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.
What did you think your dream job was before your dream job found you?
I honestly always thought my dream job was in New York, and turns out it was at home all along… in Northwest Arkansas! Five years ago I would have said “working for a publication, or owning my own boutique would be the ultimate.” Lola is the best blend for me because I’ve been able to blend the two goals – buying, running a shop, while also blogging and creating original photo content for our lookbook campaigns.
I honestly always thought my dream job was in New York, and turns out it was at home all along… in Northwest Arkansas! Five years ago I would have said “working for a publication, or owning my own boutique would be the ultimate.” Lola is the best blend for me because I’ve been able to blend the two goals – buying, running a shop, while also blogging and creating original photo content for our lookbook campaigns.
The best part about owning your own boutique?
Hand selecting [really] special pieces for the stores, having flexibility in my schedule, the ability to travel, being able to be creative on a daily basis, leading a ridiculously talented team, and making women feel beautiful every day.
Hand selecting [really] special pieces for the stores, having flexibility in my schedule, the ability to travel, being able to be creative on a daily basis, leading a ridiculously talented team, and making women feel beautiful every day.
What was the tipping point in your business that made you feel like it was going to thrive?
Man, the moment when we decided to expand to the California market was monumental. Lola-West just celebrated its one year anniversary, is doing beautifully, and has proven that we really have something special in our future.
What is the hardest lesson in business you’ve learned?
Having to make tough management decisions when it comes to what is best for the health of the company… and also that the business never sleeps!
Having to make tough management decisions when it comes to what is best for the health of the company… and also that the business never sleeps!
What advice would you give to someone hoping to follow in your footsteps?
Always try to be a nice human and do the right thing – the fashion industry is a really (really) small world, and relationships truly are everything. Be willing to work at all times; whenever necessary, day or night. As hard as it may be (and as guilty as it might want to make you feel), you m-u-s-t make time for yourself.
Always try to be a nice human and do the right thing – the fashion industry is a really (really) small world, and relationships truly are everything. Be willing to work at all times; whenever necessary, day or night. As hard as it may be (and as guilty as it might want to make you feel), you m-u-s-t make time for yourself.
How do you go about curating pieces for Lola? What is your process for finding/choosing designers and brands?
We travel far and wide (Los Angeles, New York, etc.) to find the best of the best. My crazy-talented buying partner Jade and I continually work to fine tune our product mix; we stay up to date with upcoming trends by attending New York Fashion Week every season, and always try to inject a few fresh new lines every season.
We travel far and wide (Los Angeles, New York, etc.) to find the best of the best. My crazy-talented buying partner Jade and I continually work to fine tune our product mix; we stay up to date with upcoming trends by attending New York Fashion Week every season, and always try to inject a few fresh new lines every season.
What’s next for you/Lola? Where do you see yourself/Lola in 5 years?
Great question! We are honestly taking each day as it comes, but are looking forward to introducing Lola to new markets over the coming years.
What does style mean to you? How does Lola help people discover/express their style?
I believe style is a public projection of who you aspire to be – do you want to be sophisticated, sexy, bohemian, timeless? [For me, it changes on a daily basis] I’ve always loved the line ‘dress for the job you want, not the one you have.’ I’ve seen it over and over again with our personal styling sessions at Lola; people coming out of their shells, feeling great about their bodies, and gaining the tools to put outfits together themselves. It is powerful!
I believe style is a public projection of who you aspire to be – do you want to be sophisticated, sexy, bohemian, timeless? [For me, it changes on a daily basis] I’ve always loved the line ‘dress for the job you want, not the one you have.’ I’ve seen it over and over again with our personal styling sessions at Lola; people coming out of their shells, feeling great about their bodies, and gaining the tools to put outfits together themselves. It is powerful!
Favorite quote or personal mantra?
Life is too short to wear a bad outfit x quality over quantity.
Life is too short to wear a bad outfit x quality over quantity.
Favorite item in your wardrobe?
Impossible to narrow! New Miu Miu red mules, my vintage jewelry collection from Mae’s, Le Specs sunnies from Lola, and my Cartier love ring from my 30th birthday – quite clearly, I’m an accessories girl.
Impossible to narrow! New Miu Miu red mules, my vintage jewelry collection from Mae’s, Le Specs sunnies from Lola, and my Cartier love ring from my 30th birthday – quite clearly, I’m an accessories girl.
3 wardrobe items every woman should own?
White button-up, black pencil skirt, and a great pair of denim.
White button-up, black pencil skirt, and a great pair of denim.
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.
Any guilty pleasures?
Criminal Minds – I’m addicted at the moment.
Criminal Minds – I’m addicted at the moment.
Where do you find inspiration?
Nowness.com x European fashion magazines x on the street.
Nowness.com x European fashion magazines x on the street.
What are some of the differences between Lola-South and Lola-West?
Southern women love to dress up and California women love to be comfortable… across the board though, all Lola girls want to be chic.
What do you think sets Lola apart from other boutiques/online shops?
The well curated selection and customer service, hands down.
The well curated selection and customer service, hands down.
Can you tell me a bit about your styling services offered?
We offer personal styling, special event styling, and even packing! If you’re interested, be sure to check out the specifics on our website under the ‘Styling Menu’ tab.
We offer personal styling, special event styling, and even packing! If you’re interested, be sure to check out the specifics on our website under the ‘Styling Menu’ tab.
Photos by Matthew Passiglia
vintage jewelry collection?! wait, need to see more/hear more about this!
miss you girl! NYFW is only a month away!! getting pumped!!!
ps. be sure to check out Knative on my blog in about 10 minutes (posting now!) they're LA based and I'd love to connect you!!!! LMK what you think via blogger!! XOXOXO
xx.M
belles&rebelles
Yes, I can't wait! We'll be there Sept 10-15!
You'd love the store Mae's they refer to – a vintage collectors dream!
Definitely would love to be connected to Knative – love her scarves!! Thanks!
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