As the summer sun beckons, are you ready to breathe new life into your warm-weather wardrobe? Whether you’re in the mood for vintage finds, fresh threads, or pieces that truly express your unique style, Downtown’s array of chic apparel shops is your go-to destination. Dive into the heart of DTLB where fashion mavens are eager to help you dress for the endless summer breezes and unforgettable moments ahead. Let’s make this summer not just hot, but sizzling with style!
BURKE MERCANTILE / 435 E 1ST ST.
Maggie Stoll’s East Village boutique is known for its classy, contemporary, sustainable fashion. For summer wear, Stoll directed us to her clothing selections made by Kowtow, a New Zealand-based brand that has been a pioneer in pushing sustainability forward in the garment industry.
“Kowtow is known best for its minimalist, effortless aesthetic inspired by art, architecture and nature,” Stoll said. “Their organic cotton fabrics are perfect for summer and our warm California climate, but their pieces are versatile enough to style, layer, and wear through every season!”
This year, Kowtow is going 100% plastic-free; Every element of each garment is made with natural materials!
“Their entire clothing line is made with Fair Trade organic cotton, which means it is grown naturally. Everyone in Kowtow’s supply chain from the farmers to the manufacturers is paid fairly and given healthy working conditions,” Stoll explained. “They are also a certified B Corporation and have implemented a ‘Take Back’ program to keep their garments in circularity and out of landfills.”
LB VINTAGE ETC / 737 PINE AVE.
One could revamp their entire lifestyle in this 7,000 square foot treasure trove of everything vintage! For summer clothing options, owner Elizabeth Kobliha pointed out some ’80s-era neon bikinis and ’60s Hawaiian shirts before directing our attention to the shop’s collection of an iconic garment that originated in the ’40s and ’50s: the patio dress.
“The hallmark of the patio dress lies in its exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail,” Kobliha said. “Typically made from cotton or calico print, these dresses feature pleated, gathered, or fully gathered skirts adorned with vibrant colors and playful rick rack trim. Inspired by Native American basket designs, the hemlines add a touch of authenticity to the ensemble, while accessories such as concho belts, squash blossom necklaces, and turquoise earrings complete the look with flair.”
Citing the comfort and versatility offered by the patio dress, Kobliha noted a resurgence in its popularity in recent years. “Flattering to most figures and lightweight enough for hot summer days, the patio dress became a staple in the wardrobes of women from all walks of life,” she said. “Its effortless charm and ability to transition seamlessly from casual outings to more formal occasions make it a go-to summer option for women seeking both style and comfort.”
MASAYA / 501B PINE AVE.
What better place to prepare sartorially for the joys of summer than a shop named “joyful?” That’s the translation of the Tagalog word “Masaya”. We’ll let owner Rich Rodriguez convey his joy about some of his summer wardrobe highlights:
“There’s no better time than summer to hit the open road and go on an adventure!” said Rodriguez. “At Masaya, we’re featuring styles that capture the carefree, laid-back feeling of a summer road trip such as the Les Deux Eastern Knitted Short Sleeved Shirt paired with their Coastal Tee and Kevin Boucle Shorts.
“For cooler nights,” he continued, “you can swap out shorts for Corridor’s 5 Pocket Jean in the Natural style or the Italian Organic 5 Pocket Selvedge Jean. The jeans can be worn with Corridor’s Organic Garment Dyed Tee or Save Khaki United’s Organic Hemp Stripe Crew Tee.”
ANNEISE / 440 E 1ST ST.
Owner Kimberly Latham’s positive energy about her simple-yet-stunning clothing selection really radiates: “Spring is when we bring in the bright colors, so here’s a matching top-bottom set we have with this great Sunflower Yellow,” she enthused.
Latham elaborated on the matched-set theme: “Top to bottom, whether it be stripes, solids, or prints. It’s a really fun staple for your wardrobe,” she said. “Match your white tops with your white bottoms or your black tops with your black bottoms. You can get that look while being sustainable with what you already have. If you don’t have it, come see me!
“The other summer thing that we really like is just ‘classic must-have,’ such as this great cotton button-up,” Latham continued. “We have a fun, heather gray blazer. We like things that can transition — dress up and dress down. It’s really fun to dress down with jeans or dress up with different suiting.”
J GRAPHIX STUDIO / 404 E 3RD ST.
J Graphix Studio is the perfect place to go for distinctly Long Beach summer gear while supporting local artists! And, you can become an apparel artist yourself, creating custom designs and art portraits.
Those in the know at J Graphix told us that crossbody bags, hats, crop tops, and printed shorts were among the most in-demand items for people getting a headstart on their summer style statements.
“We are hard-working individuals specializing in graphics, screenprinting, and embroidery since 2015,” a J Graphix insider told us. “Since then we have focused on creating a unique, high-quality brand. Our styles, colors, and graphics help our outreach in bridging our Long Beach community together.”