Banner image above: Laura Fairchild

Best Denim Selection:
L.A. Fairchild Denim Bar
(Runner-Up: Matti D)
Buying jeans can be daunting, says Laura Fairchild, the leggy beauty behind L.A. Fairchild Boutique and Denim Bar. There are so many things to consider: washes, inseams, stretches, pocket placement. When Fairchild realized that denim was a top-selling item at her Cardiff boutique, she decided to create a separate space devoted to it. Now, with a little help from the boutique’s "bartenders," customers can easily find that elusive perfect pair of jeans. "We’ve edited down the assortment to the best of the best," Fairchild says. (760/487-1277, ext. 5, www.lafairchild.com) — AnnaMaria Stephens

Best Resale Shop:
Carolyn’s Designer Resale
(Runner-Up: Encore)
Former Bostonian Carolyn Lancaster has been reselling luxury goods to San Diegans for more than a decade. She buys clothing and accessories by sought-after designers like Chanel, Escada, and Armani, and peddles the in-season, contemporary styles — all in flawless, secondhand condition — at prices that are up to 80 percent off the original. "The more expensive the item, the better the deal you can get," Lancaster says in her unmistakable accent. A $2,000 St. John suit recently sold for $350. No matter what your income, that price is right. (858/756-2765) — AnnaMaria Stephens, photo by Vincent Knakal

Best Children’s Apparel:
Sweetpea
(Runner-Up: Del Mar Kids)
The tykes outfitted at this darling children’s shop could easily grace the pages of InStyle. For 23 years, Sweetpea has been the San Diego destination for high-end imported and domestic clothing for wee ones ranging from newborn to about ten years old. The boutique is known for its great selection of Burberry — what baby wouldn’t look adorable in classic plaid? Sweetpea also carries accessories such as hats, towels and blankies, and offers complimentary gift-wrapping. (858/481-0683)
— AnnaMaria Stephens, photo by Vincent Knakal

Best Accessories:
Madison Del Mar
(Runner-Up: Matti D)
From the outside, Flower Hill Promenade’s Madison looks like a small luggage shop, but saunter in and you’ll discover three floors of one-stop shopping for luxurious leather goods. Downstairs, pick up corporate gifts and men’s accessories, including briefcases, wallets, and belts. The street level serves all your jet-setting needs with first-class luggage by the likes of Hartmann, Tumi, Bric’s, Briggs & Riley, and Kipling. And upstairs, ladies will find it difficult to leave without looking at every last handbag, belt, piece of jewelry, and pair of shoes. (858/259-7622, www.madisonleather.com)
— AnnaMaria Stephens, photo by Vincent Knakal