Boutique Owners Give Tips on Wearing Vintage

Marissa Cancellieri and Consuelo Chozas, co-owners of the boutique Ava + Aliria on Manhattan Avenue, offer sage fashion advice for the fall: Go for the bold.

The duo scoured flea markets, antique shows and estate sales for show-stopping vintage clothing and accessories, a trademark of their store.

"Our clothes outlive trends because it's all the old combined with the new," said Chozas, a Santa Monica resident. "It's a one-of-a-kind look."

Since Cancellieri and Chozas opened shop in March, they say customers have responded well to their blend of modern-day wear with daring vintage selections.

Tucked in the back corner of the store is the vintage rack, a collection of 1970s Candyland-colored dresses and sequined butterfly tops, which they say can be worn, day or night, with simpler pieces and the right accessories.

All of their jewelry and accessories are vintage as well, said Cancellieri, who lives in Manhattan Beach.

"It's something you can wear every day," Chozas said of the store's selections. "We find pieces to blend easily and everyday in the moment."

A rusted telephone and a dusty golden sun objet d'art add touches of nostalgia to the shop.

The pair also design and produce signature Ava + Aliria leather jackets, which they say are must-haves for chilly autumns.

After Chozas discovered quality leather in Argentina, she collaborated with Cancellieri on designing jackets with subtle details such as ruched sleeves and ruffles.

Aside from the staple black and brown shades of leather jackets, their collection comes in muted pewter-gray and green tones as well.

"It's a feminine take on leather, which is usually kind of more masculine," Chozas said.

Cancellieri and Chozas have been friends since attending high school together in Newport Beach, a time when they both dreamed of opening their own boutique.

They separated for several years before reuniting to launch their business locally. Chozas lived two years in Madrid, Spain, later moving to Los Angeles to work in the contemporary art world. Cancellieri attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise in Los Angeles before becoming a wardrobe stylist.

After working for a while in their careers, the two finally pulled their vision off the back burner, spent a year planning their business and found retail space in Manhattan Beach.

"Everything's meant to happen for a reason," said Cancellieri. "Everything has fallen into place."

Ava + Aliria fall fashion forecast:

• Beads, sequins, metallic tops and dresses
• Jackets and sweaters trimmed with fur

Ava + Aliria. is located at 912b Manhattan Avenue in  Manhattan Beach. For more information, call 424-206-1884.