Recommended Professionals
I have done extensive research to bring you an incredible team of trusted professionals to assist you with other aspects of your image from make-up artists and tailors to hairstylists and barbers. When visiting them, mention “Personal Stylist, Vanessa Valiente” sent you to ensure you experience the most positive and thorough service.
Sante Tailoring (Maria Louisa) – Downtown San Diego
619.231.9898
1150 7th Ave #3
San Diego, Ca 92101
* Cross St: B St. She is located deep inside the building that says Yoga One.
Tip: Always call Maria Louisa the day before picking up your tailoring to ensure it is done. She is very busy and sometimes misses a due date if you don’t call the day before. Also, parking is not convenient due to limited metered street parking and one-way streets. If you don’t want to look for parking, there is a parking lot behind Chase Bank on Broadway & 7th Ave. If you are making a quick drop-off or pick-up, there are three 15-minute parking spots on A St. and 7th Ave that are often available.
Mesa Clothing & Alterations (Wahdat) – Solana Beach
951.816.1145 (cell)
742 Genevieve Street Suite B
Solana Beach, CA 92075
Note: AMAZING with leather and suede garments. This is the only place I take leather. Call in advance and make sure your appointment is specifically with Wahdat.
Kim’s Alteration (Kim) – Encinitas
760.436.2263
566 South Coast Hwy 101
Encinitas, CA 92024
Primo Alterations (Muna) – Mission Gorge
619.287.7981
7433 Mission Gorge Rd
San Diego, CA 92120
Note: Plenty of parking.
ESTHETICIANS
Cody Montarbo – Specializes in chemical peels (Amazing for acne, scars, pigmentation, and overall refresh of your skin)
619.343.3502
2810 Camino Del Rio S, Suite 204
San Diego, Ca 92108
Note: If you have serious acne or pigmentation, you will need to do a series of peels once a month for a few months – like I did. Now that he has healed my skin, I get a spot peel with Cody 1-2 times a year. I am also a devotee to the Montarbo products. Every evening I use the Beauty Elixir. Every morning I use the Vitamin B + C serum and his Moisturizing Sunscreen. I use his Extreme Hydration Moisturizer for extra hydration on my face, neck, and arms.
Mary Volpe Stone – Specializes in Micro Current Facial (Amazing for regular upkeep.)
619.200.5023
3960 Park Blvd, Suite B
San Diego, Ca 92103
Note: I get the 90-min “Euro Charged” facial from Mary every 3-6 weeks. It takes years off my face. It is not a luxurious location, but you get luxurious results.
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Robin Dayley
717.360.6139
dayleyphoto@gmail.com
Gilbert’s Shoe Repair – Hillcrest
441 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92103
Note: Quality service, but overpriced. Always check your cobbler’s work.
Anthony’s Shoe Repair– Solana Beach
671 Lomas Santa Fe Dr
Solana Beach, CA 92075
Note: I have not personally used them yet, but some clients have raved. Always check your cobbler’s work.
HAIR STYLISTS
Amber Mullen at The Lab Salon
619.948.6164 (c)
3034 University Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103
Dennie Whiteside at Sola Salon
858.945.4113 (c)
5171 Mission Center Rd
San Diego, CA 92108
MEN’S HAIRSTYLIST
Ernesto, Stylist at Winn’s Barber Shop
619.295.1597
445 University Ave
San Diego, Ca 92103
MAKEUP ARTIST
Antonella Annibale
619.792.0392
RECYCLING + DONATION STATIONS
Hygiene Products: Alpha Project and Uptown Faith Community Service Center
New & Gently Used Clothing: Father Joe’s
Women’s Work Wear – Dress For Success
Stained or Ruined Garments –
Formal Gowns – Princess Project
Shoes: Soles 4 Souls
Worn Out Sneakers – Most Nike stores
Jeans – Madewell
Coats & Jackets – One Warm Coat
Old/Ruined Underwear, Bras, Tights + Socks –
DESIGNER CONSIGNMENT + RESALE
Mid to higher end clothing and accessories – The Real Real (how to sell here)
High-end bags and jewelry – , (how to sell here)
Mid-end clothing – Thredup (how to sell here)
Mid-end clothing – Buffalo Exchange, San Diego local option (how to sell here)
Mid to higher-end clothing and accessories – Poshmark, this is often too much effort for most people (how to sell here)
SMALL BUSINESS ATTORNEY
Recommended Reading
For those looking for direction on cleaning your clothing at home, please read this article on How To Avoid The Dry Cleaner. For those looking for the right tools to care for your wardrobe at home, read this article on All The Tools You Will Ever Need.