By Diana Cavagnaro | Fashion Files
Tease Boutique is a high-end store recently opened in the Gaslamp Quarter. Owner Carmen Strather carries a variety of edgy outfits designed for any occasion. The shop’s walls are inviting, with paintings by Lauren Moshi, who is inspired by high fashion and fine art. Tease also carries vintage, one-of-a-kind T-shirts and eyewear. The new eyewear shades are from Nicole Richie’s line, House of Harlow, while the other line is the vintage frame company with sunglasses from all different decades. Tease carries trendy items like the unisex, furry hats with ears called Spirit Hoods and the must-have Flex Watches as seen on MTV’s “The Real World San Diego.” The Spirit Hoods company gives a portion of sales to an animal charity and Flex Watches gives 10 percent of proceeds to 10 different charities, depending on which color you choose. Tease, which is located at 435 Island Ave., held its launch party on February 2 at La Puerta restaurant. For more information visit teaseboutique.com or call 619-795-2690.
Rubber Soul opened downtown in November. This women and men’s vintage clothing store reflects a 1960s ambiance. The walls are covered with pictures of icons from the 60s, including the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Audrey Hepburn and the Rat Pack. Three partners opened this business: Jim Penna, Dennis Jarret and Valerie Vrany. Penna said skinny ties and bow ties have been popular for men, with dresses, hats and jewelry popular for women. There has been a huge trend for vintage clothes, and Penna said his customers like the trend because every piece is an original. Every Friday the store has a special of 10 percent off everything, all day long. Rubber Soul is located at 625 Eighth Ave. Check them out at rubbersoulvintage.com or by calling 619-544-9222.
Credible Thread is a newly opened men’s boutique. This urban clothing store carries high quality merchandise with good price points. A variety of standout brands include Super Dry, Rag & Bone, Canterbury, All Saints and Rogue. Made & Crafted is a trendy jean, made with superior quality denim and is a huge customer pleaser. Credible Thread also carries their own brand, named Crfty, and their logo can be found on hats, T-shirts and other items in the store. The store carries fun accessories such as duffle bags and wallets, and the owner, Justin Chen, is a huge dog lover. Credible Thread, located at 740 Market St., is very dog friendly. You’ll have to come in to see. For more information visit crediblethread.com or call 858-215-4088.
Cariloha opened in the Gaslamp Quarter, selling bamboo-based merchandise. This unique store has an array of bamboo products that are twice as soft as cotton. Bamboo has unbelievable properties that keep you cool and wicks moisture away from your body. Store manager Rodrigo Lagunas said the fabric is also antibacterial, anti-fungal and has deodorizing properties. Lagunas also said one of their best sellers are the bed sheet sets. They are touted as the most comfortable on the planet. Both men’s and women’s apparel are sold here, including athletic outfits from their FIT line. The newest item in the store is an iPhone case. If you are an eco-friendly buff or would like to learn more about this highly sustainable fabric, come in and feel how soft it is. Cariloha is open seven days a week and is located at 435 J St. For more information visit cariloha.com or call 619-550-1414.
—Diana Cavagnaro is a nationally recognized hat designer and milliner. Diana has been operating a fashion business for 30 years, the last 20 in Downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter, and has been teaching in the Fashion Department at San Diego Mesa College for 20 years. Diana is an active member of the Gaslamp Quarter Association, The American Sewing Guild, the San Diego Costume Council and the Fashion Group International.
