By Diana Cavagnaro
Eclectique Boutique recently opened in San Diego’s Seaport Village. This amazing boutique is situated in the Lighthouse District and is owned and operated by Gayleen Nichols. Nichols is a longtime Downtown business owner. She operated Bubble’s Boutique for over 17 years in the Gaslamp Quarter District so many of her clients will be delighted to learn that she is remaining in Downtown.
This charming boutique has an amazing industrial chic interior with a beautiful combination of metal and wood. There is an array of unique clothing, accessories and fun gifts. They are especially excited to carry items by local artists such as crystal jewelry by Lorie Smith and Sterling Silver jewelry, Little Sparkles by Mike Pinn.
They carry one-of-a-kind leather bags and wallets by Soruka. This company uses leftover scraps of leather to reduce the environmental impact which keeps them out of landfills. This recycled leather creates zero waste.
Kate Mesta, is another jewelry artist from Laguna Beach who is in the store. Timmy Woods is a globally-renowned handbag designer and you can find her creative jackets in this store. You may remember her Paris Handbag worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex in the City. One of the standouts are the crossbody beaded handbags by Mary Frances. Some are in the shape of musical instruments, floral bags and crossbody skull handbags. Mary Frances creates handbags that are produced with socially compliant partners.
Vintage Addiction is 100% recycled military tents. Kent Stetson cut up pieces of his computer-generated art and creates special handbags that are a real conversation starter. One of the best-selling gifts are dishtowels with humorous sayings on them. My favorite was “Of course I talk to MY DOG Who else can I trust?” For all the dog lovers out there, you can find many dog-related items such as pet tags by Kate Mesta and Chala Handbags who are an advocate of animal rights and welfare. The bags are PETA-approved vegan and they donate to their charity partner, Heart and Home Animal Rescue Foundation.
This boutique also carries clothing and one of their best sellers are the Cha Cha pants by Tempo Paris. Another best seller is Silk Kimono’s by Cocoon House. They have a selection of women sizes including extra-large. The tag line is “Eclectique Fashion and Gifts for every Mood.” Starting in June they will have new store hours from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For a fabulous shopping experience stop by in Seaport Village Suite # 11 or visit eclectiqueboutique.com.
— Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in Alpine, California. Learn more about our Hat Designer, Teacher & Blogger at DianaCavagnaro.com.
Upcoming Events
“Fold, Twist, Tie” — This is a Paper Bag Hat exhibit by moses at the Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday-Wednesday and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thursday-Friday. In conjunction there will be a lecture by Diana Cavagnaro on Hats at Coffee and Conversation which will be on June 24 from 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at the Frances Hamilton White Art Library. It will be on display April 8 through October 2.
June 5, 2022 — San Diego Swim Week Collective — Network, shop and celebrate at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe from 1-4 p.m. on June 5. For tickets visit: bit.ly/3z652TZ
