
Fashions from E.V. stores help you club hop in style
By KELLY WILSON
Get Out
July 24, 2003
Trucker hats, wife-beater tank tops, gingham dresses and tight shirts are just some of the latest fashions you'll find on crowded dance floors and in hip hangouts across the East Valley.
To help you create your own stylish look, Get Out checked out several of the club crowd's favorite East Valley clothing stores.
Plush Living: Clothing with flair
This downtown Tempe gem (706 S. Forest Ave., ) offers a variety of trendy and funky apparel ranging in price from $13 to $60. You'll find everything from band T-shirts to platform shoes to Pabst Blue Ribbon apparel at this colorful store, which looks like something out of an "Austin Powers" movie.
“Some fashions I have seen lately are the cargo pants that tie halfway down the calf with high heels and a dressy top,’’ says 21-year-old Shanna Hogan of Chandler, a hostess at the Bash on Ash in Tempe and a frequent shopper at Plush. ‘‘Those trucker hats on girls have also recently become very popular, along with the big poofy skirts and dresses like what Kate Hudson wears in 'How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.' ”
What's in: Iridescent sunglasses, wife-beater tank tops for women, oversized belt buckles, gingham dresses, cargo wear, capri pants, dressy button- up shirts for men, trucker hats.
Hot Topic: Clothes with a rocker edge
Although this chain's recently opened location in Mesa's Fiesta Mall (1445 W. Southern Ave., Suite #1180, ) is on the small side, it offers a nice selection of on-the-town wear from reversible skirts to band T-shirts to studded belts. There are even nose and tongue rings for pierced customers.
According to store assistant manager Christina Vansant, the staff of Mill Avenue's popular Library Bar & Grill often searches store racks for work attire. “I see a lot of the girls in here,’’ she says.
For concertgoer Lena Olgdon, Hot Topic is a store to hit before a big show. “When I want to dress up for a concert, I'll come here,’’ says Olgdon, 21, of Tempe. “I love the plaid schoolgirl skirts. They're hot right now.’’
What's in: West Coast Choppers (a custom motorcycle company) T-shirts and hats, rubber bracelets, rockabilly dresses, bondage skirts (skirts with a couple of oversized straps), plaid skirts and fishnet shirts for men and women.
Buffalo Exchange: Shopping on a budget
Buffalo Exchange (227 W. University Drive, Tempe, ) is a thrift store shopper's wonderland where customers can buy, sell or trade articles of clothing. The large store has everything from vintage clothes (tees to hip dresses) to funky shoes and accessories. If you search long enough, you may find a few buried treasures, such as a Chanel purse or a barely worn pair of Mary Janes.
“I've found some really cool stuff at Buffalo Exchange,’’ says Amy Markey, 28, of Tempe. “I've bought a lot of sundresses. I'll wear them out at a casual bar. Sundresses are always in style. I've also found some dressier clothes, like a sequined retro skirt that I'll wear when I'm really dressing up.’’
What's in: Mod purses, mesh hats, vintage wrap skirts, capri pants, cargo everything, fitted men's tees, military- influenced clothes.
42 Saint: Fashion with an edge
The small downtown Scottsdale boutique (7038 E. Indian School Road, ) — which is moving to Kierland Commons in September — is filled with chic fashions such as preppy club shirts for men and sassy tank tops and dresses for women. There are also logo-branded tees and flashy, studded jeans.
“Von Dutch is huge,’’ sales assistant Nikki Salk, 22, of Scottsdale, says of the popular brand that ranges from $90 to $120 for a pair of jeans. “People can't get enough of it.’’
What's in: Aviator glasses, denim skirts, neutral colors, gold, cargo wear, layering with necklaces and sleeveless frayed tank tops, inside-out-looking shirts and light button-down, body-hugging shirts for men.
We also suggest:
Divaz (740 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, ): Women's store offers affordable attire, such as short skirts, sundresses and bejeweled tank tops.
Liquid Clothing (4206 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale, ): Upscale men's store carries the latest club styles.
Swell Clothing & Records (1444 N. Scottsdale Road, Tempe, ): Store offers a wide variety of trendy items, from leather pants to turntables.
Urban Outfitters (545 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, ): Downtown Tempe store shows its funky side with everything from clothing to home decor.
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