Unconventional Euro-flair arrives at Fashion Valley as Ted Baker London joins the mall’s high-end retail mix November 4.

At more than 2,000 square feet, the new store—with elaborate décor that pays homage to the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park, while also alluding to Regent’s Park Zoo and other London landmarks—offers menswear, womenswear and accessories renowned for superior quality and the often irreverent use of pattern and color.

“These are fun, classic pieces for your wardrobe,” says Francine Miley, director of marketing and business direction at Fashion Valley. “It’s classic Brit styling with some edge to it.”

Though women will be inclined to hustle over for timeless dresses, Ted Baker is also a go-to for stylishly rugged men’s apparel. Tweed, corduroy and twill characterize the fall 2011 collection, while leather and quilting detail provide textural highlights. And checks continue as a key print—appearing on shirts and as contrast detailing on henleys and polos.

Ted Baker is one of three new additions at Fashion Valley. OMEGA, a Swiss watch retailer, and In+Add-Minus, a contemporary designer, have also dropped anchor.

Rather than flipping through magazines or surfing channels in search of style tips, three local fashionistas are setting trends of their own. Finding sartorial inspiration in the most unlikely places, these twentysomethings have re-imagined Baja off-roading as racing-style jumpers, life in Japan as Etsy pop art and Grandma’s wardrobe as retro chic.

Grace Under Pleather

At just 24, Pacific Beach native Jennafer Grace already has a loyal fan base. The clothing designs her followers covet most are her pleather leggings, sweetheart dresses (with a signature heart cut-out in the back), fashion turbans and 1970s-inspired kaftans.

Grace describes her pieces as “form-conscience silhouettes that look vintage.” Her fall 2011 line, comprised mostly of printed knit textiles not commonly found in fabric stores, exhibits a ’70s bohemian influence and a knack for using classic wovens in her separates. “Mixing and matching layers and patterns are a must,” she says.

Grace’s work reflects a young lifetime of cultural crosscurrents. Raised by her father and grandmother in a 1960s California ranch house, she began sewing classes at age 12. Within two years, she was making swimsuits and purses and selling them in local surf shops.

Her growing entrepreneurship took a hairpin turn when she accompanied her dad to Mexico to watch him race in the Baja 500 and Baja 1000 off-road contests.

“My girlfriends came with us and wore these sexy racing suits I’d made for them,” Grace says. “We set up a booth and sold these crazy jumpers to the women in the audience.”

After high school, while attending San Diego’s Fashion Careers College, Grace applied discipline to her skills and developed fashion-world influences. Today, she most admires the classic functionality of Diane von Furstenberg, the envelope-pushing imagination of Marc Jacobs and the understated sexuality of Yves Saint Laurent. “They aren’t afraid to have fun with their lines,” she says.

Grace sells her clothing at Cecilia Boutique in Mission Hills, Kyss in Carlsbad, Bad Madge in South Park, and online through jennafergrace.com, among other websites. She styled and made the garments for the last three music videos by local musician PHAERO, most recently “Queen of the Nile.”

Downplaying her success, Grace says, “I’m innovative, in the sense that I make creative decisions based on what I have available.”

Hello Kelli

A clothing designer, graphic artist and blogger, Kelli Murray finds creative haven in everything childlike. Her paintings, sketches and stationery reflect innocence and simplicity; she even draws cute animals.

“My work harkens to my childhood,” says Murray, 26, whose blog, kellimurray.com, is linked to prominent online hubs Bloglovin’ and Lookbook.Nu (and gets about 2,000 hits a day). “I’m inspired by memories of summers spent in Wisconsin with my family, people who live in log cabins and little girls wearing fox hats.”

Murray also draws creatively from her time spent in the street-fashion capital of Harajuku, Japan. “The Japanese aesthetic resonates with me—it’s very childlike, fun and playful. Think Hello Kitty, but more me.”

A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in L.A., Kelli is the daughter of Kevin Murray, founder of Jedidiah, a local surf-inspired apparel brand. Although she’s a natural fit as the company’s design director (where she goes by her married name, Larson), she stresses that it is just her job. Her art, which is sold online through Etsy.com, and her blog, where she posts illustrations and photos of herself in fantastically hip outfits, comprise who she really is.

Having just had a baby, yet still looking svelte, Murray has added motherhood—her newest passion—to her blog.

“A lot of blogs focus on just fashion or art or lifestyle, but mine is kind of a mashup,” she says. “I post about not only what I’m doing, but all the things that inspire me.”

Photo by Leslie Hoffman

Fun as Hecht

Stylist Erica Ashley Hecht is a big ’80s fan.

“I love the color, flash, geometric shapes and gold—and I love the belts,” she says. “I like to challenge myself to make it all wearable so people don’t shun it. It’s a fun era.”

Hecht’s EA Vintage (eavintageshop.com) specializes in ’80s and other vintage styles because, she explains, they are “one-of-a-kind.” Her prized clothing possession, in fact, is a drapy, two-toned silk dress by Anne Klein, complete with belt. But it’s staying in the closet today.

“I’m wearing TOMS shoes, a pair of Joe’s jeans I found in a Goodwill bulk bin and a $9 top from Urban Outfitters,” she says with a laugh.

Less than a year ago, Hecht was living in Miami when Rancho Santa Fe philanthropist and personal stylist Lena Evans, a former Hollywood executive, spotted her in New York Magazine, which named her one of the “Most Stylish People at New York Fashion Week.” Evans called Hecht and told her she would mentor her if she headed west.

Soon after, Hecht arrived in San Diego with one of the largest collections of vintage clothing in the city. Evans assisted her with branding and marketing—including the name EA Vintage.

“Lena even helped me fund my first pop-up boutique, which she had at her home in Rancho,” Hecht says. “Now, I do them one to two times a month at any location I can find.”

Hecht also dabbles in closet organization and personal shopping. (Before leaving Florida, she styled Marysol Patton of The Real Housewives of Miami.) And she’s always on the lookout for pieces that are extremely wearable and unique.

Says Hecht: “Every person I meet is an opportunity to find vintage clothing.”

Exhibit Ambush founder Antoinette Love Ransom

Exhibit Ambush fashion show
WHEN: October 22, 7-11 p.m.
WHERE: Horton Plaza Event Center, downtown
TICKETS: $25 general; $75 VIP
INFO: ambushevents.com

By Rebekah Sager

Here in the land of surf, sun and Sea World, high fashion often takes a back seat to board shorts and flip-flops (or skinny jeans and plaid shirts, depending on where you hang out). But a one-time craps dealer and is betting that that’s about to change.

On October 22, Antoinette Love Ransom will assault San Diego’s senses with her multi-sensory fashion show, Exhibit Ambush, at the Horton Plaza Event Center.

Exhibit Ambush will surround the audience in a space designed to look like an underground subway station. The event will feature the work of 10 emerging designers, including former Project Runway contestant, Jesus Estrada. Adding to the sensory ambush will be Ransom’s own clothing line, LoveNote, more than a dozen visual artists, two DJs, body painters and celebrity host Yara Sofia, a contestant from the third season of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Exhibit Ambush's celebrity host, Yara Sofia

“Before Gaga wore meat, I created a swimsuit out of fruits and veggies,” Ransom says. “Tyra Bank’s mom heard about it and got me an internship on Tyra Bank’s (then) new experimental show, Project Runway.”

Ransom, a self-described “’hood rat” from Kansas City who worked as a craps dealer at local casinos, made her escape by going on tour as a hip-hop free-style dancer and with Brian McKnight, then later Diddy and Missy Elliot.

She eventually landed in LA, only to have her dancing career end.

“Music video dancers were replaced by sexy, booty shaking non-dancers,” Ransom says. “That was not for me. I decided to follow my passion to be a fashion designer. I didn’t know how to sew, make patterns, or sketch, so I went to the Art Institutes in Hollywood and worked on getting my BFA in costume design.”

Exhibit Ambush style (Photo by Catherine Asanov)

To supplement her income, Hef put her to work at the Playboy Mansion as a fire-blowing, bottle-flipping “Flair” bartender.

Ransom eventually moved across town to work for IMG Entertainment, handling public relations  for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Los Angeles.

Two years ago she moved to San Diego, taking a job at Valley View Casino where she is currently the first and only female African-American Pit manager in their history.

“I’m pushing these designers to challenge themselves; I’m liberating them,” Ransom says of her vision. “I beat ovarian cancer.  I feel like there’s nothing I can’t do.  I’m determined to change the way people see art and fashion in San Diego. I want to help this city be an international fashion capital.

“Today Exhibit Ambush, tomorrow San Diego Fashion Week.”

Photo by Catherine Asanov

Black sequined shorts and strapless silk top from GOGA by Gordana

San Diego clothing designers and former Project Runaway contestants Gordana Gehlhausen (season 6) and Jesus Estrada (season 7) represented America’s Finest at Mercedes-Benz
Fashion Week (aka New York Fashion Week) mid-September—each looking to snip a swath out of the Big Apple.

Gaining access to Fashion Week is tough and typically takes big money. Luckily for Estrada, who owns Haus of Estrada in the Gaslamp, and Gehlhausen, owner of GOGA by Gordana boutique (also in the Gaslamp), the velvet ropes are a more slack when you’ve already stitched a name for yourself in reality TV.

“The scariest thing is to fail—and it’s hard to please everyone,” says Estrada, who runs his business with help from his identical twin, Antonio. “You don’t want to lose confidence, because it drains your creativity and makes you question yourself. My brother and I get into fights when we’re doing this. I literally feel like our lives are a reality show.”

Estrada and Gehlhausen showed their Spring/Summer 2012 collections at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York’s Chelsea district. The show, titled The New York FAME, also showcased the work of other former Project Runway contestants and emerging designers to support the Twin Tower Orphan Fund, which raises money for children who lost a parent on 9/11.

Singer Natalie Cole was in the audience, and America’s Next Top Model runner-up, Bianca Golden, hosted the event.

Haus of Estrada’s strapless silk chiffon gown, worn by Shangela Laquifa Wadley of RuPaul’s Drag Race

Gehlhausen’s models sashayed down the runway in what she considers a utilitarian “mix of wearable reality and unreal fantasy”: bold prints inspired by designer Emilio Pucci, glittery spandex shorts and Capri pants worn with halter tops fashioned from muted silk strips.

“I launched my wholesale line this year,” Gehlhausen says. “I’m trying to have Goga sold everywhere. American designers have to compete against the Korean and Chinese markets (during Fashion Week). Asia is not only making the clothing cheaper, but now they’re designing, too.”

Haus of Estrada closed the show, proving just how far 23-year-olds Jesus and Antonio Estrada have come from their native Sinaloa, Mexico—and the collection they showed at Fashion Week last year.

Proving style is not always what it seams, the twins turned gender on its ear by featuring mermaid-themed menswear that looked like women’s suits, modeled by drag queens.

But it was Haus of Estrada’s fringed bohemian handbags and dangerously curved heels that stole the show.

“The eight-inch heels were really hard for the models to walk in, and they were whining backstage,” Estrada says. “We were afraid they would fall—especially with the long gowns.”

Luckily, the drag queens managed to stay erect.

“I knew we did well when the audience was on their feet, clapping, at the end,” Estrada says. “They’re the ones who buy the collection. That’s how I judge success.”

TV's Adrienne Janic.

Lead Stylist Rebecca Jefferson; local stylist Jessica Rose Delee; hair Maegan Cooper for A Robert Cromeans Salon; makeup Morgan Merrill for Primp Beauty Boutique; assistant Seannen Sainz

Transporting an estimated 3.1 million people around San Diego County involves a lot of moving pieces.

Adding fashion flair to the local commute, TV-screen auto queen Adrienne Janic (from TLC’s Overhaulin’) embarks on a whirled tour of the city’s main transit attractions, from the waterfront to airport to the freeway.

Roam, if you want to, and please enjoy the ride.

ON ADRIENNE: Cream blouse by Parker, $187, blue high-waisted harem by Robert Rodriguez, $178, shop. nordstrom.com; noir necklace in cherry quartz by Shelmade, $325, shelmade.com; stepping stone stackable rings by Sophia & Chloe, $88, sophiaandchloe. com; Stingray single-wrap screw bracelet by CCSkye, $95, brown leather bullet bracelet by CCSkye, $125, ccskye. com; strapped pumps by Alejandro Inglemo, $480, bloomingdales.com; vintage belt, stylist’s own. LOCATION: Coronado Ferry Landing, 1201 1st Street, Coronado

ON ADRIENNE: Sparkle top by Naven, $120, shopnaven.com; black pants by Work Custom, $495, workcustomjeans. com; chain necklace by Lush, $58, ceciliaboutique.com; Morley Ayers snakeskin clutch by Kotur, $391, koturltd.com; blue pumps by Chinese Laundry, $30, chineselaundry.com; vintage rings, stylist’s own. LOCATION: Santa Fe Depot 1050 Kettner Boulevard, Downtown

ON ADRIENNE:Top by Parker, $286, shop.nordstrom.com; Kingsley hat by Rag + Bone, $140, barneys.com; scarf by Bcat Spacethreads, $25, ceciliaboutique.com; Anouck denim jeans by Siwy, $187, siwydenim.com; carved talon bracelets by Luv AJ, $175, luvaj.com; round bracelet watch by Michael Kors, $225, bloomingdales.com; duffle bags by Muubaa, muubaa.co.uk; ankle bootie bootie by 2LipsToo, $54.99, Tutto Cuore, tuttocuoureshoes.com, 1019 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach. Location: San Diego International Airport, 3225 North Harbor Drive, Downtown

ON ADRIENNE: Black blouse by RoseRags, $50, ceciliaboutique. com; Nikira Cateye sunglasses in black by Tom Ford, $360, neimanmarcus.com; gray denim by Hollywood Million, $165, blue stone cuff by Mimi & Lu, $125, ceciliaboutique.com; H&M necklace used as belt, $14, hm.com; Stinger platform Creeper shoes by Jeffrey Campbell, $159, neimanmarcus.com; custom-built Mixte cruiser by Public, provided by Velo Cult, velocult.com. LOCATION: Station Tavern & Burgers 2204 Fern Street, San Diego (South Park)

ON ADRIENNE: Top by Emu Australia, $65, Theory necklace by Mimi & Lu, $90, ceciliaboutqiue.com; black blazer by Rachel Roy, $149, macys.com; fedora by Scala, $26.95, villagehatshop.com; red tuxedo crop pants, $216, workcustomjeans.com; “The Cutout Ring” Tall, $45, “The Cutout Ring” Short, $30, luvaj.com; gold watch by Michael Kors, $225, bloomingdales.com; red clutch by Aldo, $39, aldoshoes.com; shoes, stylist’s own. LOCATION: Park Boulevard overpass above Interstate 5, Downtown

ON ADRIENNE: Ms. Janic is wearing a coat by Robert Rodriguez, $1150, shop.nordstrom. com; Rhonda sunglasses by Tom Ford, $395, neimanmarcus.com; Pyramid stud bracelet in gold by CC Skye, $185, ccskye. com; black and maroon pumps by Giuseppe Zanotti, $650, giuseppezanottidesign.com; vintage belt, stylist’s own; taxi by AK Cab, 619.306.9761

The WeWood watch.

By Alyson Baker

This month, we’re digging punches of Pinocchio in our lives—and that’s no lie. Go against the grain and update your look with these sleek, wood and wood-inspired products.

Watch This

You’d give someone the time in a New York minute sporting a stylish WeWood watch, made from woods including maple, ebony and guaiac. Plus, WeWood aims to —for every watch sold, they plant a tree.
Price: $119
we-wood.us
Shop local:
Ivy’s Boutique
5040 Newport Ave., Ocean Beach
Gaslamp Garage
301 5th Ave., Gaslamp

Shwood's Canby sunglasses in zebrawood.

Stick In Your Eye

See the forest through the trees with Shwood’s classic Canby sunglasses. Each frame is shaped and veneered by hand in Oregon from sustainably harvested wood. Available in East Indian rosewood, cherry wood and zebrawood.
Price: $145 and up
shwoodshop.com
Shop local:
Aloha Sunday
3118 University Ave., North Park
alohasunday.com

Necktie from Wood Thumb.

Neck of the Woods

Get a splinter of sustainable couture with reclaimed wood neckties from San Francisco-based Wood Thumb.
Price: $34
woodthumb.com

The Plank Luxe yoga mat.

Walk the Plank

Find inner peace with a Plank Luxe yoga mat, offering the look of wood with the sponginess of rubber. Mats also come in genuine-looking grass and shag carpet prints.
Price: $85
plank.myshopify.com

Renovo wood-framed bicycle.

Tree Ride

Renovo hollow wood and laminated bamboo bicycles are engineered for maximum performance, offering a shock-absorbing ride that wards off rain and holds up better than most metal models.
Price: $2,700 and up
renovobikes.com

By Rebekah Sager
Photos By Brevin Blach

When it comes to putting their feet in their mouths, men seem never to run out of material. Putting their feet in shoes, however, is a different story, as guys have fewer footwear options than women do.

Clunky high-tops are hip, but Chuck Taylors can look too young. Sandals are cool and comfortable, but they’re often too casual. Dress shoes work with suits, but they clash with jeans, and faux-scuffed boots are too poseur.

What’s a boy to do?

Two San Diego outfits offer men the chance to slip into something a little more comfortable (and chic): imported Italian sneakers.

Get ready to tie one on.

Coming to America
Michael Lamb, owner of Carlsbad-based wireless company Ecolink Intelligent Technology, saw his first pair of Pantofola d’Oro (Italian for “golden slippers”) sneakers while traveling through Germany and knew he had to have a pair of his own.

Pantofola d’Oro was founded in Ascoli Piceno, Italy, in 1886. By the 1940s, Emidio Lazzarini, a cobbler and grandson of the company’s original cobbler, began crafting shoes he could wear while wrestling (his hobby). Local athletes got wind of how comfortable the shoes were, and Lazzarini began making them for the city’s soccer club—a move that helped position Pantofola d’Oro to become what it is today: one of the best-selling soccer and dress sneaker lines in Europe.

After returning from Germany, Lamb kicked up interest in the shoes among a few of his Rancho Santa Fe buddies, including Mark Baldi, John Bonano and former NFL linebacker Glenn Cadrez.

FOOT PATROL (from left): Former NFL linebacker Glenn Cadrez (husband of former Baywatch star and Playboy Playmate of the Year, Brande Roderick); Michael Lamb, owner of Carlsbad’s Ecolink Intelligent Technology; Mark Baldi, owner of Platypus Studios marketing communications firm; and John Bonano, owner of SP Media advertising agency and Eyeful Studios video production company.

The foursome contacted the Pantofola headquarters and, after some wheeling and dealing, purchased exclusive rights to market and sell the shoes in the U.S. (The team also hopes to secure rights for Canada, South America and Australia.)

Next step: the sneakers are expected to arrive in Neiman-Marcus and Fred Segal stores in spring 2012.

A Foot in the Door
Capitalizing on introductions from their fashion connections in L.A., the Rancho Santa Fe foursome convinced Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine to get involved with the brand (an endorsement deal is pending).

Stile Italiano owner, Nico Stanzione, and one of the Italian sneaks for sale at his Hillcrest boutique.

Racecar drivers Mario Andretti and sons are in discussions with Pantofola to design a custom race shoe for the brand, and the men of Boardwalk Empire will be wearing the shoes on-screen in the upcoming season of the HBO hit series. In addition, the sister of clothing designer Tommy Hilfiger, Ginny Hilfiger, has signed on to design the women’s line.

The average American man may not look as hot as a professional soccer player, but, thanks to Pantofola D’Oro, now he can look as fashionable—and maybe improve his chances of scoring off the field.

Pantofola D’Oro shoes retail from between $200 and $400.
pantofolausa.com

A native of Naples, Italy, Nico Stanzione opened Stile Italiano boutique in Hillcrest to offer the men of San Diego a style intervention. And since even the police in Italy wear uniforms designed by Valentino, heeding Stanzione’s advice makes good fashion sense.

Stanzione says shopping at Stile Italiano makes men feel like they’re wearing Armani, while spending like they’re at Express. Everything in his store is imported from Italy—the suits, shirts, jackets and dress sneakers, including Stanzione’s own designs, the Roma and the Firenze.

“Italians are experts when it comes to color and fabric in shoe design,” says Stanzione, who imports from Milan, Rome and Naples. “My sneakers aren’t too Italian. I select them based on what I think is more in sync with tastes of U.S. men. It’s a balance of Italian and U.S. style.”
Stile Italiano’s sneakers retail for $100 or less 142 University Ave., Suite D, Hillcrest
619.288.7968, stileitaliano.us

Arrive in Style...with sneaks from Stile Italiano in Hillcrest.

Fine Italian sneakers are raising the fashion bar for American men.

By Rebekah Sager
Photos by Jennifer Fox Armour From the moment a curly-haired girl gets her first straight-blonde Barbie doll, the quest to conquer the frizz is on.

And into adulthood, as they battle with at-home relaxers, flat irons and reverse perms, girls with curls become slaves to the war against humidity, often going to hairlarious lengths to tame their unruly manes.

Though Beyoncé and other kinkyheaded divas empower some women to let their freak curls fly, it’s the über-straight locks of the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Kim Kardashian and Princess Catherine that typically set the trends.

If a brush with fame seems far-fetched, check out these local salons that are helping us San Diego girls set things straight.

BLOWN AWAY
First up is Del Mar’s newest bar, Drybar. There are no cocktails, cuts or color here—just perfect blowouts for $35.

Drybar founder Alli Webb opened her first shop in Brentwood in 2010. With nine salons now open, and three more on the way, Webb has found a way into the hearts of legions of corkscrew-haired chicas.

Drybar stylists offer blowouts with styling choices named after cocktails, like the Straight Up (simple and straight), the Manhattan (sleek and smooth), the Southern Comfort (big hair with volume) and a few other options.

AFTER: Sager sports big, bold hair (and volume), courtesy of Drybar's Southern Comfort blowout.

“We’re offering women an affordable luxury,” Webb says. “It’s an homage to old Hollywood, where getting your hair done weekly at the beauty salon was the norm. We’re not changing the world here, but we promise a transformation.”

Having inherited my father’s soft, wavy curls and my mother’s “Jew-fro,” I had to give Drybar a try. Though I love my curly hair, I also love how it looks when it’s been straightened. I opted for the Southern Comfort and went from, “Did you know you look a little like Alicia Keys?” to “You kinda look like Marisa Tomei.” Not bad.
12857 El Camino Real, Del Mar
thedrybar.com

BEFORE: PacificSD's own Alyson Baker, just prior to her keratin smoothing treatment at Jet Rhys Hair.

A kinder, gentler approach can be found in keratin smoothing treatments, which promise to soften hair, make it shinier, reduce styling time and maintain texture and volume—and without the weird curly lines that sometimes plague women when hair grows back in.

PacificSD’s marketing maven, Alyson Baker, agreed to have her hair professionally smoothed by keratin specialist Jennifer Schadt at Jet Rhys Hair, in Hillcrest, which has been beautifying San Diego heads for almost 20 years.

The keratin process is fairly simple. A stylist washes and conditions the hair, applies the keratin treatment, leaves it in for 20 minutes, and then follows that with a blow dry and flatiron treatment.

AFTER: Baker's hair directly after treatment. After the initial wash, her hair regains its texture but the curls are noticeably looser and less coarse than before.

Initially, the hair is left pin-straight, but after 72 hours (in which clients are instructed not to bathe or sweat), a more manageable and attractive version of one’s curls return.

“I liked having straight hair for a few days but was skeptical as to how it would look after the first wash,” Baker says. “Surprisingly enough, it worked. I wanted it to look beachy, fun and sexy—and I think they got it right. I haven’t done anything but wash, condition and use texture spray since.”

Jet Rhys keratin smoothing treatments start at $250.
3846 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest
437 S. Hwy 101, Suite 205, Solana Beach
jetrhys.com

JUST BLOWN IN
Also shooting air at problem hair is La Jolla’s newly-opened Naturale Hair Blows. The alternative blow dry salon offers a variety of styles, with an emphasis on all-natural and organic products. Owner Marla Ariza even offers a “day after” option, in which women can drop in after a night of partying and receive a $10 blow-out touch-up.

7932 Ivanhoe Ave., La Jolla, 858.228.8194, naturalehairblows.com

Magician Nick Ivory has something up his sleeve at Vin de Syrah in the Gaslamp, where he performs Saturday evenings at 7 p.m.

By Pat Sherman/Photos by Rob Hammer
A blues singer, a rhino trainer and a magician walk into a bar.

It’s not a joke. It’s a peek into the night-lives of 11 cool San Diegans and their hot evening itineraries.

For his dream night out, our city’s foremost wine expert would rent a limo and take friends on a high-end, North County pub (and grub) crawl.

A dashing bouncer from Voyeur nightclub in the Gaslamp says if he had a night off, he’d go to Old Town for sushi, then head home to take respite on his couch.

As for the blues singer, she’d hit up a local casino for a night of bingo and slots, then head to an afterhours shindig until 5 a.m.

It just goes to show, in a town so fine, what comprises the perfect nightlife depends on who’s living it.

Nick Ivory captivates a few willing victims at Vin de Syrah.

Magic Man
While bar-goers at local nighttime hotspots are making cocktails disappear, Nick Ivory is combing the crowd with a wry smile and deck of cards, in search of his next victim. For one of his tricks, the Chicago-born magician (whose real name is Nenad Plavsic) has a patron pick a card, sign it with an indelible marker, then stick it back into the deck. He then wraps a rubber band around the deck and launches it into the air. When he catches it, removes the rubber band and scans the cards, the only one missing is the one bearing the patron’s signature.

“When you step into Syrah and look up at the ceiling, you’ll see thousands of cards with people’s names on them,” Ivory says. “It’s my way of helping people leave their mark on San Diego and be a part of the nightlife scene.”

Reaching into his hat to pull out his own night on the town, Ivory has no illusions about where he’d go—he’d return to the places where he works his magic when he’s on the clock.

Ivory’s dream evening starts with a cocktail at Firehouse in Pacific Beach, then progresses to the Gaslamp, where he grabs a burger at Analog before dropping in to party at Boudoir and Ivy Rooftop at Andaz. Later, he makes a late-night slice at Ciro’s Pizzeria vanish.

Catch Ivory’s magic Wednesday and Thursday nights at the Tilted Kilt in East Village; Friday and Saturday nights at Boudoir, and Saturday nights at Vin de Syrah in the Gaslamp; and Sunday afternoons at Firehouse in Pacific Beach.
nickivory.com

Lady Dottie and the Diamonds are ready to rock at Downtown’s El Dorado Cocktail Lounge.

Lady Luck
When she’s not belting out the 1959 hit Have Love, Will Travel with her hotshot young band, The Diamonds, bespectacled blues diva Dorothy Mae Whitsett (aka Lady Dottie) has her own plans.

The Lady’s perfect night begins with authentic soul food, or dinner at Croce’s in the Gaslamp, where she was once a chef and self-proclaimed “gourmet star.”

Once sated, Dottie would try her luck at Sycuan, Barona or Viejas for a night of bingo and slots.

Will she have a cocktail or two while attempting to beat the odds?

“Of course I will!” says the 60-something singer.

From there Dottie would look for an underground, afterhours reggae event to get irie, “like from 2 to 5 o’clock in the morning.”

If that didn’t work, she’d “probably go home, have a sip of wine and watch a little television.

“It really puts me out— especially after I have the glass of wine,” she says. “The TV will be looking at me.”

Catch Lady Dottie and the Diamonds Wednesday nights at Gallagher’s Irish Pub in Ocean Beach and Thursday nights at El Dorado Cocktail Lounge in East Village.
myspace.com/ladydottieandthediamonds

Ian Forbes watches over the madness at Voyeur.

Night Watchman
When he isn’t helping decide who makes it past the proverbial velvet rope at Voyeur in the Gaslamp and Wave House in Mission Beach, door host Ian Forbes lets down his guard and heads to Old Town’s Harney Sushi to devour Rollz Royce and Flaming Lip rolls.

His quintessential evening with friends also includes stops at Gaslamp faves Fluxx, Side Bar and, not surprisingly, a return to Voyeur, where he “keeps it simple” with a vodkawater or light beer.

“Definitely, I’d spend the majority of my night at Voyeur,” says Forbes. “Work, to me, is a lot like going out anyways.”

When kicking back on his night off, the former professional hockey player (who grew up near Toronto), hits the gym, then heads home. “There’s a lot of nights where I just like to sit on the couch and watch a movie, because those nights are few and far between,” he says.

Evening Where?
Getting ready to hit the town for the best night ever, local fashion designers Laura Hall (left) and Gillian Mahin would invite their friends to select some of the chic, contemporary women’s fashions they’ve created for their new clothing line.

“We’d get our girls together, allow them to browse through the For Love & Lemons closet and get dressed up in some sheer, breezy sun dresses,” Hall says.

Laura Hall (left) and Gillian Mahin toast their success at C Level lounge on Harbor Island. Hall is wearing a For Love & Lemons Lulu Dress; Gillian is wearing a For Love & Lemons Bonita Cape.

Next it’s off to C Level lounge on Harbor Island for a “Desi Arnaz” tropical mojito cocktail and nut-crusted brie appetizer in a private cabana overlooking the city and marina.

“After sending a couple cocktails down the hatch, we’d head downtown to Cafe Sevilla to shake our grove thangs to some sultry salsa music,” Hall says. “We’d then head to The Vine in Ocean Beach for a late-night dinner, outside under the stars, people-watching as we share a bottle of wine, the seared ahi and butternut squash ravioli.”

The duo would wrap up the night in style, catching a late performance by a down-and-dirty blues band at Gallagher’s Irish Pub in Ocean Beach,
forloveandlemons.com

It’s nearly airtime for winemaker Howard Leight and his helocopter at Montgomery Field.

Night Leight
Howard Leight Jr. owns and pilots one of the fastest and rarest helicopters in the country, an Italian-built Agusta A109, which can reach speeds of up to 200 miles-per-hour. The successful son of ear plugs magnate Howard Leight, he also owns a winery in Malibu.

Leight’s dream night (which isn’t so different from his real ones) begins at Montgomery Field airport, where he lifts off with clients for a one-hour jaunt north and subsequent jawdropping aerial tour of his Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards.

After orchestrating a private, twilight wine tasting for his guests, he flies back down the coast and lands on the helipad at the Grand Del Mar Resort for a gourmet dinner at Addison.

After dinner, Leight motors downtown to attend an expensive toys event at a yacht club, where he kicks the tires of cars that cost more than some condos.

Next, he stops by one of the restaurants that serve his wine, like World Famous in Pacific Beach, and then caps off the night a few blocks away at Bar West.

“Bar West is always a good time for me,” Leight says. “It’s kind of like the downtown club theme, but I live in the Bird Rock area and like being close to home.”

Leight says he’s waiting for the day when he can land his helicopter on the roof of downtown’s 34-story Symphony Towers for a sky-high dinner at the University Club. From there, he’d head to the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park to catch a play or musical.

“I’m kind of a nerd that way,” he says. “I don’t really go to movies, but I’ll do that.”
maliburockyoaks.com

Ben DeCamp feels pretty smooth (with the help of Felipe Becerra) at Lefty’s Barber Shop in Pacific Beach.

Looking Sharp

Surf photographer (and future law school student) Ben DeCamp (aka the Style Shark) may be best known for the provocative nightlife snapshots he’s captured for his website, styleshark.com.

These days, however, he and his buds are more focused on producing weekly parties through their event production company, Night Access.

Before dashing out for his perfect night on the town, the always dashing DeCamp first visits Lefty’s Barber Shop in Pacific Beach for a shave and a haircut.

“After I get all freshened up, I throw on a suit and take a date over to Wet Stone Wine Bar in Bankers Hill,” he says. “They have amazing red wine sangria and small plates.”

DeCamp then heads to Noble Experiment in East Village for some speak easy-style ambiance and a craft cocktail before wrapping up the night with VIP treatment at multi-level mega-club, Stingaree.

“I think it’s one of the classiest nightclubs in the Gaslamp, with the best-looking, best-dressed crowd,” DeCamp says.
nightaccess.com

Sax-ual Healing

Classically trained saxophonist Jason Whitmore and his booking agent (and wife), Jennifer, start their perfect night with margaritas and Mexican appetizers at La Puerta in the Gaslamp, then walk over for dinner and drinks at Searsucker, one of several places where Jason wails on his sax while DJs spin house music.

Jason Whitmore enjoys a little playtime at Searsucker in the Gaslamp.

“I show up, the DJ sets the tone and then I just improvise over the record,” Jason says.

For a special occasion (like their recent wedding anniversary), the Del Mar couple turns dinner-and- Jason’s-show into an all-night affair, staging a stealthy afterhours bash with friends in a suite at the Se San Diego Hotel.

“We’d have an open bar, some good house beats going, maybe even a DJ, and just hang out with friends until the sun comes up,” says Jason, who holds a daytime job as a sales rep for an Internet marketing firm.

“A perfect night generally involves me getting to play,” he says. “I admit I’m a little bit of an attention hog. I like to be in front of people and have them dance while I’m playing.”

Catch Jason Whitmore performing (he rocks) at Airr Supper Club, Firehouse, Searsucker, Side Bar, Stingaree, Vin de Syrah and various other cool locations.
jasonwhitmore.com

Master Sommelier Eddie Osterland has great taste at Addison restaurant at the Grand Del Mar resort.

Pour Guy

When he’s not assessing the flavor and complexities of vintage wines, Eddie Osterland, who was anointed as America’s first Master Sommelier in 1975, treats his friends to unforgettable evenings, one of which included a surprise, chartered flight to Las Vegas, during which the finest champagnes and wines flowed non-stop.

Osterland says his ideal night is one he has replicated frequently. He rents a limousine to shuttle six of his closest compatriots to a primo progressive dinner that includes visits to Advanced Sommeliers Dan Chapman of Georges at the Cove in La Jolla, Jesse Rodriguez of Addison at the Grand Del Mar resort and Brian Donegan of Market Restaurant and Bar in Del Mar.

Arriving at George’s for sunset, Osterland has Chapman recommend one of Georges’ signature cocktails and a few appetizers for his lucky friends. At Addison, Rodriguez recommends some out-of-this-world entrees, then Donegan delivers a heavenly desert at Market—all stops and limo interludes including copious sips of the world’s finest wines.

“You can’t do any better than that,” Osterland says.
eddieosterland.com

Laura Weiner spends a tame evening with an Indian Rhino at the San Diego Zoo.

Night Owl

Senior zookeeper Laura Weiner, who spends her days training and caring for rhinos and camels at the San Diego Zoo, often works late into the night, and she’ll be on the job when the zoo launches its nighttime hours this summer.

Since rhinos sleep in the evening, however, Weiner is occasionally free to roam the urban jungle after putting her bulky charges to bed.

A great night for her begins with Indian food at “fancy, but relaxing” Royal India downtown. From there, it’s a short walk over to swanky ultra-lounge Side Bar for a night of dancing with friends.

“I am a big Side Bar fan during the week,” Weiner says. “They have a late happy hour we go to, and then there’s dancing after that.”

Next, Weiner reenergizes with a decadent treat from Hillcrest’s late-night sweet spot, Extraordinary Deserts, which stays open until midnight Fridays and Saturdays.

A night with friends might beat one with rhinos, but Weiner says zoo visitors—especially those who sign up for a private feeding and petting session—are surprised at how personable the horned creatures can be.

“A lot of people look at them and think it’s kind of a big moving rock, but once you take the time and patience to know them a little better, they are really quite intelligent,” Weiner says. “They know a lot of behaviors and will pay attention to you.”

If only all dates could be so chivalrous…
sandiegozoo.org

“There are less guidos here, that’s for sure.”  

Dynasty tie-side suit by Rip Curl, top, $38, bottom, $36, available at Gone Bananas, gonebananasbeachwear.com; silver pendant necklace, $35, silver textured stretch bracelet, $28, both available at Macys, macys.com; aviators by Dakota Smith, $125, available at signatureeyewear.com; skateboard provided by South Coast Surf Shop in P.B., southcoast.com.

Photos by John Mireles, johnmireles.com
Stylist: Amy Grace Winn at Grace Styling
Hair & Makeup: Maegan Cooper for A. Robert Cromeans Salon

PacificSD cover model and current Miss California USA, Alyssa Campanella, left her crown—and sun block—in L.A. for a day, so her playful side could reign over Pacific Beach.

“My shoulders got a little sunburned,” she says with a laugh.

Campanella says she had a blast during our all-day photo shoot, which took her on a tour of the boardwalk, Crystal Pier, Lahaina Beach House and other P.B. landmarks.

A Jersey Shore native, Campanella was visiting friends in Los Angeles last year, when they suggested she audition at a local modeling agency. The agency liked her look, and the beaming redhead was packing her bags for the Golden State soon after.

Campanella will represent California in the Miss USA 2011 pageant at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas June 19. When (fingers crossed) her engaging smile wins her the title, you can say you saw it here first.

Follow Alyssa Campanella on Facebook or via Twitter @alyssacampanella

TRUMP CARD
“Donald Trump will come to Vegas and meet all of the girls onstage. The judges choose nine girls and Trump picks six. I’m just finally anxious to meet him in person.”

One Love Starburst Fringe suit by L*Space, $122, available at Gone Bananas, gonebananasbeachwear.com; beige pumps by Steve Madden, $104, available at Tutto Cuore, 1019 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach, 858.490.4685, tuttocuoreshoes.com; gold and bronze stretch bracelet, $23, gold and aqua stone ring, $14, both available at Macy’s, macy’s.com; Kiss Necklace in strawberry quartz by Sophia & Chloe, $265, available at sophiaandchloe.com.

WORKIN’ IT
“I love working in front of the camera. I absolutely love it. It’s like playing dress -up and getting paid for it.”

Light gold triangle and knot-bottom suit, $160, available at lybethras, lybethras.com; gun aviators by Dakota Smith, $125, available at signatureeyewear.com; nude vest by Carilyn Vaile, $129, available at carilynvaile.com; necklace by Suedette Tribal, $5, available at Forever 21, forever21.com; gold and aqua stone ring, $14, available at Macy’s macys.com; handbag by Galian New York, $99, available at Purse Addict, purseaddictsd.com.

HOW SWEET
“I do have a huge sweet tooth. Sprinkles Cupcakes, those are a weakness of mine. Starbucks hot chocolate, that’s a big weakness.
Ice cream? In a waffle cone, preferably.”

Sauvage Mariposa Bandeau, top, $78, bottom, $86, available at Gone Bananas, gonebananasbeachwear.com; gold and topaz bangle, stylist owned.

OH SHOOT!

“It was spring break, so the vibe was amazing. There were lots of young hipsters walking around. When we shot outside of the local
hostel, everyone watching us was making us laugh.”

 

Shell Twist Bandeau by Luli Fama, top, $86, bottom, $76, available at Gone Bananas, gonebananasbeachwear. com; fuchsia suede pumps, $60, available at Tutto Cuore, tuttocuoreshoes.com; gold and topaz bangle, stylist own.

GO, GO, GO!
“I was meant to travel the world and explore.”

 

ON HER: One shoulder Maillot in Calypso suit by A.Ché, $115, available at acheswimwear.com; black eclipse sunglasses by Michael Stars, $78, available at michaelstars.com; 14K gold and silver-plated stepping stone bangles by Sophia & Chloe, $140 each, available at sophiaandchloe.com; beach cruiser provided by Bicycle Discovery, bicycle-discovery.com. ON HIM: T-shirt by Angelo Portico EBJ made in Italy, $40, available at Stile Italiano, stileitaliano.us.