San Diego Shopping: Beach Fashions, Designer Consignment, Home Decor & more

An only-in-San Diego original, favored by rockers, bikers, and anyone looking for an edgy, leather statement piece trimmed in studs or Swarovski crystals. In business for decades and owned by the Kipperman family, this quirky store and workshop in Coronado specializes in all things leather, from cool wrist cuffs, eye-catching leather jackets, original handbags with '70s hippie flair, baseball caps, key chains, pants, skirts, and Kippy's famous belts embellished with colorful crystals and studs. They make everything themselves on-site or in a nearby warehouse. Stop in for off-the-rack creations, or ask them to customize anything for you. Madonna is among the bold names who have worn their belts in the past. If you lose crystals or trimmings from any of their goods, they'll replace them for free. Pricey, but worth it if that's your style ...

A fashionista's paradise! "This new designer consignment boutique is amazing and must not be missed," says Kelli Djulus, a personal shopper and stylist in San Diego. "Located in the beautiful village of La Jolla, Encore has 10,000 square feet filled with gently used couture and designer fashions and accessories for men and women. The upscale clientele includes celebrities and other dignitaries, some of whom also consign their own clothing. Sharon Stone recently sold a gown there!" You won't have to rifle through crowded, musty racks of clothing; Encore looks like an upscale department store, and everything is clean and elegantly displayed. In addition to adding new inventory daily of clothing, shoes, jewelry and handbags from such brands as Chanel, Missoni, Prada, Vera Wang, Zegna, Brioni, Pucci, Manolo Blank, Valentino—you name it!—the emporium also offers in-house alterations, fur storage, home visits for wardrobe appraisal, and a fashion-savvy staff eager to help. "Be sure to say hello to Deborah Williams the lovely owner!" says Kelli.

New in Del Mar is this family-owned store, opened by the same owners of a longtime area boutique called Peaches in Regalia, which some may remember from when it was in Aspen for many years, and which now has an outlet at the Four Seasons Hotel Carlsbad. Proprietor Ryan Gonzales describes Ryan's Collection as a specialty clothing store, at 3,000 square-feet, with merchandise along the lines of that stocked by Saks Fifth Avenue, or the better departments in Nordstrom's. It's a reliable destination for fine sportswear, designer denim and other high-end clothing for men and women, as well as a selection of shoes, jewelry, sunglasses and other accessories. "We've been in town for over 20 years, so we understand both our local and visiting customers," says Gonzales, whose business partner is his mother. "We don't carry everyday, average clothing. When you come to our store, you're inspired to say 'Oh, that's original, and current and a good value.' We pride ourselves on our service, and we offer free gift wrap!" Ryan's men's collection is diverse, with such brands as Jhane Barnes, Remy Leather, AG Jeans, XCVI, Kinetix, Jack Victor, and English Laundry. Women will love the handbags from Italian designer Francesco Biasia and clothing from Michael Kors and Sarah Pacini.

When not in the ocean hoping to catch a killer wave for the ultimate Hang Ten, legendary surfer Rusty Preisendorfer can often be found chilling out at his other passion, his Del Mar surf shop, which for more than twenty years has been a popular hangout for local waveriders. Naturally, he opened Rusty Del Mar just one block from the beach, and staffed it with avid, expert surfers like himself. The shop stocks Rusty's own line of surfboards, surf gear and clothing. It's a one-stop shop for anyone looking to get into California's surf culture. If you're not looking to buy, you can simply rent softboards, boogie boards and wetsuits there for the day and head to the beach; they also offer surfing lessons. Rudy's is rad!

Personal stylist Kelli Djulus is a fan of this boutqiue, and when Ryan Gonzalez of Ryan's Collection shops for something special for his wife, this La Jolla lingerie shop is tops on his list. "They carry high-end lines that are very sexy and stylish," he says. Slinky little somethings from the French-made brands Aubade, Simone Perele and Huit are among the featured products. Ooh la la!

Even if you don't own a seaside home, you can still shop for lovely, beach-inspired furniture, exquisite home accessories and fabulous hostess, wedding or house-warming gifts at this chic decor store, founded by a successful, local interior designer, Sheryll Jackman. She now has three locations of her shop dedicated to the best of what she calls "Coastal Lifestyle." True design buff should visit the one in the La Jolla design district and spend an afternoon browsing all the shops. Sheryll carries a range of stylish designer furniture from such brands as Baker, Oscar de la Renta, Janus et Cie, McGuire, Ralph Lauren and Hickory Chair. Also on display are elegant lighting fixtures and chandeliers, tabletop and crystal from British designer William Yeoward, cashmere throws from Italy, and bed and bath linens from Yves Delorme and Peacock Alley. As gifts or a treat for yourself, go there to stock-up on jewel-like photo frames from artisan Jay Strongwater, Italian pewter from Arte Italica, and scented candles from Dyptique or Manuel Canovas. Locals should note that Seaside Home offers interior design and custom upholstery consultations and services. And future brides in San Diego will be happy to know that Sheryll has launched Seaside Papery, which designs custom, hand-made stationery and wedding invitations.

Encinitas, a laid-back town up the coast, has a hippie, surf-bum vibe, but with the recent opening of Mog & Rue, young ladies there finally have access to hip, city-chic clothing and accessories, all curated by the pretty young owner, Annie Loos (who named the shop after her two cats). Annie, a former schoolteacher who later studied fashion design, stocks her cool and airy boutique with urbane yet youthful and flirty dresses, tops, jeans, shoes, belts jewelry and handbags from up-and-coming designers and brands, such as Faryl Robin footwear, rings by Heather Benjamin, and fashions from Shoshanna and Alice + Olivia. Annie also teaches fashion design classes for young girls and teenagers, preparing the next generation of designers for greatness.

Brand new in La Jolla is this ultra-mod and sleek swimwear shop from Sauvage, the first-ever retail shop from the well-established, San Diego-based swimwear line designed by local Elizabeth Southwood. You've probably seen Sauvage suits strutted by the likes of Heidi Klum in Sports Illustrated, as well as Paris Hilton and Heather Locklear in all those celebrity tabloid mags. What's so great about the brand is that the pieces are sold as separates, so you're guaranteed a perfect fit on top and bottom. Sauvage's flagship boutique carries the brand's full range of super sexy bikinis and elaborate one-piece cut-outs. Head back to the glamorous dressing rooms to try on Southwood's latest collection of suits featuring exotic prints of butterflies, flowers and safari animal patterns, nautical motifs, and metallic snakeskin fabric—many trimmed with Swarovski crystals and other jeweled accents. Sauvage also sells beachy dresses, sarongs, cover ups and footwear. Not to be left out, fashion forward men can pick up cool boardshorts, as well as competition briefs and European style swim trunks that don't leave much to the imagination! Call to enquire about weekly fashion shows accompanied by DJ music.

A bit of Brazilian Paulista style in San Diego. La Chica Chic is an artsy fashion accessories line designed by Christiane Valdez, a native of São Paolo who now calls San Diego home. We heard about her up-and-coming brand from local personal shopper Kelli Djulus. "When you stop in La Chica Chic, be prepared to fall in love with shoes, jeweled thong sandals, clutches, handbags and other accessories!," says Kelli. "Also, don't forget to say hello to the boutique's founder and designer, the lovely and inspirational Christiane Valdez." Most of her products are handcrafted by Fair Trade artisans in Brazil, and she gives back some of her profits to a group that helps underprivileged Brazilian children receive an education. More reason not to feel guilty shopping?  La Chica's bold and distinctive designs are made with brightly colored organic leather, suede and recycled materials and adorned with semi-precious Brazilian gemstones, beads, and South American crystals for a touch of earthy looking bling. The high heels covered in metal crochet are especially cool. Founded in 2003, La Chica is now carried in select boutiques around the U.S. as well as in Brazil and Europe. See her Website for stockists.