Forget the malls and the chain stores found basically in Anywhere, USA — downtown La Jolla offers unique shopping alternatives where customers can find trendy items for their wardrobe and the home. Since 1986, Let’s Go Clothing and Footwear, 7863 Girard Ave., has carried the most recent fads and cutting-edge clothing and accessories for men and women. Store manager Doug Robbins says the different style views from the store’s own employees help incorporate pieces that meet all customers’ tastes and demands. The clothing shows off a lot of appliqués and embroidery, a popular trend found today on men’s dress shirts, jean pockets and silkscreen T-shirts. The store attracts clientele who want semiformal eveningwear to casual, yet trendy pieces. “Most of our shoppers are people who like to dress up when they go out,” Robbins says. Newer fashion houses such as William Rast, Project Raw and AC can be found at the store, in addition to the staple brands Robbins knows always work including Trilogy, Frankie B., Rock & Republic, and Betsey Johnson, to name a few. Shoes and accessories, such as handbags, glasses and jewelry, are also available, many from local designers including Lust for Luxury. Though many of their customers are locals, a lot of tourists come in looking for the latest West Coast style. “Many want to go home with at least one thing in their suitcase that is very Southern Californian, and something they can’t find where they live,” Robbins says. At first glance, teenagers and young adults may find Francesca’s Collection, 1025 Prospect St., No. 160, appealing to their youthful style, but older women who come in manage to find an item that fits their own sophisticated taste, says store manager Jeanette Coakley. Theme and Dina-B are staple brands in the store, offering organic cotton dresses and tunics in turquoise, yellow and hot pinks. “We have seen a lot of lightweight clothing for the summer. Dresses where girls can just throw over their head offering both comfortability and style at the same time,” Coakley says. “Everything is very flow-y this summer, not super-structured.” In addition to clothes, the store has an array of flip-flops, purses and jewelry ranging in price from $20 to $300. Big, bright totes and long necklaces are the must-have items this summer as well, Coakley adds. Customers can also find unique gift items such as Anne Taintor stationary and books, wine stoppers, candles, makeup bags and wall hanging decor by Kurtz and Art Stone. Although the company is located across the U.S., the La Jolla store carries warm-weather clothing year-round, attracting tourists who may want to bring home a little sunshine to their state. “We might have a lot of stores but we have a very boutique feel … So many people come in and say, ‘There is so much to look at, I can stay in here all day,’” Coakley adds. LF, 7864 Girard Ave., recently celebrated its four-year anniversary in La Jolla, offering what store manager Julie describes as “fashion forward” lines. “We always like to stay one step ahead in fashion,” she says with pride. Many of the designer brands are exclusive to the store, including Furst Premium Denim, Carmer and Fame Will Come Later, popular European brands. LF also has a large, devoted following of customers who regular stop by every time new jeans from Era of Chaos or T-shirts from emma & sam come in. The store targets girls ages 16 to 26 who are looking for both a mix of “funky and feminine looks,” Julie says. “Our clothes fit great and look great, the best combination of style,” she adds. Looking through the window of MOS MyOwnSpace, 7840 Girard Ave., passers-by might believe they are viewing a throwback to the 1950s and ’60s, but with a modern twist. With its bright colors and retro design, the store might not fit everyone’s taste but it sure will attract clientele looking to fill their home with a bit of nostalgia or fun, signature pieces. “Most of the people who come in have strong appreciation of design history … They want more than just the look. They want to know there is a story behind it,” says store co-owner Jennifer Fox-Armour. Fox-Armour and Rik Armour wanted to offer functional yet fun classical pieces to all homeowners’ taste when they opened four years ago. From Kartell swivel chairs in bright, bold colors designed by Phillipe Starcke to the Fornasetti Chair featuring black and white silk-screen prints, the two are proud of their only shop, which carries exclusive lines that cannot be found anywhere else in San Diego or Orange County. And when they carry a manufacturer they carry all of its pieces, not just one or two items in the line, Armour stated. Their signature items include the Flou bedding lines and Flexform sofas. What makes these Italian-based companies so popular is their ability to update their washable fabric covers without having to replace the entire bed. “It’s nice to know that you can expect to have it for years, but if you just might change the color scheme or the esthetics of the room a little bit you don’t have to throw the entire piece of furniture out or spend out a lot of money to have it reupholstered,” Fox-Armour said. The Flous also have storage space under the beds and the Flexform lines offer sectional sofas, coffee tables and chairs. Not wanting to put a label on the type of style they offer, Fox-Armour said their modern pieces are very eclectic yet can fit a contemporary home to a home that has either classical, traditional or French-inspired decor. “If they see what they like, they can find a way to mix it in,” Fox-Armour adds. There are items that fit everyone’s budget as well, from watches, vases, trashcans, bowls and small appliances. “It might not be your style but you would know someone who likes it. The people who like to shop in here do like to think outside of the box,” Fox-Armour says. Shopping in La Jolla wouldn’t be complete without a bathing suit purchase to swim in the ocean or frolic at the beach. However, customers at Sauvage, 1025 Prospect St., No. 140, can go from the beach to a restaurant wearing these innovative pieces “It’s all about the shine and sparkle this season,” store manager Carrie Atkinson says. Prints popular for the summer include vintage designs and metallic fabrics, two-piece suits and one piece in jewel-toned colors such as purple and greens. Although many of the pieces feature Swarovski crystals and rhinestones that look more suited for the disco than the Cove, Atkinson assures buyers that they are safe for the pool or the ocean. Blouses, dresses and cover-ups that easily go over the bathing suit are also available at the store. The brand has been sold in high-end stores for years but recently opened its first shop in La Jolla in April. “Our line is more fashionable and sophisticated, and this is a good location for that,” Atkinson says. “People who come in here for the first time say they really like the fact that this is very different than your ordinary swim shop.” It might be considered the Rodeo Drive of San Diego, but shoppers in La Jolla don’t have to deal with the L.A. traffic and snootiness or feel they are breaking the bank when it comes time to buying a unique, signature designer item. And tourists can go home and brag to their friends that they brought back a little SoCal with them.