America may have been deemed beautiful for its gracious skies and amber waves of grain (America the Beautiful) but that's not what its exporting to the rest of the world. American stores and American culture are so widespread, that it's very difficult to find something unique when you shop. Indeed, most of the brands are available around the world. And the few that aren't, ship around the world. But, like Starbucks and McDonalds, (its biggest food chain exports) not everything that's retailed in the US makes it across the globe. Ever been able to order a pumpkin spiced latte here in India?? My point exactly. So without further waffling, let's discuss a few mainstream brands that are worth stopping by when you're Stateside.
A quick point: I'm actually a bigger fan of the cheapie stores in the US. Target, Walmart and the lot are more likely to have my business than say Abercrombie. But these five are ones that I would genuinely stop by.
Quick point Two: Don't forget The Bath & Body Works or Yankee Candle. Also even though Sephora is a French company, its American stores have the widest array of brands. Stop by. Likewise pay a visit to the Italian Brandy Melville for the softest tees and cami tops in the world. (Be warned though, Brandy Melville retails in exactly one size - small. Although most of their items are stretchy enough that a medium or smallish large could get away with it.)
And now, on with the show!
Aeropostale:
Yes, we have them here in India. But we definitely don't have the selection you get in America. Pop in here for some amazingly comfy tees. I love their tees. They're the right amount of slouchy, bright and slightly translucent. I tend to live in this style of tee in the summer. Plus they always have a three for two (and sometimes a three for one) deal happening.
How adorbs is this little romper. It's what you want to wear on a hot, humid, sticky summer's day. You could add a tee or a formal blouse underneath for some pizzaz. Or throw a kimono over for some added flair. However you choose to wear it, you'll be cool and comfy while the rest of Mumbai is slowly melting.
Next on my list is the backless style top. I'm usually very picky with my back-detail tops. I want bra straps to be covered, while still showing off skin. This one will cover what needs to be covered, but still has that open back detail.
Now these are one of those things that you don't always get in India. They're called volleyball shorts, and are more or less super short cycling shorts. I love them. Not for wearing on their own, but for sticking under tiny dresses, ripped shorts and miniskirts, a la the South East Asian 'safety shorts'. I highly recommend these, especially in summer when short dresses and skirts are a must.
Urban Outfitters:
This is one of the few American brands that doesn't retail in India. And that's a shame because it is a really nice one. It can be a little on the higher side, pricewise, but nothing extreme. Although you would have to wear the dress with a tee or a mesh top underneath (depending on your modestly level), it is very cute. Plus if you live up north - or plan on visiting someplace cold in the winter - think of how cute this would look with a roll neck or turtleneck top underneath in the colder months.
I'm one of those people who gets heatstroke if I'm out in the sun for more than a few minutes. It's the reason why hats are one of my summer staples. And c'mon, how cute is this one! It's got such a glam vibe. With oversized sunnies, you'll look like one of those old-time movie stars (think Elizabeth Taylor or Grace Kelly) trying to go incognito for a spot of shopping. It has all the class and dignity of a bygone era. I totally want!!
Something more modern is this ruffled top. Once again, you could layer something fitted underneath for a more edgy vibe or for added warmth come the colder months. I think this could look lovely with a pencil skirt and sandals. It would tone down the cutesy-ness but still keep it casual.
Speaking of sandals, why not choose something like this pair? Gladiator-style sandals are always in come summer. I like the fact that this is a lace-up and that it's gold. They would look so nice with pretty much anything in this season. Plus they're pretty enough to wear when you want to dance the night away without needing to kick off your shoes.
Old Navy:
Okay, I'll be honest - I loathe The Gap. Absolutely loathe it!! But even though Old Navy comes from the same parent company, I'm quite fond of the store. They sell simple clothes, mostly basics, at fairly decent prices. Take this dress for example. It's pretty, useable the whole year around, and covers most occasions. It would take you to work and on a date. From malls to movies and even things like family get-togethers would see this dress being used. It would flatter most figures too. A good buy.
I love this bag! It's made for people who want to get in on the trends, but work in formal environments. You might not be able to get away with a circle or string bag (or even fit all your stuff in it) but this will definitely look good with a business suit. It's exactly what they mean when they say 'add some accessories that show off your personality'. This one manages to be trendy while fulfilling the formal design structure. I repeat: I love it!
This is not the most exciting purchase ever. But hey, if you don't have basics with what will you pair your trendy items? These khaki green trousers will go with nearly every kind of top, can be worn dressed up or down, and will work in most weathers. A solid - if not very exciting - buy.
American Eagle Outfitters:
Yup, that's AE's official name. I do like American Eagle. They've got some very cute pieces that are perfect for summers, like this blouse. I agree that it might not be the most wearable in India on its own. But you could absolutely use this as a cover-up with a slip dress, a mesh or a lace top, or a little bralette. It would work perfectly.
I always love a good, slouchy tank top for the summer, and this ticks all the boxes. It comes in a variety of colours as well. So if pink is not your thing, you've got choices. Wear over a rollback thermal in the winter if you want to stretch out its usage.
Yes, this is very girly. And it could be very twee. But it also is so summery, I had to include it. I think with a high-waisted pair of shorts, preferably ripped denim or something dark and goth-like, this would look amazing. Add some rugged-type boots or trainers, and you have a look.
Victoria's Secret:
If you ask me, Victoria's biggest secret is how the heck she turned lingerie into a multi-billion dollar business. But seeing as how she has - even though there's no actual person behind the company called Victoria - let's discuss the clothes. I don't really care much for their underthings. The knickers are the equivalent of La Senza, and the bras aren't very comfortable at all. I do like their Pink line, the athletic section and their shower gels and body sprays and stuff.
These shorts and top from their Pink line are exactly what you want to wear when running errands, lounging at home with company or going to the gym specifically to garner cute male attention.
Another guaranteed attention-getter either at the gym or when out and about are these leggings. Pretend you're Gigi Hadid or Kendall Jenner as you rush to your car sipping a green juice. Wear them with a tee knotted at the back for added reality-star turned model flair.
I love this whole skinny jogging bottom style. These are called skinny joggers. And I think they're fab. We all want to be comfy in slouchy bottoms either when we're running errands, doing household chores, hanging out at home or at a friend's place, or simply curled up in bed when unwell. But who needs all those yards of extra fabric on regular track pants that make you feel a frump? These are your answer. Wear them with a cropped top and trainers when out, and with slippers and a cami at home.
And there you have it. My suggestions when shopping in America. In my next post, I'll throw in a few stores that are worth visiting in various parts of the world. Happy travelling and happy shopping.
Till next time,
MumbaiGirl
IG: @maryannecp
Photo Credits: All pictures are from the brands' own websites. Everything is from their new collections or 'New In' sections.
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