CONCRETE CATWALK > FASHION STATEMENTS.

Byline: SYLVIA MASUDA

>LA.COM 

It might be expected that boutique owners and employees would be more fashion-literate than your average shopper. So we took a walk around Long Beach's vintage clothing and furniture gold mine -- around Fourth Street and Cherry Avenue -- and found two lasses with a rich sense of flair.

RACHEL WRIGHT

>Residence: Long Beach.

>Occupation: Burlesque performer and owner of Siren, 2240 E. Fourth St., [phone]. (Photo shows Wright in her burlesque attire.)

>Age: "Won't tell."

Describe your personal style.

Eclectic. My fashion routes come from punk and rockabilly. Because I am sort of wacky, I don't just label myself one thing. I love all genres.

What part of your personal style are you most proud of?

My body. I use it as an artist's palette. I dress myself up according to my mood and the occasion. I get to express myself and be whoever I want.

Any favorite designers or shops?

I love Betsey Johnson (8050 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, 323-852-1534; Fashion Square Mall, 14006 Riverside Drive, Sherman Oaks, 818-986-9810). I've been buying her clothes since the early '80s.

What's a trend, past or present, that you can't stand?

There's nothing that I really dislike. People are influenced by different things. I don't see any problem with them expressing themselves.

What's an essential, gotta-have-it item in your wardrobe?

My corsets. They're made the old authentic way, with the boning. I buy them from Versatile Fashions (1411 N. Batavia St., Suite 103, Orange, 714-538-0257).

Is there anything that you buy compulsively?

There's two things that are important in my wardrobe. I definitely have a shoe thing. I'm a stiletto person. It takes some practice to walk in them. That and red lipstick. I wear Cherry M*A*C lip liner.

LAURA WARREN

>Residence: Belmont Shore.

>Occupation: Fashion stylist and sales associate at La Bomba, 2222 E. Fourth St., [phone].

>Age: 26

Describe your personal style.

Gunne Sax (vintage clothing) meets '80s hair bands. I usually wear dresses, but sometimes I'll wear short shorts and cowboy boots.

What part of your personal style are you most proud of?

I feel really girly and sweet in the Gunne Sax dresses. I love wearing lots of jewelry. Jewelry is the best way to share your personality. It shows the history of where I've been and who I've loved. You lose a lot of jewelry, you buy jewelry, your friends buy you jewelry. It's my folklore.

Any favorite designers or shops?

Aardvarks (chain store). I feel that their clothes are priced pretty fairly. Also, the Goodwill and Salvation Army. Zandra Rhodes clothes from the '70s are really awesome. Once in a while, you can come across a Zandra Rhodes in a thrift store and get it really cheap. Zandra Rhodes, Young Edwardian -- all of those old '70s labels.

What's a trend, past or present, that you can't stand?

Anything that's too themey, too costumey. You've got to be able to put your own flava to what you're wearing.

Is there anything that you buy compulsively?

Jewelry is something that I'm always on the lookout for. It's the easiest way to freshen up your outfit. I have about 500 pieces of jewelry.

What's your fashion philosophy?

Rules are for fools. If it makes you happy, wear it. Life's short, so go for it. Waste your money. The more the merrier. Clothes, jewelry, whatever -- pile it on.

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1) Rachel Wright

(2) Laura Warren