Fresh, local fashion blooms in Bronzeville

Bronzville's newest retail addition, Urban Chic Clothing Co., is about accessibility. As a model and aesthetician in Milwaukee and Chicago for the last two years, owner Catrina Clayton is no stranger to high fashion. She's also all too familiar with its staggering price tag, which is why her new clothing and accessories shop at 1937 N. Martin Luther King Jr. D strives to keep it real.

"I think the word 'boutique' can be intimidating because it implies, 'expensive,'" says the 23-year-old entrepreneur. "So I left it out of the store's name. I'm targeting the woman who wants to be chic, who wants to be stylish, but who wants to do it affordably."

And how's this for affordability? Most tops, casual day dresses, skirts and jeans are between $20 and $40.

You'll find touches of Clayton's personal style -- which she describes as feminine with a strong affinity for bold color -- all over her store. Her inventory, which caters solely to women, (though she hints at opening a men's version in the not-too-distant future) features Milwaukee designers Asia Mynor by Larry, who is known for his sexy dresses and swimwear, Royal Zodiac and Rac Dis.

She's open to carrying additional lines, but wants to keep the designs DIY and local.

"Through modeling I've meet so many independent designers, and I knew that I wanted to be involved with pushing the fashion industry forward in Milwaukee and be involved with the scene."

Urban Chic, which officially opens Monday, April 28, predominantly caters to 18-30-year-old women looking for style with more depth than your run-of-the-mill mall teen trends.

She's also offering a large shoe and acessory collection, with everything under $25. Footware and jewelry, however, are not Milwaukee-made.

"I've got accounts set up in New York and L.A., so I'm bringing in new fashion from both coasts," she says of her accessoreis. "It's going to be a nice mix up of different things."

As a passionate fashionista, Clayton dishes the hot looks for spring / summer '08: Clashing in the new matching.

Gone are the days of pining over color combos, making sure your purse matched your shoes, matched your earrings. With lots of bright colors and big, floral prints making a comeback this spring, the idea is to mix and un-match your outfits.

"That's the big thing this season and it's coming right off high fashion runways, but we're going to do it affordable."

Urban Chic Clothing Co. hosts a grand opening party and fashion show April 26 at Rain Nightclub, 906 S. Barclay St. The party starts at 9 p.m. and is $10 at the door.