Trend-setting brands keep Irvine Spectrum stylish

Agility and imagination are key to Irvine Spectrum Center’s ability to thrive in retail. The mix of shops often gets a creative spin with a focus on destination brands, independent local boutiques and intriguing themes. A look at some of the spots you’ll find in specific categories shows the center’s commitment to appealing to a wide variety of customers.

Gen Z

Nectar Clothing
Combining boutique style with community impact through its give-back mission, Nectar Clothing offers breezy dresses, accessories and the popular charm bar for custom jewelry. Its Made for Love program donates new clothing to local children and teens through monthly partnerships. Fundraising events and style workshops strengthen community ties and promote fashion with purpose.

Edikted
This spot translates TikTok trends into physical retail through fast-to-market fashion that mirrors social media feeds. Specialty street-style pieces – corset tops, cargos, graphic T-shirts and statement dresses – rotate frequently to match microtrends. The store has engaged students through events and TikTok challenges, proving digital-native brands can create meaningful offline experiences.

Garage

Social-media-ready fashion for teens and young women features curve-flattering denim, baby T-shirts and Insta-worthy pieces at accessible prices. Collections rotate quickly to reflect trends – ’90s baggy, cottagecore, sporty minimal – keeping racks fresh. Mirrors tagged with #iweargarage invite social sharing, while staff help coordinate looks.

Gap (now open)
The brand has returned to Spectrum, located near Old Navy, next to Capital One Cafe. Recent collaborations demonstrate Gap’s strategy of staying culturally relevant while maintaining timeless appeal. With sustainability initiatives, including water-saving denim programs, Gap brings heritage values aligned with Irvine’s environmentally conscious lifestyle.

ATHLEISURE

Lululemon
Anchoring Spectrum’s fitness ecosystem for more than a decade, Lululemon delivers premium technical apparel engineered for performance. Expect favorites such as Align leggings, ABC pants and Wunder Train pieces, plus outerwear, accessories and more. Lululemon regularly hosts outdoor fitness classes, run clubs and mindfulness workshops.

Vuori
Vuori embodies coastal California living through performance fabrics that transition from workouts to daily life. Born in Encinitas, the brand brings moisture-wicking joggers, buttery leggings and tech T-shirts that capture West Coast ease. Beyond retail, Vuori fosters community through regular group walks and wellness events.

TravisMathew
Channeling Huntington Beach roots into modern menswear, this Spectrum store features signature fun elements: Ping-Pong tables, arcade games and big screens that create a clubhouse atmosphere. Performance polos, stretch shorts and breathable button-downs showcase the brand’s golf heritage. The store has hosted putting contests and happy-hour events that build loyal community connections.

Columbia Sportswear (coming soon)
Opening later this year, Columbia will bring more than 80 years of outdoor innovation to Orange County adventurers. Expect technical apparel, footwear, packs and accessories suited for local trails, coastal excursions and mountain weekends. The store will serve everyone from casual hikers to serious adventurers.

DIY

Tutu Fun
Try trending techniques like rug tufting, fluid acrylic art and phone decorating, plus classics like beaded keychains. The rotating project menu keeps visits fresh and matches activities to your time and budget. Walk-ins are welcome, though larger groups should call ahead for table reservations. All materials and guidance are included.

Lip Lab
Elevate beauty into an interactive craft by working one-on-one with color experts to formulate custom lipsticks, glosses or balms.
Choose undertones, finishes, scents and even engrave a name on the case. Custom lipsticks are typically around $65, with reservations recommended for groups and peak times.

Gem Studio
Transform from visitor into jewelry designer through guided silversmithing workshops. The shop invites customers to select a cabochon gemstone, learn foundational techniques and craft a custom ring, pendant or bracelet. Gem Studio supports humanitarian projects through its Create Compassion initiative. Reservations are recommended.

Jewelry

Gorjana
Known for its delicate necklaces, rings and bracelets made for layering, the Laguna Beach-based brand’s necklaces in particular are beloved by celebrities, including Selma Blair, Jamie Chung and Vanessa Hudgens. The Spectrum location is the No. 1 store in the chain of 90. “Irvine Spectrum Center is constantly evolving, making it a premier shopping destination in Southern California,” says Gorjana Reidel, founder, president and creative director. “We’re thrilled to be a part of it.”

RG Jewelry
Photographer Rachel Karcich founded her brand a little more than a decade ago. “To be part of Spectrum Center, now not just as a visitor but as a small-business owner, feels incredibly meaningful,” Karcich says. “I’m beyond grateful to grow our community right here where it all began.” Some pieces now trending in 14-karat gold: a two-tone satellite bracelet ($44) and diamond and blue-topaz hoop charm ($105). New Forever Jewelry includes no-clasp permanent bracelets welded directly onto your wrist.

Caitlyn Minimalist
Inspired by sun, sea and stacking, the OC-based brand offers affordable luxury via delicate pieces, most less than $30, such as the Engraved Tiny Name ring, Toi et Moi birthstone necklace and Sea-Kissed Sparkle pearl collection. Timepieces such as the Pave Blossom in emerald and vintage timepieces from fashion houses such as Fendi and YSL offer luxurious options.