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LA-based YouTubers Alisha Marie and Ashley Nichole, with over 9 million subscribers combined, are social media creators, podcast co-hosts of their own shows and, most recently, the two faces behind the new clothing label, Parallel Apparel.
The new go-to brand for size-inclusive, quality basics, Parallel Apparel launched June 10 after nearly two years in the making — from ideation to full-motion product drops.
Essentially, it’s the lovechild of activewear and loungewear.
“We have always loved fashion but never considered ourselves fashion designers or fashionable girls you see on Instagram,” Alisha, 28, told The Post. “We wanted to help people realize that you don’t have to be wearing heels to feel good about yourself or wear something super tight or revealing — you can feel your best self in sweatpants.”
The name Parallel Apparel is rooted in how their style as sisters is different, yet “parallel” in some aspects. Regardless of your style, there are always “basics you return to that you can trust,” Alisha adds.
“It’s definitely a luxury line, but we’ve done a really good job of making some pieces more expensive and more affordable for the quality you’re getting,” Ashley, 30, told The Post. “We have so many friends whose sizes range all over the place and we want every single one of them to rock our brand and feel themselves to the fullest, too.”
The label, which includes sizes from XS to XXL, ranges in price from its sporty bralette ($35) to the hero jogger ($118). The sisters shared how the mission behind Parallel Apparel stems from past body image struggles.
“Through our own personal health and fitness journey of never feeling good at any size, we wanted to scratch that and say you can feel ‘sexy as is’ [the brand’s motto] no matter what, and we’re hoping people can feel that way with the clothes,” Alisha adds.
Especially living in LA, Alisha explained how it’s “sad and disheartening” to see how people and brands treat you differently if you’re not a sample size. In an effort to promote confidence at any size, the girls shared they’re hoping to expand their collection and size range in the future.
What’s more, it’s a priority for Alisha and Ashley to produce their pieces domestically in LA.
“We wanted all of the fabrics to be manufactured in LA and it’s so important for us to touch it ourselves,” Alisha said. “We’ve been so hands-on with our content so when it came to something like this, we didn’t want to slap our names on something.”
This isn’t the girls’ first rodeo at designing apparel, either. Alisha, the co-host of the “Pretty Basic” podcast and Ashley, the co-host of the “Unsolicited Advice” podcast, have experience making merch for their viewers and listeners. But, the process is completely different from their new line.
“Our clothing line is so different from creating merch,” Alisha explains. “Merch is more catered toward the viewers and reminds me of a family; they have something tangible to hold to support us that’s more colorful and out there. For Parallel, our honest goal is for someone to buy it and for people not to know who we are.”
However, most Parallel Apparel items are currently sold out, but Alisha’s go-to recommendation is the Square Neck Top ($47), with Ashley’s being the Essential Rib Bodysuit ($62).
The co-founders of Parallel Apparel spilled the tea on some of their favorite lifestyle products they’re always being asked about below. Read on for recommendations on luxury skincare, affordable falsies and more.
- Alisha’s Favorite Products
- Ashley’s Favorite Products
Alisha’s Top 5 Favorite Products
Ardell 4-Pack Accent Lashes, $11.99
“I’ve owned Ardell’s Accent Lashes for over a year and I’m obsessed with them,” Alisha said. “It’s great to enhance your natural lashes if you’re not big on wearing big falsies.”
Color Wow Root Coverup Powder, $34.50
“I remember seeing Color Wow commercials when I was younger and thought it was for people who were balding,” she said. “I’ll never wear a slicked-back ponytail without the coverup, it lasts for a long time, and it fills in sparse spots beautifully as an eyeshadow would.”
KKW Beauty Nude 3 Cream Lipstick, $9 (originally $18)
“I’m so picky with lip colors and the KKW Beauty Cream Lipstick was one of the first ones I really loved,” she said. “I stocked up on five of them when I thought they were going out of stock.”
One/Size by Patrick Starrr Turn Up the Base Versatile Powder Foundation, $33
“The One/Size Powder Foundation is genuinely so good,” she said. “The compact foundation gives you great coverage.”
NatriSweet Original Stevia Liquid Drops, $14.99
Alisha often uses Stevia Drops to give things a bit more sweetness.
Alisha’s Favorite Lifestyle Products
Canon EOS M50 Mark II Camera, $699.99
“My vlog camera, the Canon Mark II, is something I always get asked about,” Alisha said. “It changes up my video game, for sure.”
Rode VideoMic with Fuzzy Windjammer Kit, $149.95
“The Rode Microphone is specifically what makes my videos crisper,” she said. “You don’t need a battery, either.”
Canon 11-22 mm Lens, $399
“Canon’s 11-22 mm Lens is wide so you get so much more in the frame,” she said. “You can actually see everything around you instead of just your face.”
Nike Air Force 1 Sneaker, $90
“I love Air Force 1s — and sneakers in general,” she said.
Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance LED Smart Light Bulb (2-Pack), $89.99
“Even if we only have one person over, I’m always like, ‘Let’s put the colored lights on,’” she said. “I’m obsessed with them.”
Allure Three Barrel Curling Iron Wand, $29.97
“The three-barrel hair crimper is one of my favorites,” she said. “I’ve been experimenting more with styling my hair, and it’s one of those things everyone wants to borrow.”
Tocess 4-Pack Claw Clips, $13.99 (originally $16.99)
“I’ve been obsessed with claw clips and that’s all I wore last year,” she said. “I’m so happy they’re back in style.”
Ashley’s Top 5 Favorite Products
Le Labo Thé Noir 29 Eau de Parfum, $86
“I’m obsessed with Le Labo’s Thé Noir perfume,” Ashley said. “It’s a gender-neutral smell and no matter where I go, I always get complimented on what I’m wearing. I wear it 24/7 and have the lotion, too.”
Lancer Sheer Fluid Sun Shield SPF 30 Facial Sunscreen, $60
“I wear Lancer’s Facial Sunscreen every day, regardless if I’m wearing makeup or not,” she said. “Besides protecting your skin, it has this smoothing feature to smooth out my pores and it has a great blurring effect.”
She said she felt great going out when just wearing sunscreen and a few coats of mascara, too.
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment, $122
“Good Genes changed my life and I genuinely think it changed my skin,” she said. “I’m a big Sunday Riley girl and this product is my holy grail — I use it every night.”
Cosori Smart WiFi Air Fryer, $119.99
“We’re big air fryer people — we use it every night,” she said. “We’ve cooked everything in there from salmon to steak to Oreos to pastries, and it turns out top-chef quality.”
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder, $19.99 (originally $26.89)
“I put Vital Proteins’ collagen in every smoothie and during quarantine, I wanted to come out of it glowing,” she said. “My hair started growing like crazy, and I swear it’s because of this.”
Ashley’s Favorite Lifestyle Products
Cloudnola Flipping Out Copper Clock, $115
“The Cloudnola Flip Clock — and where it’s from — is probably my number one question in my videos,” Ashley said. “I love how it looks, the vibe of it, and that I’ve never seen anything like it before.”
Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug, $129.95
“I have an Ember Mug and it’s probably one of the bougiest things I’ve ever purchased,” Ashley said. “It’s great to keep your coffee hot and I got one for my mom, dad and brother.”
DJI Pocket 4K Camera, $499
“For traveling, I got a Djai Pocket Pro Camera and it elevated my personal content for my videos — and also our Parallel Apparel content during our shoot days,” she said. “It takes amazing quality time-lapses and it’s on a gimbal, so it makes everything look smooth and professional. It’s also super tiny.”
Ugg Women’s Fluff Yeah Slide Slipper, $74.95
“I wear my Ugg slippers every morning and every night,” she said. “I’m a big slipper person.”
Mejuri Jewelry Box, $150
“I have a Mejuri Jewelry Box that is the cutest, most aesthetic looking thing on the planet,” she said. “It’s super deep so it holds a lot of my jewelry and all of my stuff used to be tangled but now, it’s organized.”
The Sill Plant Subscription, $60 per month
“Everyone dove into house plants during quarantine, and I love ordering plants online with The Sill,” she said. “It’s changed my life and I have plants everywhere; It’s my new favorite thing.”
Jall Wake Up Sunrise Light Clock, $39.98 (originally $59.99)
“This glow-looking, circular daylight clock will gradually brighten up your room overnight — going from super dark to pretty bright,” she said. “I’ve always woken up before my alarm goes off.”
Drybar Double Shot Oval Blow-Dryer Brush, $150
“I have a Drybar Blow-Dryer Brush and I feel like I get a blowout every time I use it,” she said.
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