Fashion: The bright stuff

Sacramento may not be one of the world’s fashion capitals, but that doesn’t mean the streets of this capital city are devoid of intrepid souls channeling fashion muses. These fashion-forward thinkers fearlessly experiment with bold patterns, bright colors and vintage fabrics—changing and customizing clothes to define their own uniqueness. Clad in their vibrant wares, they stand out like beacons against the muted, oppressive summer heat we’ve all come to know (and loathe).

While some local fashionistas may choose to travel to that other city—you know, the one by the bay—for their fashion fix, it certainly isn’t necessary. Locally minded boutiques offer residents an affordable way to look cutting-edge with an array of new, vintage and locally designed clothing for reasonable prices.

Amber Mortensen, co-creator of the fashion blog Painfully Hip, credits the Internet with making fashion more accessible to the public. “It’s so nice that trendsetting powers are now being taken away from corporations and glossy magazines and are back in the hands of normal people,” she remarked. “Especially people who have the creativity but not the money to spend.”

Mortensen suggests organizing a clothing swap as a means of picking up some new threads for free. You get to unload your unwanted clothing, while rummaging through someone else’s giveaways—treasures can be found!

Come June 19, Mortensen will team up with the owners of Bows and Arrows to throw the Major Hip Replacement Clothing Swap. Bring your cast-off clothing and a laundry basket with your name on it, and be prepared to rummage in search of buried treasures.