Find San Diego Fashion Truth Amid Winter Rumors

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The only gossip you need to know is that La Jolla's Rumors Boutique houses an exclusive line of leading fashion brands including the newest trends and the chicest designer lines.

Sporting women's designers Alice & Trixie, C&C California, Johnson, MBLEM, T-Bags, Brown Label Denim, and Tarina Tarantino jewelry, as well as men's labels including Morphine Generation, Denim of Virtue, Hard8, Mighty Fine, and Tankfarm tee's, Rumors communicates only the truth in style.

San Diego fashion enthusiasts can look forward to an elevated shopping experience showcasing many new and upcoming designers hitting the Rumors racks in 2008. To stay ahead of the trend, we caught up with Danielle Longo of Rumors Boutique to get an insider take on must-have winter fashion.

Q: What new lines will Rumors carry in 2008?

A: We have quite a few new lines we will be launching this year at our store. We are in the process of really changing the lines and overall look. A few of the lines I am most excited about are Milly, Isli, Habitual, Hollywould, Puma by Alexander McQueen, ORTHODOX, Calavena, and we will already be working on more next month for fall.

Q: Are there any up and coming designers Rumors has an eye on in 2008?

A: Right now we are mainly focused on progressive designers. We are looking for designers that have a strong collection and interesting design elements that will really bring something new to the table for San Diego shoppers.

Q: What are your must-have items for winter?

A: Fall definitely continued the patent leather trend with shoes, boot, belts, and bags. A touch of patent leather can really add shine to a winter look. Also, booties were huge for fall and will continue into the winter. They work well with cigarette pants, trousers, dresses, and skirts. For me, the higher the heel, the better.

Quilting is another great trend for winter and you can find it on bags, shoes, and coats. Long leather gloves are a must have for winter, worn with a three-quarter sleeved jacket. This is a great look for the cooler climates and will keep you toasty warm. Coats, from men's style tailored jackets, parkas, and leather jackets are definitely a must-have for winter in San Diego.

Q: What about emerging winter style trends for men?

A: For spring, we see a big trend with broken in jeans that look like you have worn and washed them for three years. Pairing them up with a button down collar polo - a twist on the traditional polo - will be huge. You will be seeing young men wearing a lot of colored shoes and shirts and jackets with brass buttons. Also, the skinhead look (not outlook), with boots, suspenders and a pair of jeans will be hot!

Q: What is your favorite fashion trend of all time?

A: My favorite fashion trend has to be tall boots, either to the knee or above the knee. They can be worn with pants, jeans, skirts, and dresses and they are an easy and comfortable look.

Q: What is your favorite outfit for wanna-be winter in San Diego?

A: I love to wear my VINCE cashmere dress with boots and a scarf. It is just enough warmth for our climate and if it gets too cold, I usually add opaque tights.

Q: What is your favorite international designer, and why?

A: My personal favorite is Jean Paul Gaultier. He is an artist, and all of his collections show it. He is an inspiration and I really enjoy wearing his clothing.

Q: What is your vision for fashion and shopping in La Jolla?

A: Our vision for La Jolla and San Diego overall is to create a broader spectrum of style for customers. We offer a variety of lines from simple basics to fashion forward pieces. I hope to immerse our customers in the hottest trends, and make the looks available to them.

As Danielle demonstrated, it is possible to stay fashionable while being practical this winter - so update your wardrobe with some classic pieces while adding a few key trends into the mix. To make your life easier and more fashionable, here is a mini-shopping list for San Diego shoppers who want to look haute in these cool temperatures:

- Boots including classic knee-highs, hiking styles, ankle boots and anything with cuffs, zips, straps or subtle platforms.

- Shoes, such as heels, wedges, stilettos, lace-ups as well as heels with socks as an unexpected pairing. Two-tone shoes are all the rage as well.

- Stock up on belts to emphasize and define the waist with wide, structured styles and narrow, feminine styles. Try a belt over a winter coat or cardigan sweater.

- Wide leg jeans and dress pants are very of-the-moment. Add a few inches by wearing heels.

- Skirts, dresses and cropped trousers worn below the knee are easy to wear with heels and boots, but avoid flats.

- Very trendy is black on black with interplay of texture, pattern and decoration as well as head-to-toe bright colors.

- Wrap up in a chunky cardigan rather than a coat. Also oversized scarves will keep you nice and warm.

- Anything metallic from shiny pants and jackets to accessories in anthracite and bronze as fresh alternatives to classic silver and gold.

- Bright, primary colors like yellow, green, blue and raspberry pink will brighten those dull days and additionally, last you all the way into the summer months.

- Patterns, including graphic, mod geometrics, animal print and ethnic prints will add interest to your ensembles. Black and white combos will always be in.

To follow these simple fashion trends, pay a visit Rumors Boutique in La Jolla and expect heads to turn your way all winter long.