North County San Diego, locally referred to simply as North County, is a northern region of the County home to quaint coastal districts in which life is laid-back and beach chic is everyday re-defined.

Five years ago, North County style was primarily surf-inspired, and the local shopping trends were dependent on beach brands at surf shops and designer labels found during trips to the malls. In recent years, however, such North County neighborhoods as Encinitas, Cardiff and Solana Beach have birthed fashion districts full of independent, edgy and upscale boutiques.

Discover ten notable North County San Diego boutiques.

HOME – Encinitas
HOME is the North County refuge for alternative trendsetters on a budget. By selling both used and new clothing for him and her, HOME is where thrift store meets upscale boutique in a happy and stylish medium affordable for all. Rotating local art spreads across urban walls and hangs from industrial ceilings. (pictured)

Fowler’s Boutique– Solana Beach
Fowler’s is the ultimate hip haven for upgraded surf-inspired style in an otherwise sophisticated district. With brands like WESC, William Rast and Frankie B and products from colorful headphones to trendy sunglasses and blue jeans, Fowler's offers the clothes you want at a price that won't break the bank. Bonus: Fowler's partners with businesses to host art and music shows.

Azzaria Boutique & Denim Bar – Cardiff
Azzaria brings an authentic in-vogue twist to the laid-back Cardiff scene. The New York-style shopping haven features lavish chandeliers dangling from the ceilings and trendy female styles adorning gold racks. Denim Lounge is two stores down from the flagship boutique and offers men’s clothing, 40 lines of denim for both genders and a lounge beer keg for thirsty guests.

The M Collection – Encinitas
The M Collection is an on-trend stop for men and women that carries exclusive contemporary designer brands such as BCBG Max Azria, James Perse, Ella Moss, and Hobo. Many denim brands are showcased here as well, including Miss Sixty, Gold Sign, Seven for all Mankind, and Citizens of Humanity. If you are looking for a certain brand that they don't carry, let them know and they will try to get it in as soon as possible.

Bella Moda – Encinitas
Every San Diego girl needs unique and festive pieces in her wardrobe rotation, and Bella Moda is happy to help. Amid hot pink splashed walls, you will find a feminine plethora of exclusive designer tops, dresses, and jeans – many exclusively from Los Angeles designers. Bella Moda's denim selection is the most notable, featuring Hudson, Joe's Jeans, Tag, and True Religion. Selling one-of-a-kind items in limited numbers, you must pop in before your favorites sell out.

TMN Boutique – San Marcos
Both a boutique and major online retailer, TMN is for the gal looking for hot trends at a small price. From apparel to accessories TMN is the place to go to try out new trends each season. Browse the fashion gallery online, and visit the local San Diego boutique in San Marcos to try on your favorite styles.

Cedros Soles – Solana Beach
Cedros Soles is an absolute favorite of mine. Concentrating on high-end fashion forward shoes, Cedros is where you go to splurge for that statement heel. Cedros has you covered with brands ranging from BCBG to Donald J. Pliner, Kenneth Cole, Matisse, Sam Elderman, and Ugg. Footwear is the focus, but shoppers will also find in-style clothing, fashion accessories, handbags, and jewelry in the back.

Divinity Salon and Boutique – Encinitas
Although the focus is on hair at this salon and boutique, their clothing selection is awesome. The wide-open space offers room for a large selection of clothing merchandise: dresses, jeans, tops, and jackets mostly from exclusive and unique Los Angeles designers. From the eclectic selection, you get the impression that the buyer bought for her own closet, but is willing to share her treasures with you.

Ensemble Boutique – Oceanside
Ensemble is the go-to shop for hip men and women living in Oceanside. Located on Mission Avenue, Ensemble houses all the top trends for every season. Notable lines carried at Ensemble are Velvet, Porridge, Pathway, Sustainable Collective by Convoy, Level 99, Free People, Topless, BB Dakota and Original Penguin.

Mog & Rue – Encinitas
Situated in the center of the Lumberyard plaza, Mog & Rue brings you the latest styles from LA and New York. Adding flavor to this sleepy surf town, the owner has created a mod yet chic space that showcases some of the best designers around including Fred Segal, Ron Herman, Voom, printed dresses by Bilingual as well as Iron Army denim. Also included are Amy Kathryn handbags, Odyn jeans, Sam Edelman shoes, Mae feminine clothing, Lucid jewelry and Lucia Bella leather handbags.

Discover more unique North County boutiques, including UNIV in Cardiff, Matti D in Del Mar, Lacy’s Boutique in Encinitas and all shops within Cedros Design District in Solana Beach. Peruse more of the best boutiques and malls in San Diego in our shopping directory, and keep up to speed on style trends in our shopping blog. For more fashion advice or a wardrobe consultation with a personal stylist, visit vanessavaliente.com.