Shopping in Chula Vista

The Art of Framing's skilled craftspeople protect and prolong the life of treasured paintings, photographs, and three-dimensional artifacts by encasing them behind thousands of frame designs. Outside of their standard framing services, technicians also stretch mats and fabrics; heat-mount delicate documents; and mend scratched, chipped, and shrink-rayed framework. More than merely preserving personal collections of photos and posters, The Art of Framing promotes the area's thriving art community, hosting a show once a year as well as selling local artists' work in the gift shop.

Since 1948, the intrepid editors and writers at San Diego Magazine have sought out the best their fair city has to offer, publishing engaging reads in both print and digital editions. Everything is about helping readers sap the most enjoyment possible from their city. The monthly magazine details all kinds of local happenings—high-society parties, fashion shows, restaurant grand openings. A luxury apartment guide showcases the city's swankiest penthouses, and a travel section points the way to fun destinations. With the weekender, it's easy to sniff out concerts and festivals. There's also a yearly awards issue that covers everything from which restaurant serves the best cheeseburger to which lawyer yells "This whole court is out of order!" the loudest.

Along with his sister Darcie and their parents, Jason Huggins began his journey into retail in a cozy 300-square-foot space that sold toys and a small selection of streetwear. Huggins discovered it was actually the clothes—not the toys—that were rolling out the door, and so the family changed its focus, upgrading to a larger space and a brand new concept that showcased hip men's clothing, men's and women's accessories, and skateboards. Today, the store's rich hardwood shelves are lined with fresh graphic tees by brands such as Honkey Kong and The Condolence Co., a cutting-edge collection that earned it a nomination for Best Men's Clothing in CityVoter's 2011 awards. While the family fashion hounds continuously track down newcomer designers such as San Diego–based Dyenomite N' Hippo Apparel, Huggins's own line of T-shirts, pins, and pillows is growing more and more popular as the shop’s signature logo––a handlebar mustache––continues to catch the eye of shoppers and passing Wyatt Earp impersonators.

The storefront bills 5&A Dime as a "haberdashery," and the eccentric antique décor and rows of Brixton fedoras reflect the old-timey feel. A stuffed buffalo head adds a touch of rustic charm to the vintage vibe, and offers sage clothing advice to anyone who beats it in a staring contest.

Elizabeth Cecilia Leffler-Agia named her boutique after her fashionable grandmother, Cecilia, who sketched and then crafted dresses with her own hands. A bounty of fashion tips and refreshments awaits shoppers, as Leffler-Agia strives to create the comfortable atmosphere reminiscent of rummaging through a stylish friend's closet without having to pick her house’s locks. Crown moldings top the vintage French-style wallpaper while chandeliers cast light over the racks of carefully selected styles from local designers such as BCat Threads and M. Dot Design Studio, as well as famous names such as French Connection and Paige.

Youngsters who have outgrown their gear and adults picking up a new sport can outfit themselves with selections from Play It Again Sports, the largest sporting-goods resale franchise in North America. In 2011, the Pacific Beach location set itself apart, garnering both the parent company's Store of the Year and Heritage award—the first such feat in more than 25 years. As in all the stores nationwide, brand-name equipment—from popular makers such as Diamondback, Bodyglove, and Wilson—shines in San Diego's displays alongside gently used wares. This gear helps equip competitive athletes playing sports from soccer and golf to surfing and biking. Patrons can also trade in or sell their equipment, provided that it is still in working condition, and put that money toward new gear.

Eclipse Eyewear fashions chic sunglasses from a selection of 1,500 frames from high-end brands such as Chanel, Prada, and Versace. Luxurious shades stand against walls and look out from display cases, eager to slide over patrons' eyes to shield them from harsh rays or pigeons' attempts to make eye contact and demand breadcrumbs. Though some Eclipse Eyewear locations vend purely UV-protective shades, the Tempe, Arizona store and Seaport Village store in San Diego, California also sell prescription sunglasses.