Fashionably San Diego

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Best Tailors In San Diego County

  

A tailor is a fashion necessity. There is no one that walks into a store, puts on a read-to-wear garment and is ready to go as-is all the time. For those times that a garment is almost there, but needs a hem taken up or a seam taken in, you need a professional tailor.

The hard part now is finding, not only a good tailor, but a good tailor in your area with decent prices. My absolute favorite San Diego tailor in every way just retired, leaving me in weeping confusion to deal with that task; but, once I dried my eyes I was ready to hunt down, not only the best tailor in my area, but the best tailors in all of San Diego's major areas - listed below. Scroll down to find the best in your area.

LA JOLLA

Kiki’s Alterations (858) 456-7865 

7742 Herschel Ave

La Jolla, Ca 92037-4439 

-Known for her work on more major alterations and delicate items as well as simple hems. Plus, fast delivery at affordable prices. 

• "You pay for the quality that you get and you can expect the best! This is the place to go for more 'challenging' alterations or delicate fabrics. They are amazing!!!"
• "They did an excellent job on an expensive Theory blazer; sleeves and lining hemmed to look just like before for a mere $16 for original hem, $10 regular hems"

Castelli’s Custom Tailoring and Alterations (858) 456-1333

6986 La Jolla Blvd 

La Jolla, CA, 92037

 -Known for their inexpensive prices: $9 for simple hems on jeans. 

• "Mr. Castelli is super-talented, reasonably priced and really nice. Their prices are totally fair and the quality of work is unbeatable."

CHULA VISTA

Angelo’s Tailor (858) 456-1333

3rd Ave #B 

Chula Vista, CA 91910

- Known as “the kind of mom-and-pop shop you can trust," Angelo is the owner and tailor that altars clothes to make them look like they were never worked on. Plus, good prices and fast service. 

• "Angelo has hemmed some of my jeans and they never look like they were worked on. The prices are great too. I have paid $8 for most work: waist, length,ect.. Everything from formal gowns, to suits, to jeans."

Shimaki Tailoring (619) 422- 4370

207 3rd Ave

Chula Vista, Ca 91910 

 - Known for the best prices in town ($8 for a simple hem on jeans) and fast delivery as well as being able to work anything from suites to wedding dresses.

•  "I took in two dresses to get hemmed and they did a fantastic job. The new hem looked even better than the original! The ladies here take pride in their work and really make sure that their finished product is top quality."

DEL MAR

Anna Tailors and Formalwear (858) 792-8565   

12750 Carmel Country Road

San Diego, Ca 92130-2171  

- Known for friendly, fast, and high quality work at reasonable prices, their specialties are leather and suede. They do great tailoring with suites and jeans but not as well with wedding dresses. 

• "I had 5 pair of pants hemmed (basic womens slacks, unlined) - $10 each. The ownership is super friendly and when it comes to their work, it is always done just right and always on time."

Golden Needle Tailor (858) 755-1312

1049 Camino Del Mar

Del Mar, CA 92014   

-Cost $12 to have pants shortened or hemmed. 

• " I have taken some of my more difficult items there and I'm never disappointed."

ENCINITAS

Kim’s Alterations (760) 436-2263

566 South Coast Highways 101

Encinitas, CA 92024-3531  

 - Mostly recognized for her alterations with wedding dresses and custom dressmaking, but has a great price of $9 for a simple hem. 

• "Kim knows tailoring: Kim is better than alright."
• "Kim's Alterations is quality service by quality people. If you ask, they will rush your tailoring and the prices are extremely reasonable. I had a skirt that needed to be hemmed in two days: $8 flat!"

HILLCREST

All American Tailors (619) 291-0908

322 W Washington St

San Diego, CA 92103 

 - Known for his excellent work but they are very busy. The service won't be fast unless you ask. They charge $10 for a hem on jeans. 

• "This is the place to make you $300 suit look like it's worth twice that."

NORTH PARK

L & A Tailoring (619) 299- 7326

2917 University Ave (Between 29th St and 30th St)

San Diego, CA 92104 

- Known for his keen eye for details and will tell you the truth about how things should fit and if he can really help. Plus, only 9$ for a hem on jeans. 

• "If Tailoring was invented, it was by this guy!" 
• " And did I mention that not only is he good, he is cheaper than all the other tailors in Hillcrest? I always let him do what he thinks is best, and it's always exactly perfect. Plus the prices are great, and turnover is quick and reliable." 

PACIFIC BEACH

Tammie’s Alterations & Tailoring (858) 274-9420

4454 Ingraham St

San Diego, CA 92109

 - Known for their great service at great prices They can do anything from embroiders, fixing zippers and seams and only charge $7 for a pant hem. 

• "This is the best alterations shop you can find, I really recommend using Tammie's if you want a perfect result for a low price!"

Pacific Tailor Shop (858) 274-8809

1774 Garnet Ave Suite C

San Diego, CA 92109 

 - Known for their amazing work at reasonable prices and fast delivery. $10 for a jean hem. 

• "Melody’s worth the drive for her skill, fair pricing and efficiency."

CARLSBAD

Vega’s Tailor Shop (760) 729-7219

529 Carlsbad Village Dr. Suite A

Carlsbad, CA 92008 

 - Known as the best in Carlsbad but be prepared to pay $14.00 for hems. 

• "When you want the best of the best, take your fine threads to Vega's Tailor Shop in Carlsbad. They are the absolute best. And they can do just about anything you need them to do. Need your jeans altered into daisy dukes? Want your long ball gown turned into a head turning cocktail dress? Go ahead, give them a try. You will be so glad that you did."

CORONADO

Amier’s Tailor Shop (619) 435- 3595

1113 10th Street

Coronado, CA 92118-3401 

- Known for doing a beautiful job everytime and accommodating any time frame you give him. They have fair prices, charging $12 for hem on jeans. 

• "I've tried several tailors in Coronado, but he's the one I'd recommend first."

CLAIREMONT

Seasons Tailor Shop (858) 576- 4455

3582 Mt. Acadia Blvd

San Diego, CA 92111  

- Known for having some of the lowest prices in all of San Diego while keeping their quality top shelf. Only charges $6 to hem pants. 

• "She does an awesome job on pants, dresses and anything else you need altered."

La Moda Fine Tailoring (858) 342-9792

5375 Kearny Villa Road Suite 114

San Diego, CA 92120

www.lamodaonline.com 

- Specializes in suites but also does exceptional work on basics like dresses and jeans. Expect to pay $12 to hem your jeans.

• "He is an exceptional tailor and knows what he's doing. His prices are standard and his timeliness is acceptable. Not only is he the nicest guy and very efficient, his tailoring is spot-on perfect."

A Stylish San Diegan

 

Kyss Boutique For Women Opens in Carlsbad

Carlsbad ladies are all a twitter for the much needed boutique in the new Bressi Village shopping center. Mommies with strollers are scooting their way over, mature woman are breezing in and young women are hanging out in this new gem, Kyss Boutique, owned by Carla Woolever and Karen Kampfl. 

“We love that it is warm and inviting and we always want our ladies to feel special and appreciated with they come in,” says Woolever in reference to both the décor and the communication. When a guest enters Kyss XO they walk into a spacious and expertly adorned area. The white walls, the elegant yet modern furnishings and numerous built in shelves and racks give an expansive impression that highlights the merchandise while feeling almost like a home. And then there are the dressing rooms. It brings a tear to the eye of a mother toting everything that comes with being a mom. The dressing rooms are huge with a living room-appropriate chair to put all your crap, have your child sit on it or for you to take a breather.

As for the service, I was impressed by how the owners have pulled off friendly without invading your space and helpful without being pushy. Not that they need to be pushy. It seems every woman that stops into the Trader Joes next door must then run over to Kyss. It is tempting women of all desires to pick up something flattering, fun or fabulous. Very few boutiques have actually pulled off the, “there’s something for everyone," but Kyss has done it smoothly and in the right local. From style to price to size, everyone is included. A yummy soft $12 Tee for the budget minded, vegan handbags, numerous denim brands that goes up to a 34 inch waist, sexy cocktail dresses, lingerie, purses, belts, Spanx, jewelry, sun hats, casual attire and various slimming garments for all body types are all on the fashion menu at Kyss.

My personal favorites include the simple chic of Joe’s handbags, Miss Me jeans, the celebrity sporting Paige denim, the Michael Stars casual wear and these beautiful printed blouses by Bilingual that would look hot with jeans or office-chic with slacks. I also love that Woolever, a major player in the make-up industry for 26 years, will continue to share her incredible expertise at Kyss Boutique with a beauty station for make-up appointments. Nothing better than getting your face put on by a celebrity make-up artist while shopping for clothes you will actually wear.

 

SD Designer Reggie Aguiluz Shows Vanteria Di Eleganza

 

With the multitudes of stylish people sweating under the sweltering sun at Grand Hope Park in downtown Los Angeles on June 5th, an air of anticipation was readily apparent for the debut runway show of Vanteria Di Eleganza, designed by Reggie Aguiluz. 

Born and raised in San Diego, the designer followed his passion to FIDM in Los Angeles where he graduated in 2010. Inspired and influenced by urban art, lifestyle photography, and designers such as Marc Jacobs and the late Alexander McQueen, Aguiluz created his premier apparel collection with a confident, sexy, and edgy woman in mind. A rock n roll edge combined with a grungy chic style echoes throughout the entire collection. Emulating the 80's and the 90's with a dash of the futuristic, the runway was replete with leggings of every conceivable material, ripped jersey tees, boldly embellished pieces, gray stonewashed denim, short inseams and zipper embellishments. 

The most successful pieces in the collection were among the more simple pieces: tees emblazoned with minimal logos, some of the less embellished and altered garments and many of the leggings. While the street wear collection was not uniformly unique it did emphasize what is great about the young and confident city girl: she is tough, sexy, and you’re not totally sure if she is going to kiss you or punch you.

Written by Scott Wicken

    

   

  

Vogue Features San Diego County with Blake Lively

Some month’s ago, Vogue Magazine set up shop in San Diego to shoot Blake Lively with Cardiff local and surf icon Rob Machado for this month's cover of Vogue. Vogue, arguably the bible for fashion lovers everywhere, had it’s favorite photographer, Mario Testino, shooting a starlet in San Diego. San Diego’s backdrop is on the June cover of Vogue. A San Diego local is in the fashionable pages of Vogue. 

Just wanted to make sure you understood.

Nothing satisfies this fashion forward personal stylist more than knowing Vogue Magazine chose San Diego for a cover shoot. A milestone in the San Diego Fashion Argument.

The Vogue team visited for three days hitting a few different spots including La Jolla, Cardiff State Beach, and San Onofre State Beach where writer Hamish Bowles and Blake Lively were taught how to surf by Machdo and friends. “My goal was to keep her hair dry!” Machado joked. “I failed, but she never actually fell. We rode every wave to the end.”

As you might have guessed from the beach location and active surfing, Lively was styled in mostly beach wear, which unfortunately, wasn’t all that exciting. I was hoping for a less obvious and more forward idea displayed across San Diego’s scenery. But, I did enjoy the fun Hervé Léer by Maz Azria bandage slip dress and an elegantly skanky Versace dress.

As I flipped through the rest of Vogue’s pages it occurred to me why Vogue went with that chic simplicity for Lively's shoot. Vogue is leaving their days of extravagant, unrealistic fashions on leaping models. There was not one model in mid jump in the entire issue - something Vogue’s fashion spreads were notorious for. It seems the recession and the readers has forced Vogue back to earth - bringing their feet firmly to the ground. Time for some realism.

Ergo, one of the pages has Livley in a simple Michael Kors Tee and fresh looking bikini bottoms with two inches of clear plastic on each hip. Beneath this photo reads, “Plenty of skin is inevitably on show - but ocean days also require a measure of practical thinking. A Tee keeps the sun off her back.”

Practicality brought Vogue to San Diego’s beaches, but keep in mind when you get ready for your day tomorrow: practical and comfortable can still be fashion forward and opulent.

 

Sugar & Spice SD Spa Review

 

Please excuse the predictable twist to the obvious proverb, but San Diego's new Sugar & Spice Spa is everything nice. Sugar & Spice is a skin care, waxing and nail studio that opened it's glass paneled doors last Wednesday in Old Town. Excited to review the spanking new space, I checked it out yesterday.

Bubble gum pink walls greet you while the minimalist decór calms you. The ambiance is best described as fresh, clean and girlie. 

Besides the walls, you will be welcomed in by one of the owners. For my facial appointment, Deven McCarty (Owner / Licensed Esthetician) greeted me like a well mannered girlfriend. None of that still, distant or sometimes weird demeanor I see sometimes from estheticians. I immediately liked her and appreciated her more and more throughout the delicious experience. She had a light and soothing touch, she listened to everything I had to say, and beyond the experience, the results are fabulous! My skin feels so so soft, so so hydrated and looks so freakin' smooth. 

When you get a facial you want the experience to be as amazing as the results and I hands down found that to be true at Sugar and Spice. I have never felt more comfortable with an esthetician and I have never been more pleased with a facial. 

On to the details, Sugar and Spice uses Epicuren products and Deven chose the Chai Soy facial ($85 for 60 minutes) to detoxify my skin and bring back some moisture. Although I am an advocate of organic products, which Epicuren is not, I was very pleased with the performance, feel and smells (Ah, the yummy smells) of Epicuren. 

The facial also included cleansing, a scrub that exfoliated with completely round particles that won't scratch the skin, a toner, and more. We ended with a spritz of sunscreen to protect my fresh skin from the San Diego afternoon.

Things to keep in mind when getting a facial at Sugar and Spice... 

The music selection is a more modern take on soothing music. It's very cool. You will adore it if you get bored by the slow flutes of calm music. You probably won't like it if you prefer traditional relaxing music, so just ask your esthetician to play your preference if you are not a fan. They have an Ipod full of "facial" music.

Also, Deven will work with your preference of speaking quantity. She will begin by asking about any issues or concerns you may have and then keeps her talking to a minimum unless you ask her a question which she will smoothly answer without interrupting the gentle experience. I am a HUGE fan of this communication style during a facial - or massage for that matter. Nothing worse than an esthetician that talks too much or who stops or makes you uncomfortable when you ask questions.

Summary: Sugar & Spice gets 5 stars out of 5 from Fashionably San Diego.

Party At The Ballpark Loft

 

San Diegans who want to check out fabulous art, crepes, photography and more will want to stop by The Ballpark Loft this coming Thursday, June 11th. Some of my favorite independently owned businesses will be there like KRodger3 and Helene Cornell Photography. 

A Fashionable San Diegan - Scott Wagner

 

FSD: How long have you lived in San Diego? 

Scott: Four years.

FSD: Where are you from originally? 

Scott: Oregon, Wiscosin. A small podunk farmtown.

FSD: What is your favorite part about living in San Diego? 

Scott: The people by far! Good peeps!

FSD: Tell me about your business or job? 

Scott: Life of an artisan chef carving his way into San Diego’s catering world – ChileCo has finally earned the reputation as the best of the best here and now we’re opening a restaurant, café & club.

FSD: How would you describe your personal style? 

Scott: Whimisically balanced cuisine of the Gods.

FSD: What is your worst fashion memory? 

Scott: Parachute pants and oversized coca-cola shirts.

FSD: What article of clothing or accessory do you plan on buying next? 

Scott: Versace white pants – I dripped gazpacho down my last pair.

FSD: Any down low fashion advice or secret shopping scene you want to share with FSD readers? 

Scott: Love, Love, Love - Randal Graham.

FSD: Where is the most random place you bought something stylish in San Diego? 

Scott: So many randomn places that there names are forgettable! The little shop around the corner from Urban Solace – awesomeness! (next door to a kung foo place I think).

A Stylish San Diegan