Worlds Largest Eco-Friendly Department Store

The United States is one of the highest “consumer” countries. Yes, we use a lot of “stuff.” Which makes the task of recycling even more important. Tonite I visited EcoMart— a department store of sorts dedicated to helping all of us reduce, re-use and recycle. They call themselves an “eco-friendly department store.” More like a fancy term for a thrift store that stocks everything perhaps?

This place was fantastic! It’s a huge space filled with everything from mountain bikes, surf boards, small refrigerators, furniture to designer handbags and shoes. I spotted a $70 mountain bike, a bathroom sink for $50 and a Coach bag for $35. By the way, the prices were more than fair. Dresses came in at $7 and a pair of designer heels $15. I found a vintage fur wrap for $100 in perfect condition.

All items were in really good condition too. The store is packed with stuff. I got there towards the end of the day and a few things were out-of-order but overall shopping was a pleasure. They even had newer flat screen computer monitors and flat screen TVs.

  • EcoMart – “Be Eco Friendly”
  • 8199 Clairemont Mesa Blvd #A1
  • San Diego, CA 92111
  • Phone: (858) 292-2326
  • Web: www.eco-mart.us

Eco Mart will take a look at the stuff you bring in anytime and give quotes. They are accepting secondhand clothes, vintage items, furniture, appliances, musical instruments, sporting goods, toys… I could go on and on. Of course, the better condition your items are in the better price you will get. Be sure to also have warranties, paperwork and supporting documents depending on the item.

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Temptress Fashion Boutique – Classy Sassy… Trashy

Are you looking to channel your inner “Betty Paige”? Just walking into Temptress will make you feel glamorous. They have everything from panties and camis to make-up and dresses. If you’ve ever considered booking a boudoir photo shoot this would be a great place to find outfits for the photos!

  • Temptress Fashion Boutique
  • 1918 Bacon Street
  • San Diego, CA 92107
  • Phone: (619) 224-2284
  • Blog: temptressfashion.blogspot.com

I’d walked by this shop numerous times and peeked in the windows. (Love their window looks!) I’m glad I finally had the chance to do a little shopping for real. I was definitely intrigued by the idea of a pin-up inspired shop. And did I mention the cute window displays?? They had me at the colorful handbags, shoes and camis. Next time you need some retail therapy on a lazy Sunday afternoon this is your store. Why not grab a glamour-girl dress and some sexy heels?? Way to spark up Sunday!

The staff was really friendly and helpful the afternoon I visited– they were fine with me taking photos and answered all my questions. Love this place and can’t wait to stop by again. Cheers!

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The Thrill of the $2 Dress!

It was my lucky day on Sunday when I walked into 2Dollar Thrill in Ocean Beach… and walked out with a fabulous $2 dress! I was there mostly as a “looky-loo” and had a strict shopping list in mind– if I didn’t find what I was looking for no deal.   I’ve been in the market for summer dresses and casual jewelry and walked into 2Dollar Thrill seriously hoping to find a dress.  And wow– I found a really cute summer dress with a colorful flower print.  And at $2 how can you go wrong?

  • 2Dollar Thrill
  • 4871 Newport Avenue
  • Ocean Beach, CA 92107
  • Phone: (619) 222-2772
  • Web: www.2dollarthrill.org

Also, check out the cute beaded bracelet I found- also $2. My good luck… I walked out of there with a bracelet on my wrist and a dress– and spent a whopping $4.31 including tax. Bravo! For sure, I’ll be back!

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Girls From The Park Resale Shop

Need a little sunshine in your life? Maybe some retail therapy on a rough Monday afternoon? I found myself in the Point Loma area and in serious need of some retail therapy recently– on a Monday afternoon! Girls from the Park is a contemporary fashion resale boutique now located in Point Loma, California. They offer a great selection of gently used clothing, shoes and accessories by all of your favorite designers.

  • Girls From The Park Resale Shop
  • 3034 Canon Street
  • Point Loma, CA 92106
  • Phone: (619) 226-0043
  • Web: www.girlsfromthepark.com

A little about the “girls”– sounds like the shop name is a spin on the real life of the owners who grew up in the El Dorado Trailer Park near Lakeside, CA in the 1970’s. Per the store website “you can take the girl out of the park but you can’t take the park out of the girl!” I had to laugh when I read those words in a sea of pink on their website. Let me tell you– this shop was a true treat to visit. I found pretty shoes, handbags and several gorgeous dresses. A true shopping pleasure all at great prices! If you find yourself in need of some retail therapy in Point Loma– check out the Girls From The Park!! Bravo!

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Beach Sweets – Candy, Chocolates & Gifts

Need a little sugar fix? Spent the day on the beach and maybe some jelly beans are sounding kinda tasty? I know how you feel! Over the weekend I was strolling thru Ocean Beach, doing a little people-watching and found myself in need of jelly beans. I guess I was craving Easter candy a little early.

Beach Sweets

5022 Newport Avenue

San Diego, CA 92107

Phone: (619) 222-3322

Web: www.OceanBeachsweets.com

Lucky for me I found Beach Sweets on Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach. Family owned and operated, this local shop offers yummy chocolates, candy and gifts. Other cool stuff I found here:

  • Chocolate Dipped Bacon
  • Separate Flavors of Jelly Bellies (you can hand-pick your flavor mix!)
  • Pop Rocks
  • S’More on a Stick (no grill required)
  • Salt Water Taffy
  • Chocolates topped w/ crushed red pepper & sea salt (I’m not so sure about this one…)

Great location, friendly staff and yummy treats. It’s not all for adults– kids will adore this place. The good news is- the shop is fairly small so your little ones will be an arms grab away if you need to scoop them away from dipping into too much sugar. Have fun and don’t tell the dentist you went to Beach Sweets!!

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Noon Design Shop – jewelry, paper & goods

Noon Design is a great place to buy gifts–they are budget-friendly with lots of jewelry between $10 and $30. And if you need to send a cute card or invitations for a special event they have a phenomenal assortment. Gotta love supporting locally owned and operated places too, right?

  • Noon Design Shop
  • 4993 Niagara Avenue #105
  • San Diego, CA 92107
  • Phone: (619) 523-1744
  • Web: www.noondesignshop.com

Beauty is everywhere in this shop. It’s lovingly packed with items such as hand-etched glassware, handmade notecards and soaps in addition to jewelry that spans from dainty to eclectic. Great news– the prices are incredibly good. I found earrings under $25 (I’m talking crystal, turquoise, mother of pearl, sterling silver handmade earrings) and incredible crystal pendants for the more adventurous.

It was a treat just being in this shop! I found it by accident a few weeks ago on one of my strolls at the beach. I will definitely be back for a pair of earrings. (Sidenote: I’m at home now– perusing the well laid out Noon Design Shop website and planning which earrings I want luckily my wallet is across the room in my purse….)

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Closet – Ocean Beach… style on a budget

Style on a budget for the budget conscious beach babe in all of us. Yes– that’s what I found when I stepped into the Closet this afternoon in Ocean Beach. The weather is starting to warm up and I was looking for some cute dresses and spring t-shirts. I was thrilled to find a table with colorful t-shirts priced 3/$10. And the dresses are priced at a wallet friendly $15 for those of us who can’t afford to shop at Bloomingdales regularly. Jewelry– they have lots of it– fit for any jewelry emergency you might be having. I found trendy & fun rings and bangles priced between $2 and $5.  Colorful summer shorties priced at $9.99 and jeans $15.99.

Closet

4949 Newport Avenue

San Diego, CA 92107

Phone: (619) 222-2999

Facebook.com/ClosetSignature

Cheap, easy, fun & disposable clothes– can’t beat that when the price is right. A word to the wise- be sure to try stuff on in this place especially if you have “womanly curves.” Some of the clothes are cut on the slim side.

Huge selection of shoes and handbags in this place too. I seriously stood in front of the “wall of shoes” for a good 20 minutes just taking it all in. I had a great time shopping here! It’s easy retail therapy for well under $20.

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$250 Wedding Dress – A Nite On The Town – Fashion & Bridal in San Diego

Planning a wedding in the near future? Searching for a beautiful bargain of a dress? I have the perfect place for you! A Nite On The Town in San Diego’s UTC neighborhood specializes in bridal, prom, designer evening dresses and tuxedos. Started almost 20 years ago in 1992, they have turned into a leading formal wear shop. You can select from over 2,000 of the latest designer bridal and special occasion dresses (including mother of the bride) and tuxedos in stock. Better yet– A Nite On The Town offers on-site professional alterations and a complete line of accessories.

A Nite On The Town Fashion & Bridal

8650 Genesee Avenue #222

San Diego, CA 92122

Phone: (858) 457-1233

Web: www.ANiteOnTheTown.com

When I walked into this shop I was greeted by Shanna while I browsed the racks. All formal wear dresses in my photos were between $199 and $350. As far as the wedding dress inventory, prices range from $500 to approximately $2,000 range. For the budget babes out there planning a wedding- this shop offers wedding dress rentals for $250 for the weekend. How cool is that?! (a lot of times women wear their wedding dress once and then it sits in a box in the closet…) I find the idea of renting a wedding dress very eco-friendly and budget friendly– $250 for a designer wedding gown sounds awesome!

Deals happening right now–

  • $44.95 for a tuxedo with the purchase of a dress (tuxedo is $59.95 without the dress purchase)
  • Huge Sale: 50% to 60% off on selected items

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CupCase Your Bra

CupCase Your Bras™ is a stylish protective travel and storage case for your bras.  Protect your bras from crimping, crushing and creasing while you travel with CupCase.  Bras have evolved from providing function to delivering high fashion.  Price increases for these beautiful undergarments necessitate a greater need to protect them while you travel. CupCase Your Bras™ “butterflies-open” with one easy zip and stores up to three bras with additional safe storage for hair ties, jewelry, and other small accessories.  Choose from Hot Pink, Pretty Purple, Spot on Leopard or Charming Cheetah.

Charming Cheetah – $19.95

This has got to be the most awesome invention ever!  How many times have you travelled and had to crush your bras and panties into your suitcase- all the time hoping during the airport process your undergarments would remain intact in your bag?!   (this was my dilemma over Christmas break last year…)  This case holds not only your bra but also other tiny essentials like hair accessories and bracelets.  Seems like it might be good for swimwear too. Spring break travels?

Seriously, I know nothing about this product until I connected w/ them on my Twitter account. Like I said, I wish I had the CupCase the last time I travelled.  I hate the idea of my bras and accessories crushed in my suitcase.  Next time I’ll travel with CupCase!

CupCase Your Bras™

Founder: Erin Wilson 
Phone: 317-870-1978

Web: www.cupcase.com

“My Sister’s Closet”- Recycled Designer Apparel

Having a bad day? Maybe a “recycled” Kate Spade bag or perhaps a pair of “new to you” Jimmy Choo heels might hit the spot? Tonite after work I stopped by My Sister’s Closet in the Costa Verde Shopping Center in San Diego’s UTC neighborhood. The windows were alive with colorful Spring looks and the designer handbags were amazing as always. I had to remind myself several times to “keep the credit card in the wallet.” (you have no idea how difficult this was!)

The shoes were divine– everything from Jimmy Choo to western boots to pink designer rain boots. Some pricey designer shoes and some of the $12.95 variety (pictured below). However, I was hugely disappointed tonite when I skimmed thru the skirts section because 2 skirts I had all scoped out were gone! Obviously, this goes to prove my new golden rule of thrift shopping– when you see it & you like it, you BUY it immediately. (the cute stuff goes fast!) So much for that other rule– that thing about keeping my credit card in my wallet…. Rules are (sometimes) meant to be broken….

I didn’t end up buying anything tonite. It was just a quick whirlwind of retail therapy being a looky-loo in the store. I did take a few photos of some “finds” in My Sister’s Closet. Probably the best thing I found tonite was the black heels $12.95. Too bad they were a Size 81/2 hiding in the Size 7 section. Being the typical female shoe shopper, I did try on the shoes even though they were the wrong size in the hopes they might fit (big surprise- they didn’t fit). Oh well– perhaps a Size 7 Jimmy Choo is in my future? Cheers– and happy shopping.

My Sister’s Closet

8610 Genesee Avenue #200

San Diego CA 92122

Phone: (858) 455-0045

Web: www.mysisterscloset.com

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