True Grit
Owners: Jill Johnson and Wally Piatt
Vibe: Funky and reminiscent of a spaceship, it looks like a hunting lodge from the future.
Bestsellers: Frankie B. denim
Lines: Juicy Couture, C&C California, White Trash Charms, Miss Sixty and a customized T-shirt booth.
India House
Owners: Yana and Krishan Gupta
Vibe: Colorful exotic outdoor Indian Bazaar; a thin slice of New Delhi in downtown Santa Barbara.
Bestsellers: Beaded slippers — sells over 200 a day.
History: The husband-and-wife team expanded the family business of Indian imports — furniture, clothing, textiles and jewelry — into an open lot on State Street eight months ago.
Yellowstone Vintage Clothing
Owners: Paul and Stephanie Haugen
Vibe: A treasure trove of mint-condition Fifties cardigans and Eighties rock Ts.
Bestsellers: Fifties prom and party dresses and vintage rock Ts.
History: The husband-and-wife team started the store on the now-popular shopping strip, La Brea Avenue, in Los Angeles 30 years ago. They have since moved the business to downtown Santa Barbara, where the shop has become a destination for celebrities, stylists and designers.
Diani
Owner: Ex-Londoner Caroline Diani.
Vibe: A bright and airy space with high-beamed ceilings, this sophisticated yet casual designer boutique attracts a steady stream of regulars. Expect to be greeted by warm smiles and the wagging tail of Caroline’s black lab, Plum.
Bestsellers: Inhabit and Marc by Marc Jacobs jeans.
Lines: Vanessa Bruno, Barbara Bui, Petit Bateau, Jenny Kayne,Alvin Valley, Laurence handbags, Me and Ro jewelry and Bernardo sandals.