How to wear the military trend

Since it’s Veteran’s day, why not explore the military trend that is stronger than ever this season? Military jackets have become a staple among South Bay designer clothing as well as the rest of the country, but there other ways to translate this trend for your own personal style and give the look your own unique twist.

The structure of military inspired clothing is easily softened up with luxe fabrics and feminine details, as shown by designers across the board at the runway shows. While you won’t see camouflage prints and surplus army parkas at our fashion clothing store, you will see a new take on utilitarian silhouettes. Pair a military coat or jacket with sweaters in laid back textures to contrast the structured feel.

Forget about cargo dresses—South Bay designer clothing is teeming with military-inspired sheaths and LBDs with subtle details like exaggerated shoulders or buttons that give them a militaristic vibe. Never go overboard with this look—in fact, one piece per outfit will do the trick. Tuck skinny black jeans into tall, sleek boots for a sexy yet tough take on the trend.

Army green is ubiquitous among the collections at every fashion clothing store in the country.  Whether it’s a blouse, jacket or skirt, look for something in the piece that still offers some feminine styling, whether it’s the fabric or accents, to keep it fresh but flattering.

The military look seems to never go away, so getting a few key pieces is a smart investment.

Winter mother of the groom dresses

Many couples choose this time of year for their nuptials, rather than the oh-so-popular summer months. Whether it’s a destination wedding hosted in an exotic location or in the couple’s hometown, the matriarchs of both families feel pressure to look as radiant as possible in honor of their offspring. That pressure can be compounded during the winter months as women may think their fashion options are more limited. Yet while it seems like it might be harder to find mother of the groom dresses and mother of the bride wear during this time of year, we’ve got some tips to make the process a little easier for both of the matriarchs in the mix.

Start by opening your mind to mother of the groom dresses made from fabrics you normally wouldn’t consider in the spring or summer. While chiffon is wearable all year round, other modals such as satin, velvet and taffeta are perfect for cooler weather and provide a dramatic and unique look. We’ve seen wide-ranging collections from Mon Cheri bridal fashion that are exquisitely crafted in stunning fabrics and innovative styles that just wouldn’t work during spring or summer. Plus, options for accessories are wider as well.

In addition to being able to wear cozier, elegant fabrics this time of year, you can also select a more dramatic color scheme when putting together a mother of the bride wear ensemble—that is, if the bride lets you choose your colors. Even if she doesn’t give up that element of control, she will probably steer clear of pastels during winter time, as stronger, richer hues are more in style, especially this season. For example, Mon Cheri bridal fashion for fall/winter includes mother of the groom dresses in the rich burgundies that are so ubiquitous this year, as well as regal shades of purple, fiery reds, emerald greens, deep pinks and black.

Wearing winter whites

The fall/winter 2012 collections are making dramatic statements this season—one of them is the new take on winter whites. While we’re seeing some beautiful variations in our fashion clothing store, from stark hues that are pure-as-the-driven-snow to antique shades of cream, this trend seems to be more about the flair of the entire ensemble, rather than the exact tone. 

One way to wear the winter white trend that is stunning and classic is the tailored look, which is perfect for South Bay fashion, and is prevalent among the local boutique clothing stores. The variations we’re seeing lean a little bit towards the mod, slightly androgynous style of Twiggy in the 1960s. Sharply defined waistlines, formal shirts and sleek minidresses are a great way to translate this trend that is perfect for Redondo Beach clothing styles. 

This type of structured tailoring can make the silhouette of a suit or even pantsuit more feminine and soft. South Bay fashion mavens are also donning tailored white shift dresses, which are ubiquitous in boutique clothing stores. Again, the pure tones of white soften any harsh lines, allowing for a distinct silhouette that still looks soft and feminine.

If you love the trend but don’t want to wear monochromatic white, there are some fun ways to pair it that we’ve seen many of the clients of our fashion clothing store try. An easy choice is the classic black and white combination.  You can also take more of a risk and simply wear a statement piece in black to offset the white outfit—try a handbag, shoes or necklace.

A great coupling that offers an exciting twist is white and gold, a combination that evokes a feeling of royalty or aristocracy. You can do this simply with accents or statement pieces, which is a more conservative way of adding flair to Redondo Beach clothing. Metallics are a favorite this season, so also try your hand at styling white and silver together for a frosty, dramatic look. Silver makes for gorgeous accents, so look for pieces with silver buttons, cuffs, collars and other cool detailing.

Statement handbags for South Bay designer clothing

You’ve probably heard the old adage, “Less is more.” That’s a statement that can definitely relate to fashion at times, especially in times when trends can be so over the top. While we love all the fun fashions that are arriving at our fashion clothing store this season, we understand that  sometimes you want a clean classic look with just a little bit of “pop.” A great way to tie your outfit together while still adding some flavor and pizzazz is with a gorgeous statement bag—the right piece can pull together any number of looks from your collection of South Bay designer clothing. 

Bright clutches, snakeskin details, sequin embellishments and luxe exotic prints will spruce up your look without pushing you over the edge of trendiness. Accessories like these are standalone pieces that will remind you why you love fashion and make infusing your stylish flair completely effortless—once you’ve chosen the handbag anyway. They can even add glamour to your favorite loungewear with ease.

Even mother of the bride wear can benefit from a nice statement handbag, especially when the bride dictates a neutral palette for the wedding. An elegant handbag with a touch of color or bold detailing can help take that look from blah to beautiful, and perhaps even afford you the option to re-use your mother of the bride wear to another special event.

While you may think that your collection of South Bay designer clothing is dictated by sunny weather and will not involve a winter look, that’s won’t be practical mindset this season, as fashion forecasts predict chunky sweaters and lots of layers, coupled with tough looking, super-functional boots. The perfect way to dress those looks up is with a vibrant satchel, cross body or tote—and we’ve got some gorgeous choices of each at our fashion clothing store.

Alberto Makali takes our fashion clothing store by storm

We are beyond thrilled by the recent shipment that arrived at our fashion clothing store of some amazing pieces from the Alberto Makali 2012 Fall and Winter collections. This upscale brand has outdone itself with absolutely gorgeous colors and styles for the fall and winter season.

If you’re looking for elegant and sophisticated cocktail dresses to round out your collection of South Bay designer clothing, then look no further! This season’s looks include feminine and demure, yet flattering silhouettes that are perfect for every single occasion.

Sensual designs coupled with Makali’s impeccable craftsmanship make for classy, high-end pieces that will set you apart from anyone else in the room. Whether you have a wedding to attend, a holiday party or a night out with the girls at a hipster locale, you’ll find something that works for that need and more!

One of the reasons this brand is such a favorite among fashionistas looking to expand their collection of South Bay designer clothing are the whimsical details like lace appliqués and fine bead work that embellish this designer’s beautiful pieces—and that are so in style this season.

Nothing flatters the feminine form more than Alberto Makali’s fashion-forward styles. Browse the collection for pieces that will make you look and feel your absolute best.

Don’t let your style age you

We all know about wearing sunscreen and eating right, but do your clothes age your look? While it’s easy to recognize if you’re wearing something too matronly looking, there are other ways to make sure that your clothes don’t age you. It doesn’t matter if you’re wearing mother of the bride dresses, evening gowns, business suits or more casual looks, like the uber popular jeans and off the shoulder tops that are ubiquitous among Redondo Beach clothing—you can still dress with a youthful flair without sacrificing a chic sense of refinement.  Below are some flattering tips from the stylists who frequent our fashion clothing store.

Take risks. While it’s great to find a silhouette that flatters you, don’t rely on that one look you’ve been rocking since your 20s every single time you get dressed. Change it up and wear pieces that are fun and unique, yet flattering. In other words, take smart risks. 

Get colorful. Vibrant colors make you look younger and feel brighter. Color trends change with seasons, so that gives you a chance to mix new colors into your wardrobe and find new hues to flatter your skin color overall—all the new collections of South Bay fashion boutique clothing are filled with rich shades of oxblood, cobalt, French roast and honey gold this season. 

Make a statement. Keep your jewelry minimal except for one dramatic statement piece. This tip also works well for accenting mother of the bride dresses. 

Balance feminine with tough. You can wear pieces with more girly details such as ruffles, without reading too young by mixing them up with tougher accessories. Try studded booties or heels and a spiky piece of jewelry. A lot of designers have included tough pieces and accents in their collections this season, which means that every great fashion clothing store will have a nice selection of the latest looks to choose from.

Show off your stems. Play up feminine look by wearing a simply cut, long-sleeved minidress that lets you show off your legs. There are tons of options among South Bay fashion boutique clothing that offer the perfect blend of youthfulness and elegance.

How to wear winter fashion trends

Each year at this time, every good fashion clothing store is teeming with winter trends—and 2012 is no different. With everything from dresses in mysterious prints and exotic colors to leather, lace and shimmery metallics, this season’s runways promise sophisticated collections with a tinge of rebellion.

Leather is back in a big way, even for clothing in Redondo Beach. Whether it’s on a motorcycle jacket and boots with studded heels or a sleek and supple ladylike blazer, leather will be everywhere from the boardroom to evening cocktail parties and special events. Lace was equally ubiquitous on the runways, from all-lace dresses to lace accents and details.

Another trend that evolved this season is the bejeweled embellished look. Every fashion clothing store is sparkling with feminine flair from exquisitely adorned tailored pieces.  Be sure to keep the jewelry and accessories to an absolute minimum when wearing embellished pieces.

South Bay fashion boutique clothing was rampant with florals this spring and summer—fall is no different. Yet while summer’s pastels and vibrant pops of color were cheery and youthful, fall’s dark and moody palette is more serious, almost femme fatale. 

We’ve seen the blazer make a comeback in a big way lately, especially among South Bay fashion boutique clothing. Suits are very tailored and precise, with waists nipped in and flared bottoms.

The menswear look was touched upon this season, but more emphasis was placed on tailored, restrained wardrobe pieces that are prim and ladylike. Complete coverage coupled with feminine, body skimming silhouettes offer a look that’s stylish and elegant. Think demure with small buttoned collars, strong shoulders, a defined waist and skirts that skim the knee. Add to the coy attitude with sleek hair and minimalist makeup, like pale lips and smoky eyes.

Look for these trends everywhere from clothing in Redondo Beach, Hollywood and all of Southern California to Miami, New York City and beyond.