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San Diego Style

By Heather Eubanks

Bag Lady

San Diego Style

a coach bag

San Diego Style

red Lodis handbag

San Diego Style

Moorea bag in nude

San Diego Style

vintage Betsey hobo-style handbag in cognac

San Diego Style

blue-green pudding flap tote

San Diego Style

a laptop bag

San Diego Style

Austin bag in tobacco

 

San Diego Style

a woman modeling fall fashion

Trends What’s hot in fashion this fall——and the San Diego guide to getting it.

AN UPDATE ON A LITTLE-GIRL CLASSIC, ribbon-and-bow detailing exudes a vibe that’s more ladylike than Lolita-like. Showing up all over the runways in every iteration from an Oscar de la Renta blouse to a YSL jabon, this frilly touch modernizes the male-inspired designs of seasons past by bringing a touch of femininity to a wardrobe of fall basics.

A softer alternative to the tried-and-true black staples you’ve had for years, gray breathes new life into a sophisticated wardrobe. This season, designers from Prada to Fendi have embraced the charcoal hue, using it in dresses, boots and bags. It’s wearable with virtually every other shade on Earth, making it amazingly easy to dress around. Even if you consider yourself anti-trend, getting in on the gray movement is a wise investment, as some of these pieces are truly timeless.

Make no bones about it, skulls are the latest “it” symbol on everything from jeans to necklaces. No longer the goth-inspired emblem of teenage punksters, these skeletal style-setters have been given a grown-up, glammed-out makeover, thanks to labels like Alexander McQueen and Ralph Lauren. (Just ask Chanel, which made a pirate-charm necklace that was picked up by many of Hollywood’s A-listers.) Don’t think the La Jolla Country Club would appreciate your newly purchased skull-emblazoned scarf? Not to worry! Execute the trend by using it as an accent instead of a main focus. A glittery skull brooch added to, say, a little black dress lends a trendy touch of punk elegance to an otherwise staid look.

Welcome to the jungle! The only thing boasting more wild animals than the San Diego Zoo is this season’s arsenal of safari-inspired pieces. Italian powerhouse labels like Moschino and Dolce & Gabbana showcase their bold prints with characteristic loudness by offering coats and pants in resplendent leopard and zebra prints. Even conservative labels—like Tod’s and Cartier—take a walk on the wild side with accessories that look real enough to roar.

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Where to find the goods.

Animal-print styles should be kept as streamlined as possible (the effect should be head-turning, not jawdropping). Achieve this by sticking to one bold piece. Our faves can all be found in stores at Fashion Valley. At Saks Fifth Avenue, check out the Salvatore Ferragamo large feria satchel ($790). And don’t forget to pick up a pair of the super-glam, Pipebracelet leopard-print haircalf platform pumps with ankle strap ($275) at the famed Stuart Weitzman boutique. 7007 Friars Road, San Diego, 619-688-9113

Bursting with designer labels and in-vogue items galore, JEP Boutique in La Jolla is a prime spot to snag some trendy threads. Romantic, classic pieces like 3.1 Phillip Lim’s highwaist skirt with belt ($276) and blouse with ruffle collar are juxtaposed with edgier selections like Sass and Bide’s Sender jeans ($250) complete with beribboned ruffle detail along the back pockets. 7501 La Jolla Boulevard, La Jolla, 858-551-0600

No need to use a treasure map or crash a Whitesnake concert to get the hottest skull-adorned goods. Stop in at Matti D, a veritable buried treasure of a boutique. The bright, color-coordinated setup makes this Del Mar shop one of the best around. And the airy, classy yet hip environment guarantees you’ll find the right interpretation of this semi-goth trend for you. The helpful staff will be happy to show you your options, including a feminine take on the trend with Malaika’s skull-detail clutch ($718), a dagger heart ribbon necklace by Briana Erin ($913) or—for the less daring—a Chrome Angels crystal skull candle ($285). 2689 Via de la Valle, Del Mar, 858-523-0693

Amid the hip and chic bays of clothes at Solana Beach’s sleek Tucci Boutique are universally flattering gray items that are must-haves. Whether you desire casual wear like Mayle’s Vera T-shirt ($276) and Clu’s short-sleeve T-shirt ($104) or something a little fancier, like Vanessa Bruno’s scoop-neck top ($350) and Seaton’s cashmere cardigan ($386), this is your one-stop shopping destination. For those of you with a bolder sense of style, opt for Daryl K’s tailored vest ($253)—two trends in one! 130 South Cedros Avenue, Suite 140, Solana Beach, 858-259-8589

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