The Solana Beach Design District is home to women-owned trendsetting boutiques

If you haven’t strolled Cedros Avenue lately, take note: the 2.5-block-long neighborhood is bustling with boutiques offering the latest in spring fashion and accessories. Longtime retailers as well as “newbies” offer something for everyone, no matter your style.

One of the “veterans” is entrepreneur Jessica Agatucci, who is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Tucci, the store she founded in 2004. Ten years later, she debuted a sister boutique at Del Mar Highlands Town Center. Agatucci says her mother influenced her passion for fashion. “I loved watching her get dressed up,” she recalls. “She certainly introduced me to fashion, but she always said I took it to another level.” 

When she was 19, Agatucci moved to Los Angeles, where she honed her eye working at Fred Segal, and developed the idea of opening her own boutique someday. On a visit home for the weekend, she struck up a conversation about her goals with a woman sitting next to her at a nail salon. Agatucci told her she would only open a store in San Diego if she could locate [a spot] on Cedros. “She happened to own a building on Cedros, and the rest is serendipity,” says Agatucci.

The boutique owner is grateful for all the support she has received over the years. “You know who you are. I couldn’t have done these 20 years without you,” she says. In conversation, Agatucci shares her favorite designers and spring fashion trends.

Andrea Naversen: What inspires you? 

Jessica Agatucci: I’m inspired by mostly classic style icons such as Jackie O, Kate Moss, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Lauren Santo Domingo. And, of course, years of domestic and international travel to see what women are wearing.

AN: How would you describe the styles/lines you carry? 

JA: I try to have timeless pieces, especially at the Cedros store. We carry so many great designers. Some of my favorites are Dorothee Schumacher, Rohe, SPRWMN, Fortela, Neous, and a new one I’m excited about coming in May is Gauge81. Our merchandiser, Elizabeth Carter, does a fabulous job styling both our stores and our customers alike. We also carry fine jewelry and have a great collection of terrific designers such as Dries Criel, Marie Lichtenberg, and Dolce Amore by Paola Incisa di Camerana, who happens to be local. 

AN: What will stylish women be wearing this spring? 

JA: I’m still seeing a lot of loafers. It’s a nice change from sneakers as a comfort shoe. The color ice blue is huge for spring. We’re seeing a lot of crochet, lightweight sweaters, and animal print. Sheer tops and dresses are quite in, as is the polo shirt or any collared shirt. San Diego has a very easy-relaxed vibe. Athleisure is so loved in our town. I like to elevate that even further with fun, cool jogger sets and leather pants.

Although the name Ardsley Road is owner Dana Meiselman’s homage to her North Carolina roots, the boutique is all about SoCal chic with a Southern twist — what Meiselman describes as laid-back and comfortable but upscale and on-trend. “We want you to have a relaxed shopping experience where you can find the latest trends in comfortable and wearable styles,” she says. “Whether you are heading to the beach or planning for a night out, we have you covered!”

The cool, minimalist store is stocked with denim, blazers, tops, pants, and accessories from Rag & Bone, ba&sh, Massimo Dutti, Omika, and more. Trends include white dresses, graphic stripes, collared sweaters, and ice blue, an “it” color this season.

“Trends come and go, but style is forever,” says Jenny Livits, the owner of Pink Lagoon, the boutique and wardrobe styling service she founded in 2007. “I’m all about building a wardrobe for your lifestyle.” Stylist Debbie Sweet says colors this spring are both bright and light, with shades of cream to light brown. Look for pretty prints and flowy tops.

Stephanie Stock knows a thing or two about shoes — her family has owned Cedros Soles for 18 years (it opened five years before that). Stock says ballet flats, heels, “Mary Jane” shoes, sneakers, and loafers are top trends in footwear, but comfort is key. For example, sturdy sandals from Cydwoq, based in Burbank, California, are especially popular with travelers. Other top-selling brands include Oncept for sneakers, Pikolinos, L’Amour des Pieds, and Homers. Shoppers are choosing more casual footwear, she notes, but are “buying better,” willing to pay more for quality footwear.

The mother-daughter duo of Suzan Parravi and Tory Parravi offer the latest fashion and Parravi Jewelry at their Cedros Avenue boutique, Suzan’s + Parravi Jewelry. They carry designers from all over the world, with monthly trunk shows and designer showcases. Suzan, who has been in the jewelry business for 40 years, has a “talented eye for buying jewelry and seeking out one-of-a-kind pieces from designers,” says Tory. Bachelorette Charity Lawson took note, wearing the brand’s “Buttercup Floral” drop earrings on last season’s show.

Roya Parviz is the founder and creative force behind two Cedros boutiques, Satori Designs and Satori Collective, each showcasing an eclectic collection of women’s apparel, accessories, and jewelry sourced from around the globe. Her inspirations? Art, music, travel, tradition, and the “dazzling colors and forms” found in nature. Parviz, who has degrees in economics, visual arts, and fashion design, is also a fixture at charity fundraisers and fashionable events.