As the Bay Area transitions from summer to autumn, it can be quite difficult (especially this year) for a fashionista in this region to piece together a fall wardrobe. Our necessities aren’t really geared toward cloaks and furs like the east coast, yet it’s not exactly Paradise as the year ends either. With our climate changing as quickly as the trends, I figured it would be helpful to give insight to my fellow fashion-addicts on a one stop shop for our needs and wants, and my first choice is Sway!

I came into their Lakeshore location just as the back to school inventory was making it’s way from the rolling racks to the sales floor. I immediately noticed the soft tones, polka dots, and patchwork in the collection of tops; all of which have been confirmed IN for fall 2011. Shortly after, I began swarming the store in search of pieces that would work for my gloomy school climate in Downtown San Francisco, as well as my sometimes-sunny East Bay residential climate; and one after the other: the clothes popped out at me

Sway provides clothes, shoes, and accessories for professional, daywear, & nightlife attire. As I spent some time with assistant store manager Katie, she gave me insight on what helped expand this store from one branch, to locations all over the Bay Area, besides it’s great choice in selection.

The boutiques first location opened in 2003 in Berkeley, Ca. The fact that you could find boutique style clothing for affordable prices created a buzz that hasn’t seemed to fade. In addition to bargains, Katie told me that Sway prides itself on customer service. She went on to explain, “My greatest fear was always going into a boutique & having to put something back because of the price tag. What’s even worse is the snooty girl behind the counter resistant to help you.  Here at Sway, we have fashion forward merchandise, and also ‘the girl’ that’ll be your best friend helping you pick what works for you”.

This hospitable attitude toward clientele has landed the boutique stores in Alameda, Concord, Oakland, San Francisco, and Santa Cruz.

I asked Katie to show me her favorite piece in the store, and I thought I’d show my favorite finds that coincide with the Fall trends as well. (=

Her fave was the white lace shorts.

Since we have some sunshine left, these would be fab with a fun Dulman sleeve top and a wedged heel. Keep these around! Embroidered, lacy materials have been making a bold statement in fashion lately, and I don’t see these being “out” come next Spring.



Even though I could barely keep my hands off half the store, my four favorite finds are as follows:


FAVE MAXIS:

The Polka Dot maxi immediately caught my attention, because (if you’re a Marc Jacobs groupie like myself) you’ll know MJ went CRAZY with the spots in his Ready To Wear fall collection. This dress is awesome because not only does it come with a belt, but also the cotton material is warm enough for you to pair it with a sweater or coat for your Fall transition. Second dress: funky pattern + ombre print = in my closet! Both of these dresses can be found for $34.50. #WeLoveBargains!

It’s very seldom that you’ll come across a reptile print that is suitable for daytime. That alone made me want to showcase this dress. The soft tones make it great for work or a lunch date, yet you’re definitely getting the message across. Again, unbeatable deal at $34.00.



MAXI SKIRT:

The maxi skirt makes me happy because now us Bay Areans have an option between always wearing tights under skirts to stay warm. The fun thing about this skirt is you can wear it now, and piece it later with chunky sweaters for a Fall look. This pattern is so different. You can go extremely simple and let the skirt be the star, or mix it up, since mixing prints is going to be big as we close out the year.



Well that’s my spiel! Make sure the check out your local Sway boutique or their online store at swaychic.com. If you have any questions about how to pair items you saw in this article or on their site, feel free to tweet me at twitter.com/k3lzzz. tootles :-*