Splendid Delights to Sink Your Teeth Into

We are led by our passions for all things born of the past and found in the present.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Mission Hills, San Diego


Located on a quaint street that looks like a scene out of a movie is a trio of charming stores owned by Jimmy and Valerie in Mission Hills, San Diego.
"With Love" is a grand boutique that is so beautifully presented that you can envision every piece of merchandise in your home. Creative vignettes (made by Valerie), the best in gift cards (so enchanting you can frame them and use them as art), antiquities, mirrors, jewelry, oddities and Asian inspired objects can all be found under one roof.
The sounds of Pink Martini and Paolo Conte play in the background (they sell a FAB collection of music) all while making your shopping experience even dreamier.
I found the owner, Jimmy, just as charming as the items He sells. An unpretentious boutique, Jimmy is happy to offer ideas and advice on his merchandise. My wheels were really spinning...

*Caution, shop each item up and down, back and forth at least twice or you might miss out on a treasure you didn't see the first time around.
"With Love" is the perfect boutique to find a gift, even for the hardest person to shop for.

Jimmy told us to cross the street for what he referred to as, "The really good stuff" at "Le Bel Age".
His wife, Valerie, equally charming, has a Chic  Boutique with an amazing array of European fashions. An honoree of the prestigious Golden Hanger Award, Le Bel Age is like being transported to Europe. A gorgeous arrangement of Jewelry, Adornments, Clothing, Hand bags, Gowns and the like, Le Bel Age is special. Not your typical hoity toity boutique, Valerie is an amazing hostess and story teller. The passion she has for her merchandise is authentic and reels you in. Her look is inspiring, as though she is walking the streets of Paris.

Then Valerie showed us her unreal pedicure....it was amazing. "Rock Star" pedicure was what she referred to it as for the mere price of $70 and I HAVE to have it. Promised to last 5 to 6 weeks this pedicure comes in an array of over 50+ colors (hers were ruby red) and is sparkly and amazing but not translucent....I've never seen this one done before.
And this is where the third of these darling shops comes in. 
It just so happens that Jimmy and Valerie own the Salon, Salon Bella, next door and this is where you need to go to get glammed up. 
If in San Diego this stop is a MUST! But caution, these visits will become addictive.
Kills three birds with one stone and make a day of it.
You haven't done it til you've done it right.

With Love
1620 West Lewis St.
619-298-7983

Le Bel Age
1607 West Lewis St.
619-297-7080

Salon Bella
1605 West Lewis St.
619-291-9095



3 comments:

Beckwith Road said...

These shops are so amazing! I found some hard to find pieces for my London wall at these stores

Elizabeth said...

Honestly, this description paints the picture beautifully. The stores as so filled with visually appeasing items, that if I had the means, everything would go home with me.
Amazing review of the stores!!!

Sandy and Ron said...

Sounds like a must shop in San Diego.