nancy koltes in laguna beach
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
I love dragging my visiting friends shopping on the charming strip near my house that has a row of cool little places like the Surf Gallery and not one Gap, Starbucks or DWR to be found. I worry that one day soon, the whole place will become what Melrose Place has now become, a beautiful enclave of designer stores. It seems likely because in addition to the sweet back patios most of these stores have, they also offer a magnificent view of the ocean that still blows me away every time I'm there.
But for now, the stores still have charm and personality. The other weekend a friend and I popped into Nancy Koltes, one of my favorite stores in Laguna Beach. They were in need of a luxe blanket (who isn't?) and were not disappointed. The whole store was just so wonderfully styled that I couldn't resist snapping some photos.
Then I thought, why not invite Nancy Koltes, the woman who owns and created this fabulous lifestyle haven, to stop by tys? A pioneer in the luxury linens and home business, Nancy has stores in Beverly Hills, Charleston, Denver, Haverford, Laguna Beach, Mill Valley, and New York. I think you will enjoy meeting her as much as I did--enjoy!
mj: How did you get involved in home décor and start your business?
nancy koltes: I’ve always had a love of textiles, ever since I was very young. Inspired by gifted women in my family who did beautiful handwork, embroidery and couture sewing, I became fascinated with fabrics. At the early age of ten, I began making my own clothes. During college, I even sewed a friend’s wedding dress! While working at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, I opened my first boutique. When I relocated to Manhattan to accept a design position for a home furnishings company, I knew this was the path I was destined to take, so I began laying the groundwork for Nancy Koltes Fine Linens and Textiles.
The doors opened in 1984. It was a marriage of all of the things that I wanted to do. It combined all of my passions, the arts, home furnishings and textiles from all elements of my life. And I believe that you should never wander too far away from where you’ve come.
mj: I'm a frequent shopper in your Laguna store and just love the way it's laid out and styled. How would you describe your sensibility?
nancy koltes: How nice that you’re a frequent shopper! My style and sensibility are more classic but the Laguna store has a younger audience so while there is some sense of classicism, there is also a lot of color to make it more hip at the same time.
mj: Who are your favorite designers?
nancy: For the home, my favorites are Michael Smith, Tsao & McKown, Shelton Mindel, and B5 – a residential architectural firm with an inspired interiors department. I am drawn to clean architectural interiors that are sophisticated and understated. My favorite fashion designer is Armani.
mj: What are your top decorating tips?
nancy: Buy things you love. Understand how to care for the things you buy, especially fine linens.
mj: What is your advice to those who are just starting out with a small business?
nancy: Be prepared to work very hard and to wear many hats. An iron constitution, discipline and the willingness to make sacrifices are essential. Patience and sense of humor are a must. Get adequate financing. Do your homework. Don’t expect instant results Maintain integrity.
Thank you so much for stopping by Nancy! To view more of Nancy Koltes products, please visit NancyKoltesatHome.com
posted by Mary Jo at TrustYourStyle at
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
5 Comments:
i've driven by this store so many times but never been inside! are those slipper/sandals made of wood? why do they say "squeeze me"?
I would not have to be dragged to that fabulous shop.
My problem is I would never want to leave! I will take a dozen of those hand towels!
hi jon--those shoes look like wood but they're actually a comfy foam base--the ultimate faux bois shoe!
Patricia, those hand towels are gorgeous. They were in the process of dressing a bed or I would've had many more photos of the linens, which are to die for.
Um, I think that is the cutest little store ever! And what a fun bright sight to see on my cloudy, rainy day.
Hope all is well with you!
xo
Loved the store, just got back from LB.....
great blog!
Leslie
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home