Alternative Apparel Blog

Alternative's Best of 2011

With the year coming to a close, we wanted to give our community a quick look into the past with our hand-picked list of the top 11 best Alternative moments of 2011. From fashion shows and events to charity partnerships and grand openings, these are our most memorable moments of the year.

11. Earlier this month, we launched our Abbot Kinney store’s T-Shirt Recycling Program benefiting Upward Bound House in efforts to eliminate homelessness in California.

10. In March, our PR team went on the road to Austin, Texas for SXSW to promote the brand and share in all the fun. We hosted the Alternative Lounge and served as the go-to spot for VH1 interviews with popular artists like Foster the People, Duran Duran, Dirty Vegas and Moby.

9. In April, we introduced a year-long partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure and designed the Alternative Pink Ribbon collection which gives 10% of retail price to benefit breast cancer with a minimum $25,000 donation.

Selena Gomez Loves her Dakota Bag

For the past two months, "It Girl" Selena Gomez has been rocking our Dakota bag almost everywhere she's been. The black leather handbag with a skinny suede shoulder strap and a zip closure is super-convenient and roomy with two external side pockets and one internal pocket. This bag's the perfect size for a girl on-the-go for day or night. Check out some of Selena's best looks with her Alternative Dakota bag!

Featured Artist: Randy Noborikawa

Everyone has a different way of bringing an idea to life. For instance, some people might write it down immediately, some might call a friend to discuss and others tend to use artistic forms like music or art to bring “something from an idea to reality,” in the words of Randy Noborikawa.

Head-to-Toe Alternative: Mandy Moore

Just this past week, Mandy Moore was seen looking particularly stylish and comfy in a perfectly coordinated head-to-toe Alternative outfit. While running errands in California on December 9th, Mandy was spotted wearing our Long Sleeve Zip Hoodie, Destroyed V-Neck Tee and fleece Costanza Gym Pant. Looking good, Mandy!

x Eleni Snider

Celebs Love: The Slouchy Pullover

Recently, our best-selling Slouchy Pullover has been popping up all over the place on A-List celebrities. It's no wonder; this versatile tee-meets-sweatshirt hybrid is perfectly draped with a flattering fit. It's the kind of piece you can wear anywhere from a walk in the park to a dinner with friends. Not to mention that this wardrobe staple (I may or may not have it in 4 colors) has earth-friendly appeal, made of our unbelievably soft Eco-Heather. Check out a few of our celeb fans who love this style. All three of these leading ladies chose to sport the Slouchy in our classic Eco-Black color.

While Gwyneth Paltrow was filming a movie in New York City this fall, she was spotted looking New York chic in her slouchy pullover.

Make a Difference with Upward Bound House

During the season of giving, we'd like to highlight a Santa Monica non-profit organization that really adds true meaning to the word giving. California’s Upward Bound House gives shelter and provides necessary supplies like clothing to homeless families with children. Their mission is to help eliminate homelessness aby providing these families in need with housing, support and encouragement to get back on their feet.

To support this worthy cause, we launched a T-Shirt Recycling Program benefitting Upward Bound House. This holiday season, we'd like to welcome all LA-area shoppers into our flagship Abbot Kinney store to donate gently used t-shirts in exchange for 15% off any Alternative item for each shirt you donate, up to two items per visit. The program will run through the holiday season until January 31, 2012 and all collected clothing will be given to Upward Bound House.