Best Women’s Apparel: TRE Clothing
TRE offers sassy, sexy, sophisticated looks for the San Diego woman, with locations in Del Mar, Carlsbad, and 4S Ranch. Designer brands include Hale Bob, Alberto Makali, Bianca Nero, 15-20, and Nicole Miller. From denim to the LBD, TRE has “clothing for the way we live in San Diego.” (858/755-7227, 760/942-0227, 858/485-8000)
Best Men’s Apparel: Nordstrom & Mister B
There’s nothing like Nordstrom for a bit of sartorial splendor. A repeat winner, Nordies offers everything from under to outer wear, T-shirts to suits. The sheer assortment of styles and brands makes this a one-stop shop for all the men in your life. (888/282-6060, www.nordstrom.com)
Mister B in Rancho Santa Fe Plaza, also a repeat readers’ pick, specializes in hip, high-end labels like Bernard Zins, Hugo Boss, Moreschi, Robert Graham, Pal Zileri, and Zanella. Mrs. B and her friendly staff will suit you up in no time. (858/756-5099, www.misterbattheranch.com)
Best Kid’s Apparel: Babies By The Sea
When OB/GYN Robert Biter, MD and fashionable mom Laura Fairchild joined forces, Babies by the Sea was born. This Cardiff boutique sells natural baby clothing and products that are practical, eco-friendly, and stylish. (760/230-4272, www.babiesbytheseaboutique.com)
Best Women’s Shoes: Cedros Soles & Nordstrom
Located in Solana Beach, Cedros Soles offers a fun collection of fashionable and comfortable shoes from such brands as Born, French Sole New York, Steve Madden, and Merrel. (858/794-9911, www.cedrosoles.com)
Nordstrom stores offer acres of choices including Manolos for Mom and trendy labels for teens. All that and Nordstrom’s attentive customer service to boot! (888/282-6060, www.nordstrom.com)
Best Men’s Shoes: Nordstrom
For fine men’s footwear, Nordstrom again takes top honors. Here you’ll find a wide range of styles from slip-ons to sneakers, boots to boat shoes, a great mix of dressy and casual, traditional and contemporary. (858/282-6060, www.nordstrom.com)
Best New Boutique: Baby Vie
Owned and operated by the Swafford family, this Scripps Ranch mom and baby boutique offers infant, toddler, and maternity clothing along with nursery décor, shower favors, toys, and gifts. The owners know a thing or two about kids — they have eight of their own. (858/695-3535, www.4babyvie.com)
Best Accessories: Fairen Del
With locations in Carlsbad and Del Mar’s Flower Hill Promenade, Fairen Del is chock full of fashionable handbags, belts, baubles, shoes, and other accessories that give women a certain je ne sais quoi. (858/259-1120, www.fairendel.com)
Best Jewelry: Tiffany & Co.
Yes, very big things come in those small turquoise-blue boxes. Since 1837, the legendary Tiffany & Co. has been synonymous with class and craftsmanship, refinement and romance. Like Audrey Hepburn, our readers agree. If you’re looking for some serious bling, how about a little something in blue? (619/297-7200, www.tiffany.com)
Best Formal Wear: Malgorzata Couture
Named “Up & Comer” by Ranch & Coast readers last year, European-born designer Malgorzata Wieteszka-Slocomb is known for her line of luxury evening wear. She specializes in exquisite, custom couture gowns and cocktail dresses. (858/228-6398, www.malgorzatacouture.com)
Best Lingerie: Victoria’s Secret
If there’s a secret to sexy lingerie, it’s Victoria’s, with three San Diego locations offering underpinnings that range from sweet to sultry, and even comfy. The complete line includes languid loungewear, flirty frocks, and bombshell bikinis, but Victoria made her name on lingerie that makes a woman feel sexy (and puts a smile on a man’s face.) (800/888-8200, www.victoriassecret.com)
Best Resale: Love Child
Outfit your baby love without spending a fortune. This charming Encinitas boutique, run by Jenn Wilson and Taryn Dodd, offers adorable children’s clothes, both new and gently loved, at good prices. Baby never looked so chic! (760/634-5683, www.thelovechild.net)
More Best Of 2011:
