Ever since American Apparel went out of business, I’ve been mourning the loss of a spot to buy trusty basics (specifically bodysuits).

When a friend told me about Oh Polly a couple months ago, I loved their clothes but was definitely skeptical.

First off, I’ve been wronged by “hot on Instagram” online merchants before. Second, I’d heard from multiple sources that their sizing was super off. When I did my own research, I got a huge mix of good, mediocre, and horrible reviews.

So, I took the plunge myself and ordered a two-piece set that I’d been eyeing once it was finally re-stocked in my size (I decided to try a size 8). I was pleasantly surprised with the quick shipping and good quality for the relatively low price. So I decided to try ordering their basic white thong bodysuit.

Merry Christmas from me and my incredibly impractical gingerbread man clutch 🎄

A post shared by Ashley (@ashleyuzer) on Dec 25, 2017 at 10:34am PST

I got this bodysuit first, then got it in black and asked for another for Christmas. Here are the pros and cons:

The Good:

• The price is super affordable, most are around $20-30
• Thong bottoms means no panty-lines
• The fabric is thick enough that my nipples don’t show through, even in the white
• They’re stretchy, but tight, you definitely don’t need a bra!
• Shipping was pretty quick from the U.K. — I got my orders about a week.

Unedited pic of me in the “Tied Up In Knots” bodysuit

The Bad:

• I noticed pilling within the first few wears
• Sizing was a little different, I got my first bodysuit in a size 8 (the size I wear in other items), but then tried a 6, which worked a little better since the fabric is stretchy

Overall, I’d recommend their bodysuits if you’re looking for a go-to piece to rock with your patent leather skirts and ripped jeans. The price is right, and the quality is good for the price, although I foresee myself wearing  mine out since I love the fit so much.

I also ordered a few PVC items from Oh Polly so far, that I haven’t gotten a chance to wear, but I’ll likely post a review of that as well once I do!

I hope this was helpful for anyone thinking of shopping from there. I’d love it if you subscribed so you can get updated when I post more reviews, looks, etc. Or, if you had a different experience with Oh Polly, leave a comment!

In 99% of hats, I look like an idiot.

First off, my head it weirdly tiny, so most hats are too big on me – or just don’t fit right. Second, my hair’s wavy texture just poofs straight out of hats which makes me look somewhat like a clown. I wear beanies in the dead of winter when I need to, but that’s it.

Until somebody put a beret on me.

You see, before this past summer, I don’t think I’d ever tried on a beret before. I never was one of those girls who fetishized everything about Paris and made their moms buy them canopy beds and shirts from Limited Too with the Eiffel Tower on it. My favorite part about Paris is the food, and that’s pretty much it. I also never had an urgent need to look like a mime, so a beret was never a must-have in my wardrobe.

But this summer when I was getting styled by @digital.bitch for Papertrail Mag, she put a beret on my head as a final touch to one of our looks – and I weirdly loved it. I had a feeling I only loved it because it went so well with everything else I was wearing and really made the outfit “pop” for the shoot, so I refrained myself from purchasing one because it seemed like the type of thing I’d never wear IRL.

Ummm @papertrailmag turned me into a glitzy glam y2k princess this weekend and here’s a sneak peek! Stay tuned for the vid & interview ✨ thank you @spike.orr @steazethealien @digital.bitch @billiejanes ❤️

A post shared by Ashley (@ashleyuzer) on Jul 16, 2017 at 7:40pm PDT

Alas, now that I did purchase one from Dolls Kill a few weeks ago, I can say I’ve only worn it once IRL. The problem with hats is that I feel like it’s still rude to wear them in a restaurant, etc. Personally, I don’t really want to wear one if I have to take it off at any point, then my hair is going to be all flat and my outfit is going to be incomplete.

Okay, sorry for rambling, here are my actual tips for how to wear a beret without looking like one of those girls who masturbates to Mary Kate and Ashley’s “Passport to Paris,” as well as some pics of me in my beret that I’ll hopefully wear again soon!

1. Pass on the Millennial Pink

Something about a baby pink beret makes me feel like a corny doodle of an Eiffel Tower and poodle aren’t too far away.

2. No Stripes For the Love of God

If you don’t want to get mistaken for a corny French stereotype or a mime, skip a striped top for obvious reasons. I’m sure some chic Instagram fashion blogger can pull this look off, but us mere mortals probably can’t.

3. Be Thotty

Alright honestly, this is always my tip for any outfit, but here’s my rationale for this one: When little girls/teens think of dressing like a stylish Parisian, they think of being conservative chic. You know, pencil skirts, boob-swallowing tops with ruffled collars, kitten heels (don’t get me started on kitten heels), etc. So, if you’re not trying to look like a girl who’s going to Paris for the first time and trying to impress the fashion gawds, pull a titty out or something. Works every time.

4. Get a Beret with some Edge

Basic black goes with everything – but considering you probably wear all-black half the time anyways, you should be fine with a beret that adds a pop of color, or a pattern. I’ve listed a few berets that don’t look like anything Madeline would wear at the bottom of this post!

My mesh tee is a hand-me-down from my great aunt, and the skirt is a hand-me-down from my mom. The bralette is by Fleur’t (you can buy it here) and the boots are Marc Fisher. Choker is from a sex shop in Philly – pretty sure you can get one at any local sex shop! Jacket was a gift from my boyfriend for my birthday – he picked it out himself <3

Here’s a link to the hat in brown, the red is sold out! Here are some other cute berets that are definitely not basic.

Lil Devil Beret, $55, Sunshine By Hester. Chain Stud Beret, $20, Dolls Kill

Photos by Marcus Dilano Photography 

Do you guys know why athleisure became so trendy?

Some experts hypothesized that it was due to the recession (sorry, couldn’t find the link online, I believe I read it in a book) and everyone feeling like shit because they were poor. It’s hard to put on your fancy pants when you’re low-key bummed about your debt, so yoga pants were much simpler.

Athleisure never went “out” of style, but I feel like people have been taking new liberties when it comes to pieces usually reserved for the gym. Brands like Nike, Adidas, etc. are suddenly fashion-forward for the club instead of just for running errands, and celebs like Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner are legit wearing sweatpants with thotty tops and lacy bras and calling it an outfit.

Well, I’m glad that it’s socially acceptable for me to throw on a giant sweatshirt and call it an outfit, because I’ve really felt like shit lately.

I know bloggers are supposed to be all like, “hey, look at this fab vacay I took, look at this fab outfit I’m wearing, look at this fab avocado toast that I ate,” but since this is my personal blog, I want to be as real as possible.

Ever since the election (also my birthday, FML), I’ve been down and can’t seem to pick myself back up. Winters are always tough for me emotionally, especially in NYC for some reason, but all the political turmoil and tragic headlines, along with having to stare at a computer all day for work, has really taken a toll.

I used to be the girl who would over-dress for work and use any excuse to wear heels, and I’ve suddenly become someone who wears sweatpants to the office and constantly chooses the comfiest shoes possible.

It might have to do with the fact that my office doesn’t have a real dress code or the fact that athleisure has taken a new level of trendy, but I think part of it has to do with my mood.

Anyways, you’ve probably had enough of my public venting session, so here’s an outfit where I wear something comfy on top, but slightly comfy on the bottom. Because really, who needs pants in times like these?

Also, wanted to point out the designers of this sweatshirt, Urban Sophistication. The brand is by two Israeli teens that I interviewed for Galore. Their stuff is really cool and it’s always great to see young adults doing big things.

Sweatshirt: Urban Sophistication

Choker: Boohoo

Tights: Yandy

Boots: Jeffrey Campbell (similar here)

Photos by Zachary Zirlin

My relationship with American Apparel was a complicated one.

It largely consisted of me walking into the store with a specific clothing item in mind. I’d try on said clothing item, love the way it fit, wish it didn’t expose my nipples through the thin fabric, but would consider buying it anyway–until I saw the price tag.

You see, because American Apparel clothing was manufactured in LA, the prices were way, way up for what you’d expect to pay for basics. Were they higher quality than basics from H&M? Sometimes. Did I consider paying the extra money because I knew their workers weren’t being exploited? Not usually, sadly. And besides, being LA-made didn’t mean that workers were being treated fairly, according to many sources.

But now that they’re gone, I wish I had bought more stuff, at least, sort of. If nothing else, I’ll miss the convenience. Because when you needed a specific colored clothing item at the last minute, you could almost always count on American Apparel.

I visited their Hollywood store earlier this week while I was in LA and still didn’t find anything worth spending money on, even with the 40% discount. And yet, here I am in these pictures wearing a distinctly American Apparel style skirt, which was purchased for cheaper at Forever 21 and probably manufactured unethically.

Does that make me a bad person? I don’t know, but if so, then everyone I know is a bad person too. I’ve been thinking a lot about ethically made clothing ever since I wrote this article about fast fashion and politics. I’ve previously always bragged about how I found a cheap version of a hot trend item, but looking at the big picture has me second guessing.

What are your stances on fast fashion? Do you prefer not to think about it? Do you vow to only purchase ethically made clothes? Do you think that it’s not our problem as long as it’s not happening in our country (news flash: sweat shops exist in the USA). I’d love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to comment below.

In the mean time, enjoy this look I created with my American Apparel style skirt that was actually purchased at Forever 21. Oops.

Earrings: Vintage Chanel (similar here)

Sweater: Thrifted

Skirt: Forever 21

Belt: Vintage (similar here)

Boots: Cape Robbin

Photos by Zachary Zirlin Photography