The cities of the East Bay not only have their own unique geography and activities, they also have their own style! However, there are a few trends that have been prevalent on the runway this season that we have also been seeing all over the East Bay, regardless of what city you live in.

Don’t pack your light skinny jeans away just yet! Slip on a pair of knee length boots to pull your look together and keep you warm.

An oldie, (dating back to the 1970’s a la Farrah Fawcett glamour), but most definitely a goodie, tucking jeans into boots is a stylish way to keep warm. We spoke to local stylists who recommended pairing your skinny jeans with leather knee high boots, or over-the-knee boots. Hint: Slip on knee length stockings over your jeans to make putting on and taking off the boots seamless.

Just because you have a stylish manicure does not mean you have to cover them up in the cold; that’s what fingerless gloves are for!

Ever since the unfortunate passing of icon and musician, Michael Jackson, there has been a resurgence of hot red leather jackets, and of course, the infamous fingerless gloves. Lucky for us, many boutiques have been carrying different styles from the casual to the ornate, just in time for winter! Not only will you be keeping warm, but showing off your new Minx manicure, and coordinating your gloves with your new shoes.

Silky and Flowing 1970’s Glam!

Don’t be afraid to get all glammed up, even for a day at the office. Many boutiques carry 1970’s inspired silk blouses that will cover you up, but you will look anything but buttoned down in this trend of form fitting blouses with draping bows and scarves. We’ve seen this look dressed up with tailored pants appropriate for the office, or dressed down with jeans for a sexy but classy look.

Something for the Gents.

You didn’t think that we forgot about you, did you gentlemen? If you haven’t noticed already, there is a 90’s revival going on! If you can’t pull out your old LA Gears and dust them off, then you’ll need to go to your local boutique, mall or check out deals online to cop a pair of 90’s inspired shoes. Pair sneakers with tapering jeans, a vibrant vintage T-shirt and jacket to complete the look.

East Bay boutiques we love where you can stay on track with the latest trends.

For the ladies, we highly recommend Sway, not only do they offer affordable and unique trendsetting pieces, but they are all over the East Bay, from Alameda to Concord! Check out their website for a full list of locations and hours (myspace.com/swayapparel). For the gents, we simply can’t get enough of Henri Hubert (henrihubert.com), located in Oakland. They are a local boutique, filled with fashionable high end clothing as well as one of a kind T-shirts and grooming accessories.

Pamela V. Neher
Writer + Editor
lalavalentine.com