Tucci Boutique: Elevating San Diego’s Fashion Scene

Del Mar Highlands Town Center’s Tucci Boutique has brought elevated designers, one-of-a-kind wardrobe pieces, and an incredible styling service to Carmel Valley since 2014. Mixing her eye for style with an extensive fashion merchandising background, owner Jessica Agatucci brings wardrobe design education and top brands to her clients every day. She shares what it takes to be an extremely successful woman-owned boutique in San Diego. 

Tell us a little about your history in the fashion industry. 

I moved to Los Angeles when I was 20 to attend the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) and was able to learn the ins and outs of the industry by working for some of LA’s most iconic retailers such as Fred Segal and Jill Roberts.

Fast forward a few years and I was excited about the idea of opening my own boutique in Los Angeles, but was having an issue finding the perfect location.  I came home to San Diego one weekend to visit my mom. We were getting our nails done at a little salon down the street and she was asking me why I wasn’t considering opening a boutique in the San Diego area. I said aloud that the only way I would open a boutique here would be if it were next to Zinc Cafe (now Lofty Coffee) on Cedros Avenue. A woman sitting next to us overheard my comment and said she had a space for lease right next to Zinc. A few months later, Tucci opened its doors in Solana Beach.

When did you establish Tucci Del Mar Highlands? What inspired you to open the boutique?

Tucci at Del Mar Highlands opened in April of 2014. When I opened the boutique in Solana Beach, I was focused on bringing an exclusive mix of sought-after designers to my San Diego clients. After a few years I was inspired to bring in lines that were tailored more to the relaxed-chic beach culture of the city and Del Mar Highlands Town Center was the perfect fit.

What sets Tucci apart from other boutiques?

From the very beginning, my goal has always been to bring unique designers to San Diego. Tucci has always been at the forefront, carrying Isabel Marant, Golden Goose, Nili Lotan, Zimmermann, and more.

Your website notes that much of what you do is inspired by travel — what specific places in particular?

Before the pandemic, I was traveling to New York City six times a year. It’s my mecca and inspiration for fashion, beauty, culture, and lifestyle. I love the hustle and bustle of the city, but at the end of every trip I’m always happy to be returning home to the easy living of San Diego.

What are some of your top picks for the fall season?

This won’t be a normal fall season due to the pandemic. The one consistency you’ll see with many collections is a casual vibe. It’s all about comfort going into the fall season; unique sweat sets, elevated sneakers, cozy knitwear and denim. It’s about feeling comfortable while still looking chic. Loving Marlo Laz jewelry, Philippe Model sneakers, and Golden Goose handbags.

We will be hosting virtual trunks this season. We hosted a MadeWorn trunk show on our website in the spring while everyone was staying home and it was a tremendous success.

What are some of your favorite brands or styles?

Denim, a T-shirt, and a fun jacket or blazer — that’s my fall uniform. For jewelry, I never take off my gold Cartier love bracelet, Dolce Amore Classico ring, and Foundrae pinky ring.

Any new offerings/services? 

Yes! We’ve teamed up with beauty editor Keri Parker (@keriparkerinc) to create “Beyond The Brand,” a new weekly series on IGTV that takes a look behind the scenes of some of our favorite designer collections and offers tips and lessons from celebrity stylists, along with special surprises and giveaways. Thursdays at 5pm PST live from Instagram at @tucciboutique.

Anything else you would like to add?

San Diego is a relaxed beach town at heart. The standard has always been a T-shirt and flip flops. After growing up here I’m so proud to see how much the city has evolved in terms style.  Women have elevated how they dress and have shown so much more interest in dressing up and learning about the designers they love.

Tucci Boutique is located at 12843 El Camino Real #103, San Diego, CA 92130. tucciboutique.com, delmarhighlandstowncenter.com