Diana Cavagnaro | Downtown News

A designer resale store switch

Laurie Ann’s Designer Resale recently opened Downtown and is named after the owner Laurie Ann Hewitt. Hewitt’s new store took the place of the former “Carolyn’s Designer Resale” after Carolyn decided to retire. She carries designer items for every budget from Gap to Gucci and Chico to Chanel and customers will find all price points here. Hewitt recently added larger sizes so now you can find a variety of all measurements, too.

I asked Hewitt what are the most coveted articles customers ask for are. “Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Prada handbags,” she said. This store carries a wide variety of merchandise in addition to handbags such as jewelry, shoes, scarves, furs, wedding gowns and evening wear. She spent many years shopping and coordinating wardrobes for clients, so come in and have her style an outfit for your next event. Hewitt is offering 10% off for Downtown residents on regularly priced items. This chic store is located at 310 K St. and is open Mon–Fri from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

G Street Gypsy

San Diego native Megan Costa opened the doors of G St Gypsy in East Village last summer. This bohemian-inspired boutique features vintage based articles, local designer pieces, and contemporary items. The vintage items are all a minimum of 30-years old. Costa also carries many collectables, especially handbags and shoes. Some of the local designers you will find are jewelry designers Meagan Rae and Fiori by Frenses.

Costa’s vision was to open a boutique that was different, with unique pieces from all over the world, such as Indian inspired items, Tibetan necklaces, turquoise rings, and many other great gift items. The mascot of the store is a miniature pig named Hamilton. Hamilton — who has his own instagram (@CityPig) — is a local celebrity, and you may have seen him walking up and down Fifth Avenue. This celebrity pig can even shake hands like a dog. Theo, a miniature pincher, is his best friend and you will find both Theo and Hamilton there to greet you. Check out this fun treasure cove at 677 Seventh Ave.

Upcoming Events

Feb. 13 — Second annual Hearts, Hats & Heels luncheon & fashion show at the Rancho Santa Fe Country Club from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. For information call 619-306-3498.

Feb. 14 — Go Red for Women luncheon & fashion show featuring the designs of Zandra Rhodes at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines from 10 a.m. 2 p.m. For information call 858-410-3834.

Feb. 15 — Fall in with Fashion at Venga Venga–Otay Ranch Mall from 6–9 p.m. The event will benefit Fundacion Castro Limon Pediactric Oncology Center. For more information visit fundacioncastrolimon.org.

Feb. 22 — Dress & Cover Vintage Fashion Show at the Veterans Museum in Balboa Park from 6:30–9 p.m. The event benefits the National Women’s Veterans Association. For tickets visit dressandcover.org.

Feb. 24 through March 9 — Fashion Redux! 2014, an exhibit presented by the San Diego History Center, which will feature four top designers from San Diego Mesa College. The finalist created contemporary garments inspired by 1930’s. For more information call 619-232-6203.

Feb. 27 — Sassy City Chicks San Diego at the Andaz San Diego from 6–10 p.m. The event will include a night of pampering, shopping, sipping, & socializing. For information visit sassycitychicks.com.

Diana Cavagnaro is a nationally recognized hat designer and milliner, and has been in the fashion business for 30 years. The last 20 of those years she’s operated her business from Downtown San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter, while moonlighting in the Fashion department at San Diego Mesa College. She can be reached at [email protected].