Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Goldstein.
Hi Lauren, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My mother was my original fashion influence. She owned Greta, a celebrated boutique in Palm Springs and Beverly Hills, and was a trailblazer in desert fashion, carrying internationally acclaimed designers including Valentino, Versace, and Missoni. As a little girl, if I straightened my mom’s racks perfectly—every hanger exactly two inches apart—I would get a Barbie doll from Uncle John’s Toy Store on Palm Canyon.
I was also deeply influenced by the pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and W. I lived in those magazines. I studied every page like it was my Bible—that was my schooling. I knew every photographer, every model, and every designer. Through those pages, I became captivated by the worlds of New York, Paris, and Milan, and I always knew I would one day descend upon the East Coast.
Everything I do at CSIDE is rooted in those influences. My mother had an effortlessly chic, cool 1970s California style, but it was always infused with a worldly perspective. Through Greta and the designers she carried, she introduced me to the fashion of New York, Paris, and Milan from an early age. That blend of California ease and international influence is the spirit of CSIDE.
In the 1990s, I became a wardrobe stylist during MTV’s golden era before freelancing in Los Angeles. Those years shaped my creative perspective and taught me how fashion tells a story. Another major influence was working with Ava O’Connor at her boutique, Whistle, where I learned the art of styling—how to mix pieces, create emotion, and help people express themselves through what they wear. Ralph Lauren has also been a tremendous inspiration because he didn’t simply create clothing; he created an entire world and a lifestyle people wanted to be part of.
All of those experiences led me to create CSIDE. The name is a play on the word seaside, but it’s also about sides—from the California Side to the Côte, coast to coast. It’s a travel-inspired boutique collective with a global bohème spirit, influenced by the effortless glamour of the 1970s jet set. We curate independent designers and unique discoveries from around the world for people who are free-spirited, curious, and inspired by travel. Whether you’re on the California side, the Côte, or any beautiful coastline in between, CSIDE celebrates the idea that great style isn’t tied to one place—it’s a way of experiencing the world.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to CSIDE wasn’t a straight line. I first created the name and concept in 2012 and brought it to life in 2020. The original store in Palm Desert was a great success, but I realized my business partner didn’t share the same vision or spirit for the brand, and ultimately we went our separate ways. Even then, I always knew I would bring CSIDE back.
As I got older, I also found myself facing something many experienced professionals encounter—I was increasingly being judged by my age instead of my abilities. Rather than waiting for someone else to give me an opportunity, I decided to hire myself. I took everything I had learned throughout my career and relaunched CSIDE on my own.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What sets me apart is that I’m not just a boutique owner—I’m also a wardrobe stylist. My background in the entertainment industry, along with years of styling and wardrobe consulting for private clients throughout San Diego and Los Angeles, has shaped the way I work with every customer who walks through the door.
My clients trust me because I understand their lifestyle, not just their size or what’s trending. They know I’ll introduce them to independent designers and unique pieces they may never have discovered on their own, then style everything together in a way that feels authentic to who they are. I serve as a trusted style and wardrobe advisor, helping them build wardrobes rather than simply buying outfits.
I’ve always believed in buying fewer, better pieces. One of the greatest compliments I receive is when a client tells me, “It may have been an investment, but I still have it years later.” That’s what I want CSIDE to represent—beautifully crafted, timeless pieces that become part of someone’s wardrobe and story for years to come.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about San Diego is its effortless ease. It’s a place where sophistication and a laid-back lifestyle coexist beautifully. Every neighborhood has its own personality—from the energy of downtown to the charm of Little Italy and the distinct character of the coastal communities. That diversity is incredibly inspiring to me.
I also never take the natural beauty for granted. I fall asleep listening to the waves, and when I step outside my boutique, I’m greeted by the ocean. It’s a constant reminder of why I chose to build my business here. The coastline, the light, and the pace of life all influence the way I curate CSIDE.
Of course, San Diego has changed. Like everyone, I feel the effects of inflation—I remember when a burrito was seven dollars, and now it’s closer to seventeen. That’s the reality of living in a place that’s become so desirable. But despite that, it’s still one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, and I feel incredibly fortunate to call it home.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: CSIDE California
