By Diana Cavagnaro | Fashion Files

Blue jean and bikini weather

A new specialty store has come to the heart of the Gaslamp and it’s called Blue Jeans and Bikinis, located at 435 J St.

Rachel Wolfe, the store’s owner, said customers buy denim in the winter and swimwear in the summer, thus the name “Blue Jeans and Bikinis.” The inventory is unique and you will find items not available anywhere else. The boutique has a casual beach feel and carries swimwear all year around. The popular brands of jeans are Hudson, Joe’s Jeans and Miss Me. Although the price point is higher for the jeans, the tops and sportswear are mid-range.

They also carry high quality boots by Old Gringo. These boot are handmade here in San Diego and come in half sizes. When the inventory is gone, it will be replaced with all new items, so every time you come into the store everything will be different.

The one of a kind jewelry Wolfe offers in the store is hand made by local designers. Elegant Eras repurposes vintage jewelry and when you purchase a piece, you receive the story behind it. The other jewelry designer is Catmax who creates fashion jewelry.

Wolfe said she was originally in sales and marketing and then decided to start her own business; first opening a store in the East County in 2007, then another in Coronado 2010 and now this one in the Gaslamp. She said that her customers are looking for “San Diego casual,” with half of her clientele tourists and the other half Downtown residents.

Bring this San Diego Downtown newspaper article into the Gaslamp store and receive 20 percent off one item during the month of February (excludes Old Gringo/fine jewelry/other offer or discounts). For a fun shopping experience visit them on J Street.

Paper dolls

Paper Doll Boutique & Scissors is an East Village boutique that carries classic and modern merchandise. The owner Lizbeth Chavez was in management for the past 20 years and decided to quit her cushy job and pursue her passion. Chavez’s vision combines a hair salon with two stations and a boutique with contemporary clothing. Customers can come in and sip on Champagne or sangria, find an outfit, have their hair and makeup done by stylist Kandice Gonzales, and leave all dolled up and ready to paint the town red. This is also a perfect idea for birthdays or girl gatherings.

I asked Chavez how she came up with the name of the store and she said, “Some of my fondest childhood memories are playing with paper dolls so that is why I named the store Paper Dolls.” This boutique is surrounded by the beautiful art work of Mayra Navarro. On Jan. 24, an art showing and reception was held with Navarro’s work. A female artist will always be shown and rotated every two months.

The contemporary clothing is moderately priced. There are sophisticated jumpers, body suits, or you can buy a blouse and blazer for work. Take off the blazer and you are ready for a night on the town.

Shoppers will also find additional gift items such as a handcrafted sculptor, handmade soy candles by Vela Pure, handmade rings and necklaces by Erica Garcia in which she uses fun things such as buttons, bolts, and screws to create this jewelry. Laura Martha, who recently relocated Downtown from Pennsylvania, designs the bracelets in the store. All first time shoppers will receive a 15 percent discount. Come visit Paper Dolls at 626 Eighth Ave. Hours are Tues. – Sat from noon – 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Upcoming Events

Feb. 8 | Winter Bridal Bazaar — With three fashion shows presented throughout the day at the San Diego Convention Center. For more information call 760-334-5500.

Feb. 12 | Hearts Hats and Heels — This third annual fashion show, luncheon, and vendor boutique will be at the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. For tickets call 858-945-1371.

March 6| America the Beautiful — Hats off to San Diego will present a luncheon and Hat Parade at the Hilton, Torrey Pines in La Jolla from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. For reservations call Jackie Bailey at 619-670-3643.

March 15 |The US Grant Luxury Wedding Show and Luncheon — This will feature celebrated bridal and evening couture designer, Ines Di Santo, presented by M Bride. The fashion show will launch Di Santo’s new eveningwear collection. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the US Grant Hotel, Downtown. For tickets: usgrant.net.

—Diana Cavagnaro is a nationally recognized hat designer and milliner and she’s operated her business from Downtown San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter for the last 20 years while teaching in the fashion department at San Diego Mesa College. She can be reached at [email protected].