Tatiana Translates Spring Style From Runway to Everyday

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From San Diego fashion shows to national magazines, the style experts are determined to give winter neutrals a kick and counter casual looks with bold swoops of electric shades.

We see pops of color and splashes of mix-and-match prints on full-skirt day dresses, one-piece bathing suits, ruffled tops, and wide leg sailor pants.

While forever more prevalent on the national market, top San Diego boutiques are now also carrying these bold spring trends. And if you're like me, you may catch yourself perusing the prismatic racks thinking: Sure these new spring looks are hot, but I could never actually pull them off.

To help myself, and San Diego shoppers, make subtle shifts of color and take spring trends in a realistic direction that actually works, I sought advice from Tatiana Boutique in the Flower Hill Promenade.

On the lower level of Flower Hill adjacent to the rhythmic fountains of Paradise Grille's outdoor patio, Tatiana offers a relaxing environment for shoppers seeking under the radar designs to stay ahead of local trend.

Once located in the Albertson's shopping center across Villa de la Valle, Tatiana has quickly expanded since its modest opening in 2002 as an accessory and jewelry boutique. Tatiana now carries cutting edge high fashion looks alongside jewelry and accessories that cater to women from mid twenties to mid forties. The style sense and proximity to the swift Solana Beach breeze made Tatiana the only choice for expert advice on spring fashion.

Tatiana hosted Fashion in the Ranch, a spring fashion show and luncheon at Delicia's Restaurant in Rancho Santa Fe, in mid March to introduce a North County perspective on spring style. As petite models strutted through the sunny outdoor patio and elegant indoor dining room, I was instantly convinced it is possible to make national looks work on a local level (pictured).

Edgy v-necks and razorbacks flowed before long sleeve mini dresses followed by slices of tangerine and lime paired with high-wait wide-leg denim. Embroidered patterns and subtle touches of lace gave hobo chic an updated touch of glam, and bright white heels stomped the path to spring. And don't worry ladies - boots of all heights and heels are not out (yet).

After enjoying the fashion show styling talents of Tatiana buyer, Amy Roche, at Fashion in the Ranch, we sat down for the inside scoop on Tatiana's spring lines and to discuss how the runway can translate into the everyday.

Q: What are the top fashion trends for spring 2008?
A: My favorite spring looks include full-skirt dresses cinched with skinny belts, high waist wide leg sailor pants with a fitted top, and bold and bright solid color tunics that are easy to throw on over skinny jeans or leggings. Popular colors this spring are cobalt blue, fuchsia, bright orange, and purple; any bright colors that really pop. Also, gladiator sandals are one of my favorite spring trends, and Dolce Vita makes a great pair.

Q: How do you rock this bold spring style in San Diego?
A: No matter where you live you can always make a strong fashion trend work. There is a time and place to wear everything, so just use your best judgment and take a risk when trying out a new look. Although San Diego fashion trends are not as daring as in Los Angeles or New York, we have our own style.

Q: What are the top spring brands sold at Tatiana?
A: From head to toe, the top items are 12th Street clothing by Cynthia Vincent, wooden beaded Honey Pieces jewelry by Joy Honey that is huge this season, and Mystique Sandals that have great exotic designs and are perfect with jeans or a summer dress. And we just got in all-leather Aaneta Handbags that match every style.

Q: What are your favorite new Tatiana items for spring?
A: We carry a large variety of upscale and contemporary clothing lines. My few favorite pieces for spring include the black tube onesie by Moon Katz. It is an easy piece to throw on, and makes an easy and complete outfit. High waist black denim pants by YAYA are a great staple in your closet for the season. And, the Rory Beca silver crochet tunic is a perfect piece to wear in the day with boots, or with heels at night.

Q: Advice for San Diego beach ready spring fashion?
A: I am a huge fan of one-piece bathing suits. They are definitely hot for this summer and are very flattering for any body type. We carry some great cotton dresses by Pathway that are super cute to wear over your suit. They are easy to throw on before or after a day at the beach or pool, especially if you want to grab a bite or cocktail after spending all day in the sun.

Q: Why do you recommend Tatiana for spring shopping?
A: At Tatiana you get a very personalized experience. It's nice to be able to establish a relationship with the store owners and employees because they get to know you and your sense of style. We carry several up-and-coming designers that are not saturated in San Diego. A lot of these pieces are very fashion forward and are featured in national magazines such as Vogue, InStyle, and Lucky.

To rock the runway look in San Diego all you need is a few spring staples from Tatiana Boutique, the guts to try out a new style, and the confidence to wear it with pride and passion. This season's items may look too loud or overwhelming on the racks, but be bold and try the bright florals, prints, and neon shades to wake up your denim and black from winter. This spring, it's all about mixing and matching - from the runway to the everyday, from the national magazines to the San Diego streets.

Enter through the Flower Hill shade into the crisp teal and white walled boutique adorned with the glittering glow of chandeliers and the bright fashions of springtime. If you've yet to check out Tatiana, there's no better time than now.

And top off your spring day with a facial at the soothing Pukalani Day Spa, update your bubble bath stash at the new Bathe Body Lounge, and relax for happy hour at Paradise Grille. No mall can match the charm of Flower Hill Promenade.

Fashion photos from Rory Beca; more styles at rorybeca.com.