The Usuals’ Marie and Mike Millares are all about combining fashion and comfort, basics and versatility. The new men and women’s clothing and accessories boutique opening its doors April 16 off of the Alameda.

Most of the pieces found here are made of cotton and easy, breathable fabrics that could be worn year round and work with many body-types. The already popular Infinite scarves are Marie’s creations, each handmade with various ways to wear. And although the clothing lines come from various locations including Seattle, Wash., Los Angeles and Australia, the accessories are where the sibling-duo are going a bit more local.

The current line of jewelry includes a series of woodblock cocktail rings that host found items such as cameos and porcelain images, all made by a local jewelry designer off the Alameda

Along with the various layering pieces, the two will also be carrying various T-shirts designed by Mike. Since he was 11, T-shirt design was something Mike loved to do. “My friends and I would make T-shirt designs off of CorelDraw and clip art and that’s what kind of started it for me.” That and growing up, the two took many a road trip. They collected T-shirts from all over the country and even some from various trips up to Canada. “We just always wanted something we could wear, like a hat or shirt, instead of something like a mug that would just sit on a shelf,” Marie says. “Mike is definitely a T-shirt collector.”

Recently back in San Jose after living in various cities throughout California, the two came to a conclusion after surveying their closets. “We’re collectors of clothes,” Marie says. That and they had missed their hometown. There’s something intangible that keeps them coming back and realizing a growing love for their city was part of what led the two to create the store.

Marie even launched her online blog on Facebook, ‘I heart SJ’ to reconnect with her hometown and all those that live and love it. The response was overwhelming and now, with more than 3,700 fans Marie wanted a forum to bring those that loved San Jose as much as she does together.

The store proved the perfect vehicle. Local designers, artists and musicians will all be part of the atmosphere at the Usuals. For Mike, this realization of his love for his city culminated when his son noticed the iconic Milton Glaser ‘I Heart New York’ shirt he was wearing and asked what it meant. Mike tried to explain to his son and then asked him what it was that he liked. “I love giraffes and sharks!” he told him. Mike had his next idea—the shark bite ‘I heart SJ’ shirt. “I wanted something that showed my pride in this city,” he says. Many designs were hammered out but nothing took. The shark bites he was using in the heart portion just didn’t look right. “My background is ideas and hers is graphic design,” he says. Marie then came up with a design that added momentum to Mike’s T-shirt business. “It just took off after that,” Mike says.

As for the men’s clothes at the boutique, Mike has simple standards. “I want all my clothes to match. I want them all to work with each other,” he says. There are a lot of neutrals in this collection, making it easy to mix and match and wear all year round. But Mike points out that simple doesn’t translate into boring. He loves the details. From pockets for your iphone to military –styled buckles over a traditional polo to the buttons used, they are all important. His sister agrees. “Details are important,” Marie says. “They’re what make clothing fun and playful.”

The Usuals grand opening is today, April 16 from 6 to 9 p.m. at 1020 The Alameda and will feature art by local photographer Lost San Jose and local artist dna as well as music by The Bangerz. Tasty treats by Treatbot and Dipped in Chocolate.

Visit www.shoptheususals.com, www.lostsanjose.com, www.illuskrateblogspot.com, www.thebangerz.com, www.treatbot.com, www.dippedinchoc4you.com.

–By M. P. Flores