Tucked away in the beautiful beach community of La Jolla is a gem called Lola. I first discovered this amazing boutique while hunting for a pair of AMO denim (Lola was the first to carry the line in San Diego) and haven’t been able to stay away. Owned by Anna E. Cottrell, an experienced stylist and fashion blogger, Lola carries an expertly curated selection of shoes, accessories and luxury essentials. I chatted with Anna about her eye for fashion, style philosophy and what it takes to run a successful business. Tell me a little bit about Lola.
Lola is a small women’s boutique, with storefronts located in La Jolla, CA and Fayetteville, AR – a gem of a shop where women can come find unique pieces for all occasions. Lola is a well curated collective of premium denim, luxury basics, and designer jewelry.

Anna Wintour invites you to the Met Ball. Who do you want to dress you/what does it look like and who do you want sitting at your table?
Well, Anna can sit with me! I think I’d ask Zac Posen to design… and give him full creative freedom. Would be silly to put limitations on a genius.

To be ‘Californian’ is as much a state of mind as it is a state of being.  Although I’m not Californian by birth, there is something about it’s wavelength that I sync right up to – a frequency that I was always meant to be a part of.  No one understands the California state of being better than designer Heidi Merrick.  Her modern, clean silhouettes are inspired by the Pacific Ocean and I can’t get enough of this ethereal, diaphanous dress.  The leather detailing at the neckline is oh-so-modern and the draping of it’s fine silk makes me feel like I could fly.  Hooked.

Special thanks to Lola for partnering on this post.

Photos by Matthew Passiglia
Sometimes skin is our best accessory. I’m of the ‘less is more’ school so I gravitate towards dainty pieces that are modern and highlight my femininity. Thatch is one of my go-to brands for everyday wear as well as sexy nighttime pieces.  I love that I can stack and layer their line without feeling like I’ve gone overboard.  Be sure to check out my Behind the Scenes feature of Thatch, complete with styling tips from their Founders, their dream collaboration and what it takes to run a successful jewelry line.

My everyday jewelry game consists of dainty pieces with eye catching details, so when I came across Thatch, it was as if the clouds parted – I fell hard. Owned by eternally stylish sisters Lisa Garrison and Jade Terminella, each piece is handcrafted in San Diego. I stopped by their Point Loma studio to chat with the talented ladies of the team and get a behind the scenes look at the intricate details that go into creating these gorgeous pieces.How did Thatch start?
Thatch was created by two sisters that have been buyers in the industry for 10+ years. We began our career in 2004 by launching a small chain of upscale women’s boutiques: Lola. In 2013 we sold our brand to transition into the manufacturing side of the fashion world.

Simple adornment has always been a part of our daily uniform. Creating a line of clean, modern jewelry was a natural next step.

How did you come up with the name Thatch?
It was inspired by the name of a beloved pet, Milo Thatch.

What is your favorite piece?
Our constellation pieces. They’re unique, eye catching, and add just the right amount of personalization. These pieces speak to individuality and the constellation pendants are the perfect way to showcase it. We also love all our lariats; we genuinely believe every girl needs one in her wardrobe.

What is your creative process? Do you start with a sketch or a mood board? How do your ideas become a finished piece?
Thatch is a collaboration of our team – our woman-based company is made up of six creative, bold, and professional women. Lisa, our creative director is the muse, the inspiration for conception of each piece and the vision of the overall collection. Laura, our lead production designer, sketches each piece with specifications on material, size, texture, and wearability. We collaborate as a team to choose our favorites, revise with edits and develop ways to improve the wearability of the collection.

What would people be surprised to learn about jewelry design and creation?
Most people see jewelry design as a glamorous process. Big white rooms with giant glass windows and walls where everyone is dressed like fashion forward socialites. Our jewelry studio, however, is an airy room with hammers, machines, and power tools where jewelers and metalsmiths are dirty and hard at work.
What does your “typical” day look like?
A typical day in the studio starts with a round of coffee and a team discussion of priority and project lists.

Brittainy, our operations manager, provides the production team with the components they need to get the project list and orders completed for the day – all while providing excellent customer service to both our boutiques and retail customers.

Our production designers plan out the day, divvy up the jobs and get to work. Cassie, our studio pup, keeps watch in between naps and snacks.
What was the first piece of jewelry you designed?
We’ve been sketching for years; to be honest I can’t remember!

How do you differentiate your brand in such a vast market?
We pride ourselves on being handmade in southern California by two talented and creative women. We don’t use factories in China, and we don’t outsource details to bigger companies. Every single piece is made with love in a little studio on the San Diego bay.

Which designer would you love to collaborate with?
The Olsen’s. Their boho grunge x sophistication is oh – so – chic.
Do you have a most treasured item in your personal jewelry collection?
An oversized vintage cocktail ring from the best little shoppe in Arkansas, Mae’s Emporium. If you’re a vintage lover, her tiny box of a retail space is a must see.

Your line is perfect for stacking and layering and some of your pieces are even 2-in-1. What do you love about this type of styling?
It’s effortless and most importantly wearable from day to night. The entire collection pairs well with statement pieces for a night out or simply worn alone with your suit on the beach.

Are there any other brands that you think would pair best with your jewelry?
EF Collection, Vale, Zofia Day + Jennifer Fisher.

What accessory moment in film do you find most memorable?
Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Stranded on a desert island – what cocktail would you take with you?
A bottle of Don Julio 1942, we’ll pick a lime from the tree.
{Yes, we said bottle, ha!}

Coco Chanel told us to always remove one accessory before leaving the house. Do you have any style advice for accessories?
Less is always more. Dainty pieces for day and 1-2 statement pieces for evening. If we choose to wear a statement necklace for evening, we typically wouldn’t wear an earring.

What are your long-term goals for Thatch?
We’re taking one day at a time. We see endless possibilities with the brand.

 First two images courtesy of Thatch. Main images by In Spades.

I have a long time love affair with leather jackets. They are rotated almost every other day in my world, rain or shine. Maje is one of my favorite brands for leather jackets and when I saw this fringed number for Spring/Summer, I swooned. Like a little girl twirls a fancy skirt, this is too much fun not to dance around in. Plus, anything that makes me feel like a rock star is immediately captured and displayed.