High Fashion Guide: Michael Kors & More

A designer's symbiotic relationship with a larger, more established department store can help them toss their lines out to a varying assortment of shoppers. In return, department stores can offer the consumer products from a designers' line that might not be available at a free-standing boutique near by.

Each fashion organism works together and both parties are benefited by the relationship. Department stores will continue to engage a diversity of shoppers because they carry the rare apparel that has yet to spread in that area. In turn, designers can profit enough from consumers in that location. The possibilities in opening a free standing specialized designer boutique could be in the future.

Lucky for us, the rapport between department store and designer means plenty of runway-worthy styles to check out in the sea of San Diego shopping. Swimming among the masses of beautifully dressed people here in San Diego is sometime hard to do.

Without a variance of designer boutiques like LA or New York, where and what labels in San Diego should you check out to hook the best bait for that hot date? Whichever mood you're getting for that day's ensemble, one of these designers is sure catch your attention.

Discovers these high-designer fashions in San Diego worth diving into.

Tory Burch in Fashion Valley Mall
Floating into Tory Burch, you can't help but notice the eccentric prints, come-hither cuts, color and textured schemes that will have you rolling out the shag carpet for more. Aura is the first thought to come to mind when you enter. The second, "I want to touch everything in this store." Last but not least, an ambience of Bohemian bombshell with a slice of sculpted sassy oozes from the shelves at its boutique in Fashion Valley Mall.

Burch has become a fashion staple in the walk-in closets of every funky fashionista due in large part to the statement making pieces she produces. Its clear Burch's education in art history has something to do with her design décor. Comfy tunics and ballerina shoes that are finished off with her emblem firmly places Burch's roots in the hearts of San Diego bohemians. You can be sure to find a beaded necklace, fringe handbag, or bejeweled piece hot off the rack that free spirits will start wars over. For more information, visit Toryburch.com.

Rag and Bone in Fashion Valley Mall
Study Rag and Bone's impeccable craftsmanship and you can't help but appreciate the style of the Marcus Wainwright and David Neville line. The collection has taken a lesson in history with beautifully tailored jackets and pants that command girls and guys to get in line. Initially, the creators were inspired by blue collared workmen, what they wore and what it stood for.

From there, they began utilizing the tools of principles past. With British-inspired tailoring in mind, Rag and Bone uses tricks of the trade like attention to detail in button choice. Also, their keen eye for fabric selection is apparent. Knit shorts, pleated blouses and leggings are just a few items to mention. Earthy tones in ivory, olive and charcoal capture an essence of yesteryear with a fresh approach. Catch Rag and Bone in department stores across San Diego, like Nordstrom at Fashion Valley Mall. For more information, visit Rag-bone.com.

Betsey Johnson in Fashion Valley Mall
Punk rock princess is what Betsey Johnson is all about. Her signature prints, lace detailing and daring fabric choices make any music-loving fashion follower want to rebel for a bit of Betsey. A front-woman in a sometimes blasé fashion crowd, Betsey Johnson strikes a different chord with signature animal and rose combinations.

She maintains this extraordinary underground appeal with women who appreciate music because she captures the essence of girly and glam. Flashy window stylizing and racks of party purchase pieces set the tone for rock star status at Johnson's boutiques, namely its store at Fashion Valley Mall. If you're a scene queen trying to add an extra flair to your fashion arsenal, Betsey Johnson is a number one hit. For more information, visit Betseyjohnson.com.

Free People in Westfield UTC
Celebrate a fashion festival of life with Free People designs. Free flow spirituality is what you get with the creator Dick Hayne's line. Free People started the movement in the 1970s, a decade recognizable as much for its personality as its peace signs. It was a time where a fierce fashion sense blossomed much like the petal printed thermals, hippie-embroidered dresses and dainty tanks brought to life on Free People's poetic designs today.

Choose Free's funky prints for sailing days, shopping outings or to set apart your individual fashion sense from the rest. For the tree-hugging San Diego gal, Free People has yet to blossom a solo boutique locally but can be uprooted in larger department stores like Nordstrom in Westfield UTC. For more information, visit Freepeople.com.

Alice and Olivia in Westfield Horton Plaza
A truly flashy fashionista will hyperventilate over Alice and Olivia. With a feisty approach to design, Alice and Olivia style has gained attention from A-listers like Sarah Jessica Parker, Angelina Jolie and Blake Lively.

The line is a combination of sequined dresses, feathered skirts and faux fur jackets. All items are eye catching functional pieces that girls will wrestle over hangers for. Not to mention an assortment of skinny pants, bedazzled slouchy shorts, ruffles, oversized cardigans with hoods … and did we mention faux fur?! Stacy Bendet, founder of Alice and Olivia, has even outsourced her spicy style sense to the likes of Ked's shoes and even MAC cosmetics. Take a cue from Carrie Bradshaw and get yourself some Alice and Olivia at Nordstrom at Westfield Horton Plaza. For more information, visit Alicaandolivia.com

Michael Kors in Fashion Valley Mall
Sportswear is a hot commodity in the lives of most women and Michael Kors is a perfect example of what women what. A timeless collection of style, Kors draws in women with a keen eye for dressing for your size.

His color palette, elegance and effortlessness have sent him throughout the closets of the fashionably minded. He has launched his own line of shoes, handbags and fragrances that possess the same chic, all-American woman vibe he so fluently illustrates throughout his line. If you're looking to make that big impression at a job interview, flawless looking business attire, or Sunday brunch with the parents, the

Michael Kors boutique at Fashion Valley Mall will read your mind. For more information, visit Michaelkors.com.

James Perse in Fashion Valley Mall
Simple, relaxed and comfortable are just a few words that come to mind when trying on the products of Perse. From staple items that can be worn time and time again, Perse has sophisticatedly interpreted the modern prep style.

Clean lines are characteristic of an architectural background and his dad who owned Maxfield boutique. Based out of Los Angeles, Perse creations have a down-to-earth vibe. His low-key yet high fashion approach helped establish his career. The designer's pieces have put stars in the eyes of the likes of Jennifer Aniston and Miley Cyrus, propelling the line to celebrity status. Supple cottons, jersey in concrete colors along with gorgeously tailored fleece and knits keep Perse in the lines with a contemporary California feel. His interchangeable dresses are ideal with flip flops for a day party or for a dinner date, add heels and chucky, eye catching jewelry. Get comfortable and classy at James Perse. For more information, visit Jamesperse.com.

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Photos courtesy of Michaelkors.com.