Le Sac Dress by American Apparel

Ever since I moved here last year I needed to find a new brand to replace Bonds seeing I can't get it here.  Contenders for my basics category included American Apparel, GAP, Old Navy, Banana Republic and J Crew.  Unfortunately these brands don't stock petite sizing in store or if they do, stock a limited range.  American Apparel came out on top because the fit and sizing, though not petite, is on the smaller side so ts and tanks don't look like tunics, and dresses and skirts are just right for little ol' me.  Above all, AA's cotton, quality and washability ensure clothes can be washed and worn over and over until they develop holes and wear down completely.  Furthermore their stuff can be totally dressed up or pared down.  Versitile!  Recently though I've been on an American Apparel binge after spring cleaning my wardrobe and replacing worn out basics.  At the AA store on 3rd ave. and 65th, I stocked up a some basic dresses for work, a casual multi-purpose frock (Le Sac), a  purple sash belt and a few 3/4 length and muscle raglan tops for gym.

I'm gaga over my Le Sac dress and have found a way to work it for the office.  Warning, it does take a bit of playing around before you find something that works.  The cards and videos available online are handy for ideas but ultimately it's up to you.  To the untrained eye Le Sac looks like a large swatch of fabric  with a very long string but to the innovative eye it's pure heaven.  Here's how I worked my sac into a work dress.

 

 American Apparel Navy Le Sac with black string.  

Wide waist faux belt from Sportsgirl.  HnM

green metallic scarf.  Marc Jacobs bowed black 

ballet flats.

Strapless convertible bra by Fine Lines.

1. Wear the dress as indicated in the picture but pull the straps high to gather the material closer to the base of the neck (so you're not showing off too much boobage at work!  Don't want to look hoochie).  Note, you may need to shorten the string and tuck it inside the dress.  Make sure it doesn't show at the hem.

 

2. Grab a wide waist belt and belt the dress at the waist.

3.  Add a metallic or dressy lightweight scarf, dress shoes (heels or flats whatever your pref.) and you're good to go!

 

 

Considering it was a 30 deg C day, I opted out of a jacket and vest.  This exact style looks hot with a vest which is great for after 5 or looking cool while hanging in the East Village, SoHo and Williamsburg.

The dress is good value for $36.  AA has different strings and accessories to switch it up.  Moreover considering the dress' ability to transform it makes it ideal for all seasons. Pair with a jacket, long sleeve t or t, leggings, skinnies, boots or tights in the cooler weather.  Strip it down in the warmer months.  Best of all this dress is perfect for travel and saves space in the case.