately can't find them, so definitely go in to listen. :)

I did shop in Hollister though...

I kept it pretty basic with these dark wash destroyed low rise short-shorts. I think the distressing is the perfect amount with raw hem and hand-done destruction in the front and on the back pockets. Like a lot of HCo's shorts, the inseam is 2". Some in the shorts&swim collection are 2 1/8" or 2 1/2". The midis are a little longer at 3", but it's been jean weather for so long, gotta show some leg this summer. ;) 

I also got a plain white tank, the Swami's Beach Tank. And it's going to be my go-to beach/everywhere tank this summer for sure. I love the easy fit and racer back.

And I got a bright pink bralette (similar to this one). I think it might be the same colour and style I tried back in February (got the navy instead that time) and luckily I found the last one in HCo's clearance. The current prints and bandeaus are cute, but I just love the allover lace including the straps- unlike the similar ones now-  and the lace at the bottom. They're fantastic under sweaters or button downs (or on its own if you're feeling really Fierce).

I actually got to wear my shorts for a couple hours this week, but until the warm weather sticks around, I also picked up the May issue of Surfing at the counter. I could stay in Hollister reading magazines and listening to their playlist all day. 

What do you think of my 'haul'? Have you started shopping for summer holiday yet?

Happy Weekend,

Stay Fabulous&FIERCE!

xoxo Aimee ♥

Follow me on instagram @anfandhcogirl_us

also writing at.. Bows&Beau-ties

Aimee in America | Cute Spring Tee

Hey Fashionable Dudes&Bettys!

This week I found another super cute piece at Abercrombie&Fitch. 

The Adin Shine tee....

omg, so cute.

It comes in three colours- all US$30. I think the grey one is a hedgehog, the white is a puppy, and the third one is a squirrel. What could be more spring than adorable baby animals? They're all easy-fit and have shine logos. As soon as I saw them in the in new arrivals, I thought they would be great with a white anf skirt of mine (a little like the one in the grey tee's photo). I think my go-to though would be dark wash (light wash with the burgandy) super skinnies like these and the single button Pamela Blazer (US$98). And Midi length (3.5" inseam) shorts when it finally gets hot! :)

What do you think of these Adin Shine tees?

Happy Weekend,
Stay Fabulous&FIERCE!
xoxo Aimee ♥
Follow me on instagram @anfandhcogirl_us

Aimee in America! | #SoSpring Chiffon dress

Hey Fashionable Dudes&Bettys!

As you all know chiffon is so spring. And this week; I found another new favourite chiffon piece. Or three...

Totally '<3ing' (loving) the Women's Benni dress (US$68, online exclusive) in all three adorable prints- navy dot, blue floral, turquoise dot. They cinch in at the waist and the straps are adjustable. But my favourite details are the sheerness at the collar and super cute bow and cutout in the back.

Complete the look and take the dress from date to coffee to beach. The vintage trench, Alicia Jacket (US$140, online exclusive), is chic and sweet. The shawl cardigan, Jude Sweater (US$68) is comfy and effortless. And when it's finally hot enough (majorly confusing weather still), leave the jacket and sweater at home and hit the beach with the Straw Beach Bag (US$68).

What do you think of the Benni dress? Let me know in the comments below.

Happy Weekend,

Stay Fabulous&FIERCE!

xoxo Aimee ♥

Follow me on instagram @anfandhcogirl_us

Aimee in America! | Shorts Season

Abercrombie&Fitch S.M Cool Wrap Up (19-30 March)

Hey Fashionable Dudes&Bettys!

Abercrombie&Fitch's collection #AbercrombieHot has gotten even hotter with 'Shorts & Skin'. And I think it's officially shorts season. Just weeks- ok, a couple months- until 'summer nights'.

Like the pre-spring collections, bold colours, prints, and high rise shorts appear in the 'shorts&skin' collection. The betty's collection is full of  low to high rise shorts with embellishments and distressing. While the dude's collection ranges from prep fit, classic fit, and cargo shorts. 

Mens: The Red Prep Fit shorts (US$35, online exclusive) with braided belt are bold and fun for the Summer. The prep fit hits just above the knee. Compared to the vintage washed Lake Arnold shorts, these are nice update. They are majorly hot in red, pink, green, and blue. I'm definitely biased when it comes to pink, but love it on guys. Of course, the red is slightly reminiscent of HCo lifeguard shorts. The Khaki Cargo Shorts (US$40) with 'rugged' belt also hits at the knee. Show off your rugged manly side with worn-in details like "hand-done destruction with nicking and grinding at trims". Classic cargo short details also included- the classic larger cargo pockets and drawstring at the waist. The Navy Classic Fit shorts (US$58) may be one of my favourites with an all-over embroidered whale pattern. They are so cute (in a mature/manly way).

Womens: The floral on the Mid rise embroidered medium wash shorts (US$58) is so sweet. The various spring colours of orange, green, and yellow, fading, and destroyed hems give a vintage-y feel. All of the details are just really lovely. The High rise destroyed medium wash shorts (US$58) are the basic short of the season. The cleaner destruction with the high rise is great and the cuffed hem looks effortlessly stylish. The contrast of the bleach and raw hem with the shine details in the Low rise embellished medium wash shorts (US$58) is really cool.

Which pair of shorts do you think are #AbercrombieHot? Let me know in the comments below.

More Aimee in America, trend-spotting, men's fashion, fashion profiles, and general style posts? I'm super excited to start my fashion blog, Bows&Beau-ties. :)

Happy Weekend,
Stay Fabulous&FIERCE!
xoxo Aimee ♥
Follow me on instagram @anfandhcogirl_us

Aimee in America! | Fiercely Fit

Hey Fashionable Dudes & Bettys!

It's almost April, my calendar is filling up with parties and other events, and my mind is on lazy beach days. It's actually starting to feel like spring... was that too premature?- hope I didn't jinx it! Before all these events and beach days it's time to hit the gym.

Citius, Altius, Fortius ("Faster, Higher, Stronger").

Dudes (on the left): Show off those biceps with the Hollister Co. Orange County Tank (US$15) in navy and white stripe. Or go HCo lifeguard style and show off the abs too. ;) Go from gym to field in HCo Athletic Shorts (US$20) in white, which hit at the knee. These shorts, like most this season, are 70% cotton, 30% polyester (some are a 60/40 cotton/polyester mix). But Abercrombie& Fitch does have a pair of 100% polyester Athletic shorts. Polyester draws sweat from your body and helps cool you down while working out.

Bettys (on the right): I may have done a lot of pink this week (I didn't add the all pink bag with the coral straps though...). Starting with the bag- so many cute bags for bettys at A&F stores right now, sorry boys- the Gilly Hicks navy yoga bag (US$49.50) is around the size of a wider tote at 13.75" x 17.25". Carry everything you need to go from gym to aprѐs-gym frappuccinos. Checking out hotties during both- a must. The GH Batemans Bay Active Tank (US$18) in pink (navy and white would be cute too) is both super stylish with 'slimming seams' on the sides and a racerback and water (ie. sweat) absorbent. Not compromising practicality for style again, the GH Elizabeth Bay Shorts (US$18) in navy is 100% polyester with mesh sides and contrasting pops of colour.

And don't forget your body sprays; leave the sweaty gym scent in the locker room. (A&F Mens Body Spray) (A&F Womens Body Mist)

Happy Weekend,

Stay Fabulous&FIERCE!

xoxo Aimee ♥

P.S Athleticism and Style have been part of Abercrombie&Fitch's image since its beginning as an NYC outdoor sporting goods store- Read more on the TSOF's Fierce  A&F Page.

Aimee in America! | Spring Holiday

Hey Fashionable Dudes & Bettys!

Spring Holiday season has finally started in the US. Depending on midterms, holidays are anytime between now and mid April. From parties to beaches to think about, your 'A&F Packing List' is probably not so organized. If you pack like I do; you wait until the very last minute. ;)

Which is why I love this Abecrombie Weekender Bag (US$88).

Classically navy, this canvas weekend duffle, is a totally chic accessory from sleepovers to beach holidays. The metal latched front pocket and full zipper hide everything you pack that you 'could possibly maybe need' (like those five lip glosses and extra tank tops). Opposed to the 15" x 16.5" or 14" x 19" totes, this weekend bag is 20" x 16" x 8". And the shoulder strap is adjustable/detachable.

Are your spring breaks more "Spring Breakers" (hopefully not as crazy!) or #SoChill at home with friends? Let me know in the comments below.

Happy Weekend,
Stay Fabulous&FIERCE!
xoxo Aimee ♥

ps. Guys, have customized your newest #AbercrombieHot polo with your favourite colors and details yet?

Aimee in America! | Looks to Layer

Hey Fashionable Bettys!


Bralettes have been trending in all of the Abercrombie stores as the perfect match with their sheer tops. Being so versatile, the 'looks to layer' are endless.

During one of my trips to Chicago, I got a bralette and chiffon shirt to start updating my closet for spring. But of course, I've added many more items to my Abercrombie spring wish list/ '♥ list'. My favorite ways to style my bralette are under a chiffon tank shirt, button down, or sweater with a skirt.

So, three items on my '♥ list'...

A&F Abby Chiffon Shirt (US$48)

A&F Brittany Sweatshirt (US$48)

A&F Jordan Chiffon Shirt (US$58)

With all of the shirts I chose, a navy or blue bralette would look cool. With sweatshirts and sweaters, go for an easy fit like the one above of A&F's April Sweatshirt and wear off the shoulder to show off the bralette.

How do you style your bralette? Let me know in the comments below.

Happy Weekend...

Stay Fabulous&FIERCE!

xoxo Aimee ♥

Aimee in America! | Trend Spotting: Graphic Stripes...

Hey Fashionable Dudes & Bettys!

It's not technically spring yet, but with Autumn-Winter 2013/14 on my mind already I'm so bored of winter 2013. As seen on the runways for this Spring/Summer season way back in September stripes have been appearing everywhere lately. I wasn't really sure of another return of this trend when Elle wrote that "thick or skinny, horizontal or vertical, it's a trend to watch." I do like some cute pinstripe and wide navy and white stripes are cute for nautical summer looks- but 2013 has been all about lighter blues, mint green, and bold prints. Abercrombie's #ABERCROMBIEHOT collection has been especially on trend print and colour wise, so this week I pulled some pieces from Abercrombie and Hollister for this spring's graphic stripe trend.

Top Row: The HCo Laguna Nigel Tank (US$15) in white has wide blue white stripes- just on the back- a cute update of the stripes trend. I really like the easy fit (like all of the shirts in the above photo) and curved hem too; it's a bit like a grey striped tank top I got from abercrombie a year or two ago. The A&F Belle Tee (US$20) in white and blue stripe also does stripes a little differently with a 'mixed stripe patern'. With the hi-lo hem, it would be great with some high rise shorts. The HCo Tecolote Canyon Shirt (US$39.50) in white stripes is fantastically nautical- perfect for the summer on the pier or beach.

Second Row: The A&F Keegan Shirt (US$48) in navy stripe and hi-lo hem has the classic white and navy stripes with three narrower white stripes for every wider navy one. The contrasting red inside the collar is a nice detail too. This one's on my spring break to-buy list. The A&F Kaela Tee (US$30) in navy stripe is a flagship exclusive with a hi-lo hem and contrasting colour stripe. The A&F Isabelle Dress (US$68) in blue stripe, available online only, is totally casual and preppy with its hi-lo scoop hem and empire waist.

Top Row: The HCo Shady Canyon T-Shirt (US$19.50) in turquoise and navy stripe has a v-neck collar and the same contrasting colour stripe like the bettys' Kaela shirt. The HCo Old Town Shirt (US$39.50) in blue stripe actually has both turquoise and blue stripes. It's a very hot summer update from months of flannel button downs and plaid. HCo La Jolla Cove Polo (US$20)  is bright with its neon mint colour.

Second Row: The A&F Bear Run Tee (US$30) in light blue stripe does also come in the classic wide navy and white stripes, but the blue is so fresh and 'spring 2013'. The  A&F Wanika Falls Tee (US$30) in green stripe has narrower stripes than the Bear Run Tee, and again with contrasting colour at the collar. It also does not appear to have a front pocket, though one is listed in the shirts' details on Abercrombies's website. The A&F Summit Rock Tank (US$28) in navy and white stripe is a hot tank top version of the stripe trend with some more contrasting colour detail trim.

What do you think of the return of stripes and all the contrasting colour details? How do you like to wear them? Let me know in the comments below.

Happy Weekend...

Stay Fabulous&FIERCE!

xoxo Aimee ♥

P.S. Bettys have you seen Hollister's 'Pick Your Mix' page?

Aimee in America! | Bettys Utilitarian...

Hey Fashionable Dudes & Bettys!

Fall 2013 fashion week has finally reached Paris and the ever fashionable city has been even hotter on the runway and street this week. I've been busy trend-spotting and can't wait for Fall now.

Last week, I broke down the utilitarian trend and pulled some men's Abercrombie  and Hollister pieces that could be styled with the trend. This trend, hot on guys, is also super glam on girls. I've picked some pieces that can work into urban, urbane, and formal utilitarian.

Top Row: The A&F Jorie shirt (US$58) has a club collar and blue microcheck- a cool change from a plaid or solid color classic button down. I love all the zippers - including one in the back at the hem - and pockets in this pair of military inspired A&F pants in olive (US$68). The A&F Mandy blazer (US$300) in Italian Gabardine Wool - a tightly woven and light weight material - brings some formality to this collection. Some fashion history: gabardine was actually developed by Thomas Burberry in 1880 and patented in 1888.^[source]

Second Row: Of course, a basic white tee is a staple and this HCo Aliso Creek v-neck (US$12) is perfect. The A&F Tori shirt (US$58) also has a smaller check pattern, but in navy with a classic collar. Caution: Style Carefully - A&F vintage skinny sweatpants (US$48) in navy with a contrasting waist. The A&F Natalie (US$58) looks almost out of place here, but skirts can also be used in this trend as well as bring some more femininity to it. This skirt is in a textured navy material with floral and all over gold pattern. The skirt tends to the urban side with the some sporty material -79% cotton, 18% nylon, and 3% elastane (aka spandex).

Third Row: The A&F Skyler Parka, very similar to Emma Watson's in the picture to the left, has unfortunately sold out this week, but the HCo Harbor Beach Jacket (US$69.50) in olive also has some military inspired details. The A&F Kaela Jacket (US$98) is a cute take a vintage baseball jacket with contrasting navy and grey in the sleeves and hems. The A&F Hadley Hoodie (US$34) in grey is a light weight layering basic.

Like the guys, try out some different combinations to find your balance of urban, urbane, or formal utilitarian. Oxfords, heels, and sneakers are great shoe choices depending on how feminine or urban your style is.

How do you like to wear the utilitarian trend? Let me know in the comments below.

Happy Weekend...
Stay Fabulous&FIERCE!
xoxo Aimee ♥

Aimee in America! | Trend-Spotting: Urbane Utilitarian...

Hey Fashionable Dudes&Bettys!

We're already in about the middle of Fall 2013 fashion week with just the end of Milan and Paris week left. Though I'm finding it almost impossible to imagine Fall so soon before Spring has even begun. Fortunately, some trends from the Spring shows have appeared again, both during this Fall fashion week's shows and in the street styles.

One trend that has gotten me thinking about track pants more often since this Spring than I ever have (I don't even wear them to the gym. haha) is Formal- or Urban- Utilitarian. The 'Formal Utilitarian' style is essentially the mix of formal and casual wear. Urban Gentleman wrote in his "Men's Spring Summer 2012 Trend Style Guide" that the trend was something he had seen on the streets in Italy and was beginning to grow popular on the runways and concrete runways (street style) everywhere.

I have seen it referenced interchangeably as both 'formal utilitarian' and 'urban utilitarian'. So I, of course, googled it. (dictionary definitions in photo above). Urban + Utilitarian = practical 'street' wear which is the more casual of utilitarian trend. It lends itself to track pants, military inspired pieces including a hot spring color - military olive green, cargos, and trainer or track jackets. Formal + Utilitarian = practicality with some rules of etiquette, bends the rules of formal dress. The formal side of the trend consists of the basic white tee, blazers, button downs, parkas (which could also be included in urban), chinos, and monochromatic navy, blue, or black looks. Urbane Utilitarian may actually be the best name for both names of the trend though; combining polish of formal wear with street style of major cities in clothes that are practical or utilitarian for a stylish metropolitan's lifestyle.

Abercrombie&Fitch has also gotten into the trend a bit - just not styled so in their look books. I've included a few of my finds, but you can find many of these in different colors and slightly different styles on their site or in-store as well.

Top row: A&F Lake Arnold Blazer (US$149.90), Skinny Chinos  in navy (US$54.60)
Second row:  Kilburn Mountain Tee in white (US$15), Cargo Pants in olive (US$78), Shaw Pond Shirt (US$68)
Third row: Palmer Brook Shirt in blue (US$68), HCo River Jetties Jacket in red and navy (US$59.50), A&F Vintage Track Pants in navy (US$68)
Fourth row: HCo Silver Strand Parka in navy (US$89.50)

Try a few looks out to find your balance of street and formal wear. Boat shoes, desert shoes, or sneakers are all hot with this trend. Remember casual, even with a more urban interpretation of the trend, still means "fresh, crisp, comfortable" not "poorly dressed, what you wear to the gym, or moth-ridden clothes" (James Gallichio).

Bettys can also wear this trend- which I'll write more about next week. Until then, let me know in the comments what you think of the Utilitarian trend? Do you prefer the more formal, urban, or my 'urbane' definition better?

Happy Weekend...
Stay Fabulous&FIERCE!
xoxo Aimee ♥

AIMEE IN AMERICA! | ART AND INTIMATE SETTINGS IN GILLY HICKS...

Gilly Hicks at the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, IL

Hey Fashionable Dudes&Bettys!

I was in Schaumburg/Chicago last weekend (as I have been a lot lately :)) for Gilly Hicks at the Woodfield Mall, and Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister at the Water Tower Place on Michigan Avenue. Since Gilly Hicks items were featured on Abercrombie's and Hollister's websites, and I've had the chance to shop in-store, I have been thinking about the brand much more.

During my first visit, I spent most of my time going through the rooms around the perimeter of the store. The general layout entering to the right and going towards the back is: clearance, clothing, swim, and skivvies and more-or-less repeats with a focus on skivvies and clothing on the left side of the store. If you walk straight and down a couple steps instead of entering through the left or right entrances, you enter the central fragrance & body room.

Where the fragrance counter I wrote about a couple weeks ago is.

Along the walls in the fragrance & body room, artwork of some gorgeous guys by Bruce Sargeant (aka Mark Beard) are displayed. ;) You may recognize Sargeant from his murals which are featured in Abercrombie & Fitch's flagship stores. Behind the paintings, which you can move, are larger versions of the same three...

 

 

Over one of the couches is a painting of Gilly Hicks herself - the fictional English woman who, in the fantasy, moved to Australia and opened the first Gilly Hicks store out of her family's home in 1932. This painting is presumably by Bruce Sargeant as well...

During this trip, I also went to look at the dressing room area. The dressing rooms are located at the back on the right side of the store. The fitting rooms are off the circular room with a photography and fashion book table in the middle. A couple I looked at were In Vogue and Australian photographer Paul Freeman's Bondi Classic containing his fine photography of sculpted Aussie men...

In the fitting rooms, there was a day-bed like seating area and faux dresser (the drawers don't open) with more fashion/photography books – like Bruce Weber's Blood, Sweat, and Tears. It was spa-like quiet in the room (totally different than a Hollister Co fitting room :)) – perfect for reading all day. Oh, and a giant mirror if you're actually there to try things on instead of reading. haha.

What do you think of Bruce Sargeant's paintings and GH's dressing rooms? Let me know in the comments below.

Until next Friday...

Stay Fabulous&FIERCE!

xoxo Aimee ♥

Images in this post are by Aimee for The Sitch on Fitch, and they may not be used/altered by a third party entity without permission from the author.

AIMEE IN AMERICA! | THE HOTTEST BLUES...

Among all the colors, navy blue is the only one which can ever compete with black, it has all the same qualities.

Pale blue is one of the prettiest colors, and if you have blue eyes no color is more becoming. Be careful when you are selecting blue to see it both in daylight and electric light, because it changes very much.

– Christian Dior, The Little Dictionary of Fashion 

Hey Fashionable Dudes & Bettys!

I have written about quite a few trends and new items at Abercrombie here on TSOF so far, but one growingly popular trend I haven't written about is denim-on-denim. I have avoided denim-on-denim and – cringe! – denim blouses for awhile now. I was kind of hoping it would be a passing phase and we could leave them in the 90s with Saved by the Bell (as much as I love it). Examples of the show's denim-on-denim here and here. This spring, however, the denim-on-denim trend seems to be here to stay with Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie, and Hollister Co's denim collections: 'The Hottest Blues', 'the coolest blues', and 'Sunwashed Blues', respectively I will stubbornly continue avoiding the denim shirts for now, but that's not to say I don't like the light blues of the collections.

Abercrombie, of course, is known for navy; but in the spring and summer, a lighter blue or turquoise is more fun and lighter. So, I have found a few of my favorite sunwashed/hot/cool blue items outside of the denim collections.

Abercrombie kids' blue floral Harper skirt (US$39.50) is so fabulous. Not only is it on trend with the floral print and light blues, but it's lace. Abercrombie & Fitch's Celeste sweater (US$58) is fantastic for spring-to-summer with its open stitching and easy fit. I also really love the ombre. Hollister Co's Balboa Island T-Shirt (US$34.50) – also easy fit – has super cute embroidering. At the moment, sun and sand seems very far away, but it's never too early to daydream of spring break and summer holiday. And I think Hollister's Hammerland Swim Top (US$24.50) and Bottoms (US$19.50) would be fantastic. I especially love that they both have some mint green – an official 2013 color and one of my personal favorites of the season (following pink of course). I didn't dislike all of the items in Abercrombie's 'Hottest Blues' collection, one item being the light wash jeggings (US$47.60).

Abercrombie & Fitch's Lake Arnold shorts (US$50) are a classic fit – hits at the knee opposed the prep fit of just above the knee. I've written about these shorts in my Pre-Spring Collection post since they are an effortlessly classic way to wear the sorbet pastel trend for the spring. Abercrombie kids' Jay Range Sweater (US$39.50) is so cute for layering and nearly identical to Abercrombie & Fitch's Opalescent River Sweater (US$47.60) that I included in my Winter-Spring Transition post. I love stripes in the spring and summer – a bit nautical – and A&F's light blue Bear Run Tee (US$28) is versatile enough for anything over spring break. Hollister's Laguna Hills Shirt (US$39.50) is so classic in turquoise and would be fabulous layered under a sweater like the Opalescent River or Jay Range. The ombre trend extends to guy's fashion with Hollister's Ocean Beach Swim Shorts (US$39.50). Also, I love skinny chinos: they're so preppy and classically Abercrombie. The A&F vintage wash skinny chinos (US$54.60) come in a few bold colors including turquoise (pictured) and blue, which looks like a lighter shade between turquoise and a bold blue.

What do you think of the denim-on-denim and turquoise trends? Let me know in the comments below.

Until next Friday...

Stay Fabulous&FIERCE!

xoxo Aimee ♥

AIMEE IN AMERICA! | MY FIRST INSTORE GILLY HICKS EXPERIENCE...

Hey Fashionable Dudes & Bettys!

Again last week I found myself near Chicago. More specifically the Schaumburg Woodfield Mall, the same mall international models visited for Black Friday 2012 and the location of one of the seventeen US Gilly Hicks locations. Despite the three Gilly Hicks stores in Illinois within an hour of Michigan Ave, last weekend was my first GH experience.

Walking into Gilly Hicks felt like walking back in time to what I imagine Ruehl was like. The familiarity of the attention to intimate detail in interior design during that era and some pieces of music are very reminiscent. This may be because the closing of Ruehl occured around the same time as the opening of Gilly Hicks?

Note: I have only seen Ruehl in videos. Like this one of the closing of a location (here).

While Gilly Hicks originally began as a brand for 18 and up, the store was similar to a VS (Victoria's Secret) Pink (15-22 year old demographic) with an Abercrombie & Fitch atmosphere. As analyst Kimberly Greenberger said in 2008 following the first opening, "...Gilly Hicks could be a more wholesome alternative (to Victoria's Secret), and mothers would not mind taking their 15-year-olds to Gilly Hicks to shop."

Depending on the season, the Gilly Hicks' playlist is sometimes my favorite of the brands. And I love this Pre-Spring's with songs like No Strings (Mayer Hawthorne) and few others I haven't been able to find yet. Like the Michigan Avenue Abercrombie and Hollister stores, Gilly Hicks was a maze of many fabulous rooms. I especially loved the fragrance counter room in the center of the store.

I forgot to take a photo of the storefront- too excited! :)
But it was very similar to the Mall of America location.
Photo found online.

lace sleep shorts <3 and sailing club tee

Have you ever been to Gilly Hicks? What do you think of it? Let me know in the comments below.

Until next Friday...
Stay Fabulous&FIERCE!
xoxo Aimee ♥

Aimee in America! | For the Winter-Spring Transition...

Hey Fashionable Dudes & Bettys!

Last week I shared a few of my favorite items from Abercrombie and Hollister's pre-Spring collections that are also versatile enough for the end of Winter. So this week I've put together a couple outfits for the Sinter-Spring transition.

It's still really cold here where I live, but I think these are great to stay warm with this Spring's cutest items...

For the Bettys...

Start with a pair of Hollister destroyed medium wash super skinny jeans (US$25) from the So Cal Spring Jean collection. On top, wear a classic button down like Abercrombie's Marisa Shirt in blue stripe (US$58, flagship exclusive). Over that, wear the iconic logo A&F Drew Sweatshirt (US$48). Finish the look with the Hco North Jetty Jacket (US$79.50) in navy. With the mesh lining, it will be light enough for cool spring nights too.

For the Dudes...

From Abercrombie's Spring's Hottest Jeans collection, start with a pair of destroyed vintage dark wash A&F skinny jeans (US$49). On top, like the betty's look, wear a classic A&F shirt like the blue stripe Boreas Mountain shirt (US$68) under the A&F Navy Miller's Falls sweatshirt (US48). And finish the look with the green A&F Dun Brook Mountain Jacket (US$100). It isn't an All-Season Weather Warrior, but it's really similar. I think the snap closure is the main-or only difference. And I think the bold green is great for this look.

Closer to the spring, I'm looking forward to wearing something like this...

For the Bettys...

Start the look with a light wash A&F jegging (US$68). Sorbet pastels are so cute and bright for spring. The A&F bright green Shea sweater (US$58) over the A&F green plaid Maria shirt (US$58) is totally perfect for this bright look.

For the Dudes...

Sorbet pastels or 'bold color details' are trending for guy's fashion too. Like the first look, start with a pair of A&F destroyed dark wash slim straight jeans (US$98) from the Spring's Hottest Jeans collection. On top, start with the A&F turquoise Bear brook polo (US$60) under an HCo green and blue plaid Palm Canyon shirt (US$39.50). And complete the look with the A&F turquoise Opalescent River sweater (US$68).

 

Which spring trends can you not wait to try? Let me know in the comments below.

Until Next Friday...
Stay Fabulous&FIERCE!
xoxo Aimee ♥

P.S. I had my first Gilly Hicks store experience, can't wait to share next week!