Tchotchke heaven in Little Italy

I’m back. As Sally Field said in her 1985 Academy Awards speech, “I can’t deny the fact that you like me, right now, you like me!” Thank you for the wonderful response to my debut article. So without much delay, I am here again bringing you the latest in design trends for your home, together with fabulous shopping locations.

In my travels through America’s Finest City in search of tantalizing new items to accessorize my chic pad, I came across this wonderful new boutique that just opened in Little Italy, called VI Star. Who knew that there was even a place called Little Italy?

Back in my home town Tackysburgh, our little Italy consisted of Little Joey’s Pizzeria and the owner Joey, shall I say, was a little person. So whenever we said we wanted Italian we said, “Let’s go to little Italy.” But I digress.

VI Star, is an exquisite collaboration of six different shops all in one wonderfully designed location.

Everywhere I looked I was tickled pink. The store is filled with everything a self-proclaimed design diva would need for those special little touches to create that perfect setting. Each individual boutique was filled with tchotchkes and fabulous vintage accent pieces.

Now with all these fabulous ideas I can’t wait to go home and redo my cozy condo with all these new tchotchkes! Where I come from, tchotchkes consist of old tractor parts left in the living room by my Papa. I remember my Mama always trying to make them sparkle when company was coming over; she was either making vases out of old mufflers or wall art out of broken gears. Looking back on that my Mama was a good ole country Martha Stewart. My Mama would always say, “What’s the sense of keeping a good home if there is no man there to share it with.” I am sure that Ms. Stewart could have learned a couple things from my Mama on proper etiquette. But I digress.

So with my keen sense of style and my Mama’s creativity, I look forward to helping those in need of some design style. I hope you enjoyed boutiquing with me and I look forward to our next design adventure.

VI Star: What’s Inside

1. Love & Aesthetics

Owner: Artist-designer Sean Barnes

Classic vintage and modern eclectic home accent pieces

“Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the trendiest of them all?”

2. Cathedral

Owner: Amy Capano

Fragrant candles, accessories and personal care items

“I do believe a home that smells good, looks even better!”

3. Colibri Home

Owner: Designer Pat MacLaggan

Vintage inspired custom furniture and classic accessories

“Anytime I can curl up with a good book, I feel right at home.”

4. Botanica

Innovative wedding and event design studio

“When this girl decides to tie the knot, again, I know where she’s going to get her wedding on!”

5. Seaside Papery

Owner: Jori Jackman

Themed stationery, personal gifts and custom invitations

“There is nothing more stylish than sending out personalized invitations to your next soiree.”

6. IN/EX

Owners: Designers Mark Overlunch and Scott Northcote

Found objets d’art, sculptures, furniture and plants

VI Star, 2355 India Street, San Diego • 619-295-6666 • info@VIstarSD.com