American Apparel currently has a discount code of Columbus09, which you can use to get 20% off all purchases at the Australian online store.

Although some of American Apparel’s clothes are slightly (okay, very) questionable and there is something about the style of photography on the site that is vaguely disturbing in a Roman Polanski-type of way, it is great for inexpensive basics for men, women and kids.

Don’t forget to check out the specials section to pick up a real bargain.

You can also shop in-store and claim your discount by using this voucher before October 19. Store locations around Australia can be found at the website.

By Caroline Warnes

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few weeks, chances are by now you’ve at least heard something about the small matter of a world financial crisis.

Now I am no economic expert, in fact I struggle with the basic concept of spending less than you earn, but even I have worked out that this isn’t your garden variety “I accidentally spent my week’s rent money on booze again” type of financial crisis.

No, it appears that a couple of corporations in the US may have done the big business equivalent of “mortgaging the house to put on race five at Randwick”.

Anyhow, it’s often said that the state of the economy has a direct effect on the fashion industry - and in particular, on the length of our hemlines. There is actually sound economic reasoning behind this: in a booming economy, the cost of fabric goes up, so designers make mini-skirts to maximise profits. Similarly, in an economic downturn, the cost of fabric drops and they can afford the extra fabric for longer styles.

Expect to see hemlines skimming the knees and below in the coming months - despite the fact we’re coming into summer. Colours and patterns also tend to become darker and more muted in any sort of world crisis because, well, most of us like to at least pretend that we’re socially sensitive and aware.

Form-fitting black dresses to the knee not only fill this criteria but also have several bonuses: 1. you don’t have to worry about how your thighs look and 2. you instantly appear at least 3kg slimmer. Damn. I sure could have done with a world financial crisis last bikini season.

The cotton spandex jersey tube dress pictured here sells for $52 from American Apparel, and I also like this tank dress from Metalicus, which sells for $139.

By Caroline Warnes

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