About Town: Andrea Van De Vort
Born and raised in Tempe, Arizona, fashion maven Andrea Van De Vort always had a craving for California’s coastal cities. After college, Van De Vort traveled west and worked for six years in numerous showrooms in Los Angeles’ downtown fashion district before settling with her husband in San Diego, in downtown Encinitas. “It’s the perfect transition neighborhood from my city-living lifestyle to the new beachy and slower-paced vibe that I love.” The former L.A. resident opened the Van De Vort boutique seven months ago to bring the labels and looks she loves to the new region where she lives. “I always noticed a huge void in the contemporary brand representation here, so I thought I’d take a risk and introduce these labels,” she explains. The boutique’s racks are lined with pieces from California designers including Cydney Morris and Dallas Wand of Stone Cold Fox, Carisa Brambles of Nightcap, and jewelry designer Vanessa Mooney as well as Venice-based Amber Farr of Flynn Skye. Just in time for the latest 405 closure, Van De Vort launched the boutique’s online shop, where visitors can browse digital lookbooks and shop for West Coast-inspired beachwear, dresses, pants, intimates and accessories. For those who brave the bumper-to-bumper commute, the style setter shares her top spots in San Diego.
By Megan Meyer
SEA & SMOKE This restaurant has the most amazing cheese boards in San Diego. They are just as beautiful as they are delicious.
BODY ROK I’m a Pilates junky. I love Body Rok in the Carlsbad Forum for their classes that are part-Pilates, part-spin.
SEASIDE MARKET I love all of this gourmet grocer’s local products, from fresh honey to fresh fish. I always find the best ingredients there.
CHILD OF WILD This jewelry line is designed by a local San Diego girl who imports authentic Turkish, Middle Eastern, Native American, etc. jewelry. The pieces are meaningful and beautiful. I also stock her line in my boutique, and it flies off the shelves.
ANNMARIE D’ERCOLE For fine jewelry, I always go to Annmarie D’Ercole in Del Mar. My husband grew up with the owner and she made my wedding ring. She definitely has the most beautiful jewels in the city.
BELLY UP For live music, the Belly Up on Cedros is intimate, fun, and convenient.
FIDEL’S LITTLE MEXICO Our go-to spot for meeting with friends usually stays pretty casual. We love meeting at Fidel’s in Solana Beach for margaritas and guacamole dip.
Pictured: Andrea Van De Vort
Photo courtesy of Van De Vort