Fashion & Style Ranch & Coast

Dazzling Dresses Summer in San Diego means dresses — especially with the Del Mar Race Track in full stride. There are styles to suit every taste, from the elegant and refined to fun and flirty numbers. Here are a few local eye-catchers. — Mia Stefanko, photos by Vincent Knakal, hair and makeup by Paula Mayer, model from Jet Set Model Management Katharine is wearing a white and blueberry slip dress with silk overlay by Catherine Van Osch, Street Dogs jewelry, and a periwinkle hat with flower detail from Lilipeach in Solana Beach Left: Julie Brown silk belted tank dress and Mr. Hi’s Classic black hat with feathers and rhinestones from The Rare Earth in Flower Hill Promenade, right: Sky belted tubedress, black woven hat, Big Buddha quilted handbag, and jewelry from Ronda’s Closet in Carmel Valley Left: Sweet Pea slip dress, lime green woven hat, and orange accessories from Ronda’s Closet in Carmel Valley, right: Navy and purple Bilingual dress, green Italian Leather clutch by Morgan Oakley, and bracelet from Celine’s in Del Mar Sky halter dress with gold chain detail, yellow woven hat, blue clutch purse, and jewelry from Ronda’s Closet in Carmel Valley; Catherine Van Osch chocolate silk hand beaded dress, Inti gold snakeskin clutch, and gold accessories by Street Dogs from Lilipeach in Solana Beach		ON THE COVER Katharine is wearing a Sue Wong silk floral print halter dress from The Rare Earth in Flower Hill Promenade, shot on location at Rancho Riding Club with Button Down, a show horse owned by Grace Arnold Photo by Vincent Knakal, hair and makeup by Paula Mayer, model with Jet Set Model Management

		Haute Handbags Always interested in fashion, Lizz Russell began her professional career in the ’80s designing eveningwear, but her true calling became apparent perhaps by accident. "I covered a plain box with some satin multi-colored ribbon roses," Russell recalls. "One year later I was invited to a tea party and I looked in my china cabinet and saw the box I had covered, so I thought to myself, ‘I’m going to put a chain on it and wear it to the tea party’ — needless to say it was a big hit. Everyone passed it around and from that moment on, I knew that was the beginning of something beautiful." Known as Rose handbags, Russell’s exquisite collection offers an array of styles, each adorned with beautiful silk and satin flowers. Does she stay inspired? It seems so. Russell adds, "I am a native of San Diego. It’s one of the most beautiful cities to live in — any time you can drive through Carlsbad and see the flower patch and create a handbag to look just like it, that’s some inspiration." Russell is available to meet by appointment at Tower23 Hotel. (619/492-8088, www.lizzrussell.com) — Mia Stefanko

		Topping It Off A local favorite for all things lingerie, loungewear, and luscious, Jolie Femme Boutique atop Del Mar Plaza is currently also carrying a variety of chic hats perfect for the racetrack. Owner Sheree Clock has stocked up on dazzling styles from Couture Hats, Swan, and Something Special. (858/792-1222, www.joliefemmeboutique.com) — Mia Stefanko, photo by Vincent Knakal
		Lia Gogue of J Carl

		Stacy Henschel of Privateer Shop Cielo J Carl Shoes was one of the first businesses to open at Cielo Village in Rancho Santa Fe, a Tuscan-inspired commercial center with retail and office space arrayed around a central plaza. J Carl stocks to-die-for Diego di Lucca shoes by designer Michael Kaufman, along with stylish Francesco Biasia handbags. It’s the second store for owner Jon Gogue who also has a Del Mar location. Daughter Lia, following in his footsteps, manages the Ranch location. Privateer, a hip clothing boutique for men and women, is open for private parties and by appointment. It stocks such labels as Vanitas, Kensie, Testament, 7 Diamonds, and Ben Sherman, along with Brixton hats. Business partners Todd Eisenkerch and Rory Dolan have been performing for years together in the local indie band The Drowning Men. Also open, Z Private Post, providing postal services and a coffee bar, and Fitness Together for personal training. Coming in early December, the Decanter Restaurant and Wine Lounge, where owner Jayson Knack will pair savory small plates with dozens of wines by the glass. Designer David Robinson, known for innovative work with Pacifica Del Mar, Epazote, and Mille Fleurs, among others, has signed on to create a contemporary space that will include a large bar, and dining both indoors and out. (www.cielovillage.com) — Andrea Naversen, photos by Kenneth Naversen