Flare for fashion – South Bay style embraces the trendy and the classic season
Blue Sapphire earings designed by Bridget Durnelle-Mauro of Durnelle Jewelry in Palos Verdes
As our enviable Southern California winter rolls on to a close, South Bay residents may once more pack away their sweaters and coats in exchange for bikinis, board shorts and tank tops. It is time to clean out the closet and trade in last decade’s fashion trends for the new, burgeoning style of 2011. But what does this style entail exactly, and what are the major differences we should be watching for as we embark on a whole new decade of beach fashion?
Fortunately for locals, the South Bay is as rich in retail as it is in seashells, offering myriad of options to indulge in this season’s hottest picks.
Boasting a rack of bathing suits that are eco friendly, stylish conscious, and functional, Odina Swimwear in Redondo Beach sees its apparel taking a turn towards simplicity.
“Our spring line, which is coming in March, will use basic, classic blacks and browns for the body of the suit with more vibrant green and fuscia colors for trimming and accents,” said Danielle York, director of communications at Odina. “Our suits are made for active surfers. We want them to look stylish, but still be comfortable under a wet suit. The one strap bandeau will most likely be our big hit in March, and it is very supportive as well.”
Odina’s uniquely, fashionable swimwear is not only surf-friendly, it is also eco-friendly. They may be using basic colors with vibrant accents, but Odina’s entire line is actually green through and through.
“Everything we do is built around being a sustainable swimwear company and decreasing our carbon footprint,” said York. “After that priority comes function.”
If surf friendly bikinis are showing their classic side, sportswear for women continues to embrace its vivacious and bold personality. While some of the trendier pieces from last season might find themselves pushed to the back of the closet this spring, old favorites might be ready to make a splash once more.
“I would say that it will probably be time to put away your skinny jeans, because the trend is to really push flared jeans this year,” said Andrea Plsek, owner of the recently opened Doubletake Consignment in Hermosa Beach. “Some older trends are also still moving forward, like mini skirts and structured dresses.”
“Everything for spring this year will be about boho chic,” continued Plsek. “You’ll see a lot of maxi dresses, long skirts, flowy tops, and wedge shoes. Doubletake is also getting in more beach friendly bags with that hobo style. One can even turn into a backpack.”
Jewelry is also a niche where locals may be debating whether to embrace a new trend or remain true to the more classic pieces in the bureau. With the apparent rise of dangling chains and chunky armlets, it may seem that the more delicate style is on the backburner for now.
However, for jewelry designer Bridget Durnelle-Mauro of Durnelle Jewelry in Palos Verdes, and self proclaimed rebel against that which claims to be trendy, it isn’t so much about the trends as it is about the quality and design of the piece.
“Whatever jewelry choices you make, you can have fun with style and fashion, but only if the design has integrity and is executed well. Of course we still draw upon classic trends today from even the Deco or Victorian era, but no trend will truly endure unless it is done well,” explained Durnelle-Mauro. “Don’t compromise on quality or manufacturing for the sake of a trendy style because it will show.”
Durnelle-Mauro, who spoke to us in the middle of completing her specially requested design entry for this year’s Superbowl Ring, also stresses that jewelry style may be achieved through a variety of looks, so long as the piece has a lasting personality.
“Classic doesn’t mean boring at all, classic means enduring, and I draw upon those periods that have endured to this day. You can bring fine quality design to even a Superbowl ring, which certainly isn’t known for design but is more about the bling. But that is my goal, for the guys to look at this ring and think ‘this is a cool and beautiful ring.’” B