It’s often difficult to find the affordable basics: the right t-shirt, basic cotton skirts and dresses, socks and so on.

American Apparel is one label that gets it right with the basics for men, women and kids, producing garments made of cotton, organic cotton as well as blended and synthetic fabrics.

You used to have to order these clothes from the US online (it’s an LA-based company) however last year AA launched an Aussie online store which apparently ships from a warehouse in Sydney.

While this was good news for anyone hesitant to order from international sites, I have to say delivery was (and still is) very slow. How can a garment supposedly shipped from Sydney to another Sydney address take eight days to arrive?

Well Sydney has only just got its very first American Apparel store on Oxford Street which makes me a lot happier than using the site. I am an impatient shopper - once I get my mind set on something I need it immediately. Eight days after ordering something I am likely to have forgotten why I wanted it in the first place. Melbourne also has a Chapel Street store. For all other states, unfortunately you’ll have to order through the site.

At the moment I love the Baby Thermal Cap Sleeve t-shirt pictured here which is on sale at $22. It’s a great buy for the in-between weather of spring as the thermal material is a little warmer than your average t-shirt. And the neckline and shoulders are very flattering.

By Caroline Warnes