Fresh Stock
“I buy what I like to wear and have in my home, yet I’m constantly thinking of specific customers, especially those who’ve been with us over the years”
Caroline Diani
Written by Jennifer Blaise Kramer
Photograph by Meg Sandu Photo
Caroline Diani opened her first shop 22 years ago. With a background in retail and an education in fashion, she melded her skills to open a business that’s been a Santa Barbara fixture for more than two decades. The world of DIANI includes three storefronts—clothing, home, shoes—in Arlington Plaza, creating a lifestyle hub for countless locals. Being that go-to shop around the corner is both what keeps the doors open and what guides Caroline on what to stock. “I buy what I like to wear and have in my home, yet I’m constantly thinking of specific customers, especially those who’ve been with us over the years,” she says. “None of us are driven by trends; we like quality and understated style.” Caroline’s spring edit (her blog and newsletter are a must!) sports pops of color that appear in nature. For home she stocks her favorite cookbooks, serving bowls, and textiles, and she has been busy building her own home decor brand, The Stone Jug. Inspiration, it seems, is everywhere she turns. “I’m always looking for new lines for the stores, and traveling helps me find hidden gems,” she says. “My eyes and ears are always open.” 1324 State St., Santa Barbara, dianiboutique.com
