New clothing boutique opens in Del Mar

By Kristina Houck

After relocating from Los Angeles to Del Mar, Andrea Van De Vort saw the need for a contemporary and bohemian-chic boutique. Therefore, Van De Vort opened her own store, called Van De Vort, in July in Del Mar’s Flower Hill Promenade.

“I noticed there weren’t any stores in San Diego that represented the amazing lines that LA had to offer,” Van De Vort said. “It only made sense to open a store for all of the San Diegans that have been missing out on all of these amazing lines.”

Specializing in local and international labels, Van De Vort offers women’s apparel and accessories from a variety of brands such as Flynn Skye, Mink Pink, Nightcap and Stone Cold Fox. Van De Vort said almost all of the lines she carries are exclusive to her store in the San Diego region.

“There’s no one else in San Diego that carries the lines we have,” said 27-year-old Van De Vort. “I’m handpicking all of these lines that I feel have such a great presence in LA and nothing here.”

Although she travels to fashion shows to get the scoop on the latest trends, Van De Vort is already familiar with all of the labels she features at her roughly 1,000-square-foot boutique.

Van De Vort moved to Los Angeles in 2007, shortly after graduating with a degree in business and mass communications from Arizona State University. For six years, she worked as a West Coast sales representative for labels such as Mink Pink and Miss Me Jeans.

After maintaining a long-distance relationship with her Del Mar-based husband for a few years, Van De Vort decided to relocate to the seaside city in November. She signed a lease at Flower Hill Promenade in June and opened her boutique on July 7.

“I have a special spot in my heart for this center,” said Van De Vort, who noted she purchased her wedding dress from Bliss Bride, which is located next to her store. “It just kind of worked out. There was a spot open and it all went pretty quick.”

Van De Vort has loved fashion since she was a child. She recalled using a journal to plan every outfit she would wear for her first six months of middle school.

“That’s when I knew I had a problem,” Van De Vort said as she laughed. “But I love it.

“It was always my end-goal to open a boutique growing up. It’s been a lot of fun, and I’m really happy that I love it so much.”

From a day at the beach to a night on the town, Van De Vort said her boutique offers fashions for every occasion.

“We have so many unique things to offer,” Van De Vort said. “There’s something for everyone.”

Van De Vort is located at Flower Hill Promenade, 2710 Via de la Valle, Suite B-110, Del Mar. For more information about Van De Vort, visit shopvandevort.com.