Fashion session with Cardiff's Erica Stolman - She accessorizes With Marc Jacobs and CVS..
“I love the youngster hippies reppin’ their personal style way better than I ever did when I was growing up,” says Stolman. “If our beautiful city starts to evolve and appreciate the art of fashion, originality, and creativity — then we could really make our way up in the fashion food chain.” -- Erica Stolman http://www.fashionlushxx.com/
Samintra Starr and Erica Stolman of Pret-a-Porter boutique in Solana Beach.
Samintra Starr owns Pret-a-Porter boutique in Solana Beach, managed by Erica Stolman. They design dresses, custom jewelry, and separates (hello, shoulder-less chambray shirts!) that fit like a dream. Located in a tucked-away spot inside Solana Beach Town Center — around the corner from Sun Diego — Pret-a-Porter carries the private labels alongside merch by Skova and ANM. The stock sweeps easily from classic to avant-garde, a populist range that’s a result of Starr’s years as a stylist in L.A.
Stolman has a fashion blog at FashionLushXX.
These are her thoughts on fashion for the up-and-coming fashionista:
So, what are you wearing in this shot?
This is quite the mishmash outfit — it was for a photoshoot, so more jewelry than I would ever wear normally. The t-shirt I am wearing is a vintage Coca-Cola tee with slogan "Coke, Good All the Way Down,” yet I cut the shoulders out to spruce it up a bit. I got the shirt from Home in Encinitas.
The polka dot vest I am wearing was from Goodwill, it was a long, old-lady type blouse (probably part of a pantsuit at one time). I cut off the sleeves and turned it into a vest. The shoes are Jeffrey Campbell leopard Pixies, sent to me as a fabulous gift from Jeffrey Campbell. The chain around my leg was some weird chain belt I had that I never wore.
As for the gobs of jewelry?
I am also wearing some studded color leather bracelets from Target, spiky elastic bracelets from Forever 21, a vintage sterling silver cuff my Mom gave to all her bridesmaids at her wedding (a real gem of mine), a Marc Jacobs happy Buddha bracelet, and a cheapo little watch from CVS.
Rings: My David Yurman pink tourmaline ring I never take off that my dad gave me, a vintage Navajo beaded ring that I got from the Community Resource Center thrift store, and a turquoise stone ring that was my Grandma’s.
And the lipstick is from...?
[It’s] actually a bright bright bright teal eyeshadow by Makeup Forever [that] I mixed with some Rosebud Salve from Sephora.
Your go-to pieces at the moment?
Knee-highs are awesome, paired with a short skirt, a super worn-in vintage Harley tee, and a scarf or sick jacket...Oh, and of course high, high heels — probably my Sam Edelman Zoey Booties.
What are your favorite boutiques in S.D. right now?
I like Pret-a-Porter in Solana Beach — not only because I worked there and the store is close to my heart, but the custom clothes are amazing and the owner can really make or reconstruct anything your little heart desires. I also love LF, mainly because they are one of the only retailers in S.D. that has Jeffrey Campbell. I also have been a fan of Home in Encinitas and North Park. The buyers are very picky and only bring the best goods, so I don't have to dig much.
And as far as vintage shops?
Mainly I am a thrift store shopper — except for my shoes. I shop thrift stores not only because I like to save my money (for expensive shoes), but I love the thrill of finding a good piece. I also love to get stuff that I can bring home, reconstruct, and sew into something awesome. I am a fan of the Community Resource Centers, Salvation Army, Goodwill, and Amvets. I don't have any specific location for any of them, because you really will never know what you find! I have came across a black rabbit fur vest for $4, Missoni, DVF, et cetera.
Most thrilling score as of late?
Oh man, I totally just grabbed this awesome Acne black silk dress with shoulder cutouts that is slouchy and totally doesn't show my shape at all — yet the dress is still extremely sexy in its own right. The best part though, found it at a thrift store which clearly didn't know what it was or how awesome it was and let it go to me for 7 bucks. It was the Community Resource Center in Encinitas... yay me.
Your beauty essentials?
My beauty essentials would include my darkest black Almay eyeliner (best eyeliner yet), Bare Minerals makeup, Maybelline basic mascara (you know, the pink and green one), Rosebud Salve lip balm, Anastasia Brow Kit, and a spritz of my John Varvatos perfume. It is rare that you will ever catch me out with my nails and toes painted. I recently just fell in love with Sally Hansen Salon Effects nail designs, they are these stickers (kinda like Minx, yet way cheaper) that you stick to your nails and they last for 10 days, seriously. They come in a ton of different colors and patterns, and come off just like nail polish. Great idea!
Let's talk San Diego style. What excites you, what bugs you?
Style wise, S.D. has a handful of people with great style. I like the beachy-chic hippie look that S.D. has always been able to pull off. I am not a fan of the all done up, short dresses and strappy heels, too much cleavage, “I only party Downtown” look.
S.D. has a new wave of fashion junkies coming in. I love the little youngster hippies reppin’ their personal style way better than I ever did when I was growing up. I have really seen a change in the fashion scene in San Diego, and it is about time. I really think that if our beautiful city starts to evolve and appreciate the art of fashion, originality, and creativity—then we could really make our way up in the fashion food chain!
Trends you're loving right now?
Trends I love include but are not limited to: chunky/sky high heels, flared jeans (thank goodness they are coming back), knee highs, deconstructed clothing, military pieces, fringe, wavy hair, too much being just right, excessive amounts of jewelry, shoulder-less tops, maxiskirts, newsboy hats, and ombre hair.
Trends you’re over?
Most likely for life: kitten heels, capris, denim skirts, Lululemon as daytime apparel, strappy stilettos, shants, skintight dresses, dresses that are low in the front and the back, fedoras, platinum blonde hair, tights worn with t-shirts, Uggs with skirts.
Style icon?
Edie Sedgwick has always been a front runner, the 1960's in general, Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen, and Andy Warhol.
Sewing machine of choice?
I use a basic Singer. I had a fancy machine when I started sewing and it was great for a while. Yet when I was going to and from school and constantly dragging the machine with me, you notice the tensions will get thrown off quicker than you would want. Tensions keep your stitches legit and strong. I realized that I could just as easily buy a basic Singer for the same price and it works just as well — if not better than — my big old fancy machine.
Most surprising style tidbit?
My favorite thing to wear is my fleece one-piece pajamas. I was a kid my mom dressed me more awesome than I dress now or will probably ever dress.
Anything else you'd like to add?
I'm looking for a job in the fashion industry, so if you read this, employ me!
Pret A Porter
673 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach, CA 92075
Solana Beach
(858) 481-5114
Products: women's clothes accessories
Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am - 6 pm Sat 10 am - 4 pm
