newport beach insiders guide
shop like a local
BY DEBORAH KEILLOR
Deborah Keillor is Newport Beach’s most sough-after Stylist and Fashion Producer. Her success lies in curating each client’s personal style and elevating it into an art form. Deborah’s deep brand relationships and loyal clients speak to her passion for self-expression and flawless attention to detail. Deborah has appeared on television as a fashion expert, including E Entertainment, Style Channel, Live In LA, Good Morning LA, The Fashion Report and more.
Here she shares her favorite places for inspired style, gifting and retail refueling across Newport Beach from the chic boutiques of Lido Marina Village and Fashion Island to the luxury bastion of South Coast Plaza, through local favorites in Costa Mesa, Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach.
Your client is hosting a destination wedding in Newport Beach this summer and you are curating her entire wardrobe from rehearsal dinner to wedding gown and farewell brunch.
What are your go-to boutiques and brands for exceptional bridal style?
Deborah:
For celebration dressing, gowns, and gorgeous shoes go to Oscar de la Renta, Monique L’huillier and Jimmy Choo at South Coast Plaza. They always have incredible options for the bride and mother-of-the-bride.
Two of my favorite local bridal boutiques are The White Dress in Corona del Mar and Mon Ami in Costa Mesa.
I always visit Elyse Walker in Lido Marina Village because she carries such a well-curated mix of brands and pieces to round out a complete array of looks.
How is Newport Beach glam different than other places? What is the easiest way to add local style to your look?
Deborah:
The women of Newport Beach have impeccable taste
…and their style is very polished whereas LA is more eclectic. They often wear a complete look where every detail is considered and they aren’t afraid of color.
The focal point of great Newport Beach style continues to be a fabulous bag or elevated pair of shoes. Local women incorporate luxury elements with a beach vibe like a Chloe, Celine or YSL beach bag. They embrace the juxtaposition of a casual sundress with luxury accessories like a sandal from Chanel or Prada. Prada has these great monolith crochet cage sandals that I have my eye on. The legacy luxury brands are having a moment right now.
What is your daily look and where do you shop for yourself?
Your daughter is coming home for the weekend – what are your favorite things to do together? Who styles who?
Deborah:
Our favorite things to do are shop and eat. We love to start the day at A Market on PCH for coffee and a quick breakfast.
Then we might spend time at Lido Marina Village exploring the great boutiques with lunch at Malibu Farms. I bought the coolest vintage skirt at Alchemy Works Harbor House and love their mix of contemporary and vintage pieces.
We always stop by Slow Goods on 17th Street in Costa Mesa for casual fashion and home goods.
Fashion Island is a favorite stop for us. The RH Mansion is such a beautifully immersive design experience and we eat on the RH Restaurant on the rooftop – you have to make a reservation in advance and the views are incredible. The new Ralph Lauren store just opened, so that’s at the top of our list now. For dinner we really like Ocean 48.
You’re picking out a special birthday present – where do you know you will find the perfect gift?
Deborah:
Hermès at South Coast Plaza has the most beautiful gifts and the presentation is gorgeous; it’s thrilling to present the iconic orange packaging to a friend or client. They have everything from lipstick and perfume to scarves and ties which is something not a lot of people know.
For the most beautiful custom floral arrangements, I call Kimberly at Couture Flowers in Costa Mesa.
Bliss Home Design in Corona del Mar has incredible gifts – I like to give one of their blankets that I have personalized at Laguna Embroidery on Forest Ave. Owner Leslie Christen makes each piece so special – she will help you select the perfect font, color, and design to customize your gift.
For mother-daughter looks, I often go to Love Shack Fancy in Lido Marina Village.
You are planning a little daycation/staycation with girlfriends – where do you go to relax and what do you pack to lounge by the pool?
Deborah:
The Resort at Pelican Hill of course! I love The Spa and book the Love Local package so I can relax first and then recharge at the Coliseum pool with my daughter or a girlfriend. I enjoy a deep tissue massage followed by lunch at Coliseum and then an afternoon lounging and laughing poolside. I always pack lots of sunscreen- tinted Elta MD for my face and Allies of Skin “The One” SPF 50 invisible sunscreen gel for my body.
Favorite restaurant for a date night
It’s a tie between Javier’s Restaurant in Crystal Cove or Selanne Steak Tavern in Laguna Beach
Favorite spot for coffee
Ralph’s Coffee at Fashion Island
Favorite place to take guests visiting from out of town
A day at Crystal Cove beach followed by Mai Tai’s and coconut shrimp at the Beachcomber.
FAVORITE WORKOUT
I’m counting the minutes until my daughter’s new fitness studio Casa Caia opens at The Lab in Costa Mesa. That will be my new favorite workout.
What is the one accessory that works every time
There are two things I wear all the time – gold diamond hoops from Mama Bijoux in Costa Mesa, which is a fabulous local women-owned jewelry boutique, and the LOVE pendant necklace with pavé diamonds from Cartier at South Coast Plaza – they go with everything.
