This past weekend, a longtime friend and I met up in Los Angeles for a weekend of carefree fun and fancy. The weather cooperated, as did the shopping. New York and Paris are certainly chic, but there is something about that California sunshine that makes a tissue T and casual, tousled hair seem like the only option.

Perhaps it is that same California sunshine that has inspired a plethora of emerging fashion companies, each with their own spin on casual chic.

The great thing about these fashions is that they are adored by celebs and Milwaukeeans alike. As our hometown becomes more fashion forward, boutiques are branching out and taking an interest in Californian labels, allowing for an interesting mix of trends. As the middle of the country, we are also the middle of the fashion melting pot, mixing East Coast and West Coast styles.

Los Angeles has several concentrated areas of shopping, varying in price. The Robertson shops consist of Intermix and Kitson, which definitely cater towards the high end (especially Intermix).

One standout brand in particular is the new Karta, a much talked about line from designer Judi Lambert that is known for its large embellishments. This line is also new to Stephanie Horne, on Broadway in the Third Ward.

Stephanie Horne, a California-style boutique in nature, hosts a number of other L.A. brands including La Rok, Bobbie, T-Bags, and others. Jeans and slouchy tanks sum up this shop, but there is also a great selection of beautifully detailed tops and dresses, as well as accessories.

Another shopping haven, found on Melrose Avenue, includes local, less expensive boutiques as well as higher end, brand name shops. One boutique situated along the lower end of Melrose is Voom. This shop, from designer Joy Han, is surprisingly disheveled, considering the loyal celebrity following; the walls are lined with pictures from magazines of Hollywood’s hottest in Voom digs.

Voom dresses come in just a few styles but endless crazy silk prints. Voom’s less expensive line, Va Va is more about stretchy cotton blend dresses that are delightfully feminine. Lela Boutique, also on Broadway in the Third Ward, started carrying Voom in early spring 2007, and has seen the line develop a loyal following of Milwaukee’s most fashionable.

New York, Paris and Milan typically dictate trends, but Los Angeles designers are beginning to develop their own signature style injected with a little California sunshine. The colorful, comfy and laid back feel L.A. designers create make their clothes wearable and pretty timeless.

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