Have Fun With Beach Fashion at Top San Diego Boutiques

San Diego is an ideal coastal city for a multitude of reasons - but, attractions aside, everyone knows this Southern California beach town for the weather.

And as we are known for year-around temperatures soaring well into the seventies, it's our innate duty to stay up to beat and always on-trend in the latest goings-on in the ever glamorous realm of swimwear.

This year, beach chic is redefined with bold jewel-tone colors, geometric prints and retro silhouettes unlike any other sandy season as of yet. As you may have noticed, one-pieces are back in a big way, offering room for a little modesty while flattering every silhouette.

For sultry flair, the cut-away one-piece styles are the hottest trends this season, and function as great alternatives to the bikini, with more coverage around the stomach.

Look for African-inspired tribal prints and geometric designs, as well as more basic monochromatic colors. Embellishments are also hopping off the runway and heading straight to the beach, starring fringe, appliqué, beads and bows adorning eclectic swimsuits.

Top San Diego boutiques, known for independently picked and displayed clothing and accessories, are now making space on the racks for up-and-coming swimwear brands.

While this year we love beach fashion from JEP Boutique, Birdrock Bikini, Bikini Shoppe, and UNIV - and funky swim styles edging on risqué from Barely On, we can't help but obsess over the pearly new La Jolla shop, Sauvage Swimwear.

Check out the Shindy.TV exclusive on Sauvage Swimwear:

The internationally known swimwear brand, Sauvage, launched its first boutique on Prospect Street in swanky downtown La Jolla in early 2008. Designed in the modern aesthetic of Graham Downs (architect of Tower 23 and Gringo's), the pearly white Sauvage space is open and inviting - with plush dressing rooms and waiting accommodations, complete with magic dim lighting.

This swimwear brand debuts two distinct collections for the 2008 swimwear season, the Sauvage and Luxe lines. Both lines taking trends from the trends of the fashion world and incorporate them into swimwear. Similar to the high-fashion spring and summer looks on the runways, bold jewel-tone colors can be seen everywhere in the Sauvage collections, and the suits look beautiful against tanned skin.

Known for superior fit, Sauvage offers a variety of styles in tops, bottoms, one-pieces and cover-ups for the right kind of coverage for each individual woman. Designer, Elizabeth Southwood continues to evolve each season while focusing on keeping the modern woman feeling confident and comfortable. With a celebrity following of Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, and Heather Locklear as well as gracing the pages of Sports Illustrated with Heidi Klum and Will Ferrell, its no wonder women of all shapes and ages love the Sauvage look.

To dig deeper into swimsuit culture, we caught up with Carrie Atkinson, brand representative and store manager with Sauvage.

Q: What swimwear styles do you recommend for specific body types?

A: People focus way too much on body type. Women are already too critical of themselves. I work closely with each client to find the right fit, and I want the shopper to always walk out the door feeling comfortable and self-confident.

If you want added coverage or extra support, side tie bottoms are great for adjustability. The cut-out one pieces look great on everyone, as they cover just enough but leave you feeling sexy. The Xtralife Lycra fabric (used on most suits) stretches with you, yet another reason Sauvage is unexpectedly flattering.

Q: What are the top swimsuit trends for summer?
A: Cut out one-pieces are the best style because they cover more than the bikini while remaining sexy. For color, it's all about shine with metallics and vivid jewel tones. Many designs are also embellished with Swarovski crystals to keep up the sparkle.

For a more independent edge or beach bunny comfort to your swimwear fashion, check out the following San Diego boutiques:

JEP Boutique
JEP Boutique, recognized as one of the "Top 25 Stores in Warm-Weather Destinations" by Vogue Magazine, not only carries amazing lines for both men and women including 3.1 Phillip Lim, Saint Grace and Trovata, but swimwear as well. Try their Insight bikinis, most of which include a matching cover-up and shorts. JEP also re-launched this year with a new lifestyle edge, now offering a petite in-store salon.

Birdrock Bikini
For a little shop with a great collection of the newest swimwear styles, head over to Birdrock Bikini in La Jolla for essential warm-weather items including swimwear, cover-ups, accessories, and beach bags. Get your trusted dose of beach bunny brands here, sprinkled with a few local designers, ranging from Love Surf Love and Indah Collection to True Religion Swim and Vitamin A - and, of course, Sauvage.

Bikini Shoppe
The Bikini Shoppe in Mission Beach is a summer shopping staple. But, considering the location, it really isn't much of a secret and is often flooded with tourists seeking the next best by Billabong. This swimwear boutique offers everything from bikinis and one-piece suits to tankinis, beach clothing, footwear, and accessories. Get striped cover-up mini dresses and silk halter dresses for beach-ready fashion, or stick with the basics and opt for a glam bikini in any style under the sun.

UNIV
UNIV, a unique Encinitas shop with a cool vibe carries footwear, apparel, and accessories as well as an unexpected variety of swimwear, including both Stussy and Insight brands. Just one block from the ocean, the interior is a tribute to classic California with additional modern flair.

Barely On
This newly opened shop in Little Italy specializes in bikinis and beachwear. Introducing such local designer lines as Cash Crop, Seedless, Toxic Inc., Krown, Bullrider, Dahlia Swim and Berry Dog, Barely On also carries Banana Split, Chica Rica, Ritchie and Pan Dulce bikinis. This risqué beachwear boutique is for mature audiences only.

For more beach fashion options, check out the 2007 DiscoverSD.com picks for best swimsuits in San Diego.

Photos courtesy of Sauvage. View the photo gallery here.