San Diego Reader

Polka dots are the latest casual style staple. They are popping up all over San Diego. I ran into Mesa College student Sarina Taraso wearing a dotted blouse in Clairemont.

The 19-year-old purchased her top from Forever 21, her skirt is from M’s, and her oxford shoes are Dollhouse. Taraso’s favorite local store is Buffalo exchange. She likes to keep her style simple and elegant.

“I don’t like oversized accessories or anything gaudy like rhinestones,” Taraso says.

I found Alex Ford sporting a navy blue textured polka dot shift dress at Centifonti's (Home of the Beer in a Boot) in La Mesa. The 18-year-old is on winter break from UC Berkeley.

Ford's dress is a Buffalo Exchange purchase. Her combat boots are from Payless.

"These are my favorites. I wear them with everything," Ford says of her boots.